THE New Prophetical King of BARBARY. OR The last news from thence in a Letter written of late from a Merchant there, to a Gentl. not long since employed into that country from his Majesty. Containing some strange particulars, of this new Saintish King's proceedings: and how he hath overthrown muley Sidan twice in battle, as hath been very credibly related from such as were eye-witnesses.  
Imprinted at London for Arthur jonson. 1613.   

An Advertisement to the READER.  
Having received this Letter following out of Barbary, from an honest English Merchant, who hath long time sojourned there, very religious, wise and discreet, and so known among the Merchants: with whom also myself conversed many months, during my abode in that country; and thereafter showing it as a matter of news to some friends, I was at length importuned to make it common, in respect of the novelty: est natura hominis novitatis avida; and (as the Proverb is) Africa semper aliquid apportat novi. Thereby to satisfy, if not all (which) was wont to be the Poet's task: Populo ut placerent quas fecisset fabulas); yet at least wise those, who have nought else to do, 
Act. 17. 21  (like those Athenians in the Acts) but either to tell or hear some news: Howbeit, I hope, it may serve to some good use also for us Christians of these last days, 
Forty years (saith this new saintish king or Prophet of his) & then Christ must come to judgement as in the letter.  upon whom the ends of the world are come: to see how busily the Devil acteth his last part, now in this last age of the world, & playeth his prize, for that he knoweth he hath but a short time, 40. years by his own calculation, pronouncing before hand his own condemnation. For the Lord hath so done his marvelous works that they ought to be had in remembrance: And so ought the devils works too, though in an other kind, & a Latere (as I may say) for he is the Ape & imitator of God (transforming himself into an Angel of light) neither can he do any thing of himself, but by God's permission as he hath power, commission and authority from him. And therein also many times he playeth the Mountibank, obtruding for true and effectual workings (as the Apostle termeth them) many false and feigned delusions. And whether true or false, his end is still to deceive, and vent his lying arts, doctrines of devils; and therefore in scripture worthily styled the father of lies: and his miracles, which he worketh for confirmation thereof, lying wonders. And by these his sleighty conveyances, sometimes winding here, sometimes there, hath this subtle serpent gone about from time to time, compassing the earth, to and fro, and walking in it to deceive the world. And not only the world (I mean the children of disobedience and misbelief) but if it were possible even the very elect. 
Mat. 24. 24  And such must be (or rather is) the coming of Antichrist in this last age of the world whereof we have been so long since forewarned: (little children it is the last time etc.) 
joh. 2. 18.  Whose coming (as the Apostle describeth it) is by the effectual working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders etc. 
1. Thess. 2. 9  And therefore God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe lies: that all they might be damned which believe not the truth etc. O the miserable estate of all misbelievers, whom the devil hath thus blinded to their utter condemnation, which sleepeth not. And such is the state and condition of these miserable Moors given over, beyond measure, to these idle & superstitious vanities (so David calleth them) I hate all them that hold of superstitious vanities) blind prophecies dreams, naecromancie and such like, wherein these Saints profess themselves, and hold the people in such awe for fear of their curses (which many times fall out accordingly: (the devil working together) as if they were Popes, such is their sovereignty. As by this example ye may see, one of these fanatical Saints now become a King. Scilicet his Babylon dextris: even by these and such like arts, did that spiritual Babylon, at the first that great Whore spoken of in the Revelation, 
reve. 17. 1●  that man of sin, 
2. Thes. 2. ●  the son: of perdition, now sitting as God in the Temple of God, and showing himself that he is God) under the like pretence come to the height of his supremacy, and not only making himself a King, but insulting even over Kings and Emperors: not caring (as the Proverb is) neither for King nor kaiser, but exalting himself against God, and all that is called God: that is to say Kings and Princes. Be wise now therefore ye Kings, whether Christian or Heathen, the use is general to all, beware of these Saints for all their hypocritical show of Holiness. Saints in profession but Devils in practice. His Holiness catexochen; even that holy one of Rome, (for so the word Saint signifieth: a Holy one) nam si hic mali est quidquam (I say no more) they are capital enemies to the thrones of Kings. Instance this Saint who (forsooth) under a colour of Holiness, and simplicity, armed with most strong delusions, even from the Devil himself; ye see what wonders he hath wrought against Mully Sidan, yea and what greater he promiseth: operae pretium est audire.  
