The true Report of all the success of Famagosta, of the antic writers called Tamassus, a City in Cyprus. In the which the whole order of all the skirmishes, batteries, mines, and assaults given to the said Fortress, may plainly appear. Moreover the names of the Captains, and number of the people slain, as well of the Christians as of the Turks: likewise of them who were taken prisoners: from the beginning of the said siege until the end of the fame. ¶ Englished out of Italian by William Malim. ¶ With certain notes of his and expositions of all the Turkish words herein necessary to be known, placed in the margin, with a short description also of his of the same Island. ¶ Imprinted at London by john day. AN. 1572. ¶ To the right honourable and his singular good Lord, and only Patron the Earl of Leicester, Baron of Denbigh, Knight of the honourable order of the Garter, one of the Queen's Majesties most honourable privy Counsel. etc. William Malim wisheth long health with increase of honour. IT hath been a natural instinct (right honourable and mine especial good Lord) engrafted in noble personages hearts, much approved and confirmed also by custom, for them to seek from time to time, by some means in their life, by the which, they after their death, might deliver over their name to their posterity: lest otherwise with their body, their fame also altogether might perchance be buried. Upon the which consideration we read many notable, and famous things to have been erected in time passed of noble personages (having had wealth at will) in such sort, that not only certain ruins of the same sumptuous works builded so many hundred years past, do still remain, but also the most part of those princes the authors of them, do continually by them devil in our memories. As the Pyramids made at Memphis, or near the famous River of Nilus, by the great expenses of the Kings of Egypt: the Tower called Pharia, made in the Island of Pharos by King Ptolomee: the walls of Babylon, made or at the lest réedified by Queen Semiramis: Diana's Church at Ephesus builded by all the noble persons of Asia: Mausolus' Tomb or Sepulchre, made by his wife Queen of Caria: Colossus Solis placed at Rhodes, I remember not by what Princes charge, but made by the hands of Cares Lindius scholar to Lysippus: and the Image of jupiter, made of Yuerye by the hands of the skilful workman Phydias. The which monuments made of barbarous and heathen Princes to redeem themselves from oblivion, deserved both for the magnificence, and perfect workmanship of the same, to be accompled in those days as the 7. wonders of the world. Since the which time, an easier, readier, and lighter way, being also of more continuance than the former, hath been found out, namely, Letters, which were first invented by the Chaldees and Egyptians, as we read, and augmented since by others, to our great benefit, and now last of all (no long time passed) the same to have been committed to Printers Presses, to the greatest perfection of the same: men being first enforced to writ their acts and monuments in beasts skins dried, in barks of trees, or otherwise perchance as unreadily. By the which benefit of Letters (now reduced into Print) we see how easy a thing it is, and hath been for noble persons, to live for ever by the help of learned men. For the memory of those two worthy and valiant Captains Scipio and Hannibal had been long before this present quite forgotten, except Titus Livius, or some such learned Historiographer had written of them in time. And Alexander Magnus himself that great conqueror had nothing been spoken of, had not Q. Curtius, or some other like by his learned style revived the remembrance of him, and called back again his doings to his posterity. For the which cause we see commonly in all ages learned men to be much made of by noble personages, as that rare pattern of learning Aristotle, to have been greatly honoured of that former renowned Monarch Alexander: who affirmed openly, that he was more bound to his Master Aristotle, then to King Philip his father, because the one had well framed his mind, the other only his body. Many other like examples I could allege at this present, if I knew not unto whom I now wrote, or in what. For your honour being skilful in histories, and so familiarly acquainted with the matter itself, that is in still entertaining learned men with all courtesy, I should seem to light a candle at noon tide, to put you in remembrance of the one, or to exhort you to do the other, daily being accustomed to perform the same. Crassus saith in Tully's first book, De Oratore: that a Lawyer's house is the Oracle of the whole City. But I can justly witness, that for these 5. years last passed, since my return from my travel beyond the seas, that your Lordship's lodging in the Court (where I through your undeserved goodness to my great comfort do daily frequent) hath been a continual receptacle or harbour for all learned men coming from both the eyes of this Realm, Cambridge, and Oxford (of the which University your Lordship is Chancellor) to their great satisfaction of mind, and ready dispatch of their suits. Especially for Preachers and Ministers of true Religion: of the which you have been from time to time not only a great favourer, but an earnest furtherer, and protector: so that these two nurseries of learning (in one of the which I have before this spent part of my time, that I may speak boldly what I think) should wrong your honour greatly, and much forget themselves, if by all means possible they should not hereafter (as at this present to their small powers many well learned gentlemen of them do) labour and travel in showing of themselves thankful, to reverence and honour your Lordship, and honest their own names: whose studies certainly would suddenly decay and fall flat, if they were not held up by such noble props, and had not some sure anchorholds in their distress to lean unto. How ready daily your travel is, and hath long been beside to benefit all other persons, in whom any spark of virtue or honesty remaineth, I need not labour to express, the world knowing already the same. But whosoever they be, that in all their life time have an especial care by all means to profit as many as they be able and hurt none, do not only a laudable act, but lead a perfect and very godly life. Whereupon Strabo affirmeth this most truly to be spoken of them: Mortales tum demum Deos imitari, cum benifici fuerint. Great commendation undoubtedly it bringeth to any noble parsonage, that as the Moon, that light and brightness which she receiveth of the Sun, is wont presently to spread abroad upon the face of the earth, to the refreshing and comforting of all inferior and natural things bearing life: so for him, to bestow all that favour and credit, which he hath gotten at the Prince's hands, to the help and relief of the worthy and needy. Great is the force (my right honourable Lord) of true Virtue, which causeth them as Tully writeth in his book De Amicitia, to be loved and honoured often of those persons, which never saw them. Whereof I never had better proof (I take God and mine own conscience to witness, the which I declared also to certain of my friends as soon as I returned) then at my last being at Constantinople, in the year of our Lord 1564. whereas I oft resorting (as occasion served) to the right honourable Christian Ambassadors, whilst I made my abode there (namely unto Monseur Antonio Petrimol, léegger there for the King of France, Sig. M. Victor Bragadino, for the Segniorye of Venice, Sig. Lorenzo Giustiniano, for the state of Scio, or Chios, and Sig. Albertacio delli Alberti, for the Duke of Florence) heard them often report and speak very honourably of your Lordship, partly for your other good inclinations of nature, but especially for your liberality, and courteous entreating of divers of their friends and countrymen, which upon sundry occasions had been here in this our Realm. So that to conclude, all men justly favour your honourable dealings and deserts: and I for my part have reverenced and honoured the same evermore both here at home, & elsewhere abroad, wishing often to have had some just occasion to pay part of that in good will, which my slender ability will never suffer me fully to discharge. For unto whom should I sooner present any thing any way, especially concerning matters done abroad, then unto your Lordship, by whom I was much cherished abroad in my travel, and maintained since my return here at home? For that which cause I have enterprised (hoping greatly of your Lordship's favour herein) to cloth and set forth a few Italian News in our English attire, being first moved