Learne of a Turk, or, Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London faithfully and impartially communicated by M.B., one of the attendants of the English agents there. M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A27013 of text R4935 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing B138). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 60 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 14 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A27013 Wing B138 ESTC R4935 11792326 ocm 11792326 49270 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A27013) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 49270) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 806:17) Learne of a Turk, or, Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London faithfully and impartially communicated by M.B., one of the attendants of the English agents there. M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there. [4], 22 p. [s.n.], London : 1660. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. eng Turkey -- History -- 1453-1683. A27013 R4935 (Wing B138). civilwar no Learne of a Turk, or Instructions and advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople, to the English Army at London. Faithfully and imp M. B., one of the attendants of the English agent there 1660 10380 19 0 0 0 0 0 18 C The rate of 18 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-03 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-03 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Learne OF A TVRK , OR Instructions and Advise sent from the Turkish Army at Constantinople , to the English Army at London . Faithfully and Impartially communicated by M.B. one of the Attendants of the English Agent there . Eccles. 1.9 . The thing that hath been , it is that which shall be , that which is done , is that which shall he done : and there is no new thing under the Sun . LONDON , Printed in the first moneth of the great Platonick year , Called anciently by some in English , As you were . 1660. To the READER . REader , Although thou hast not much skill in forreign Names , yet if thou hast any little skill in Domestick affairs , thou mayest out of this discourse pick some knowledge of our Miseries past : of our Miseries present , with the root and spring of them , and of the most probable means of redeeming them for the future . God make our Grandees in the Army , and out of the Army , wise by the harmes of others ( they that build much upon the confidence of an Army , build upon a quick-sand ) And God make them honest after the Example of others , or else the men of Niniveh shall rise up in judgement against this Government , Matth. 12.41 . And the Turks Circumcision shall judge and condenm these mens Baptisme , yea , though it be Anabaptisme . The meaning of several Names mentioned in the following discourse . JAnizaries . The Turks foot souldiers . Spahies . The Troopers or Horsemen . Seraglio . The great Turks Palace . Divan . The publick Councell . Sanrack . A Colonel . Beg. A petty Lord or Governour of a small Province . Beglerbeg . A great Lord that hath many beys under him . Segmen Bassa . The Lieutenant General of the foot . Imbrahir Bassa . The Master of the Horse . Bostangi Bassa . The chief Gardiner , who is ordinarily the Turks Executioner . Aga of Janizaries . Captain General of the foot . Bassa . The greatest Commander and Governour the Turk hath abroad . Vizier a Bassa . Called from abroad , and made of the Councel at home . Grand Vizier . The Lieutenant General of the Empire , Viceroy , the second man in the Kingdome . Chimacham . The third man in the Kingdome , Deputy to the grand Vizier . Teftardar . The Treasurer . Cadelescher . The chief justice . Cassiaraga . The Governour of the women . Capi Aga . The Emperours mouth by whom he speaks in publick . Hoia . The Emperours Confessor . Mufti . The High-Priest of the Mahumetans . Their Popo . AChmat , eighth Emperour of the Turks suddenly dying , Novemb. 15 , 1617. Left behinde him three sons , but all under age ; wherefore by the advice , especially of his mother Flatua , who was mother both to him and Mustapha , he appointed his brother Mustapha his success out in the Empire , who by a special providence had been ( contrary to the manner of the Turks , whose Emperours slay all their brethren as soon as they ascend the Emperial Throne ) reserved thus for the Scepter . This Mustapha had not long raigned , but that growing cruel and odious , the Grand Vizier came with an Army out of Persia and deposed him , forcing him to returne to his Cell ( where he had lived like a relgious man all the Reign of Achmat his Brother ) and fetching Osman , the heire of Achmat , out of prison , set him in the Imperial Th●one , with the general applause of all the Bassaes and whole Army , and this in the year 1618. Sed fourtuna vitrea est , cum splendet maxime frangitur . This young Prince was scarce well warm in his fathers Seat : But taking discontent at his souldiery , especially the Janizaries , he had a design upon them to disband and disarme them , if not wholly destroy them , and erect another Militia in their roome . To cover which designe of his the better , he gave out a pretension of a Voiage to Mecha , to visit the Sepulchre of their great Prophet , from which uundertaking no Reasons , Advises , Petitions could disswade him , although the souldiery passed so far , as to threaten publickly , and to protest they would not follow , but rather set up another King in his absence . On Wednesday they seventh of May in the year 1622. while his Tents and other accommodations for his journey were passing over unto Asia-side , the Janizaries and Spahies suddenly met at the Hyppodrome in the City , upon a word given , and from thence ran to the Seraglio , which is the great Turks Palace , in tumult , and there cryed out for the King , who appeared to them , asked what this insoleney meant , and what they pretended ? They then by the mouth of the multitude ( for they had no head but that of the Monster ) demanded , First , that he should not proceed in his purpose to go to Mecah , nor to Asia . Secondly , to have delivered to their fury the great Vizier Delevir Bassa , the Hoia , or the Cassiaraga , the Teftardar , the Cadelescher , and some others as Enemies to the State . The first after a little dispute , the King granted to them , promising to give over his journey ; but they not content with words , exacted it in writing . To the second he replyed , that it was dishonour to him to have his servants so used without order of Justice , but perswaded them to have patience to stay till Saturday the Divan or publick Councel , where they should appeare ; and if they were found