THE HISTORY OF THE GREAT EMPEROR TAMERLAN.  
Wherein are expressed, encounters, skirmishes, battles, sieges, assaults, skaling, taking of cities and strong places, defended, and assaulted, with diverse Stratagems of war, the which this great and Renowned warrior hath conducted and accomplished, during his reign of forty or fifty years: with other instructions for the war, which should not be unknown of them that would attain unto the knowledge of arms.  
Drawn from the ancient Monuments of the Arabians, by Messire jean du Bec, Abbot of Mortimer.  
Newly translated out of French into English, for their benefit which are ignorant in that language.  
by H. M.  
ANCHORA SPEI   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed for William Ponsonby. 1597.   

TO THE FRIENDLY READER.  
BEcause this History (friendly Reader) was translated at the first, and now at this present imprinted and set forth for thy only benefit: I thought best to recommend it rather to the Readers correction, then unto any man's particular protection. For as I cannot otherwise think, but diverse and sundry errors are in the translating by me committed, necessary by thee to be corrected: so do I assure myself the History is so excellent, as it needeth not to be protected. For whether is to be considered the man in his honourable virtues, or the matter with her rare and diverse properties, you shall find both the one and the other able to protect themselves, and every way satisfy thine expectation. For both the which I will say no more than I find written by the French author, that the History is most true, and not devised, according to the vanities of former ages, but being as it were buried in a strange and unknown language is revived from that obscurity by his travails, and presented unto the Reader in his own tongue through my pains. Whereof seeing thou art to reap the fruit, I doubt not but ye will accept and yield me thanks for the same. I will not trouble thee with a vain commendation of the famous Tamerlan, who being amongst the worthy conquerors, as the sun with the other stars, shall in the reading of this History shine unto thee his own virtues. Farewell. From my house the xv. day of October. 1597.   

THE HISTORY OF TAMERLAN.  
Having read sundry Histories, the which do attribute as a great want unto the happy fortune of Tamerlan, not to have a writer in his days, which might have left in writing his History unto posterity: who surely had reason so to say, if this had been true. But without any cause did they moon him, insomuch as his History is very famous amongst the Turks and Arabians, 
The History of Tamerlan famous amongst the Turks and Arabians.  his conquests very largely discoursed, and many of his worthy and notable sayings collected, with an infinite number of noble deeds left unto the memorial of posterity, having been no less accompanied with such good hap, than was Achilles. Very true it is, that he had not an Homer, but a great and worthy person, learned as well in natural Philosophy, as in Astrology, who was in the time of this Prince, a companion and familiar of his conquests, named Alhacen, an Arabian 
Alhacen.  by birth, making profession of Mahomet's religion, not according to the fond and vain follies of the Turks; but for want of Christian instruction, he worshipped one only God, the author of nature, & maker both of 
Mahomet.  Heaven and Earth (the which Mahomet taught as he had learned in the School of the Christians) meaning to be contrary unto the Heathen, who did allow of sundry Gods. This Author then being fallen into my hands, in my voyage into the East Country, I caused the same to be interpreted unto me by an Arabian, who 
The Frank tongue amongst the Turks.  did speak Frank (as they term it) that is to say, Italian, & some time I spent, in associating myself so with this man, who commended greatly unto me the eloquence & gravity of this author, wondering at his digressions, & entering again into his matter so well to the purpose. It grieved me much that I had not the perfection of this language, to be a help unto the riches of this History, for to deliver it unto my Nation with some grace: but I took thereof as much as I could in his language, which was corrupted, as is the Frank tongue (so they term it) which is a kind of Italian, mingled with Slauon, Greek, & Spanish, tongues very common at Constantinople, with the Arabian & Turkish tongues: so as I could not gather but only the truth thereof, & not the drifts & gravity of the declaration, wherein the author had collected it for posterity, (& as he said) by the commandment of the Prince, 
Tamerlan his learning.  who was a lover of learning, & excellent in the knowledge of Astrology & divinity, as the custom of those Nations is to join them ordinarily together, studying upon the virtue of names, & of the turning of letters, even 
The Tartarians strange kind of Astrology.  in their placing, writing them underneath stars, whereof they make sentences, by means whereof they wrought miraculously in the things of nature. This is that Zoroastrien & Bactrien science, that of Balaam, & some others in my opinion, which hath succeeded unto so many Arabian Astrologians. Now than this Prince was endued with such knowledge, as made him admired of the people where he commanded, who are for the most part great wonderers, insomuch as this caunsed him to be accounted a Prince accompanied with the divine virtue, considering 
Italian fables written of Tamerlan.  the justice he used in all his actions. This hath proceeded even so far that some Italians have written foolish things thereof, as of certain kinds of Tents which he caused to be pitched, when he besieged any city; one white, signifying peace, it yielding unto his mercy; another red, signifying cruelty to follow; and the third black, signifying mourning to ensue. But I find not this in our Author, & I believe them to be fables, as that of Romans, for the affairs of the war are not handled in this manner, & we find that he was very courteous: only he desired to abbase 
Tamerlan very friendly unto the good, and furious to the bad.  the pride of that Turkish Emperor, called Bajazet, the thunder of heaven, & would tread upon his head, imitating therein the Divinity, which pulleth down the proud & raiseth up the humble. Therefore in a word, I say, that which our Historiographers report of him, is very little after this Author. This is the occasion therefore that I desiring to write, in this solitariness which I have chosen, seeing the continuance of the miseries wherinto I have often thrust myself with the hazard of my life, as I am bound for my king & country; where having received many wounds, by the favour of my king, I have sought again the private life, which I had left▪ that I might not be seen in idleness at such time as men of worth were busied in sacrificing their lives for preservation of their country. Now then that I may keep myself from writing any thing of these times, for to say true, it engendereth hatred in many minds, & especially the desire to be flattered, & they which cannot do it, are they not commanded to keep silence? I must forbear to collect that which some men of worth having both seen & endured, do leave, as a monument of our follies unto posterity, which should rather in my opinion be buried, then brought to light, for they be instructions to kindle men's minds for 
The discemodities arising from the Histories of civil wars.  the trouble of their countries, finding therein colours for destruction of the same. Do you not think that the History of the Roman civil wars, hath been the occasion of the overthrow of many commonwealths? and do not you believe, that of the Grecians being read by Cesar, did harm, by lifting up his courage, and making him hope for high matters (as those of Marius and Silla) to set Rome on fire, and their own Country in blood, saying most truly, (and they of this age shall pardon me) that man is without love, unworthy of fire and water, who causeth and loveth civil wars. We must needs blame them in reciting those, and take from them the hope of obtaining thereby glory of the posterity, but much rather blame & dishonour. What was the cause that parricide was not forbidden by a law written? because this were to instruct that it might be done. Our country is another mother, shall we recite unto posterity the praise of the parricide, which they commit against her the true mother? For this occasion therefore I hold my peace, & bury in myself as much as I may, the conspiracies which they had made against their king, City, fellow-citizen, the hallowed altars, & against all both divine and human right. I will now declare unto you with my Arabian, who this great Prince Tamerlan 
The offspring and stock of Tamerlan.  was. He was then of the blood of the Tartarian Emperors, and his father Og had for his portion the country of Sachetay, whereof he was Lord. This country lying between the North & the East, is the ancient country of Parthia, upon the coast of the Zogdians, & the chiefest city of his estate was Samercand situated upon the river of Issarle. Some of our Historiographers would needs have him to be the son of a shepherd; but this have they said, not knowing at all the custom of their country, where the principal revenue of the kings and 
The customs and revenues of the Tartarian kings.  nobles consisteth in cattle, despising gold and silver, but making great reckoning of such riches, wherein they abound in all sorts: this is the occasion wherefore some call them shepherds, & say also that this Prince descended from them. So his father Og was Prince of Sachetay, abounding in such kind of wealth. And being come unto the age of fifteen years, his father being already old, delivered up unto him the government of his kingdom, with the commandment 
The solitary life of Og, for to serve God.  over all his men of war. His father Og being given unto peace, withdrew himself unto a solitary life, for to serve God, and end the rest of his days in quiet. 
Tamerlans name.  He gave unto his son Tamerlan (which signifieth heavenly grace in their tongue) two sufficient personages for to guide and assist him in the government of his estate: the one was called Odmar, and the other Aly, persons 
Odmar & Aly appointed to assist Tamerlan in the government of his kingdom by his father Og. Note.  in great dignity and credit with his father, whom this Prince did greatly honour as long as they lived, & even after their death he did often make mention of them before his servants, commending their services performed; a matter of no small force for the mighty to make them well served, not to forget their servants even after their death. This acknowledging doth greatly allure men, as the forgetfulness thereof doth grieve them for the present time, and cooleth the desire they have to serve. This Prince was wont to wear on his hand the rings of his two servants, and was wont to say, that when he beheld these, he did call to his remembrance two precepts, which he had received of them; and this did he the better to retain them in memory against he should minister justice. Now this Prince was well instructed in the Arabian learning, and exercised himself 
Tamerlan his studies and learning. The delicacies of Tartary. Tamerlans contemplation.  much therein, and at such time as they thought him to be either in the Baths, wherein they are very curious in that country, being their chiefest delicacies, he was in the contemplation and study of heavenvly things, without omitting any thing notwithstanding that belonged to the government of his estate, wherein he said his professed Daemon did oftentimes especially direct him, accounting only his estate prosperous when he had the heavens favourable. This Prince had within his eyes 
Majesty in his eyes.  such divine beauty, being full of such majesty, that one could hardly endure the sight of them without closing of their eyes, & they which talked with him, and did often behold him, became dumb, insomuch as he abstained with a certain modesty & comeliness to look upon him that discoursed unto him. All the rest of his visage was courteous and well proportioned: he had but little hair on his chin: he did wear his hair long & curled, 
The custom of the Tartarians.  contrary to the custom of his country, who are shaved on their heads, having the same always covered, but he contrariwise was always in a manner bareheaded, and greatly esteemed of his hair: therefore one of his familiars demanding of him wherefore he did not shave his hair like other men, he said unto him, My friend, I never 
Tamerlan ●●re long ●air and why.  told it unto any body, but (said he) the affection I know thou bearest unto my service, cannot deny it thee. My mother came of the race of Sanson, for a mark whereof she advised me to honour long hair. This was the cause that made him respected of his men of arms, and the most part of them did believe there was some virtue in those hairs, or rather some fatal destiny, the which many did believe to be so; & verily they were of a dusky colour drawing towards a violet, the most beautiful that any eye could behold. His stature was of the middle sort, 
The description of Tamerlan.  somewhat narrow in his shoulders, he had a fair leg & strong, the strength of his body was such as no body did surpass, & often on the festival days he made trial of his strength with the most strong▪ & this he did with such grace & humanity, that he whom he overcame held himself therein most happy, although it be a disgrace amongst the Tartarians to be thrown to the ground in wrestling. Now as he was martial & desirous of glory: the first war that he attempted was against the Moscouit, who came & 
Tamerlan his first war a-against the Moscovite.  spoiled a city which had put itself into his protection, & had entered also into his country, & being retired, proclaimed open war against him, gave him battle near to the river Mascha, although the Moscouit had a great army, which he had gathered together long before. On the other side, the Prince determining to resist him, assembled all his forces, & those of his allies Tamerlans; & first, he made appear unto his soldiers the stoutness of his courage; for this day he performed the office both of a soldier & Emperor jointly together. Now the place of fight being discommodious for us by reason of a little hill which the Moscovites had taken, whereon they had placed some 6000. men on foot, who with an infinite number of arrows hoped to overcome them that went to the battle, who were constrained to pass by that place. Now he being advertised that the Moscouit would not come to the battle, but only meant to show himself, & after that to retire 20▪ leagues, as they are accustomed to do: he being desirous to end this war by a battle, did adjudge,▪ beyond the advise of his Counsel, that the eenemy would not fight, unless by assaulting this mountain, he were urged thereunto against his will, or else lose those 6000. men which were there placed. Then he commanded 
A Stratagem.  20000. men of his army, led by Aly (Colonel of the footmen) to set upon them. Now by this advise he brought to pass two effects: the one whereof was, that he kept his horsemen from being injured by the arrows of the Moscovites; the other was to compel them unto the fight, in case they would not otherwise come thereunto, the which took place. For as the Moscovite thought to retire and secure them, Tamerlan at that very time caused his army to pass over the river Rosna, which gave the occasion of battle. The Moscovite could not retire but in disorder, our Army having passed over: now the Muscovite had very great forces, and men well trained up in the wars, having had always wars with his neighbours, the king of Polonia, with whom he had then friendship, and the aid of ten thousand very good horse. There were also with him many Hungarian Gentlemen, led by Vdecelaus a Hungarian 
The army of the Moscovite.  Gentleman, who had brought with him more than eight thousand horse; the opinion was that he had in his army fourscore thousand horse, and a hundred thousand footmen. Our Prince Tamerlan had in his army 
The army of Tamerlan.  about sixscore thousand horse, and a hundred and fifty thousand men on foot, but not so skilful in points of war as those of the Moscovite: for our estate had long enjoyed peace, and our soldiers were indeed trained up in the discipline of wars, but not in the practice thereof. For Prince Og loved peace and rest from his childhood, and kept himself with great mildness with all his neighbours, having nothing at all increased his borders, commended only for preserving of them wisely. So these two Armies were the one before the other, and in the mean time the mountain was forced by the Parthians, and defended by the Moscovites, every one assisting theirs. To conclude, the fight continued two hours, the armies nothing at all meddling therein, but yet every one did encourage their soldiers, & 
The order of Tamerlanes battle.  exhort them unto the battle. The order of Tamerlanes was this; that is, he caused all his army to be divided into squadrons, each consisting of six thousand horse, except his own, which was of ten thousand, so as he made eighteen squadrons, his own being reckoned which made nineteen. The avantguard was conducted by Odmar who led nine squadrons, flanked with 40. thousand men on foot, divided both on the right and left sides, who should shoot an infinite number of arrows. The battle was conducted by Tamerlan, who led ten squadrons, his own being therein closed, and 50. thousand footmen, the best and choicest soldiers of his whole army. Prince Thanais, a kinsman unto the Prince, led the Arereward, with forty thousand footmen, and six squadrons: he had some three thousand horse adventurers, whom they call Oliagues in their tongue, the same which we term the forlorn hope.  
