¶ The beginning and foundation of the holy hospital/ & of the order of the knights hospytallers of saint johan baptist of jerusalem.  
THe true/ ancient/ and holy histories rehearse & show that the devout house & holy religion of the knights hospytallers of saint johan baptist of jerusalem took beginning after that Alexandre the great king of Macedony had conquered the yndes/ and that the truth of his death was known in Babylon/ the worthy and valiant knights Maccabees by their virtuous power put out of jerusalem the paynims and people of strange generations: and set the jews being diligent in the service of god in to their freedom and liberties. And sith that time the said paynims made great war against them of jerusalem. But finally when the right noble knight/ champion of knowledge divine/ and victorious tryumphatour judas Machabeus (that worshipped one god) gloriously had delivered the said holy city fro the tyranny of the said enemies. yet again he appareled his army against the infidels: & ordained with all things necessary in the said city with great courage assailed/ fought/ and discomfited them. In the which battle many of the people of Israhell were slain/ hurt/ and maimed. ¶ when he was returned into jerusalem he considered that it was devout and meritorious to pray for them that were slain in battle/ died ordain and instituted that in holy places continual prayers should be made for them that so died/ & also sustenance to be given to them that were seek and impotent.  
¶ A certain time after this institution the devout prophet & noble knight of the people of Israhell johannes Hicarnus founded an hospital that was named Xenodoche of such money & treasure as had be taken and found in the tomb of king david/ with the which he had delivered the holy city of jerusalem fro the siege that was laid to it by king Anthyochus named Epyphanes' persecutor of the name of god/ that destroyed the temple of Solomon/ the which after was re-edified by the Maccabees. In the which hospital as follower of judas Machabeus he ordained continual prayers to be said/ & the impotents/ weak people/ pilgrims/ and seek person's should be devoutly received/ refreshed/ and nourished.  
BY succession of time the edification and institution of this said holy hospital abode unto the incarnation of our saviour and redemptor Ihesu cryst/ that howbeit he was rich/ for us he made himself poor. Therefore we aught devoutly to consider that oft-times with his bodily presence he visited the said hospital/ there doing many holy works and miracles by his divine goodness. & that in the said place the holy apostles and disciples of Ihesu christ have done many works of mercy to the people. Certainly it is not to be doubted saying that our lord and saviour before his passion died magnify and glorify many unworthy places in the city of jerusalem by his holy works: but that also of his grace he hath illumined and ennoblysshed the said hospital of jerusalem being a holy place/ comfort/ and succour of poor and seek people. ¶ After the passion of our saviour Ihesu christ by occasion of sins and iniquytees of the people of jews the said holy city of jerusalem hath suffered great desolations and ruins in the time of Tytus and Uaspasyan Emperors of Rome that right vyctoriously took vengeance for the cruel bloodshed of our saviour Ihesu christ. And by divers ill manners of the cursed paynims the said holy city hath been polluted and spoiled/ and by many nations overcome & destroyed. By these said destructions and violations the temple of Solomon restored by the knights Maccabees/ and the said hospital founded by johan Hycarnus with other holy places have been desolated/ vilipended and wasted/ in such wise that the religious observance of the knighthood and hospitality by certain space was delayed & left. But afterward the said city and temple was restored again by Adryan elius emperor of Rome. ¶ For this cause the said Realm of jerusalem being destitute and bereaved of all fairness and ornaments/ having in it reigning people of divers generations & sects/ the christian people of all the world as well of one country as of another went thither in great peril to visit the holy sepulchre/ & other holy places. In the which city that christian people latins subgecte to the church of Rome had no manner of succour nor habitation/ and therefore they suffered great outrages/ perils/ hurts/ necessities/ poverty of victual and bodily subjections/ beaten/ domaged/ wounded/ slandered/ injuried/ and evil entreated of the misbelievers there dwelling, in such wyseth at many died in the ways and streets as beasts. not without spite of the holy faith. For there was no man that comforted them/ for the cruelness of the inhabitants. ¶ These causes seen by a devout & virtuous man of holy living (moved & induced of the holy ghost) named Guerarde a blessed pilgrim loving god/ and desiring the health of his soul/ which was comen thither on pilgrimage/ considering the submission/ perils and damages of the devout persons that came thither purposed to make and edify a new hospital/ to be the refuge/ succour/ and habitation of seek/ impotent/ and poor pilgrims/ to the example of the first Xenodoche/ & in renewing by imitation the holy observance of the noble knights judas Machabeus and john Hycarnus. And for the doing thereof he gate licence of the prince ●hat than held the lordship of jerusalem. Than Guerarde as follower of the good doings & customs of them abovesaid made & edified a new hospital in a place by him chosen nigh to the sepulchre of our lord Ihesu cryst● the which hospital was dedicate to saint Iohn baptist as patron/ because that his father zachary rested in that place when he came to do sacrifice in jerusalem. ¶ when the said hospital was perfectly finished/ & ordered and arrayed with good customs & works Guerarde as lover of the holy christian faith gave and yielded himself in to the service of the same/ to minister & serve the poor people. and induced his fellows that were come thither with him ●o do in likewise. And thus they made a holy company & fraternyte together/ without making vow of religion/ or changing of their secular habit. But only using meek clothings they bound themself to the service of the holy faith catholic/ and to the poor pilgrims and seek people. In the which truly all the works of mercy were diligently done/ the poor people sustained and ordered/ the seek healed/ the holy sacraments ministered/ the pilgrims and desolate defended from enemies of the faith/ and received comforted/ and helped/ them prisoners redeemed/ & all hospitality was celebrated and used. For the which holy works the said hospital in short time was augmented and replenished with possessions and lordships. And thus by diligence and labour of Guerarde the condition and estate of the said hospital being accomplished and known/ the holy siege apostolic at the supplication of the said Guerarde took the said Xenodoche in to his protection. & of the same named him founder/ erectour/ and defender. And the holy father pope Lucius the second defended that none should presume violently for ocupy the governing and ministration of the said hospital/ but that by them that were admitted in the service of the said holy order one should be chosen that should rule over them. And every day many devout pilgrims induced to the love & defence of the holy faith put themself in to the service and tuition of the same & with o●her pilgrims coming to jerusalem & other holy places took arms against the enemies of the faith/ & defended them against their invasors. And as very followers of the noble knights judas Machabeus & Iohn hycarnus ●hey made exercyte to keep the faith & hospitality/ & for the love of god took arms. ¶ when Guerarde had ruled the hospital the space of xvi year he passed out of this present life. And than by election of the devout persons a man named Raymond being of great virtues and merits was chosen master of the said knighthood & hospital. The which Raymonde as wise & laudable promising/ ratyfienge/ and approving the holy father pope Eugenius the third of that name ordained/ and instituted the rule & habit of the knights and hospytallers/ which is a white cross with viii poyntes● and a black cloak or mantel. To the which rule many noble men: as well clerks as lay people under the said habit with oath admitted themself. ¶ The said order of knighthood & hospital was fulfilled with renown and richesse under the governing of the said Raymonde first master. specially after the reduction of the holy city of jerusalem to christian men. Of the which enterprise Godfrey of Boleyne was victorious capitain. ¶ Following the manners of the said master many of his successors and adherentes have done many great and worthy feats as it is evidently contained in the histories of the gests of Rhodes. the which at this time is not of necessity to rehearse. For it is not our purpose to write histories. it is sufficient to have showed the beginning & foundation of the said order. But in what manner and in what time the said knighthood/ hospitality/ and holy observation came in to Rhodes/ and the succession of the gests/ the Rodyen histories more plainly showeth and declareth.  
¶ Thus endeth the treatise of the beginning and foundation of the noble order of the knights hospytallers of jerusalem.   

¶ Here followeth the siege/ cruel oppugnation/ and lamentable taking of the city of Rhodes.  
Willing faithfully to write and reduce in verity historical the great siege/ cruel oppugnation/ & piteous taking of the noble and renowned city of Rhodes/ key of christendom/ the hope of many poor christian men with holden in turkey to save and keep them in their fa●the. The rest and yearly solace of noble pilgrims of the holy sepulchre of Ihesu christ & other holy places. The refuge & refreshing of all christian people having course of merchandise in the parties of Levant I promise to all estates that shall see this present book that I have left nothing for fear of any person nor preferred it for favour. And first I shall show the occasions that moved this cruel blodesheder enemy of our holy christian faith Sultan salyman now being great turk to come with a great host by see and by land to besiege and assail the space of vi months night and day the noble & mighty city of Rhodes. The year of the incarnation of our lord Ihesu christ M. CCCCC. and/ xxii.  

¶ The occasions why the great turk came to besiege the city of Rhodes.  
THe first and principal cause was for he died consider & saw by experience that there was none other town nor place in Levant that warred against him nor kept him in doubt but this poor rock of Rhodes. And hearing the continual complaints of his subjects aswell of Sury as of Turkey for the damages & prizes daily done of their bodies and goods by christian men of war received in to Rhodes. And also of the ships & galees of the religion/ he took conclusion in himself that if he might put the said town in his power & subgection that than he should be peaceable lord of all the parties of Levant. & that his subjects should complain no more to him. ¶ The second for he would follow the doings of his noble predecessors/ & to show himself very heir of the mighty & victorious lord Sultan sallym his father/ willing to put in execution the enterprise by him left the year. M. CCCCC.xxi. The which sallyn great turk put in all readiness his army to the number of CCC. sails purposing for to send them against Rhodes/ if mortality had not happened in his host/ & he afterward by the will of our lord was surprised and taken with death. wherefore he being in the latter end of his days/ (as some turks and falls christian men that were at this siege showed me) died charge by his testament/ or caused to charge his son now being great turk that after his death he should make his two first intrepryses And also gane the said great turk knowledge that all christian princes were busy warring each upon other/ & that he should not doubt but if the rebellion lasted among them the town should be his without fail/ as it is seen by experience. And for lack of succour of every part/ and specially of such as might easily have holpen us being our neighbours: with their galees & men of war. wherefore it is now in the hands of the enemies of the christian faith. The which monitions and reasons of the falls traitor understand and pondered by the great turk and his council it was considered of them not to lose so good occasion and tyme. wherefore he made extreme diligence to rygge and apparel many ships & vessels of divers sorts/ as galeaces'/ galees/ pallandres/ fustes/ and brygantynes to the number of. Ccc.l sails and more. ¶ when the prisoner that the said de Merall died send in to Turkey had done his commission he returned in to Rhodes/ whereof every man had marvel. And many folks deemed ill of his coming again/ as of a thing unaccustomed/ but none durst say any thing saying the said de Merral of so great authority and dignity. And he cherys●hed the said prisoner more than he was wont to do. therefore by seeming he had well done his message/ and had brought good tidings to the damnable & shameful mind of the said traitor de Merall.   

