_●O the most excellent/ most redoubted and most christian king: King Edward the fourth johan key his humble poet lawreate/ and most lowly servant: kneeling unto the ground saith salute. It is not out of your knowledge & hearty pity most prudent Prince: how that these forty years passed: the turks have vexed the christian parties & have prevailed/ & had of the christian men the overhand: in so much that now late agaynest all right, & reason were possessors in italy/ in the dominion & ground of the most constant king Ferrand of Arragon king of Naples: in prejudice & horrible terror to the court apostolic & to all christendom. For by that the great Turk late named Mahumete proposed & ordained great might & strength to undo & subvert the holy city of Rome, & put italy to his subjection/ & after lightly to overcome & oppress the residue of christendom. But Ihesu christ our redemptor would not his christian people to be put into longer pain/ or to more tribulation: he hath retreat & withdrawn his rod: as a kind father to his dear children content with great menasses & little punition. Certes the sins of the christian people: as I think: & little regard to our savour Ihesu: moved & caused the rightwise god: to warn us to have him better in mind by the flagel of this great & mighty enemy. But after repentance & prayers of our holy father the pope: cardinals: christian princes: & all christian people: and with so great pardons of the court of saints petre & paul: through the grace of the blessed Ihesu: this great turk in his most pride/ & his most hope hath made be sudden death amend of his live: and is the cruel generation of the turks for evermore/ with god's grace deject/ & cast out of italy And all the turks among themself in great Werres. Which thing is token to all christian princes here after to recover the parties christian. Certain it is most gracious prince: that he few days afore his death laid siege to the noble city of Rhodes: which is the key & gate of all christendom. But there he was put to his worse & to shame. And be cause that I have seen & read in italy of the oppressing & captyvyce by the said Turk of the worshipful city sometime of Constantinople: and also not many years passed of the infortunate loss of the streng city of Nygrepount. For the Cardynale greek of Mycenae made & wrode in latin the lamentable captivity of Constantinople to the pope: and Balthasar perusyn wrote in the langayge Italyon of Nygrepount to the lord of Vrbyn: for to move the christian people to prayers and provytion. I have thought more better labour & more commendable purpose if I in the reverence of Ihesu christ/ & in the worship of your good grace should put with diligence out of latin in english/ & to the understanding of your people the delectable newesse and tithynges of the glorious victory of the rhodians agaynest the turks. whereof they reading shall have joy & consolation & shall alway devoutly know by daily miracles & gods works the inestimable power & certente of our christian faith. And in so much more to your hyensse I make a gift of my labour: that your good grace abondeth with all virtues: also much as in a most christian king longeth to be: And also I am of this opinion that all the common weal & common good cometh through god & the kings to their peoples. wherefore what so ever fruit or pleasure your people shall in this my studies find they shall yield glory to god & grace & than kings to your hyenes. The which god almighty keep ever & prosper with all your noble desires   

●Yth that I have applied me to declare and publish to all christian people the siege of the noble and invincible city of Rhodes: first I purpose to tell and open the causes that moved the cruel tyrant Mahumete great Turk and insatiable enemy to our christian faith/ that he with so great might & so great strength vexed the rhodians: how be it/ that afore this time the rhodians and the Turks often have had wars: Nevertheless this cruel Turk after the subduing & oppressing of the miserable & dolorous city of Constantynople hath begun & ordained against the city of Rhodes greater wars theme ever did his predecessors. For the intent and purpose of the said great Turk was/ to persecute and outerly undo the christian faith. Therefore after the space of xxiiii years when that he had conquered many empires/ kyngdommes/ and lordships was wroth to see the little city of Rhodes standing so nigh his kyngdommes and lordships: not subject/ nor contrybutarye to him: Therefore four divers times with ships and men of were assaulted the castles and places of the Isle of Rhodes/ where both by land and by water through god's grace he was venquysshed and overthrow and of his host many slain with the rhodians/ many drown●d and many put to flight and to shame: Therefore after he saw the noble hearts of the knights and people of Rhodes that neither by fighting/ neither by power he might attain the city: thought and imagined by subtlety and cautels to have his intent thereof. And so often times after that he had great part of Grece to his obeisance tempted to make peace and amity with the rhodians: so that they would knowledge him as their sowerayn: and yearly yolde him a little tribute/ which condition the rhodyan's alleweye withseyed and dyffyed. And when he saw that in no wise he could get nor attain tribute of rhodes in that manner: offerred them yet peace: upon this condition. That the embassedoures of the knights of saint johan of jerusalem: that is to say of Rhodes should come to his court and present to him certain royal yefts: the which he thought to receive under the title of tribute: and so by wiles intended to make the said city of Rhodes tributary to him. but he could not speed his false purpose. For the noble and victorious Prince and renowned lord The lord master of Rhodes and his pendent council: refused of their enemy peace nor would be of amity with him that was a persecutor of Christ's/ ●yth & Christ's religion: And so day and night the most nobelest knights of the said religion: according to their order helped and defended our faith and the said city of Rhodes. For these causes now said the furious enemy conceived against the city of Rhodes inestimable hate read & wrath: and imagined/ if he might: outerly to destroy the said Rhodes. And to this crnel purpose he was also moved by conseyl & persuasions of the traitors of Christ's faith: the which had in knowledge all the places and secrets of Rhodes. Among the which falls traitors & renegates was one especial of the city of Rhodee: called Antony Melagolo: a man unkind to god & to man. He was noble of birth & evil of conditions & living/ the which by fore times through evil guiding & onthryftenesse had brought himself to poverty. This man thought & imagined by his falls & subtle wit a mean to tray & put in destruction his owen country. And therefore he diligently and privily espied in the city of Rhodes all the places defensybles & indefensybles/ and portrayed & painted them in a papire & bore the said pourtraytoure & papir to the city of Constantynople/ and anon after he showed it to the greatest cappetayn of the Turk/ and gave him great comfort/ that he should but in his mind & dispose him seefe to the destruction & captyute of Rhodes. And so deed an other falls renegade called Dymetryus Sopheano/ the which after the captivity & destruction of the city of Nygrepont renayed & forsouke the faith of christ & went to the Turk. This Dymentryus by fore times had dwelled in Rhodes/ and had been embassedeur from the Turk to the rhodians: under a faint & colour to desire peace. & so after the space of iii years which were spended & occupied in the conseiling of thes works & that it had been showed: that they might come to their intent. the foresaid capeteyne was well pleased. To the which also many other renegates had given by divers means council and comfort But among them all the foresaid Antony: said & affirmed That a great part of the walls of the city of Rhodes was old and in decay. and that there were but few men of dyffence in the city. and also they lacked victuals. and that they could not have in time of need help of christian kings. For they were to far from them. And all this was graunded and for certain affirmed by Dymetryus & his fellows renegades. And so with their false comfort/ it was thought necessary to the party of the Turk/ to ordain their engines and instruments: for the siege of Rhodes. In what time