A RELATION OF THE Late Siege and taking of the City OF BABYLON BY THE TURK.  
As it was written from thence by Zarain Aga, one of his Captains, to Caymaran (his Brother) Viceroy in Constantinople.  
Setting forth all the principal passages of this Siege; With one Unparreled, Cruel, Furious and Bloody assault, made by the Turks, wherein were slain in 12 hours. 130000 of them, and above 20000 Persians.  
Translated out of the Turkish, into the Italian Language by the Drugerman to the State of RAGOUZA. And Englished by W. H.  
LONDON, Printed by I. Raworth, for N. Butter, and N. Bourne. 1639.   

THE INTRODUCTION, Describing the City of Babylon from its Original, and how often it hath been translated from one Monarch to another; it being now come again into the hands of the Turk.  
IT is not Fortune to which the Roman Orator, as he 
(a) 2. Ad Heren. Fortunam Insanam esse & caecam & Brutam perhibent Philosophi: Caecam quia nihil cernit quo sese applicet; Insanam quia incerta & instabilis est; Brutans quia mu●tis incommodis conflictatur.  learned from the Philosophers, gives the attributes of Blindness, Madness, and Brutishness; because it seethe not whither it applieth itself, is unconstant and variable, and is encountered by many inconveniences, no humane policy by which the 
(b) Aristot. 5 polit. cap. 8.  Statists of the world would prescribe infallible rules for preservation of settled Kingdoms and Republics to Eternity; but the divine providence which governeth the estate of things which (administering, and ruling all things not simply alone, but by disposing of the means, and secondary causes) makes that necessary by consequence, which because not foreseen seemeth contingent and fortuitous to the Moale-eyes of blind mortality.  
Old Babylon the metropolis of Assyria, for strength might compare with any City in the world; Its first Foundress Semiramis, 
(c) Quem morem vestis exindegens universa te●…t. Ius●…. L. 8.  A woman of more than masculine wit and courage, (whose Garb in wrapping her head in Lawn the Persians at this day imitate) first surrounded it with walls of 32 
(d) Celius A●…que lectionum. L. 8. Cap. 12.  foot thick and 50 Cubits high betwixt the Turrets; the Towers themselves being raised 10 Cubits higher, And so left it as a piece, (in the opinion of that age) impregnable.  
If any City might boast of its bigness, this might claim that glory, It being the 
(e) Babiloniaamplissima stomnium urbium orbis cogni●…. jovius Lib 33.  biggest of the known world, And the walls 
(f) Celius loc. citato.  355 
(g) A Stadium is 135 paces.  Stadia in compass. Or according to Plinius his description, 
(h) L. 3. c 2●  The breadth of the walls being 50 foot, the height 200, each foot containing more by 3 finger's breadth then our ordinary measure, And in Circuit LX. M. paces.  
To omit that conjecture of Aristotle, who 
(i) Polit. 3. c. 2.  thought it might have an equal dimension with all Peloponesses, because when it was first taken, the farthest part of the City knew not till 3 days after what had happened: If any City might brag of its Elegancy and commodious situation, it was this; Euphrates bringing his Channel of a stadium broad through the midst of it, 
(k) Cel. L. Citato Curtius et alij.  and that so arched over, and adorned with pencil Gardens, that afar off, it appeared like a Wood upon the top of a Mountain: and the land about being so fruitful, that it commonly produceth 200 for one, and sometimes 300: 
(l) Herod. lib. 5.  If any City might glory in the happy and pregnant wits of its inhabitants, it was this, where Astronomy was first taught, and the Art of working in needle works of diverse Colours was first invented. If ever City might glory in the puissance of its Kings, this was that City, wherein the Sceptre was first swayed by Phulbelochus, Anno mundi 3146. under whom flourished the Persian Historiographer. Metasthenes who reigned 48. years. Next by Phylazzer or Tegbath Phylazzer, Anno mundi 3194. and reigned 23. years. After him by Salmanazar, Anno mundi 3217. who reigned 10. years and subdued all Phoenicia, Tyrus only excepted, and carried away the King of Israel and the 10. Tribes into Media. Next by Sennacherib, Anno mundi 3227. who reviling the good pious Hezekiah by a railing Rabshekeh had a hook put into his Nostrils, forced home again, and was slain Adoring his Idols in the Temple by his own Sons, when he had reigned 7 years. After him by Esarhaddon (called by Josephus Asarocoldus, Anno mundi 3233. who reigned 11 years: And lastly by Berodach, surnamed Ballad. Anno mundi 3242. who at the revolution of 12. years, transferred the Kingdom to the Assyrians, and afterwards reigned 18. years, yet the strength of its walls, numerous & ingenious inhabitants, and the puissance of its Kings could not conserve it in its former splendour, it being forced to change the ancient government, and receive new Lords and Laws, first by Cyrus the Persian, and after by Alexander the Great, who was poisoned there by a Quacksalving Mountebank, Thessalus by name (m) who had so cunningly tempered his potion, 
