Francis Billerbeg● from Constantinople, written to David Chyrtaens of Germany, S. P. D.  
WHen at this time I lived at Constantinople, and deliberated with myself, of the argument of an Epistle to be sent to you 〈…〉 that I should show unto your matter not unpleasant, if I should signify unto you, somewhat of the Governors, which are under the Turks Empire: And of such things which are done in Persia: and of other things which I saw here, or have received of men of singular credit worthy of memory.  
I thought it superfluous, to write unto you of the Ecclesiastical state amongst these people, when as I do understand by your Oration. that you have better intelligence than I, which a Nobleman Communicated with me: For unto me it was most acceptable, both for other causes and also forasmuch, as I persuaded every thing to be true, which therein is contained.  
It pleaseth me to begin with the Emperor himself, whose name is Amurathes the third, the second son of 
Amurathes  Selimus, who is about thirty years old. He began his Empire with the murder of five young brethren, whom he strangled. He is off a low stature, a great head, gross 
A 〈…〉 on 〈…〉 Tur 〈…〉  〈◊〉 and leysie, and in a manner never moving them. 〈…〉 awes and cheeks pull'st up and swollen. A long nose 〈…〉 tched down to his mouth. A thin red beard: pale ●●ted for the most part. The rest of his body leysie and feeble. He hath the falling sickness. It is certain that his spirits are f●●ble and fearful, for he dareth not go 
The great Turk hath the falling sickness.  on hunting, wi●● the which he is now and then delighted but very seldom: nor to pass over Bosphorus to his Parks, unless the Sea be very calm.  
It is reported that he quaketh every inch of him, when he heareth the sound of Armour and Guns, whereupon 
The Turk fearful and a coward.  it falleth out, that contrary to the custom of his elders, he committeth his wars to his Deputies. They say, that he is ruled by the commandment of his mother and his wife: these being corrupted with gifts and rewards, procure the Emperor's favour to many. It is said, that he is contented with one wife, which thing, they rather impute to his imbecility, then to his temperancy. He hath a son whose name is Mehemet, 
Mehemet.  the only inheritor of so many kingdoms: notwithstanding that he is scarce fourteen years old, nevertheless it is said that he hath children: which thing I would not have credited, unless it were most manifest, that he was begotten when that his father was scarce fourteen years of age.  
Amurathes abstaineth from wine, notwithstanding, the Soldiers which served his Father Selimus, were so 
The great Turk drinking no wine.  used to wine, that many of them cannot be compelled to abstain from wine, contrary to the commandment of the Law maker. This is that Amurathes, and such one he is, that is now worshipped and feared of the most part of the monarchs of the world, who most presumptuously glorieth in his letters, that he is the only governor of the world. Sians called Bassa, a man excelling both in 
Sians.  courage of mind and comeliness of body, is Amurathes Vicegerent, and elected his chief Councillor, and named of the Turks, Vezi● Asem. He may be called Proto●ezirms or chief Counsellor. Soliman, when he was young, gave him his name S●ans, which signifieth fair 
 and comely. He is now about 40. years of age, by nation an Hungarian, he never fought battle, nor went a warfare, although he was termed in Greek, 〈◊〉 There are beside this man S●ans, four others 〈◊〉 
.  Basle which are of his privy Counsel, of the which, twain are now here resident: Misach which signifi●● 
 Messiah, and Mehemences, these are both by nation 〈…〉 ans, neither of them b●the (for I did inquire) famous in Chivalry or warfare. The other two, new are in the wars against the Persians', Sinan and Osman, of the 
 which the one is of Epirus by nation, who is said to be of a seemly stature, a leave body, a black fa●e, an eagle's nose or bill, of an angry stomach, and not to be pacified.  
He subverted Gulett, and took the kingdom of Tonis from the spaniards, and commanded Peter Portacarrerius the Precedent or Captain of Gulett to be beat to death with Cudgels, near to the isle Coregra, to the infamy and dishonour of the Spanish nation. Before this time, he warred in Arabia prosperously. He hath not now so prosperous a wind against the Persians.  
The other called Osman Basla, and he is of Bosnia: He 
 is now Resident at the broken places called Casp●● por●● with an Army: There is great emulation between these twain for the obtaining of Glory.  
After Vez●ri Basse, Beglerbegus of Grecia is had in 
Beglerbegus of Greece.  great honour, he is called Mehemetes, by nation an 〈…〉 rian, This man next after the Emperor and his Vicesultanus, hath the chiefest place, and there upon hath this proud name, (which signifieth the Lord of Lords.) The rest of Beglerbegi live in provinces appointed to them.  
This as the chief of them, followeth the emperors Court, that if there be any thing needful to be done, he executeth it. He is expart in warfare. His Court is more frequented than the other men's of war. Next unto him, the Admiral of the Sea is of great authority: whose name is Och●alus, by nation a Calabrian, he is 
Ochialus  called of the Turk Captain Bassa, retaining the italical word: these lieutenants of the Sea, are called by the Italians, Captains.  
This man's condition is as it was before, both homely, base, and seru●le. This man in a battle fought at Naupact, or at the Gulf of Corinth, led the left wing of the Turks Navy, and then the Algeries were the prosulthaine. At the beginning of the battle against Malta, he repressed the men of war, which boldly set upon him, in so much that the Maltamans were put to flight Notwithstanding recovering their strength, they set upon him afresh: who, when he saw his Army to give back and fly, he saved his life by conveying himself away with 40. Galleys, when as Andreos Auria a Genua, 
Every Galley had six Oars.  pursued after him very slowly: Nevertheless in a short space he repaired his Navy, and in the next year he repelled the violence of our Soldiers, and stayed their enterprise at P●loponesus: and the third year after that conflict, he and Sinan Bassa took Gulett.  
Two years before this time he assailed with his Navy to Colchis and there subdued the inhabitants about the River Phasis, there he builded a strong Castle in the foresaid river. In all other points he wrought rather by subtlety, than magnanimity. When he was about 33. 
Agalamiza●oram.  year of age, he was made Lieutenant of the janizarorans. He was more comely than any of the rest, and of greater humanity and entertainment, of a merry and pleasant countenance, but altogether ignorant in marshal affairs, because he was newly advanced of a mere Courtier, unto that Lieutenantship. As it is reported, he is about to marry the emperors daughter, with whom he is in singular favour.  
This man's name is Abraham: to whom the whole authority of the Turks Empire is in a manner committed, all christian men's children and such as are at under age, are taken from their parents, except Ochialie, who was brought into the power of the Turk: he was condemned to the Galleys: notwithstanding he denied the Christian faith, and became a Revolt, and was infected with the superstitions of mohammed, and by that means he was advanced to such honours.  

The wars between the Turkish Emperor and the Persians.  
NOw let us speak of the battle against the Persians and of such other matters as I have here noted. In the beginning of the Battle, that I may profoundly rip up the matter, Mustapha was sent against the Persians, one of the Tezi●●is Bases, a man very expart in marshal affairs. He first invaded the Georgians of Iberia, who worshipped Christ after the manner of the Greeks 
Georgians.  because that they seemed to favour the Persians and he oppressed them in such sort at unwares, that they took from them the best part of their Province and Country, with a City, the name whereof is T●flis, and moreover laid a yearly tribute upon them. 
Media. Hi●●●ell ●. 〈◊〉. Mehemetes.  From thence he invaded Media, at the same time that Hismaell king of the Persians died. His brother Mehemetes Hodebendi being a lover of peace and tranquillity, and who knew the strength of the Oth●mans, was desirous to make an end of that strife, rather by reason and discretion then by war: and therefore sent his Ambassadors to Mustapha, to conclude a peace, and to take truce: until that Ambassadors should be sent to Amurathes to to conclude a peace. But Mustapha, a man of an unquiet spirit, and whom fortune favoured, utterly rejected the mention of any peace. Wherefore the Persians prepared themselves to war, to revenge the new and old injuries, committed by Othomannus: They met together at a City called Zerua, by the which 
Othomannus. Media, called Zerua.  name Media is now called, they fought a cruel battle, many men killed on both parties. Notwithstanding they departed, not knowing who had the victory, saving that the Brother of the king of Tartary, which now reigneth at the Méer● or Lake, called M●o●is. This Brother of the king of Tartars, brought with him 30. thousand horsemen to aid the Turks, according to the covenant made 
Maeotis is in the high Tartary, bordering upon Persia  between them. From thence forth they fought venturously, and doubtfully who should ●●nquer, until that licence was granted to the persians, to send Ambassadors for peace. And that Mustapha was called home again, and an other placed in his stead. The Persians Ambassadors, when they came hesher to the emperors Court to treat of peace, and that they could not agree, than the Turks demanded to have all Media, but the Persians stood stoutly therein, and in their own defence did what they were able to do, and so returned safe home. Which thing was done the last year about the month of August.  
Now that they could conclude no peace, they returned to their Armour, and prepared themselves to war, The Persians every where spoiled the Country, and laid the 
●inan Bassa  fields waste, they burned Granges, Villages, and Towns they intercepted all manner of victuals, in so much that the Turks were in great distress, Sinan Bassa, who succeeded Mustapha, being their general.  