culpable , they should receive punishment ( not meaning to performe any of this , but to get time and allay their present fury . ) These fellows not content with that moderate answer , undertook to know that they were guilty , and therefore they needed no other Witnesse , Tryal , or Judge but themselves , and with extreame clamour called to have them rendred . But the King refusing to give them any other satisfaction , and they unprepared for force , returned into the City , which now was all in feare ; every house and shop being shut up , expecting a general sack . But they followed the way of their own hatred , and first went to the house of the Hoja , which they brake and pillaged ; But not finding him , they proceeded to the great Viziers , who made some defence , and they being unarmed , beat them off : and so they separated , being now evening , yet kept a guard in some parts of the Town . That night the King made an attempt to fortifie and defend the Seraglio , which was strongly walled about , and had alwayes in it of houshold servants , above three thousand ; but it seems no man would arme in his cause : So the next morning the mutiniers assembled againe , and taking their armes , went first to the Mufti , or Arch-Priest among them , and enforced him and divers others to accompany them to the Court , where they anew demanded these men , but with more instance and fury ; in the mean time the Hoia Cadelescher and Tofterdar fled ; and were not in long time discovered ; the Vizier retired to the King , and perswaded him earnestly to go over in person in his own boates to Asia , and there to take horse , and he would secure him from all peril ; but the King would not move , bidding him stay , confident and assured that he would punish these rebels . The wise old man seeing this constancy ( or obstinacy ) desired leave to shift for himself , which he took or obtained , and so got away to the Hermitage of a Saint renowned amongst them , who ( like himself ) betrayed him ; yet did him the favour , as not to deliver him to the multitude , but perswaded and carried him back to the Kings house . At this time it was disputed in the Seraglio about the delivery of those Officers , the Emperour refusing ; the rebels clamouring and threatning , insomuch as he began to feare they would break in , and in their rage do worse then they yet pretended . Whereupon ( whither by the Kings order , or by his own consent willing to be the peace-offering ) the brave Vizier went out to them , and with a good assurednesse demanded what they sought of him , and wherein he had offended ? At first they were amazed , but one insolent villain breaking the general modesty , they answered him with their swords , and suddenly cut him in pieces . The Emperour seeing their fury so outragious , had more cause to doubt , and retired himself then too late , when he had lost his faithful Councellour , and would have fled into Asia , but could not ; yet he conveyed himself into a private place prepared by his Bostangi Bassa , or chief Gardiner . The Rebels continued without in their madnesse , asking for their King , and for more sacrifices . But the Servants protesting ☞ they knew not where he was , they resolved to enter the Palace ( but first took a general Oath not to sack the Imperial Throne , which they called their house and their honour ) and there seeking for the King , but not able to find him , they extorted it by confession from the Cassiaraga , & slew him ; and then they demanded for the deposed Mustapha , Uncle to Osman , a man esteemed rather holy ( that is frantick ) then wise , and indeed fitter for a Cell then a Scepter . The King the first day of this tumult had put Mustapha into a V●ult with two Negro women , without bread or drink , in which estate these new Electors found him almost naked and half pined . At first sight he thought they had been the Messengers of death , but that fear passed over ; his first request was a cup of water , whom they took up and instantly proclaimed him their Emperour , which he was loath to accept , in a manner ashamed to be raised to that dignity . How unstable are the states of the greatest Princes ? For he that was even now in the jaws of death , naked , starved , and dying for thirst , is become a great Monarch , may drink gold , or the innocent blood . They as yet not knowing what was become of Osman , and loath to trust Mustapha in the Palace , carried him in triumph to the old Seraglio , and there left him , departing to the sack of the Viziers house , and so in the evening to their Rendevous , where they kept both good guard , and good order in the City from fire and other insolencies . Sultan Osman amazed with these newes , assoone as they had left the Court , came out , and called to Counsel in the night Hurein Bassa , late Vizier in the Polish Wars , and the Aga of the Janizaries , both faithful to him , and demanded their advice ; first having sent to the old Seraglio to practise the women there to strangle Mustapha ; but some of them taking his part , a new uproare began in the house between that sex ; and the Souldiers that kept watch , hearing the noise , entred in , and rescued him ; and from thence removed him to the Chambers of the Janizaries , where they kept him for that night in an ill lodging . All this while Osman is consulting what course to take ; these two his friends and some others tell him , that the case was desperate , and could not be cured but by a desperate remedy , and therefore they agreed that the Aga should go and perswade with the Mufti ; and that the King in the morning should suddenly present himself to the souldiers at their own doors , and make experience what his presence , his submission and his benevolence promised , would work , to move them to loyalty or compassion : which counsel early in the morning they put in practise . The King accompanyed with the Mufti ( who never consented to his deposing , though he favoured the souldiers against the Vizier with Huzein Bassa ) and about twelve horsemen went directly to the Janizaries Colledge , where Must●pha was kept , and there in teares made them an Oration , offering great recompense , repenting of his errours , and finally invoked them by the merits of his father , and all his Ancestours to have some pity upon their true Master . The multitude ( as prone to pity as they were before to hatred ) now knew not what to do ; a silent murmure now ran among them , and they were half converted . But the Aga ☜ of the Janizaries thinking to merit of the King , and beginning to plead unseasonably for him , with some harsh words of upbraidure , anew moved their fury , so that they cryed out TREASON , and fall upon him and Huzein Bassa , and cut