(o) justin. 1.12.  that no vessel of Earth or glass, brass or Iron, nor any thing else but an horse's hose could contain it unless it had been mingled with Cold water, which for a time abated the violence, though soon after contracting its power, it raged more violently, in which vehicle it was exhibited unto him: Kings have there Fates, and the great Macedon, which would be thought Immortal as God, thus by the hand of a base Veneficus knew himself to be a man, and died like one of the ordinary princes, but his limited time was come. One of the Persian Wisemen called Pythagoras, 
(n) Plutarch. in vita Alexandri.  warned him to leave Babylon and ferry over the River unto Byrsia, and his Counsel he had followed had not Anaxarchus the Philosopher met with him and told him that his Predictions were false, and also uncertain; adding withal Si fatis Constant ignota mortalibus: 
(o) justin. Loc. Citat.  Si natura debeantur Imutabillia. And so convincing his understanding, betrayed him to the treacherous Assasinace. The utter ruin of this great City attended the Fate of this great King, for soon after his death, it was in part demolished, by the fury of the Persians, in part suffered to perish, by the negligence of the Grecians: and almost exhausted and unpeopled by 
(p) Cael. L. Citat.  Seleucus, who to that intent built Seleucia within 300 Stadia, that is 44 English miles thereof; and the Parthians who to the same purpose built Ctesiphon in Chalonitis (Juxta tertium ab câ Lapidem) But then failing of their design, Vologesus the King (nuper saith Pliny 
(q) L. 6. c. 26  since the Incarnation of our Saviour it is certain) built an other City near it, called Vologeso-Certa, and thereby so impoverished it, that it might have been said of Babylon truly (which a Greek Comic Poet spoke of Megalopolis in Arcadea, scoffingly, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The great City is become a forsaken wilderness.) Thus the glory of the Eastern buildings became as an heap, till the year of Christ 578. when it was rebuilt by the Caliph Bugiapher, with the expense of 200000. talents of Gold, and called Bagdat; yet that splendour was soon Eclipsed again, by Alacho, brother to Chyta the Tartarian king Anno 640, who expelled The Abasian family Caliph Mustiadzen the 54 th'. of that house then ruling; and the family of Chita was again not long after, beaten out by Tangrolipix of the Zel-Zuccahian line, whence it descended to the house of Ottoman, Anno 1031 under whom it remained until the year 1625, when it was subjected to the Persians by their puissant Prince Abas, who after 14 years, were forced from it by the now Turkish Sultano, whose process for the recovery thereof, by the great pains and charge of our English Relator, is derived to us out of the Archiva of Raguza, formerly called Epidaurus, a City and Republic in Dalmatia, but tributary to the grand Signior, in the letters following:   

The Relation of the late Siege and taking of the City of Babylon, By the Turk.  
THe desire you have to know of the true Success and proceed of our whole Army, incited me to write 3. former letters. In my first I related unto you what occurrents happened in our voyage, particularly of that most 
(1) This Persiam Commander would usurp both the Name and Office of our Saviour, & is therefore justly by styled the Turk base and wicked.  false and wicked man who intitling himself Jesus the great Prophet, was (not very fare from Babylon) so audacious and hardy as to join Battle with the Invincible Army of the Arbiter of the whole universe 
(2) Here is base flattery and detestable blasphemy, the Turks parasite, thus entitle him and he asumes it.  the most mighty Emperor Sultan Amurath, the right hand of the Omnipotent God, and how the said bloody fights ended by the death of the said false Prophet and all his Army. 
Discito justitiam moniti nec temnite jesum.  (3)  
In my second, I wrote you how that approaching near the walls of great Babylon, we were assaulted by the Army of Han Lord of Persia: and how dreadful the Battle was: as also how a great part of our Army then perished: and how the aspect of the awful countenance of our most majestical Emperor, at least forced the Enemy to retire, one part of his Army flying into places fare off, and the other part seeking refuge within the walls of Babylon.  