thereunto by the right worshipful Master D. Wilson Master of her majesties Requests, your honours assured trusty friend, a great and painful furtherer of learning, whom I, and many other for divers respects aught to reverence: who remembering that I had been at Cyprus, was willing that my pen should travel about the Christian & Turkish affairs, which there lately have happened: persuading himself, that somewhat thereby I might benefit this our native country. Against whose reasonable motion I could not greatly wrestle, hazarding rather my slender skill in attempting & performing this his requested task, than he through my refusal thereof should seem to want any jot of my good william. In offering up the which news, although I shall present no new thing to your honour, because you are so well acquainted with the Italian copy, as I know: yet I trust your Lordship will not mislike, that the same which is both pleasant to read, and so necessary to be known for divers of our Captains and other our countrymen, which are ignorant in the Italian tongue, may thus now show itself abroad, covered under the wing of your Lordship's protection. Certainly it moveth me much to remember the loss of those 3. notable islands, to the great discomfort of all Christendom, to those Hellish Turks, horseleeches of Christian blood: namely Rhodes besieged on S. john Baptist day, and taken on S. john's day the Evangelist, being the 27. of December. 1522. Scio or Chios being lost since my being there, taken of Piali Bassà with 80. Galleys, the 17. of April. 1566. And now last of all not only Famagosta the chief hold and fortress in Cyprus to have been lost of the Venetians the 15. of August last passed. 1571. (the chief Governors and Captains of them being hewn in sunder by the commandment of that tyrant Mustafà Bassà) but all the whole Island also to be conquered by those cruel Turks, ancient professed enemies to all Christian Religion. In the which evil success (coming to us as I take it for our offences) as I lament the general loss: so I am surely pensive to understand by this too true a report of the vile death of 2. particular noble gentlemen of Venice, Sig. M. Lorenzo Tiepolo, & Sig. M. Giovanni Antonio Querini: of both the which I in my travel was very courteously used, the former of them being then (as now also he was in this overthrow) Governor of Baffo in Cyprus, the other Captain of one of the Castles at Corsyra in Grece, now called Corfu. But things past, are past amendment, and they could never die more honourably, then in the defence of their country. Besides that the late blows, which the Turks have received since this their fury, in token of God's wrath against them, much comforteth every Christian heart. Moreover this uniform preparation which is certainly concluded, and forthwith looked for, by very many Christian Princes (would God by all generally) against these barbarous Mahometistes: whose cruelty and beastly behaviour I partly know, and am able to judge of, having been in Turkey amongst them more than 8. months together. Whose unfaithfulness also and breach of promiss, as the Venetians manly courage in defence of themselves, and their fortress, your honour may easily read in this short treatise and small handful of leaves, I having set down also a short description of the Island of Cyprus, for the better understanding of the whole matter. The which I not only most humbly beseech your honour now favourably to accept as an earnest penny of more to come, and of my present good will: but with your accustomed goodness towards me, to defend the same against such persons, whose tongues too readily role sometime against other men's painful travels, persuading themselves to purchase the sooner some credit of learning with the ruder sort, by controling and overdaintie sifting of other men's laboured tasks. For I know in all ages to be found as well Basilisks, as Elephants. Thus nothing doubting of your ready aid herein, as I assuredly trust of your honours favourable acceptation of this my poor present, wishing long life with the increase of God's holy spirit to your Lordship and to all your most honourable family (unto whom I have wholly dedicated myself by mine own choice and election for ever) I, craving pardon for my former boldness, most humbly thus take my leave. From Lambheth the 23. of March. An. 1572. ¶ Your honour's most humble and faithful servant for ever, William Malim. ¶ A brief description of the Island of Cyprus: by the which not only the Venetians title why they have so long enjoyed it, but also the Turks, whereby now he claimeth it, may plainly appear. THe Island of Cyprus is environed with divers seas. For Westward it is washed with the sea called Pamphilium: Southward, with the Sea Ægyptium: on the East part, with the Sea Syrium: and Northward, with the Sea called Cilicium. The which Island in time past had divers names: called once Acamantis, as Sabellicus witnesseth: Philonides maketh mention, that it was called sometime Cerasis, Xenagoras writeth, that it was named Aspelia, Amathusa, and Macaria. There were in time past 15. Cities or famous Towns in it, but now very few, amongst the which Famagosta is the chiefest, and strongest, situated by the Sea side. There is also Nicosia, which was wont, by the traffic of Merchants, to be very wealth: besides the City of Baffo, Arnica, Saline, Limisso, Milopotomo, and Episcopia. Timosthenes affirmeth, that this Island in compass is 400. and 29. miles, and Arthemidorus writeth the length of the same to be 162. miles, measuring of it from the East to the West betwixt two promontories named Dimareta & Acamanta. This Island is thought to be very rich, abundant of Wine, Oil, Grain, Pitch, Rosin, Alum, Salt, & of divers precious stones pleasant, profitable, & necessary for man's use, & much frequented of Merchants of Syria, unto the which it lieth very near. It hath been as Pliny writeth, joined sometime with Syria, as Sicilia hath been also with Italy. It was a long time subject unto the romans, after, to the Persians, and to the soldan of Ægypt. And last of all the Venetians have enjoyed it of late a long time, in this order following. In the year of our Lord 1470. john King of the said Island son to janus of Lusignian had by Helen his wife, which was of the Imperial house of Paleologus one daughter only called Charlotta, & a bastard called james: the which james was afterward consecrated Bishop of Nicosia. This Charlotta was married first to the King of Portugal, of whom he had no issue, so that he being dead, Lewes' Duke of Savoy (to whom she was the second time married) son to Lewes the second of that name (unto whom the said Island by the right of this his wife Charlotta did appertain) had the possession of the same. james the bastard as soon as his father was dead, of a Bishop become a Soldier, and with an army wan the Jland, making it his own by force. This Duke of Savoy hearing these news, with a number of well appointed soldiers, arrived shortly after in Cyprus, & recovering again the Island, compelled the Bastard to fly forthwith over to the soldan of Ægypt. Who making himself his subject, in time so wrought and tempered the matter, that the soldan in person at his request passed over into Cyprus, besieged Duke Lewes in the Castle of Nicosia, & at length compelled him to departed, leaving his kingdom. So that this Bishop become again King of this Island: who shortly after cleaving to the Venetians having made a league of friendship with them, married by their consent one Catherina the daughter of Marco Cornaro, which Catherine the Senate of Venice adopted unto them soon after as their daughter. This Bishop not long after sickened, & died, leaving this his wife with child, who lived not long after his father's death. By the which means the Venetians making themselves the next heirs to Catherina by the law of Adoption, took unto them the possession of this kingdom, and have kept, and enjoyed the same almost this 100 years. Now this great Turk called Sultan Selim in the right of the soldan of Ægypt, whom his grandfather (called also Sultan Selim) conquered, pretendeth a right title unto it, and now as you may understand by reading of this short treatise hath by conquest obtained the same. Whom, I pray the everliving God, if it be his holy will, shortly to root out from thence. ❧ To the Reader. I Am not ignorant (gentle Reader) how hard a matter it is for any one man to writ that, which should please and satisfy all persons, we being commonly of so divers opinions and contrary judgements: again Tully affirming, to be a very difficult thing, to find out any matter which in his own kind may be in all