The Moscovite did not observe that order, but did fight by double ranks with Lances, and there was a space to help themselves therein, and to break them, notwithstanding those nations do not break them at all, and they seemed to be a greater number than we, making a great noise. The avantguard of the Moscovites 
The order of the Moscovites battle.  was fully twenty five thousand horse. The Polonians and Hungarians were in the avant-garde, the which was led by the Moscovites son, whom they call the Prince of Russia: the battle consisted of 40. thousand horse, wherein was the king of Moscow with many of his Lords, and all the forces of his Allies, the Arereward was a great squadron squared with ten thousand horse; the footmen of the Moscouit were between the Battle & the Arereward. Then our Prince seeing 
Tamerlan his speech unto his soldiers, being ranged in battle array.  our army passed over, turned himself towards his soldiers, & began in this sort to speak unto them: It is not for riches (my companions) nor for the enlarging of the limits of my empire, that I do fight this day with your assistance, but it is for a thing more excellent, seeing the same is to purchase glory & honour unto the Parthian nation. The same whih was in old time the bounds of the glory of the Roman name, who could never conquer it, nor plant their Trophies therein. Let us not then give place unto the glory of our ancestors, and make manifest this day unto me, the faithfulness that is in you, & let the same be accompanied with your courage, for your king is not accustomed to retire without victory, I have caused you to pass over this river, for the trust I have in the force of your arms: let us rather die than repas it without carrying a laurel garland on our head. Whilst this passed thus, the Parthian soldiers led by Aly had won the mountain, which was not without great fight: but the victory fell on our side, which gave great hope unto our army of more happy success. This made the Moscovites to acknowledge the fault they had made, the which was well taken hold of by us: so the Prince gave the sign of battle, marching forward all along the mountain which his soldiers had won, inflamed with their victory to begin the fight. And he placed 6000. fresh soldiers upon this mountain to favour his army. At this instant the Moscovite gave the sign of battle, and advanced 
Battle between the Moscovite and Tamerlan.  forward. Then the Prince Tamerlan willed his men likewise to come forward: and sent his commandment thereof unto Odmar, who returned answer, that seeing the Moscouit did with such heat seek to come unto the fight, he would suffer him to come unto him, and would attend his coming resolutely in the place of battle. Now Odmar alone could by his authority bridle the boldness of this young Prince, who desired to go forward, & maintain in the mean time, like an old soldier, his advantage, which was of no small weight for the victory, the place being of greater advantage for the enemies, for in assaulting them we lost the force of the fight, & we had also the wind & Sun in our eyes, which raised a great dust made by our horses, which kept the Moscovites from beholding the effect of their soldiers in the fight that either as they won or lost they might be succoured▪ So the fight was begun by the Moscovites, who strongly with all the fury that was possible charged Odmar, who stiffly resisted all this forcible violence, but not without the loss of many of his men, and himself thrown to the ground, all his horse also broken, was fain to retire himself unto the left wing of his footmen, where he was again mounted on horseback, whereupon reuniting his men together, whilst the Moscovite did fight with the main battle, conducted by the Emperor Tamerlan, he rent with those whom he had so united together a new charge, setting upon the flank of the Moscovites, which did greatly impair their strength. The fight endured 4. or 5. hours; insomuch as the heaps of men and horse were so many defences against the blows of the arrows shot by the Parthian footmen & by those of the Moscovites. Now the Moscovite horsemen had pierced the main battle, the Hungarians fight so resolutely as the Prince remained severed with 3000. horse only, & after the Parthian manner began to fight in retiring▪ whereupon the Moscovite thought he had won the battle; then, when he being reunited unto his Arierward, led by the Prince of Tanais, who had gathered together 14000. horse, and almost all the footmen, it behoved the Moscovite to retire back, notwithstanding before that he made a strong resistance; but at the length multitude & skill overcame the force & valour of the Moscovites, the victory bending to the Parthians side, the which they did pursue hotly. Tamerlan was hurt on the forehead upon the side of the left eye▪ and had two horses slain under him in the fight; the Moscovite falling 
.  into the hands of a private soldier, as a prisoner, being not known, sa●ed himself (his army being wholly overthrown▪ and divers Muscovite Lords taken prisoners) and retired himself with nine or ten thousand horse in order: many of their footmen saved themselves by the benefit of the night. The place of their retiring was about ten leagues from our army, and he passed over a river, where he reunited together his men during the night. The least loss he had was of his footmen, who took not the course of his horsemen, but rather as soon as they perceived the victory incline to the enemy, they retired themselves all along the mountains for their better advantage: a thing which greatly favoured the Moscovites. Tamerlan employed himself in giving God 
The thankfulness of Tamerlan unto God for his victory  thanks for this victory, after he had pursued the enemy three leagues; the next day he reviewed his army, and found that he had lost of his side for his part between seven an eight thousand horsemen, and between three and four thousand footmen. The Moscovite lost some seven and twenty thousand footmen, and between fifteen and sixteen thousand horsemen. This same day was Odmar the safeguard of his Prince; for it is not to be doubted, had not the hindrance been he gave, when the Moscovites assaulted Tamerlan, setting upon him with all their forces together, but that they had been able to overthrow the Prince of Thanais, and the Emperor who was reunited unto him. By the event of this Battle we may learn how much advantage he hath, 
A good advertisement for Generals.  who attendeth the coming of his enemy with a resolute mind, in the field which he hath chosen for the battle, having first caused the same to be well viewed by his men, and especially by his Captains. Secondly, the hurt that cometh in not observing the dust which the wind raiseth. Thirdly, that the Arierward well led, is the occasion of the victory, and oftentimes the preservation of the Prince. Fourthly, how necessary it is to have the chiefest strength of the battle in going to assault the enemy. Now our Tamerlan after he had given thanks unto God, caused a view to be made of his Army, buried the dead, both his own, and of his enemy, acknowledged the deserts of his soldiers, yielding unto them such honour as they had deserved. In this battle he lost haly, who was slain by the blow of an arrow, after he had forced the mountain, in going to the battle, being general of all his footmen. This Prince was greatly grievedtherwith, causing his body always to be laid in his tent until his return unto Samarcand, where he caused him to be buried 
Great honour done to haly after his death for good service performed by him in his life.  very honourably: he was the beginning of the greatness to Samercand, and of the fame of his name, by making of a stately tomb for haly. The Prince did slack no time after so great a victory: for having given such order as was necessary to a great army. (I will not forget to declare, that when as this Prince did behold so many thousands of men lie dead on the ground where the battle was fought, he turned himself unto one of his familiars, lamenting the condition of them who command over Armies, & commending the profession of the Emperor his father, he counted him happy, for that he had sought rest, acknowledging 
A notable saying of Tamerlan for making of wars.  humane misery, the which in destroying his own kind, procured his glory. That for his part such tokens of victory were sorrowful even unto his heart.) He set forward, and came into the borders of the Moscovite, all the country being astonished, & every one flying before his army, the Moscovite had retired himself upon the loss of the battle, & had likewise caused all his footmen to retire, making a show as though he had not lost his courage, & because he had reunited 30000. of his horsemen together, he bragged to try very shortly his fortune again. But for all this seeing his victorious enemy come and enter into his country, he thought he should have to do with a mighty enemy: and having called together his principal Captains, he passed over the river called Nifort, & taking their counsel, he did resolve for the preservation of his subjects to send unto the Conqueror, and once to make trial of his mercy, as he had already of his forces, being informed by the prisoners of the noble mind and mildness the which this Prince vouchsafed unto them, he determined to send Ambassadors 
Ambassadors from the Moscouit to treat of peace with Tamerlan  to treat with him, and to assay for to amend that which had been ill done. The Ambassadors being arrived, he received courteously, bewailing in a manner the fortune of their master, rather than vaunting and exalting himself for the victory: and as it were more modest than the conquered, he asked them how the Moscouit did, & for what cause they came unto him. They gave him to understand, that they had in charge from their Prince to treat with him, desiring the abstinence of arms, and that they were ready to perform unto him all things reasonable: they beseeched him moreover to use victory as a thing which was the gift of Fortune, and might at another time change, calling unto mind the estate of human things, which are unstable. Prince Tamerlan made them answer, that he had taken arms for the preservation of his confederates and subjects, from the injury done uno them by the Moscovite; and this was the cause of the victory, for that he had justly enterprised the same. That he referred the victory unto the God of Battles, & not unto his own strength, or forces of his soldiers, and for these reasons he was not thereby more insolent: for it was the custom of the Parthians, retaining the same from the 
A notable saying of Tamerlan.  glory of their ancestors, that in adversity their courages do nothing at all fail them, and that prosperity likewise doth in no sort blind them so far, that they should not be mindful of justice as well in good as bad fortune. That it was just they should satisfy the victor, & should 
Articles of agreement concluded upon, between the Moscovite & Tamerlan.  promise not to enterprise any more the troubling of his allies, than should they have peace with his arms. He also required that they should become tributaries of a hundred thousand ducats, and should pay all the charges of the war, amounting unto the sum of three hundred thousand ducats, he then would send back again all the prisoners, & withdraw his army; that for security hereof they should give him pledges, which should be changed every year; unto all which they agreed. So was this war ended to his contentment, returning with glory unto the Prince his father, in whose countenance no body could perceive any joy for his sons prosperity, as he whom the care of heaven had so ravished, that he no longer set his mind on earthly things. Now Tamerlan was received into all his countries with much honour and triumph, the great Cham of Tartary, brother unto his father, sent presents to gratify him, making offer unto him of his daughter in marriage, and that in marrying of her, he would cause him to be acknowledged as Emperor throughout all his kingdoms, as his next heir, himself being now old, and out of all hope to have any more children. Hereupon he presently took his journey towards him, being in the city of Quavicay, where he was received with all kind of triumph and magnificence; there did he show himself brave in all manner of gallant shows and combats, as well in jest as in earnest. And as these nations are full of vanity, and desirous to make show of their strength & agility, Tamerlan carried away the prize therein, whether it were in shooting near 
The Tartarians exercises.  with his bow, or in changing horses in the midst of the courses, or in breaking an iron in running at the Quintaine; he made every one wonder at his dexterity, and was crowned the sixth day after his coming thither with the joyful consent of all the subjects of the 
Tamerlan his marriage with the great chan's daughter.  Emperor his uncle, and of all the Court. After that he married the emperors daughter, desiring first to be crowned before the marriage, to the intent that none should think that the Crown came unto him by means of her, but by succession, the daughters not at all succeeding into Empires. It was also to assure his estate, & having remained in that place by the space of two months, he returned from thence with his wife to Samercand, in which city he delighted greatly to remain, because the situation thereof was very fair; and for 
The situation of the city of Samercand.  that the city is accompanied with a fair river, which causeth great traffic, and maketh it richer than any city within that country. As he abode there the Moscovite 
Presents from the Moscouit unto Tamerlan  sent to visit him with many presents of fair horses, & many excellent furs, the which did greatly content him, for he had received news that the Moscovite did arm himself, the which was true, but it was against the Polonians, and other of his neighbours. Who made their repair unto him for his assistance, earnestly desiring his aid; which he would not do; making answer unto them, that he had given unto the Moscovite the 
Tamerlan his worthy answer unto the Polonians, who desired aid of him against the Moscovite. A Maxim.  dearest thing he had in the world, which was his faith. Many notwithstanding of the Court corrupted by the Ambassadors of the king of Polonia, used persuasions to move him to favour the Polonians, declaring unto him, that it was a Maxim, that it behoved him not to suffer his neighbour to wax too strong, especially of so mighty a kingdom as was Polonia; and that this was the means to make the Tartarians and Parthians terrible unto the Moscovites. That it was necessary at the beginning to oppose himself against such greatness, the which being suffered to increase, would in the end prove hurtful unto us, and then would it be very hard to overthrow the same. The Prince answered, that at what time soever the Moscouit would not perform that which he had promised unto him, he had sufficient means to punish him, seeing he had already overcome him with the Parthians, which was but a small province within Tartary, and that at this day being increased to so great an estate as the whole Empire of the Tartarians, he had occasion to fear him the less; he hoped that his offspring would also add more Empires if it did maintain equity; that in the mean time the Moscovite should break his forces in one enterprise, he would likewise bring to pass his, wherein he should justly get honour, and augment the limits of his reputation. That the peace between him and the Moscovite was notoriously known unto all his neighbours, the breach whereof should not proceed of his part, and that it was beneficial both for him and his subjects: 
Tamerlan a lover of justice  that God doth punish those who unjustly enterprise war against their neighbours; that this hath been the occasion of the greatness of our house, that his ancestors have always had this justice before their eyes, in as much as they have never enterprised war but in their own defence, notwithstanding it is 300. years since they knew what it was to have fortune contrary unto them, and that he believed certainly that proceeded from that 
A notable saying of Tamerlan.  justice which the God of hosts observed towards his; that if he were desirous of war, and thereby to get honour and reputation, he had many things to demand of his neighbours, who during the reign of his father, which sought only heaven and neglected the earth, desirous of peace, hath permitted: the which he might justly redemaund, and upon refusal, by arms make way unto the liberty of his subjects, tyrannized under unlawful Lords. Odmar seemed greatly to allow of the Prince's reasons, although he had been one of the first which entered into this consideration to fear the greatness of the Moscovite; and he wondered at the manner he used in counterpeysing so uprightly in equal balances justice with his magnanimity; the which notwithstanding was not transported beyond the course of equity, what reasons soever diverse wise men of his Council declared, concerning the ancient enmity between the Moscovites and Parthians, especially for the controversy in religion: but all this was disannulled, Odmar allowing the purpose of the Prince, the which he alone knew, & the others speaking only as old Counsellors, relying upon the ancient maxims by the which are maintained and assured the greatness of Monarchies. For Odmar alone was called by him at such time as the great Cham his uncle did impart unto him his affairs: and amongst other matters, he propounded unto him the enterprise of China, promising him assistance and aid, and giving him to understand how necessary it was to undertake this war for the better assuring of his estate, seeing the king of China had much gone beyond his ancient bounds. So as our Prince had this journey in his mind, and prepared himself thereunto, he had not otherwise refused their counsel, and the wise opinions they propounded unto him, being always obedient unto reason and not to any other passion, and then especially when the question was of war, & for the good of his affairs; a thing for which he was as much to be commended, as for any other virtue whatsoever; for by others 
The commendation of Tamerlan obeying reason.  he was esteemed strong, courageous & stout, but by this here mentioned, he was accounted wise & virtuous, which maketh kings to be honoured & admired: whereof he that is the owner, is Lord of one of the greatest Empires that men can obtain; for the wise man only hath the dominion thereof. And what availeth it (I pray you) to conquer abroad, when as home-matters are miserably subjecteth under the f●ry of our foolish passions: is it not very hard to command another, when thou commandest not thyself, thou being the slave of thy follies, which do break thee with all their force against the moderate rock of wisdom, which hovereth about thee, mocking at all that thou dost without her? Solomon also the king of Israel prayed for it, so did our Prince often: this was the prayer he most commonly made unto God, and for 
Tamerlan prayed for wisdom unto God.  this reason he honoured greatly the counsel of the wise, and respected not their poverty, & some wondered that he having knowledge of a wise man, would send for him unto his Court, and conferring familiarly with 
A worthy custom of Tamerlan.  him, would say unto him: My friend, I pray thee let me bestow part of my goods upon thee, and do thou impart some of thy wisdom with me. He was 
A notable saying of Tamerlan.  wont to say, they presented him with gold and silver, with precious stones, with fair and rich movables, where he abounded: but that he found few which did beautify his mind with good precepts & instructions, wherewith to govern so many sundry people whom God had subjecteth under the obedience of his sceptre. He had in his Court a Christian whom he loved much, and every one greatly respected, named Axalla, a Geneuois by birth, brought up from his youth about his person. This man principally did stir him up unto great enterprises, and notwithstanding his religion, he trusted him. Now he had all religion in reverence, so as 
The Author saith that this may be praised in a Pagan & infidel, but not in a Christian Prince.  it did worship one only God, creator of all things. He often said, that the greatness of Divinity consisted in the sundry kinds of people which are under the cope of heaven, who served the same diversly, nourishing itself with diversity, as the nature was divers where it had printed his image, God remaining notwithstanding one in his essence, not receiving therein any diversity. This was the reason that moved him to permit and grant the use of all religions within the Countries of his obedience, always provided (as I said before) that they worshipped one only God, detesting the idolatrous and strange gods, in so much as he regarded not the diversity in religion, if they were able to serve him; so as this Christian attained unto great honours and dignities near unto him, as hereafter you shall hear.  