But when that bridge appeareth in the mouth of the straits, as he prophesieth, and he with all his troops arrive in the Pope's Dominions (the Pope and he in the Lists together) than we shall see whether devil is the stronger. The Lord preserve his people from their devilish delusions. And so after this long Preface (too long I must needs confess for so short a discourse, but that I could not well cut it shorter) I refer it to the censure of the wise to make use of: being the chief and main motive, with the advise and approbation of some godly Persons, Preachers and others, why I have published it. Which (if I find acceptable) I may (perhaps) be encouraged to revise some papers of my own, all this while thrown aside, as touching the affairs and state of that country, falling within the compass of my daily observation, during that my employment: with other accounts of my time not altogether idly spent there, having now but too good a leisure (since the loss of so hopeful a Master) for such a purpose, God send us an other comforter. And so once more farewell gentle Reader.  
I. H.   

Laus Deo in Saphia, the 9 of September. 1612.  
GOod Sir, in most hearty manner I commend me unto you, with desire of your good health and all other content to your hearts desire, which the Lord grant unto you Amen.  
Since my last unto you, here is great alteration in this government, as I account you have understood before now▪ And because Master N. and Master F. have been here, and heard, and seen what hath passed, I do refer the discourse to conference: For I assure myself they will visit you. Yet I will make bold to trouble you, to advise of some particulars as followeth. The tenth day of May was the battle between muley Sidan, and our new King muley Om Hamet been Abdela; not far from Marocus betwixt the mountains, and the City, both sides very strong: Yet in man's judgement muley Sidan of most force in horse and foot, and three and thirty pieces of good field ordnance. The other no ordnance, and a few peecemen: his chiefest force Larbies of Sahara, a place distant hence twenty days journey.  
These armed with Lances, demi Lances and Azagies, 
Larbies are the country people dwelling in tents. Brebers those that inhabit the mountains Adages are a kind of darts.  and many Larbies that came in to him, by the way as he came, some he forced, some voluntary. And at the day of battle his people began to be dismayed, perceiving muley Sidan, was very strong. But he encouraged them, saying, as they had found that come to pass which formerly he told them, so now they should see the like, and bid them not fear his ordnance, for only three pieces should go off, and do no harm: the rest should take fire, but not shoot a bullet, and he would be foremost, and go in the face of the ordnance, and finding his words true, then at his command to fall upon his enemies  
So having satisfied his people with these persuasions sent spies to know where muley Sydans' ordnance lay, and so came right before it, with all his troops. And coming within danger, at muley sidan's command, they gave fire, having both Moors and Christians that knew how to manage his ordnance.  
So three pieces went off, and did no hurt. But the bullets hard sing in the air a great height, and the rest of the ordnance took fire, and burnt out the powder, but shot no bullet that remained in, so coming nearer, the Musketeers played upon them, with four thousand shot, yet hurt no man.  
So then they came on, and muley sidan's people gave way and fled. They pursued them, and slew muley Abdela been Hammet, Alkaide Hammet, Benzebe●re, and many more Alkaides, and between four and five thousand people. So put his people into Marocus, and lay himself in the field.  
He hath not entered into Marocus, neither purposeth till he have destroyed his enemies, and put peace in his country. So muley Sidan fled & came down to Saphia, 
Hackam is a chief officer in a City.  with his Hackam, Abdela Kather, Abdela Sadocke and the jew Benwash, and a few others (besides his mother and women, and luggage) he made account to gather a head again, and to give a new battle. But in vain the Larbies made a fair show and came in to him, and received some money, cloth, and linens from him, and so would have betrayed him.  