¶ How the great turk caused the passages to be kept that none should bear tidings of his host to Rhodes.  
THe great turk intending with great diligence to make ready his host both by see and by land/ the better to come to his purpose/ & to take the town unwarely as he was advertised/ thought to keep his doings as secretly as he might. And defended that none of his subjects should go to Rhodes for any manner thing. And in likewise he took all the bark●s and brygantynes out of the havens and ports in those costs because they should give no knowledge of his army. and also made to keep the passages by land that none should pass. Howbeit so great apparel of an army could not be long kept close. for the spires that the lord great master had sent in to Turkey brought tidings to the castle of saint Peter and to Rhodes/ of all that was said & done in Turkey. Nevertheless the said lord gave no great credence to all that was brought and told. because that many years before the predecessors of the great turk had made great armies/ & alway it was said that they went to Rhodes. the which came to none effect. And it was holden for a mock & a by word in many places that the turk would g● assyege Rhodes. And for this reason doubt was had of this last army/ & some wend that it should have go in to Cypress or to Cataro a land of the lordship of Uenyce. Howbeit the great master not wyllyn to be taken unwarely/ but the mean while as careful & diligent for the wealth of his town/ & his people/ understanding these tidings of the turks army/ died all his diligence to repair & strength the town. Among all other things to build up/ & raise the bulwark of Auvergne/ & made to cleanse & make deeper the dyches. And the more to 'cause the work men to haste them in their business the said lord oversaw them twice or thrice every day.   

¶ How the lord great master counseled with the lords for provision for the town.  
THan the said reverend lord thought to furnish & store the town with more victuals for the sustenance thereof/ & for the same many times he spoke with the lords that had the handling & rule of the treasure and of the expenses thereof in his absence/ & sith his coming. That is to wite the great commaundour Gabryell de pommerolles/ lyef●●naunt of the said lord. The turcoplyer sir Iohn Bouthe of the english tongue. And the chancellor sir Andrew de Meral/ of whom is spoken afore of his untruth against his religion. The which iii lords said that he should take no thought for it. For the town was well stored with victuals for a great while/ & that there was wheet enough till new came in. Notwithstanding it were good to have more or the siege were laid afore the town. and therefore it were behoveful to send for wheet & other necessaries in to Ponnant for socoures of the town/ and at that time to purvey for every thing.   

¶ Of the provision for victuals & ordinance of war.  
AS touching the store and ordinance of war the said lords affirmed that there was enough for a year & more whereof the contrary was found/ for it failed a month or the city was yielded. It is of truth that there was great store & to have lasted longer than it died. but it was of force to spend largely at the first coming of the enemies to keep them fro coming near/ & fro bringing earth to the dyches sides as they died. And moreover it is to consider the great number of them/ & their power that was spread round about the town/ giving us so many assaults & scarmysshes/ in so many places as they died/ & by the space of vi hole months day and night assailing us that moche ordinance and store was wasted to withstand them in all points. And if it fail idt was no marvel. Howbeit the noble lord great master purveyed busily for it/ & sent Brygantynes to Lango/ to the castle of saint Peter/ & to the castles of his isle Feraclous and Lyndo for to bring powder and saltpetre for to strength ●he town/ but it sufficed not. ¶ And for to speak of the purveyance of victuals/ it was advised by the lord great master & his iii lords that it was time to send some ships for wheet to places thereabout or the turks host were comen thither. And this to do was appointed a ship named the Galyenge/ whose capitain height Bramboys/ otherwise wolf/ of the almains tongue an expert man of the see. the which made so good diligence that within a month he died his viage/ & brought good store of wheet fro Naples & Romany/ which died us great comfort.   

¶ How a brigantine was sent to Candy for wine/ & of divers ships that came to help the town.  
AFter this was moved for to make provision of wine for the town. For the men of Candy durst not sail for to bring wy'to Rhodes as they were wont to do for fear of the turks host. And also they ofhe town would send no ship in to Candy fearing to be taken and enclosed with the said host by the way. Howbeit some merchants of the town were willing to have adventured themself in a good ship of the religion name the Mary/ for to have laden her with wine in Candy. But they could not agree with the three lords of the treasure/ & their let was but for a little thing. And all the cause came of the said traitor de Merall/ feigning the wealth of the treasure. For he intended an other thing/ & broke this good & profitable intrepryse & will of the said merchants/ saying that it was noyful to the turk/ whose part the said traitor held in his devilish heart. That notwithstanding the reverent lord great master that in all things fro the beginning to the end hath always showed his good will. And with all diligence and right that might be requisite to a sovereign capitain & heed of war found other expedience/ and sent a brigantine in to Candy/ in the which he sent a brother sergeant named Anthony of Bosus a well spryted man and wise/ that by his wisdom wrought so well that within a small time he brought xu vessels called gripes laden with wine & with them men of war the which came under shadow of those wines. Because the lordship of Candy durst let none of their men go to the succour of Rhodes for fear of the Turk. And beside those xu gripes came a good ship whose captain & owner was a rich young g●ntylman Uenycian messire Iohn anthonio de Bonaldy/ which o● his good will came with his ship laden with vii C. butts of wine to succour the town with his person and folks. whose good & lowable will I leave to think & consider to the readers of this present book. For he being purposed to have had his wines to Constantynople or 〈◊〉 was enform●d of the business of Rhodes/ & was in the port du Castle in Candy would not bear his victuals to the enemies of the faith/ but came out and returned his way toward Rhodes/ forgetting all particular profit & advantage. He being arrived at Rhodes dyspa●hed & sold● his wine/ which was a great encreas and comfort for ●●e town. And when he had so done he presented his person/ his ship/ & hi● folk to the reverent great master/ the which retained him/ & se● him in wages of the religion. And during the siege the said 〈◊〉 ta'en behaved him worthily in his person. And put himself 〈◊〉 the places as worthy men aught to be. spending his goods la●●●●ly without demanding any payment or recompense for his doyge of the religion.   

¶ How the corn was shorn down half ripe & brought in to the town for fere of the turks host.  
During these things the reverend lord great master sollycityfe and busy to have every thing necessary as men and other strengths/ sent vessels called brygantynes for to 'cause the wa●ters of the see to come in to Rhodes for the keeping and fortyfienge of the town. The which at the first sending came and presented their persons and ships to the service of the religion. ¶ After that the said lord caused to shear down the rye of his isle/ & caused it to be brought in to the town. which was done in Apryll. And that in may in some places he made to shear the wheet half ripe/ howbeit the most part was left in the fields/ because the turks host was comen out of the straits of Constantynople. And doubting that any number of ships should come before to take the people of the said isle unwares/ the said lord made them to leave shearing of wheet/ and caused the people of the farthest part of the isle to come in to the town. ¶ while that the great master provided for all things after the course of time & tidings that he had there arrived a carrack of Gene laden with spicery from Alexandry/ the which passed before the port of Rhodes the viii day of Apryll and surged at anchor at the Fosse vii or viii. mile fro the town/ for to know & here tidings of the turkish host. Than the lord willing to furnish him with people as most behoveful for the town sent a knight of Provence named sir Anastase de sctae Camilla commander de la Tronquiere to the capitain of the carrack/ praying him to come in to the haven with his ship for the defence of the town/ proffering him what he would/ assuring him his ship. The capitain excused him saying that the merchandise was not his own but belonged to divers merchants to whom he must yield account. Howbeit at the last after many words and promises to him made he arrived in to the haven. The which capitain was named messire Domingo de Fournati. And he in his person behaved him valiantly in the time of the said siege.   

¶ How the great master caused to make general mustres. & sent a vessel to the turks navy. of whom he received a letter.  
AFter the month of Apryll the lord master saying that the turks host drew near/ & that he had the most part of the wafters within the town he caused to make general mustres of men of arms. And began at the knights/ the which upon holy road day in May made their mustres before the commissioners ordained by the said lord in places deputed to each of them called Aulberge. The which commissioners made report to the lord that they had found the knights in good order of harness & other things necessary for war/ & their array fair and proper with crosses on them. when the muster of the knights was done the lord master thought to make the mustres of men of the town & strangers together. but his wisdom perceived that harm should come thereby rather than good/ doubting that the number of people shield not be so great as he would or needed to have. whereof the great turk might have knowledge by goers & comers into Rhodes. And therefore he caused them of the town to make their mustres several by bends and companies. And the strangers also by themself to th'end that the number should not be known. Notwithstanding that there was good quantity of good men & well willing to defend themself. And the more to hearty and give them courage & good will some knights of the cross decked their men with colours and devices. & took with them men of the town & strangers. And with great noise of trumpets & tommerels they made many muzzles/ as enuyenge each other which should keep best array & order/ & have the fairest company. It was a great pleasure to see them all so well allied & so well willing. ¶ The number of the men of the town amounted & were esteemed iii or four M beside men of the villages that might be xu C. or ii M. ¶ The viii day of the same month the turks hearing of those tidings made a fire for a token in a place called le Fiseo in the main land right against Rhodes. And certain days afore they had made another that is to wite when the ship of a knight named Menetow went thither & had with him th● clerk of the galees named jaquesy trucheman The which under shadow to speak with him was with holden of the turks. For the great tu●ke had commanded to take him or some other man of the Rhodes to have perfit knowledge in what estate the town was than in every thing. And they of the town weening that the second fire was for to deliver jaquesy/ the reverend lord great master ●ent one of his galeaces'/ whose patron height messire Bonyface of Provence to know the cause thereof. And when he arrived at the said place of le Fisco he demanded of the turks wherefore they had made the token of fire. And they said that it was because their lord had sent a letter to the great master. but as yet it was not ●ome/ & desired him to tarry till it wer● brought. The patron as ware & wise in the business of the see thought in himself that the turks made such prolonging to some evil intent or to surprise his vessel being alone, wherefore he bade them give him the letter lightly or else he would go his way/ & neither tarry for letter nor other thing & told them of the evil and dishonest deed that they had done the days afore to withhold the clerk under their words & sauf●ōduyt. And therewith he turned his galleass to have go away. The turk● saying that gave him the letter/ the which he took. And when he was arrived at Rhodes he presented it to the lord great master/ which assembled the lords of his council and made it to be red. the tenor whereof was such as followeth.   

¶ The copy of the lett●e that the great turk sent to the lord great master & to the people of Rhodes.  
SUltan salyman patch/ by the grace of god right mighty emperor of Constantynople/ and of himself holding both the lands of pierce/ Araby/ Syrie/ Mechei/ & jerusalem. Of Asye/ Europe/ Egypt/ & of all the see lord & possessor. To the reverend father lord Phylyppe great master of Rhodes/ to his counceylours'/ and to all the other citizens great and small greeting. Sending convenable & worthy salutations to your reverences. Letting you wite that we have received your letters sent unto our imperial majesty by George your servant/ the tenor whereof we have well understand. And for this occasion we send unto you this out present commandment to th'end that we will that ye know surely how by our sentence we will have the isle of Rhodes for many damages & evil deeds which we have and here fro day to day of the said place done to us & our subjects. And ye with your good will shall hold it of us & do us obeisance/ & give the city to mine imperial majesty. And we swear in god that made heaven & earth. & in xxvi M. of our prophets. & by the four my sa●● that fell fro the skies. & by our first prophet Machomet that if ye do us homage & yield you with good will upon these oaths/ all you that will abide in the said place great & small shall not need to fear peril nor damage of mine imperial majesty/ neither you/ your goods nor your men. And who that will go to any other place with his goods and household may so do. And who that will devil and inhabit in any other places under mine imperial majesty may remain where they like best without fear of any persons. And if there be any of the principals and worthy men among you that is so disposed we shall give him wages and provision greater than he hath had. And if any of you will abide in the said isle may so do after your ancient usages and customs and moche better. And therefore if that ye will accept these our oaths and intretinges send unto us a man with your letters to mine imperial majesty. or else know ye that we will come upon you with all provisions of war/ & thereof shall come as it pleaseth god. And this we do th'end that ye know and that ye can not say but we have given you warning. And if ye do not thus with your good will we shall revawt & undermine your foundations in such manner that they shall torn up so down/ and shall make you slaves/ & 'cause you to die/ with the grace of god as we have done many. And hereof have ye no doubt. written in our court at Constantynople the first day of the month of june.   