The Turks were so plagued with hunger and pestilence, and specially by the plague, that they were compelled to leave of their proceedings, and divide their Army. At this present Sinan Bassa, gathereth his Army again, and is before this City, which is called Ezerun: 
Ezerum  This City standeth upon Euphrates. Hear he received aid about the beginning of April. At the same season, Armour, Artillery, and money, were brought by Pontus Euoxinus, to the City Trapezum, that they might be 
Trapezus. It divideth Europe from Asia.  sent unto the Army.  
The other Army of the Turks are resident at the Broken ways, called Caspiae portae, Osman Bassa being their Leivetenante, the which unless he be defended by the benefit of the place: and had received aid from the Tarters, he should have been in great distress. The places between the Armies are so wasted and spoiled, that neither of them for want of victual can help the other. It is reported that the Persians, would gladly have peace: for hither to the spoil hath been in their provinces or Countries, for they in especial laid waste their own Country and Territories: that thereby they might repel their enemies. It appeareth also, that it repented the Turks of the beginning of that war.  
To omit other things Beglerbegus came at that time from the City Ezerun where he was Lieutenant, 
Beglerbeg  and had lost his head, because he was provoker and promouter, of that infortunate war, unless that he had given to the wife and mother of the Emperor, two thousand Ducats to speak for him: whose pardon they obtained of this condition that he should bring into the emperors Treasury every year 2000 Ducats, here upon it is manifest, that both Turks and Persians, were desirous of peace: nevertheless neither of them would seem to give place to the other.  
Sinan Bassa is looked for here every day, whom they say shall have commission from the Emperor to conclude peace with the Persians: Some say that he was called back again, as he was in his journey towards Constantinople, because that the Persians with whom he had made truce, had broken their promise: and because that they made a great slaughter of the Turks, besides the Sea called Mare hyrcanum: who thought nothing less than that the Persians would have transgressed the truce which they made with Sinan Bassa: ●ut I dare not asfirme these of a truth, because it is as yet uncertain.  
The cause why these two people, of one ●iuing, and of one superstition do fight so cruelly, one with the other, is this, (for so they report.) The Turks accuse the Persians, that they have neglected to send Ambassadors and rewards to Amuratha, the lawful successor of Soliman nus and Selimus: according to that covenant and composition which was made before time, between Soliman nus the Emperor of the Turks, and Thamus the king of the Persians. Amurathes interpreted, that intermission of sending rewards and Ambassadors, as a contremp tious sign of enmity, when it was never neglected in the time of Thamus: and for this cause he ●●●aded his enemy's country: neither would the Persians' require peace, and therefore it came to hand stripes.  
It is certainly believed, that if Mustapha whom I said before, was called from the Army, had remained still in 
Mustapha  the Army, the Turks should not have come into that distress, in the which they are now at this day, because he was most expart in marshal affairs, and had the best knowledge of those Countries. He was therefore called home to Constantinople, because he was accused that he did not admit the Ambassadors of the Persians, sent to entreat for peace: and that he sold all the offices in his Camp for money. Mustapha for his good service was uncourteously rewarded: wherefore he fearing the threatenings and displeasures of the Emperor, drank p●ys●n 
Mustapha.  and so dispatched himself, being just four score years of age. This is that Mustapha, who took Cyprus from the Venetians in our days and killed Bragatinus, the Governor of Famagusta, pulled the skin off his body, which thing he did contrary to his promise. He also, what time as, Beglerbegus was in Egypt, pacified the commotions and tumults, which were in Syria.  
He subdued the Arabians which had rebelled. He overcame in Battle Baiazetes, the son of Solymannus, who though his Father was living, made an insurrection against his Brother Selimus, and thus he persecuted him, by the commandment of the Emperor, on such sort, that the wretched caitiff, lost both his life and the kingdom. And thus much we have heard of Mustapha. Now I will declare briefly what I have heard of other matters worthy of remembrance.  
The 12. of the Callendes of june, when the Admiral of the Sea departed hence: whose name was Ochiali▪ he went into Africa, that he might stay and repress the seditions which were in the kingdom of Tunes. The moors, after they had received their king, who was the lawful inheritor, by the means of the inhabitants of Malta: and who had been hitherto detained in Niapolis, and in my time he rejected the superstition of mohammed, and embraced the religion of Christ. The moors (I say) for the most part, rebelled against the Turks. After that he had pacified the stirs and uproars of the kingdom of Tunes, it was in his commission that he should invade the kingdom of Fees, the which thing if he bring to pass, as he is purposed, it seemeth that the Christian kingdoms shallbe environed on every side, with the Turkish Armies. This is a matter more detestable, that the Princes of the christian common wealth, are the causes of so much misery: whiles some of them be in such seenritie, and so careless, that they lie as it were buried in pleasures and idleness: othersome are occupied in Civil wars, unto their utter destruction and confusion, neither do they consider what the common enemy is about, or what should be done or prepared against him.   

Of the peace concluded between King Philip and the Turk.  
ABout the calends of May john Marilian of melan, after 
Truce between the spaniards and the Turks.  he had obtained here of the Emperor, truce for three years, departed hence to Venice, and from thence to go into Spain. He was here three years entreating for peace, and now at the length obtained it, but on such sort, that neither Christian nor Turk, thinketh it to continue: for both of them applied themselves to the time, rather than that either of them desired any friendship of the other. For the Turks are occupied in the wars against the Persians: and the spaniards in Civil wars.  
Moreover, the conditions of the truce are such, that whethersoever of them liketh, may break of without impeachment.  
It is to be lamented, that this most mighty king, is 
King Philip  of force to resist the violence of the Turk, and will not which thing he will not do, because he may more safely invade his own people: and so suffer the great Turk to rage at his pleasure, and notwithstanding, entreated for peace, and obtained an uncertain truce, doubtful and not to be trusted.  
Both the public and private state of Christians, beginneth so to faint, and to decline, and as it were to were so sore sick, that it is a manifest sign and argument, of some notable and sudden mutation & change.  
Many Christians, every day seeing the prosperous success of the Turks, and having their felicity and proceeding in admiration: and contrariwise, perseving the miseries of the Christians, begin to revolts: and receive the irreligious impiety of mohammed, denying 
Mahumet  Christ's Religion.  
Among whom there were of late, three Italian Friars or Munckes, of the which, two of them being apprehended, 
Christian's denying their faith  by the fraud and malicious devices of the spaniards, and Italians, died miserably. The third, for as much as he was an expert, famous, and eloquent Preacher, he gave himself over to the blasphemies of mohammed, and became a Turk. I omit these things, because I know that they are grievous unto you, and lamentable, unto whom I wish both eternal and temporal felicity. Let this be in stead of a conclusion.   

Certain other news of the wars between the Turks & the Persians, dated the 9 of july following, after the former Letters.  
SInan Basse, (of whom we made mention before) returned 
Sinan Basse  out of the Camp, which was against the persians, to Constantinople, the 6. day of August, as he was returning, there met him at Choalcedon 
A City in Asia against Constantinople.  four Galleys, with principal Captains, called Baslaes'.  
The next day after his return, he declared the conclusion of peace, between the Turks and the Persians, and truce for one year, with the singular contentment of the Emperor. The same Sinan Basse, brought with him to Constantinople, ten of the chief of the Georgians, as pledges, lest that they should inline at any time to the Persians, and always hereafter be subjects to the Turks. The Ambassador of the former king of Fees, was ready every day to departed, and very well content, that the Turk was about to call home again Ochialus, who was sent to aid the new king: after that he understood the new King of Fees, to have yielded up to the King of Spain, the Haven called Larcaca, over against the City Arzilla, the which Haven is now kept, and defended with a garrison of 600. Soldiers.  
There were Letters sent to Venice from Constantinople, the 19 of August, and delivered the 15 of September, that there was truce taken between the Persians and the Turks.  
There were Letters written from Constantinople, the 13. of November, that there was a most noble and notable embassage of the king of Persia, in the way to Constantinople, and almost there: which signifieth unto the Turk, that if he would restore the City Zerua, and all Media, according to the composition made with Sinan Bassa, that then they would return, otherwise they would proceed.  
They looked daily for the return of Ochialus from Fees  
The 9 day of March is appointed for the circumcision of the Turks son.  
It is concluded at Constantinople, with the Ambassadors of the king of Transyluania, that he should add to the old tribute or pension, four thousand Ducketes more.   

Of the Tarters, bordering upon the Emperor of Muscovia.  
THe Region where the Crames dwell, environeth on the Southside, the kingdom of Mosche. The King of these 
Muscovia.  Tarters, is the vassal of the 
Tarters tributaries to the Turk  Turkish Emperor, and payeth Tribute to him.  
He when he prepareth himself to war, cannot make of fight Soldiers meet for those affairs above 40000. in his Army.  
There lieth a wilderness very large of the Circassians, between the lymmettes and borders, of this king of Tartary, and of the Empire of Muscovia, Savage, and untilled, void of men, without buildings or woods, there appeareth nothing in it, save only the earth, grass, and the beauty of the Heavens. 
Tanaiis it divideth Asia, from Europe, & runneth through this wild wilderness. Tarters Casanenses   
From these superior Tarters 〈…〉 Crea●●es, until the borders of moscovia, an hu 〈…〉 forty and ten German miles, where you m 〈…〉 le over Tanaiis, and Occam, and many other le 〈…〉 Rivers.  
On the Eastside, border the Tarters, Casanenses, called Astracan, whom the Emperor of Moscho, partly by violence, partly by fame means, have subdued, and made them subject to 〈…〉. 