In my third, I signified unto you, that the Babylonians hearts failed them at our approach; when they beheld the  and great Channel and Trenches made by our Army, to divert the river Euphrates another way; the great pains of our supreme Lord, the admirable diligence of Hussaim Bassaw; the incomparable virtue of Mahomet Bassaw; the courageous valour of Mustapha Bassaw, and the general and cordial fidelity of the whol● Imperial Army, all which presaged the following Victory; as also of the four Batteries planted, in each of which were 50. Pieces of Ordnance, in all 200 pieces, wherewith we continually battered the great Babylon, without giving the Enemies any leave to take the least respite: As also of the great Assault and Trenches made against the strong Castle of Venlo, by the Noble favourite of our Emperor Silixtar Bassaw; there I also wrote unto you how we then numbered our Soldiers, and how many we found wanting, namely: the number of such as perished in the fore named Battles, in the raising of the 4 Bastions, and in the assault, amounted to 73,589 light Horse, with their Riders, amongst whom the old Daunts Bassaw sanctified by our holy faith, who appeared always like thunder and lighting to the Enemy's terror: 
(4) That is, were slain; the Turks superstition, accounting them as Saints & Martyrs which die by War in their Prince's service.  with many other Lords and great Captains of the Countries' of Greece, Albania and Morea, which we hope that, (like so many Cherubins) the chiefest of the Angels have conducted their souls to Heaven, into the Bosom of Mahomet our Prophet, whom the great God hath so washed with the water of Martyrdom, suffered by them for their faith's sake.  
There were lost also in the same actions, 35000 footmen, in part Janissaries, and in part a new sort of Soldiers named Simeani; amongst whom was Beleaver Bostanga Bassaw, who that very same day on which he was preferred to the dignity of Bassaw, before he could enjoy terrestrial Rule, conducted to heaven these his Soldiers, being drawn to enjoy those Celestial waters, the which GOD hath granted to the Faithful, through the intercession of our great Prophet. 
(5) 
There is no cheat like that which  itself in the habit of Religion.  
This the juggling Mahomet promised Azoara 2, and is it this day by them firmly beloved.   After which, I also advised you how that the great Ingeneere of Africa had caused more than 1000 Barks to be built: And how that 25 Canons of unmeasurable greatness, were laid upon skins blown full of wind like bladders, and so were supported, and swame on the River Euphrates, but to what end no one knew.  
I further advized you of the great preparations and toil in making the great frame for the Bridge over the River, and how that the said River being diverted another way, we presented the aforesaid Cannons before the strong walls of Babylon, and then laid the Bridge, at one instant fortifiing it with strong and long bars of Iron, that upheld it in all those places, which are held necessary, and how our designs took effect and a great part of the wall of Babylon by uncessant Battery was broke down, and how the said Artillery together with an Infinite number of our men the diverted River by force, returning suddenly into its Ancient Channel were carried away thereby. And not only so, but that the River also broke into the City of Babylon, through the breaches in the wall, which our Emperor perceiving, commanded the aforesaid Barks, full of Soldiers to row into the City, (6) as you have had in my former large information.  
After this there came a commandment from our Omni Potent Emperor, the bridge being finished) that we should fill up the trenches by us made: 
It was a strange command and dangerous: but (●elc●… piet ●…iura regn●nai cupiditas, The Sultan is more ambitious to enlarge his Dominions, th●… to preserve his men, and careth not for loss of the last, so he may gain the first.  and that about the distance of a mile from Babylon, we should begin a great trench of the length of a mile, in a direct line, but about, miles in its wand'ring turnings and windings & so large that 30 men in file might commodiously march forward therein. This done, the whole Army was divided into four several Squadrons, one of them being appointed to each of the abovesaid 4 bastions. The leading of the first Squadron was given to the great Vizier, by the Emperor called Alla, which in Turkish is as much as to say, God and Father. The second Commander was the most valiant Mustapha Bassawe. The Conductor of the the third, was the most virtuous Mahomet. The fourth chief leader was (the abstract and quintessence of all honour and virtue) his sacred Majesty, the great Emperor himself, who was contented so to do, contrary to the advice of his chief Counsellors, and of all the three Champions, according to the directions of the Ingeneere of Africa, into whose hands the Invincible Majesty of our Emperor had given all his power and authority, his Majesty himself, in this design, contenting to be commanded by his own slave.  