that these things were thought and counseled in Constantynople among the turk and his counsel/ The victorious Prince and lord: The lord master of Rhodes called Master Peter Daubusson: a man of high prudence and of the noble blood and house of France/ had knowledge of the conspiracy and false imagination the which was wrought agaynest the city of Rhodes. And so by the grace of almighty god in the space of three years next following made great reparations and renewed the old walls of the foresaid city of Rhodes: where as need was. And also made politic and great provisions: that is to say/ of wine/ wheat and other victuals necessaries. And wrote epysteles & letters unto all countries/ lands and provinces of christian religion for the knights of his order/ commanding them to come keep and defend the noble city of Rhodes. And so by the will of god almighty: Rhodes in all haste was fortified/ with victuals/ ships: and men of were. But the traitor Antony then being in the city of Constantinople and not having knowledge of this great provision of Rhodes. comforted and exhorted the great Basse/ that ye to say: the great capetayne under the Turk. that he should in all haste ordain him to the siege of Rhodes. Whereupon the said Bassie advertised the great Turk of the informations of the said Antony and other renegates. Wherefore amongs the knights and men of were of the turkys party was calleed a great parliament and counsel. where many divers opinions were taken. For some of them said. That it was impossible to get Rhodes so lightly as Antony had said. For the city was so strong and the knights were so noble that they would rather lose their lives in fighting foe: Christ's law: and for the welfar of krystendom then ever to see in their life Rhodes in subjection of the Turk. Some of the turks sayde● That Rhodes lightly should be had. & that sith the time that Antony came to Constantinople which were but iii years: the lord Master of Rhodes couth not purvey for so many dyffautes of the city: like as the renegade Antony Melagolo had told and given him to understand. Therefore it was finally and in all haste concluded in the foresaid parliament and counsel. That both by land: and by see they should make them ready for to go to the siege of the said city of Rhodes. And furthermore were there called many cunning men in making of instruments of were/ that is to say Bombards/ gowns/ culverins/ serpentines & such other Among the which was one called George/ renegate●● man of subtle wit that dwelled in Counstantinople and there had wife & children. and for his subtle wit & great cunning in making of such instruments of were: had of the Turk great rewards/ which George twenty years afore passed had been in Rhodes/ the which city then was not so strong as now. And when the Turk commanded/ that the city of Rhodes should be portrayed and painted on a table and showed unto him. amongs all other this George brought the best patron drawn & portrayed. and so by him and by other the Turk took for the last conclusion to send & lay siege to Rhodes. considering that with instruments of were all manner of walls may be thrawen down/ And also considering his great power and might: by the which he had conquered and gotten ii empires xii kyngdommes and many other lands and places. He also considered the great goods and profits the which he might have of Rhodes/ for asmuch as he knew the great comodytees & strength of the same city of Rhodes/ both by land and by see. And furthermore imagined/ if he had Rhodes that he might or deigned wars against many other lands/ both east & west. Also this Turk knew right well: that the said Rhodes was an Isle of great name & of good aye●: and that Rhodes in old time was of great amity & chierte with the Romans And also he thought. if he might have the foresaid city of Rhodes: he should lightly put under his subjection all other countries about: and so in conclusion he should conquer & subdue all the lands from the see called Egeum unto the see called Yoneum. that is to say from the est part of the world to the west part. notwithstanding some of his capptaynes counseled him that he should not lay siege to Rhodes. & that was token of his evil adventure. Nevertheless by his commandment/ his men of were came toward Rhodes/ both by land and by see. And they that went by see: sailed on till time they arrived to a country called Lycya. And 〈◊〉 days after that they were arrived there with their navy came also thither thee other great host by land: And so they met each other in the foresaid country of Lycya which is but xxii. miles from Rhodes. Also they carried with them by see great instruments of were. that is to say Bumbardes'. gowns/ serpentynes with many other instruments of were. for they were so great & so many that they could not bring them fro Counstantinople: but sailing with ships and galewes: And of the said navy & company was Basse: that is to say capetayn in english a Greek which was of the noble ho●s called Palliogolus: the which when he should take shipping asked after Antony Melagolo. & it was told him that four days afore he was mischievously slain in Counstantinople Therefore he took with him Dymetryus renegade fellow to the said Antony. & anon after their departing fro Constantinople by see: the turk send as said y● his other cost by land that went far about by the countries of Asya for fere lest christian men should know their intent. The Turk also closed and stopped all manner of passayges of his lands. save the secret ways that his host went. Nevertheless the lord Master of Rhodes by his great wit & diligence had knowledge of all this array. For the Turk had messengers that were not all true: for some of they told thayre masters counsel. But when the host that went by land came to Lycye the rhodians had great marvel what they were. and the turks made a common sclandyr to deceive the Rhodians and saydyn that their lord the great Turk was deed/ and they were send thither to keep the country of Lycye from harm of enemies. But the lord Master of Rhodes had knowledge of all these wiles & falsed of the Turk. And therefore he with great diligence made strong with men of were and victuals all the holds/ both castles and forslettes within the Isle of Rhodes. That is to say/ Longon/ The Castylle of saint Petre/ Feracle/ Lind/ Monoleto. And all the people of the Isle of Rhodes withdrew to the strong holds with their goods and cattles. And the barley that was ripe lightly they gathered it up and took it with them And be cause that wheat and other manner of corns were not all ripe they plucked them up fro the ground as they were and brought they to the towns and holds. And when they were in doing of these works with great haste and fury the watch that was on the top of the hill beside saint stephen showed a token & a knowledge: that in the west from Counstantinople was on the see sailing a great number of ships. And thenne the most part of the people of rhodes went unto the high places & saw them. And anon the same ships went toward a town called Physoom. which is in the country called Lycye upon the see side xxii miles from Rhodes: and there they landed & received the men of were that, came thither by land by the country of asya as I have said afore. And then they turned them in the see toward Rhodes. and so in a short time they were at the banks of the Isle of Rhodes. And the number of the ships that came to the banks of Rhodes was a ninety. And th●s was in the year of our lord a thousand four ninety & fo●● schore the ten kalendre of the month of june. And anon with great diligence they voided their ships of the men of were and of their ordonnances. And the men of were made their parks and their tents strongly upon the hill of saint Stephen afore said. And afterward they putted their ordinance on the see bank under the hill of saint Stephen wherefore the rhodians saw all them that were on the hill But they might not see their ordonnances and instruments of were which were on the see bank under the hill: be cause of the highness of the hill. And so anon the ships went and came again from the banks of Rhodes to Physoom. bringing with them at every time their men of wrere toward Rhodes. And in the mean while some of the turks on horsebake and on foot the most hardiest ran to the walls of Rhodes with great menassing and craking. And the rhodians with great manhood went agaynest them/ and put them to flight and slew many of them. And