¶ How the turks came to land in the isle of Lango/ & were driven to their ships again by the prior of saint Gyles.  
When the lord great master & his council had herd the tenor of the letter they would give none answer to the great turk. But that he should be received with good strokes of artillery. So that to a foolish demand behoved none answer. And it was to believe that he would none have. For vi days after that was the xiiii day of the said month of june/ the brygantynes that went toward Syo to know of the said army came again & said that of a truth the said army was coming. And that nigh to Lango an isle of the religion a. C. mile fro● Rhodes they had seen and told xxx sails/ that were most part gallees & fustes. The which vessels set men on land in the isle of Lango. Than the prior of saint Gyles messire pre Iohn de Bidoux commander of the said place tarried not long fro horseback with his knights and people of the isle. And he met so well with the turks that he drove them to their ships/ and slew a certain number of them. & of the side of pre Iohn some were hurt/ & his horse was slain. when the enemies were entered in to their galees they went to a place called castle judeo on main land between the said isle of Lango and the castle of saint Peter.   

¶ How part of the navy and army of the great turk came before the city of Rod●●.  
THe xvii day of the said month of june these xxx galees went fro the said place/ & passed by the cape of Cryon entering the gulfre of Epymes beside Rhodes/ & were discovered fro the shade of the hill of Salaco/ a castle in the isle of Rhodes. On the morrow they came out of the gulfre by plain day. & sailing along by the costs they entered in to a haven on main loud called Malfata where they abode three days. Than they went fro thence & returned to the goulfre of Epymes/ where they abode ii days & ii nights.  
¶ The xxiiii day of the same month they issued out of Epymes/ & traversing the channel they came to the isle of Rhodes in a place before a castle called Faves/ & they went to land & brent a great field of corn the same day/ which was the feast of saint Iohn baptist our patron. The guard of a castle named Absito in the isle of Rhodes discovered & spied the great host/ & in great haste brought word to the lord master/ & said that the said host that was in so great number of sails that they might not be numbered was entered in to the goulfre of Epymes. The xxx sails that lay in the isle arose in the night and went to the said host in the gulf.  
¶ The xxvi day of june the said great host arose & went out of Epymes an hour after the son rising/ & traversing the channel they came to a place called lafoy Fosse viii miles fro the town. And the xxx first sails turned back toward the cape of saint Martin & other places to watch for ships of christian men/ if any passed by to Rhodes. The great host abode still till noon or one of the clock & than arose/ not all/ but about lxxx or a. C. ships/ as gallees/ galeaces'/ and fustes/ and passed one after another before the town & haven of of Rhodes iii miles of/ & came to a shore in a place nigh to land called Perambolyn vi mile fro the town. In the which place the said host abode fro that time to the end of that unhappy siege.   

¶ The number & names of the vessels that came to besiege Rhodes.  
THe number of the ships were these xxx galleaces'/ a. C. & iii Galls/ as well bastards subtile mahonnets xu taffours/ xx. fustes lxiiii great ships vi or vii gallyons/ & xxx galleres/ beside the navy that waited for crysten men if any came to succour us. These were the vessels that came at the first to lay the siege. And sith that the said host came out of Perambolyn there came fro Syrye twenty other sails/ as well gallees as fustes. And many other ships came sigh and joined with the said army in time of the said siege. And it was said that there was four C. sails and more.  
THe same day the part of the host came to the said place the reverent lord great master ordained a brigantine so send in to Ponnant to certify our holy father the pope & the christian princes how the turks army was afore Rhodes. And in the said vessel he sent ii knights/ one a frenchman named sir claud dansoyville called villiers/ & & sir Joys dacidoigne a spanyard. & they went to the pope & to thenꝑour. ¶ After the coming of the turks navy in to the said place/ it was xiii. or xiii days or th●y set any ordinance on land great or small● or descending of any quantity of men/ whereof we marveled. ●nd it was told us by some that came out of the camp/ & also by spies that the lord great master had sent abroad arrayed as turks that they abode the commandment of their great lord/ & till the host by land were comen in to the camp. Howbeit there came some number for to view the town but they went privily for the ordinance of the town shot without cease. ¶ All this while the galees and galeaces went and came to land bringing victual and people. At the which ships passing nigh the town was shot many strokes with bombards which made some slaughter of our enemies. And when the most part of them was past they began to set ordinance on the land with great diligence. Than the lord great master departed fro his palace/ & lodged him nigh a church called La victory/ because that place was most to be doubted. and also that at the other sy●ge the greatest business and assault was there.   

¶ How the lord great master made his petition before the image of saint johan/ & offered him the keys of the town.  
THe day before were made many predications & se●mons & the last was in the church of saint Iohn baptist. when the se●mon was done a ponthyticall mass was celebrated with all solemnities/ & all the resykes tak●n down/ and the lord great master & all ●i●●nyghtes with great devotion & reverence heard it. And when the mass was ended the lord great master made a piteous oration or praye● before saint Iohn baptist his protector. & above all other words which were to long to tell he besought him meekly that it would please him to take the keys of the miserable city. The which keys he presented & laid upon the altar before the image/ beseeching saint Iohn to take the keeping and protection thereof/ & of all the religion/ as by his grace he had given to him unworthy the governing unto the day. And by his holy grace to defend them fro the great power of enemies that had besieged them.   

¶ How the women slaves would have set fire in the town.  
THe viii day of july it was known that the turkish women being slaves & servants in many houses of the town had appointed to set fire in their masters houses at the first assault that should be made/ to th●●de that the men should ●eue their posts & defences to go and save their houses and goods. And it was found that a woman of Marcho pota being a slave was first moever thereof/ the which was taken & put to execution. ¶ The same day some of our men went out for to skirmish with the turks & many of them were slain with shot of our artillery/ & of our men but one.   

¶ How the turks laid their artillery about the town & of the manner & quantity of their pieces and gun-shot.  
THe xvii day of july for the beginning & first day they set up a mantellet/ under the which they put iii or four mean pieces as sacres/ wherewith they shot against the post of England & Provence. But the mantellet was soon broken and cast down & their pieces destroyed with the shot of the wall/ and they that shot them were most part slain. As this first mantellet was broken by the great & innumerable people that they had/ they set all their ordinance on land/ and carried it to the places where it should be bend/ or nigh thereby.  
¶ And the xxix day of the same month they set up ii other mantellettes. One beside a church of saint Cosme & damian/ and another toward Ponnaunt. And fro these mantellettes they shot great pieces as serpentynes/ double guns/ & great bombards against the walls of England & Spain. To the which mantelets the ordinance of the town gave many great strokes/ & often broke them. And the more to grieve the town and to fear us they set up many other mantelets in divers places/ almost round about the town. & they were reckoned lxxx The which number was well lessed by the great quantity of strokes of artillery shot out of the town fro many places.   

¶ The artillery of the turks was such as followeth.  
first there was vi great gonnes canonnes perryers' of brass that shot a stone of iii foot and a half. Also there was xu pieces of iron that shot stones of .v. or vi spans. Also there was xiiii great bombards that shot stones of xi spans about. Also there was xii. baselyskes/ whereof they shot but with viii that is to wite four shot against the post of England and Spain/ and ii against the gate of Italy/ the other ii shot sometime against saint Nycolas tour Also there was xu double gonnes casting bowls as baselyskes. The mean shot as sacres/ and pasuolans were in great number. The handgonshot was innumerable & incredible. Also there was xii pot gones of brass that shot upward. whereof viii were set behind the church of saint Cosme & damian/ & ii at saint Iohn de la fountain toward the port of Italy. & the other ii afore the gate of Auvergne/ the which were shot night & day. & there was iii sorts of them. whereof the greatest were of vi or vii spans about. And the said st●nes were cast in to the town to make murder of people. which is a thing veray inhuman & fearful. which manner of shooting is little used among christian men. Howbeit by evident miracle thanked be g●d the said pieces died no great harms/ and sl●we not passed xxiiii or xxv persons: and the most part women & children. And they began to shoot with the said pieces fro the xix day of the same month unto the end of August. And as it was accounted they shot ii M. times or few more or less. ¶ Than the enemies were warned by the jew that wrote letters to them of all that was done and said in the town/ that the said potgonnes died no harm/ wherefore they were angry/ for they wend that they had slain the third part of our people. and they were counseled by him to leave that shooting/ for it was but time lost & powder waste/ and than they shot no more with them. It is of a truth that they shot with the said potgonnes xii or xu times with bowls of brass or copper full of wild fire/ and when they were in the air they flammed/ and in falling on the ground they broke/ and the fire came out and died some harm. But at the last we knew the malice thereof/ and the people was ware fro coming near to them/ and therefore they died hurt no more folk.   

¶ How the capitain Gabryell martyningo came to the succour of Rhodes. And all the s●laues in danger to be slain.  
THe xxiii day of the same month a brigantine arrived that was sent afore in to Candy/ wherein came a worthy capitain named Gabryel martyningo with two other capitains. And there went to receive him messire prou Iohn prior of saint Gyles/ and the prior of Navarre. Than after his honourable receiving as to him well appertained they brought him before the lord great master/ that lovingly received him/ and he was gladly seen and welcomed of the people/ as a man that was named very wise and ingenious in feats of war. Than came a spaniard renegade fro the host/ that gave us warning of all that was done in the field/ and of the approaching by the trenches that our enemies made. ¶ And in likewise there arose a great noise in the town that the slaves turks that wrought for us in the dyches had slain their keepers & would have fled/ which was not so. Nevertheless the rumour was great/ and they range alarm/ wherefore the said slaves coming to prison as it was ordained in all the alarms were met of the people which in great anger put them to death/ so that there was slain a. C. and more the same day. And if it had not been that the lord great master made to cry that none should hurt them they had been all slain/ & there was xu C. of them/ the which slaves died great service in time of the siege. For they laboured daily to make our defences● & to cast earth out of the dyches & in all works they were necessary at our needs.   

¶ How the great turk arrived in person before Rhodes  
THe xxv day of the said month many of our men went out for to skirmish in the field & made great murder of turks & in likewise died our artillery. And it is to be noted that the xxviii day of the same month the great turk in person passed le Fisco a haven in the main land with a galley & a fuste●and arrived about noon there as his army lay/ the which day may be called unhappy for Rhodes. For his coming/ his presence and continual abiding in the field is & hath been cause of the victory that he hath had. when the galley that he came in was arrived all the other ships of the host hanged banners a loft in their tops & on their sail yards. ¶ Soon after that the turk was arrived he went to land/ & mounted on his horse & road to his pavilion which was in a high place called Megalandra four or .v. miles fro the town out of the danger of the gone shot. And on the morrow as it was reported to us he came to a church nigh the town called saint Steven for to view the town & fortresses/ there as they had set up mantellettes for to lay their ordinance.  
THe last day of july one of our brygantynes went out with a good company of men arrayed as turks/ & s●me of them could speak turkish/ & went by night to land through the turks host and demanded if there were any that would pass over in to Turkey that they should haste them to come. The turks weninge that they had been of Turkey there entered a xii persons/ the which were led to Rhodes. by whom we knew what they died in the field.  
¶ The first day of august the capitain Gabryell martynyngo was made knight of the order of the religion by the lord great master/ & was made the first ancient of the ytalyen tongue of the first balyage or priory that should be vacaunt. And in the mean season the religion should give him xii C. ducats for pension every year/ and the same day he was received to the council in the town of a bailiff. ¶ The v day of the said month our master gunner was slain with a gone/ which was great loss for us at that tyme.  
¶ The xu day of the said month was known & taken for a traitor messire Iohn baptista the physician aforesaid/ which confessed his evil & devilish doings/ and had his heed stricken of.   