Over the fifth part of the host, the great Solicitor had Command, and he remained to guard those borders, whither it was reported the (7) unbeleiving Persian was retired with the residue of his forces. 
Yet he is a Mahometan, & what ever is pretended it is not religion but desire of Rule that makes the quarrel between the Turk and him.   
After this manner, having put themselves in order of battle, by the Commandment of the great Legislator, order was given that in every several Regiment, the most eloquent man amongst them chosen, should by a Marshal speech animate the Soldiers to fight resolutely using these or the like words.  
Most valiant Champions, most happy slaves of the Emperor's Majesty, 
Here is a contradiction in the adject. Slavery is no happiness, and Turkish slavervis the worst of miseries, but such as never k●…e●… liberty take it for a blessi●….  this is the day which you so long desired, this is the end for which you have undergone so many miseries; this is the day that our Empire shall be established to the faithful of God, and fatal to such as believe not the law of Mahomet, at which words their courages were doubled, and every one unanimously, like so many enraged Lions, were disposed and desirous in that very instant to dye, or else to recover the Sepulture of our Prophet, IMAN ASEN, which is in the City of Babylon, to the end, that it might not remain in the hands of misbelievers. And being thus resolved, we then marched forwards on the Bridge, which we before had made, being also greatly spurred on by hearing the terrible confused noise of those our men, who were as aforesaid entered into Babylon in barks. So hastily Trumpets and Drums sounding, we passed over the Bridge, And a deep large Ditch, and even under the walls, almost hand to hand, began a most fierce assault, in which time it was the preasure of GOD, that the River of Euphrates upon that side of the City, where the Bridge was built, was on the sudden almost quite dried up, and did take its course on the other side, the which being by us perceived, Commandment was given, that with great quantity of Sacks of Flax, and Sacks of Wool, Earth, dead bodies of men, and beasts and such like 
(9) What Barbarism it is to account the bodies of the deceased men no better than Rubbish.  Rubbish, thrown into the said dried channel, by multitudes of men in short time, we made it plainly equal with the other ground, for the space of two miles in length, even under the very walls of the city: the most valiant janissaries and Simeenis, stormed upon the city with continual tempests of Musket shot, and gave not the enemy leave to come in sight, whilst those other forces which were brought up through the meandrous trench aforesaid, swiftly ran with scaling Ladders, each of them being then armed with two Pistols, and a short crooked sword hanging by their sides, called Semitars in this sort they attempted to scale the walls, and to ascend, but the defendants within, not sleeping a whit, with hot mixture of Pitch, and Tar, Rosen, Brimstone, and multitude of stones overwhelmed us, and with certain Artillery, so monstrous big, that in one of their mouths a man might commodiously lie, these being charged with chains, and nails, bullets and Iron bars, etc. Swept our men away, we on the contrary side, attempting with good Canon, to beat down their walls to the ground, which at last likewise took effect; but this advantage was accompanied with a greater difficulty, for the defendants had fortified within, and built another very strong brickwall, near the which they had made a very deep and large ditch, all covered over with boards, in the manner of a trap door, or draw bridge, which they kept level, until there had entered into the City about 2000 janissaries, and perceiving the light horse to enter also, they let fall the trap door to our great peril and damage, for such was the fury of our holy inspired soldiers, to press forwards the sooner and more effectually to show their man hood and valour, that the hindemost forced the foremost to fall down headlong into the aforesaid deep prepared Ditch, insomuch that in a short time, what with our men, and with our Horses, the Ditch was then filled, And leveled with the ground. The Defendants saw it, and began again to distribute their shot and to thunder with the above said widemouth petards, But we being arrived even under the said wall, and as it were at hand blows, our multitudes at the last overcame all their oppositions, and forced them to retire to the other side of the City, leaving these battered walls to our discretion, upon which we displayed our Emperor's most happy banners, and they likewise on the other side did display those of PERSIA.  