Duke of Muscovia false of his promise. Russians and Tarters subdued.   
They did inhabit 〈…〉 yr Country or Province quietly certain years 〈…〉 njoying the Previlegies of the great Duke, who is yet a live: until that the great Duke, broke his promise, as he was wont to do, and conveying them other where, by little and little set Deputies over them. Notwithstanding in the former tyranny, the Russians, with the Tarters, were rooted up, in so much, that in 50. or 60. miles, there are neither men, nor any buildings or houses.  
Beyond Casan, which standeth on the otherside of Vnolgot, about 500 miles from Moscha dwell the Tarters, called Nagii, of whom Tamerlen had his beginning as the Turks report.  
Tamerlen a Scythian, invaded Asia, and killed 200000 Turks, in the year of Christ 1345.  
These were once most mighty, but were destroyed with the like tyranny that the Ruscians were.  
The cause of their utter destruction, rose with this occasion. For as much as they had no certain Rulers: whom they ought to have obeyed, they have no standing mansions or houses, neither any use of money, of Corn, or Salt.  
They have Sheep and Herds, Camels and Horses. The Nobility and Gentlemen of that Country, use their Mother's natural tongue, they are called in Russia Boyaren, with us Noblemen.  
They waver abroad hither & thither, with their cattle, without any certain mansion places, neither can they remain above three days in a place, for lack of pasture.  
Their habitation and magnificency, consisteth in their Chariots, which have divers Cells, or divers places or Chambers: one for their Wives, another for their Husbands, and the third for their household stuff, and to certain lousy skins or rags.  
In the arse of they Cartes, hang two great Leather Bottles, wherein they put Camels milk, Mare's milk cows Milk, and Ewes Milk, hand-over-head altogether, this they swallow up greedily until they be drunk.  
They kill very seldom any Camels, Horses, Oren or Sheep, unless that they be diseased, they boil and seeithe the flesh of such cattle, as be sick, or as die without killing: and they devour it without either Bread or salt.  
The Nobelest men of them, eat up the pottage: as for their Servants, they gather the Urine of camels and Horses, and of other cattle, which they account as very dainty. If they lack this, they must be contented with Fennish and Moorish water. Whosoever is the 
Mursi.  strongest and mightiest among the Mursians, he killeth the weaker scotfree without any punishment, & taketh away all that he hath, and for this act he is highly commended.  
They have neither magistrates, laws nor judgements. In the year of Christ 1563. there was a Mursian, with one eye, whose name was Ishmael, a notable Necromancer.  
They are marvelously delighted with that art, the cunninger that a man is in that Art, the more is his estimation. The said Mursa brought to pass with enchantments, that he killed all the rest of the Mursians, with tempests and Thunderbolts, whom he could not otherwise overcome.  
When he had killed certain thousands by this means, he supposed, that the rest which was left alive, durst not rebel: which thing befell to him prosperously. Nevertheless, after his death, by the same means that he entreated others, by the self same his children were destroyed.  
These be those Tarters, which being driven by penury, 
These Tarters serve the Emperor of Muscovia.  and want of victuals, do serve the great Duke of Moscovia, with fifteen thousand men, and no more invaded of late Lavonia.  
Notwithstanding, they being offended with the Emperor of Moscho, have coupled themselves with the Creames, called also Tarters, who in the expedition or 
The City Moscho burned 1571  setting forth, and voyage of the Tarters, in the year of our Lord 1571. aided the Creames: at what time, the City of Moscho was set on fire and burnt.   

¶ The true description of the magnifical Triumphs and Pastimes, represented at Constantinople, at the solemnising of the Circumcision of the Sultan Mauhmet, the son of Amurath, the third of that name, in the year of our Lord God 1582. in the Months of of May and june. T. H.  
IN the year of our Lord and Saviour. 1582. the Sultan Amurathe, Emperor of Turkey, seeing his affairs to be in evil order, perceiving also the contrariety of affections in his Subjects, did now determine with himself to win the good will, and to be better beloved, and more esteemed of his then before, and also to be more redoubted, and had in greater estimation amongst Strangers, and foreign Nations and Countries then ever, thought it necessary and very requisite, to make a great solemnity in the Circumcising of Sultan Mahumet his Son: and for the better performing of his purposed determination, did summon together the greatest part of all Christian Princes, to the end that this Feast might be solemnised, as it were before the eyes of the whole world: And in deed, the Ambassadors of many Christian Princes, and Mahumets, were sent unto Constantinople, that is to say, the Ambassador of the Emperor of France, of Polognie, of Venice, of Persia, of Fees, and of Tartary, of Transiluania, and of Moldavia, with many other Princes. Now because this pompous Triumph (the news whereof hath run through divers places) ought to be solemnized, and shown before so many people, of so many and sundry Nations, with what apparel, with what expenses, and how magnifically do you think was it begun and ended.  
Now to declare unto you, the place wherein sundry sorts of Plays and Pastimes were shown, it was marvelous great and large, wherein was erected great theatres and Scaffolds of wood, distinguished and separated into divers parts, as if they were Chambers appointed for every Ambassador, places as well to banquet in, as also for every Ambassador, places as well to banquet in, as also for to behold the Plays and Pastimes. Amurathe, was in the most fair and richest place of all the rest, from whence he might through lattisses, or grates, see every one, without being seen of any one. Behind him was his Mother, his Wife, and his Sister: and on the one side of him was Sinan Bassa, his Lieutenant general, than the rest of his Earls and noble men, on the other side was the Ambassadors of the aforesaid Kings and Princes. In the midst of all these theatres there was a fair Tyltyard, all open and discovered, eighteen hundred paces long, and twelve hundred paces broad, very finely paved: and in the same there was two most excellent and ancient Pyramidesses, the one of marble four square, very cunningly made, and the foot of it to uphold this Pyramids, there was four great and mighty Pillars, four square, and round at the top, the inscription whereof doth show, that the Emperor Theodosia, did cause the same to be erected in that place: the other was of stone cunningly erected, without any kind of simonde or mortar, and this was made by the Emperor Constantine, and near unto these Pyramids, there were certain pieces of wood, set up very high, so that they did appear much more higher than the Pyramids, these pieces of wood had betwixt them, reaching from the one to the other, engines made of cor●e, composed in manner of a Tabernacle, to the which was tied an infinite number of Lamps, very splendisaunt, most dexteriouslie handled, which cast a great light throughout all the place. There was also a wheel, much like unto Mill wheel, the which turned continually of itself. There were also five Images, in form and fashion like unto great pillars, very high made, all of wax, and painted with divers colours, very splendisaunt, and shining brightly, because of the gold wherewithal they were garnished: to be short, all things were very methodically and sumptuously set forth.  
Now the day of Circumcizion approaching, which was the eighteen of May, in the year aforesaid, Amurathe and his Son, accompanied with Dukes and Earls, and many other Officers, together with many thousands of people marched forth, with great triumph out of his Castle, dyrectlie unto the place appointed, for these Plays and pastimes: and as they descended from horseback, there was shown unto them in the base Court of the Castle, three hundred strange Beasts, made all of Sugar, very diversely disposed and ingeniously invented. That done, the Son of Amurathe followed with great and more braver troup of men then before, went towards his Mother: for it is the custom of the Turks, in the Cyrcumcizing of the Son of their Sultan or Signior, that this Son before his Cyrcumcizion, must go and give the Dirnear adieu, and last farewell unto his Mother, whom he seeth no more: after that, he being now arrived at his Mother's Palace, leaving all his train apart, he went unto her reverently doing his duty, remained with her alone the space of two hours: after long conference, he humbly took his leave and departed from her, directly unto the place of pastimes, the manner whereof, I will declare unto you, as hereafter followeth.  
THe chiefest place of the base Court of Amurathe, was finely paved, and garnished round about with Tapestry, and tissue, and sparkled with Gold and Silver: In the middle thereof, went the five Pillars and Images above mentioned, laid, and loaden within the Chariots. Now as Amurathe passed round about this base Court, with an Army of men, behold the chariots, began of themselves to run round about, both backward and forward, in such sort, that for the time, of the great cry, and shoot of all the people with joy, of clapping of hands, with leaping, dancing, and with Tabours, and Trumpets sounding, it raised such a number, that all the whole City did sound thereof: every man now might well know, what heaps, and companies of all sorts of Nations, there were then in Constantinople: but amongst so great a multitude, there were found fifteen Turkish soldiers, whereof some of them bare Spears & javelins, other some Knives, which they had made fast under their sides, and in their hands: othersome had Helmets or Headpéeces, so hard set upon their heads, that the blood ran down upon their foreheads, and they all bleeding, with such sores, wounds, and hurts, to show that they were ready priest, to spend, and shed their blood, even to the last drop, for the maintenance of their Prince's life.  
His Son being now so recomforted (as it were) in his heart, with the great rejoicing and loyalty showed him of all the people, he caused to be cast out, whole great handfuls of money, and he himself cast it out, in great abundance: and afterward, with all haste and speed, he came to find out his Father: but as for his Mother, she caused the very same day a Feast to be made ready, at the commandment of her Husband, unto the which there were bidden all the women, and the daughters of the Lords, Signors, and Gentlemen of the Court: it were, and would be too tedious to set down, and describe the preparation, and great royalty which was privily made at that Feast, where there was not one man among them all: yea, and one may presume, that it was very sumptuous and costly, when day by day they carried a thousand dishes of dainty meats, and as many fine sugared Marchpanes into the Hall, where all these women were. Furthermore, Amurathe himself, sent them a gift, and present of five hundred Pillars of Sugar, very artificially wrought: and this solemn banquet lasted, and continued seven whole days together: and at the end thereof, the Mother, the Wife, and the Sister of Amurathe, together with all the women of their company, went to see the sports and plays.  