Whereupon he having some of his brother muley Shecks children with him, (to make friendship with his brother) sent him his children, and wrote to him very kindly, So between them I accountiss peace. So stayed here so long as he durst: for that muley Om Hammet pursued him. Whereby he was forced to freight a ship of Marcelleis here in port, with a French Ambassador, who came to him upon bussines out of France, and a Fleming that was in the road: and took his Treasure and luggage, some Women and Children, some Al●aids and Servants, and Benwash and his followers, and went for Santa Cruz and there Landed in Sus: and from thence to Tarradante, and there since remained, what force he hath or of his proceeding we here know not the certainty.  
Some few days after his departure, came our new King into these parts, half a days journey from Saphia, and all the Larbies came in to him & submitted themselves, and he receiveth all into favour, pardoning what passed: For he saith, he comes to make peace, and is sent from God, because of the evil government of muley Hammets sons the Xeriffes; 
Kindred of Mahomet which they challenge.  and to 'stablish their Prophet's religion, that was decayed, and to fight against the Christians, and recover those parts of Christendom the king of Spain holds from them: as Granada, Andaluzia, etc.▪ and tells his people they shall yet see great wonders come to pass, where they shall acknowledge he is sent of God; he promiseth them Spain, Italy, and France: and having put peace in these countries, there must now appear a Bridge in the mouth of the straits, which hath been in former time, (and so recorded in their writings) and sunk in the sea. Now in his time it must appear to carry over the Moors: and having gained these countries; he must reign forty years, and then must come Christ, whom they call Sidie Nicer: and he must surrender all to him; for he must judge the world and then all must end.  
But for England, Flanders, or other parts they have not to do, they will have friendship with us, and desire trade and traffic with us in love and friendship, and would have his miracles and acts made known abroad the world: I was in his Almahalla at first four days, 
Or Camp.  and spoke with him, and saw his behaviour, and found him very humble and courteous, with many good speeches; and pitying the injuries all the Christians have by the ill government of his Predecessors, or Usurpers as he counted them. A man of some thirty six years, very civil, very plain in habit, a course tuck upon his head of died calico, 
Or turban A long loose garment mu●h like an Irish mantle.  a holland Shirt, an Alheick of lile grogram, a plain sword by his side, hanged with a plain leather thong: a man of great wisdom and learning, as none like amongst them, and a good ginger, a great Politician. And hath drawn unto him Alkaide Azus, of whom you have heard; the principal Councillor of the land, Shecke Z●mb●e, Shecke Glowie, and many other Saints and principal men: and since his coming married the Widow of muley Bufferris. And now divers libel in Larby verse against muley Sidan and his proceedings, and of further misery must come unto him, till he and his race be consumed. And for his government at Morocco placed his Hackam to see every one have peace, and a very honest man for justice: So Morocco is in peace and quietness; and amongst the Larbies he demands his due, either corn, horse, cattle, or money; and tells them he comes to put peace amongst them; neither to rob them, nor yet to lose his right; not to give them pay, but force them to serve him, as need requireth, if they yielded not to such conditions, his sword should force them: he came amongst them as a guest, and was to be entertained by them, and not to give them to gain their favour. By which speeches, miracles past, and policy, he hath made them all tremble; so he puts all to silence: Some content themselves, of the greatest in former time, to hear and see, show obedience and say nothing: others change with the time, and have great employments, and profess loyalty to him, and renounce their old Master; what the event may be I know not: for, we have learned, the hearts of Kings are in the hands of the Lord, he turneth them as rivers of waters which way he pleaseth.  