respects perfect. Wherefore I trust by your own judgement I aught of reason to be the sooner pardoned (my translation being precisely tied to mine author's meaning) if any thieg herein besides be thought to be wanting: I having learned by the way, how cumbrous a thing it is, to turn the self same matter out of the Italian language into our country speech. But who doth what he possibly can, is bound to no more. And I now at the request of others (who put me in mind, that I was not only borne unto myself) have accomplished that in the end, which I promised & was required. With what pain & diligence, I refer me to them which are skilful in the Italian tongue, or may the better judge, if it please them to try the same, casting a side this exemplar. I speak not arrogantly, I take God to witness: but men's painful travels aught not lightly to be condemned: nor surely at any time are wont to be of the learned, or discrete. By whose gentle acceptation, if these my present doings be now supported, I will persuade myself that I have reaped sufficient fruit of my travel. Unto whom with all my heart I wish prosperous success in all their affairs. AN. 1572. W. M. ❧ Jn Turchas precatio. sum Deus succurre tuis, miseresce tuorum, Et subeat gentis te nova cura tuae. Quem das tantorum finem, Rex magne, laborum? In nos vibrabit tela quosque Satan? Ante Rhodum, mox inde Chium, nunc denique Cyprum Turcharum cepit sanguinolenta manus. Mustafa foedifragus partes grassatur in omnes, Et Veneta Cypriam strage cruentat humum. Nec finem imponit sceleri, mollitué furorem, Nec nisi potato sanguine pactus, abit. Qualis, quae nunquàm nisi plena tumensque cruore Sanguisuga obsessam mittit hirudo cutem. Torturam sequitur tortura, cruorque cruorem, Et caedem admissam caedis alîus amor. Saevit inops animi, nec vel se temperat ipse, Vel manus indomitum nostra domare potest. At tu, magne Pater, tumidum disperde Tyrannum, Nec sine mactari semper ouile tuum. Exulet hoc monstrum, ne sanguine terra redundet, Excutiantque novum Cypria regna jugum. Et quod Christicolae foedus pepigere Monarchae, Id faustum nobis omnibus esse velis. Tu pugna illorum pugnas, & bella secundes, Captivosque tibi subde per arma Scythas. Sic tuo per totum fundetur gloria mundum, unus sic Christus fiet, & una fides. Gulielmus Malim. ¶ The true report of all the success of Famagosta made by the noble Earl Nestor Martinengo, unto the renowned Prince the Duke of Venice. THe 16. day of February. 1571. the Fleet which had brought the aid unto Famagosta, departed from thence, whereas were found in all the army, but 4000 footmen, 800. of them chosen soldiers, & 3000. (accounting the Citizens & other of the villages) the rest 200. in number, were soldiers of Albania. After the arrival of the which succour, the fortification of the City went more diligently forward of all hands, than it did before, the whole garrison, the Graecian Citizens inhabiting the town, the governors and captains not withdrawing themselves from any kind of labour, for the better encouragement and good example of others, both night and day searching the watch, to the intent with most careful heedetaking they might beware of their enemies, against whom they made no sally out of the City to skirmish but very seldom, especially to understand, when they might learn the intent of the enemies. Whilst we made this diligent provision within the City, the Turks without made no less preparation of all things necessary fit to batter the fortress with all, as in bringing out of Caramania and Syria with all speed by the sea, many Wollpackes, a great quantity of wood and timber, divers pieces of artilarye, ingens, and other things expedient for their purpose. This word Bassà, is a most honourable title amongst the Turks, and signifieth as much with us as a privy counsellor. At the beginning of April Halli Bassà landed there with 80. Galleys or thereabout in his company, who brought thither that, which of our enemies was desired, who soon after departing from thence, and leaving behind him 30. Galleys, which continually transported soldiers, munition, fresh victuals, and other necessaries, besides a great number of * Caramusalini be vessels like unto the French Gabards, which sail daily upon the river of Bourdeaux, which sail with a mizzen or triangle sail. Caramusalins, or Brigandins, great Hulks called * Maone be vessels like unto the great Hulks, which come hither from Denmark, some of the which carry 7. or 8. hundredth tons a piece, flat, and broad, which sail some of them with 7. misens' a piece. Maones, and large broad vessels termed of them * Palandrie be great flat vessels made like Feribotes to transport horse. Palandrie, which continually passed to and fro betwixt Cyprus and Syria, & other places there about, which they did with great speed, standing in fear of the Christian army. And about the midst of the same month, the Turks caused to be brought out of the City of Nicosia, Nicosia, otherwise called Licosia. which they had won a little before, 15. pieces of artilarye, and raising their army from whence they were before, making ditches & trenches necessary, encamped themselves in gardens, and toward the West part of Famagosta near a place called Precipola. The 25. of the same month they raised up mounts to plant their artillery upon, and caused trenches to be made for harquebusers one very nigh an other, approaching still very near the City, in such order, as was almost impossible to stay the same, 40. thousand of their pioneers continually labouring there the most part of all the night. The intent of the enemy being then known, and in what part of the City he minded most to plant his battery, we took diligent heed on the other part, to repair & fortify all places necessary within. For the which cause we placed a great watch in that way, which was covered with a counterscharfe, and in the sallies of their privy Posterns, for the defence of the said counterscharfe there were new flankers made, also Traverses called Butterisses, made upon the Curtain with one trench of Turfs 2. foot high and broad, the which was made on that side of the wall of the City, which was already battered with the shot of the Turks, with certain loop holes for our Harquebusers, by the which they defended the counterscharfe. Sig. Bragadino was proveditor, that is, Governor, and Sig. Baglione General of the Christian army: both of them were noble men of Venice. Two noble personages Bragadino and Baglione, personally took this charge on them, by the which means the Christian affairs passed in very good order. All the bread for our soldiers was made in one storehouse, of the which the noble gentleman Lorenzo Tiepolo Captain of * Baffo, of the ancient writers, named Paphos, in the which City there was a sumptuous Church dedicated unto Venus. Baffo had charge, who refused no pain, where he thought his travail might prevail. In the Castle was placed that famous gentleman Andrea Bragadino, who with a diligent guard had charge on that part of the Castle principally, next unto the sea side, trimming and digging out new flankers for the better defence of the * Arsenal in Constantinople & Venice, is the place for munition & artillery to lie in. Arsenal. A valiant Knight named Foito, was appointed master of the Ordinance, who was slain in a few days after in a skirmish, whose garrison the noble Bragadino proveditor before named, presently delivered over to me. Three other Captains were appointed over the wildfire with 20. footmen for every one of them, chosen out of the army to use, and execute the same as occasion should serve. The best pieces of Ordinance were brought forth unto that side of the town, where the battery was looked for to be made: & they made privy fences to cover the better their Cannon shot withal. There was no want in the Christians to annoyed their enemies in issuing often out of every side against them, as well to hinder their determinations, as to hurt them otherwise at divers times. They also rendered to us the like. For 300. of the inhabitant of Famagosta one time issuing out of the City, armed only with their sword and Targets, with so many Italian Harquebusers also in their company, received great damage, because the trenches of the enemies were made about so thick, although at the same present we compelled them to fly, and slew also many of them: yet they increased to such number, that they killed presently 30. and hurt there 60. of our company. For the which cause order was taken, that our men should no more come forth of their hold, committing themselves to manifest peril to bid their enemies the base. The Turks in process of time by little and little with their