I will now in order show you the Feast of Amurathe, the place, the guests, and the time, how long it lasted: but you must understand, this was not made in one only place, nor that the guests did banquet together in company one with another, as Christian people use, & accusteme to do: for, as for Amurathe himself, he dined alone in his brave banqueting house, as in a Cage, accompanied only with his eunuchs, and such as were instruments, and ministers to his ordinary pleasures: the company of women had their banquet apart from him, as is aforesaid: The Lords and Signors of the City, were separated in their brave banqueting house, and the Kings, and Princes, Ambassadors in them. Moreover, Amurathe minding to blow abroad his liberality, did feast all their Officers within the Tents, and Tabernacles dressed, and made ready in the jousting park, and after this manner he used, and entreated them. viz. The first day the chchéefe Gentlemen were invited, and bidden: the next day following, were bidden their Officers: then after them the travailers, or the adventurers in the war: and the Lords of the Court always kept company with the Gentlemen: If you now ask me, what, and how many sorts of meats there were then served at this Feast: there was no other thing at all, but Hens, and Mutton, with some porridge, & boiled broth, and such like things set upon the table: but there you should not see, Venison, Wildfowle, nor any kind of Fish, whatsoever, nor no dainty nor licquorishe meat, all simply, and homely dressed, if a man should compare them with ours here, and yet nevertheless, all the guests were well content with their fare, but they were evil served with their drink, for they were served with no other, but water & sugar: They be such people, as openly before any body, they abstain altogether from drinking of wine: but among themselves privily, all the wine in the world will not satisfy, nor suffice them, such gluttons, & licquorish people they are: and thus do they feast themselves twice every day. And toward the evening, they bring forth before the people (so desirous to see the Triumphs, and magnificensies, which pass day by day, to behold) into the same Park aforesaid, & being set down together there upon rushes, they bring forth (I say) green cheese, bread, broth, and mutton, in a thousand platters, and dishes every day: and as soon as the meat is brought, the tabor, & Trumpets sound out, at the first sound whereof, the people comes running to this kitchen, fight and scambling for their supper, and for their meat, as earnestly as if it were to run to make an assault: so that one snatcheth on one side, and another on the other side, and that as one hath caught & gotten, another is ready to pluck and tear again from him: and to be short, you should see them run so on heaps after 〈◊〉 victuals, as if they were dogs half starved to death: yea, and a man might well call this a feast for dogs, for there was nothing at all brought them to drink. The meats being taken away, Amurathe cast down from his Scaffolds, of gold & silver by handfuls, with Goblets of gold and silver, very cunningly wrought and made with pieces of gold, and divers sorts of money: behold now what a solemn feast this was.  
Now followeth it, to speak of the plays, sports, and pastimes, the which I will declare unto you in three articles, how they were represented, & showed at three sundry times. The one sort thereof were called forenoon sports: another were called afternoon sports: and then the last of all midnight sports. The inhabitants, and Artificers of Constantinople, those forenoon sports with all their royal and brave attire. The soldiers and men of war, the labourers, the minstrels, the lepers, and dancers, the inglers, and such like, did employ, and busy themselves about the afternoon sports. The midnight sports were passed away with burning of Fortresses, Holds, Horses, Elephants, and other creatures made by art. But let us now consider the forenoon sports, the beginning whereof, were marvelous and pleasant: for presently after the dinner which they had given to Amurathe, and to all his guests, soon after the Sun was up, behold a great troop & company, of more than a thousand of the chief and principal Merchants of Constantinople, walking in brave apparel, with Ensigns & Tabors: the Turks marched first along, & then the Christians: the jews were more sumptuously appareled then all the rest, made their back ward: And before all this goodly company, went all the honourable, grave Sires, clothed according to the dignity, and worthiness of their ages, bearing with them, rich presents, and gifts of gold, and silver: then followed them, men of lusty age, carrying also in their hands, other such like presents, and they marched on all armed. After them came all the young youths decked, and trimmed up in wench's apparel, with gowns, jewels, and bracelets, and all other precious ornaments, and tire, the quiver upon their shoulder, the bow in the left hand, and a crooked Ford in the right: These were followed of a company of pretty fair little children, bearing of small reeds, or Canes like unto Darts, and branches of Palm trees, of Nosegays, or Pommanders, of Saffron in golden cloves, all in high Hats of the Turks fashion, clothed in cloth of gold, with garments of embroidery: and long large gowns, as rich, and fair as possible might be. After all those, there came thirty men, drawing upon a Chariot of eight wheels, a shop of eight cubits long, and six broad, beset all within, with stars of gold full of Tapestry, and precious costly clothes: all this company having made three towers by the afore said Park, at the length arrested, and stayed in good order, even in the midst thereof, over against Amurathe: and then you would have said, that the riches, not only of Constantinople, but also of all the whole world, had been brought into that Park, for there should you have seen such precious stones, such pearl, such gold, such purple, and such things of value, that one would prise, and praise them far above both gold and pearl.  
Now as all this great company of merchants were there resting themselves: one old man began, & so all the rest followed with one common voice, to cry as loud as they could: God grant the Emperor life, with all prosperity & felicity. And after this salutation, some of the old aged sort, did guide and conduct the Chariot, wherein the shop was, and brought their gifts and presents, unto the house of Amurathe, which on his own behalf, had also bestowed gifts, & presents upon them: but because I saw but a little, it may be thought that the one gave not again, so much unto a great many, as the great many did: and now it is come into my remembrance, what the Poet saith: That such is the misery of this life, that those as have but little, must yet bear and carry that themselves, unto the huge high heap of riches. Even so, Amurathe making a show to be liberal towards the people, paid with a few small trifling gifts, the great riches, which were offered him at this solemn Feast: Mark now I pray you, how one thing follows after another: for he then having both taken and given, the merchants returned with them, as if they had been parted, and gone away quite.  
The next day after, Sinan Bassa gave the pastime of two blockhouses, in the one whereof was a band of Christians, and in the other a band of Turks: these Castles or blockhouses, were covered all over with thick paper, and strengthened about with towers: he took with him three score horsemen, which put themselves in two bands, and fought for those Castles, but the victory still went on the Turks side: It was a lean, and childish pastime, in the presence of so notable a Signior, to see thee lieutenant general of all Turkey, make sports and pastimes of children, with his principal and chief Captains: all the beholders thereof stood a watching, to see some great royalty come from that Bassa, but they were deceived of their expectation herein. Well, let us leave off, and pretermit this a thing so much to be laughed at, and let us consider of other things and sights, then, and there seen: and first of those of the Admiral, who brought into the Park, or Tiltyarde, a Fortress made of boards, and planted within an Island of paper, encompassed with six Galleys and foists, the which was called Cypress. He beginneth strait way to beat down this Fortress with the Cannon shot, which were within the Galleys: then he caused to give it an assault, and so carried it away: this lo, was the true show and representation of the taking of Cypress: and in this assault you should have heard the Turks bellowe and cry, so high, and hideouslie, that every one was astonished, and at his wits end.  
Then after that, all the handy crafts men, and Artificers of Constantinople, being prepared for the nance, and striving who among them all should offer and give unto the Turk, the best and richest present and gift, came to make a show in the Park, without keeping any order at all, but all in one day, and as it best liked every one of them.  
The first band and company, was the mahumetical Priests, bearing Books in their hands, but chiefly and above all, the Law of Mahomette, written in fair great Letters: their Musti, (which is in Turkey, as the Pope is in all Europe,) was set in a high Chair, and carried upon a Camel: at every step, he turned, and looked over the leaves of his Book, feigning as though he had searched, and sought for some great secret matter: then having given his blessing unto Amurathe, he was led into the Princely house, to offer up his presents? which done, he returned again with his Priests and Preachers. You should have then seen (which I cannot tell you but with great grief, and weeping eyes) that great Patriarch of Constantinople, followed of his Clergy, having the patriarchal rob (which is in manner of a Ceape) training upon the ground, and all of black, the which he offered unto the enemy of the Christians, with a great sum of Gold, within a vessel of Silver: and then of all his, and of his sort, he was saluted with a loud voice: To say the truth, it was a sight most lamentable, at the beholding whereof, a man might well allege the ancient cry, and complain of helas, Alas: At the which extremity, the discord thereof, hath ranged over, and destroyed a number of meste miserable Citizens: he which hitherto, and heretofore hath looked to have all at command, and himself to be subject, nor underling unto none, behold, into what poverty, beastly thraldom, and misery he is now fallen and come.  
After him, did martche along the patriarch of Armenia, doing even as the other did. Then came the Artificers, bringing their Shops upon chariots, and working of their Occupations, even in the presence of Amurathe, the which he marked as dillygentlie, as if he meant to have learned some thing of them.  