in the next day following the turks made again an other assault whiles the rhodians were at dinner. but also they were put to flight and some of them to death. But there was one of the knights of Rhodes the which adventured himself to far and was slain of the turks. and then they took his heed and put it on a spear and ran with great mirth and joy to their company and host. And the body was brought to Rhodes with the raiment. The turks anon after set three bombards of great violence in the churchyard and gardens of saint Antony: which was but a little space from Rhodes. And with these bombards they studied and thought to thrawe down the high tour & strong place of Rhodes called/ the tour of saint Nycolas: and covered their bombards with great logs and trees & boards of great defence. But when the rhodians had spied it they also ordained three great bombards against the host of the turks: which casted through the right side of their host great and mighty stones: which did them great harm. And in the morning following George the great gunner/ of the which we have said afore: came suddenly as amasid man to the ditch of Rhodes toward the palace of the Lord master/ and saluted and greeted the Rhodians friendly and meekly cried and prayed/ that he might come in to the city/ and so he was received. And be cause that he had the rayement and leverey of the Turk/ somme smote at him. But many dyffended him and brought him unto the Lord master of Rhodes. This George was a personable man and welbesene: of great eloquence/ and of great malice/ a duche man borne. And anon he was asked: which was the cause of his coming thither. He answered. For the faith and religion of Ihesu christ/ and for the welfare and worship of all christendom. And be cause that he forsook the falls believe of the Turk: therefore he was received with great joy. and also his purpose was greatly praised if he would abide steadfastly in it as he said. Anon after it was asked him. what host the Turk had send against Rhodes/ and what number of fighting men: and what ordinance of instruments of were. George with boldness & with wit: & as it seemed with throth answered to the questions and said/ that the turk had the number of an hundred thousand fighting men/ and xvi. great bombards everyone of xxii foot of length/ of the which the lest casted stones every stone of ix spans in compass about. But within Rhodes were many opinions and divers sentences of the coming of the said George from the Turk to christian folk. For some said: that he came as a spy. and that afore this time he with great malice had done many things agaynest god. and specially had forsaken Christ's law. and that for certain he werked now for to betray Rhodes. The most part said: that he was a great master in making of instruments of were. and that he was a defensible man in what somever place he was in: and that he came to Rhodes as a penitent man that had forsaken his faith and his maker/ and that such a wise man as he was: would not come to Rhodes alon to deceive such a prudent man: as the lord master was: and such a great fellowship of knights of Rhodes. And so was thought for the better: that George should abide in Rhodes. But anon few days after/ somme that loved the christian faith in the host of the Turk shotre arrows with letters into Rhodes: which letters were fond and warned the rhodians: to be ware of the treason of George. Therefore the lord master common deed anon. that george should be kept with vi might men which should take hid on him/ But nevertheless he heard & had at all ours georgys' counsel to such provycyons that belongeth to engines and instruments of were/ After this the turks with great might of bombards and other instruments of were laboured day and night to put down & overthrawe a place which was a quater of a mile within the see by the west bank of Rhodes: which maked with her walls and wings a pleasant haven to ships and galleys. and is called the tower of saint Nycholas/ and it was made in the old time and after the old and big making of walls. The said tower was set so nigh the city of Rhodes be cause that no person by land nor lie water should come to Rhodes without their licence. And also the mouth of the haven and that place was so strait/ that neither galeye neither ship might entre/ but only one ot ones. and above this port was the foresaid saint Nycolas tour/ the which was made of the rhodians within thy hundred years. And the turks thought: that if they had this tower in their subjection: that they should lightly overcome Rhodes/ considering the great commodity of the haven and of the self place of the tour. And therefore they casted against the tower three ninety great stones of bombards and broke the tour stoutly & put it in a great danger to be overthrown/ and in moche lass space then ever the rhodians thought that it should have been possible. But nevertheless the neither old and ancient wall stood steadfastly. for it was made in old time of a big matter and substance. And anon the lord master alway provident and busy came to the tower with a bargee full of men/ and made reparations with stones and trees/ as in such a time the case required/ and put in the ●●ur many fighting men and the manliest of his host/ the which should be the strength & the keeping of that place in the tour that was so beaten in the side toward the west: that there was left no manner of reparation: but with hands and number of strong men. After that these provision had been made in the foresaid tour: they ordained men of were under the walls of the city and under the wall upon the bank of the see: the which was from the castle of saint Peter unto a certain place called Mandrache. and there were men on horsebake & on foot/ that should let the turks to come to land in that cost: and there about the see is at every tide flow and ebb: wherefore were there thrust done pipes and tons and tabelles full of nails: so that the turks what somever ebbing befell should not pass over And furthermore was made another great provision: in that part of the city where the lord master stood in clean harness. for in that part were ordained bombards & other great instruments casting great stones for to break the galleys of the turks. and also under the tower that the Lord master kept were little ships filled with gone powder and brim stone and other such things: the which when the galleys of the turks came ner● should be put in fire to the destruction of the galleys of the turks. And when these things were so ordained: all the rhodians with manhood abode from day to day/ and from our to our: that the turks should give them assault/ and in the morning neyt following the turks came with fifty galleys from the hill of saint Stephen aforesaid toward the city and they thought shortly to come a land/ and there they made a great cry and a great noise with trumps and taberetties & other such instruments be cause that they should make afered our folk of them for their great noise But anon after when the turks with their galleys came near the tour aforesaid: the bombards and other instruments of were which were there ordained. broke with great might the arrays of the turks and put them off fro the cost with their great mischief. And in this deed the Lord Master of Rhodes himself came out of the walls of the said tour with his company: for to fight hand for hand with the turks. and there were overthrown and put to dech vii hundred turks and many were wounded and many drowned/ as some saiden that came to Rhodes from the turks. After thy the Lord master clean armed and riding upon a mighty horse came again to Rhodes with his fellowship: as an Emperor victorious/ and came to the church: where was the image of our lady: called our Lady on the hill of Felerene: which place is full of miracles. and there he kneeled down and yold thankings and levynges 〈◊〉 God and our lady of his victory. and afterward came to his palace and household for to refresh his company And so when the turks saw/ that they could not overcome the foresaid tour: they purposed to break the walls of the city with great bombards and gonnes in divers places of the same city/ and that/ be cause that the puissance & might of the rhodians should be divided/ and that they should not be all in one place: as they had been late in the defence of the foresaid tour of saint Nycolas. and also they deed it for more lightly to overcome the strength of the foresaid coure Therefore