trenches, came at length to the top of the counterscharfe, and having finished their forts the 19 of May, began their battery with 10. forts, having 74. pieces of great artillery within their custody, amongst the which there were 4. Basilisks (for so they term them) of an immeasurable greatness, and began to batter from the gate Limisso unto the Arsenal, and laid 5. batteries against the town, the one against the great high Turret of the Arsenal, which was battered with 5. pieces of Ordinance mounted upon that fort of the rock, the other against the Curtain itself of the Arsenal, battered by one fort with 11. pieces: an other against the Keep of Andruzzi with 2. commanders, which were above with one fort of 11. other pieces: an other battery against the Turret of S. Nappa, the which was battered with 4. Basilisks. The gate of Limisso, which had one high commander alone, and à Brey and Curtain without was battered by the forts with 33. pieces of artillery, whereas Mustafà himself general of the Turks army took the charge in person. At the first they seemed not to care much to spoil the walls, but shot still into the City, and against our Ordinance, which greatly galled them. Whereupon they, who were within the City, as well our soldiers, as the Grecians, as soon as the battery began, withdrawing themselves, came & dwelled by the walls of the City, whereas they continued from that time to the end of the siege. The noble Bragadino lodged in the Keep of Andruzzi, Baglione in that ward of S. Nappa. The honourable Tiepolo in that which was called Campo Santo. Wherefore they being present to all that was done, both encouraged, and punished the soldiers according to their deserts. The right worshipful Luigi Martinengo was appointed chief over the Ordinance, who answering all men's expectation of him, with great courage divided the charge thereof unto 6. other inferior Captains, who took order and care for that company, and for the provision of things necessary for the gunner's: one company of the Grecians being appointed to every gate of the City for to attend upon the service of the artillery. The valiant Captain Francisco Bagone warded at the Keep, and at the great commander of the Arsenal. Captain Pietro Conte attended upon the Curtain, at the Commander of the Volti, and at the Keep of Campo Santo. I for my part attended upon the Commander of Campo Santo, and upon the Commander of Andruzzi, and of the Curtain, unto the Turret of Santa Nappa. The Earl Hercole Martinengo attended upon the Commander of Santa Nappa, and to the whole Curtain, unto the gate of Limisso. Horatio Captain of Veletri attended upon the Brey and Curtain, towards the Bulwark. Upon the high Commander of Limisso, which was more troubled than all the rest, attended the Captain Roberto Maluezzi. At the same time, when the battery began (by the commission of the honourable Bragadino) victuals were appointed, and given to all the soldiers, as well Grecians, as Italians, & Gunners: Namely Wine, Pottage, Cheese, and Bacon: all the which things were brought to the walls as need did require in very good order, so that no soldier there, 2. Venetian Souses or Soldi amount but to one penny English. spent any more in bread then 2. souses a day. They were paid at the end of every 30. days, with the great travel of that right worshipful Venetian gentleman M. Giovanni Antonio Querini, who besides this his ordinary charge was found present in all weighty and dangerous affairs to the great encouragement of our soldiers. And we made a counterbattery against our enemies for 10. days space, with so great rage, that we choked and destroyed 15. of their best pieces, also we killed & dispatched of them about 30. thousand at that season, so that they were disappointed at that time of their battery in that place, and were greatly dismayed. But we foreseeing that we had no great store of powder left, there was made a restraint, and such order taken, that 30. pieces should not shoot of, but 30. shot a piece every day, and that in the presence of the Captains, who were still present, because the soldiers and Gunners should not shoot of in vain. The 29. of May there came towards us from Candia à Fregat or Pinnisse, the which giving us great hope and lightning of aid, increased marvelously every man's courage. The Turks with great travel and slaughter of both sides, had won at the last the Counterscharfe from us, with great resistance and mortality on both parts. Whereupon they began on the other side of the fift battery to fill up the ditch, with the earth that they threw down, which was taken near the wall of the Counterscharfe. But all that earth and falling down of the wall made by the shot of their artillery, was carried away of us within the City, all our company labouring continually as well by night as day, until our enemies had made certain loop holes in the wall, through the which they flancking and scouring all the ditch with their Harquebussie, stopped our former course of carrying, or going that way any more, without certain and express danger. But M. Giovanni Marmori, à fortifier, had devised a certain kind of joined boards, the which being carried of the soldiers, defended them from the shot of the Harquebusers, so that some other quantity of earth, but no great store, was carried also away: in the which place this foresaid fortifier was slain, who had done especial good service in all our necessary affairs. And our enemies having cast so much earth into the ditch, as filled it up again, and made it a firm way to the wall of the Counterscharfe, and casting before them the earth by little and little, they made one Traverse even unto the wall on two sides in all their batteries, the which they made thick and strong with Wolpackes, and other Faggots, to assure themselves the better of our flankers. When they had once possessed the ditch, that they could not be hurt of us but by chance, they began forthwith to cast & dig out undermines to undermine the Brey, the Turret of S. Nappa, the Commander of Andruzzi, the Keep of Campo Santo, the Cortain, and the Turrion of the Arsenal: so that we being able no longer to serve our turn and enjoy those few flankers, we threw down wildfire into our enemy's camp, the which annoyed them very sore, because it fired their Wolpackes, and also their Faggots. And for the better encouragement of the soldiers, the right honourable Bragadino gave to every soldier one Ducat, the which could gain or recover any of the former Wollpackes, making countermines in all places. To that which charge Maggio the fortifier knight was appointed, who in all our business served with such diligence and courage, as he was able, or was requisite. But the countermines met not, saving those of the Commander of S. Nappa, of Andruzzi, and that of Campo Santo, because they were open, and our men sallied out often both by day and night into the ditch to perceive better the way of the mines, and to fire the Faggots and Wool. Nor we ceased at any time through the unspeakable travel of the Lord Baglione (who had the oversight of all these matters) to trouble our enemy's intents, by all manner of wit and policy, dividing the companies for the batteries, joining and planting in all places à garrison of the * Albanois soldiers, soldiers of Albania, otherwise called Epirus, who commonly serve the Venetians, both on horseback and foot, very skilful and painful. Albanois soldiers, who as well on foot as on horseback, showed always notable courage and manhood. ¶ The first Assault. THe 21. of june, they put fire to the mine of the Turret of the Arsenal, whereas Giambelat Bey took charge, who with great ruin rend in sunder a most great and thick wall, and so opened the same, that he threw down more then half thereof, breaking also one part of the baymure, made before to uphold the assault. And suddenly a great number of the Turks skipping upon the ruins thereof, displayed their Ensigns, even to the top of the same. Captain Pietro Conte with his company, was in that ward, the which was much shaken and terrified by that sudden ruin. I with my company came first thither, so that they shortly took the repulse, and although they refreshed themselves with new supplies 5. or 6. times, yet they failed of their purpose. Of this noble and painful Venetian Gentleman M. Gio. Antonio Querini (who was afterward hewn in sunder by the commandment of Mustafà) I was entertained very courteously in my travel at Corsyra, now called Corfù, he being then there Mag. Castellano or Captain of one of the Castles. There fought personally the L. Baglione: Bragadino and Querini being armed, stood not far of to refresh and comfort our soldiers, and