them in pieces ; every man taking a piece of their flesh to satiate their revenge . The Mufti would have spoken , but was withdrawn by some , out of respect to his place , and with difficulty was conveyed away . Now the poor Osman saw his friends slain , and knew not which way to turne himself ; but binding up his eyes with a napkin , expected death as the last of their fury . But that they might seem to proceed in a course of JUSTICE , they carried him first before Mustapha , and accused him as the disturber of the peace of the Empire , and demanded sentence against him . Mor● vulgi , suum quisque flagitium aliis objectans . The forsaken Prince pleaded for life , and the new King knew not how to condemne , but nodded and agreed to all that was propounded . At last they consulted with themselves , and put him upon a horse , an insolent Spahi , changing Turbants with him , and sent him away prisoner to the seven Towers under good guard ( in his passage begging a draught of water at a fountain ) and them returned to their new Master , and placed him in the Seraglio and Imperial Throne , where he had need have good broths and analepticks to restore his decayed body . The souldiers now thought all was done , and onely sacking the houses of Hurein Bassa , and some others , returned ☞ in quiet to their several lodgings , and had no further malice . But the new Vizier Daout Bassa made by Mustapha , knew well if Osman lived , that this storm might passe over , and he would as easily by the same means , returne to his estate as he fell from it ; therefore he consulted with some few interessed in Mustapha's preferment , and thereby obnoxious to Osman , to search how many of the Royal Blood were left alive ; and resolved , if there remained two , to make an end of Osman . Two of his brothers were found , the one about twelve , the other about seven years of age ; and thereupon the Vizier went himself to the prison with a pack of hangmen , and gave order to stragle the unfortunate Prince , who now having had no rest in two nights , and thinking himself secure for a season , was newly fallen asleep , but awakened by the coming of these Messengers , asked what News ? saying , he did not like their sudden intrusion . They at first stood amazed , and the King made shew to defend himself . But a strong knave struck him on the head with a Battle-axe , and the rest leaping upon him , strangled him with much ado . Thus one of the greatest Monarchs in the world was first affronted by his mutined Troops , his own slaves , almost unarm'd , and few in number , no man taking up sword to defend him ; and they who first began this madnesse , not meaning to hurt him , by the encrease of their own fury , which had no bounds , ☞ deposed him against their own purpose ; and at last exposed his life , against their will , to the Counsels of other men , whom they equally hated . And now they mourned for their dead King as freshly as they raged ( while he lived ) unreasonably , knowing that they had slained their honour ; this being the first of their Emperours that they ever betrayed , and having set up another , that in all likelihood they must change for disability . Some observations upon this occasion will not be impertinent to these that desire to know , as well the disposition and use as the things themselves . ☜ First , in the purpose of the souldier not at all to violate the King , much lesse to depose or murther him , but onely to take away these about him , whom they lookt upon as enemies ; yet the fury once on foot , they proceeded by unsensible steps to the utmost of outrage , against the Throne and life of their own Emperour , ubi furor invaluit innocentes & noxios juxta tollit , where rage and fury hath got the upper hand , there the Innocent and nocent fare both alike . ☜ Secondly , observe how this Monarch fell by degrees ; he had never fallen thus low , if he had not first lost the awe and Reverence which alwayes attendeth upon Majesty ( if it be kept up ) by unseemly offices done by him ; and now in this last act , if his own obstinacy had not plunged him into destruction , a seasonable yeelding to time , had softned them , and saved him . ☜ Thirdly , in the order , that these Mutiniers having no head nor direction , kept such Regiment , that in their fury , in their hot blood , in the Kings yard they took an Oath not to sack nor dishonour the Imperial Throne ; neither committed nor suffered any violence in the City to the Naturals , but rather proclaimed peace and justice . Fourthly , in the consequents , that at the third dayes end all was quiet , and all men in their trade , as if no such thing had happened ; onely the Janizaries suffered no Divan or Counsel , until they had received a Donative as a reward of their iniquity . And now these fellows having tasted the sweet of prosperous Mutinies ( haud ignari summa scelerà incipi cum periculo perseci cum praemio ) knowing that the greatest wickednesses are begun with hazard , but perfected with reward , took such an head as could not safely be suffered on , nor securely taken off . On Saturday morning , the 1. of June following , the Capi Aga , or Major Domo having received an Order to remove the brethren of Osman from their Lodgings , and in the night to strangle them , as he was performing his command , the poor Princes cryed out , the Pages running to the noise , and encouraged by the Cassiaraga , who had some suspition , without further examination , killed the Capiaga . That night they sent secretly to the Janizaries and Spahies to inform them what they had done , and in the morning early hanged his body in the Hippodrome for a publick spectacle . The souldiers returned in fury to the Court in favour of the Pages , and demanded justice of those that had consented to the ☞ wicked order , which had made and end of all the Ottoman race ; onely this Mustapha being left alive , who was such a Saint , that he would not people the world with sinners , nor endure any woman near him . The innocent King protested , he knew nothing of the plot , and if such command were procured , it was gotten by subreption ; and he was easily believed . But his mother and the new Vizier Daout Bassa , who had her daughter to wife , were vehemently suspected . It was a day of Divan , but the souldiers would suffer none , till they had an account of this Treason . The Vizier denyed all : the mother was a woman , and hid in the house . But now somewhat must be done to appease the people ; therefore Daout Bassa was degraded from his Office , and one Hurein Bassa , new arrived from the Government of Cairo , put in his place , with promise of further examination . But the fury once over , there was no great search nor discovery made . The new Vizier audax ferox , & prout animum intendit , pravus aut industrius eadem vi , upon some spleen towards the Aga of the Janizaries , took occasion to cashier him , and sent him to the Islands to be strangled , and gave order to murther some other Bassaes and Officers , that so he might make way to depose Emperour Mustapha , and set up Morat the child , the brother of Osman , many being of his party ; whereupon the souldiers rose all in armes at the Seraglio , taking the alarm at the medling with their Aga , rescued their Captain and the rest , and demanded the head of the Vizier , whereupon he fled , and order was given to kill him where he could first be found ; the Viziers house was sacked , and infinite treasure taken , so that the souldier was quieted for a day or two by making a new Vizier Mustapha Bassa , who was of a soft nature , and scarce durst do justice for fear of offending any man . Now a new faction was made between Mustapha and Morat , and it was expected hourely , when there would be some great slaughter or Massacre in the City ; for of necessity one side must fall . There was then no security for any man , when the King , ☜ and Viziers , and all Officers held their lives and Dignities at the courtesie of the mutinied souldiers , who had tasted the sweet of Rebel●ion , and cast off all awe and reverence , and could not easily be reduced to order without much blood and hazard of the whole . Therefore the WISER ☜ MEN retyred from OFFICE , and the insufficient did cause their own daily change and RUINE . The souldiers adhered to the King of their own Creation ; for he was in effect their creature , and they did wholly govern ☜ him . The Lawyers and Churchmen made secret conventions , and feared not to say openly , that the foundation of their State was dissolved , their King unlawful , and all that adhered to him lapped into heresie , having despised the institutions of Mahomet . The souldiers still continued in their mutinies at Constantinople , and grew to that height of insolency , that going in Troops to the Court , they demanded all Offices of Game ; to be Stewards to the revenues of the Churches , which are great ; to take Farmes of Customes , and committed many other outrages which are unsufferable ; the Viziers themselves ☜ durst deny them nothing : if complaints of any insolencies or injuries were made to the chief Vizier or Magistrate , they answered , none durst meddle with them , that had murthered their own King ; and desired the Complainants patience , and ☜ that they would bear a part with the general sufferings . By this time the wickednesse of some of the chief Leaders in these commotions was ripe for vengeance , and their day is come . The great Vizier Georgi envying the authority of Daout Bassa brother in law to the Emperour , Mustapha who had been the Counsellor and the instrument to murther Sultan Osman , scorning that he should underhand Govern in his Reigne , he therefore practised to put him to death ; but not daring to do it by his own Authority , and knowing it to be in vaine to think to procure it from the Court , he stirred up the Spahies to demand justice upon him for the death of the last King . This looked further then the first assent ; for the subtle Vizier , who was faithful to his true Lord , knowing the rage of an unguided multitude , aimed at a by-revenge upon others , who he hoped would be involved and accused of the order . The soldier soone raised and mutinied in the Seraglio , demanded Daout , he fled . But now that the businesse was on foot , if he were no found , the Vizier himself is in danger : but the poor man was taken , and brought to the Divan , and there being called to publick Justice , he must excuse himself upon some greater person ; wherein the Emperour and his Mother ran a new hazard , which was the secret end . Therefore both of them forsook him and left him to the Law , and without any tryal , he was brought before the souldiers , stript , and his Turbant taken off , and on his knees ready to receive the stroke of death . But suddenly the Janizaries came to his rescue , and carried him away to their Chambers . The Spahies who began this action , took it in ill part , and followed with great out cries , that they would have him die ; the ☞ others demanded that he might be heard in publick Justice . Thus those two mutinied faction were ready to come to blows . Daout Bassa now in some hope of life bribed the Janizaries , and that day distributed fourty thousand Chequines of gold , and they promised to protect him . Who did not now think but he was taken away for safety ? But the Spahies followed their first resolution , and to appease the dissension , it was agreed he should die . They that meant to save him , could not , but reserved him for a greater example of Justice . They would not let him now loose his head in the Court , that death was to honourable for him , that had murthered his Prince . Therefore they put him into the same Couch wherein he had sent Sultan Osman to Execution . Twice in the way , being dry , with sorrow he drank at the same Fountain where his late Master begged drink : and so was conveyed into the same Chamber , wherein he had murthered him . The Executioner beginning to tye him , himself shewed the very corner where he had committed that foul fact , and desired that there he might , if possible , expiate it . And so at last he was miserably strangled . An here observe the justice of God even for the wicked , who seldome suffers the blood of any , scarce ( if at all the blood of Kings ) to passe without an exemplary retaliation ; the same Couch , the same Chamber , the same Corner , the same Death . And observe again , the power of conscience , even in a mahometan , able to make him , if not his own Executioner , yet almost a voluntary sacrifice to the Ghost of his murthered Prince . Which yet is not so appeased , but must and will have yet more sacrifice ; and to demand them , comes the Bassa of Arrivum , with a great Army towards Angria , marching the direct way to Constantinople . He held a general Counsel in his Camp , and sent to the Port to desire the presence of the Mufti , Cadees , Bassa's and ancient Beghs to take knowledge ; and to punish the Traytours that murthered the late King ; and to settle a New one lawfully that should be able to governe , to reduce the mutinied City ☜ souldier to obedience and discipline , and to place about the Emperour some great Vizier chosen by the State , able to direct and applie remedies to the diseases then grown to a Crisis . Complaining , that every three or four moneths , by the change of the Vizier , the Provinces were destroyed ; for ☜ they placed and displaced the Governour according to their