I do here set thee down (gentle Reader) the particulars, although it hath been a thing very grievous unto mine eyes to behold and see, and to my hand to write, being marvelous weary, with those so long pastimes: yet if thou hast time and leisure, to read, and peruse the same, they will be unto thee, but as plays, sports, and recreations.  
first of all, then came the Goldsmiths, carrying diverse pieces of workmanship of Gold, and of Silver gilded, very ritchlie, and artificially wrought, as Cups, goblets, Platters, Knives, Penknives, and such like other thing: they were in number about an hundredth, both old, middle age, young men, and children, all most sumptuously appareled. After them was drawn upon a chariot with six wheels, their shop, glistering, and shining round about on all sides, by reason of the vessels of Gold and Silver that were therein.  
After them you should have seen a great number of Orapers, Tailors, Smiths, Masons, Carpenters, then of meat dressers, which dressed and made ready, divers sorts of meats, and gave them away freely to all thè people, which accomponied them: the Butcher's marched also in order with their shambles, and butchery well furnished with flesh, and with tripes: then came the Cooks with their kitchen, and cookery: and after them the Fishmongers, with divers good made ready dishes of fish: then the Victuallers, bearing divers kinds of meats, and of wines made of water, and of cherries in great vessels, whereof they gave to as many as would drink: after them came the Bakers, the Potters, and the joiners, which presented and offered unto Amurathe, a gilded table, and beset with divers sorts of very brave, and fine stones: then the Grocers, and Apothecary's, bearing with them saffron, incense, synomond, India spices, and other such like spices: then the Glassemakers, which made their vessels of glass, in the sight, and presence of all men: then the Embroiderers, going in gowns, and cloaks of cloth of gold: then Dyers of all sorts of clothes of all sorts, and colours: the Velvet men, the Taffyta men, the Parchment lace makers, the Cutlers, the Knivemakers, the Saddlers, the Spurriers, the Fuller's, the Tanners, the Curriers, the Chandler's, all these having their place according to their degrees, and every thing in particular. Yet must I not here forget the noblest sort of all Artificers, which are the Labourers, who with the plough, and twelve great Dren, laboured the earth in that Park, to the great benefit, and good of all those, which were assystaunt, and by at this pastime.  
Neither must I with silence pretermit, and pass over, the Fishermen with their nets, and all otheyr fishing tools and instruments, being in a little small Cockboat, from which they fished, the little small fishes: After all these came the Barbers, which dressed and cut off the beards and heaires, one of another: the● 〈…〉 Feather makers, the Felt makers after the 〈…〉 she fashion, Hat makers, Bonnet, or shadow makers, Candlestick makers, Weavers, Braziers, P 〈…〉 and Founders without number: After those ca●e● 〈◊〉 merchants of cloth of Silk, of Fustians, of Bu●●ssins, of Wosstedes, and half w●st●d●s, and of B●r 〈…〉 etc. Followed of Coverlette makers, and Lapi 〈…〉 men: after them came a great company of Garden 〈…〉, with all sorts of fruits, flowers, and herbs, carrying about them for a show, the Images of him, whom the old ancient Pagans, called the God of the Gardens, decked, and trimmed up with leaves, Nosegays, & Garlands of flowers: they had behind them, the Shepherds, Ox keepers, Horse keepers, Mule keepers, Carters, Whéelebarrowe men, and Carriers with their Horses, Mules, and Asses, which were decked up to make a laughing sport of to the world. And because that they presented, and brought nothing with them, but wood, water, and stones, they were strait ways driven out of the Park, and so they went their way with shame, and reproach. By this tale, you should have marked the avarice, and covetousness of Amurathe, which commanded that they should very honourably entertain, and make much of them, as brought him any fair and rich gift: yet contrarily, he neither would see nor hear: but he drove them far from him, which brought him gifts according to their ability and power, and not to his liking.  
I must now set down for the afterward, and last company, the Singers, Players of Instruments, Scholars, Monks, jugglers, Tumblers, and Players: people which among the Turks, are as like them in fashions of living, in apparel, & in stirring from place to place, as one drop of milk is like unto another, neither better nor worsser: the heart of the singers & Musicians, had great good agreement and concord, with the army of seditious soldiers: there you might have seen Arabians, Mores, Persians, Grecians, and Spaniards, sounding of their Cornets, Trumpets, Tabors, Cyterons, and other Instruments within the Park, or Tiltyard, where they made such a confused noise and sound, without tune, change of note, or keeping of tune and space, that all the whole Town sounded and rung with the rout of their voices, and sounds. Last of all, marched on the Scholars, which of a truth you would not have judged to have been such: but rather you would have taken them for, Pilgrims, and begging Friars: for a man could not have presumed any otherwise of them, seeing them wrapped in such coverings, with white hats tied about the middle with strings: bare footed, with fowl dyrtie hands, and a most filthy and irksome countenance to behold: they presented unto Amurathe certain books, and painted papers of their own invention. The Monks followed after them, with a company of poor Pilgrims, which go in pilgrimage to Mecque, as they call it, which is the Sepulchre of Mahomet, they are counted very holy men in Turkey: clothed like Scholars, which do nothing but labour and trot up and down with their bodies, making themselves lean, as in the end, they lose all their wit and understanding: and because they rested, nor stayed not in any one place, at any time, but always were skipping, and dancing about: a man might very well compare them unto Curetes, and Corybantes, the ancient Priests of Cybele, the grand mother of the two Pagans: unto them it was among all other, that Amurathe caused many small presents to be made. They were presently followed of Players, more in number then flies, or gnats, one sort masking wise, other some having miters, like Popes, and crowned: bald, and half shaven, their visages of all most strange: with goats beards, their mouths wide open, as if they would have swallowed up as many as looked upon them: some of them having their garments all to broken, and as it were flayed over their ears: other some half naked, and half covered, and other some altogether naked, and shameless without measure.  
Now these proper youths, and naughty packs, being once come into the Park, they began to cry out, to snort, and to lay on load upon the pales, and upon the kettelles, pots, and pans, platters, and basons, striking upon little bells, children's rattles, and cymbals, with a most strange and confused noise, entermixte with dances, and their most horrible and dissolute behaviours, for they made mocks and mows, and gyrned at as many as laughed at their follies, and they never ceased to turn and tumble upon both hand and foot. There was amongst them one spaniard, who being separated a little a sunder from the rest, began to leap and dance, both his compass and measure, with such a right removing of his feet, and as orderly waving, and shaking of his hands, and with so brave a turning round of all his whole body, together, so fine, and artificially, that he did most properly show, and set forth in a manner, all the brave gestures, and movings of the body (prescribed, and foretold of by Plato:) both backward and forwards, to the right hand, and to the left: high, low, and round: whereof; and whereby, all the beholders conceived a wonderful great delight, and pleasure.  
Moreover, these aforenamed players had among themselves, as it were a chief Captain, which was an old man, the most villain, and arrantest knave of all the whole company: and he forsooth was set upon an Ass, the which three young merchant men upon croutches, and girded about with a linen cloth, and half naked, went before, holding him up upon staves. This sight above all the rest, terrified me very sore, and then for the time, my speech was quite taken from me, and my tongue was, as if it had been fast tied to the roof of my mouth. Now some of that company made pastime all day long; with Apes, Castles, and Dogs, with young Goats, and little Mules, with Hearts, and small birds: upon which their sports and pastimes, Amurathe himself, being given altogether to vanities, was more attentive, then unto any other, yea, than all the rest: for there was nothing with them, but gamboldes, frisks, and dances, morisques, singing, cryings out, and such like vain exercises: some of them in this their sporting and playing, were bitten of Serpents, and venomous beasts, and presently then again they were healed, and made whole of the same biting: and then lo, they made many most shameful countenances and faces, most unworthy to be set down in writing.  
Hitherto, I have spoken altogether of the forenoon 〈…〉 tes: let us therefore now consider of the afternoon, which were no less sauced, spiced, and peppered, with pomp and pride, than the other, although there was not in them in all points, so great store of riches, and magnificency, as in the first. Was it think you a lean, or thin sport, to see so many Soldiers fight, as in battle ray: and so many Footmen assailing; and forbidding the Turk as it were from his Castles, and Holds, with wrestling men a number, and dancers, marching altogether, and with a number of others, making proof of all their prowess, and manhood? There was not one man to be found, which took not great pleasure and delight, to show all his valiancy, as well for himself, as for all those as beheld and looked on.  
But I will first begin with the Combat of the wrestlers, an exercise very much set by among the Ancients, and such a one, as did very much delight as many as beheld the same: For the Herald had no sooner ended his proclamation, and cry, but strait ways came forth in to the same place, xv. couple of wrestlers, all naked and oiled after the old fashion, to catch hold the one by the other, every one by his companion: one amongst the rest, pricked and pranced on, and set out himself in the midst of the place, showing his broad shoulders, shaking his arms, and as Dares did, whereof Virgil maketh mention, challenge and provoking the rest to wrestle: and suddenly a young man came in before him, which was to sight, no less strong, nor stout than the other, and he began lust lie to cast up his legs, and his fists into the air, then having made a prayer with a loud vayce, and marching a little up and down, to make himself somewhat nimble and pliant, he lays me fast hold upon him, as had so defied him, by and by they came unto handy gripes, and to grapple themselves together, laying each other upon the ground, flat upon their noses, then rising up again, they fell to it lustily, sometime thrusting and pushing, and sometime clipping, and colling each other very straightly: sometime shifting of places, and lifting one another up aloft into the air. The one of them went about to catch the other fast by the leg, whereby he should lose his offered blows and breath and all together, but he there with unfolded and untwined his legs, and set upon the other as earnestly, for to make him lose all that labour: now they having been at their prizes for the space of three 〈…〉 es, they were both so weary, so sultry hot, and so out of breath, and yet so fleshed one against an other, with choler, and shame to see all the whole Court standing, and watching all the while upon them, giving judgement on them, so that in the end, they were well feign to give over and rest themselves, and then Amurath commanded them to departed. Then came the other also in their order, but they wrestled not so stoutly, nor yet so long as the first did. And this is all that the wrestlers did.  