¶ Of the marvelous hills that the turks made afore the town/ & how the capitains were ordered in the trench●s.  
AFter coming of the great Turk the enemies begins to shoot with ordinance of another sort than they died before/ & specially with ha●busshes and handgonnes/ & also to make their trenches and approaches. And also they died more diligence than afore to bring the earth nigh the town with spades and pycases. And it is to wite that they moved the earth from half a mile of. And there was shot out of the town innumerable strokes with ordinance against the said earth/ & innumerable quantity of people hid behind the said earth were slain. Nevertheless they never left working till ●hey had brought it to the brymmes of the dyches. And when it was there ●hey raised it higher & higher in strengthing it behind. And in conclusion the said earth was higher than the walls of the town by ten or xii foot/ & it seemed a hill. And it was against the gate of Auvergne & Spain/ & bet our men that were at the gates & bulwarks in such wise that none durst be seen till certaynes defences & repairs were made of planks & boards to cover our people and keep them fro the shot. And at the gate of Italy was made such another heap/ & in none other part. ¶ when the trenches were thus made to the dyches the enemies made holes in the walls of the ditch outward. wherthorowe they shot infynytely with handgonnes to our men as well on the walls as on the bulwarks & q many of them. Than the bachas & capitains entered in to the trenches/ each to his place after their order & dignity. That is to wite Monstofa bacha as chief capitain entered the trench dyrcet to the bulwark of England with his people and capitains under him. Pery bacha went to the trenches against the gate of Italy with his folks & capitains under him. Acmek bacha was in the trenches of Auvergne & Spain with Lagat des genissayres & le Beglarby of Romany with him. Le Beglarby de la Notilia was in the trenches of Prouaunce. Allibey was with his company against the gardens of saint Anthony of the bend of transmontayne and divers other capitains with him/ & set his ordinance against the wall of the gate of Almaigne which was but weak and set up vii mantelets by the mills toward Ponnant. And by the space of viii or ix days they bet upon the same wall/ which put us in great fear if they had continued. Howbeit the noble lord great master forthwith caused to make repairs within & to set planks and tables to fortyfy the said weak wall. And abode there fro the morning till night to 'cause it to be the more hasted. The artillery of the gate of Almaigne/ & le Massyf of the gate of the camp & of the palace bet so sore and so often upon the said mantellette that it wearied the enemies to make and repair them so often/ & they took up the pieces and bore them away. And also they could not well beat the said wall because the brims of the dyche without was almost as high as the wall that they bet. But or they bore the artillery away they bet the steeple of saint Iohnns church so that the most part was broken & cast down. The foresaid mantelets were pointed to beat saint Nycolas tour/ & by the space of x. or xii days they shot sore against it. But they had so sharp and vigorous answer that there was not one mantellet that abode hole an hour. The capitain of the said tour and his folk died such diligence & business in shooting of their pieces that the enemies durst set up no more mantellettes by day/ nor shoot no more but only by night while the moon died shine/ which is a thing worthy of memory/ of marvel/ & of praise. At the last when they had beaten against the said ●oure a certain time saying that it forthered nothing/ they took their ordinance fro thence and bore it where they seemed best. ¶ Du●yu●he shot in the said place the other capitains were not idle nor in a sleep/ but without cease night & day they bet the wall of England and Spain/ & had set xiiii mantelets against it shooting great bombards/ whereof some of the stones were .v. or vi spans about and some other of ix or ten And within a month & less they had cast down the wall almost even smooth with the barbycan. And when the said wall was so beaten they set to beat the bulwark of Spain for to raise the defences. And in their trenches they set iii great bombards which shot stones of xi spans of thickness. And with the said pieces they bet the said bulwark and wall in such wise that they made great bracks/ and the stones & earth that fell served the enemies for ladders so that they might come upon the plain ground In likewise they raised the defences fro the height of the bulwark at the post of Prouaunce. & set iii great pieces on the brim of the ditch/ which shot stones of xi spans against the wall/ and within a while they made a brack as at the post of Spain. The artillery of the town died shoot without cease against the mantellettes and broke many of them/ but they made other as it is said in the nights. For they had all thing that belonged to them & needed. And out of the post of England was shot a go that broke down one of the said mantellettes/ and hit upon one of the pieces and slew four or .v. men/ and bore a way both the legs of the master of the ordinance/ which died soon after. whereof the great Turk was very ill content/ and said that he had liefer to have lost one of his bachas or capitains than the said master. Also it is to be known that there was iii or four mantelets addressed against the plain ground of Italy/ and by continual beating of shot that they made/ there was also a brack. And by the earth and stones that was fallen they might come up to it.   

¶ Of the politic repairs and defences that the inventyf capitain Gabryell Martyningo made within the town against the bracks in the walls.  
THe capitain Gabryell Martyningo prompt/ diligent/ & expert to give remedies to the needful places forthwith made to make the traverses upon the wall where as the brack was with good repairs/ & guns small and great/ which were set in the said traverses. The which only shot not at the bracks but to ●he trenches/ & made great murder of enemies as well at the assaults that they made as every day. And beside the traverses the said capitain made to lay small artillery as hacbusshes/ & handgonnes upon certain houses within the town/ that stood open against the brack/ with good repairs. And fro that place great slaughter of turks was made at the assaults. Also it is of troth that beside the said mantellettes that shot against the wall of England and Spain with great bombards were two mantelets in a high place to ward the way to the garden of Maupas/ in the which were certain double gones as baselyskes with hollow stones & wild fire in them/ which shot against the wall in to the town at all adventures for to make murder of people. Howbeit thanked be god it died no great harm but to the houses. ¶ After these great and terrible beatings/ and that the enemies had way to mount upon the town walls/ & come to hand with us by traversing of their trenches to the fallen earth within the brack more surely/ & without hurt of our gun-shot/ shooting through holes that they made in the walls of the ditch without/ they kest up much stone & earth because it should cover them fro the shot of the bulwark of Auvergne. And also they shot fervently against the bulwark of Spain for to raise the defences/ of the which at the last they raised the most part/ reserving only a few gunners allow in the mine of the said bulwark/ which little or nothing damaged them. And this is touching the gun-shot whereof I say not the third part/ because it is a thing ●ered idle to them that hath not seen it. For some days they shot with those great bombards that were on the brim of the dyche and fro the mantellettes bend against the wall of England & Spain twenty or xxx times and more. And I believe verily that such the creation of the world such artillery and so great quantity was never bend and laid before any town as hath been against Rhodes at this siege. wherefore it is no marvel if the walls been and have been be●ell down/ and if there be bracks & clyftes in many places.   

¶ Here followeth of the mines that the turks made. And how they overthrew part of the bulwark of England.  
ANd because as it is said afore that the greatest hope that the enemies had to get the town of Rhodes was by mining. Therefore now after that I have spoken of the gun-shot & beatings I shall show of the mines that the turk made/ the which were in so great quantity & in so many places that I believe the third part of the town was mined. And it is found by account made that there was about lx mines. Howbeit thanked be god many of them came not to effecte●by occasion of the countremynes that they within made/ and also trenches that the right prudent lord the great master made to make deep within the dyches. unto ii or iii foot of the water. The which trenches and certain pits that he had made in the said ditches to be wrought or the host arrived served right well sith. For night and day there was men in them to watch and hearken when the enemies mined/ for to meet them and cut their way/ as was done many times. ¶ And for to speak of the mines that had effect and domaged us/ it is to wite that the fourth day of Septembre about four hours after noon the enemies put fire in ii mines/ one was between the post of Spain and Auvergne/ which died no hurt but to the barbican. The other was at the bulwark of England that was so fell and strong that it caused most part of the town to shake/ & kest down a great part of the said bulwark at the spring of the day. And by the earth & stones that fell in to the dyches the enemies came upon the bulwark with their banners/ & fought sore & mightily with our men/ not with hands but with shot of handgonnes. The lord great master that was come xu days or more with his succour to the said bulwark/ went with his company to help them that fought. After that they had fought the space of ii or iii hours/ the enemies repulsed and driven back by our men fro the said bulwark/ and beaten with ordinance on every side/ withdrew them with their loss/ shame/ and damage. And this was the first victory that our lord gave vs●and there abode of our enemies a. M. and more. ¶ when this assault was done they made another at the brack in the wall of Spain/ and mounted upon it. But the ordinance of the traverses of the walls and of the houses made so fair a ryddaunce that they were right fain to withdraw them for at there●●● & also at they● coming the said ordinance of the bulwark died them great damage. albeit that they had made some repair of earth. Of our men died that day xxv or thereabout/ as well knights as other. And the same day in the morning departed out of this world Gabryell de Pomerolles' lieutenant to the lord master which on a certain day before fell fro the wall as he went to see the trenches in the dyches & hurt his breast & for fault of good attendance he fell in a fever whereof he died.   

¶ How the turks assailed the bulwark of England and how they were driven away.  
THe ix day of the said month at vii in the morning the enemies put fire in ii mines. One at the post of Prouaunce/ which had none effect. The other was at the bulwark of England which felled an other pyecenygh to that that was casten down afore. And the said mine was as fierce as the other or more for it seemed that all the bulwark went down. & almost all they that were ●n it ran away. And when the standard of the religion came into the said bulwark the enemies were at the brack ready to have entered. But when they saw the said standard/ as people lost & overcome they went down again. Than the artillery of the bulwark of Quosquino/ & of other places found them well enough/ & slew many of them. Howbeit their capitains made them to return with great strokes of swords & other weapons/ & remounted upon the earth fallen fro the said bulwark/ & pight vii banners nigh to our repair. Than our men fought with moryskpykes & fired spears against them the space of iii hole hours/ till at the last they being well beaten with great ordinance and small on every side withdrew them. And of their banners our men gate one/ for it was not possible to get any more. For as soon as any of our men went up on our repairs he was slain with small gonnes of the trenches/ & holes made in the walls of our ditches. And there was slain of our enemies that day at the assault ii M. of mean men/ & iii persons of estate which lay deed along in the dyche with fair and rich harness. And as it was reported to us from the camp they were iii seniae boys/ that is to say great seneshalles or stewards. And of christian men of our part abode about xxx persons. And this was the second victory given to us by the grace divine.   

¶ How sir Iohn bourgh turcoplyer of England was slain at an assault of the english bulwark.  
THe xvii day of the same month about midday the enemies came again to give an other assault to the said bulwark at the same place aforesaid without setting of fire in mines/ & brought .v. banners with them nigh to the repairs. Than was there strong fighting on both parts/ and there was gotten two of their banners/ of the which sir Xpofre Ualdenarc that time castelayne of Rhodes gate one. The other was in the hands of sir Iohn bourgh turcoplyer of England chief capitain of the succour of the said post of England/ a valiant man and hardy. And in holding of it he was slain with the stroke of a handgonne/ which was great damage. The said banner was recovered by one of our men. And after long fyghtinge on both sides the enemies saying that they gate nothing but stripes returned in to their trenches. At the said fray the lord prior of saint Gyles pre Iohn was hurt through the neck with a handgonne/ & was in great danger of death/ but he escaped and was made hole. The same day & the same hour of the said assault the enemies mounted to the brack in the wall of Spain/ and came to the repairs to the hands of our men and fought a great while. But the great quantity of artillery that was shot so busily and so sharply from our traverses on each side/ & out of the bulwarks of Auvergne & Spain scarmysshed them so well that there abode as many at that assault as at the other of England well near to the number of .v. M. And they withdrew them with their great loss and confusion/ which was the third time that they were chased & overcome thanked be our lord which gave us the force & power so to do/ for they were by reason a. C. against one.  
¶ Also the xxii day of the same month of Septembre they fired a mine between Italy and Provence/ which died no harm.   