own Factions , and so contrary orders were s●nt abroad daily , insomuch that no man knew whom they should obey . These were his pretences ; and if the present State would not assent to this Assembly , he then resolved to come to the Port , and settle all things at his pleasure by the sword . The Great Officers in possession of the Emperour and Government , loath to be called to account by the souldier , took a worse resolution to make a Warre , and make choice of Cigala Bassa for General , which he refused upon the same pretence , that in his absence alterations would be so frequent , and that he should not please , or at least uncertainly and according to interpretation . Therefore he would have an absolute Dictatorship for the time , equal to that of the great Vizier , or else he would not stirre . This was granted him , and money given out , and order to passe the water , speedily enrolling for his Army 15000. Janizaries , and 30000. ☞ Spahies . But those did demur , and alleadge it was a War against their own BRETHREN , and sought any excuses , rather then come to blowes . But the secret was , it was then Ramazan , or their holy Lent , at the end of which they were to receive their pay , and therefore they ☞ would not move , but pretended Religion . Next day after their Feast , when they should march , they shewed themselves carelesse ( having first held many consultations ) and would not march at all , unlesse the Emperour or great Vizier would go in person : so every day brought forth new trouble , and the Empire to a great deal of hazard and danger . That State , for fifteen moneths after the death of Osman , was a stage of variety , the souldiery usurping all Government ; placing and displacing as the winde of favour or disfavour moved them . In that time there were three Emperours , seven great Viziers , five Agaes of the Janizaries ; Two Captain Bassaes , three Treasurers , six Bassaes of Cairo ; and in proportion , as many changes of Governours in all the Provinces . Every new Vizier making use of his time , displacing those in possession , and selling their honour to others , so as the whole Empire was in a manner fined four or five times over . Hurein Bassa the last Vizier of them , consumed the public treasure so fast , and exacted money of private men so violently to maintaine his Faction with the Janizari●s , that even the receivers themselves were afraid and weary , and the wisest of them foresaw their own ruine in the general consumption ; when there was any murmure against him , he presently silenced it either by guifts or blood . Assoon as he had dispatched away Cigala Bassa with his Army against the Bassa of Arrivum , whom they termed the great Rebel in Asia , which he did rather to disburden himself of fears by sending the Spahies out of the way ( who were his opposites ) then for any love to the publick state ; he sent privily to strangle Halil Bassa , Georgi , and Mustapha , late Viziers , hoping thereby he had removed all competitors ; whether this gave the occasion , or that his sinne was ripe for revenge , the Spahies suddenly gathered head , and the old wolf fled to his trusty Guard the Janizaries . The City was almost divided , but the Spahies sent their resolution plainly , being the weaker in number , that they were loth to come to blowes with their BRETHREN , but if the Janizaries would protect him , they should keep him Constantinople and Greece . But they themselves would depart , and disposed of Asia , which was a bold profession , but easie , the forces of the Rebels being of their society . The wisest foresaw the peril , and they all agreed to change him , and so the Seal was given to Ali Bassa , a man reputed honest , but melancholick and unexperienced for so great a charge . The Army for Asia arriving at Nicomedia five dayes journey from Constantinople shewed little obedience , many disbanded , and the rest having no desire to fight with these of the same Profession both in Religion and in humour . News came daily to the Port of the taking of Forts by Abassa Bassa , the Head of the Rebels , and other defections and combustions in those parts , and that that quarrel was taken up against the Janizaries and the present Government , of whom he slew all that came into power , as guilty of the blood of Osman . This sudddenly waked and ripened the project of those who had plotted an alteration . Hereupon the new Vizier Ali , with the Counsel of the Mufti , and some Captaines of the souldiers of both Orders laid their foundation . They SHEWED the imminent PERIL , and difficulty to resist or prevent it by Armes . The Janizaries saw that they alone must , as the mark of Envy , bear the whole burthen ; and therefore ALL RESOLVED that THE EASIEST and SAFEST WAY TO APPEASE THEIR ☜ TROUBLES WAS TO RESTORE THE TRUE HEIR ; hoping that they who pretended their rising for the love of his brother , and in revenge of his cause , would obey that Prince , and quiet themselves ; upon this resolution they assembled at the Seraglio without any tumult , and desired to have Sultan Mustapha come forth and speak to the souldiers , and to answer to some questions which he refusing as truly unable ; they took out Sultan Morat , and declared him King with universal joy and acclamation , insomuch as the Janizaries ( but the day before his opposites , so easily can God turne the heart of a multitude ) being shewed the wants of Treasure , and the necessity of the State , were content to remit their Donative , and encrease of Pay ☞ usuall at every change , Vade tu O miles Anglicane & fac Simile . Go then O English Souldier , and do likewise . Asia was in this new settlement of Affaires , either forgotten or neglected . The Army that was marching thither was stayed from proceeding . For it was believed that Abassa Bassa depended upon the new Emperour , and would make his submission : But they had proceeded too far to make any safe retreat , although they were the indirect ( if not direct ) occasion of the raising of the new Emperour . Besides there rested still another difficulty , to introduce the awe of Majesty , which had been trampled under foot ( and it was a great one ) when people , like the sea , had made a breach into ancient Reverence , and prospered , the taste of wickedness was not so easily lost . In the midst of this appearing calme , the Janizaries , some repenting , and some denying that ever they consented , to remit the Donative or encrease of pay , did now sharply demand it with threats of innovation , so as they were forced to content them . About this , Abassa Bassa began to discover , that he had some further game to play , then the setting up of the Brethren of Osman ; for notwithstanding all pretences of obedience