But having been in his Almahalla, seeing the manner of it, his plainness and policy, mixed with a show of mercy and a kind of Saintish government, I fear me it will come to pass, according to the Fable in Aesop, when th● Frogs desired a King, a block was thrown down into the water, which dash at the first made them fear him, but lying still they grew familiar, and sunned themselves upon him, and grew in dislike; so had the Stork: But it were to be wished they would now content themselves, when peace and justice is offered. If he do continue it is like to be with trouble and bloodshed; for already the people begin to disobey, and the Shabenites, muley Sidans 
* Or Kindred.  Cast, are got to the Mountains near Marocus, and have procured some of those 
* Mountainers.  Brebers (as we term them) to join with them; and one muley Om Hammet Bolassom, and these have robbed to the gate of Marocus; whereupon this King sent forces to expel them, but found them so strong that they durst not meddle with them: whereupon was forced to rehale his Almahalla some fifteen days since, and is gone towards the Mountains, where at this present he is near frugo: and what hath passed since we know not, only expect every hour to hear some good news that he may prevail; but here it is greatly feared, because many of his own people be departed from him: and those Larbies he carried along with him out of these parts, run away and returned, so if he lose, the other be the friends of muley Sidan, and he is expected again: But the beginning and rising of this king and his proceedings are very strange. He is a great saint and learned in the law, and was sought unto by many the principallest of the land for his blessings, and favour, according to their superstition; he finds it in ancient books writ of him by way of prophecy, that such a man of that place named Messa (whence he is) by name muley Om Hamet be● Abdela, should be sent at this time, to put peace in the country, and to revive their law, and put out the race of muley Sidan, and name of Xeriffes: and so to reign forty years till Christ come to judgement: his beginning must be, he must strike up a drum he should find in that Zow●● 〈◊〉 Missa, and then should repair unto him people, to make him king. The manner of his proceedings, and what encounters he should have, and what he found written, all the Talbies and learned men now do confess to find the same written in their books. At his beginning he put forth only one tent and a kitchen: so resorted to him the Shrokies, a saintish people in their law, but otherwise in behaviour very Savages. These without pay came to him, to the number of 150. or 200. at most; and with their help he broke Alhadge▪ Lemiere, and his forces, servants of muley Sidan, being 5000. strong; so more of the said Shrokies came to him, to the number of 5000. & with them and such people as joined with him in the way, he overthrew muley sidan's forces thrice before the battle.  
And so came to some strong places in the Mountains, never brought to subjection in the time of muley Sidan, nor his father: Those withstood him, but he overcame them and made them pay him what he demanded, serve and obey him; so forced the principallest Shecks in the country to come to him. After this marched towards Morocco, and by the way was to pass a river; and the day before he warned his people, in passing such a river no man to take up water in their hands to drink, if he did he would die. After coming to the river weary and hot, many not remembered, or not regarded his words, but took up water in their hands, drunk, and anon after died, the rest all escaped, which struck a fear into them to break his command, and a persuasion that he is more than a man: For they say he is their Fatamie, that is, a Saviour. Next in coming to Morocco, divers great Saints and Sheckes resorted together, and would go to visit him, that they might see what he was, and understand whether that which passed was true or not. So coming, after salutations, he told them they came to inquire and see what news, and what wonders he did, and so meant to depart.  
Now therefore, being men of account and Talbies he would satisfy them, that they might satisfy others. So appointed them a time to come again, and to bring such books, he nominated, with them; so they did: Then he willed them to turn to such places, and read what they found written of him; so they did. To wit, both his name, his beginning, and course he was to take, and withal found written seven special marks, or signs, he must have upon his body, a wart above his right eye, a black tooth before, a bunch of hair growing between his shoulders, a sign of a ring in the palm of his right hand, the sign of a spur upon the outside of his right leg; the rest I remember not.  
But these and the rest he showed them which seeing they did honour him and swore to him to serve him, and to live and die with him, or in his cause.  