¶ Of the terrible mine at the post of Auvergne.  
ANd the xxiii day of the same month they fired ii mines one at the post of Spain/ & the other by the bulwark of Auvergne. the which mine by Auvergne was so terrible that it made all the town to shake/ & made the wall to open fro above to beneath unto the plain ground. Howbeit it fell not/ for the mine had spyrall or breathe in ii places/ by one of the countremynes/ & by a Rock under the barbycan/ the which died cleave/ & by that clift the furor & might of the mine had issue. And if the said ii spyralles had not been the wall had be turned upso-down. And for troth as it was reported to us out of the camp the enemies haste great hope in the said mine/ weening that the wall should have be overthrown/ & than they might have entered in to the town at their pleasures. But when they saw the contrary they were right ill pleased. And the capitains delivered them to give assault at four places at ones to make us the more ado/ & to have intraunce in to the town by one of the four And the said day & night they ceased not to shoot artillery. & there came in hope of the mine lx M. men and more in to the trenches.   

¶ How the bulwark of Spain was lost/ & won again.  
THe xxiiii day of the same month a little before day they gave assault at the brack of Spain/ to the bulwark of England/ to the poost of Prouaunce/ & at the plain ground of Italy/ all at one hour & one tyme. The first that mounted to the brack of Spain was Lagat des genissayres a valiant man & of great courage with his company/ & bore lx or lxx banners & signs/ & pight them in the earth of the brack/ & than sought with our men/ & mounted on our repairs making other manner of fray & more rigorous than the other that were passed/ and the said meddling lasted about vi hours. And forthwith as the assault was given a great sort of turks entered in to the bulwark of Spain and set up viii or ix signs or banners upon it/ & drove our men out ● I can not tell how/ unwares or otherwise. And they were lords of it iii hours & more. Howbeit there was of our men beneath in the mine of the said bulwark. the which bulwark so lost gave us evil hope. But incontinent the lord great master being at the defence of the post of England having knowledge of the said iosse and that there was great fighting & resistance on both sides at the brack of Spain marched thither with the banner of the crucifix/ leaving the charge of the said bulwark in the hands of the bailiff de la Moree messire Merry combant. And the lord mounted on the wall of spain where as than began a great meddling/ & every man laid his hands to work/ as well to put the enemies out of the brack as to recover the bulwark that was lost. And the said lord sent a company of men in to the bulwark by the gate of the mine/ or by the barbycan the which entered at the said gate & went up where they found but few turks. For the artillery of the post of England right against the bulwark of Spain had so well met & scattered them that within a while our men had slain all them the were left. And thus the said bulwark was gotten and recovered again/ and with all diligence were made new repairs & strengths to the said place And in likewise the enemies were put fro the brack and few o● them scaped/ and all their banners and signs were left with us. Surely it may be said that after the grace of god (the traverses of Spain & Auvergne/ and the small artillery set on the houses right against the said bracks as it is said/ with the coming and presence of the lord great master) hath given us this journey.  
¶ To the regard of the murder of people done by the artillery of the bulwark of England and Spain/ the quantity was such that a man could not perceive nor see any ground of the dyches. And the stench of the mastyfes' carrions was so grievous that we might not suffer it vii or viii days after. And at the last they that might save themself died so/ and withdrew them to the trenches/ And the reverent lord great master abode victorious of the said place/ and in likewise of the other three assaults/ the which were but little le●se than that of Spain/ for they fought long. But in conclusion the enemies beaten on all sides/ and in so many sorts with artillery were put back and vanquished that there died that day at all the four places xu or xvi M. And the slaughter was so great at the plain of Italy of the cursed enemies that the see was made reed with their blood. And on our side also died to the number of a. C. men or moo. And of men of dignity in the town having charge died sir Fraunceys de Frenolz commaundour de la Romaygne/ which sir Fraunceys was chief capitain of the great ship of Rhodes/ and he was slain at the plain of Italy/ wounded with ii strokes of hacbusshes/ it was great damage of his death for he was a worthy man/ perfit/ and full of virtues. There died also messire Nastasy de sancta Camel afore named having a. C. men under him of the lord great masters succour. There died also divers other worthy men that day/ & many were maimed. Among all other that lost any member messyre Iohn de le touz called Pradynes/ being at the said bulwark with a stroke of artillery had his a●me smitten away in great danger to have lost his life/ howbeit by the help of god he died not. In likewise the same day was hurt sir wyllyam weston abovesaid capitain of the post of England/ & had one of his fingers stricken away with a hacbusshe. which knight behaved him right worthily at all the assaults. Of the turks part of great men were two principal capitains slain under Lagat des genissaires/ and another capitain that was come out of Surrey to the camp certain days before with vi C. Mamelukes/ and ii or iii M. Moors. And of them that were hurt of great men le Beglarby de la Notilia had a stroke with an arrow as he was in the trench of Prouaunce. And many other were wounded whose names be not rehearsed here because of shortness.   

¶ How the great turk for anger that he could not get the town would have put his chief capitain to death/ & how they made xi mines under the bulwark of England.  
During this assault the great turk was by his pavilion in a place that he had caused to be made/ & saw all the business/ & how his people were so sharply put back/ & the journey lost on his side he was very sore disposed and half in despair. And sent for Monstofa bacha with whom he was angry/ & chid him bitterly/ saying that he had caused him to come thither/ & had made him to believe that he sholtake the town in xu days or a month at the farthest. & he had been there all ready iii months with his army & yet had they done nothing. And after these words he was purposed to 'cause him suffer death in the camp. But the other bachas showed him that he aught not to do justice in the land of his enemies/ for it should consort ●hem & give them courage/ whereby he died moderate his anger & let him for that time/ & thought to send him to Cayre jest the people there would rebel/ by occasion of the capitain of Cayre which died a few days before. Howbeit he departed not so suddenly/ & or he went he thought to assay if he might do some thing for to please the turk/ as well for his honour as for to save his person. & made marvelous diligence to make mines at the bulwark of England for to overthrow it. And by account was made xi mines as well to the said bulwark as else where/ beside them spoken of afore/ & that they had fired But the most part of the said mines came to no proof though they put fire in them/ & many were met with countremynes/ & broken by our men by the good diligence & solicitude of sir Gabryell du chief steward of the house to the lord great master/ which had the charge of the said countremynes at the same bulwark. In the which business he behaved him well & worthily/ and spared not his goods to cause the people work & travail/ but spent thereof largely.   

¶ How the turks were minded to have go their way/ & of the traitors within the town/ & of many great assantes.  
THe turks saying that by mining they were nothing furthered/ nor might not come to their intentions/ and having but small store of powdres were in deliberation & mind to have raised the siege and go their way. And in deed some of them made to bear their carriages toward the ships. and also certain number of people went out of the trenches with their standards straight to the ships. And it was written to us fro the camp how the genyssayres and other of the host would fight no more. and that they were almost all of one opinion for go away/ safe some of the capitains of the foresaid Monstofa bacha or Acmek bacha. And in the mean season the false traitors that were in the town wrote letters to the camp giving them knowledge of all that was said & done among us. And also an Albanyti fled to the enemies camp & warned them not to go/ for the gun-shot was nigh wasted/ & that the most part of the knights and people should be theirs shortly. ¶ In likewise than wrote the abovesaid chancellor sir Andrew de Merall/ whose treason as than was not known. But when it cometh to the effect of his treason I shall show the knowledge that he gave to the enemies at divers times. ¶ when the bachas & capitains of the host understood the said warnings they all purposed for to tarry/ & caused those tidings of the town to be known over all the army. And began again to shoot artillery faster than ever they died/ for new shot was comen in to the camp. Than Monstofa bacha being in despair that he could do no thing by mines/ by gun-shot/ nor by assaults he being ready to depart for to go in to Surrey by the great turks commandment before his departing he thought ones again to assay his adventure/ and made iii assaults iii days together. The first was on a saturday the four day of Octobre an hour before night. The other on sunday in the morning. & the third on monday after dinner. And the said iii assaults were made to the bulwark of England. And it was assailed but with stones and bags full of artifice tire. And at these three assaults many of our men were hurt with the said fire/ & with the stones that came as thick as rain or hail. But finally the enemies gate ●othynge but strokes/ & returned in to their trenches evil contented & murmuring/ and swore by their Machomet that Monstofa bacha should not make them to mount any more to the said bulwark. And that it was great folly for them to make them be slain at the will & fantasy of one man. These words said in greek by some of the enemies were herd of our men as they went down fro the bulwark. And because (as it is said) that the enemies at the assaults that were made came up by the e●the and stones that fell fro the bracks/ some of our men advised to cleanse the barbycan/ & take the earth out of the ditch/ to th'end that the enemies should not easily come upon the wall. And in effect weening that it were well & behoveful to be done/ by great diligence night & day by mines they voided the barbycan/ & the most part of the earth that lay in the dyche was brought in to the town the which was hurtful afterward & was cause that the enemies gate the foot of the wall. notwithstanding they had it but scarcely. But this cleansing furthered the time & caused them to get it sooner than they should have done if the earth had lain still. But their final intent was to raise the defence of the bulwarks/ & than pass at their pleasure & enter in to the barbycan as they have done. For the enemies saying that the said barbycan was cleansed they thought to get in to it by trenches/ and so they died. Howbeit they were certain days letted by our hand gone shot. The enemies saying that they might not come near it they covered their trenches with tables to save themself. And than they made a mine whereby they might go to the barbycan. So by these two means after that they were repaired with earth and with a certain wall that they made for to eschew the shot of the bulwarks of Auvergne and Spain. And in the mine they found but two gunners/ which they slew by force of men. By this manner they being covered on all parts/ & without any danger passed thorough & leapt in to the barbycan/ and gate the foot of the wall. which was the xvii day of Octobre/ a unhappy day for the poor town/ and occasion of the ruin thereof/ & winning that they had. ¶ At this point they slept not/ but lightly and with great diligence they began ●o pick & hew the wall. And we weening to make remedy therefore/ & to find means to drive them fro the said barby●an with gins of fire & barylles of powder wherewith we slew many of them/ but it availed nothing. For the quantity & multitude of people that travailed there was so great that they cared not for loss of them. And if we had had men enough within the town there might have been remedy to have raised them fro thence. But considering that our force & total hope was in people/ whereby we left to do many things that might have been done & that should have been good than/ and other times also for fault of men of war. At the last it was pondered by sir Gabryell martiningo that there was no remedy but to hew the wall for to meet them & beat them with ordinance and with gyunes of fire to burn & undo them. Than our men began to hew the wall/ & made some holes to shoot at the enemies that slept not/ but died as we died/ to shoot at us/ & in deed they slew and hurt many of our men. Than sir Gabryell martiningo ordained to make repairs within the town at the front where they died cut the wall/ to th'end that after the walls were cut the enemies should know with whom to mete. The traverses were made on each side with good artillery great and small. And the said traverses & repairs were of the length that the enemies had cut the wall. & began at the massyf of Spain made by the reverent lord great master Merry damboyse/ & ended at the church of saint Saluador. The which traverses & repairs the vulgar people call la Mandra/ that is to say/ the field. ¶ The mean time that the repairs and traverses were made with all diligence sir Gabryell Martiningo never ceased going to every place to purvey for all things. And he being on the bulwark of Spain to ordain all thing that was needful there came a stroke of a handgonne fro the trenches that smote out his eye/ & put him in danger of his life/ but thanked be god he returned to health within a month & a half. His hurt came evil to pass for the need that we had of him that time in all things/ & specially to the repairs of the bracks. Nevertheless the lord prior of saint Gyles (not ignorant in all such things) with other men expert in war intended to the said repairs & traverses/ there & else where. The enemies on the other side night and day without rest (for the great number of labourers that they had hourly and new readily) hewed and undermined the said wall. ¶ And the twenty day of Octobre they put fire in the undermines weening to have cast down the wall/ but they could not. Than they would have pulled it down with great ropes and anchors. But the artillery of the bulwark of Auvergne broke their ropes & sent them away lightly. ¶ At the last they made a mine under the said wall and brack. And the vi day of the same month they died put fire to the same mine/ weening to have overthrown the wall/ which it died not but raised it and made it to fall almost straight upright/ which was more disadvantage to the enemies than profit. Than they shot artillery at it which in few days was beaten down/ & they had openyuge and way to come in to the town. Nevertheless it was not necessary for them as than to enter. For the artillery of our repairs bet them in the fore parce/ & the artillery dying at the ii mills at the post of Quosquino/ and in that of England/ where as was a baselyke that bet right upon the brack with other pieces. And therefore the enemies sought other means/ & began to raise the earth between our two walls/ drawing toward England on the one side/ & toward Auvergne on the other side/ & would have cut the wall farther than our traverses were for to come in unbeaten of our artillery. Than were the repairs enlarged & made more with the wall that was cut/ of the height of xii or xvi foot in breed. And so the enemies might go no farther forward/ but shot great artillery against our repairs for to break and cast them down. And also they made trenches for to come right to the brack/ and unto the repairs. And certainly we looked day by day and hour by hour for to have some assault. The reverent lord great master the which as it is said had left the bulwark of England the day that the great assault was made/ and sith that time heimoeved not fro thence as they hewed the wall/ and there as the brack was/ because that they were the most dangerous and the most unquiet places. And continually the said lord kept him behind the said repairs with his knights and men of succour/ intentyfly ready and appareled to live and die/ & to receive his enemies as they aught to be received And he abode iii or four days at the said brack continuing sith it was made unto the end/ fighting with his enemies every day in great peril of his body. For oftentimes he put himself farther in the press than needed/ for the unquietness of his person. But he died it for to herten and strength the courage of his people/ being so well willing to defend and die for the ●aythe.   