Behold now came a company of 50. men, all on horseback, well armed, and furnished throughout, both for their hands, and for all the rest of their bodies, for all sorts of Combats, their crooked sword by their sides, their bucklers about their necks, their bowes in their left hands, and staves in their right hands, like unto the half Pikes of Arabia, for the pastime and sport which they would make.  
But because these be extraordinary sights, I have thought good to write and describe them somewhat more at length. First of all, there were laid in the above named Park, eight heaps of Gravel, of equal height, and distance, four on the one side, and four on the other. In the midst was a narrow strait way, but well covered over with fine thin sandy Gravel, of purpose: that if any of them in running should fall down, their fall should not hurt, nor endanger them, by means of the softness of the Gravel: upon these hylls of Gravel, were fastened staves and posts, having four on the one side white, all round at the point, and the other four also white, made circle wise and as a fireshovell, all made of Leather and Paper very properly. They were the points, and ends, where he might sit and see all the sport and play of the Horsemen which began to march on that way step by step: first by great, then in reign, and as in battle ray: upon that they put themselves out of rank altogether, and began their race with slack bridle one after an other, and so near, and just unto one another, that their horses were one at another's heels: and in running, they took their arrows out of their Duivers, and couched them in such good order that they touched the very rundels, so swiftly and so quickly as the eye was able readily to see the mark at the second course, because they had not drawn, nor shot before but only at the rundels, they now settled themselves against both the two, aswell the rundels, as the others made cyrklewise (as I told you) and with so wonderful a quickness, and readiness therein, and helping themselves sometime with the left hand, and sometime with the right without any turning or bowing of their bodies: and for the third charge, course or onset in couching, they one while covered their right shoulder, and an otherwhile the left, with their bucklers, and that with quickness incredible.  
Moreover, in running at all the bridle, they drew out their swords, and cut the rundels, piercing quite through the other fashioned cirkles, and all this was done in one only course or race: then turning the bridle all short, they addressed themselves against the ends and points thereof, and with their drawn sword, they abated and beat down the same: and by that means they got again their bows, and made one shoot or draft up into the air: Furthermore, they wrought and did great marvels with their half Pikes, in divers kinds of Combatts, and in the end when with their sword they had cut in pieces, they plucked up the staves and posts which were made fast within the Gravel hills, and cast them up into the air, and in running, they caught and held them fast in their hands, then lifting them upon their horse saddles, they began to use and handle them as before they did their sword, and long bows.  
But before I leave off and give over these particulars, I will speak of one thing, most worthy of all to be marked and  
such a thing in deed, as a man may take it unpossible, but I myself saw it.  
Out of these aforesaid number of 50. went two young men, very fair and brave among all the rest: the one of them stood on his feet, in the saddle upon the Horseback, and took his companion upon his arms, standing upright upon his feeze, and being in this order, and manner, they put forth the Horse, (and gave him the Career:) and they held them very fast, and he that was the uppermost of them, sh●t out all his arrows against a rest, and prop of wood, which he had in his right hand, that carried him. Moreover these two young men having ranged up and down, and ●yed themselves fast to our Horses by the bridles, the one of them leapt up, and sets me one of his feet upon one of the saddles, and the other foot upon the other saddle, where he held himself as fast as if he had been glued too, bearing still his companion upon his arm, standing upright▪ and holding in his hand the forenamed prop of wood, against the which, the other being now already mounted so high, did most finely shoot and hit the same, and yet notwithstanding the Horses did run a very swift pace. There were others also among them, which having six naked sword, and the points thereof fast tied upward to their Horse saddles, put their heads also upon, and toward the saddles, and their feet upward, and so made the Horses to run a gallop, as fast as if a man should say, thus and thus it shallbe. On the otherside there were among them, which set them two at once in one saddle, and as the Horse ran with all his power and might, they skipped up and down from the Horse, and then to the Horse again, very nimbly and lustlie, one after an other, and never made no stop nor stay at all: others there were, which turned themselves both backward and forward in the saddle, the Horse still running, and coursing up and down very roughly, and ●oysterously, making I say such frisks and gambols in the swift running course, as were in deed most wonderful. This being done, they all ran together on a heap, and being gotten up again on feet, upon the Horse saddles, they shot out their arrows very strongly and with great violence: and being in the end dispersed and set so a sunder, they ran one against an other, with their half Pikes and javelins, and did show divers such notable feats, as the old ancient spear men were wont and accustomed to do in courses and feats of Chivalry: furthermore, they taught very many fine feats and most notable, unto their men of war: as how to prepare and make ready the battle: to assail: to press: to enclose the enemy, and hem him in one every side, to strike him both on the right side and on the left, to deck and trim up their own companies, and to give the onset: to take in and to rebate: to prick on, hold fast, and turn their horses, to pursue and follow after, to leave off again as they lust: to take: to spoil: to break in, and thrust upon the enemy overcome: to encourage the hearts of the Soldiers when he hath the worst, to gather all his companies together: finally he taught all the particular points of war, wherofboth Soldiers and Captains ought not be ignorant. And a man may right well speak of these foresaid 50. Horsemen, as the Poet Virgil writ of the Combat of julius and others, in the fift book of his Eneiedos, Viz olli discurrere pares atque agminatermi deducti● solvere choris. etc. which is as much to say, as  

FOrthwith like very valiant men,  
They take their course, and part,  
And by three and three in warlikewise  
From the troops they all do part  
Spreading abroad as reason is:  
Their flag and ensign fair,  
And then again unto their places,  
in order they repair.   

Where, with offensive weapons they,  
Do strike the other parts,  
So vehemently, and with courage bold,  
As kills their silly hearts:  
Then meets th'one, and with the other,  
With violence very great,  
Sometimes forward, and sometimes backward,  
As they do think it meet.   

And in their running courses then:  
Some sights you might behold:  
As represents some Combats fine.  
And battles brave and bold.  
And afterward they gin to flee,  
They turn their backs amain:  
They march like men, but will not fight,  
The peace is made again.   
WEll now that we have spoken sufficiently of the sight of the Horsemen, let us also begin to say somewhat of the Combattes, and skirmishes, and of the taking of the Fortresses, and Holds by the foot men: where the Reader shall see how the Turks took them by assailing and invading of them.  
There were two Fortresses made of Boards, gilded and painted with djuers colours, well garnished with Walls, little Towers, Rampires, and Bulwarks, whereof the one was called the Turks Fortress, and the other the Almains, or Dutchman's, and there were 30. Soldiers clothed with the Arms and attire of the Almains in the one: and 30. of the Turkish side in the other, which was garnished and decked up with many Engines and fine devices of war. And for to begin, the Almains which would first be seen, and have as it were the upper hand of all: sent two of their spies unto the Turks Camp, whereunto when they were approached and come, they beheld and saw, to their pain and grief, what they were minded and determined for to do. For there was one of the two taken, and the other saved himself by swiftness of foot, and he told unto the Almains how all things had passed. Now when they understood of the Turks evil meaning towards them, they went thence away, to convey and hide themselves very unorderly, about the Turks hold, who being as it were amazed thereat, and troubled with their noise making, went all of them out thereof, giving a charge, setting the Almains in a rout or company, and leading them fight, even unto their Trenches, crying out with a loud voice, saying, that this shameful flight of the Almains, had brought unto them a worthy victory: and as for the Almains, this rout and company now swelling in stomach against them, they began to consult and determine of what was to be done, judging with themselves, that it behoved them to assay, and prove all other ways and means, before they came to war, but yet in conclusion, they were resolved to give the Turk a Battle: and so both the one and the other being well furnished, went away in company.  
The Almains carried Pikes, Eucklers, and sword's, but the Turks covered themselves all over with their Bucklers, marching all a great, and feigning that they were afraid, and that they would not fight at all, which did so encourage the Almains, that they thought verily to weary and tire the Turks, who being now well awakened, and stirred up with this mockery, gave them a sign and token, laying hands upon their weapons, and crying with a loud voice Alla, Alla, (which is as much to say, as God:) they made their pieces play: then they came unto the battle, which was so sharp, that what of one side, and what of the other, their number was not much unlike: then was there again a new Combat, and skirmish to recover the bodies, but that was ceased and stinted by and by: The Almains now retired into their own quarters, whether also the Turks approached, so that the skirmish began afresh whereas the one part sought against the other very sharply, and a long time: in the end, the Turks constrained the Almains to save themselves within their Castles, whereas they did besiege them, fighting most furiously, and laying on lusty load against the place, with all the power of their pieces. The Almains yet resisted them very bravely, and withstood a great many of their assaults, but at the last they were overcome by the Turks, who began to beat down their Gates, to spoil, and to kill as many as they found hidden in any place, to thrust down the other from the top of the castle to the bottom, to arrest them that fled, and to bring them captives, with their hands fast bound behind at their backs: this done, they se●te up an Ensign, or flag upon the top of all the Castle, and in sign and token of victory, they caused a great triumph to be made, with Tabours and trumpets, besides this there were brought into the foresaid Tyltyarde, xiii. other forts, and holds, which were not far distant from the two Fortresses, and they yielded themselves up unto the victorions. And besides all this as happened and chanced at the Combattes, and in the taking (as aforesaid) three men which stood and beheld this war, were slain and killed with Cannon sho●te: such are the sports, and pastimes of tyrants, which never make an end and give over, without shedding of blood: Let us now say somewhat of the Spear men: I will tell you at one bare word, that of fifty couple of runners, there were not two found, which did meet, and encounter each other ten times: neither yet any otherwise, but in friendly passing one by an other: by reason whereof, all the whole world cried out amain upon those gentle jousters, which were constrained to retire: but the two last runners, being ashamed thereof, at their last Course, did so boysterouslie, and so fiercely encounter each other, that their horses were both killed with the brunt then given between them, and the two runners themselves very grievously hurt therewith.  