Now to return from my digression: Our Prince was desirous of wars, knowing that he could very hardly maintain his own estate and so many servants, whose fingers would tickle if they were not employed in making of wars. So he determined to make war with the king of China (who is called the Lord of the world, & child of the sun) which was no small enterprise. But before he would begin the same, he sent unto the 
Ambassadors unto the king of China from Tamerlan.  said king of China, for to demand right for some countries (which they call Hordas) abiding places, & towns, or rather countries fit for the feeding of cattle, the which this Prince of China had usurped long before, and even the passages of a river called Tachij, which is beyond his limits, which are walls (the which are between 
A wall builded by the king of China to defend his country from the roads of the Tartarians.  the kingdoms of the great Cham and of our Tamerlan) builded of purpose by this king of China to defend him from the roads of the Tartarians and forces of our Prince, so as this was begun with the advise of the great Cham, and for his benefit as well as for the Princes. Therefore to accomplish his enterprise, in the mean time that he attended for the return of his Ambassadors, he caused his forces to come forwards from all parts, appointing unto them for the place of meeting his own at the Horda of Baschir, where all his army assembled: and other aiding troops of the great Cham in the deserts of Ergimul at a certain day, in which place he should join with all his army. The army of the great Cham consisted of two hundred thousand fight men, wherein were all the brave men of his Court, who were accustomed unto the wars, the Emperor which then reigned, & was old, having greatly increased his limits, and conquered a great country, so as these men were well trained up in the wars, and accustomed unto travail and pains. Now than the Ambassadors which were sent, return and inform the Prince of the will of this proud king of the world, this 
A proud answer of the king of China returned v●to Tamerlan by his Ambassadors.  king of China (who was named so) who puffed up with vain glory, was astonished how any durst denounce war against him, making this proud answer, that Tamerlan should content himself that he had left him that which he might have taken from him, and that his arms and forces were of another sort then those of whom he published the victory, to bring thereby terror upon his neighbours. This answer being heard, our Prince marched directly unto the army, and gave order for the conveyance of victuals from all parts, sent to hasten forward his confederates, emparted the answer unto the Emperor by Ambassadors dispatched from him, caused the boldness of the king of China to be published, to make manifest unto all the world the justness of his cause. Before his departure he went to take leave of his father, who endued with a singular 
A kind parting between the father and the son.  & fatherly affection, said he should never see him again, and that he hastened unto his last rest, and having made solemn prayers over the Prince his son for his prosperity, kissing him a thousand times, drew off his Imperial ring, and gave it unto him, not ask whither his journey tended: and calling Odmar, he bade him farewell, recommending his faithfulness unto his son. This was done with a gravity, whereof the grace was more divine than humane: then he departed and drew towards Samarcand, 
The custom of the Parthian kings to carry their ●●●●s with them unto the war.  where the Empress his wife remained; whom he carried with him as is the custom of that Nation, & after he had (being religious) visited the Tomb of his servant H●lly, he caused his soul three days to be prayed for, according to the rites of his law: whereupon 
Samay made governor of Sachetay in Tamerlans absence.  he presently departed, having taken order for the well governing of his kingdom in his absence, committing the charge thereof unto Samay, a man well practised in affairs, & he who had the charge of our Prince 
The courteous nature of Tamerlan towards his bringers up.  in his youth: for I must needs say this by the way, that our Prince had always a natural inclination towards those which had brought him up in virtue, showing unto them in a manner the same honour, as if he were yet under their government: and this he did through a gentleness of nature which was in him, that made him beloved more than I am able to express unto you. So 
Tamerlan his Army marching against the king of China.  then he marched forward in the midst of his army, which consisted but of fifty thousand horse, and one hundred thousand men on foot, relying principally on the forces of the great Cham his uncle; who above all desired this war: he did not forget to give in charge that the rest of his forces should be ready upon the first commandment as soon as he should be joined with the forces of the great Cham, and marching forwards he had stayed by the way, by reason of some distemperature which had surprised him through changing of the air as the Physicians affirmed. But yet notwithstanding the forces which Catiles Captain of the army of the great Cham conducted, went daily forwards. Now the news was spread into an infinite number of places of his distemperature, yet did he not neglect to send unto the great Cham, and often advertise him of the estate of his health, to the end the same should not cause any alteration, the which he did foresee by reason of his preferment unto this Empire by the great Cham his uncle: and he was in doubt of a certain Lord named Cal●x, who was discontented therewith, and had not as yet neither gratified nor acknowledged him as all the other subjects had done, and they reported thereof diversely unto him; but this Prince unto whom gentleness being natural, was always of opinion, that it would not be convenient for him to disturb the quiet of the kingdom which was given him, during the life of his uncle, who desired it as old age doth naturally: notwithstanding some report that upon policy he suffered this war to be moved, whereas he might have remedied the same, making it as a means to win the hearts of his new subjects, who liked well of him already, and also to make himself to be feared of those that heaped up conspiracies against his promoting unto the new Empire. For kingdoms are for the most part obtained, and likewise preserved by the goodwill gotten 
Tamerlan his policy to cut off the branches of sedition.  in well commanding men of war: it produced also another effect, which was, that they who were seditious, wasted of themselves, or else became his affectioned servants by the ordinary service in the wars, and by this means drew them out of their country. Now concerning his delay it was by sundry diversly interpreted; some said that he had been advertised of some uproar to be attempted, when he should be far severed from thence, and had passed over the mountains of Pasanfu, and that Calix stayed upon nothing else, in so much as the companies of the great Cham were gone forwards, even beyond the mountains, having passed the river of Meau, and were encamped at Bouprou, the which Calix understanding, thought he should have the means to work his enterprise. Thereupon having assembled 
The conspiracy of Calix against Tamerlan in his absence.  great store of his most faithful followers, he took counsel with them, that this was the means to overthrow the purposes of Zachetay, who would reign over, and bring them under his Empire: and that seeing their Prince had been so badly minded as to do the same of his own mind without calling of them which had interest in that election, that now was the time to assure their liberty, which was in doubt to be lost, and caused also a rumour to be spread of the sickness of this Prince, that the great Cham was old, the greatest part of his forces far separated from him, that they should soon attain unto that they desired: that his enterprise herein was so assured; that so soon as his army wes assembled, he would show himself before Catay, he was certain that presently there would be a change in his favour; that his father had commanded there; that it is long since he knew the affection of this people, which inclined unto him; that they had not as yet seen their new Prince; that they would easily believe whatsoever he declared unto them; that the Zachetay was far severed from them; that they had to do with a great enemy, to whom also he had sent Ambassadors to advertise him of his practice; that he was assured his enterprise would have happy success; that they would forthwith dispatch a messenger unto the great Cham their Prince, to 
An old pretence of all rebels.  assure him that they bent not their forces against him, but were his faithful and obedient subjects: but they armed themselves, because they would not be governed by the Parthians their ancient enemies (for these Nations hate one another how near neighbours so ever they be, as doth the Spaniard and the Portugal, the English men and the Scot) that they knew this Prince, in respect of his great age, having no posterity was desirous of quiet rest, and desired nothing more than to end his days in peace, they would permit him so to do without altering any thing in the same; that they hope the Parthians are so badly entertained by the king of China, that in stead of setting upon them they shall think themselves happy if they may be suffered to enjoy peace; that they will march forward towards them at the straits of Tenduict, to hinder their return. The propositions of Calix were great and well practised: for it was a year since he had won the people's good will, and he heaped together whatsoever was necessary for his insurrection: but this was done secretly, notwithstanding diverse had given advertisement thereof unto the Prince Tamerlan: but he despised that practice, or at the least made a show so to do. Yet notwithstanding do I know, that he was not so sick at Cachobache where he remained very near a month, that he had not in his understanding (the which he wisely dissembled) the revolt which Calix practised in his new estate; that he delayed but only to understand the certainty of the events. And I have often heard him say, that if it had not been for fear of offending the great Cham his uncle, he had helped the same at the very beginning, without suffering the same to be set on foot: this was the cause that this Prince made so long abode. The Tartarians which were brought unto him by Calibes, were vexed for having received news of the preparations made by the king of China; they complained that opportunity and season passed away, so desirous were they to manifest unto their new Prince their courages, and this was their daily talk: but some matter of importance happened, and a great alteration was found in the Prince's disposition, who was forward and diligent for executing of that speedily which he had with ripe deliberation resolved of. The which maketh me believe that he had very good advertisement, and that he waited the opportunity. Now he gave order for matters behind him, to the end that no news might be spread of his army: but rather that they should think that he had passed the mountain, and had upon his neck the army of the king of China, which was between the mountains & him: thus Calix thought greatly to trouble him, when he rose in arms against him, and did think that he had already assaulted the wall which the king of China had made against the Tartarians. But Calix was thrust forward rather with a desire of ruling, then beginning the same with any wisdom, making too great haste: & as his enterprise was craftily conducted, so was it cunningly discovered, and all fit remedies prepared therefore whensoever the same should happen. As soon then as the Prince was advertised of the pretences of Calix thus discovered, he marched one days journey forward, to the end he might approach unto Calibes, and impart the same unto him, & assembling all his followers & counsel together, he discoursed unto them in this manner: 
Tamerlan his Oration unto his soldiers upon the conspiracy of Calix.  I nothing doubt but that all of you will advise me to desist from this enterprise, considering the armies which be raised up within the heart of that country, where you all desire I should reign, & where with the full consent of all the chiefest servants of the Emperor my Lord & uncle I have been received: and ought not I then help him to punish the rashness of Calix, who alone hath disdained to obey me, & allow of my promotion unto the Empire of the Tartarians? But it behoveth us also to make provision against this enemy which we have before us, who seemeth to be rather a defender then an assaulter, according to the advertisements we have received of his preparations. We must also think that Calix hath not attempted this without hope of being supported by the king of China, against whom he did see that we did arm ourselves, for to require justly that which belongeth unto us. There is good cause therefore we foresee how to hinder him from entering into our kingdom, whilst I shallbe busied in reducing this bold fellow unto his duty. We must therefore strengthen our borders, and leave all my munition and provision of victual in this place, the army which we shall leave here will spend them, we will carry back with us all our artilleries and engines unto a safe place, we will leave upon the borders five and twenty thousand Parthian horse, forty thousand of those sent by the Emperor my Lord and Uncle, and a hundred thousand footmen under the charge of Calibes, of whose faithfulness I am most assured. I will likewise advertise Samay to set forwards towards me with fifty thousand horse as soon as he can, and myself with all diligence, will march forwards with the rest of my army towards this bold fellow, & when I shall be advanced, I will attend the counsel and commaundemen of the Emperor. His discourse was allowed of, although Calibes was desirous to accompany him, notwithstanding he thought obedience was better than sacrifice. They which had not understood of the doings of Calix, thinking this a matter of great importance, there was in the Counsel contrary opinions; the one saying it was necessary to assure matters at home, the other party, that it was a great enterprise to seek to make head with an army against the king of China, & in the mean while to have so dangerous a Cancer within his realm, as was the revolting of the people: but these men entered not into the most secret counsel of the Prince, who had long since foreseen the practices of Calix, having a great army most ready to join with him upon the first commandment sent unto the same: neither did they any thing at all perceive, that the Prince Tamerlan, how much disquieted soever he made show to be, was very glad to have occasion ministered to enter with arms into the state by him newly obtained, so as the same might seem just in the eyes of the Emperor his uncle. For by this means he should take possession of his gift, obtain the good will of his soldiers, and be well assured to punish this fellow so thoroughly, 
The wise foresight of Tamerlan.  as others which might peradventure be tickled with the same humour would take thereby example, & therefore wisely had he separated the forces of the Tartarians. For what face soever Calibes set on the matter, he hearkened what would become of Calix, that he might likewise make some commotion: there was left with him to command over the Parthians the Prince of Thanais, without whom he could not do any thing, for that he led the avantgard. Thus was the army divided in two parts; the king of China remaining long before he was advertised of all this, and thought he had all the forces both of the Tartarians & Parthians upon his arms, so as this was of no small importance to favour our affairs: 
Good directions from Tamerlan.  for Tamerlan had especially given commandment, that the passages which are easily gotten, might as diligently be kept, to the end that the king of China should not be advertised of the tumult. Then Tamerlan set forward his avant-garde under the leading of Odmar: he promised unto himself shortly a happy success in his affairs, and advertised the Emperor of all: but it came unto him when he was sick. And surely it was high time for Tamerlan to march forward, or else all had been revolted, so leaving his footmen he made great journeys. Now during the time that he had been advertised, and made his abode to consult, which was the space of two months: Calix having presented himself with a hundred thousand fight men before Cambalu, a very great city, and chief of the Province of Catayo, the inhabitants thereof came out to meet him, and did also receive him with all the joy that might be. They had sent likewise to Euinsay, where 
Cambalu r●uol●eth unto Calix.  the Emperor was at that time, to entertain and assure him of their obedience, and that they did rise up only because they would not be subjecteth unto the Parthians. They had with one consent also sworn not to acknowledge Tamerlan for their Emperor: but they did beseech the Emperor that they might rather receive Calix, to the end (said they) the greatness of the Tartarians should not be buried within the strait bounds of the Parthians. But as soon as they heard that Tamerlan approached, it did bring much hindrance unto the affairs of Calix: for these confederates so linked together, made full reckoning that his absence would be for the space of eight or ten months at the least, what prosperity soever he were like to have in his enterprise: but he had plotted out the business for them in another sort. Even as it is often seen, that when a Schoolmaster entereth on a sudden into the school, with a rod in his hand, when as the scholars are in disorder, busied in beating one another, or neglecting the charge given them by the Schoolmaster: in such and the same manner did Tamerlan come unto the Tartarians whom Calix raised up, being then at Cambalu whither all the Provinces came to gratify him. This was bad news for him, to hear that Tamerlan approached, one of the greatest Captains of the world, and who was the best followed, being most worthy that not only they and the Tartarians should acknowledge him, but also all the Nations of the world, being worthy to command them, because he was so virtuous. He did as much as he could to conceal these news, but report cannot be kept secret, it runneth upon the house tops, and slideth even into the houses, & look how the Moon diminisheth and increaseth, being never 
An apt comparison of report unto the moon●  steadfast in one estate: so many people which had unadvisedly followed him, began to assemble themselves together for to make new matches, lightly changing their opinions. You might then have seen the people 
Confused fear● within the city of Cambalu.  gather together in troops within this great City, here a thousand, and there two thousand, not knowing whereupon to resolve, every one of them being afeard of the just indignation of Tamerlan, unto whom so lately they had sworn their obedience, & had acknowledged him for their Prince and Emperor, according to the commandment of his ●●cle. They knew him to be of the blood of so many Emperors, and that he had ruled over them with such great justice, they had therefore their consciences which did accuse them as guilty, and did see the hand already lifted up to punish their offences. This caused every one of the people thoroughly to bethink them of the follies by them committed in opening their gates unto this rebel, that conspired against his Prince. Now whilst our army marched towards Caindu, and from thence unto Calatia, whither our army went easily, looking for the forces of his native country of Zachetay to come & join with him: he did not yet forget to send forward daily of our soldiers towards Cambalu, so as they supposed all our forces to be on the neck of them already, which gave great terror unto the people: for the nature of them is 
The nature of the common people.  such, that often times they ground their affairs upon prosperity, which they hold most assured, not so much as dreaming that the events of matters of the world be often contrary unto that they have in themselves imagined. Calix perceiving that the people did repent, he thought best to withdraw himself out of Cambalu, determining to oppose himself against Tamerlan, and sent for his power from all places, putting all upon the event and hazard of a battle. He had also received advertisement of the small contentment the Emperor conceived of his proceed, and how he had sent for all his forces to march thither, that from thence they might go and join with his Nephew Tamerlan, and how he falling again into the 
The great Chan sent his imperial ring unto Tamerlan.  extremity of his sickness, had sent his imperial ring unto Tamerlan, had given commandment that he should be obeyed even as his own person, both during his life, and after his death; and therefore knew well, that he must of necessity adventure all, seeing Tamerlan came towards him. So he drew out of Cambalu full fifty thousand men, as well Burgesses, as soldiers which were there in Garrison, having won all the Captains which the old Emperor had placed there in Garrison, amounting to the number of thirty thousand men, and him that commanded over them, who had consented unto the revolt of this great City. To make it short, having assembled all his forces, he had fourscore thousand horse, and a hundred thousand footmen, the which he had gathered together from all parts. I know that the sedition of Calix was such, and in such manner plotted, that he did even provoke the Moscovites, that at the very same time they might invade Zachetay. Whereunto the Moscovite as a faithful Prince, would not in any case hearken, a thing which I have often heard Odmar report, commending the Moscovite, and maintaining him in peace with his master, by often remembering him many times of this good turn performed: for it is very credible, that if the Moscovite had at the very same time entered Zachetay, he had hindered the forces of this Province, in such sort as it should not have been able at all to give aid unto the affairs 