Thus we gained the one half of the City in the space of twelve hours, or thereabouts. The Defendants in this Assault having lost above twenty thousand men, and we on our side 130000, amongst whom the great Vizier was eternised by his glorious death, who after he had with incredible valour, undaunted Courage that self same day, cast eighty several darts against the Enemy, was at last by a usquet shot smote into the forehead, whose death our army taking notice of, called thrice unitedly, upon the name of GOD 
(10) Nulla ●ens tam fera nemo hominum est tam Immanis cuius meatem non imbu●rit Dei Opinio. Cic. Tus. Quaest. All men know that there is a God, but not how to serve him, superstition is of a larger growth than Atheism.  and did also most humbly recommend his Soul to his Deities acceptance with fervent and hearty Prayers, etc. After this manner we having at last overcome the Defendants, did afterward rest the Lords and Masters of the one half of the City, whereupon then Camp for that day reposed; & the very next morning, the Emperor sent for his most faithful Mustapha Basbaw to come unto his presence (who was called Silixtar, which is as much to say girt-Sword) he accordingly presenting himself, first caused him to be arrayed with three several rich Garments, and with his own hands gird his Sword about him, and then assigned to him his Treasury, saying, unto him: Take into thy custody my right hand the Privic Seal and show thyself my valiant (a) Wolf, 
Conveneunt rebus Nomina, The Wol●…, ie Animal fero● non generos●… rapax nunquam turatum.  let me see how thou wilt behave thyself in guiding of mine Army in the remainder of the victory. The great Bashaw (without the least answer casting himself down upon the ground) most humbly kissed the Emperor's hand, and presently with much haste took horse, galloping amain towards that part of the City which was by us already overcome, where lighting from his horse he was received of all the Army with great triumph. The almighty God the recompencer of our true valour which overcommeth all oppositions, infused into all our Camp unspeakable jollity, prosperity, and supplied us with abundance of all things necessary for life, etc.  

Numerus Ternarius turcis Saceritidem & decimus.  Now the 30th day (b) since our first arrival under the said City which was Friday nearly approaching; all the chief Commanders of the Army began to put all things in a readiness, being resolved on the next morning to give the last assault unto the remainder of the City (yet being in the possession of the Babylonians, and in which was the Castle Venlo) being one half of the whole, well fortified, with about 16000 Defendants, who seeing how things passed, amounted their Artillery, some part to the left side of the City, and the other part to defend the Walls without, on that side which outfaced the Battery of the great Bashaw. Thus being provided, and all things in order, they attended our coming with great acclamations, loud noises and sounds of warlike Instruments, showing more courage than ever they did before, etc.  
But the Reader hath by the way to understand that before the coming of the Turks under Babylon. The Persians had sent away all unprofitable and unserviceable persons (as old Men, women and children) unto other retired Cities and strong holds of Persia, there being left for guard of the City only 40000 able garrison Soldiers, over which were four principal Commanders; namely the first and chiefest was called Obet Han, the second Mentisen Ebas, the third Asmaean, and the fourth Sacker. Now it happened that the three aforesaid last named Commanders by certain passages had some suspicion that their chief General Obet Han was corrupted by the great Turk, and held private correspondency with him; whereupon with an unanimous consent they imprisoned the same Obet Han in a Tomb, but he soon after clearing himself was again set at liberty.  
This night all the aforesaid Commanders called a Council, wherein after much conference being propounded what medicine was best to cure so desperate a disease.  
The opinion of the said Obet Han was, to deliver up the remainder of the City upon any indifferent terms. But the other three chief Captains were so fare from consenting thereto, that they plainly told him, if he would not hold out, even unto the last man, all the Persians in the City would rise up against him, and cause him most shamefully and disgracefully to lose his life.  
Whereupon he (knowing, that they jested not, and fearing so great a storm would ensue) at midnight gave a secret sign to our Camp, that he would yield and give himself into the pious hands of our Emperor, which he accordingly did, the great Turk promising him gracious entertainment 
(a) A valiant man cannot be a Traitor, but Cowardice and Treason commonly walk hand in hand, and such was Han.  upon which security he feigned to his Countrymen that his desire was, the next morning to be the first which would withstand the fury of the Turks first assault; whereupon they (no way dreaming of his intention) commended his forwardness, and encouraged him to behave himself valiantly; so betimes the next morning he issued forth of his hold with 3000 Soldiers as if it were to withstand us, but instead thereof he went strait forwards with the said Soldiers unto the lodging of our great Vizier, who with much humanity entertained him, and advised our Emperor of what had happened who hearing the process, caused the said Obet Han to come before his presence (who immediately presenting himself) 
Here the old Rule is crossed, Amo Proditionem proditore ode.  our Emperor clothed him with a plain red Velvet gown, lined with Zebelines, and a very rich Pendant, which his Highness had worn in the front of his Turban, and also a Dagger named Hangiaw, and unto all the other 3000 Soldiers which accompanied him he gave very great pay. So that those which were Heretics even unto that 
(d) Must he needs be a Mussulman that is subject to the House of Ottoman? Quis l●…g●t hoc, & in ●…chinnor non solvitur?  hour, became believers of the most happy truth of Mahomet. The aforesaid donatives and presents were given unto the aforesaid Obet Han, because he had always underhand kept correspondency with our Emperor which was (as aforesaid) almost revealed: but the Omnipotent God preserved him in safety, to the end his honourable actions by future Writers might be published in (e) holy paper to the whole World. 