the Captain of the Castle with the Ordinance, that was planted upon the Buttereiss, destroyed many of our enemies, when they gave the assault, the which endured 5. hours together: so that of Turks were slain very many, and of our side betwixt them that were slain and hurt a 100: Most part of the which number were cast away by a mischance of our wildfire, the which being unadvisedly & negligently handled, burnt up many of our own company. There died at that present the Earl Gio. Francisco Goro, the Captain Barnardino Agubio: and by the throwing of stones Hercole Malatesta, Captain Pietro Conte, with other Captains and Standerd-bearers were very sore hurt. The night following arrived in Cyprus à Pinnisse from Candia, which bringing news of most certain aid, greatly increased both the mirth and courage of us all, so that we made soon after, with the help of the Captain Marco Crivellatore, and Maggio the knight, certain retreats flanked to all the places beaten down, and where as they suspected that the enemy had digged up any mines, with Hogsheads, Chests, Tykes, & Sacks stuffed full of moist earth (the Grecians with all speed having already brought almost all that which they had) because they having dispatched their Canueis about necessary uses, In extremities men have no regard to spare trifles. they brought their hangings, cortaines, carpets, even to their very sheets, to make and stuff up their foresaid sacks, a very good and ready way to make up again their vaymures, the which were thrown down with the fury of the artillery, which never stinted, so that we made up again still that in the night, the which was thrown down and broken in the day, sleeping very seldom: Provident and careful governors or magistrates seldom sleep all the night at any time, much less in dangerous seasons. all the soldiers standing always upon the walls, visited continually of the Governors of the City, which slept at no time, but in the extreme heat of the day, having no other time to take their rest, because the enemy was at hand, giving us continually Alarms, not suffering us long to breath. ¶ The second Assault. THe 29. of the same month, they set the mine made towards the Brey on fire, the which mine was digged in stone, which broke and cleft all things in pieces, and caused great ruin, making an easy way for the enemy to assault us, who with an outrageous fury came to the top, whereas Mustafà their General was altogether present, A small thing at the beginning, or in due time done, helpeth much. which assault was received, and stayed at the beginning of the Earl Hercole Martinengo with his garrison, and so were repulsed by our company, who fought without any advantage of covert, the vaymure being thrown down by that mine. There were slain of our company Captain Meani the Sergeant Mayor of our army, Captain Celio de Fuochi, Captain Erasmo da Fermo: and Captain Soldatello, Antonio d' Ascoli, Captain Gio. d' Istria, Standerdbearers, with many other officers, were sore wounded, there died also 30. other of our common soldiers. At the Arsenal they were beaten back with greater damage of our enemies, and small hurt to us. Five only of our part being slain there, whereas Captain Giacomo da Fabriano died, and I was wounded in my left leg with an harquebus shot. The which assault continued 6. hours, the Bishop of Limisso standing up there, encouraging the soldiers. That certain women inhabiting this Island be Viragos, or mankind, I saw sufficient trial at my last being there, in a City called Saline. Where also were found present stout women, who came thither with weapons, stones, & water, to help the soldiers. Our enemy's understanding how great hindrance they had received at these two assaults, changed their minds, and began again with greater fury than ever they had before accustomed to lay battery to all places, and into our retreats, so that they labouring more speedily than ever they did, made 7. other forts more, under the Castle, and taking away the artillery from them which were farther of, planting of it somewhat nearer to the number of 80. they battered the hold with so great rage, that on the 8. of july, with the same night also, was numbered 5000. Cannon shot, and after that sort they overthrew to the ground the vaymures, that scarcely with great travel and pain we could repair them again, because our men that laboured about them were continually slain by their Ordinance, and by reason of the endless tempest of the shot of their Harquebusers. And our men began to decrease. For the Turks caused us to retire from our Breyes, by the violence of their artillery and mining in such sort, that there being no more standing left for our soldiers, because we making our vaymures more thick, our standing began to wax narrower, the which presently we of necessity enlarged with boards as a scaffold to the vaymure, whereby we might have more elbow room to fight. It is accounted a good warlike shift, to leave that to our enemies with hindrance, which we can not any longer keep, and use to our own commodity. Captain Maggio also made one mine under the said Brey, to the intent, that we being not able any longer to keep it, the same might be left to our enemies to their great hindrance. ¶ The third Assault. TO the said Brey the 9 of july, they gave the third assault, to the Turrion of Santa Nappa, to that of Andruzzi, to the Curtain, to the Keep of the Arsenal: the which assault having continued more than 6. hours, they were beaten back in 4. places, but we left the Brey to their great loss, and ours also: because we being assaulted, our company being not able to manneage their Pikes in good order, by reason of the narrowness of the standing where they were, being willing to retire in that order, as the L. Baglione had prescribed unto them, and could not, cast themselves at the last into à confuse order, and retired, they being mingled amongst the Turks: so that fire being given to our mine, the which (with a terrible sight to behold) slew presently of our enemies more than a 1000 and above a 100 of us. There died Captain Roberto Maluezzi, and Captain Marchetto da Fermo was grievously wounded. At the assault of the Arsenal died Captain David Noce master of the Camp, and I myself was hurt by the racing of a Cannon shot. This assault continued five hours, and the Citizens of Famagosta showed great courage in every place, with their women also, and young striplings. The Brey was so defaced by reason of this mine set on fire, that no body any more attempted to recover the same: because there was no apt place remaining to stay upon. The left flancker only remained still, whereas an other mine was made. The gate of Limisso was over against this foresaid Brey, & somewhat lower, which was always open, having made to the same à portal, with à Percollois annexed to it, the which Percollois by the cutting of a small cord, was a present defence to the gate, and our soldiers gave their attendance by that gate to bring in the battered earth, which fell in the ditches from the rampayre: and when they saw that their enemies in 4. days came not thither, they began to entrench above the Brey, and by the flankers above they suffered no person to pass out of the gate, the which thing brought great suspicion unto our enemies, because they were often times assailed of our company. ¶ The fourth Assault. WHerefore they came the 14. day of july to assault the gate of Limisso, and lying their battery to all other places, they came and planted their ancients even before the gate, whereas the L. Baglione, and Sig. Luigi were in readiness, who had taken upon them to defend that gate of the City. Who as soon as they had encouraged their soldiers, sallying swiftly forth, killed, and put to flight the greater part of them, and at the last giving fire to the mine of the flancker slew 400. The forwardness of the Captain at dangerous times not only much comforteth the common soldier, but also increaseth greatly his credit and commendation with all men. Turks, and Sig. Baglione at the same time won an Ancient of our enemies, wresting it violently out of one of the Auncientbearers hands. The day following they gave fire to the mine of the Curtain, the which thing not falling out greatly to their purpose, they followed not their prepared assault. Wherefore they began to fortify, and advance higher their Traverses in the ditches, for their better assurance against they should give the assault: and they had emptied and carried away all the earth near unto the Counterscharfe, where they lodged in their pavilions, so that we could not descry them. They shot 7. pieces of artillery upon the wall of the Counterscharfe so