A good advertisement for men in authority.  of Cambalu. Behold how they which guide the stern of the common-wealthes-barke should in time give remedy unto the discontentments of the mighty. For when they have attained unto authority, they do readily trouble all things, having therein always very seditious minds, so as they are very willing to shuffle the cards with them: and therefore such uproars are not to be neglected, but remedied speedily. Our army then marched with all diligence, in such sort as certain scouts which were two thousand horse, had news of the army of Calix, the which came forwards directly towards us, whereof they caused the Emperor to be certified speedily, who sent thither two thousand horses more, to the end they should keep the passage of a river called Brore, by the which our victuals were conveyed unto the army, and also for to win always time, the Prince knowing right well that the motions of civil wars be furious at the beginning, and that it is the best to resist them slowly, drawing them always out at length if it be possible. For the people in the end acknowledging their faults, their means and money failing them, and oftentimes victuals also: on the contrary side in a royal army none of all this doth happen, where all things are favourable, and the soldiers well disciplined, obedience & order being wisely observed. Then had the Emperor the guiding of his own purposes, for he had received commandment from the Emperor his uncle, to hazard therein all for all, delivering up into his hands the safeguard of his life and estate, that he might thereby end his days in peace, willing him likewise, to punish this arrogant fellow and his partakers. By this means came forces from all parts unto Tamerlan; but on the contrary part, the enemy's army was then in his chiefest force, and began to feel the want of victuals, by reason of a desert and certain mountains which it had passed, where there was a Lord subject unto the great Cham, who after he had promised him help for the conducting of victuals from Cambalu unto his army, as soon as he perceived him to be far off, changed his mind, and began to withdraw himself from his side, and to make war upon him: setting upon his men, having gathered soldiers together, which was a great discommodity unto him for his army, in 
The proceed of the two armies.  such sort as he must of necessity come unto a day of battle. But Tamerlan having advertisement of all his discommodities, found the means to pass over four thousand horse to join with Cangi (for so was this Lord named) to give order thereby for cutting off the commodities which came from Cambalu: & (as I have said) the Emperor having caused the fords of Brior to be carefully searched, and occupying all the passages with his army, he possessed twelve or fourteen leagues of rich ground and good, having behind him the salt lake, and before him the river of Ostan. And there did he watch advantage, staying the coming of his enemies, with whom they thought to fight, at the very instant they should arrive; but they were therein deceived, for they were kept occupied with roads and skirmishes, and the main battle came not to the fight: so as it was two moons (or rather two months) before we advanced towards them, in so much as necessity constrained them to retire towards Cambalu. The Prince thereof advertised, passed over the river with his army, which was found to be a hundred and fifty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand footmen, resolved to join battle, fearing lest Calix would return and winter at Cambalu, and should be driven to fight within the same, where not doubting of the victory, he feared yet lest so great and rich a city as that, being sacked, would bring unto him two great discommodities. The first would be, the loss of the city; the other, he feared that taking such a city by force, his army should be consumed in the spoil thereof, & utterly destroyed: or that his old soldiers made too rich, would no longer follow him. After he had called his principal Captains together, who were much vexed because they fought not, in the end resolved thereupon, very sorry that there was no remedy but that the possession of his Empire must be bloody. Now he had warned Calix to forbear, and lay down his arms, and he would pardon him, but this rash fellow (whose courage was not yet to be despised) made no account of all that: for purposing to command, he could not resolve to obey, which did invite him unto a short life with happiness, rather than unto a long life honourless, even as they which undertake such follies must needs resolve. For it is very hard that the Prince his Lord should assure himself therein, as long as he doth live, so ticklish is this desire of reigning without a companion. So our army went unto Chincy, and made seven leagues; the enemy having knowledge of our passage, turned his face, and they say that 
The speech of Calix unto his companions.  Calix turned himself unto three or four of his companions, lifting his hands unto heaven and said unto them that never in his life had he received more acceptable news. The Parthians (said he) have at this very instant passed over the river, and come towards us, and if Tamerlan, who bargained so much, will fight at this present, I cannot receive a greater good turn. For (said he) whatsoever shall become of me, it cannot but bring unto me an immortal glory; for if I conquer him, who is he in Asia that may be compared unto me? the Empires of the Tartarians & of Sachetay shallbe mine: for I fight against the forces of these two great estates, the which I have separated through my practices: my power consisteth of these two peoples: if I be overcome, my glory shall be very great, in that I durst, and unto this present time we have gotten this glory, that the valour & courage of Sachetay was two months shut up between the rivers of Brior and Ostan for the terror of our arms: therefore the victory which he shall gain of us, shallbe unto us always glorious. Thus discoursing I have heard (said he) did show a great stoutness of courage. He advanced his army forward, so as the avantcourers of the two armies encountered each other, and our men were driven even into our Camp, a thing which greatly displeased Odmar, who was in the avant-garde, for the Emperor was very sorry that he had not made them stronger when they came near unto the enemy, but the excuse was, that they did not imagine the rashness of Calix to be so great as to set forwards three leagues. The next day was spent in discoursing of battles, every one for his part, and to exhort the Captains & soldiers, to divide the governements unto Captains, with the ranks and ordinances. Calix was of the age of forty, he was a Captain renowned with the great Cham, he was one of the chiefest in dignity and place, and they had always respected him within Tartary as a person most worthy of the Empire, if the glory of Tamerlan and his reputation had not so far excelled. The Armies began to be viewed the one of the other about eight of the clock in the morning, where there were very many skirmishes before they came unto the main battle (according to the fights of these nations) it was a great plain wherein they met at that time, with like advantage on either part; Odmar led the avant-garde 
The order of Tamerlans army ranged against Calix.  (as I have already said) wherein there was forty thousand horse, & threescore thousand footmen; he made three squadrons, whereof he set forward one before him that began the battle. Tamerlan marched in the same order, but his squadrons were much stronger, the footmen both of the Auauntgard and of the Battle were on the right and left wings. Tamerlan had drawn out six thousand Parthian horse and two thousand Tartarian for the Arierward, & had committed the charge thereof unto a faithful servant of his called Axalla (a Geneuois borne) who had great credit with him, because he had been brought up with him in his youth, and had good trial of his faithfulness, valour, and industry; having given him in charge not to fight at all but upon the extremity; and also to gather together all that should be scattered from the Army. Axalla was a man of great judgement, his understanding being good and quick, and a Captain in great estimation amongst the soldiers, although he worshipped God in another manner than we did, and was also a Christian. And he had many of them with him, whom he caused to come from the Georgians and from Pont Euxin, who fought with great agility; this day did he show his great fidelity and courage unto his Prince. Calix on the other side, who was a well spoken man, was encouraging his soldiers to favour his fortune, and the liberty of his nation: 
The order of Calix battle against T●m●rlan.  he had divided his troops into three main battles only, his footmen upon the right hand, his own person was in the midst of the main battle, with many footmen which compassed him round about (according as we use to fight.) Now Odmar that was a politic warrior, stayed their coming without removing: his first squadron rushed furiously upon this great multitude, that on the right side, wherein was his own person, & the other on the left side gave a great push, broke all the order of Calix army, in such sort, as it was constrained to join all together, which was a great multitude: at this very time the Prince charged, which overthrew all. You might have seen in an instant amongst these great companies thus opened, some follow, some fly, some kill, taking of horses, and men tumbling 
The battle between Tamerlan and Calix within the country of Cataio.  over and over; they held the victory sure on our side, when as, behold, a main force did come upon us, conducted by Calix, who had gathered them together, and they were between fifteen and sixteen thousand horse, which came & set upon the Prince's main battle on the flank, and pierced the same, and overthrew them in a manner all. Now you must understand, that those on Calix part retired at the very first charge even unto their carriages, and our men had followed the victory too hotly, making great slaughter, in somuch as they charging again, and finding our forces broken, he did easily shake our Army, and gave us a great check, so thoroughly, that we were upon the point to lose the battle. The Prince Tamerlan was thrown to the ground; in the mean while his main Battle 
Tamerlan thrown to the ground.  retired, continually fight according to our manner. The Prince was not long in mounting again on horseback, looking continually on his Arier-guard, which had not the means to join with him; and earnestly viewing the countenance of the same. Now our footmen at such time as he went to give the charge, was open, and after shut again, and had not been as yet set upon by any, they had been only breathed upon at the charges which had been given; Axalla joining with it his troops reserved for the Arierward. During this space Calix did hotly pursue the troop of 
Calix enjoyed the victory one hour.  Tamerlan, who retired, skirmishing continually with his soldiers, being almost all Parthians. The enemies main battle did greatly diminish, for his soldiers went a spoiling here and there within the camp of the Battle, and they could not discern by reason of the great dust, the Arierward which followed in good order after, killing and overthrowing all that were opposed against them. When as (behold) at the same instant there came a cry even unto Calix, with Turn, turn: there being a thousand or twelve hundred horse which Axalla had severed from the rest, who having already advanced themselves bravely, were come to handigripes with Calix, having received commandment to mingle amongst them, for to redeem the Prince's main Battle, which was pursued by them. Then did Calix in returning perceive, that both his Empire and glory, together with the good fortune which he one hour had fully enjoyed, were for ever utterly lost, & then began he to repent himself of his folly: & after he had commanded a charge to be given for the repelling of the avant-currers, he stayed, uniting his men, for he had as yet 11000. horse: but he could not descry whether those which were with Axalla should be footmen or horse: for they all appeared unto him horsemen, a thing which did greatly amaze him. On the other side he did perceive that at the same instant he left pursuing the emperors main battle, in that very time it had gotten a loof off, joining together such of the men as had been scattered from the same; attending the success of this charge, that he might begin his fight again, notwithstanding he being bold and brave had his recourse unto extremity by his arms, and having nothing in his face but boldness, he exhorted his men to fight valiantly with him, and pursue the good 
Calix exhortation unto his men.  fortune which the great God had put into his hands this day: that these were scattered men which sought to join with their fellows, and it was necessary to hinder them from that. In this mean time his Army did strongly join itself together, the which Axalla well considering, thought that the good fortune of two great Emperors was this day in his power, and under his conduct, and that his life or death could not but prove most glorious, being for the safety of his good master, who had put in him so great confidence; he encouraged his soldiers valiantly, commanding the first charge to be given, and bravely assisting his men, he charged so strongly, that he passed clean through the squadron of Calix, who was hurt in his mouth with the blow of a Lance, after had performed the duty both of a soldier and Captain. In the end, valiantly fight, 
Calix t●●en prisoner by Axalla.  he fell into Axallas own hands, the which with one voice he proclaimed through all his camp, the which overthrew the courage of all his soldiers. Prince Tamerlan 
Tamerlan his great victory against Calix.  also set upon the flank of one of those troops broken already by Axalla; and so was the victory entire. There were slain of the one side and of the other, more than fifty thousand men. It cost our Emperor 
Fifty thousand men slain in the battle bebetweene Tamerlan & Calix.  dear, who said that he never fought with greater danger of being overcome. He honoured greatly Axalla for his good endeavour and wise conduct, who brought unto him Calix sore hurt in the mouth with the blow of a Lance, and another blow of an arrow in the body. He spoke unto him, but the other being fierce and bold, answered him nothing at all, making a sign that his mouth did hinder him; he was kept until the next day, 
Calix beheaded.  and was judged by all the Counsel worthy of punishmen: whereupon he caused his head to be smitten off, the which he sent to be presented unto the inhabitants of Cambalu: he caused the like to be done unto all the chief leaders, not for cruelty, but for necessity, knowing very well, that the means to cut off the foot of civil wars, is to punish the heads of the same, for they be Hydra's which grow up but too fast. After this the Army 
A description of Cataio.  marched into the kingdom of Cataio, a country rich in grass, and in all kinds of pastures, abounding with great quantity of beasts, and people which knew not what war meant. The Prince gave commandment that these people should not be accounted as enemies, but his good subjects, that he would use all the cities well, as Cangi, Sochgi, Gonzae, Tagni, Togara, Congu, which had revolted, and were come to sue for pardon at his hands, in humbling themselves before him; the which he granted unto them, enjoining them only to provide sufficient victuals for his army: and never to be so ill advised as to hearken unto those, who for their particular ambition would withdraw them from the obedience due unto their true and natural Prince and Emperor. Now this mercifulness was presently spread abroad, which was of no small importance for the appeasing of others who had put all their hope in extremity, which is in losing their own lives to make others do the like: & especially the inhabitants of Cambalu had taken this resolution: but being informed of the emperors clemency, changed their opinions; notwithstanding some of them which were the most seditious, who thought they should run the same fortune with their leaders, were in despair, doing as much as in them lay, to draw with them the destruction of their city, the which this mildness had appeased, and changed into hope of the Prince's clemency. In the mean while our army daily approached, and at such time as we came nearest, the more did the fear of all the city increase, in somuch as the Prince was advertised daily from those which favoured his side, of all things within the city, and he was assured that every one determined to obey the Conqueror, and to do whatsoever he commanded. The which being known unto the Prince, he left all his army at Gonsa, and himself went directly unto the city of Cambalu, where all things 
The ordinary garrison at Cambalu of 30000. soldiers.  were made quiet, by the means of thirty thousand soldiers, being the ordinary garrison, whom he caused to enter thereinto before him, and two hours after entered into the same himself, being received with great magnificence, not yielding as yet to pronounce the word of pardon, referring all unto the Emperor, and to the ordinary course of justice. Willingly saying that he pardoned the common people; showing himself sundry times openly gentle and courteous, honouring them greatly amongst others of the city, which had taken his part. Now he stayed for the return of one of his favourites, whom he had sent unto the Emperor, to carry him news of the victory, and of the death of Calix, and that the chief of this faction remained prisoners with him; also to know what justice the Emperor would appoint to be inflicted on those Citizens which were the first beginners of the revolt of this city: for the Prince being desirous to be esteemed merciful, and to win love within this great city, would not execute justice of himself, nor in his own name, but by the Emperor his uncle, whom he did gratify herein, leaving the authority wholly unto himself, and by this means he was not not esteemed cruel. Thus the Prince after he had remained here eight days, departed. He was not many days journey from the city before he received tidings how the great Cham his uncle willed that justice should be executed on them which were the first movers of this revolt; the which was executed accordingly in the name of the Emperor, and by his special ministers; in such sort, that as the people accused the cruelty of the Emperor, they commended the mercy of Tamerlan. Now the Emperor was better in health than he had been, and greatly desired to see the Prince, who referred the resolution of this, whether he should go unto him, until he came unto his Army, desirous to hear news thereof, remaining upon the frontiers of China. In this sort went he away, separating himself as much as he could from the execution which was in doing at Cambalu, where some two hundred Burgesses 
A terrible execution.  were put to death, for an example unto the rest, their heads being set up in the midst of the market place, in sign of a terror unto them which should hereafter rebel against their Prince. Thus was this war brought unto an end, to the great honour and reputation of Tamerlan. And it is also reported for most certain, that if he had not stopped the way of this mischief, he had utterly lost this estate, the conspiracy being in a manner general: but the diligence he used in opposing himself against it, caused many to lose their courages. Therefore in such revoltes it is a special point, for a Prince to show himself, to enter into the field, and pass through his Provinces, to encourage his own, and give terror unto others. For the seditious do often declare lies unto the people, the which the presence of the Prince doth disperse, even as the 
A go●d advertisement for Princes.  clear Sun doth a dark cloud, and above all to show that they fear not those which conspire, making but small reckoning of the same. For it is said, that he which first beateth the fields, hath best company with him; he must not think that without weapons in his hand, and not being on horseback, the matter may be remedied with words and admonitions. A thing plotted by a seditious person, is continually attempted, or but deferred, but in the end it breaketh out; and therefore a wise 