in the night next following the turks with great noise brought great bombards and gonnes toward the walls of Rhodes in that side of the city where as the jews 〈◊〉 keeping watch & defence by the commandment of the lord may sire. and before the said walls they putted viii great instruments: which casted great stones in the city. & had made ronde about bollewerkes to the instruments, because that the rhodians should not hurt them. Another great instrument they putted at foot of a hill toward the west: above the which hill stood the gallows of the justice of Rhodes: and from that place they casted great stones in rhodes/ in that part of the city where the wind milns were/ and broke them all to p●ec●s. when the Lord master saw the purpose and the wiles of his enemies which had then made moche more strength and might then ever they had done before: he or deigned in Rhodes processions generals with great deuction of him and all his people of Rhodes. and after that they had made their prayers to god & to our lady in whose quarrel they fought: the Lord master anon commanded to put down the houses and habitations of the jews that were with in the city by the walls: called the jure of Rhodes. Also were there made within the city of Rhodes great and mighty dyches: for the saving of the body of the city/ if the turks gate the first walls. and therefore they made day and might great works/ as walls of timber and many other things defensybles/ to the which labour every creature in rhodes of all manner of age both men and women of all manner states putted and applied themself and their goods with great will and great devotion for Jesus' sake. And in these while/ the bombards and great gonnes of the turks casted down and destryed the walls of the city of Rhodes/ with so great might and strength and with so great wonder: that all they that were in Rhodes/ stranger's and other old and young of all the countries of christendom said/ that they heard never strokes of bombards so great and so horrible as thilk were. The falls traitor George said also. that it was Impossible after his thinking to find in all the world such instruments of were/ that were so great and horrible of noise as they were/ for they of a town called Reed which is an ninety miles from Rhodes toward the east heard the great brute and the great noise as they said afterward. And also for to show and declare the meruoylous greatness of the said bombards and gonnes: the great piles and posts strong and mighty that were stykked in the groaned behind at tail of the foresaid great bombards gave such great and mighty shaking that the houses of Rhodes other whiles shaked in such a wise like if it had been a earth quake. But they of Rhodes always busy and provident stopped with trees the great ruin of their walls/ and made also many dyches within the city. The turks vexed also the rhodians with many other and divers instruments of were. for they ordained rond above the foresaid city of Rhodes certain instruments of were the which been called slings or engines/ And the turks with such instruments of were casted in to the eyere a pipe full of great stones the which foll upon the houses of Rhodes and putted them in a wretched ruin with great murdre of them that were within for that time: and furthermore they put in a great thought and sorrow all the hole city of Rhodes. for no person was sure in house with out he were in a kave. But nevertheless the prudent and wise Lord Master and his noble counsel fond a remedy as it followeth. For anon he commanded: that all manner of women and all folk of young age and old age not able for to fight should be put by the walls of the town in a void place. for the guise of the cities is/ to have next the walls such a void place. and there were made mighty schaffoldes the which were not so high as the walls of the city. for be cause that the turks should not espy it. for in such void place they casted no stones: but into the mids of the city. The young men able to fight kept themself & eshewed the casting of the stones in the day light. and in the night they hided them in streng places & kaves/ so that by the miracles of god & prayers of christian people few men or beasts of the city were hurted. The turks not understanding how god pourneyed & kept the Rhodians harmless/ ordained two great slings in a high place toward the west: from the which they might seen all the city of Rhodes. and fro thence they casted great stones in the mids of the city. In these mean whiles when these things were so ordained: the great base of the turk saw & considered/ that the diligence of the Lord master noyed moche to his power and to his counsels. Therefore he disposed by mean whiles to put to death the foresaid Lord master of Rhodes. And ordained two turks/ of the which one of them should go & yield himself to the rhodians for to live in Christ's faith & tell the rhodians/ that another of the turks which was his folawe should also come to Rhodes and forsake the falls believe of the Turk. But the base/ that is to say the cappetayne of the turks had ordained/ that the same fellow should bring poison into Rhodes: with which the Lord Master should be put to death: and be cause that these two turks should adventure themself to poison the Lord Master: the base had promised them many great rewards. But he that came to Rhodes afore his fellow as we have said was in his talking and in his purpose: and in all his desing in Rhodes fond inconstant and varyante. wherefore anon the rhodians had deming and plain opinion: that he was come for to work some treason. And so after diligence and s●ray●e examination: he confessed the treason and his boldness and therefore was he put to death as a traitor: The day niece following his fellow no thing knowing of this: came toward Rhodes/ but the christian men struck sore upon him wherefore he fled and turned again to the turks/ & so the base was beguiled of his treason. In these whiles the turks warred against one side of the city called the ward of the italians. & in a dark night they came so nigh that they putted gonnes and great bombards upon the banks of the dyches: and made great strength with trees rond about that they should not be broken with no manner shots of the rhodians. But anon after they were spied and seen. wherefore there was a counsel made in Rhodes: where thirty lykkely young men and very lovers of our lord Ihesu christ promised themself there to die in that quarrel: or to destroy in that same night the said great bombards and gonnes with all their array. And so a knight of the order of saint johan was capeteyne to the said thirty lykkely young men. and they came privily by the bothome of the ditch with certain ladders which they brought with them to the banks where as the bombards and gonnes were: and made such a fray that the turks fled away fro the bombards: and ten of them were slain. and also they destreyed all that ordonance and casted in the dyche. And this done the foresaid thirty young men with their capeteyne came again in to the city of Rhodes as men victorious. Wherefore the Lord Master of Rhodes gave unto them many worshipful yefts be cause of their virtuous manhood: and for to give courayge & exhortation to all other. And they were received in Rhodes with great glory and joy & also they had great thankings of all the people of Rhodes. Therefore few days after that this was done: the turks for despite and great annoy of the foresaid things which were done unto them made anon ready a great ordonance and came again unto the tower of saint nycolas for to have it. & anon with their bombards boldly they casted down the bollewerkes & forslettes. And as fast as they casted them down the rhodians repaired them again. The turks also made a long brigge of the length of a quater of a mile. the which recched from the bank there as the turks lay: unto the bank of saint Nicolas tour. and was so large: that vi men on horseback might ride a front. and was made with voided pipes and with boards strongly nailed upon them. & purposed to being the same bridge by craft into the water. and they feasted and knitted strongly to the said bridge great and mights ropes which had in tother end strong ancures: which ancur●s they fasted with a boat to the neither bank of the tour/ so that the bridge with the drawing of the cord and floating should have recched to the said bank. Anon afoer that the Rhedians had knowledge of these works. a shipman well