Then came before them one of the Wrestlers, a very mighty, and a marvelous strong man, worthy to be compared unto that Milon so much extolled, and celebrated at Crotone: for proof of his prowess, he lifted up an high, a long piece of wood, which twelve men could not stir, nor remove from the ground, but with great pain, and with much ado: then he took the same upon his shoulders, without holding the same with his hands: and afterward, being laid down flat upon the ground, and his shoulders, and thighs being fast tied and bound, he took up and bore upon his breast or stomach, a great thick stone, which ten men had rolled away, and yet he made but a mock and laughing stock of that his load. And yet behold, a thing more marvelous than all these: four men did cleave long pieces of wood upon his belly. Moreover, with his teeth and his hands, he did bruise, and break in pieces, a horsenayle of iron, and with such force, that the one half stuck fast in his teeth, and of the rest he made two pieces, in each hand one: and with three blows with his fist, upon the Coulter of a Plough, he broke it quite in sunder: and with his bar● tongue he licked the same Coulter put into the fire all red hot: the same man also, with his teeth alone, did saddle, bridle, and harness a horse, and did diverse and many other most marvelous things: by reason whereof he got to himself great gains, and was very much praised, and commended of all men, because of his strength, and force altogether so extraordinary and strange. But before I make an end of the discourse of the afternoon sports, I have considered with myself, that it shall not be any thing at all hurtful to the Reader, if I speak a word or two, of the dancers over the line: many of them there, showed forth brave proofs of their skills: but there was one among all the rest, which gained and got the garland from them all: and I know no man that was not wholly ravished, to see them run so suddenly, with so good a grace, without stinting, and with so valiant a boldness.  
A certain Poet reporteth in one of his Comedies and Stories, that the simple and common people were in a muse, at the beholding of one named. Quidam, which walked up and down upon a Cord or line: But if so be that this Poet had seen that as I speak off, he would without doubt, have been driven out of countenance: for this fellow went up upon the Lines, which were fast tied to the rafters, and beams of the house, as high as a man might well discern, and with such swiftness and nimbleness, that a man would have said, that they had been Ladders or Stairs, and then he came down again very boldly, both backwards, and arsewardes (as they say) and also forward, not having any other stay, or prop, but a little small staff, or stick, whereof he made him a counterpeise: one while he danced upon the cords with both fée●e, and another while with one alone: sometime with the left, and sometime with the right: now stark naked, and strait ways his hose on: now clasping his legs about the cords, with his head hanging downward, and so turned himself round about, and then loosed his legs, caught hold again with his hands, and skipped up upon it: he slid also marvelous right and boldly, from the top of all, 〈◊〉 the very bottom of all, and that as I esteem the chiefest, and principallest sport and pastime of all is: at night forsooth, he tied fast to each of his feet, si●e naked drawn swords, and continued his sport, with such playing, and passing away of the time, and with such clapping of hands on all parts, so that if by chance any one of the lookers on, ought him any malice or grudge, or would have wrought him any mischief in his sleep, he himself by his agility and nimbleness, would presently have awaked out of his sleep: by means whereof, by the common voice and cry, of both great and small, at that solemn assembly, he was called and named, the chief and principal master of that craft or occupation.  
You have now already seen (good gentle Reader) the royalty and great worthiness of the sports and pastimes, of both before and after dinner, very grossly given & set down before you: but in few words, & of a very truth.  
Let us now then conclude, (if it please you) and let us describe unto you, the sights which they made, and were to be seen in the night: and although that they were not much unlike unto the day sports, yet I will in brief declare them unto you. Presently and immediately after Sun set, they lighted their Lamps, which were hanged up in the Tabernacle, and in the wheel made of cords: (whereof I have spoken heretofore) the which Lamps, turned very round by art & cunning, and burned very clear, and light all the whole night. Moreover, there were every night, lighted in the said Park, to the number of thirty Lynks, or Torches, from the which, all the whole Theatre, received a most famous and clear light, and brightness. Now these things being in this order disposed, they shot off squibbes full of powder, which made a marvelous noise and sound: and as they fell upon the ground, they spette out six or seven sparkles, like unto Stars, and very pleasant to behold.  
Then after all this, they brought in every day, day by day into this Cloister▪ six, eight, and at the most, ten Fortresses, Towers, or Ships, made of boards, covered properly with Paper, or with fine linen cloth, gilded, and very rich, and sumptuous made, with diverse paintings and colours, and then they gave fire unto them: they were made strong, both within and without, and of all sides, with short pieces, like unto Mortiers, which are a kind of Artillery of iron, short, and having many rings or circles, only used in Ships for nail shot, being well appointed, with squibbes, and with powder for the Cannons, without any lack or want thereof. And as soon as they put too fire, there presently follows a noise like lightning and strange thunder. These squibbes did flee about in the likeness of Serpents, and were powered out round about the Theatre: and to make an end of this brute or noise, they had in their company, the sounds of Trumpets and Tabors. These so fearful noises were nothing at all pleasant, but rather showed, and betokened the assault, and taking of Constantinople. Furthermore, you should have seen the shapes, and figures of men, clothed after the Persian, Italian, and Allemaigne fashion: also the shapes and figures of Elephants, camels, Dogs, Horses▪ Asses, Wildesowle, and other like creatures, all full of Cannon sho●te and powder, unto the which they put fire, and then they were all brought to nothing.  
These sports lasted and continued, until two of the clock, and sometime (at the commandment of Amurathe) until three of the clock after midnight.  
The Turk me thinks herein, went about to follow and imitate, the proud King Solmonee: which strived to work against the lightning, and thundering of the Gods, as the Poets make report. But as they ●eigned, that jupiter knew well how to correct and chasten, the intolerable pride of Salmonet: so in mine opinion, this man here, being more arrogant, and much worse and wickedder than Salmonee, now striketh upon the true lightning of the true God, and being cast down into hell with his supporters, and maintainers, receiveth the chastisementes, there prepared and made ready for him, and due unto him of so long time.  
Moreover, because that the act of Circumcizion was done by night: behold, and mark well wherefore I have deferred until now, to speak of the Ceremonies, which then were observed, the which I will touch briefly and in few words: The seventh day of june, Amurathe, caused Proclamation to be made, that they should bring into the Park aforesaid, all those as were to be Cyrcumcized: with promise by him made, to give unto every one, a gown, a shirt, and a hundred pieces of money, which were worth about ten pence a piece: and at this cry or Proclamation, there was gathered together such a multitude, of young children, servants, lacques, and slaves, which came most part, rather for the desire of gaining the gifts, then upon any devotion at all: so that they lacked and needed above thirty Surgeons to dress them, and yet they were occupied about them all that day, and most part of the night: And in the same night, after the sports and pastimes were all ended, and about two of the clock in the morning, Mahumet, the son of Amurathe, the young Prince of sixteen years old, was circumcised, not openly, but in his father's Waredrope, and in the presence of his said father, and of the 〈◊〉 Officers and Seignio●●, by mohammed Bass●; the 〈◊〉 Counsellor of that State.  
You have here (fre●ndly Reader) the discourse of the foolish Ceremonies of that miserable Nation, which is in danger to ●eare and suffer the eternal names of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but before I make an end, I will add and speak one word more, touching and concerning that as happened, and chanced at the end of the sports, and which troubled us all, that were at the Feast. First of all, were the weddings of the Daughter of Amurathe made, who was married to the admiral of Turkey: these weddings were royally feasted for the spars of five days. Then by chance it fell out so, that Sulthane, the wife of Amurathe did not go her full time all out: and the tumult grew between the janissaries, and the Archers of his Guard, the which did rise in tumult, the one against the other, in his presence, and within the Park, with such fury and ●●erce anger, that without any respect of their General or of the great Bassa, or of Amurathe himself, they came to handy blows, in such sort, that two janissaries, and four Archers were left dead, and stretched abreade even in the same place. Amurathe now being sore afraid, and amazed thereat, and very much doubting the janissaries, which are marvelous unhappy and wicked people, caused his Castle to be made fast, and throughly furnished round about. You se● now him, which was in hope, to have swallowed up (as it were) all the whole world, stand trembling and quaking for fear, even in the midst of his own guard, Under the colour of I wots not what bruit or noise, and had much ad●● to warrant or save himself under the shylter, or surety of any walls. And now to make an end, the wedding being all finished the one and twenty day of june, the day before the which he retired, and went in the morning into his castle with his Son, being conducted and guided by the Bassas, and with three hundred other Gentlemen▪ This is it, as I had to say, touching the sports and sights at Constantinople, wherein I have been as brief, and used as much diligence, as possibly I could: and if it doth not like you (good Reader) yet think not evil of me, although I am not ashamed to write it: but rather blame you him, which durst attempt to do all▪ these things, and take well in worth, my endeavour herein. Vale.   