to the new Emperour , he suddenly assaulted and took the Castle of Tocat , which is the Mint of Asia ; seven B●glerbegs , and sixteen Sanracks , being joyned with him , all that part of Asia obeyed him ; for he oppressed none , onely executing his wrath upon the Janizaries . This advice being brought by a Captain of that Order made much rumour at the Port ; the souldiers rising in tumult at the Seraglio , demanded to be led out to fight , and to have these of Asia declared Rebels ; a Counsel to this end was held , where they received so cold an answer , that they grew into some rage , accusing two Bassaes , by name , Hali and Georgi to have correspondence with them ; and seeming to doubt that the whole State did connive with this action , to prosecute the first design of Osman to root out the Order of the Janizaries ; insomuch as they openly professed , if we be true Musulmans , and the Emperours slaves , let us go out and fight with his Enemies and ours ; if not , and that you maintain them against us , we are resolved to die together , and not to be wasted by pieces . Therefore to satisfie the souldiers , the Banner was set out at the Gate of the Court , and that of the Aga of the Janizaries at their Gate , and Warre proclaimed . That all the force of the Empire should be ready to march within four dayes ; when they saw this resolution in the great Ones ( whether dissembled or in good earnest ) that ●ay being Octob. 18. 1623. The Janizaries and Spahies held a Counsel , and changed their mindes , alleadging , ●hat Winter approaching , and no provision made , they would not move . The Viziers were glad , respecting their own ends , and so all Asia was lest to the courtesie of the Rebels and Winter . In the mean time Abassa Bassa advanced , and took the City of Angria , which was surrendred to him as soon as he came before it , but the Castle held against him ; and it is reported , That he wept at the Gates thereof , publishing the cause of his taking up of Armes , which he said was onely in revenge of the blood of Osman , desiring such as favoured him to come on his side , the rest to depart in peace every man to his own house . He did no harme , nor took the value of a penny : His Army was very great , and every Janizary that he could catch , he sacrificed to the Ghost of the dead Emperour . The Astrologers publickly augured his prosperity ; and every mans discourse was full of fabulous fears and Prophesies . It was said he would come to the Port and demand audience by justice . And it was generally thought from the coldnesse , both of the Emperour , and of the Viziers , that he was secretly maintained by them , and that he came to fulfil the design of Osman , to wrest the ☞ Government from the mutinied souldiers , and to root out their Order . For all the Lawyers and Churchmen smiled , and rather rejoyced then feared . The Janizaries openly murmured , that they were betrayed , and accused many , yet they escaped , and now few spoke against him as a Rebel ; yet the first of November ( whether for colour or in earnest ) the great Viziers Tents were passed over the water in haste with these of the Aga of the Janizaries , and all the force which could be then made at the Court , to Winter on the other side in Brusia , to amuse the rebels , and stay them till the Spring , being willing the blow should be taken on the other side to save the Citie from a Generall sack . It was afterwards considered , that to prevaile against Abassa Bassa with Armes was a doubtfull matter , and therefore the Sultan sent to him a Capigi Bassa , with a Vest , a Sword , and a Letter , giving him thanks for the love shewed to his brother and his Blood : But that now the Revenge belonged to him himself , of which he would take care ; and therefore desired him , If he were a true subject to return to his Government of Arrivum , and to dissolve his Armies , and there to rest until further occasion of service . Upon this Order from the Emperour he excuseth himself ; That the incommodity of Winter would not suffer him to retire , but promised to live in peace untill the Spring , and then he would returne in obedience to his Government . About which time , namely , March 24. 1624. Ali Bassa the great Vizier was beheaded , and Cerques Mechemet Bassa advanced to the place , a man of an honest and sincere nature ( for a Mahometan ) and one too good for those times , and that people , who after he had enjoyed his ☞ place ( one of the greatest Dignities in the world ) but a short while , by an example scarce to be parallel'd , laboured to surrender it as unable to support or content the insolency of the Spahies in their unreasonable demands of impossible benefits . In the mean time the preparation for the War in Asia ( which had been once again impeded ) was advanced , though the resolution to set forward was deferred upon hope , that Cherques Mechemet Bassa , and other new Ministers might by their perswasion and authority reduce Abassa Bassa , looked on , they having undertaken to endeavour it ; though it appeared very difficult , being that he yet continued the siege of Argria , and that his scattered Army that Wintered abroad began to return to him from all Parts , and it was concluded he would be loath to trust his life upon a pardon , though the Grand Seignior had sent him another . Yet suddenly ( contrary to the feares of many , and the expectations of almost all ) Abassa Bassa rose from Angria , and departed Eastward , having done no spoile at all to the City nor Inhabitants , but left behinde him a farre better fame then any Governour sent from the Port ; he had now accepted the Grand Signiors pardon , and in obedience to his Command and shew of submission was now marched away to unite his Forces with Achis Achmet Bassa against the Persian ; yet whatever might seeme to be between the Port and him , there was not so much as a seeming reconciliation between him and the Janizaries : for after this the Janizaries coming over into Asia with Cerques Mehemet Bassa against the Persian , put a whole Garrison of Abassa Bassaes to the sword , man , woman , and childe , though they had set open their Gates to entertain them as friends . In revenge whereof Abassa Bassa falling in upon the quarters of the Janizaries , slew 3000. of them , and had done further execution , if the whole Army had not come to rescue . This was the strte of affaires abroad ; in the meane time at Constantinople the Spahies assembled in the Hippodrome , discontent with the Government of the old Chimacham , Georgi Mechemet Bassa , who had the Authority of the great Vizier in his absence at the Warre , and in great fury ran to the house of the Mufti , and demanded of him to donounce sentence of death against him , and that he would rise and inform the Grand Signior of Their Will ; which if he refused , they threatned a general revolt , and to do their own justice ; There was no remedy , the Emperour being informed instantly , displaced him , and gave the Office to Regeb Captain Bassa , and his to Imbraher Bassa , hoping thus to quiet all the matter : but this gave them no satisfaction , they demanded in greater fury his life . The poor old man was retyred into the Grand Signiors protection , who used all means to appease them offering to banish or confine him ; but nothing would content , or separate them , until he had delivered him up , who the next day was strangled , and thrown into the streets ; where the Barbarians vented their spleen upon his dead bodie , cutting off his eares and nose , and carrying them in triumph to their fellows . Presently they demand the life of some others , principally of Moret Chians the Customer , whom when they could not find , they sacked his house ; within a day or two after they begin to be quiet , upon promise , that if he could be found , he should be rendred to them , and others be brought to Justice . That great Minister the Chimacham was ninty six yeares old , had been fourty five years Vizier , their Chimacham ; when the sentence of his condemnation was delivered to the Bostangi Basse , he came to the lodging of the Chimacham in the Kings Garden ( where he thought himselfe in Sanctuary ) and for reverence to his age and place , held it , being written in his hand , rather to intimate them to be the ☞ Messengers . The poor old man perceiving it , desired one houre to pray , and conjured him to warn the Grand Signior hereafter not to be so ease to consent to shed innocent blood , which within a few dayes he would repent . The Executioners , whether for fear , or for want of skill , could not dispatch him in one houre , so great was his old heart . But see how God , to whom vengeance belongeth , avength the blood of his enemies , and wicked men unjustly spilt , to preserve his image even amongst them that study to destroy it . The Janizaries either envious that they had no part in the last sedition , or being innocent , unwilling to participate in the infamy , or rather it was their faire to do somewhat , forced the Boats of the Gallies which lay above Constantinople in the channel , and came down to a Garden-house upon the Sea in the night , where the Emperour privately reposed , and began to exclaime against the death of the innocent , protesting they had no share therein , but as obedient slaves , they desired the peace of the State , and that JUSTICE and QUIETNESSE miget returne to the City : and requiring revenge upon divers whom they accused as the ☜ Authours of these Tumults : They named their own Segmen Bassa as the principal , and eighteen of their own Officers more , and divers others of the chiefe Spahies , who held Counsels together , and were become heads of Factions ; which untill they were All cut off , there was no hope of good Government and peace . The Grand Signior gave them mild words , and promised to do Justice , and to punish all such as should be found guilty , but nothing was done to satisfie them ; and being conceived that the new Chimacham connived , and had been a party to all their Counsels ( at least his preferment made him obnoxious to that suspition ) and it was true that Segmen Bassa and his faction were the contrivers of the fall and murther of Georgi Mechemet Bassa , and very probable that he of favoured , if not practised by the new Ministers : the Janizari●s rose again , and by force brought down the Galleys neer the City , and landed , and held a Counsel very secret in their Chambers . This bred much suspition and feare . But the day of publick audience being come , according to the custome , they repaired all to the Seraglio , and waited in their Order ; their Segmen Bassa onely did not appear , and it was thought he absented himselfe purposely , by agreement with the Chimacham , lesr there should be some occasion offered to examine the past businesse which would not endure the light . The Divan being finished , the Viziers and Cadeleschers coming towards the Gate , they were stopped by the Janizaries , and told plainly they would speak with the King ; such perswasions as were requisite were used ; but there was no remedy , they would deliver their own message . The young Emperour at first was afraid , and retyred ; but to avoyd greater inconveniences resolved to come out to them . Order was instantly given to send for the Mufti , and the ancients of the Law , and many Santons ; for the Segmen Bassa , and others of quality to be present at this action . In the mean time a Throne was brought out , and placed in the great Court , and the Grand Segmen came forth and sate in his Majestie , attended and assisted by all the great Officers and Ministers of his Empire , to strike a reverence and fear into his souldiers , whose purposes were not yet discovered . Contrary to all expectation , an Electo spake for them ; In all humble manner professing their obedience , and lamenting the sicknesse of their State , and the daily insolencies ; and declaring that as they were not guilty of the last mutiny , so they were ready to spend their blood in defence of their PRINCE . And for the Reformation of those disorders , to which there could be applied no remedy , but by the sword of Justice to cut off all those heads , that held Conventicles , and plotted daily alterations , onely to governe the whole Empire at their Will . They desired their Petition might be accepted , and those disturbers of the Peace sought out and executed , in which they would assist ; and that new Names and Titles might be forbidden ; which many had taken up as heads of Factions , and the Souldiery reduced to their ancient Discipline ; which if his Majesty would grant , and speedily put in practise , they were ready to die in his service ; otherwise , as there was no hope of quietnesse , so they did foresee greater mischiefs daily , which they would oppose as they were able . At the end of this Oration , which might have become a Cato ( yea , a Christian , Vade tu Miles Anglicane , & fac Simile , Go thou English souldier and do likewise ) they delivered a brief Petition in writing wherein they modestly accused the new Chimacham of confederacy , and connivence with their Segmen Bassa , whom they anew appealed and gave up the Names of their Officers and Spahies , upon whom they laid the burthen of their daily tumults . The Emperour gave them a short but satisfactory answer , yeelding to their request , yet mingled with some admonition , such as became a Prince . And so they departed every man to their own rest . But