covertly, that they were not seen: two from the Brey of the Turrion of Santa Nappa, one from Andruzzi, and two other all à long the battery of the Curtain. And they came with certain boards covered with raw and green hides, under which they brought their men to dig in the vaymures, we being nothing behind or forgetful to cast wildfire amongst them, and sometime to issue forth of our sallies called Posterns, to offend their pioneers, although to our great hindrance. And we still repaired the vaymures by all means possible, with Buff skins, being moist and weet, throwing in also earth, shredes, and cotton with water, being well bound together with cords: all the women of Famagosta gathering themselves together in companies in every street (being guided of one of their Priests called Caloiero) resorted daily to a certain place appointed, to labour, Caloiero be secular Greek priests, who by their laws may be, and commonly are also married. gathering and providing for the soldiers, stones and water, the which was kept for all assaults in half butts to quench the fire, which the Turks threw amongst them. They having had no great success in taking the gate, they found out a new way, never heard of before, in gathering together a great quantity of certain wood called Teglia, Teglia in Latin called Teda, is a certain wood, which burneth easily, and savoureth unpleasantly, of the which there is great store in Sicilia: sometime it is used for a Torch. which easily burned, and smelled very evil, the which they throwing before the former gate of the City, and Faggots fastened to the same, with certain beams besmered with Pitch, kindled suddenly so great à fire, as was not possible for us to quench the same, although we threw upon it whole Butts of water, which were thrown down from an high Commander, which Butts presently broke in sunder. This fire continued 4. days, wherefore we were enforced by reason of the extreme heat and stench, to withdraw ourselves farther inward, and they descending towards their lower flankers, began other mines, so that the gate was shut up, because it could be no longer kept open, Not necessary thing to be done was left unattempted on either part. and suddenly (a thing marvelous to be spoken) the standing of the Brey being repaired and made up again, they planted one piece over against the gate, the which of us with stones, earth, and other things, was suddenly buried up. By this time we were driven to an exigent, all our provision within the City stooping very low, saving only hope, Man's courage often abateth, but hope seldom forsaketh. the noble courage of the Governors and Captains, and the stout readiness of the soldiers: our wine, and flesh as well powdered as unpoudered was spent, nor there was any Cheese to be gotten, but upon an unreasonable price, our company having eaten up their Horse, Saguntina fames. Asses, and Cats, for lack of other victuals: there was nothing left to be eaten, but a small quantity of bread, and Beans, and we drank water and Vinegar together, whereof was not much left, when that we perceived that our enemies had digged and cast up 3. mines in the Commander of the gate, they labouring in all places more diligently than ever they did before, bringing into the ditch, over against the battery of the Curtain, à hill of earth, as high as the wall: And already they came to the wall above the Counterscharfe over against the Turrion of the Arsenal, and had made one Commander complete, fenced with shares, like unto plough shares, in proportion and height correspondent to ours. Within the City were remaining but 500 Italian soldiers, who were not hurt, yet very faint and weary by their long watching and pains in fight in those fervent & burning heats, which are in those parts. In july the heat is commonly so extreme in this Island, that the inhabitants thereof, are not wont to travel, but by night only. And the greater and better part also of the Grecians were by this time slain, when as the chief of those Citizens remaining, did fully resolve themselves (the which was about the 20. of july) to present a supplication in writing to that noble gentleman Bragadino proveditor, A letter or supplication exhibited by the Cypriottes unto Sig. Bragadino. desiring and beseeching him, that seeing their City & fortress was thus battered & brought to extremity, without sufficient aid to defend the same, without substance or sustenance, having no hope of succour, or any new supply, they having spent and consumed not only their goods, but also their lives for the defence of them, and in testifying of their dutiful service towards the noble and royal state of the signory of Venice, that it might now please him, and the rest of the honourable Governors, that were present, & put in trust, having a careful eye unto some honourable conditions, to have now at the last à respect to the credit and honour of their long travailed wives, and the safeguard of their poor children, which otherwise were shortly very like to be a pray to their bloudthirsting and ravening enemies. The answer of the former letter. To the which letter or supplication speedy answer was made by the forenamed honourable Bragadino, comforting them, that they should by no means abate their courage, and that shortly he looked for secure from the Segniorye, diminishing as much as he might, the fear which they had conceived in their hearts, dispatching and sending away suddenly from Cyprus into Candia à Pinnisse to certify the Duke and Governors there, in what extremity they were. The Turks by this time had ended their mines, and set them on fire, the 29. of july, in the which space our men according as they were wont to do, renewed & made up again the vaymures ruined before by the Ordinance, and having no other stuff left to advance them with, It standeth with reason, in hope of saving the greater, to let the lesser go. made sacks of Carsey, unto the which the noble Tiepolo diligently looked. The 3. mines of the Commander did great damage to us, having thrown down the greater part of the earth, whereas the Governor Randacchi was slain. The mine of the Arsenal overthrew all the rest of the Turrion, having smouldered and choked one whole garrison of our soldiers, the 2. flankers only still remaining. ¶ The fifth Assault. THe enemies traveled much to become masters of those foresaid flankers, and to sally forth by the other batteries, and this assault lasted from three of the clock in the after noon until night, where, and at what time were slain very many of our enemies. In this assault Sig. Giacomo Strambali amongst the rest, showed much worthiness, as he had done before in other conflicts. ¶ The 6. and last Assault. THe next morning following, at the break of the day, they assailed all places, the which Assault continued more than six hours, with very little hurt on our side, because our enemies fought more coldly than they were wont to do, annoying of us continually on the Sea side with their Galleys, shooting in all their Assaults and batteries continually Cannon shot in all parts of the City, as near as they might. After we had defended and repulsed this assault, and perceived things brought to a narrower strait than they were wont to be at, Necessity often times presseth us in the end to that, which our will continually spurneth against. we having left in all the whole City, but 7. barrels of powder, the Governors of the City fully determined to yield up themselves and the City, with honourable conditions. Wherefore the first of August in the after noon, they took a truce, one being come for that purpose from Mustafà the General, with whom they concluded the next morning following to give 2. hostages a piece, until such time as both armies were agreed. For our hostages (by the appointment of the right honourable Bragadino) were sent forth the Earl Hercole Martinengo, and Sig. Matteo Colsi à Citizen of Famagosta, and from our enemies came into the City the Lieutenant of Mustafà, Giannezzeri be the Guard of the great Turk, so that Agà de' Giannizzeri is the Captain of the Turks Guard. and the Agà of the Giannizzers, the which were met, even unto the gate of the City, of Sig. Baglione with 200. Harquebusers: ours also were met in like manner with great pomp with horsemen & Harquebusers, with the son also of Mustafà in person, who made very much of them. The Lord Baglione imparld with these hostages, which were then come for that purpose of the articles of peace, requiring by them of their General, their lives, armour, and goods, 5. pieces of Ordinance, 3. of the best horses, and safe passage from thence unto Candia accompanied with their Galleys, and last of all, that