A good advertisement unto Princes.  and advised Prince should disperse it speedily by the means of justice: for such spirits are never pacified, but by the terror of death, and of those which are guilty, the which must be prosecuted as soon as it is discovered, and looked unto at the first rumour thereof, having good espials in every place, and providing so well on every side, that as soon as the same shall happen, he may be on the neck of the seditious. You see how wisely our Prince made use hereof, for it is not to be doubted, but he had discovered the conspiracy long afore the execution of the same. This was the occasion that he kept his forces in readiness within the country of Sachetay, and marched himself forward to minister occasion unto others, to discover unto him their evil affections, by this means to make the goodness of his cause appear manifestly unto all the world. A matter of no small importanc● to preserve himself, and the people's affections, when they are once seasoned therewith: so as it is the best to make them assailers, if it be possible, and bring to pass that their assailing may be their utter undoing. Therefore is it necessary, if possible to be (though half) on horseback, as soon as any shall be discovered to have a stirring humour and to trouble good order. This must be done, for words do nothing at all satisfy them: you must of necessity come unto blows, for they be ordinarily rash fellows, whose eyes ambition blindeth, or else if they be wise (who see great likelihood at such time as they enterprise it) their attempts have often good success, when they have to do with negligent and careless Princes, or effeminate, or of small courage, who give themselves too much unto delicacies, and spend their time in pleasure, whereas they ought to have a watchful eye to look to the preservation of all within their kingdom, & their hand ready to repulse injuries coming from without. You see how well our Prince useth his mildness, care, and watchfulness: before this he was but half Emperor of the Tartarians, but hereby assured himself thereof with good dexterity, & die the Emperor never so soon, there is no show that there can happen any moment of trouble: for he is there reverenced 
Tamerlan his mildness won the love and reverence of all  for his great mildness and clemency, for rewarding of the good, & bearing sometimes with a fault (if there be any) and for having moreover a stiff hand to punish the wicked and seditious. Now to come again unto our discourse: as soon as our Prince was returned unto his Army where he found Odmar, who there attended his coming, the which caused all the Army to march forward and meet him, where he was received of his soldiers, and with a loud voice called by all his Captains and soldiers; Most great 
Tamerlan welcomed unto his army, with new and strange acclamations.  Emperor and most victorious, as they are accustomed to do amongst the Tartarians. The Prince after he had long discoursed with his Captains both of the beauty and greatness of the city of Cambalu, he arrived at his tent, where after he had declared unto Odmar in what sort all things had passed at Cambalu: he asked his advise whether he should go and visit the Emperor his uncle. Odmar who well perceived that the Prince desired it, and called unto his remembrance the honour which he had received when he was at Quinzai, and that he would have been very willing to spend the winter with the Empress, staying for the spring for to return unto the enterprise of China. But Odmar which was no flatterer, and who was a great Counsellor of estate, and faithful unto our Emperor Tamerlan, spoke unto him in this manner: Invincible 
Odmar his wise speech as answer unto Tamerlan his question touching the visiting of his vn●le.  Emperor, so do I beseech you, as may be found in you both valour to conquer, and wisdom to use the victory: you have left your Army, the which for the space of six months hath been busied in opposing itself against the forces of your enemies; he whom you have left is a Tartarian, one of the chiefest of this nation; do you not know that the Tartarian and also the Parthian, do in a manner acknowledge none for Prince worthy to command them, but those that go with them unto the wars? On the other side, do you nothing consider, that you have enterprised this war to augment the glory of him who hath chosen and called you? Know you not, that the king of China holdeth a great country which he hath given you? It behoveth that you manifest unto him the affection of your service. Consider also that your glory and greatness will be more acceptable unto him far off then near at hand. For being far off, it shineth unto him for the favouring of his affairs, but near, it maketh his own obscure. Do you not consider the suspicions he may conceive of your greatness? the repentings which often come to them which have made men great, whom they desire afterwards to overthrow: for Princes be variable? What glory can you obtain by this journeying? Necessity constraineth you not thereunto, but your reputation will be wholly diminished thereby, and the way of your glory is altogether contrary unto the same. It is better for you to winter gloriously under your tents in the midst of your men of arms then within the stately palaces of Quinzai, in the midst of the sweetness of an effeminate Court. They which would find fault with you will demand the cause wherefore you left your Army; they will say that you threaten the king of China a far off: it is to be feared also lest he should oppress your men, from whence will you return to resist the same, while you bring together again your men of Arms? The Parthians would as yourself return unto Sachetay, and the Tartarians unto their Horda, but if you march forward, you shall prepare unto yourself an assured victory of the king of China, and if you do defer it, it shall prove dangerous unto you, whereas it is now most assured, in as much as he thinketh your Army busied within your own country, your forces impaired, the faith of your peopled changed, and all your Empire revolted. He seethe your Army led by Calibes to temporize, and being but as it were to defend itself, and not to assault any other, he supposeth that all your determinations are overthrown. Some may thus say unto him (as some have suspected, and it is not without reason, but I will not affirm it, being unwilling to enter any further into your wise enterprises, the which God only knoweth, who guideth you) that you have rather left Calibes there the chief of the Tartarians, to deliver yourself from the suspicion you had of him, then for any further desire you had to accomplish your enterprise. Lose not this occasion, the great God delivereth her into your hands, you hold her by the hairs, suffer her not to slip from you. If I have offended your Majesty with my bold speech, do with me what it shall please you, I am your slave, lo here my head. The Prince Tamerlan was very sad, and changed his countenance continually, when as Odmar 
The great humility of the Tartarians unto their Emperor.  spoke once again unto him, kissing the hem of his garment in all humility, as we are accustomed unto our Emperors in sign of subjection and bondage. Then the Emperor answered him, that he had ever 
The notable answer of the Emperor unto Odmar.  known his fidelity and love, and that the cause of his sadness was, for that he did not find in himself ability to recompense the same: and that he aknowledged now in earnest the wisdom of the Emperor his father, in making choice of so worthy a Counsellor to assist him, and that he certainly learned to know, that the greatest servitude which Princes have with God, was that there was no end of their glory, seeing their continual doing was their rest, as in the Divinity; and that when he thought to give himself some ease, than was the time he must in steed of the delicacies and pleasures of Quinzay, make the deserts of Cipribit the resting place from the travails of his new victory: that it was ended, and his purposes determined: I have also heard the Prince say, that Odmar did not speak unto him like an earthly but divine man, & that he verily believed that God by his means did call him back from some mishap which would have light upon him, to make his glory increase the more. Now the rumour was already spread over all, that the Prince's determination was to go and visit the Emperor his uncle, the which tickled every man with desire to return into his country, hoping to enjoy the sweetness of his native soil. When as commandment was given for a general review of the whole army: where the Emperor spoke unto his soldiers in this manner: We have begun (my faithful soldiers) an enterprise 
Tamerlan his oration unto his soldiers upon his going forward against the king of China.  to go and assault the king of China, who hath of late repulsed even beyond the mountains the Tartarian name; but we were hindered to our great grief by the foolish rashness of Calix, and were driven to turn the bridle for to punish him, wherein you have all assisted me. It grieveth me that I cannot as well brag of the fresh spoils of a stranger, as I may vaunt (by the means of your weapons) of those our unfaithful Citizens; and in times passed with your own selves making trial of my first Arms against the boldness of the fierce Moscovite, although for this last civil victory I am further indebted unto you, for your greater endeavour, and the hazarding of your persons being much greater, so were they our own people, who would not acknowledge us, whereof I cannot speak without shedding of tears, desiring rather to bury such a victory, what glory and honour soever we have gotten thereby. Neither do I recount these things unto you, but for to manifest that I forget not your faithfulness, and the great travail you have endured with me. We must not therefore be weary, but must turn our weapons against those which think that we ate greatly troubled, whereas we are victorious. We have left our companions, who have temporised to hear the event and success of our affairs, all our munitions be there; we must in that place (my soldiers and friendly followers) pass over the rest of winter; our companions look for us. The enemy is secure and looketh not for us at this season of the year: for he perceiveth that our Army which is there is not sufficient for offence, but only for defence. You shall receive double pay, the better to furnish you against the injury of cold: and as we shall be clothed with double garments, I hope we shall be also appareled with double glory. Let us march on merrily, I myself will go with you, and be companion of your glory. After he had thus spoken unto his soldiers, they all cried; One God in heaven, and one Emperor on the 
The cry of the soldiers upon the emperors oration.  earth: and bowing down all their heads in token of humility, they showed how agreeable they were to obey that which he commanded. Thus every one returned into his tent, where they abode yet eight days more. The Prince sent back again Zamai unto Sachetay with some five and twenty thousand horse and fifty thousand footmen, for the safety of his estate in those parts. Thus after prayers were said, all the Army being assembled together in the presence of the Prince (according to the custom of our Emperors) our Army began to march forward. He forgot not likewise to dispatch one unto the Emperor his uncle, to give him understanding of all this resolution, the which he very well liked of. The Prince by the same messenger did beseech him to send unto him in the spring of the year some fifty thousand men to repair his Army, and certain money also for the payment of his men of war: which he granted him. Moreover the conducting of good store of warlike munition, & plenty of victuals for to renew ours: for this war was principally enterprised for the profit and greatness of the Tartarians, & for the importance which the loss of the Lordships of Paguin & Quifu was unto them, whereby the king of China had greatly strengthened and assured his estate, in so much as he might at his pleasure enter upon the Tartarians, and the Tartarians could not enterprise against him without great forces, for that he had caused a wall to be made between the spaces of the 
A wall builded by the king of China forty leagues long.  mountains, which was forty leagues long, so as they were defended hereby from the ordinary incursions, the which continually did greatly enrich them, because they brought much cattle through the same, wherein the country of China doth greatly abound, by reason it is situated in a temperate air, being neither too hot nor cold. 
The temperature of China.  This was the cause that made the Emperor his uncle to desire this war; whom our Prince according to his duty would to the uttermost of his power gratify, as also his new subjects. So we began to march, and in eight & thirty days we arrived at Cipribit, the Army having found great discommodities: there had we news of Clibes, who was very glad to understand how the affairs had passed: he came to visit the Prince, who showed unto him a very good countenance, and gave him particular understanding of his determination, and understood at large of Calibes, all that had passed within the kingdom of China. The next day the Prince mounted on horseback, and came unto Pazanfou, where the forces commanded by Calibes were at that present, the which had often fought with and tried the forces of the Chinois: but found them much inferior unto their own. The Emperor caused a general review to be made of all the forces which were under Calibes, and after he beheld the countenances of these soldiers throughout all their ranks, he caused them to muster, & to receive money, every one crying, God save the victorious & invincible Emperor, according to their custom. I had forgotten to declare unto you how the Prince of Thanais, who was left to command over the Parthian nation by the Prince, at such time as Calibes went to meet him, was left in the army to command it, where being desirous to show his courage, had made war, and meeting with four thousand horse of China, led by the king of China his brother, he so alured than to him, that having entrapped them, he fought with and overthew them, bringing a great number of 
The Prince of Thanais overthrew a troop of horsemen, led by the king of china's brother  horse and spoils away and there remained dead upon the ground five or six hundred, the enemies being retired in disorder, if the night had not been he had obtained a most notable victory. He had for this good fortune much honour at the arrival of his Prince, and he had also daily greatly wearied the Chinois with ordinary incursions: he was son unto one of the Prince's sisters, & they greatly honoured him, as well for his virtues, as the place from whence he was descended. He was as yet but young, his father being dead old, who had worthily served the Prince (as you have heard) against the Moscovites, commanding over the arereward, who was notwithstanding a most sufficient & politic Captain. Now he was desirous of glory during the abode which he had made, being the foremost on the enemies fide, and with great diligence had marked the wall and the places by the which he might enter by force, and sent many spies into the country of China, by certain little ways that were within the mountains, who advertised him of all. He had also gained through his courtesy a Lord of the same mountains (called the 
The Prince of Thanais gaineth a Lord of the mountain's to do the Emperor service. Vauchefu.  Lord of Vauchefu) who ruled a great Country, with whom he had so well profited, that he made him desirous of a new master, and to submit himself unto the Emperor, receiving daily great discommodity by the wars which the Tartarians and Chinois made: so as he coming to visit the Prince of Thanais▪ he assured him of his desire to do the Prince service, and to help him in the war against the Chinois, the which the Prince of Thanais had wisely concealed from Calibes. But as soon as the Prince was arrived, he imparted the same unto him, the which made Tamerlan desirous to have some speech with him, so that as soon as the Prince had received commandment from the Emperor, he sent unto Vauchefu to advertise him of the Prince's arrival, and of the commandment which he had received: whereof the other was very glad, and having appointed a day, the Prince took his journey (without stirring of the army) into the camp of the Prince of Thanais, which was near unto the river of Languenne, whither he had caused this foresaid Lord to come, who met him there. The Prince having spoken 
Conference between the Emperor and the Lord of V●ch●fu.  with him by his interpreters, he assured him of much friendship, and the said Lord him of great fidelity and service, and after many promises made by the Prince unto him for his greatness and quiet, he discovered unto him a passage, by the which he assured him of entrance into the kingdom of China, & with facility to set upon the forces of the king of China, which were appointed for safeguard of the wall, the which as I have said, contained forty leagues; a matter which gave cause of good advisement unto the Prince: for Calibes who was an old Captain, found it a matter of great difficulty to go through this passage by force, according to the view he had taken thereof, and had caused the same to be reviewed by others. For it was carefully kept by the king's forces, who was not weary to be mounted on horseback, assuring himself that fifty thousand men the which he had placed for the guard of the wall, were sufficient to stop all that would enterprise to force the same. So this Lord (much made of and gained through the good countenance of the Prince) was a great furtherance unto the good success of this enterprise. Then the Prince after he had heaped upon him gifts of fair horses, rich furs, and other rare things, he willed him to utter that which he had to say unto him. This Lord spoke then in this manner: Know my Lord, that it is but loss of time to think 
The speech of the mountain Lord unto Tamerlan.  that with your arms you should be able to force the wall which the Chinois have built against the incursions of your subjects, the defendants have too much advantage therein. I doubt not of your soldiers stoutness & of their courage, I know you have conquered many Nations with them, and that whatsoever you command them, they will die or do the same. I know you have great and wise Captains with you, that your person is only of all the world worthy to command them: but all this will be but in vain against the wall of the Chinois, where I assure you there are fifty thousand men to keep it, and you cannot stay there so short a time, but there will come thither fifty thousand more, led by the Xianxi who hath such a commandment. The king of China will himself march forward also, who will give you battle with two hundred thousand horse and as many footmen. After you have fought, I believe that the fortune and valour of your men may obtain the victory, the which will cost you dear: but for to show unto you how much the reputation and mildness of your men hath bound me unto them, I will show you a means by the which you may cause fifty thousand men to enter into the kingdom of China, whom I myself will conduct; and they shall be on them which keep the wall, in a manner as soon as they shall perceive it. In the mean time you shall cause your men to go unto a place that I will tell you, which will be very discommodious unto the Chinois, by reason of a mountain over against them, which you must cause them to win: for I assure myself, that when they shall perceive your soldiers to be passed, they will lose their courage, and you may easily win the passage for to favour those men of yours which shall be passed over with me. And for to show unto you the affection & fidelity of that I speak, I will deliver into your hands 
Hostages offered by the mountain Lord unto the Emperor.  an only son I have, and two little daughters with my wife: I have also one brother, who I am assured will follow me to do you service. The Prince having heard this Lord speak, received great joy thereof, hoping that his affairs should happily succeed, and this he kept very secret, for even the Prince of Thanais knew not the means that this Lord had; seeing there was only present the Prince & an interpreter, and the Prince after he had thus spoken unto him, gratifying him with all he could possibly, this Lord retired himself, accompanied with the Prince of Thanais, who conducted him back again with all the honour that might be. So the Emperor returned from thence into his quarter, and the next day after he had imparted the whole unto Odmar, and heard Calibes concerning that which he had learned of the departing of the king of China, and of his preparation, which was great. This enterprise seeming hard unto him, after due reverence yielded unto the Prince, he spoke unto him in this manner: Know my 
Calibes oration unto Prince Tamerlan.  Lord, that I am your slave for to obey you: but seeing you require me to give you an account of all that I know of the estate of the kingdom of China, for that I have remained these six months upon the borders by your commandment, to hinder them from passing the same, whereby they might hurt your enterprises, I can affirm unto you that the king of China, who reigneth at this present is of great reputation, and hath increased the limits of his kingdom more than any of his predecessors, he is proud and bold, he causeth himself to be named of his people, Lord of the world. All his strength consisteth in this wall opposed against us, the which he hath caused to be made by reason of the ordinary roads of our Nation. I am of opinion that there be between fifty and threescore thousand men at the guard of that wall, men for the most part trained up in the garrisons of the king of China, and his best soldiers, & I know no good means to force this wall without great hazard and much loss of your men. I have understood that towards the lake Hogeen you may find more easy entrance into the kingdom: but this will be 7. or eight days journey for your army, and there are many strait places, where your army (which is great) will be long time a passing: on the other side, this will be a space of time wherein the king of China may give order for his affairs, who supposeth that he hath not to deal but with me, whom you have left with commandment only of defence. Yet I think this to be most for your advantage, for that victuals will be more easily conducted unto your army: you know that this is the principal sinew to bring forth a strong and furious combat. Therefore under correction of your grave and more wise advise, this is as much as I know hereof, leaving unto yourself for to discourse of the inner parts of the country, when we shall have set foot thereinto, we will talk with you of the same. The Prince hard him very attentively, but he knew not at all that which the Prince had further learned, insomuch as the Prince, who would that his reputation and glory should be attributed unto his valour, and unto those of his army, what practise soever he had in hand, and after every one had declared his opinion, he said; that he hoped the great God the unity of whom he would maintain against such idolaters, and his just right should answer the reasons which do contradict his purpose, and the valiant arm of his soldiers shall quite overthrow whatsoever opposeth itself against the same. Behold how Princes make themselves wondered at for their forces, whereas oftentimes they use more the Fox's craft, than the Lion's strength. Our Prince would wisely attribute unto himself the reputation of overcoming by open war, and concealed from his soldiers that which he held as assured to execute it, to the end the honour of a happy conducting might be ascribed unto him only. Now our Prince having satisfied every one of the Kings and Lords that did accompany him, he appointed the meeting place for his army to be at a certain place, where he meant to choose fifty thousand fight men, and deliver them unto the commandment of the Prince of Thanais, unto whom he joined the Lord Axalla a Geneuois (for that he knew him to be discreet) for to accompany him, commanding him to give credit unto him, for his experience and fidelity. The day appointed being come, the Lord with his brother came to the Emperor, having viewed the place again, & found it to be forcible & fit to pass, assuring the Prince once again of the happy success of their enterprise, & the Prince being assembled with them to confer together, resolved in the end, that his person with all the army should approach unto the walls directly over against Quaguifou, in 