the Segmen Bassa having some intimation that his name was renued in that list of death , took the first opportunity , fled and hid himself , and divers others conscious of their own merits retyred , and thereby condemned themselves . With much diligence the Segmen Bassa was apprehended and brought to the Court , he was examined rather to finde his own Treasure , which was infinite , then to discover other men . The Grand Signior sent for him , and after a few words , gave sentence to have his head struck off , which was instantly done before the door ; afterwards divers of both Orders ( that is Janizaries and Spahies ) were taken to the number of twenty two , were taken , and privately strangled and thrown into the sea ; these ( principally branded ) were hidden or fled . And suddenly , as if peace were risen out of the old Chimachams grave , there was an end of the tumults and disorders among the souldiers ; the Spahies shrunk , not one revenging Spahie to be seen in all the City ; and the Janizaries , as their glory , took upon them an austere Reformation ; and all things were so calme as if Astrea had come down from heaven among them . THe reading of History having in it no recompense but delight , unlesse it look forward to use and action , either to correct errors past , or direct wayes for the future : it will not be unprofitable upon the foregoing discourse to raise som Observations , First Theological , Secondly , Moral and Political . First , Theological . There are in this discourse several things of God discovered , worthy our taking notic of . As first the absolute and uncontroulable Soveraignty of God over the greatest Monarchs and Emperors of the world . Behold one of the greatest Monarchs of the earth , suddenly turned out of all , by his own Vassals , who at their first rising intended no such thing . He cuts off the spirit of Princes ; he is terrible to the Kings of the earth , Psal. 76.12 . Secondly , observe here the infinite wisdome of God , who can by the Passions , and lusts , and furies of men accomplish his own , wise , and just holy ends . This Army in all their mad fury did not what themselves plotted and intended , but what God decreed . Thirdly , behold here the exact justice of God ( in revenging first the blood of Osman , then the blood of Georgi , though wicked men ) to his Enemies ; shall he not much more avenge the blood of his Elect ? Fourthly , observe here the wonderful power of God over the spirits of men ; how soon can the Lord calme their greatest rage and fury ? and none can do it but he ; he stilleth the raging of the sea , and the tumults of the people . For Moral Observations take these . First , how dangerous a thing it is for any supream power to stand in need of a constant standing Army ; they do but bestride an unruly Camel , which they cannot manage , as this unfortunate Osman dreamt , before his death . Secondly , what a dangerous thing it is for the Civil Power , to permit the souldiers and Officers of the Army to hold their Counsels and Conventicles . These were the root of all these troubles in the Turkish Empire . Thirdly , how much better it is to be under the worst of Monarchies , then at the courtesie of a mutinied Army , appears by this story . Fourthly , that the common souldier having been debauched by their own Officers , may at last prove honest , and delivering their misleaders to Justice , may return to their duty and obedience . Amen . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A27013e-840 The Army upon an apprehension of a design to disband them Mutiny . Demand some chief Officers of State to justice , which the King denying , They assemble in Arms next morning . Cut the Vizier in pieces . Force the Emperour to hide himself . The mutiniers 〈…〉 g him et up ●● mock-King . The true King addresseth himself to the souldiers . They begin to relent , But being anew enraged by the rashness of one of his attendants , they Attach him , Arraign him as a disturber of the peace . Commit him to prison , Where he is murthered . The Army mutinies a second time ; Occasions the Creation of a new Vizier , Against whom they also rise in mutiny . All from the greatest to the least at the courtesie of the Army . Against whom the Lawyers and Church-men unite for the publick good . The souldiers demand the Churches Revenues , and all Offices of gain . The Spahies set on by the present Vizier , demand justice for the death of their King , though occasioned by themselves . Upon which the Army is divided into two Factions , and ready to light . To prevent them , he that mu●thered the King is delivered to justice . The Army abroad under the conduct of a great Commander , rise to avenge the death of their King ; who calls a general Councel . Makes Declarations of his honest intentions . Against whom the Governor , set up by the mutinied Army , guilty of Osmans blood ▪ proclaim a War . But the mutiniers demur , & pretend loathness to fight against their brethren , held consultations , refuse to march , Yet at length perswaded to move ; But upon new discontents the Spahies mutiny again . Which quieted They march , But no mind to fight . The Councel at Constantinople at their wits end . They consult . Resolve upon the onely expedient for safety . Which is to declare for the right heir , and make him King , which is also done ; Yet the Janizaries mutiny again for their pay . The Army in Asia still prosecute their pretences . Cruel to the Ianizaries , but just & friendly to all others . Whereupon the Ianizaries demand to be led out to fight them . War proclaimed , the Army to march within four days . Whereupon the Army held a Counsel , and change their Mindes . By which news all Asia's left to the other Army . The Bassa of Asia taken into the Emperours favour ; Promiseth to lay down Arms . New Vizier chosen at the Port. And withdraws his forces . The Spahies again mutiny , And Cause the old Chimacham to be put to death The Ianizaries rise , Declare against this act of their fellow souldiers , the Spahies . Desire justice against divers o● their own Officers , and the Officers of the Spahies , as men that had debauched the Army , and led them into , and encouraged them in all thier mutinies ; Accusing them of Factions , and holding Conventic●es and Counsels . The Ianizaries come to the Port and desire Peace . All the Grandees of the Empire assemble together . One in the name of the rest , delivers first a speech , then a Petition Both sitter for Stat●s men then souldiers , for Christians then Turks . The Segmen Bassa , the man principally accused , hides himself , but being found is put to death , with some 2● . others of both Orders . After which the Army returns to their duty , and peace to the Empire .