¶ How the enemies assailed the posts of Prouaunce & Italy/ & how they were driven away.  
BY the will of our lord the enemies always in fear & dread would give none assault/ but continually shot against our repairs/ & made trenches for to pass forward in to the town. By the which trenches they shot infynitly with hacbusshes & handgonnes/ and slew many of our folk/ & specially of them that wrought & made the repairs that were broken & erased. And they put us in such extremity that we had almost no moo s●laues nor other labouring people for to repair that/ that they broke night & day/ which was a great hindrance for us & beginning of our perdition. And if we had moche to do in that place/ there was not less at the gate of Prouaunce/ & at the plain of Italy. For daily they were doing either with assault or skirmish/ & most at the plain of Italy. Howbeit by the help of our lord with the good conduting of the capitain of succour of the same place the prior of Navarre that was prompt and intent if/ & could well encourage his men the enemies had always the worst/ and were driven fro the said plain/ and fro the brack of Prouaunce.   

¶ How the treason of sir Andrew de Merall was known/ & of the marvelous assaults that the turks made.  
UPon these terms & assaults the treason of the chancellor sir Andrew de Meral/ of whom I spoke of afore was apperceived. For a servant of his named Blasy was found shooting a quarrel of a crossbow with a letter/ whereof he was accused to the lord great master/ which made to take him & examine him by justice/ and he confessed the shot of that letter & other afore at the commandment of his master. And said that he had great acquaintance with the Turks bachas/ & that it was not long sith he had written a letter to them/ warning them that they should not go/ for gun-shot began to fail & the men were wasted by fleeing and hurting at the assaults in great quantity. And if they abode still and gave more assaults/ at the last the town should be theirs. And divers other things the servant said of his master/ of the which I have spoken part afore at the beginning/ & of the warning that he gave to the great Turk for to come. ¶ But to return to the plain of Italy. After many battles & assaults done in the said place by continual shot of xvii great gonnes that bet the said plain/ the repairs & traverses were almost broken & lost. And by trenches the enemies were come joining to the brack/ and never ceased to grate the earth & scrape the earth to 'cause the repairs & traverses to fall/ And at the last the most part fell down/ and our men were constrained to leave the said plain/ safe a cantle that was toward that see/ as it were the third part thereof. Certain days afore the enemies came to the foot of the plain/ and died cut it/ & raised the earth/ & at the last they passed thorough unto the town wall. & anon began to hew & cut as they died at that of Spain. The lord great master saying that anon made to cast down a part of the church of our lady de la Victory/ & of an other church of saint Panthalion. And within them began to make the repairs & traverses as at the place of Spain. whereto was made extreme diligence/ but not such as the lord would/ & as was needful/ because there was no labourers for to help. After that the enemies had won the most part of the bulwark of England & the plain of Italy they were purposed to make assault to ye●ayd plain & to the brack of Spain/ & to enter in to our repairs to win them for to have the end of us. And for ever to affeble the repairs & for to abash us/ the xxviii day of Novembre all along the day and night they ceased not to shoot great artillery/ both fro the brims of the dyches with those great pieces casting stones of ix and xi foot thick/ and fro the mantellettes without. And as it was reckoned they shot the same day and night a. C. and l times or more against our repairs and traverses of the wall. ¶ And in the morning the xxix day of the same month the vigil of saint Andrew at the spring of the day the enemies went thorough the brack with their banners and entered in to the repairs with greater number of people than they died at the great battle in Septembre/ hardily and furiously for to fight with us. But at their coming in the artillery of the traverses and the handgonnes/ and the gun-shot of the mills found them so well and so sharply that he that came in was anon dispatched and overthrown/ and there abode above ii M. of the turks slain. The other that came after saying their fellows so evil welcomed/ as people that were astonied and lost they turned again to their trenches. to whom the artillery of the mills shot vygoryously/ and hasted them to go a pace. And by report fro the camp there died two thousand or more that day. The which day might be called very happy/ and well fortunate for us thanked be god. For there was none that thought to escape that day/ but to have died all and lost the town. Howbeit the pleasure of our lord was by evident miracle to have it otherwise/ and the enemies were chased and overcome. And it is to be noted that the same day the rain was so great and so strong/ that it made the earth to sink a great deal that they had cast into the ditches for to cover them fro the shot of Auvergne. And the said earth being so sunken/ the artylery of the said bulwark (unwares to them) smote them going and coming and made great murder of the said dogs. The said day also the enemies came to the plain of Italy for to assault it/ but when they understood that their fellows had been put back so rudely/ & with so great slaughter they were afraid/ and so they returned again to their trenches.   

¶ How the Turks gate the plain ground of Italy.  
ANd that done Acmek Bacha saying their business every day go fro worse to worse/ and that at the assaults was but loss of people without doing of any good/ and that there was no man that willingly would go to it any more/ he intended to give no more assaults/ but to follow his trenches/ & by them enter dyscovertly without loss of a man fro the brack to the other end of the town. Semblably he intended for to win the plain earth beside Spain. The which to get he came at pleasure to the foot of the wall/ & began to beat down the plain ground and to give many scarmysshes and conflicts to our folk that kept it. And there was slain many good men. And at the last for default of more help/ and of gonshotte it was left and given up of our men/ and so lost. That done the enemies came thither as in other places. And this is the third place that they came near to the foot of the wall. And who that well considered in what estate that the poor town was in that time saying their enemies have so great advantage/ might well say and judge that at length it should be taken and a lost town.   