Fifty thousand men sent into China by a secret passage, under the leading of the Prince of Thnais and Axalla.  which mean space the 50000. men should march forwards unto the place appointed, and where they were assured to pass, conducted by the Chinois Lord, under the charge of the Prince of Thanais & Axalla Genevois. The Emperor having not failed to deliver unto them the best soldiers of his army, & having set down the order by them to be observed, he willed that the Lord Axalla should lead twenty thousand of them, & should march the first, the rest led by the Prince of Thanais, and that every one should have one of those Lords to guide them, that by their means the enterprise might be more safely directed. So having marched x. leagues, they arrived at the passage, the which was won not finding any man there to resist them: and having taken a 
A secret way found into China, by the conduct of the mountain Lord.  light repast, they began to march forward other ten leagues which yet remained, where the Chinois were, who suspected no such thing, having only an eye unto them which marched for to force their walls, assuring themselves to have the mastery, considering their advantage. But it fell out much otherwise, for even at the very same time the Chinois did perceive the Prince's army to approach unto their wall, as soon did they dis●ry Axalla with twenty thousand men, who advanced forward being followed by the Prince of Thanais with thirty thousand soldiers chosen out of the whole army, who without any communication set upon the Chinois, who came presently unto them, having left a certain number of their camp for the guard of the wall: but they were presently won by the footmen led this day by Odmar, who passed over so as the Chinois were cut off between 
Axalla overthrew the Chinois that kept the wall of partition.  our armies. When Axalla began the battle he overthrew them in a manner all, the Prince of Thanais not hazarding himself therein: there was great riches gotten this day, the king of China his cousin (whom he called king) was taken prisoner: there was a great quantity of gold amongst them, as well on their arms as on their horse and furniture: they showed no great stoutness. The news hereof being come unto the king of China, who at that present time was at Quantiou, brought unto him great astonishment, for that he judged it a thing that could not possibly come to pass, you might have seen every one filled with fright, tears & cries, bewailing the loss of their friends. The king although he had not been used but to see Fortune always friendly with a mild countenance, & now to see her turned backward with her hair brisseling, he made thereof notwithstanding no great show, but gathering together soldiers from all parts (as the custom is of these people) 
The custom of the Chinois.  he caused all the Priests and such as had the charge of holy things to come unto him, and after exhortations used, he (as their head) commanded them to offer sacrifice unto their Gods, of whom the Sun is the principal commanding in heaven, whom they hold opinion to be the chiefest cause of their being, accounting it immortal and impassable, moving itself only for the benefit of living creatures, this did he command to be observed through out all his Cities; and the second thing was, that every one able to bear arms should mount on horseback, and come unto the king at Paguinfou, whither he doubted that we would go, because it was one of the nearest towns upon the borders. I have forgotten to declare that this Lord who had the charge to conduct fifty thousand men unto the frontiers at such time as they which were there had need thereof, was soon in a readiness, and came to oppose himself against the Prince's army which entered, and being skilful in the ways of the country, troubled 
The Emperor won the walls of China.  much the army: for a great number of his men were on horseback. The Prince determined to beat down all the walls the better to assure his return, as also all the fortresses which were there upon all the passages, all of them having yielded themselves after his victory, showing himself very courteous unto the people of these mountains, he gave unto this Lord a small portion of 
The mountain Lord rewarded with great government.  land, wherein there be seven or eight good towns, Archij, Ymulij, Faliquien, Fulij, Cohensen, Quialij, Pulij, Quianlu, who came and delivered up their keys unto him, being neighbours unto this Lord, and gave him the government of the frontier province of Xianxij, showing himself to be a Prince of his word, and acknowledging the notable services the which this Lord had done him. He referred the honouring of his brother until he had means to do the same: all which mildness was of no small importance to favour the conquest of this country: for the people thereof are great wonderers, especially when as they see the courtesy of the men of war, a thing which is altogether against their custom: for they are very cruel unto their 
The Chinois cruel unto their enemies.  enemies over whom they have the victory, holding that of the Indians, who ha●e often intercourse with them. Now in our Prince there was not any thing noted but courtesy unto the conquered, insomuch as this made him admired and honoured. Now the question being after all the forts of the borders were beaten down, to know what course the army should take, the Prince had received news, how that the king of China assembled his forces and marched forwards, and that he was there in his own person, and that he strengthened also his Cities which are sufficiently fortified, and more than in any country adjoining unto him, so as this caused the Prince to determine not to assault any strong city, and to leave any of them behind him, this were a great discommodity unto him for the victualling of his army: for to leave the enemy behind him, being assured to have him on his front, this seemed to him nigh. Therefore upon these doubts he thought good to have the advise of his Captains, & having assembled them together, he propounded all these difficulties unto them: in the end after sundry opinions, his resolution was, to leave nothing behind him, and to assault some famous city, & take it, by means whereof he may nourish his army, and secondarily call the enemy unto battle. The which the conqueror should always seek, 
A good advertisement for Generals.  and the defender the latest he can hazard the same. For that it is a very doubtful thing to commit themselves unto a battle, his duty being rather to delay, undermining the conqueror by length, and by weariness, and light skirmishes, then to sight in open field. For when a General hath wisely set his men in order, and hath exhorted them to perform their duties, what can he do more than commit all unto Fortune, and to the will of the Lord of Hosts? And it seemeth unto me, that in no feats of arms doth fortune show her tricks more often, then in the success of battles, favouring often the weakest, and deceiving them sooner which trust in their skill of overcoming. The examples thereof are very common in the history of the affairs of the world, where small armies have overcome innumerable numbers. I speak here by way of a preamble of things which you shall hereafter hear: and of the evil council which the king of China received. Now for to return again unto my history, it was concluded, 
Wars in China made by Tamerlan with his wise proceed therein.  and the advise of every one was, to conquer the country by little and little, so as their enterprise was to draw directly unto Paguinfou, which as it was a great City and one of the chiefest, so is it also strongly fortified and well replenished with people: but the Prince made account that the king of China would hazard a battle. Now the Prince before he would cause the same to be summoned, had informed himself well of the situation thereof, and causing all the country which is champion to be represented unto his view, which are for the most part plains, this increased the more his hope of bringing to good end his enterprise: the riches on the other side gave courage unto the soldiers, and principally unto the Tartarians desirous of spoil, who carried with them carts to convey away their spoils, Paguinfou being accounted an exceeding rich and wealthy City. Then he dispatched Odmar with fourteen thousand horse, to advance forward and summon the same, as for to hinder victuals from being conveyed thereinto out of the champion country: to the end that the cattle remaining in the fields, should be a means to maintain and nourish his army. I had forgotten to tell you, that for the acknowledging of the Lord Axalla his services, the Prince had made him Captain general of all his footmen, which 
Axalla made Captain general of all the footmen.  was one of the principal honours of the army. He caused the said Lord Axalla to march after Odmar, with all the footmen, which was very near a hundred and fifty thousand men, well trained up in the wars, and good expert fighters. He marched himself immediately after with all his horsemen, artilleries, engines, and other munitions belonging unto war, directly unto Paguinfou. Odmar did ride twenty leagues this day, so as he arrived there contrary to their expectation, looking rather for the king then for the enemy, and having taken much cattle, wherewith the country greatly aboundeth, he pitched his tents, leaving the city between him and us, and stayed for his footmen, who marched forwards in the mean space, sending continually unto the war, for to weary the enemy. This endured three or four days, until our footmen led by this brave Christian Geneuois, showed themselves in the plain of Paguinfou. Then the City was summoned to yield obedience unto the Emperor, or else they should receive the law of the conqueror. They made answer, that they were determined to live and die in the service of their Prince. Now you must understand that it was forty years or thereabouts, since the Father of the king which reigneth at this present over the Chinois, had conquered it from the Empire of the Tartarians, and having driven out all the inhabitants, they had planted therein new Colonies, so thoroughly, that there were but few of the first remembrance, but only they of the flat country and small walled towns, who came from all parts and brought their keys, most willingly submitting themselves unto the obedience of the Prince: so as there was great abundance of victuals within our army: and if we had been within our own country, there could not have come greater store; a thing which made our Prince hope for a happy success, there being no other difficulty which for the most part can overthrow a great army as ours was, and withdraw them from their enterprise. And thus the City of Paguinfou is besieged, and our footmen camped round about within an arrows shot of all the walls. They within the city did use great endeavour for 
The siege of the city of Paguinfou.  their defence, and our Prince omitted nothing for their offence. Axalla having viewed a great and strong suburb, which was in length almost half a league, supposed that those of the City kept no watch there: that this must needs be, for that they would not make him obstinate; he had a determination to win it in the night, and having imparted it unto the Prince, upon the first watch all his men were ready, all of them having made provision of ladders, and of such things as are necessary for winning thereof with hand-blows, and having assaulted it on sundry parts, after the fight had continued two hours, Axalla remained 
A great suburb won by Axalla in the night.  the conqueror, and cut in pieces eight thousand men at the least which were within the same: the spoil was great, there were many of Axalla his men slain of one side, which was that by the which they doubted to be assaulted. But on the other side, by the which it was taken, there was scarce any one slain. The taking of this suburb did greatly astonish those of the City, who had marked the lustiness of our men, and began to enter into doubt of their safety, which unto this day they accounted as most assured. On the other side they did see that the Prince's promises to be there within fifteen days failed, they did see this great army which daily wan footing, the engines and artillery ready to offer violence on one side by them commanded, the which did greatly annoy them, so as diverse principal men of the City, desired rather to make trial of the conquerors clemency, then of his rigour. But he 
The governors speech unto those of the city to stay them from yielding.  which commanded within, who was one of the greatest Lords of the country, and one of the best beloved with the king, assured them of the king's approach, so as they should not want succour in time of necessity: that there was no need thereof at this present, and although they had lost a suburb, it should be great folly not to be willing to defend a city, and their fortresses being as yet entire, that for his part, he would make proof of his fidelity unto his Prince, with the hazard of his life and goods. These words were of no small importance, and being uttered in the assembly of the people, it caused their courages for to change, in such sort as every one retired into his quarter, being resolved with the loss of their city, to lose also their lives. Now you must understand that the situation of the city was of hard 
The situation of the city of Paguinfou.  access, being seated upon a plain, the which was environed round about with mountains, one of them only approaching the city, which overlooked it on front upon the North side, where was a valley by the which they passed, and there did run a river: on this side was the suburb situated which had been taken, so as the means to secure the City was stopped, our soldiers keeping the passages of these Mountains, the which were in the old time the borders of the kingdom: for Paguinfou was once governed by the Tartarians, which kept it for a defence against the Chinois, but had lost the same, and these mountains were the limits of China against the foresaid Tartarians, who governed Paguinfou at that time, so as these mountains were of hard access, and there remained no other way but on the side of the suburb, the which a river compasseth about, running all along the side of a bordering mountain, upon the which we caused many bridges to be built, for to have thereby a way for to secure our soldiers, which kept the passages of the mountains on the enemy's side: so as it could not be but hardly succoured, or else by a battle the which the Prince did earnestly desire, as all conquerors should do. I will declare also that during this time Odmar, Calibes and the Prince of Thanais were commanded often by the Prince to make war, as well for to hear certain news of the enemy, as also for to maintain his horsemen, and to keep the place the which he had chosen as the field for the battle, to the end that he might live there with his horsemen. He gave also commandment unto his men to gather together great store of victuals, so as they sacked many small towns, out of the which they brought a great quantity. In this mean time the king of china's army approached (even like fair weather) the which was very great, as they brought us word daily, the Prince determining to go in person & meet with the enemy, accompanied with his principal horsemen, and to leave the greatest part of his footmen at the siege, whereunto he had a great desire, omitting nothing that might weary the besieged, who defended themselves courageously. So the Prince began to batter, causing 
The siege of Paguinfou.  his engines to approach, as rams and other munitions, the which he had made for to come near unto the walls, to the end they might come to hand-blows with the enemies: insomuch as the City was assaulted on two sides very courageously. They within began to be more afeard than before, there being set up for the safeguard of the munitions, and of a wall which was fallen down, a Cavalier raised up very high within an arrowshot, which did greatly annoy them, so as they were constrained to forsake the wall in the day, and this caused them to begin a trench for to cover themselves, the which was 22. foot in height, and as much in depth, and fifty foot in breadth; the which being declared unto our men, they determined to try their fortunes, and to give them an assault before they had ended the same, or at the least to win the wall, & lodge there at the instant. So the Prince sent for Axalla, who was in his own quarter, this affair depending upon his charge, and having by his industry ordered in a manner all the siege, and having acquainted him with his pleasure, commanded him to execute it. The next day putting his men in order they assaulted the wall, the which was valiantly defended: but in the end through the valour of Axalla who gave an assault with 20000. of his best soldiers, he won the wall, & lodged there, the Prince having so commanded him to do, to stop the heat of the soldiers from going any further. Now the Prince's purpose was to compound for the city, & not to force it, for two reasons. The first was, for that he feared, the city being great and rich, that when the soldiers should sack it, the enemy who was but thirty leagues from thence, should come upon them, and by this means his army should be found in disorder, also rich soldiers never serve well: The other was, for that he would draw out of that city which was rich and wealthy, those commodities which were necessary for the sure accomplishing of his enterprise, seeing it was necessary to have such a city for to make a storehouse of necessary things for the army. Thus although the wall was won, the enemies wanted not courage yet to defend themselves valiantly, looking for aid according to the news they had received, that the king's army marched forward. Whilst these things were in doing, one of our engines shooting a bullet, and having overthrown a piece of Anuber, the same did hurt the Governor, who at the end of three or four hours yielded up the ghost, the which caused the soldiers to change their resolution, there being none which made them obstinate but he, so as they determined before the Prince should be advertised of the loss of their head, & especially of the great slaughter of men which they had lost in the fight of the wall, all of them with one consent 
The city of Paguinfou yielded unto Tamerlan upon the death of their Governor  did resolve for to yield themselves unto the Prince's mercy, saving their lives, and the soldiers enjoying their horse and weapons. Now I have forgotten to declare how this assault had already endured the space of eight days; such delay did greatly vex the Prince, and on the other side, the king of China made no great haste, but at such time as he understood of the Governor his death, doubting of that which happened. The Prince then who was advertised that the enemies army marched unto a battle, was very glad of these news, the which Axalla, who was advanced upon the walls, had declared unto him, and brought the Ambassadors unto the Prince, who received them very courteously, assuring them on the one side of his gentleness, and on the other of the power he had to punish their disobedience. The conditions were agreed upon, and there came out of the city eighteen thousand soldiers, the inhabitants remaining in a manner all: there were therein thirty thousand soldiers at the beginning: the siege continued two months. Now the king of China in his marching received news of the yielding up thereof: he caused the Lieutenant of the late Governor to be punished, and many of the Captains, but pardoned the soldiers: he stayed in that place attending for our marching forward, which could not be before eight days after he had taken order about this new conquest, the which was necessary for him to settle before he proceeded any further. Our Prince caused a muster to be made of his soldiers having increased their pays, and contented every one according to his deserts. 