expert in swimming: went by night and noted the cords fro the ancre and knitted them unto a stone of the bank: so that lightly when the turks drew the cord: they knew well that they were beguiled of the Rhedyans. The lord mayscer of Rhodes understanding this nobe act: rewarded the foresaid shipman worshipfully and right largely. And so when the turks saw and knew the great fraud which was done to them of the rhodians: thought and ordained that they would bring the foresaid bridge thither with great strength. and number of boats being full of rowers which and tour: great stones of bombards and of gonnes & wild fire and arrows of bows and balestres. And so all the night from twelve the clock unto. x. in the day they fought all by dark: but as the fire of the bombards and the flames of the wildfire gave light. And so after that the turks were put out: with their great damage and harm. & that the men of Rhodes had the victory: a man might have seen three days following dead men of the turks party: casted and living in the bank of the see toward Rhodes. which were fond arrayed with gold and silver and precious clothing and part of their array was seen floating in the see. which geyre and array was taken up by the christian men with great profit and winning. And in also much more was this victory in gladness to the rhodians: because that there were slain many noble turks: and in especial a ●●syn of the great turk. the death of the which was a great sorrow to the great turk and to all his people. and his body was fond on the bank spolyed of the rhodians. And anon after this great fighting: some turks yield them to the christian people of Rhodes: and said for troth that there were slain of the turks three thousand and five hundred: and that the base by the space of three days: for sorrow & thought spoke with no man of his company nor with none other. And anon advised the great turk of this great mischief that was befall to them. And in so much more was wroth/ that with so great death of his people and mischievous harms/ he had no thing profited against Rhodes: neither against the foresaid tour: but with high damage and shame was put off/ as not able with all that fellowship and might to overcome the city of Rhodes/ as he had purposed. And so after that the turks saw: that they could not win the tour by strength and might: anon they turned their fantasy and studied with all their virtue and might to assault the city. and in especial they made great assault agaynest the walls that were kept by the jews: and also against the walls that the nation of italy kept and defended. and shortly the turks made great damages and hurts all about the walls of the city with their great gonnes and bombards: in so much that they thought to come by wiles and subtle means nigh to the walls of the city And so they made certain dyches in divers places of the fills: and covered them with green bows/ and afterward they pritted earth and turns upon the same: and mined fast & prynely. for they purposed to come/ to fight hand for hand with the rhodians. Also they ordained certain logs which they covered with green bows be cause that they should not be known: and fro thence they shot to the walls of Rhodes great bombards/ gomies and serpentynes in such a wise: that no man durst look out of the walls of the city to their field and to their works. And in this while the turks filled a certain place of the ditch of the city with trees and stones and such other things: so that the dyche was made equal and playnnyssed unto the height of the broken wall: so that lightly they might come for to feyghte hand for hand with the rhodians. Then the Lord Master of Rhodes considering and seeing openly the great hardiness of the turks: and also the great danger that the city of Rhodes stead in/ he as a noble Prince loving and defending his said city and lordship and his people: with great dysygence called all his famous knights and governors of his werree: and then he declared & showed to them with prudence and eloquence the great dangers/ in the which by the fury and open boldness of the turks/ Rhodes the most christian city stood in. Few days before the siege of Rhodes/ was come from the royalme of France to Rhodes the mighty and exellent knight named Antony Daubusson: which was brother to the Lord Master of Rhodes. This Antony Daubusson was Lord in France of a place which is called Montelyon/ a man of great wisdom and counsel/ strong and hardy in wars and battles. He departed from the royalme of France with a companyr of cleanly and lykkely men: which were able to fight under what some ever banner that belonged to king or Emperor. And his intent and purpose was: to visit devoutly the blessed and holy sepulchre of cure savour Ihesu christ in jerusalem. But when he understood and perceived: that the great Turk should come and lay siege to Rhodes: he purposed to help and defend the city of rhodes with juborte of his life and all his company. for he thought: that in no manner place: nor in no manner wise he might spend his blood better: and more for the welfare of his soul: thenne there: where he should fight for the precious name of our Lord Ihesu christ: and for the rightful quarrel of all christian faith: and to keep from captivity of the turks the noble city of Rhodes. and be cause that his holiness and his hearty love which he had to the faith of Ihesu christ: and also that his great manhood was well known to all the knights of Rhodes: the Lord Master his brother and all the counsel of Rhodes. elected and choosed him capetayn and governor of all the men of were. And so manly and wisely he ordained and disposed him to all such things that should Noah to the pourpes of the turks and that should help and strength Rhodes for the worship/ health and perpetual glory of all christendom: And anon after this he had a great oft in which were many gentle knights/ bailiffs/ priors/ Mayseres and 〈◊〉 of the order of saint johan. Of the which the most man liest men were borne in England and in France/ and in other countries of the west. There were also merchants and men of divers occupations of the self Rhodes/ and of many places of greed: the which in wisdom and prudence of many worldly things had knowledge and experrence. all these together/ with one word/ with one heart/ and with one faith/ pourposed and swear to defend and keep the city of Rhodes: or else to die gladly and kindly for him that died for us all. And so anon after a man of Grece/ wise and expert in sieges counseled the lord master and the rhodians to make and ordeygne an engine called Trebuke like a sling/ which was great/ high & mighty and casted great and many stones into the host of the turks. and so by this means the turks were in great fere & Iuber●e. for their loggyses and tents were broken and smitten to ground: with moche & great damage and hurt to their gonnes/ bombards/ serpentynes and all their ordonnances of were: so that in few days they received these hurts and dammayges without number. We have said before: how the turks fulfilled a part of the ditch by the walls with stones. And be cause that the rhodians could ●ot void it openly: they made a mine under the ground: by the which privily they bore the stones in the city. But the turks anon perceived: that the height and the heap of the stones was made less/ & that they could not creep up by that weigh: but if they hasted them: & so they did. But before the rhodians with great business fond a remedy to the defaults of the walls: the which the turks by that side of the city had cast down to the ground. For they within the walls not far from the dyche made a front of a wall with stakes and earth in the mids and with busks thrusted strongly together and tempered it with water like as they make a mudwalle: and upon this wall they putted gonnes/ culverins/ wildfire and barrels full of pyche & sulphur and great heaps of stones & such things: that should let the turks to climb up: so that it was a pleasure to see their business against the beginning of the turks assault And for to have in this work counsel: was thither brought the foresaid George traitor. but he showed no cunning in the defence of the city as he had promised/ and as the rhodians trusted. For the falls and wicked man was cleasyd to see so great ruin in the principal walls of Rhodes: and hoped that lightly the turk should evercome it. Nevertheless for to cover his mind and malice counseled the rhodians to