It might be charta Sacra and so pass.   
After which we heard in the Persians fortifications a great tumult and confusion, and in that instant, certain of the Defendants desired a Parley, the which being by us perceived, some were sent to know their minds, which being understood, they returned & opened it to the Emperor and his Council, who concluded that the following day there should be on both sides a cessation from Arms, and likewise ordered that the following night, at the dark Postern door of the Castle all the Persian Soldiers upon agreement should issue forth with as much Baggage as they would carry, and keep their way through the ordinary street towards Persia. And to this end order was given, that the Camp of Silixtar great Bashaw should make them way and retire from these Frontiers, but there arose a suspicion, & it was the common bruit amongst our Soldiers that the Persians fled, and that in a tumacious manner without rendering the least Obedience to our army (though persuaded thereunto one while by admonitions, another while by menaces) which this their intolerable obstinacy caused our men to rush all in an Impetous fury towards those parts, where the Persians were, who knowing full well in what desperate case they were (Death threatening them on all sides) prepared themselves for their best defence, which preparation caused a rumour, & the rumour so affrighted the Turks which were jodged in that part of the City already won, (fearing some great aid was come from the King of Persia to secure the distressed Babylonians) that thereupon they forsook all the holds they had before conquered, and fled. Insomuch, that had not the Captains of the janissaries assured them of the truth, and encouraged them immediately to return (all that was gotten with so great an effusion of guiltless blood) had been all in a trice lost again.  
In this bloody Fight was a most horrible slaughter on both sides, and a mortal destruction fell upon all those Persians which (as aforesaid) had issued forth, the most part of them were slain (the ground drinking in their Heretical blood with the blood of many holy Imperials; insomuch, that but 300 of our Enemies escaped death that day) who (being taken Prisoners alive) and said that the faithless Promise of our Emperor had deceived them; But we answered them that though our Emperor had given them his faith, not to molest them in their passage, yet this his pleasure was not proclaimed through the Camp, therefore we were not bound to observe it: where upon, presently after they were brought to a place near the Dudiglien or Tent of the great Vizier, and were all beheaded. This tragedy being seen by the Persians, which kept the Castle, made them prepare for their defence, unto whom our Emperor engaged his faith and promised them to proclaim it through the whole Camp, according to their own hearts desire; nevertheless, they remained obstinate: and notwithstanding, that all day long they were persuaded to accept thereof, they would not consent thereto, for which cause there came out a Command, that the next day following, both in the Ditches, and without, a general assault should be made, which was accordingly performed; and we approaching to the outward ditch of the Castle, which was a pike long in depth, and another in breadth, which hindered our entrance into a broader green; we endeavoured with a great quantity of beams and timber to fill up the ditches, and, as it were, to make a kind of a Bridge, whereby our design might take effect. But whilst we were thus seriously employed about this work, the defendants from the out walls of the Castle with their musket shot, and from their Bastions with their Artillery, made great havoc of our men; yet nevertheless, in the space of an hour we had laid our beams, and made a kind of Bridge, by the which our Soldiers thronged over to the aforesaid green, where being come, we found another Ditch half as deep, and as broad as the other, thorough which passed a river, and whilst some of our men earnestly attended with their musket shot, not giving leave to the defendants once to show themselves upon the walls of the Castle, others of our renowned best Soldiers, by their scaling Ladders mounted up the walls, a mine was sprung, the violence whereof not only blew up all those which had passed the aforesaid bridge, but also the very bridge itself, and not only so, but as it happened, this mine fired another mine, which was under the second ditch and wall, which unsuspectedly taking fire, blew up many of the defendants, who were on the outwals, and the stones of the said 2 mines, also greatly damnified all those of our Camp, which were in the 3 quarter-conquered-City, and as many as were near thereunto; being one of the most horrible and dreadful sights which hath been seen by any mortal, since the Creation. This miserable accident being over, those of our men (which were left alive, took quiet possession of the doors of the Castle first, and afterwards, by plain force, of the Castle itself, there remaining in it alive only 300 Persians, and those unarmed, and without any thing left wherewith to defend themselves (save that each of them had a short crooked sword by their sides, called Simytars) their powder and all their materials for defence, being spent, stood upon their guard and fought so desperately, that in the terrible conflict, many of our Just Imperials lost their lives: But at last our multitudes overcame them, and put them all to the sword. Thus after the above said manner, the great destroyed Babylon became wholly ours. But as the valour expressed by our Soldiers, is beyond believe, so was also the courage of the defendants, which will add unto us an eternal fame, so strong a Fortress being never heretofore taken by force, neither ever any Soldiers more obedient to their Superiors than ours were; neither ever any Emperor, King, or Potentate from the Creation so liberal in gifts, as this our God of the Earth was.  