Reward for deserts.  The honour of taking the city and the happy success therein was attributed unto Axalla, to whom was given the government of the city with the country already conquered. But he beseeched the Prince that it would please him to bestow it upon some other, and for himself he reserved the hope of his master, wherein he should have part. This answer did greatly content the Prince, for he greatly desired the service of Axalla, for that he was a Captain, who besides his valour, had great practice in the knowledge of Arms, and full of invention, but principally at such time as 
Axalla skilful in besieging of Cities.  the question was for the besieging of any place. The Prince offering it unto him rather to acknowledge his service done unto him, then for any desire he had to employ him in any other place then about his person. Upon his refusal this charge was bestowed upon the Prince of Thanais, with the title of Viceroy. Now as I have already told you, our Prince after he had given such order as was necessary, and advertised his friends in all parts, and above all the Emperor, he marched forward, having contented his soldiers, and made a general muster of his Army, as well of the horse as footmen, the which he found to be diminished of ten thousand men only. Now our Prince after he had solemnly called upon the immortal, 
Tamerlan his godliness.  invincible, and incomprehensible God, and spent one whole day in prayer, we enterprised to go on forward, and to go directly unto the enemy, who was at Sintehu, with all his own forces, and of all his Allies. As soon as he received news that our Army was passed over the river of Chulifu, it is reported that barbarously he caused to be published throughout all his Camp, that every one should prepare himself unto the Battle, for that he was determined to stay no longer for the enemy within his own country, because he could not endure to see his subjects spoiled any longer. But certainly he made it manifestly appear, how his mischief and evil fortune followed him too near, even at the very heels: for if that he had drawn out the war in length, he had gotten a great advantage of us, having many strong Cities, the which we must needs have assaulted, and had been sufficient to overthrow us utterly, and after he might have had a good bargain of us. For the wisdom of our Prince would not endure to leave any thing behind him which might hinder us from victuals: for great Armies cannot otherwise be maintained. Our Prince was wont to say unto his famiars (for he never boasted himself, and at such time as fortune was most favourable unto him, than had he most doubt) that if the king of China were so evil advised as to offer him battle, he should commit a folly whereof he would repent him, being well assured that he had brave Captains, and soldiers well experienced in the wars, who knew well what belonged unto battles. Now the king of China marched directly unto us with great magnificence: there 
The king of China his magnificence.  was nothing to be seen but gold and precious stones in his Army: he himself was commonly in a chariot, wherein there was such a quantity of gold and rich stones, that every part was full of Diamonds, Rubies, and Pearls. The king of China was of the age of three and thirty years, who for the most part had been brought up in pleasures, and not in military exercises, nor under the bloody ensign of Mars, loaden with iron, boisterous and furious, not with gold, precious stones, and with such kind ofriches: so as he was very insolent in threatenings, bravadoes, and in defying unto the battle. He often said that we had surprised him, and had not warned him to prepare himself, and that we had strooken him without speaking 
The customis of the Chin●i●.  any word: for this is the custom of the people in those parts, to do in this manner. He had two or three kings also with him, his neighbours and Allies, who marched with the same preparation. The rumour of these riches gave great courage to the soldiers, for they were covetous of just gain, as is that gotten by a battle. So both our armies went forward each to approach the other, & there was a city yielded unto the Prince called Tunichevoy, the which helped our Army greatly, so as the Prince having well marked the situation of the Camp, found it to be much for his advantage, and the waters and pastures in great abundance, in so much as we determined abiding in that place to behold the enemy's countenance, who if he were so rash as to set upon him at all adventure, this place seemed unto him very convenient to teach him a new lesson in. The next day to the end we might give occasion unto the enemy for to approach nearer, we sent to summon, and at the same time to take possession of the city of Pannihu, the which in advancing forward we left a little behind us. The king of China had put many men thereinto, and it was a city sufficiently well fortified: from Tiauchevoy to Paguinuhu there were ten leagues. It vexed the Prince greatly, that in returning directly unto Pannihu he should turn his back unto the enemy. This was the occasion he went to content himself with this investing only, for two reasons; the one to cause the enemy the sooner to approach: the other for 
The proceeding of Tamerlans army towards the enemy.  to hinder the incursions which the might make: but it fell out much otherwise, for this matter was no sooner put in deliberation, but that Odmar who had been at the war brought certain news that the enemy's Army was within a days journey of us, and that the battle in his opinion would be the next day. The Prince forthwith dispatched one unto Calibes, who was gone thither with 10000 horse, that he should come unto him, and in the mean time made provision of all things necessary wherewith he might prevail for obtaining of the victory. So he advanced his Army within a league of the city Tiauchevoy, about noon the next day they had more certain advertisement of the enemies coming. The Prince who had as merry a countenance as might be, after he had commanded his Army to take the place for the Battle, which he had chosen in his judgement with most advantage, and having set down unto Odmar the order he would have to be observed, he desired to see the coming of this Army: so sending before him five or six thousand horse as scouts, he advanced forward, and Calibes with him. Now there were two causes wherefore he marched the foremost; the one was, for that he would judge of his enemy's countenance; the other, he hoped to draw him to fight in his place of battle the which he had chosen, and to deal in such sort as the enemy might be the assailant. So after he had seen this great confused Army which continually came forward, he commanded Calibes to retire himself as soon as they drew near unto him, and bring unto him this great cloud, the which he hoped soon to disperse. So the Prince returned back unto his men for to assure them of the battle: he caused all his footmen to be placed all along by a great mountain, so as they had but one head for to doubt. And he planted great store of Artillery for the guard of his footmen. I am of opinion, that the Prince had about six score 
The order of the Prince's battle against the king of China.  thousand footmen, whereof many w●●● armed after the Christian manner, and all they were commanded by sundry Captains; but all obeyed Axalla, who commanded them as General. Our horsemen were in battle array in a great level plain, having the footmen on the left hand, and on the right was the coming of the enemy, so as upon the least disfavour that might happen, he would retire to be assisted by his footmen. We had fourscore thousand horse: Calibes with the Scythians were in the avantguard, and had the commandment of thirty thousand horse, who should receive him at such time as he did draw on the enemy, as he was commanded. It was divided into three troops, each one consisting of 10000 Odmar had also 30000. horse who should assist him. The Prince remained in the Arierward at the one of the wings of his footmen, which held one of his principal forces, his purpose was to suffer the threescore and six thousand horse to maintain the fight against the Barbarians, being led by two good Captains, and if any of them remained the Emperor hoped after of them to have a good market, by causing his footmen to march forward, and himself with whom there abode twenty thousand of the best horse, which were sufficient without hazarding his person for to give a new battle, if so be that any disfavour should happen unto them: for he had understood that this was the custom of the kings of China, to enclose themselves within the midst of their chariots with their footmen, and not to hazard themselves but upon the extremity: so the enemy failed nothing at all to march directly unto Calibes, and all the Army marched after following of him and setting upon him, and he even as the Scythians are always accustomed to do, with his 6000. horse in retiring gave many charges, killing some of them, and they likewise killing some of his men. It was a beautiful sight to see this great Army march, for it seemed to be twice as great as ours, therein being an infinite number of armed chariots, wherein he put his 
The beauty & richness of the king of Cl●●●● Army.  principal trust against the fury of our soldiers; so many gildings of gold and silver as well in the trappings of their horses, as on their armour, that it glittered, and was of us all much admired. The Prince who with a troop of horse did see the Army march after Calibes, commended greatly the manner of casting their men out of the ranks, for to compel this troop unto fight, & did see this Army come in good order, & he tried with his eye to note the place where the king's person was, having near him the Chinois Lord to instruct him, who knew well their manner of fight. Now they had neither avant-guard nor battle, but only an Arierward commanded by the king, and enclosed (as I have said) with his chariots: the which being showed unto him by this Lord, the Prince turned himself unto 
Tamerlan his speech of the king of China.  us, and in our language said: Yet must we this day disperse this cloud here so gilded, & the king of China and myself must make a partition thereof. Now having seen the enemy sufficiently advanced, & judging that he had had seen them march a good league, he thought it not convenient to suffer them for to take breath, nor for to put themselves again into their order; he sent unto Calibes for to will him to set forward the fight, and that if those whom he had led with him should be weary, they should come unto him; but it was not in Calibes power to have this commandment over them. For as soon as they heard this word of fight uttered, they required the first charge, with a young Lord, who commanded over them called Zioctabanes, who made appear unto the Chinois to what end their flight was, charging very stiffly upon the foremost of the enemies, the which was an occasion to to begin the first fight. And I assure you there could not be seen a more furious thing, nor any for to fight with more desire to manifest the valour of his nation, & for to procure honour unto his Prince. Now this endured a long hour before the Chinois had overthrown Calibes. The Prince did see all patiently, saying always, that the great multitude how confused so ever it were, would carry it away from the order and valour of his 
The battle between the king of China and Tamerlan  soldiers: you could not yet perceive any alteration in the Prince's countenance, adversity and prosperity were so indifferent unto him. Now his thirty thousand horse were all Scythians, who observe not the same order the Parthians do. Now before the Prince retired with his men, he did see the first charge given. Calibes being wounded, retired himself near unto the Prince, having with him two thousand horse joined together again, and many more joining themselves together near unto the Prince, who commanded that they should cure Calibes, viewing the place of his wound, he caused him to be conducted behind his footmen, and the other which were hurt with him also. Now Calibes was not able to pierce through this Army, being beaten back; but Odmar with almost all the Parthian horsemen did handle them more roughly, for he ran clean through them, and returned by one of the right wings of the Army, where he fought most valiantly, and having beaten them back even within the king's chariots, he thought that he should not do wisely to go about to break such forces. The King of China coming forward, and the horsemen which had been broken by Odmar joining themselves together for his aid, Odmar only remaining in the Battle sent unto the Prince for the footmen, and for to set forward the artillery, and that he should assure himself of the victory. The Prince who had already set forward, kept aloof off, and sent unto him fifty thousand footmen, with a part of the artillery, giving charge thereof unto Axalla, who forthwith set forward, having commandment to set upon the chariots, and to make an entrance: he set forward the artillery before him, the which did greatly astonish the enemies: for the governors of the horses belonging to the kings chariots could not hold them; it made also a great spoil. As soon as he perceived this disorder, he set forward, and came to hand-blows; there were a hundred & fifty thousand men as yet about the king's person. Axalla full of courage fought so valiantly, that they never beheld any do more bravely. Odmar during this fight charged again the horsemen who were retired unto the king's aid, whom he put to flight. Then the Prince advanced forward with the rest of his footmen, gave aid unto Axalla, and came even unto the person of the king of China, who was as yet enclosed within a second rank of Chariots with thirty or forty thousand men: and after he had fought two or three hours, the horsemen assisting the footmen, and they principally whom the Prince had reserved, the king remained wounded within the power of 
The king of China wounded and taken prisoner.  the Prince, the battle being won, and all the enemy's Camp forced; the fight endured eight hours, and it was even night which saved the lives of many of the enemies. There were slain two kings the Allies of the 
Tamerlans victory over the king of China.  king of China, and one taken prisoner: there was inestimable riches gotten, as well in golden vessel as precious stones, and the most rich and fair chariots that could be seen. The Prince would not see the captived king until the next day, being mounted on horseback, and passing through the Camp of the battle for to stay the slaughter, and to join together again his men, to the end the accustomed watch might be kept, whereof he gave the charge unto Axalla; to 
The custody of the king of China delivered unto Axalla.  whom he gave likewise commandment to keep the king of China within the midst of his soldiers, having been already dressed of a wound he had received in his right arm. It was a strange thing to behold the enemy's weapons, and the diversity of streamers wherewith they were decked, the which seemed unto us a far off as beautiful, as the diversity of colours plentiful. But to say the truth, the multitude was great which this king had, notwithstanding there was much difference between their valour and ours: and it is reported, that he had ranged in battle this very day three hundred and fifty thousand men, whereof there were an hundred and fifty thousand horsemen, the rest on foot: the greatest part of them were rude and barbarous people, which suffered themselves to be slain one upon another, not marking their advantage, nor having any warlike knowledge, as our men have: 
A great slaugh▪ ter of the Chinois. Tamerlan thankful unto God for his victory.  there were slain of the enemies some threescore thousand. Now the next day after the burial of the dead, the Prince having given thanks unto God for his victory, caused the wounded to be cured, and amongst the others Calibes, who by reason of the untemperateness of the air, rather than by the blow of the wound 
Calibes wounded.  he had received, found himself very ill, yet would he not omit his duty, to command always his avant-gard, the which was a great pleasure unto the Prince, for he alone had commandment over the emperors forces, being a Scythian, and greatly beloved of his nation. The Prince dispatched away thirty thousand horse in the pursuit of one of the king of china's brothers, who was fled away, having joined together again some twelve or fifteen thousand horse. The Prince sent to summon Pannihu, the which did yield itself unto him: whereupon our Army approached near unto it, for to advance ourselves the further into the country. Now I forget to declare how the Prince having the next day caused his tents to be pitched most stately, and his guards ordered according to his greatness, the principal of his Army being also near his person, for all the night he had remained continually on horseback, until about two of the clock, when as they brought him a tart and his water, for he never drank wine, and lay down upon a carpet, where he passed the rest of the the night, I was near unto him and never left him: but I never heard any vaunting or boasting to proceed out of his mouth, but much bewailed the folly of this king, which would not deliver up that belonged unto him, and said unto Odmar, who was near 
Tamerlan his speech unto Odmar of the goodness of God.  unto him, that his God had led him by the hand, and had given unto him a great victory, without the loss of any of his servants, at the least of them which were of mark: that he could not but lament for all those whom he had lost, accounting them notwithstanding most happy and blessed, dying in the service of their king, against such cruel and barbarous people. So then he sent a commandment unto Axalla, for to bring unto him the imprisoned king: who being come, 
The coming of the king of China prisoner unto the Emperor Tamerlan  the Emperor issued out of his tents, and went to receive him. This king of China came with a very proud and haughty countenance, and like a courageous man, approaching near unto the Emperor, he demanded of Axalla by an interpreter, which was the Emperor, and being showed him, he spoke fiercely unto him after this manner: The gods whom I worship, being provoked against my nation & people, and conspired against my good fortune, have made me at this day thy prisoner: but for as much as it is reported over all the world, that Tamerlan maketh war for the honour of his nation: thou shouldest be contented that thou hast won it this glory, that the Lord of the world, the child of the Sun, is in thy power, to receive such law as it shall please thee to prescribe him. This he said in a brave manner, and without any other humbling of himself. The Emperor on the other side having saluted him very courteously, led him into his tent, & willed his interpreter to say unto him; that every diviniyt feigned or true, which 
Tamerlan his princely entertainment and godly speech uttered unto the prisoner King of China.  any do worship and reverence, that certainly an evil matter is always disagreeable unto them, and that he yielded willingly unto the immortal, invincible, and incomprehensible God (whom he worshipped) this honour, to attribute unto him this victory obtained, even as he did the cause of his evil fortune unto his false gods whom he worshipped; that he might assure himself to find all gentleness and good entertainment at his hands. So having made a sign that he allowed of that the Prince said, with thanks unto him, the Prince remained a certain space after without speaking, having placed him near unto himself, not contenting himself in beholding this Prince's behaviour. He caused his interpreter to demand of him, what he did think of the fashion observed by his people in fight. He answered, that he accounted the victory most assured, when as he did see so few men come against him, in comparison of the great Army that he had; but that the gods had otherwise disposed thereof. When he asked whether his brother were a prisoner or slain: he was demanded whether he fought near unto him. He answered, that he commanded over his horsemen, and that he wor● the same royal garments that he himself did. They told him, that he was taken. Whereupon he fetched a great sigh, and being demanded wherefore he was sorry that his brother should be with him and run the same fortune: he answered that all his hope of comforting himself in this mishap was placed in his brother, and all the good hap also of the Chinois name, therefore he greatly lamented him, commending much the courage of his brother. Now the Prince knew of certain that he was escaped away, and therefore (as I have said) was Odmar gone to hinder his reuniting together. I ha●e forgotten to declare how the riches which were gotten were innumerable: for the meanest amongst them had much gold about him, & upon the trappings of their horse. The Lords had such store of precious stones, as of nothing more. They did bring all the prisoners before the Prince, and when the two Allies of the king of China did come, the king rose up and did them great reverence. Then the Prince demanded of him by an interpreter, who they were. He answered him, that they were his Allies, and that he lamented more their fortune than his own, and that he would die with them. Now this barbarous king 
The cruel custom of the Chinois.  thought the matter should be handled after their manner, when as they put to death their prisoners, and feed of meat made of them, as some of those countries are accustomed to do. Now the Prince having received them courteously, did assure them of good entertainment: for the which the king of China did show himself greatly contented. The one of them was the king of Chiampa, the other of ●anchuichina, undervassals and tributories to the king of China. Now 
A description of the king of China.  he was of the age of thirty years; he had a long visage, his eyes black and great, his beard long, the which he stroked often, his nose was of a reasonable bigness, having a grave behaviour, and well beseeming a great king. These prisoner-kings did as it were worship in saluting of him, and he keeping his gravity, only commanded them to rise from the ground. He is surely a great Prince, and which hath had two hundred famous Cities within his kingdom. There be many mines of gold and silver, much musk, and 
A d●scription of China.  also of an herb which the Christians call Rhubarb. There be in like manner within the kingdom of China fifteen very large Provinces, the which have Governors. It is reported that he hath threesore and ten kings wearing crowns, tributaries unto him. We call this region China, the which they in their language name Tamé, and the people Tangis, the which we call Chinois. This kingdom doth abound in fish, and in great numbers of wilde-foule, by reason of the great abundance of running waters which do overflow the country, the which is reasonable temperate: they abound greatly in silks, and the meanest are appareled therewith, having small quantity of will, and not using the same: they have much cotton and linen in steed thereof. The men do wear their hair long, the women comb them: they have as many wives as they are able to maintain. Next unto the king, there is a Governor general whom they call Tutan, the which was the brother unto the imprisoned king. This is the cause wherefore he must not forsake the country: but he requested his brother to accompany him unto this Battle, where they thought assuredly to overcome, and was so wilful, that he did appoint a Lord in his place, upon whom the king of China did not rely so much as upon his brother: in so much as this made him sad, considering the folly which he had committed, in suffering him to come with him, and to be both of them at one battle. Now for to return unto the king of China: the Prince having assembled his counsel, to the end he might be advised how he should use his prisoners and the rest of the victory: he received news by Odmar, how that the king's brother was arrived at Quantou, the which he had fortified, and that great store of forces did join themselves unto him. This was the cause that the Prince having somewhat rested his forces, commanded two thousand Parthian horse to convey the prisoners unto Paguinfou, and from thence after they had made abode there, to pass over the mountains, and to remain at ●urda (a City of old time faithful unto the Emperors of Scythia) and there to keep them faithfully. This charge was given unto Malaxen Lieutenant general in the charge of Axalla. Then the Prince made dispatches unto the Emperor, and to his Lieutenant over the Parthians, and made them partakers of this great and happy victory, wherein had been slain so many thousands of the enemies, and he had lost so few of his own. I return unto the deliberation which the Prince took (after that he had discharged himself of much carriages, the which he had sent with the king of China,) before he would go any further forward. Now he had also sent to hasten the forty thousand footmen which should come from Sachetay, and thirty thousand Scythian horse, making his account that they should have come unto him, before the forces of the king of China could oppose themselves against him. So the purpose and resolution of the Prince was, that it behoved to assault Quantou, and to shut up, if it were possible, the kings brother within the same, being 
The proceed of the Emperor's Army after the victory, & his resolution in the same.  one of the principal seats belonging unto the king of China, and a city greatly peopled and strong: it was forty leagues from the place where the battle was fought. But Odmar being advanced thither, would not retire before he had express commandment from the Prince, who having sent thither, pitched his tents round about the said City: having summoned many small cities, the which yielded themselves wholly unto the Prince's mercy, making great lamentation for their king taken, and for the estate of their affairs, the abasement being very great throughout all the kingdom, for all the diligence the king of china's brother could use for the quieting of their astonished minds, and to exhort every one to take new courage. Notwithstanding the gentleness used by the Conqueror made them to take all their losses with patience: and because it was also reported, that he had used the king most friendly, and all the prisoners: for the Prince cause his clemency to be published unto all that would vouchsafe to cast themselves into his arms, as he would also show his sharpness unto all those which disobeyed him, and would withstand his commandements. For it was the Prince's custom to pardon the humble, and to punish the proud throughlie, knowing that reward and punishment are the things which do greatly increase estates. 