FINIS.  
T. H.   

I do send unto you the Confession of Gennadius, the patriarch of Constantinople, exhibited to mohammed, the 11. Emperor of that name, immediately after that Constantinople was taken, who required the same of him: and this I received of Theodosius Zygomalius, the chief Notary of this present patriarch jeremy. Thus far you well in all felicity, at Constantinople, the 9 of julie.  
WE believe that God is the creator of all things, whatsoever they be, and that they were of nothing: and that he is neither a body, nor hath a body: but liveth intellectuallie: and he is a God, very good and perfect of mind, or substance, and most wise: not made, or compounded: he is without beginning, and hath no end: he is in the World, and above the world: he is not in one place, and he is in every place. These are the properties of God, by the which he is separated from his creatures and such other like.  
He is 〈◊〉, and good, and true, & whatsoever things his works have in a part, excellent, he hath them all alone, & by a more excellent manner: And his creatures have these same perfections, because he giveth them to his creatures, and because he is good, in like manner his creatures are good: because he is wise, they are wise: because he is true, they are true: and whatsoever are such like: saving only, that God hath them in a principal place, the creatures by participation.  
We believe, that in GOD there are three properties: which are as the beginnings, and fountains, of all the other his properties: and God liveth by these three properties, ever 〈…〉 inglie in himself: and before that the world was builded by him, and by them he builded the world: and by them he governeth it. And these three properties, we call them three persons: and because these three properties, do not divide the only and most simple substance of God, therefore be is God, and with these properties he is one God, and there are not three Gods.  
We do believe, that the word and spirit, do spring but of the nature of God, as from the fire, light and heat: and as the fire, although there be nothing, that can be lightened, and be made warm by it: notwithstanding, the same fire hath always light and heat, and sendeth out light, and heat. So, before the world was builded, the word was, and so was the spirit, natural powers of God, because God is a mind, or substance, as it was said before: and these three, the mind or substance, the word and spirit, is one God, as the soul of man is the mind: and a word intellectual, and an intellectual will, and notwithstanding these three in deed are one soul. Moreover, we call the word, the wisdom of God, and the power: and his Son, because he is the son of his natural substance, and as we call the son of the nature of man, the son of man: and as the cogitation of this mind is: so is it in these divine things. Furthermore, we name the will of God, the spirit of God, and love: We call the mind the Father, because he is not begotten, and without a cause, the cause of the son and of the spirit. Because therefore God doth not under stand only his creatures, but more he knoweth and understandeth himself, and for this cause he hath the word and wisdom, by the which he understandeth himself properly. Likewise, neither he willeth and God loveth only his own works, but he willeth and loveth himself much more: therefore the word and spirit go forth or proceed out of him everlastingly: and these twain with God are one God.  
We believe that God hath builded the world by the word of his wisdom, and of his power, and by the spirit of his good will, he foreseeth and governeth, and moveth every nature to good, according to the order of every nature: and for this cause we believe that when God will convert men by his only mercy, from the deceit of devils and worshipping of Idols: because in a little place of the jews, in the which he was worshipped and believed to be one God according to the Law of Moses, the rest of the whole world worshipped the creatures wickedly, and many Gods, because that they are none, in the place of one and him true, and every man lived according to their sensual apitites, and not according to God: then God restored man by his word, and by his holy spirit, and therefore the word of God put upon him the nature of man, that as man, he might be conversant with men, and as the word of God and wisdom should teach men to believe in one true God, and to lead their life according to that Law, which he hath given, and again, as a man, that he might give a reason of his life, and example of his doctrine: He first kept the Law, which he gave unto men: as the word of God and power, he might restore, the most comely goodness which he would. For it could not be, that by the power of one man, the whole world should be converted to God: and thus the omnipotent and invisible God, hath sown the truth by his word in jerusalem: By his spirit he illuminated and confirmed his Apostles, that they should sow the truth throughout the whole world, and that they should contemn death through the love of God, who had sent them, and by the love of the salvation of the world, according to the ensample of jesus, who died willingly, according to that which was of man, that the world might be saved.  
Thus we believe one God in Trinity, the Father, son, and holy spirit, as our Lord jesus hath taught us, and we believe that he is true, because he is the truth itself: and his Disciples hath taught us more at large: thus we do understand of the power of his wisdom.  
We believe that the word of God, and man, whom the that word of God put on, and the life of Christ in his flesh was the life of man most holy, but the wisdom of the power and works of him, was the power of God.  
We believe, that as the soul and body is one man, so the word of God of one part, and of the other part. The soul and the body, are two distinct natures perfectly in one man, so is the humanity and deity in Christ, two distinct natures, knit together according to Hypostases and personally, neither is the word of God changed into flesh or into the soul of Christ, neither is the flesh of Christ, or his soul converted into the word of God, but the word of God was and is in Christ the word of God, by a marvelous disputation, humanity, humanity: and that the humanity have not taken the deity of the word of Christ, but the deity of the word of God hath taken man's nature, which consisteth in that, for as much as it was taken.  
Whatsoever thing is in God, and of God naturally, is God, because there is nothing accidental in God: and therefore we name and believe the intellectual word of God, to be God: and because this word of GOD was in Christ, for that cause we confess Christ to be God and man: man, because he consisteth of soul and body: God, because of the word of God, which is in him.  
we believe, that the word of God is in Christ, and in the world, and in heaven, and in God, and in the Father, wherefore the word of God is infinite, as God is infinite, begetting him, that is as much to say: thinking, and hath an infinite power. But in God after one manner, and in Christ after an other manner, and in the world, after another manner.  
We believe, that when God doth communicate his goodness and his grace to any creature, nevertheless, it goeth not from him, but thereby he is more magnified, because that the highness of God, is made manifest by the virtue of his Creatures.  
The more excellent that the Creator is, by greater communicating of his goodness: so much the more the goodness of God, and his love towards men, and his power is declared.  
Wherefore the goodness of God, and his love towards men, is more magnified in this point, that God himself hath come into jesus Christ, with his omnipotentcie, then that which he sent into his Prophets one of his graces or two, and in some one Prophet a lesser grace, and into some other a greater.  
We believe that Christ was crucified and died, of his own proper will, for many and great profits, to the declaration whereof, we should occupy many words: and he hath suffered all these things, according to that which was of man in him.  
As for the word of God, it is neither crucified, neither dieth, neither riseth again: But he raiseth up the dead as he raiseth up his own flesh which he bore. We believe, that Christ, after his resurrection was assumpted up into the heavens, and shall come again with glory, to judge the quick and the dead.  
We believe that men's souls are immortal, and that the bodies of holy men, shall rise incorrupt, clear, active, neither shall they have any need of meat, nor drink, nor apparel, nor any other corporal pleasures: and that 
Souls immortal.  the souls and the bodies, of them that have believed, and have led their life virtuously, shall go into Paradise: but the impenitent, wicked, and Infideles, into punishment: and that the Paradise of the Saints, and the fruition thereof, is in heaven: the punishment of the wicked in the earth: and that the fruition of the Saints is no thing else, then that such souls shallbe perfect in knowledge, and shall behold the mysteries of God, which they know not now, but by faith only.  
Wherefore it was necessary that the word of God, and God to be incarnate: many other things are necessary, when necessity requireth, we are ready to render a reason thereof: after these reasons, the seven certify us of our Faith.  
Moreover, the Prophets of the jews, have showed before, whom we receive, of this jesus, what soever he hath done, or whatsoever have been done, and whatsoever his disciples have done by his power: The like the Oracles of the Greeks have foreshowed by the gift of God, and the like did the Astronomers of the Persians and of the Grecians, with the preaching of jesus.  
For all these of the which we have made mention, do agree and are consonant to the scripture in all things, because that they which have written them, have had alone Doctor, or teacher, even the grace of God: unless it were so in something they would have disagréed, and have been dissonant.  
Because they have received such a faith and religion, although new and miraculous, men with great diligence in eu 〈…〉, and with manifold dangers, as well pri 〈…〉, 〈…〉 dent and wise: and by this means the malicious deceit of devils was overthrown. This faith and religion containeth nothing impossible, neither any thing that is dissonant with itself, neither any corporal thing, but all spiritual: and it is the way which leadeth men's souls unto the love of God, and of everlasting life.  
So many as have received this faith, and have lived bertuously, according to the Law of Christ, have obtained great gifts of God, and have done many miracles, which thin ●es could never have come to pass, if this faith had been false and untrue. The Kings which made war against this faith, with great slaughter and punishment throughout the world, many hundred years, notwithstanding that they had many Gods, profited nothing, but the faith had the victory, and continueth unto this day: when the Lord shall come, he shall find it: and unless that this faith had been by the will of God, then had it been easily overthrown. To the same jesus our Lord, the true God, be glory. Amen.  
Thus we affirm briefly as concerning our Faith.  
These were translated into the Arabrik tongue, by Achomad Kadde, a Barr●●n, whose father was Mah 〈…〉 Tzelepe the Scribe.  
FINIS.