the Grecians inhabiting the Island might devil there still quietly, and enjoy peaceably their own goods and possessions, living still Christians hereafter, as they had done before. All the which requests and articles were agreed upon, granted, Just Turkish dealing, to speak and not to mean: suddenly to promise', and never to perform the same. and subscribed unto by the hand of Mustafà. Forthwith were sent Galleys, and other vessels into the haven, so that our soldiers immediately began to embark themselves, of the which the greater part were already gone aboard, the nobility and our chief Captains also being likewise very desirous to departed. The 15. of August in the morning, the worthy Bragadino sent me with a letter unto Mustafà, by the which he signified, that the same night he would come unto him to deliver up the keys of the City, and that he would leave in the hold the honourable gentleman Tiepolo, praying him therefore, that whilst he should have just cause thus to be abroad, that there might be no harm done at home, and in the City. The Turks from our truce taking until that time, practised with us all familiarly, The Wolf sometime cunningly counterfeiteth the voice of the Goat, and the deceitful person pretendeth plain and upright dealing, that he may the sooner entrap the simple. & without any suspicion of sinister or double dealing, they having showed us much courtesy both in word and deed. Mustafà himself by word of mouth presently answered me to this letter, in this sort, that I should return, & make relation to this noble man Bragadino, who had sent me, that he should come over to him at his own pleasure, for he was very desirous both to see and know him, for his great worthiness and prows, that he had tried to be in him, and in the other of his Captains and soldiers, of whose manhood and courage he would honourably report, where soever he came, as occasion should serve thereunto: and to conclude that he should nothing doubt of any thing: But full evil may the simple Lambs trust the ravening Wolf. because in no manner of condition he would suffer any violence to be done to those, which remained behind within the City. So I speedily returning, made true report of the same: and towards night about 4. of the clock, the right honourable Bragadino accompanied with the L. Baglione, with Sig. Aluigi Martinengo, with the right worshipful Sig. Gio. Antonio Querini, with the right worshipful Sig. Andrea Bragadino, with the Knight of Haste, with the Captain Carlo Ragonasco, with Captain Francisco Straco, with Captain Hector of Brescia, with Captain Girolomo di Sacile, and with other gentlemen, and 50. soldiers: the Governors and noble men with their sword, and the soldiers with their Harquebusers, came forth of their hold, and went unto the Pavilion of Mustafà, of whom, all they at the beginning, were courteously received, and caused to sit down by him, he reasoning and discoursing with them of divers things, a certain time: and drawing them from one matter to an other, at the last upon a sudden picked a quarrel unto them, An easy thing it is to find a staff to beat a dog: and better is an ill excuse, than none at all. especially burdening that noble Bragadino with an untruth, laying to his charge, that he had caused certain of his slaves in the time that the truce continued betwixt them, to be put to death. The which thing was most false. So that he being angry therewith suddenly stepped forth, and commanded them to be bound. Thus they being unarmed (not suffered at that time to enter into his Pavilion, with their former weapons) and bound, were lead one by one into the market place, before his Pavilion, being presently cut and hewn in sunder in his presence, and last of all from that worthy and noble Bragadino (who being bound as the rest, and being commanded twice or thrice to stretch forth his neck, The property of true fortitude is, not to be broken with sudden terrors. as though he should have been beheaded, the which most boldly he did without any spark of fear) his ears were cut of, and causing him to be stretched out most vilely upon the ground, Mustafà talking with him, and blaspheming the holy name of our Saviour, demanding him, Mustafà, cousin germane to the thief, which hung on the left side of our Saviour at his Passion. where is now thy Christ, that he helpeth thee not: To all the which no answer at all was given of that honourable gentleman. The Earl Hercole Martinengo, which was sent for one of the hostages, who was also bound, was hidden by one of Mustafàs Eunuches until such time as his fury was past, afterward his life being granted him, he was made the Eunuches slave. Three Grecians which were under his Pavilion were left untouched. All the soldiers which were found in the camp, and all sorts of Christians to the number of 300. were suddenly slain, they nothing mistrusting any such treason, or tyranny. The Christian soldiers, which were imbarcked a little before, were linked and fettered with iron chains, made slaves, all things being taken from them, and stripped into their shirts. The second day after this murder was committed, which was the 17. of August, Mustafà entered the first time into the City, and caused the valiant and wise governor * With this noble man of Venice M. Lorenzo Tiepolo, now thus vilely put to death, in my return from Constantinople into Christendom, I sailed 300. miles, namely, from Candia or Creta, unto Zacynthos, now called: Zanthe, with his great favour: he being then, as at this siege also he was Captain and Governor of Baffo. Tiepolo to be hanged, who remained behind, waiting the return of Sig. Bragadino. I being in the city at that present, when other of my countrymen were thus miserably slain & made slaves, hid myself in certain of the Grecians houses the space of 5. days, and they not being able to keep me in covert any longer for fear of the great penalty, which was proclaimed against such transgressors and concealers, I offered, and gave myself slave to one Sangaccho deal by'r, promising him 500 * Zechini, be certain pieces of fine gold coined in Venice: every one of the which is in value vj. shillings viii. pence of our money and somewhat better: and equal altogether to a Turkish Byraltom. Zechins for my ransom, with whom I remained in the camp. The Friday following (being the Turks sabbath day) this worthy and patient gentleman Bragadino was led still in the presence of that unfaithful tyrant Mustafà, to the batteries made unto the City, whereas he being compelled to carry two baskets of earth, the one upon his back, the other in his hand slave like, to every sundry battery, being enforced also to kiss the ground as often as he passed by him, was afterward brought unto the Sea side, where he being placed in a chair to lean and stay upon, was winched up in that chair, and fastened unto the Maineyarde of a Galley, and hoisted up with a Crane, to show him to all the Christian soldiers and slaves (which were in the haven already shipped) he being afterward let down, and brought to the market place, the tormentors took of his clotheses from him, and tacked him unto the Pillory, whereas he was most cruelly flayed quick: with so great constancy and faith on his part, that he never lost or abated any jot of his steadfast courage, being so far from any fainting, His death answerable to his former life. that he at that present with most stout heart reproached them, and spoke much shame of his most traitorous dealing in breaking of his faithful promise. At the last without any kind of alteration of his constancy, he recommending his soul unto almighty God, gave up the ghost. When he had thus ended his life (thanks be to God) his skin being taken and filled with straw, was commanded forthwith to be hanged upon the Bowsprit of a * A foist is as it were a Brigandine, being somewhat larger than half a Galley, much used of the Turkish Cursaros, or as we call them Pirates, or Rovers. foist, and to be carried alongst the coast of Syria by the sea side, that all the port towns might see, and understand who he was. This is now so much as I am able to declare to your highness by that I saw myself, Things seen are of much more credit, the only heard. and can remember whilst that I was in the Fortress: that also, which by true relation of others I could understand, and saw also myself in the Camp, whilst I was slave, I will likewise briefly utter unto you. The enemy's armies was in number 200. The Turks call all those Segniories which they have in Asia, commonly by the name of Anatolia, as they do likewise term it to be in Grecia, what soever is in any part of Europe, being under the great Turk. thousand