Next coming to a place named Dets in the mountains very strong, where much people were gathered together against him so that some of his own people began to faint and be afraid: he bade them fear nothing for that before to morrow they should see there was more with him then against him: so that night, he commanded to take up his Almahalla & march towards that place Dets: so they did, and all night long to the thinking of all his people, there marched another Almahalla greater than theirs, and went before them: and coming to the place Dets vannished away, and at sight of it his enemies fled, left the place and goods, all to the spoil, so coming thither had the spoil of all without fight. This our country man M. W. affirmeth with divers others upon solemn oath to have seen. At his being in these parts, myself with others went to welcome him: he entertained us very kindly, & told us he would show the English what favour he could, and permit them free trade, willing us to take knowledge that he was sent by God's appointment to relieve the oppressed as well Moors and strangers, as Christians, and all sorts, and what we had seen and heard to advertise, saying we should see yet more strange matters come to pass, than what had passed. His meaning as we gather is, the conquering of Spain, France and Italy; with which opinion he possesseth the foolish and credulous Moors. Now having been tedious to trouble you with such news as the time affords (not all but part as it comes into my memory) I pray you take it in good part: the censure hereof I leave to your wisdom and consideration. For my own part I am persuaded, they be delusions of the devil done by witchcraft, & permitted by the Lord, to seduce them to further error, God deliver us Christians well from among them, and grant us the use, and true knowledge of his holy word preached in Christian countries which here we want, and the use and comfort of his holy Sacraments to the sealing up of our faith in Christ jesus Amen.  
I am sorry I have nothing for remembrance, to present unto you, but God willing when the time betters I will not be forgetful: in the mean time, I pray you accept of these few lines in good part. So resting ever at your service, I commit you to God's holy tuition who bless you in this world with health and content, and in the world to come with eternal joy, Amen.  
Your loving friend to command. R. S.  
Another letter received from another friend, at the same time dated the tenth of September.  
GOod Sir pardon me in that at my going away, I came not to take my leave of you▪ the ship went down two days sooner than I made account off. But for all your courtesies always towards me, I heartily thank you and remain your debtor etc. For the state of this country, and of the wars of this new King, I know Master S. hath enlarged you more than I can a great deal. But for all this, and the troubles muley Sidan hath had, it is thought he will be king again, and that in short time: staying but for a new Moon to give battle. This Saint or king told his Shrokies which came with him at first, his coming was to take Mazagant, Suit and Tanger, not to sight against the Moors unless they would resist, and not let him take the Christian towns. He said again that muley Sidan and his followers were Christians, one who rob all men without reason, killed and slew many men upon no occasions, but in his angry mind. And withal said he drank wine, and eat oppium, therefore said it could not be but that he was an Vn●rony, which amongst them they hold to be an unjust, or ungodly man as they say we Christians are. His Shrokies two thousand five hundredth almost all footmen, with no pieces, but half Lances: that was their weapons, bareheaded men. Never in their lives they wear shirt, or cloth to their backs, but an Alheik. Which Shrokies have left this king, and are all gone for their country. This king's forces are of Larbies, which are horsemen: every day they flee from him more and more. As Alkaid side, whom you know Alkaid of this place, is come from him with six hundredth horse. So that very shortly muley Sidan is expected to come hear again. And thus with my commendations to your good self, and all our good friends I commit you to the Almighty.  
Yours assured to command, G. B.  
SInce the writing (and almost printing) of these two letters, there is news come (and that for certain as I am given to understand) that muley Sidan is defeated again, and hath lost this last battle: so the Saint victorious still. What the event of all these troubles may be it is hard to guess. This country having been so long time (ever since the death of old muley Hamet) so unsettled, and subject to so manifold alterations: so many years, almost, so many alterations or government: The crown imperial tossed to and fro, from one to another, as it were a tennis ball rather than a diadem. Non unquam tulit documenta, 
Seneca.  for'rs majors quam fragili loco starent super●●: And that may serve for another use: a small use of all, either that hath passed, or may hereafter fall out: whereof if any thing else come to my hands, worthy observation, I shall not withhold it, to make the rest answerable to the Preface.  
FINIS.