set a bombard: which should cast from thence to the host of the turks for to break their bombards. but he wist well that thereof they should have great hurt: wh●d●●●t had been a token & covenant between the turk and him: or of his owen advice did it: thinking that the turks should in so much more easy toward that part for to veeke the Rhodians' shot. But so as he counseled was done. and anon great harms and damages came of it. for the turks dressed all their shot thede: ward and gave greater hurie to the broken wall. And in this while were short arrows into Rhodes with letters: which blamed George that he did not his devoir for the turk in Rhodes: in also moche/ as he gave not them certain tokens of the ivyne and condition of the city. But they knew not how george was kept for suspect within Rhodes: as a man guilt of treason And when it was told and showed to George. He answered boldly and with shrewd langayge: wherefore the rhodians had him in suspicion and was put in prison And anon by wise men was examined and fond variable in his answers: wherefore with tokens sufficient was put to torment: where he confessed: how that the Turk had send him thither to betray Rhodes if he might/ as he had betrayed many other places in Grece. which confession he affirmed after also without torment. And said: how the Turk had bid him: if Rhodes might not then be gotten: to abide nevertheless in Rhodes all the siege time: & longer to espy all the conditions and manners of their defences & that afterward he should tell it to the Turk for to pursue stronger siege: & more to the purposes of victory. For the turks intention: was finally/ to have the city of Rhodes. Wherefore George had of him great yefts and rewards. But anon after George was dampened to death: and in the sight of all the people of Rhodes for his treason/ and mischievous counsels was hanged. and anon after every man of Rhodes returned again to keep their place with great gladdenes that George the false traitor of Christ's faith and he that had studied to put to death so many noble and worshipful knights: and to defoul and ravessche so many good and honest women and holy virgins/ had at last fond a nind according to his traysons and mischievous deeds. Anon after this the base that is to say the great Capetayne of the Turk caused other letters to be casted in the city of Rhodes: in which letters he comforted and warned the burgesses of the said city and other merchants of crystendomme which were within the city: that they should find the means for to yield them and deliver to him the city and they should have their lands and their goods save and their bodies free and harmelees. for he would but only destroy the knights and men of we●●e being within Rhodes: and if they did otherwise/ he menassed to put them all equally to death. and by these means and cautels he imagined and thought to put dyuccyon amongs the people of Rhodes. but he could not speed his ful● purpes: for he fond them just and true to God and to the order of Rhodes. And so when he saw and considered that this failed him: he yet by wylenesse send a man in the night time to the dyches of Rhodes: in that side of the city where stood a church of our Lady called Eleme●erra. This man was a Greek and late had forsaken Christ's faith and went to the Turk. And so this greek called and said to them that wached there: that the gray capeteyn of the turk would send an embasseteur to the Lord Master: if the rhodians would let him go and come sure. They answered and said to this man: that they were well content that the great capeteyne of the Turk should send his embasserour unto the dyche and bollewerke of that side of the city: and that there should be a noble man/ the which should give an answer for the Lord master: & so the day next following the Embassetoure of the foresaid Capetayne came thither: And said: how that he had great marvel: that such a little city would withstand and resist agaynest the great might and puissance of the dreadful Turk: which had conquered ii Emperies and so many Kyngdommes. Therefore he exhorted them/ to have pity of iheyme self: and not to be the cause. that the city of Rhodes should be taken by the assault of the turks and by strong hand. for thenne the turks should put to mischief and to violence/ both men and women being in the city of Rhodes: and furthermore he said that if they of Rhodes would desire & take of the turks peace the● should have it/ with the possession of the self Rhodes/ and with all their goods: or else they should be putted utterly to destruction with all manner cruelty: and so he menashed to be/ in short time to come: and therefore he bade them answer: whether they would peace or were. Then anon answered the noble and prudent knight that there was for the Lord Master: and said. how that the rhodians had great marvel: that the turks with so great naveye/ and with so strong army: against the honour of all manly werryers' should eyhorte their enemies to peace. And said that the rhodians understood and knew right well the faint & false colour of them: for they wist well: that they did it be cause that they should prove their hearts. Therefore he said that neither by yefts neither by menasshes they would do shame to christendom: and/ that within the city of Rhodes was a common accord among the greeks & latynes and all the people of Rhodes/ which would rather die for Christ's faith: then to be of amity and of the law of Mahumete. And if it so were/ that the turks would break up their siege and turn again to their country: and after send embassetoures to Rhodes for peace: the rhodians should thereof by conseyl give them an answer. but sith that they were so mighty in arms: they bade them use and do that they came fore: and that through the grace of Ihesu they should know/ that they had not to do nor to fight with men of Asea their country couherdes and unherty as women. but they should know well and perceive/ that they should feghte and be in hand with strong manly and christian people of Rhodes. After the which answer/ the turks with lo cheer and half shamely countenance departed from them and turned again to their ●sie and to their capeteyne. And so the more that the rhodians withstood the turks with might and wisdom: the more waxed the turks furious against Rhodes. And anon after this with great bombards/ guns/ engines and all other such instruments of were: they vexed and grieved the rhodians. and purposed to prove: if the deeds of the rhodians should accord with their great words. Therefore like wise as they had done a great and horrible assault agaynest the tour of saint Nycolas xxxvii days passed or deigned and dressed all their bombards & gonnes of were all their ordinance and their might agaynest the principal strength and most newest walls of the city of Rhodes: how be it that they were/ large/ new and fortified with mighty towers and bollewerkes: nevertheless with casting of three thousand and five hundred great bombards stonee: they were horribly bruised and thrawen down. And many worshipful places and houses of the rhodians by that side with the hurt & the ruin of that new wall were mischievously broken & descried all to pieces. The which miserable case and horrible ruin feared many of the rhodians her 〈◊〉 and putted them to more thought and sorrow thenne ever they were sithen the coming of the turks thither. But the Lord Master as a steadfast Prince trusting in Ihesu christ and in his sweet mother mary and in saint johan baptist comforted all the people: so that neither the knights/ neither the priors neither the bailiffs of the order/ neither merchants/ neither people in Rhodes were afered: but gladly as the case ste●● were ready and content to fight hand for hand with the turks at broken walls and plain place. And so the turks by two or three evenings following came to the dyches with their taberetties and made songs of mirth: hoping that within short days they should get rhodes. And the rhodians from tother side of the broken wall answered they as merely again with trumpets and clarions. but the Lord Master knowing by his prudence/ that anon with great might & fury the turks would come thither to assault the city: he fortified the walls with knights of his order and most manliest werryers': and he himself by the broken wall was full of business/ to teach/ warn and comfort all the people about him: and was ready & at all ours abode to give socout to the knights & weary ere on the walls. and so was all his people from the highest degree unto the lowest disposed. In this while the turks made them ready in their oft for to come and give assault And made a common cry: that the great Turk gave them all the goods that were in Rhodes: and that they should took all the young children in Rhodes and cause them to ●enaye their faith: and they that were above ten years unto twenty should have their throats kette: and all that were above that age if they were taken alive should be perfed thorough the fondemente and thorough the heed with a long stake. wherefore they bore with them to the assault viii thousand stakes: and that the Turk all only was content to be victorious and lord possessor of Rhodes. 