¶ How a Genevey came to the gate of the town for to speak for a treaty/ and deliverance of the same.  
AFter that the said journey was won/ a few days after a christian man that was in the camp/ the which by his speech was a Geneveys or Cyotis came to the gate of Auvergne/ and demanded to speak/ and after that he was questioned what he would have/ he said that he had marvel of us why we would not yield us/ saying the piteous degree that the town was in. And he as a christian man counseled us to yield us with some agreement. And that if we would look thereto/ y some should be found expedient to do somewhat for our safeguard. And it is to believe that he said not such words nor spoke so farforth in the matter without commission of some of the chief of the camp/ or of the great Turk himself. To the which Cyotis was answered that he should go away with an evil hap/ & that it needed not to speak of a pointment. And that though the enemies had great advantage/ that there was yet enough wherewith to receive and feast them/ if they made any assault. These words herd he went away. And two days after he came again and demanded to speak with a merchant Geneveys of the town named Mathewe de Ura/ and he was answered that he which he demanded was seek/ and might not come/ but that he should deliver the letter & it should be given to him. The said Cyotis said nay/ and that he would give it himself & speak with him. And said that he had also a letter of the great lord/ for the lord master. Upon this he was boden to go his way/ & to further him to go/ they shot after him a piece of artylery. The next day after Ballantis Albanyty that was fled through the brack of Spain to the camp came fro the said Geneveys proposing such words or like as the other had said/ saying likewise that the great lord had sent a letter to the lord master. To whom no words were spoken nor answer made/ for the lord great master as wise and prudent considering that a town that will here entreatings is half lost/ made to defend upon the pain of death sith that Cyotis had spoken those two times that none should be so hardy to speak nor answer to them of the camp/ without his knowledge and commandment/ but saying they were such ambassadors/ they reported the words of the said Albanyty/ or ever the said lord had knowledge of the words of Cyotis. The which words spread through the town put many folk in thought/ and would have undone y● that Cyotis said. The which is no marvel there as is moche people/ for with good will & most often they regarded more sooner to save the life of them & their children than they do to the honour of the residue. Howbeit not one durst speak a word openly of that business/ but all secretly. And some came and spoke to certain lords of the great cross for to speak to the lord great master. And in effect some lords spoke thereof to him/ enhorting him that it should be good to think thereon/ saying that the town went to loss. To whom the said lord showed many things for his honour and the reylgyon. And that no such things aught to be done nor thought/ for any thing in the world/ but rather he and they to die. The lords hearing this answer went their ways/ and than returned again to the said lord/ advising him more to think well on all things & to the salvation of his town & of his religion. And they said moreover that they doubted that the people would rather have appointment than to die/ and their wives and children. The lord saying that such words were as things enforced (as who should say) if thou do it not/ we shall do it as wise men and prudent/ willing to make remedies of needful things by counsel made to call the lords of his counsel for to have advise in these doings and other. And when they were assembled/ the lord proposed the words that were to him denounced/ & said. With these terms & words came two or three merchants & citizens of the town that knocked at the door of the counsel & presented a supplication to the great master/ & lords of the counsel/ whereby they required and besought meekly ye●ayd reverend lord have respite to them and their poor households/ and to make some appointment with the great Turk/ saying that the said matter was all ready forward in purpose that he would do it. And that it would please him to consider the piteous & sorrowful estate that the town was in. And that there was no remedy to save it. And at the least way if the lord would not make a poyntment to give them leave (of his goodness) to have their wives & their children out of the Rhodes to save them for they would not that they were slain nor made slaves to the enemies. And the conclusion was that if the said lord would not purvey therefore/ they would purvey for it themself. And there was written in the said request the names of eight or ten of the richest of the town (which words of the said supplication heard) the said lord and his counsel were abashed and evil content as reason would/ saying that it was but a course game/ and thought on many things to make answer to the said citizens/ for to content and appease them And also to see if they should intend to the appointment/ as they required/ and after as the Genevoy had reported. And the better to make the said answer/ and to know more plainly in what degree the town was in all things. That is to wite/ first of powders/ & than of men of war/ and of the katteryes. Also were interroged and questioned the lord of saint Gyles Pre johan which had the charge of the powders/ and than the capitain sir Gabryell Martynyngo for being over their men of war (as it is said) as to him that knew the truth if the town might hold or not/ or there were expedient to save it. The said lord of saint Gyles arose saying & affirming upon his honour and his conscience that almost all the slaves and labourers were deed and hurt. And that scantly there was folk ●nowe to remove a piece of artillery fro one place to an other/ & that it was unpossible without folk any more to make or set up the repairs the which every day were broken and crushed by the great/ furious/ and continual shot of the enemies artylery. As for powders the said lord said/ that all that was for store in the town was spent long agone. And of that/ that was newly brought was not to serve & furnish two assaults. And he saying the great advantage of the enemies being so far within the town without power to put or chase them away for default of men was of the opinion that the town would be lost/ and that there was no means to save it. The words of the said lord finished/ the capitain Gabryell Martynyngo for his discharge said and declared to the reverend lord and them of the counsel/ that saying and considering the great betings of shot that the town had suffered/ and after saying the entering that the enemies had so large/ and that they were within the town by their trenches both endlong and overthwart. saying also that in two other places they were at the foot of the wall/ and that the most part of our knights and men of war and other were slain and hurt/ and the powders wasted/ & that it was unpossible for them to resist their enemies any more/ that without doubt the town was lost if there came no socoures for to help and resist the siege. The which opinions and reasons of these two worthy men and expert in such feats understanden & pondered by the lord great master and the lords of the council/ they were most part advised for to accept and take treaty if it were offered/ for the safeguard of the common people/ and of the holy relics of the church/ as part of the holy cross/ the holy thorn/ the hand of saint johan and part of his heed/ and divers other holy relics. Hobeit the lord great master to whom the business belonged very near/ and that took it most heavily ●and was more sorrowful than any of the other as reason required was always steadfast in his first purpose/ rather willing to die than to consent to such a thing/ and said again to the lords of the council. Advise you and think well on every thing/ and of the end that may happen/ and he preposed to them ii points. That is to wite. whither is it better for us to die all/ or to save the people & the holy relics. The which ii points and doubts were long time disputed/ and there was divers opinions. Nevertheless at the last they said all that howbeit that it were well and safely done to die for the faith and most of honour for us. Notwithstanding seen and considered that there is no remedy to resist against our enemies/ nor means to save the town. And on the other part that the great Turk would not oppress us to forsake our faith/ but only would have the town/ it were much better than and sounding to greater wealth to save all the jewels abovesaid that should be defoiled and lost if they came in the hands of the enemies of the faith. And also to keep so much small people as women and children that they would torment and cut some in pieces/ other take and parforced to 'cause them to forsake their faith/ with innumerable violences and shameful sins that should be committed and done if the town were put to blood as was done at Modon/ and lately at Bellegrado. whereby they died conclude that it were better and more agreeable to god for to take the treaty if it were proffered than for to die as people desperate and without hope.   

¶ How the great turk sent two of his men to the town to have it by entreating. And how the lord great master sent two knights to him to know his assurance.  
Upon these terminations & words the divinity that saveth them trusting in him/ and that would not that so many evils & cruelties should come to the poor city & inhabitants of it. And also that the great turk arise not in over great pride & vainglory/ put him in will to seek to have the said town by treaty which he aught not to have done for his honour/ nor by reason/ for the town in a manner was his. And in likewise he aught not to have letten us go as he died/ saying that we were his mortal enemies ever/ & shall be still in the time coming/ considering the great slaughter of his people that we have made in this siege. Howbeit the eternal goodness hath blinded him/ & hath pleased that these things should be thus/ for some cause unknown of us. And for conclusion the great turk sent to have a communication & speaking together/ in following the words of the Genevey aforesaid. Than was a sign set upon the church des le Monistres without the town. to the which was made answer with another at the mills of Quosquino. And forthwith came ii turks for to speak with them of the town. Than the lord great master sent the prior of saint Gyles pre Iohn/ and the captain Gabryell martiningo to know the cause of their coming. And when they came to them without holding of long purpose the two turks delivered them a letter for to bear to the lord great master fro the great turk/ and than returned surely in to their tents. when the two lords had received it they bore and presented it to the reverent lord great master which caused it to be red. By the which the great turk demauned of the lord great master to yield the town to him/ and in so doing he was content to let him go & all his knights/ & all the other people of what condition so ever they were/ with all their goods and jewels safe/ without to have fear of any harm or displeasure of his folks. And also he swore and promised on his faith so to do. The said letter was sealed with his signet that he useth/ that is as it were guilded. And he said afterward that if the lord great master would not accept the said treaty/ that none of the city of what estate so ever he were should think to escape/ but that they all unto the cats should pass by the edge of the sword/ & that they should send him an answer forthwith/ either ye/ or nay. After the sight of the contents of the said letter of so great weight/ & the time so short for to give so great an answer & with demand/ the said lord great master and all the lords of the council were in great thought. howbeit they were delivered to give answer. Seeing the ordinance of the town so ill that it could be no worse. Hearing the report and opinions a day or two before of the ii lords ordained upon the effects of the town/ saying that the town was lost without remedy. considering also that the principals of the town would have appointment. And in likewise at the other council all the lords had all ready willed and declared that it were better to save the towfor respect of the poor people/ than to put it all hole to the furor of the enemies. where upon they agreed and concluded to take the foresaid treaty. After the conclusion takend answer was made readily for a good respect. That it to wite to take the Turk at his word to the end that he should not repent him of it nor change his opinion. For every hour his people wan and entered farther and farther in to the town. And for to go unto the great Turk was ordained these two knights/ sir Passyn afore named/ and he bore the token of the white cross. And another of the town named Robert de Perrutis judge ordinary. ¶ when these two ambassadors had made them ready they went out at the gate of Quosquino and went to the tent of Acmek bassa capitain general. And because it was late/ and that they might not go that day to the great Turk/ on the next day in the morning the foresaid capitain Acmek led and conveyed our said ambassadors to the great Turk's pavilion/ that they might have knowledge more plainly/ and for to here his will as touching the words the which were reported to the reverent lord great master and after the contents of his letter and writings. ¶ when the said two ambassadors were departed out of the town there died entre two men of authority of the camp. One was nephew or kinsman of the said Acmek. the other was the great turks trucheman/ which the lord master caused to be well received/ & they were lodged nigh the said gate of Quosquino. And than truce was taken for three days. and the enemies came to our repairs and spoke with our folk and drank one with another.   

¶ How the ambassadors of Rhodes spoke with the great turk/ and what answer they had.  
When our ambassadors had made reverence to the great Turk/ they said that the lord great master of Rhodes had sent them to his imperial majesty to know what he maunded/ & demanded as to have speaking together/ & how the great master had received his letter. The great Turk made to answer them by his trucheman/ that of demanding to speak together/ nor writing of letter to the great master he knew nothing. Howbeit sith the great master had sent to him for to know his will/ he bade say to them that the great master should yield him the town. And in so doing he promised by his faith for to let him go with all his knights/ & all other that would go with their goods/ without to have any displeasure of his people of the camp. And if he accepted not the said treaty to notyfy him that he would never depart fro before Rhodes till he had taken it/ & that all his might of Turk that should die there but if he had it/ and that there should neither great nor little escape/ but unto the cats they should be all put in pieces. And said that within iii days they should give him an answer. For he would not that his people should lose tyme. And that during the said truce they should make no repairs nor defences within the town. ¶ when the great lord had ended his words our ambassadors took their leave of him/ and returned to the town/ & there was given to each of them a rich garment of branched velvet with cloth of gold of the turkish fashion. Than Acmek bacha took sir Pessyn/ & led him to his pavilion/ and entreating him right well caused him to abide all that day and night. And in eating & drinking they had many purposes of things done at the siege/ questioning each other. And among all other things our ambassador demanded of Acmek/ & prayed him to tell for troth how many men died of the camp sith the siege was laid. The said bacha swore upon his faith and certified that there was deed of the camp of violent death/ that is to say of gun-shot and other ways. lxiiii. M. men or more/ beside them that died of sickness which were about xl or l thousand.   

¶ How one of the ambassadors made answer of his message And how the commons would not agree to yield the town.  
Return we now to our purpose & to the answer that our ambassadors brought to the lord great master. The said Robert Perruse made the answer & told what the great turk had said/ certyfyenge that he would have an answer lightly either ye or nay. The which answer after the demand of the great turk hath been purposed and concluded by the hole council and his offer & treaty accepted/ howbeit the said ambassadors had it not to do so soon nor the first time that they went for good reasons/ but yet they would not defer it for fear that he should repent him. And upon these terminations that they would have sent the said Peruse to bear the answer came some of the common people of the town to the lord great master that was with the lords of the council/ and said that they were advertised of the apoyntement that he had made with the great turk/ and that he would yield the town with covenants by him taken/ which they seemed aught not to be done without calling of them. And because they were not called to it they said that they would not agree thereto. And that it were better for them to die/ for the great turk by some way would put them all to death/ as was done in Bellegrado in Hungry.   

¶ How the lord great master sent two ambassadors for the commons to the great Turk.  
When the reverent lord great master had heard their words he said graciously to them that as touching to have accept the great turks offer it was of force so to do in the degree that the town was. and the causes wherefore he had done it the council had seen & discussed/ & that it was a thing that might not/ nor aught not to be said nor published in common for reporting of it to the enemies by traitors/ but be kept still & secret. And moreover that it was concluded to make an answer shortly/ for to take the great turk at his word jest he repented him. For if they had been called or the answer had be given it had been over long business/ & in the mean time the turk might have changed his mind/ & that the he had done and concluded with the great turk the lords of the council had well regarded & considered in all things/ & for their profit and advantage as much or more as for that of the religion. And that they would send to the great Turk again other ambassadors the better to know his will and to be surer of his promise. Than the lord great master ordained ii other ambassadors for to go to the great turk/ which where ii spaniards/ the one named sir Raymon market/ & the other messire Loup/ at whose yssuenge entered sir Passyn the first ambassador/ & the other ii went to the tent of Acmek bacha for to lead them to the great turk. And when they were within the turks pavilion/ & had done him reverence as appertained our ambassadors said that the great master had herd & seen his demand to yield the town. And for that it is a thing of great weight and that he had to do & say with many men of divers nations/ & because the time of answer was so short he might not do that/ that he demanded so soon. Howbeit he would speak with his people/ & than he would give him an answer.   