persons of all sorts and qualities. Of soldiers which took pay there were 80. thousand, besides the which number, there were 14. thousand of Giannizzers taken out from all the holds of Syria, Caramania, Anatolia, and part of them also which came from the * The Gate of the great Turk, is as much to say, as Constantinople: the which they call in the Turkish language, Stanboll. Gate of the great Turk. The ventures with the sword were 60. thousand in number. The reason, why there were so many of this sort, was because Mustafà had dispersed a rumour, through the Turks dominion, that Famagosta was much more wealth and rich, than the City of Nicosia was: so for that cause, and by the commodious and easy passage from Syria over into Cyprus, Gli Venturieri da spada, are a kind of venturing soldiers, who commonly are wont to follow the army in hope of the spoil. these ventures were easily induced to come thither. In 75. days (all the which time the battery still continued) 140. thousand iron pellets were shot of, numbered, Aleppo, a famous City near unto Antiochia, otherwise called in Greek, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the City of the Sun. and seen. The chief personages which were in their army near unto Mustafà, were these following: the Bassà of Aleppo, the Bassà of Anatolia, Musafer Bassà of Nicosia, the Bassà of Caramania, the Agà of the Giannizzers, Giambelat * Bey in the Turkish language, signifieth knight with us. Bey, the Sangiaccho of Tripoli, the * Begliarbei signifieth L. Admiral. Begliarbei of Greece, the Bassà of Scivassi & of Marasco, Ferca Framburaro, the * Sangaccho, is that person with the Turks, that governeth a province or country. Sangaccho of Antipo, Soliman Bey, three Sangacchoes of Arabia, Mustafà Bey General of the Venturers, Fergat governor of Malathia, the Framburaro of Diverie, the Sangaccho of Arabia, and other Sangacchoes of lesser credit, with the number of 80. thousand persons beside, as by the muster made by his commission might well appear. The Framburaro which was at Rhodes, was appointed and left governor at Famagosta, and the report was that there should be left in all the Island of Cyprus 20. thousand persons, with 2000 horse, many of the which I saw, being very lean and evil appointed for service. It seemeth also a thing not impertinent to the matter, to signify to you, God suffereth much to be done to his servants, but never forsaketh them. how I by the especial grace of God, was delivered out of their cruel hands, I having paid within 42. days (all the which time I was slave) 500 Zechins for my ransom to him, whose prisoner I was, by the means of the Consul for the French Merchants, à ligger then at Tripoli, who a little before came from Tripoli in Syria unto Cyprus, into the Turks camp. Yet for all that I had paid this sum of money to him, he would not so set me at liberty, but feeding me up still with fair words, and promising me, that he would first bring me unto his government, which abutted upon a piece of the famous river of Euphrates, and afterward dimisse me. The which malice and falsehood of his I perceiving, determined with myself to give him the slip, and to fly: so I waiting my time, and repairing often to the City, at length met with a small Fisher boat, of the which a poor Graecian was honour & master, with whom in one night with two only Oars and a small sail made of two shirts, Necessity often times sharpeneth men's wits, and causeth boldness. passed over from Cyprus unto Tripoli, being in very great danger of drowning, whereas I remained in covert in the house of certain Christians, until the 25. of September, at what time I departed from thence in a little French ship called Santo Vittor, which came into these parts, and as we road, we touched at a part of Cyprus westward, called Capo delle Gat, where as I came à land, and talking with certain of the inhabitance of the villages, who were then by chance à hawking, demanded of them, how they were entreated of the Turks, and after what sort the Island was tilled: to the which they answered, that they could not possibly be in worse pickle, than they were at that present, not enjoying that quietly, which was their own, being made villains & slaves, and almost always carrying away the Bastonadoes, The nature of every commodity is sooner understood by lacking, then by continual enjoying of the same. so that now (they said) they knew by trial too perfectly the pleasant and peaceable government of the Christians, wishing and praying God that they might shortly return. And concerning the tillage of the Island they made answer moreover, that no part of it was ploughed or laboured, saving only that mountain, which was towards the West, and that because they were little troubled with the cruelty of the Turks, but as for the plain and East part of the Island, there was small seed sown therein, but become in a manner desert, there being left but few inhabitants, and less store of cattle there. Afterwards we departing from thence, arrived in * Candia, of the old writers called Creta in latin, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek, because it had once a 100 Cities in it, now there remaining but only 4. thus commonly named, Candia, La Cania, Retimo, and Sythia. Candia, I for my part being clothed in Sackcloth, whereas soon after by the great courtesy of the right honourable Sig. Latino Orsino, I was new appareled accordingly, friendly welcomed, and my necessity relieved. From whence I shortly after sailing in a Cypriottes' ship (thanks be to almighty God) arrived in this City in health, and am safely come † It is great pleasure for any true subject, after long travel, to see the smoke of his native Country. home now at the honourable feet of your highness. ❧ The Captains of the Christians dead in Famagosta. THe Lord Estor Baglione. Thr Lord Aluigi Martinengo. The Lord Federico Baglione. The Knight of Asta Vicegovernour. The Captain David Noce Master of the Campe. The Capt. Meani of Perugia Sergeant Maior. The Earl Sigismond of Casoldo. The Earl Francisco of Lobi of Cremona. The Captain Francisco Troncavilla. The Capt. Hannibal Adamo of Fermo. The Capt. Scipio of the City of Castello. The Capt. Charles Ragonasco of Cremona. The Capt. Francisco Siraco. The Capt. Roberto Maluezzo. The Capt. Cesar of Aduersa. The Cap. Bernardin of Agubio. The Capt. Francisco Bugon of Verona. The Capt. James of Fabiano. The Capt. Sebastian deal Sole of Florence. The Capt. Hector of Brescia, the successor to the Captain Cesar of Aduersa. The Captain Flaminio of Florence, successor unto Sebastian deal Sole. The Capt. Erasmus of Fermo, successor to the Captain of Cernole. The Captain Bartholmewe of Cernole. The Capt. john Battista of Rivarole. The Capt. john Francisco of Venice. ❧ The names of Christians made Slaves. THe Earl Hercoles Martinengo, with julius Cesar Ghelfo a soldier of Bressa. The Earl Nestor Martinengo, which fled. The Capt. Marco Crivellatore. The Lord Hercoles Malatesta. The Captain Peter Conte of Montalberto. The Capt. Horatio of Veletri. The Capt. Aluigi Pezano. The Conte james of Corbara. The Capt. john of Istria. The Capt. Soldatelli of Agubio. The Capt. john of Ascoli. The Capt. Antony of the same town. The Capt. Sebastian of the same town. The Capt. Salgano of the City of Castello. The Capt. Marchese of Fermo. The Capt. john Antonio of Piacenza. The Capt. Carletto Naldo. The Capt. Lorenzo Fornaretti. The Capt. Bernardo of Brescia. The Capt. Barnardino Coco. The Captain Simon Bagnese, successor to the Captain David Noce. The Captain Tiberio Ceruto, successor unto Conte Sigismond. The Captain joseph of Lanciano, successor unto Captain Francisco Troncavilla. The Capt. Morgante, successor to Captain Hannibal. The Lieutenant, successor unto the Captain Scipio. The standardbearer, successor to Captain Roberto. The Captain Ottavio of Rimini, successor to the Captain Francisco Bugon. The Capt. Mario da Fabiano, successor to Cap. jacomo. The Captain Francisco of Venice, successor unto Captain Antonio. The Capt. Matteo of Capua. The Captain john Maria of Verona. The Captain Mancino. ¶ The Fortifiers. John Marmori. dead. The Knight Maggio. slave. ❧ Turkish Captains in Famagosta. MVstafà General. The Bassà of Aleppo. The Bassà of Anatolia. slain. Musafer Bassà of Nicosia. The Bassà of Caramania. The Agà of the Giannizers. Giambelat Bey. The Sanganccho of Tripoli. slain. The Begliarbei of Grece. The Bassà of Scivassi & Marasco. Ferca Framburaro. The Sangaccho of Antipo. slain. Soliman Bey. slain. Three Sangacchoes of Arabia. One slain. Mustafà Bey, General of the Venturers. slain. Fergat Ruler of Malathia. slain. The Framburaro of Diverie. slain.