〈…〉 all the turks came toward Rhodes. but afore that they gave assault after their falls believe called to their help Mahumete and washed them all naked in running water: in a keen of purgation of their sins: and after they arrayed them everyone after his quality of were: and brought sakkes with them to put in the goods of Rhodes: and tied at their gyrdess ropes to bind their prisoners. For they hoped in their God Mahumete: that they without fail should have victory of Rhodes. The day afore that the great assault and battle was: they casted and shot against the walls great stones of viii the greatest bombards that they had and casted down the reparations and defences/ which the rhodians had made in the broken walls: so that they struck and slew the waches that were on the walls: in the night following. for they sessed never thorowing through all that day and the night and all their morning of the day following: in the which the great assault was made: so that there might no body surely stand upon the walls ner might stop the great ruin of the walls. for in a short space were casted three ninety great stones. After that the turks had finished their shot of bombards: the fift kalendre of the month of August about viii the clokke in the morning they came together with great multitude & number: and anon they passed over the dyche. which was then fulfilled with the ruin of the broken walls of the city: and so anon they climbed lightly upon the walls and more lightly/ then the rhodians co●de in their side with ladders and steyres Anon after that these turks were upon the walls they slew all the christian men that there were in defence/ & setted up there their standards and baneres: afore that the rhodians might climb up with ladders to the walls. but anon the rhodians were there ready at their hands: and was given of one part & other a great & horrible cry. for all the part of Rhodes cried on Ihesu christ: & the turks crieden Mahumete And so the Rhodians fighting manly & heartily resisted and withstood the great preesses of the turks. There was the worshipful Lord/ the Lord of Montelyon capeteyn of the men of were of Rhodes: and brother to the lord master. And there were with him many manly knights of the order of Rhodes: and many other men of the city: of the which in that assault and ba●aylle▪ some were slain & many wounded. There were in that side of the assault four great ladders in divers places for to go up & down to the walls: of the whihe one was towaard the Jews street. and by that ladder and place the turks came down into the city. But anon the lord Master commanded: that it should be cut & pulled down And he himself in an other place by: wor●e upon the walls with his company: & there they fought against the enemies of Christ's faith/ as manly as ever did the remains for their empire. And slew many turks: and finally beted them off. But the Lord master had five wounds Of the which one was juberte of his life: but through the grace of God and help of leeckes & surgeons he was helped. And he for his great manhood & noble heart to God & to his order/ through all Rhodes was called the very father and defensor of the city & of the faith of Ihesu christ. And what great glory and laud he & his company with all the fighting men of Rhodes that same day deserved: the noble and manly act showed it. for upon the broken walls of Rhodes. and in the places that we have said were ii thousand and five hundred turks in clean harness: and behind them following by and by/ as after was said and known: was the number of xl thousand turks. They that had gotten the walls fought for to thrust down and cast off the walls the christian fighting men: which manly resisted their fury. & so the fighting endured by the space of two ours that it was in doubt/ who should have the victory. for other whiles a man should have deemed that the rhodians should haue had the victory. and anon the fortune changed so that no man should have thought the contrary but that the turks should have had the victory of the rhodians and their intent of the city. for fortune was so marvelously instable. But after the space of two ours through the grace and ●●tee of almighty god and through the virtue & manhood of the worshipful & triumphant the lord master of Rhodes & of his people the turks were putted utterly to the worse. They were smitten down and beaten out off the walls with so great might and manly fighting of the rhodians which so steadfastly came upon them: that the turks with great fere and hastiness turned their bakkes & fled in so great number that in fleeing one hurted and wounded the other. But one of the fairest/ and manliest deeds/ and worthy to be had in mind: that the christian people did in that assault agaynest the turks was: when a great number of the turks were upon the walls in the ward where the jews had the keeping: and there the said turks stoutly feghted for to thraw● down of the walls the cryston fighting people for to have entry to the city. But the christian people with great manhood & furor: threw down of the walls to the city three ninety of them: and more/ which were slain: some with the horrible falls beside the walls. for the highness of the walls was of twenty foot so that the rhodians climbed up with ladders: and often might not for the shot of the engines of the turks come upon the walls: but by a certain token of the ringing of a little bell at the watch place of the walls/ somme were bruised and afterward slain with the Rhodians' weapons: so that all the street called the Iu●e by the walls was full of their blood and caren: and thither afterward came all the people of Rhodes to see & to wondre the mischief of the turks. Also after that the turks so mischievously and shamefully were put off of their assault and fled to their host: the Lord Montelyon brother to the worshipful Lord Master pursued them into their tents and loggyses: where they slew many of them & spolyed them of their jewels and harness of were/ & of their banners & standards: the which they brought with them to Rhodes/ crying merely & making great joy: & entered again into Rhodes through the broken walls/ for a perpetual memory. In that assault for certain were slain three thousand & five hundred turks. For their carens & bodies were fond and seen and numbered by the rhodians: of the which bodies & carens some were fond within the city/ some upon the walls and many in the dyches/ and by the see side. And be cause that all Rhodes stank of their carens both within and without: they putted them all on a heap out of the town: where they or deigned great fire: with the which anon they were brent and consumed to ashes. But they that afterward yold them to the faith of Ihesu christ and forsook their falls believe because of certain miracles that followen: say for troth/ that sith the turks came to lay siege to Rhodes there were of them slain ix thousand: and xv thousand sore wounded & grievously hurt. And this they knew in so much/ as the great Basse of the turks made after this great assault compte and reckonings of all his men of were. and so the Basse with all his host was full of ●●owe & confused. But alway God almighty for to de●●●ere finally Rhodes his christian city: and for to put the turks in greater confusion: showed suddenly in this assault. his love and his sweet grace to his christian people. For by the commandment of the lord Master: a banner of Ihesu criste Another of our Lady and another of saint Ichan baptiste patron of the order of Rhodes: were set up on the walls when the battle was on both sides most sharpest. And anon after the turks saw properly in the midst of the clean and bright eyer/ a cross all of shining gold: & also saw a bright virgin: which had in her hand against the host of the turks a spear and a shield: and in that sight also apired a man clothed in poor and vile array: which was accompanied with great number of fair and welbesene men in arms: as if they would have comen down to the help of Rhodes. By the cross of gold we may justly understand. our savour Ihesu christ. And by the virgin we may understand/ our lady the blessed marry. And by the man poorly clothed we may understand the holy saint johan baptist Patron and avowre of the order of Rhodes: which was accompanied with saints & angels of God for to help the rhodians. The which goddely and heavenly sight putted plainly the turks in so great wonder and fere: that in no manner after that vision: they were hardy to look toward the city of Rhodes. But anon after they took council among them to leave their intent and turn again to their country/ so that through the grace & miracles of almighty god and through the prudence and diligence of the lord master and faith and manhood of the knights of Rhodes: & obeisance of all the people: Rhodes was and is preserved and kept fro the turks captivity. These miracles in so much more are in confirmation and devotion to our christian faith be cause that the first knowledge of them came by the vision and fight of the turks enemies to our christian faith. For afterward many of them forsook their falls believe: and were christened within the city of Rhodes: where as they openly and constantly to all the men of Rhodes/ with one accord and with a good courayge made faith and knowledge of the goddely and heavenly vision which they had seen And for certain every wise man may know: that without God's hand so few christian men might not have resisted & withstanded so great number of turks: & in especial when that they were upon the walls. for than they thought to have merely & with little pain the victory of the city of rhodes. But who letted them then to come down fro the walls to the city: afore that the rhodians climbed with ladders to feght with them & drive them fro the walls: Certainly it was none other but god. Who was he/ that blinded their wit/ so that anon after the first assault/ they ordained not an other against our christian men: which by the first assault had been piteously hurt & wounded & were all weary of fighting. Hit was none other but god. Who was cause of the death of so many of them in the space of two ours in the great & last assault: but god & his angels that were seen in the bright eyer. Who was he shortly that put from the victory of Rhodes so little a city in comparison of others: as constantinople & nygrepount & many more strong & mighty: the Turk strong and full of pride. Well may every man know that it was more gods act then man's. Wherefore we all christian men meekly & with hearty devotion/ own to yield graces & lovings to almighty God: which had preserved rhodes the key of all christendom from the foul & unrightful subjection of the turks: which hath been for their evil purpes smitten and kytted in peers as beasts and finally were putted fro their intent. But for to come to the conclusion of the departing of the turks. Anon after that they were put to flight: they went backward a large mile: and there they made new tents/ to abide there: while they charged their ships and galleys with all their ordonnances of were. And in this while they charged in little galleys/ day by day and our by our their men that were sore hurt and wounded with all their array: and brought them again to the country of Lycya: where they had received them when they came toward the siege of Rhodes: and there they abode till they were hole/ and might turn again to Turkea their country. That same Lycya was to them a great commodity and to all their intent. for from thence to Rhodes was but a narrow see/ called the see Lycyon. And not far from the bank of the said Lycya: was a great & old town called Physcum: where first they abode the navy that came from Constantinople: and now also were there with their wounds dylegentely refreshed. And sco anene after this: it was concladed among the turks: that all the oft should depart from Rhodes. Therefore they made a great waist and destryed all manner gardens and wines & all other things the which they supposed that might do ease to the rhodians. Also they brende many houses & spolyed fills of their cattles: & charged their ships with great number of the beasts of the Isle of Rhodes/ which might not afore the siege be brought into the city not into the holds of the Isle. & in the mean while that the turks made them ready to return to their country/ were spied & seen from Rhodes two great ships in the see sailing from the west toward Rhodes: & anon the rhodians had deming that they were ships of christendom and of their friends. And as they supposed/ it was. for they were send thither by the most christian king & most devour Prince Ferrand of aragonne king of naples to help and succour the Rhodians against the turks. for the ships were charged with the most manliest men of were of his kingdom and of all stuff necessary for them. These two mighty and strong ships entered friendly toward the port of Rhodes about one the clokke after midday in the behold●nge and sight of the rhodians: which therefore made great joy and mirth: and yolded great graces & lovings to almighty God. But when they should entre into the h●uen the turks shot great 'zounds of bombards to them: so that one of them was sore hurt in the mast. and the t'other eschwed and escaped the shot without hurt. and so they casted their anturs & abode the tide that they might entre into the haven: but toward the night the see waxed so rough/ that they durst no longer abide there at the ancure. Therefore the ship that had not been hurt took the broad see. and tother ship be cause that her most was in a great danger: doubting to sail: abode the tide with all peril and juberie. But through the grace of god almighty at that tide entered surely into the haven of Rhodes. the next day following the other ship which had taken the broad see returned again to entre into the port: but a mile & a half fro the port the wind failed her & might seyle no further: wherefore the turks send thither twenty galleys of their navy arrayed and armed for to fight & overcome the ship & bring her to the turks: but the christian men of nails and of Secylle that were in the ship bore them: and quited so manly: that neither for the shot of the galleys nor for the might of so many men that there were against so few: they never made token of fere/ but resisted so manly & virtuously/ that in the space of three ours that the battle dured they slew four times greater number of turks than they were themself so that they had the better hand and were victorious. & in that fighting was slain the schief capeteyne of the said galleys. and with this harm & shame returned the galleys to their party: and the ship of the christian men the day following with full sail & standards of victory & triumph entered into the port of Rhodes. these two ships brought to Rhodes merry tithings. for they brought the 〈◊〉 letters which were red & declared openly be fore all them of Rhodes that would give audience thereto. In the which letters our holy father the pope comforted & desired of the lord master & of all the christian people that was within Rhodes. that for the love of Ihesu christ they wholde with all their heart & manhood withstand the fury of the turks: & that in of host they should have succour from italy both by see & by land in so great number and strength/ that they should be lightly delivered of the travails and pains: which ●othe day & night the turks with all business imagined and wrought against them. for the host of the christian people should come so mighty: that with the grate & help of God they should be able to give battle to all the puissance of the turks & have the becer of it. wherefore the rhodians all with one voice thanked God and magnified with great praisings our holy father the 〈◊〉 Syhte the fourth: the which tithings went anon to the oft of the Turks and feared them fore wherefore they the sooner departed from Rhodes: where they had been at the siege three months save a day. & turned again to the country of Lycya & arrived to the great town Physcum: where they tarried and refreshed them nearhand xl days: and afterward turned to their country/ with their great shame/ their hurt & great mischief. Deo gracias.