I (thanks be to God) remain yet alive, but wounded by a Musket shot in the thigh, when we became masters of the Castle door, and thus wounded, I writ this relation unto you, being until this present day, in the behalf, & by direction and order from our terrestrial God; daily visited by Selictar Bassaw, whereby, notwithstanding the wound, greatly molesteth me, yet I have comfort and heartily rejoice, that my body is marked for the holy faith's sake, and I shall not too much emulate, the felicity of our dead: since that the pious God knew well the ambition I had to dye in defence of our most holy faith, and in service of my Emperor, who so often shows such evident signs of his affection towards me, as I myself could neither expect or desire; wherefore my longing is to meet with an opportunity, whereby I may give a testimony, that, after God, he is my soul. As for the rest, there remain yet alive unto me four horses and 3 servants (whom God bless & send them good fortune) that they may deserve their stipends, and leave fame to their children. As for the victuals for our Camp (by the Providence of God) we found great store in the City, and also by the diligence of our Emperor, we have great abundance of all things, making continual feasts with roaring of Artillery and praying to God for the prosperity & happy success of our Almighty Emperor, as you also ought by the Emperor's command, to give notice to all his subjects that they observe the like.  
In this City we found 145 Canons for battery, the which carried shot of 50 and 70 pound weight; 92 mortar pieces, in the which any man might stand most conveniently, but little or no wealth at all, because all before our coming was carried away from thence, nothing remaining but what was necessary to maintain the life of the above said 40000 Soldiers, there left in guard of the City. There were also sufficient victuals found to maintain 40000 souls for the space of 2 years: We found also 200 Runtars' of powder, & the City wholly destroyed, which we are about to refortifie. If any other matter of moment shall happen, I will exactly inform you. Thus praying that whatsoever you desire may be fulfilled, in as much as it aimeth to the prosperity of our Emperor and his Crown, Farewell.  
From the Camp.  
FINIS.   

The Copy of a letter sent to a private Merchant of London, from Ragouza.  
THis foresaid Relation is here of all held for a certain truth, this State having sent the self same news to the Pope and Viceroy of Naples, and to many other Christian Princes, and hath also been confirmed to be true, by a 100 several Carrier's, wherefore be pleased to make much thereof, assuring you if you knew how I laboured to get out the Copy of the Original, out of the private News book of this State, kept in the hands of their chief Secretary, you would questionless esteem it so much the more: My pains in translating it (though not small) yet far less than the procuring of the Original by which above said description, I take notice of 3 points, viz. 1, of the proud blasphemy of the great Turk, in Intituling himself the right hand of God, Arbiter of the Universe, and God on Earth. 2, Of their foolish superstitions and idle opinions, to believe that all those their Soldiers that die in fight must necessarily thereby gain Heaven. 3, Of their bestial precipitated resolution and vain glory of the great Turk, that so he may gain and accomplish his ambitious desires, regards not to see before his face the Bucherlike slaughter of multitudes of his men, and bravest Soldiers, etc.  
Read this Relation to as many as your discretion thinks fit, but I desire you to let no Copy be taken thereof, that it may not on the sudden become common: And thus I humbly rest  
Your obed. Ser: to command. WIL: HOLLOWAY.