¶ How the turk began the assault/ and how the commons agreed to yield the town.  
When the great turk heard the answer of our ambassadors/ he said nothing but commanded his bachas that they should begin the battle again to the town/ that which was done. And than the truce was broken and the shot of the enemies was sharper than it was afore. And on the other side nothing or very little for fault of powder. For that/ that there was left/ was kept for some great assault or need. Howbeit the said Acmek Bacha kept one of the ambassadors and messyre Loup only entered. The great master saying the war begun/ and the shot thicker than it was afore/ and the enemies enter hourly by their trenches further into the town/ made to call them that tofore had said to him that they would not the town should be yielded/ but had liefer for to die. And therefore the said lord said that he was content for to die with them/ and that they should dispose them to defend themself well/ or to do their devour better than they had done in time past. And to the end that each one of them should have knowledge of his will (for as than he spoke but to four or five of them that gainsaid him). He made a cry through all the town that all they that were holden to be at the posts or gates should give attendance/ and not to come away day nor night on pain of death. For afore the Rodyens came but little there. And that the other that were not of the posts/ or that were of his succour/ should go to the brack of Spain where the said lord was continually/ & not to go away day nor night on the above said pain. The said cry made each one were obedient for a day or twain/ howbeit a young Rodyen left his post and went to his house/ which on the next day was hanged for breaking of the lords commandment. Not withstanding that by little and little the people annoyed them and their hearts failed/ & left the posts and bracks/ in such wise that the enemies might come in without to find great resistance/ but of a few that the lord master caused to abide there (that is to wite) knights of his succour And in the night made to search more people for to keep the watch at the said brack/ and paid to them asmuch as they would. The said lord saying him thus abandoned and left of his people/ he made to ask them again wherefore they did not their devour/ & why they came not to die/ as they said before. which made answer that they saw and knew well that the town was lost for certain reasons that was told them/ by occasion whereof they had gaynsayde the ordinance of the said lord/ & said that they had be wrong informed of divers things. And on the other side that they feared that the Turk would not hold his word. But sith they saw that there was none other remedy but to abide the adventure & fortune/ they said that they put all to the said lord to do that he seemed good/ and that he would see what were best for them. And required the lord to do them so much grace as to let them choose one or two among them for to go to the great Turk with his ambassadors for to have surety of him. The which was granted/ and two ordinary ambassadors were chosen for them/ one Nycholas Uergoty/ and the other Piero of saint Cretyce/ and the foresaid Passyn should return with them for to make the said answer. Than the great master or they departed (prolonging the time as in moche as he might) advised to send a letter to the great Turk/ the which his grauntfader had written or caused to be written. In the which letter he gave his malediction or curse to his children & successors/ if they interprysed to besiege Rhodes. The said Robert Perruce bore the said letter. And as he was accustomed/ he went to Acmek Bacha for to 'cause him to have audience/ & present the said letter. And Bacha said he would see the letter. For it is the guise in the great Turk's court that none may speak to him nor give him letter/ but he be advertised first/ what shall be said or what shall be written. when the Bachas had seen the words written in the said letter/ he broke it and kest it on the ground/ & did tread upon it/ saying many injurious and velanous words to the said judge. And bad him to return fast to his great master/ and bid him to think on his business/ and to make answer to the great lord (as he had sent & commanded) or else it should not be long or he saw his dolorous and woeful end. And that same day were taken two men of ours that bore earth toward the bulwark of England. Of whom the said Acmek caused an office to cut of their noses/ fingers & eeres and gave them a letter to bear to the lord great master. wherein was great words and threatenings. After the said Perruce was returned/ messyre Passyn was sent again to the said Bacha/ for to wite of him if the great Turk would be content with any some of money for his costs and expenses/ that he had made for his army. The which answered that such words nor offres of silver was not to be said nor presented to the great lord/ on pain of life/ and that he set more by honour than by silver. And therefore he bade him return and say to the great master that he make answer to the great lord after his demand to yield or not yield the town. The said Passyn made relation of the words of Bacha to the great master. The which for the great sorrow that he had (differed always) saw himself in such piteous estate. Notwithstanding the said lord putting all to the will of our lord/ and considering that there was no remedy to do otherwise/ nor to resist any more his enemies/ and being constrained on all sides to make the appointment/ with great heaviness/ inestimable dolours and bewailings/ at the last gave his voice to yield the town (with the treaties or offres to him presented) which was the twenty day of December/ the year of our lord a thousand five hundredth and two and twenty.   

¶ An abjection to such as will make question for the loss & deliverance of the city of Rhodes.  
ANd if by any it were object wherefore the said lord great master hath yielded the town to the great Turk/ demanding it with treaty & covenants/ which was a sign that he feared & would no more fight/ but go his way. To this I answer. Notwithstanding that the great Turk was advertised by some traitors/ & by other the fled to the camp/ that the powders almost failed/ & that there was but few men of war within the town/ yet he believed not nor gave credence of all that was reported to him/ but thought verily that we had enough for a great while. And considered that he must tarry till they were wasted & spent/ whereto behoved tyme. And saying all his estate entered in strange places/ and in lands of his enemies/ & had been there all ready vi months (& not without great danger of his own person). Thinking on the other side/ that taking the town by assault he should loose many of his folk. And yet when he had overcome & won the town/ they should fall each upon other in departing of the buty or pillage/ doubting finally the hazard of war. For these reasons and other that may be alleged/ the great Turk had much liefer to have the town by composition & treaty than otherwise. And it sufficed him to drive his old enemies out of the countries of levant/ & set the subjects of his countries in rest and surety. And we of the town that knew our weakness/ and that we might no more/ it seemed better to save so much small people than we and they to fall in the woodness of our enemies/ for otherwise could we not have done/ but tempt god and died as in despair.   

¶ How the city of Rhodes was yelden to the great Turk/ & of the ill behaviour of certain Turks.  
BUt to return to our principal. After that the reverend great master had given his voice to the yielding of the town/ he sent the said Passyn again for to bear it to the great Turk. And with him went the two men that were chosen of the commons. And they went all three together to the tent of Acmek Bacha. To whom the said Passyn fyrs●e made this piteous answer and conclusion to yield the town. Notwithstanding he said the people had ordained two men among them for to go to the great Turk/ to speak of their particular doings/ and to have some surety of their persons/ wives/ and children/ to the end that it were not done to them/ as of those of Bellegrado. The said Acmek led the three ambassadors toward the great Turk. And when they were entered in the pavilion/ the said messyre Passyn made the report of his ambassade to the said lord/ & said that the great master yielded him the town under the promise made of his imperial majesty with the treaty promised. Of the which promise he held him sure and certain/ and that he would not do it at less. Howbeit the people had required him to give them licence to go to his majesty/ for to ask some request of him. Than the two citizens besought the great Turk that he would for surety remove his camp fro the town/ to the end that they should have no letting nor hurt of their bodies nor goods/ and that they that would go should go/ & that they that would abide still might be well treated. The great Turk made it to be to said by his trucheman to messyre Passyn that he accepted the town/ and promised again upon his faith and on his honour to the lord great master that he would keep him that he had promised/ and sent to him by the same Passyn that he should not doubt of the contrary. And if he had not ships enough for to carry his people & their goods that he would let them have of his/ and that he would 'cause to deliver the artylery that was wont to be in the ships of religion. And as touching to the request of the people/ he said that he would remove the camp. And that they that would abide/ let them abide and they should be well treated/ & should pay no tribute in five years/ and their children should not be touched/ & who that would go within the said space of five years/ let them go in good tyme. These words ended our ambassadors took leave of him And when they were issued/ they spoke again with the said Acmek Bacha for to have a letter of the contents of the promise of the said lord. And by his commandment the said letter was made/ whereby he promised to let go the great master with all his knights/ strangers and men of the town that would go with their goods without to have displeasure of any of his people of the camp/ or by the ways. when the letter was made it was delivered to messyre Passyn. And as touching to withdraw the camp the said Bacha promised again that he would do it/ sith the great lord would so. Howbeit he remoeved but fro the trenches/ and some of his people went a little way of. And the said Bacha demanded in the Turks behalf that they should send to him in hostage four & twenty knights/ whereof two should be of the great cross/ and two and twenty citizens. And the said lord should send only a cap●tayne with three or four hundredth Genyssaires for to keep the town when the camp were withdrawn. And so it was done/ and beside this he gave a xxi. days of respite to the lord great master/ to prepare him and depart out of Rhodes. And in conclusion 〈◊〉 this done/ our ambassadors returned and made the report to the reverend great master of all that he had done and practised with the great Turk & the said bassa/ & gave him the letter for to go surely. Than the great master with his tounceyll ordained the xxiiii persons/ & other of the town. when they were ready they went to the camp/ where they were well entreated four days. During this time Ferra bassa passed the main land to the camp with xxiiii or xxv M genyssaires/ which by the commandment of the great Turk was go upon the borders of the countries of Sophy. For the turk saying the people of the camp discourage & would no more go to the assaults sent to the said bachas to come to Rhodes with his people/ which withstood sore with their bodies as fresh men. And it was work of god & evident miracle that they came after that the appointment was made. For if they had comen afore it is to suppose that the deed had go otherwise/ & there had been many strokes given/ but I believe that the end should have been piteous for us/ but god would not that the turk sholve have victory upon us as he aught to have had/ saying the great advantage that he had in all things/ but he blinded him & would not that he knew his might. And on the other part it may be said & marveled how it is possible always to have overcome our enemies in all assaults & scarmysshes/ & at the end to lose the town/ preferring the will of god that so hath pleased for some cause to us unknown. It is to believe the lack of men & gun-shot/ & the enemies so far within the town/ & ready to enter at other places with the treasons hath caused the town to be lost. Two or iii days after the coming of the said bassa his genissayres & other of the camp entered in to the town which was on Crystmas day/ within the time given to us/ & than the turks word was broken/ if it were his will or not I can not tell. Nevertheless there was no sword drawn/ & in that promise was kept. But they made pillage/ & entered by force in to the houses of the castle/ & took all that they might and would. After that they had ransacked the houses they entered in to the churches/ & pilled all that they found/ and broke the images. And there was no crucifix/ nor figure of our lady nor of other saints that abode hole. Than with a great inhumanyte they went in to the hospital of poor & seek fo●●e called the fermory/ & took all the silver vessel that seek folk were served with/ & raised them out of their beds & drove them away/ some with great strokes of staves/ & some were cast down fro the galeryes. when these hounds had done the act they went to the church of saint Iohn & took down tombs of the great masters/ & sought if there were any treasure with them/ & they forced certain women & maidens. And all they that were christened & had been turks afore/ were they men/ women or children/ & children that the said men had made christian they led in to turkey/ which is greater importance than any of the other. The morrow after Crystmas day the reverent lord great master went to the great turks pavilion for to visit him/ & to be better assured of his promise. the which lord he made to be well and graciously received. And caused to say to him by his trucheman that the case so happened to him was a thing usual and common/ as to lose towns and lordships/ and that he should not take over moche thonght for it. And as for his promise he bade that he should not doubt in any thing. And that he should not fear any displeasure to his person/ and that he should go with his people without fear. With these words the said lord thanked him and took his leave and departed.   
¶ Finis.   

¶ lenvoy of the printer.  
¶ Go little book/ and woeful tragedy.  
Of the Rodyan fearful oppugnation  
To all estates complaining ruthfully  
Of thine estate/ and sudden transmutation  
Excusing me if in thy translation  
Aught be amiss in language or in work  
I me submit with their supportation  
To be correct that am so small a clerk.  
¶ Imprinted at London in the Fleetstreet at the sign of the Rose garland by Robert Coplande. The year of our lord god. M.u. C.xxiiii. the xxiii day of july.