● Maxim.  And Princes must learn this as a general rule, that whensoever they use those which are rebels unto them, as those that are obedient, they shall receive hurt thereby, because every one will take liberty of ill doing, seeing that the one and the other are equally weighed and regarded by the Prince, who ought to be a just judge and moderator of every ones deserts. Now our Prince had beside another maxim, 
Tamerlan straightly observed his promise, and kept his word truly.  that is, he straightly kept that which he promised, although his estate depended thereupon, if his word were once passed. And you must believe, that none of his servants durst be so bold, as to make request and speak to the contrary, so as this same being spread amongst the barbarous people, they were assured when they had once his word: now you must know that this is of no small importance unto a victorious Prince, to make his victory perfect. But to return unto my purpose, our Prince having caused prayers to be celebrated, and yielded thanks unto God for his victory, as his custom was, he caused money to be distributed unto the Captains for the cure of them which were wounded. He went directly unto Quantou, having given commandment unto Odmar to go even beyond Quantou, to the end that the king's brother should not put any greater forces thereinto; and if it fell out so, he should not fail to fight with them and hinder them from the same, for his purpose was to besiege it. I will not forget to declare 
Ambassadors sent from the king's brother of China, unto Tamerlan to visit the king.  how the king's brother had sent Ambassadors to obtain leave for to know of the king's health, and for to see him, the which the Prince did willingly suffer, to the end this other should not declare himself king, who would have brought him more trouble than the other. He attended for the event of Quantou, and had his eye upon the success of this siege. Now the king's brother having received news of the affairs of the besieged, he determined (having received aid from some of his confederates, and also as soon as he had joined together his forces) either to secure it, or to fight a battle, and came strait unto Porchio, hoping he might make a bridge of boats whereof there be great store in these same countries. The Prince understanding this, caused a trench to be made at the end of the bridge, for to keep it against the enemies: there did he place three or four thousand men, to the end the bridge might always be at his commandment, and as he did perceive the enemy approach, he showed himself in battle ray all along the river. This pastime continued ten or twelve days, until such time as the king's brother having caused a great number of boats to be gathered together, had made a bridge in a very narrow place of the river: whereof the Prince being advertised, he made no show he knew it, keeping himself within his Camp, from whence the said place was some ten leagues from us, called Cambin. Then our scouts brought us word that the bridge was made, presently thereupon the Prince commanded Odmar to mount on horseback with fifteen thousand horsemen, and that he should suddenly set upon all those that were passed over, and sent all his footmen after him; we set forward all our horsemen after, the which the Emperor himself did conduct, having left a sufficient strength within Rochio. The Prince having considered the time of the diligence the which the king's brother might use in passing over his army, together with the advertisement which he had received, made him accordingly advance his army, so as we departing at midnight came thither by noon, and Odmar half an hour before us, in so much as he having marked that there were no more of them passed over then he was appointed to charge, he stayed in hope that half of them would pass over, and also he looked for the Prince, who did set forward, being behind the mountains, which were within a league of that place, causing some to descry from hour to hour what the enemy did. Now being informed that the half part were passed, the which was fifty thousand men good, he advertised the Prince thereof, and went himself unto the fight, and finding them in very ill order, and nothing at all advertised 
Odmar set upon the king's brother at the passing of ariver, and slew fifty thousand of his men.  of the enemy's dearness, he gave the charge, and utterly overthrew them; there remained dead upon the ground some fifty thousand men, but it was not without great fight, strengthened with the favour of the water, and a great Marish wherein they were encamped. Notwithstanding our footmen having won the bank of the river, began also to win the boats and to sever them by the means of a great boat the which we with diligence caused to run down being full of artificial fire, so as at the same 
A stratagem.  very time that they which were within the boat did draw near, they retired out of the same, having first kindled the fire within the boat, the which with a great force rushed against the bridge of boats and overthrew it, and where it was resisted did burn. This did greatly astonish them that were passed, to see their return cut off. The king's brother was not yet passed unto the other side of the water, and he which first had gone over was the king of Cauchina, who was slain at 
The king of Cauchina slaire  the first charge fight very valiantly, in the forefront. The king's brother did see his men slain and drowned, & could not remedy the same. This second overthrow was of no small importance, although it was but the third part of the king's brother's army, and that there remained unto him as yet a hundred thousand fight men: but there was no great hope that he durst present himself before our army. The news hereof being reported at Quantioufou, the Prince was of opinion that one should carry thither the king of Cauchinas head, for he was one of the king's greatest vassals, thereby to assure them of the victory, and that they should not hope for any succour. On the other side, they did see Axalla who pressed them very near, and what endeavour soever they made, yet did they mark that daily they lost their honour, and that by little and little they approached nearer unto than, in such sort that these 15. days they had been continually at hand-blows with our men. In the end they gave knowledge unto Axalla, that they desired to make trial of the emperors clemency. Answer was made unto them, that they had better occasion to trust unto the Prince's mercy at this present, then unto their own forces: and having by interpreters long time discoursed with Axalla, they demanded eight days respite, wherein they might advertise the king's brother of the estate of their affairs: and that if they were not succoured within fifteen days, they promised to yield themselves, so as it would please the Prince, to keep them in the same fidelity that the kings of China had kept and maintained them. Axalla made answer, that he had charge from the Prince to receive them upon composition, and to make them prove all gentleness as soon as they had yielded unto his mercy: but for preventing of so long delay, for that the Prince was in person within the country, he would ●end and impart this unto him, and beseech him for the same: and attending therefore, they should in the mean time deliver hostages for this purpose, and that from this time forward he did grant them truce, until the Prince had signified therein his pleasure. Thereupon Axalla dispatched one of his faithful friends of his country unto the Prince, to carry unto him these good news: the which was more welcome unto the Prince, than the overthrow he had given unto the enemy, and agreed unto all that Axalla demanded, referring all unto his sufficiency and fidelity, and relying thereupon he would mark what the king's brother meant to do. After this last disgrace he was determined, if the enemy did not retire, to pass over the river, and to pursue him even unto the sea coasts. Three or four days being spent the Prince took advise for to pass over the river with his horsemen, but not to advance any further than 3. or 4. leagues beyond the water: only he meant to hinder the king's brother from attaining unto the rivers ford, having received advertisement that he would pass over for to succour Quantoufou. As soon as the enemy understood news of the passing over of our army, it did greatly astonish him, & thereupon retired ten great leagues from us, bending towards the sea side into a hilly country, and uneasy for our horsemen, where he thought to find place of security for his army, and where the same might be entrenched within the mountains. And there at leisure he took advise of the greatest about him, to determine what offers they might make unto the Emperor, as well for the king's ransom, as also for to assure that which yet remained, & for to make a peace, the which must needs be had, were it by gold or silver, seeing that blood could do no good therein, which had not been spared: that there was no more to be done, and that the gods were offended. Therefore it behoved with them to acknowledge Tamerlan, they for to favour him, and we to serve him: and having sent to demand safety for to 〈◊〉, the Prince granted so much unto them, for such 
The city of Quantoufou yielded into the ha●●s of Axalla, who besieged the same.  as would come unto him. In this mean time Quantoufou yielded itself into the hands of Axalla, who caused the garrison to come out of the same, received the inhabitants into the Prince's protection, and they which would might remain therein unarmed: and he entered 
Axalla his entrance into Quantoufou with great magnificence.  thereinto with the joy of all the inhabitants, who did determine to receive the Emperor into the same with all the magnificence that might be. He caused 30000. men of war to enter thereinto unto whom was money delivered for to maintain them there, until such time as all the footmen should receive pay for 3. months due unto them, whereof the inhabitants of Quantoufou did furnish the Prince, to the sum of eight hundred thousand Tentins, the which do amount unto four hundred and fifty thousand crowns or thereabout. The Prince at this present sent me unto Axalla, whom I found feasting of his Captains and soldiers, staying for the commandment that I brought unto him, the which was to remain within Quantoufou, and to cause all his footmen to set forward directly unto him, the which was done by the Prince, to the end it should strike a greater terror into the minds of the enemies, who seeing all his footmen arrived, he supposed they would nothing doubt (Quantoufou being taken) but that he would march forward, insomuch as he hoped this would greatly advance his affairs, considering the estate they were in▪ I returned from Quantoufou unto the Emperor, having seen a beautiful and great City, well fortified, and wonderfully peopled, and round about it there was a fruitful country. Our army had been two months and a half before it, and I think we should have continued there one months longer: for therein was no want of any thing but of men, because many of them had been slain since the siege began. This was the cause wherefore the Prince's brother would have conducted some thither, & was the occasion that made him advance forward. Many of our men were also dead by reason of the intemperateness of the air, and the heat of summer the which we had passed, wherewith our men had not been accustomed: so as those soldiers which we looked for were necessary for us to advance forward, if we purposed to attempt any other thing. Axalla who remained therein, employed all the pains he possibly could, to repair the walls, and to win the inhabitants good will unto the Prince: for not one of them was departed with the Governor for to serve the king of China, he leading with him out of the city, but thirteen thousand, of thirty thousand soldiers, some being dead, the other remaining with the inhabitants unarmed, for to receive the law of the conqueror. It was a thing very worthy the noting of their new Lord, who was to command them, to mark so great lightness and inconstancy in forgetting so soon him which had maintained them, he and his ancestors by the space of two hundred years with great patience and quiet, and preserved their wealth in great prosperity. This is the cause that they which govern commonwealths ought to think, that the people's good will is certainly to be esteemed: but withal, they must not too much trust thereunto. This was the cause that Axalla marked that, saying that he was troubled to devise how this great multitude might be contained in their fidelity, if we should receive any disfavour, and commanded me to speak unto the Prince, for to treat before his Army were any more decayed, and after that it was very necessary his wisdom should consider how to assure this city in his absence, the which was so peopled, and the people thereof being so light and inconstant. Now as I have said, there was almost a year spent since we began this enterprise, and our men were greatly diminished: the fall of the leaf also drawing near, the which for the most part doth yield evil fruit unto armies after their travels, by the changing of humours, the which engender sickness. And this appeared already within our army, which caused the Prince to consider of many things; and not without cause, he doubted also some change within his own country, the which long absences do often cause, the honour being no less in preserving of that already gotten, then in conquering of the same. Our Prince also did never refuse honourable conditions, the which he did more esteem being obtained by peace then war. He thought that his conquest consisting of almost half the kingdom, and in making the king tributary for the rest, he should have sufficient wherewith to bridle him, if at any time he should deal badly, and would thereof be well advised: and especially he hoped to assure the same so well, as their lightness should be thoroughly punished, at what time soever they would use it. He did think it convenient if they came unto profitable conditions for his advantage, even as the conquered do yield unto the conquerors, for to resolve himself to border his conquests on this side. Thus the Ambassadors being arrived, who were of the king's chiefest vassals, Tamerlan received them with all humanity, causing his greatness to appear unto them, and therewithal the agility of his horsemen, to make them see with their eyes, that it would be the destruction of the Chinois name if he proceeded 
An Embassage from the king of china's brother unto Tamerlan, to treat for peace & the king's deliverance.  any further. So having saluted the Emperor with all reverence, they uttered their Embassage unto him, which was that the king's brother had sent them unto him to treat for two causes: the one, was for the liberty of their king, the other, for preservation of their country; that he had understood of his accustomed humanity; that themselves would make trial thereof, rather than to accuse the Gods of their ingratitude towards the Chinois, repenting themselves that they did not satisfy our just demands at the first coming of our army; that they would pay for it, the which was reasonable, and therefore, they came to receive the law of him, seeing he was the conqueror, and that nothing they should opposse against him, could cut off his good hap, they must needs be one of his limits unto posterity. The Prince having heard them, the same being declared unto him by Interpreters, he answered them, that they had reason to trust unto his mildness, because that was always 
The answer of Tamerlan unto the Ambassadors.  more for the benefit of them that would try it, than were his arms, and that the same was before any force offered unto them, the use of the one being more agreeable unto him, than the other; but the ends of the wars, were for the most part enterprises for to come unto peace, and to make those understand reason, that refused the same: but seeing at this present, they desired it, he would yield thereunto. And this was the first word of courtesy he would pronounce at their first coming: it belonged now unto them to offer the conditions wherewith he would acquaint his counsel. Thereupon the Prince rose up, & caused to be said unto them, that they should deliver their offers in writing, & that present answer should be made thereunto. Thus went they out of the Prince's presence with great joy, and as it were assured of peace, and to recover their former prosperities. The conditions which they offered were, to leave Paguinfou & all the country beyond it, with all the fortresses of the mountains; that they would pay all the charges of his army, since the day of answer made unto his Ambassadors; that they would give two millions of gold, for their king. This being presented unto the Lord, he made answer thereunto, 
Conditions agreed upon between Tamerlan & the Chinois.  which was; that he would keep that which he had conquered within the country, the which was his own justly, seeing his arms had given it unto him; that he would have the river where he was now encamped to be his frontier, stretched unto Hochioy, Tahaucezug, Cauchio, Lulun, even unto Poschio bordering upon the sea; that the king of China should pay unto him yearly three hundred thousand crowns, the which should be delivered at Paguinfou, for acknowledgement of submission unto the Empire, as well for his successors as himself; that they should pay five hundred thousand crowns in ready money for the charge of the army; that the king of China should be delivered, and all the Chinois prisoners should pay ransom unto particular men that took them, except those which carried the name of kings, who should pay one hundred thousand crowns for peace with his arms; that no Chinois should be kept as slave, nor sold for such hereafter, being under the Prince's obedience, that traffic and intercourse of Merchants should be free between both the nations; that the king of China should deliver his brother as prisoner, and two kings named, with twelve principal men of the country for assurance, who should come yearly with money for assurance of the peace. Behold the Emperor's answer & his resolution; but alas the arms of the Chinois, and their forces, were so weakened, that they were yet glad to hear that they should be suffered to enjoy that which yet remained, they accounted all things so certain by lost, considering the ill haps which on every side did overwhelm them: their best men were dead, and they which remained astonished. The flower of their best men of war, with their king taken, two battles lost, and the two principal Citis of the kingdom taken, and the hardest passages won: so as they did see nothing but a certain destruction of the conntry, if they came again unto the trial of arms. The king whose captivity did greatly concern them, could not be recovered but by peace, they were also advertised, that great store of new forces marched forward to refresh our army, so as they did expect nothing but their certain destruction. Therefore they accepted of such conditions of peace as pleased the conqueror, hoping that time would bring again unto them their ancient liberty, and that for a time it behoved them to bear with patience the yoke of their bondage. Now the Prince had sent two thousand horse, to fetch the king of China, to the end that being at liberty, he might swear to the peace solemnly, the which he having performed at Quantoufou, whither the Prince caused him for to come, he brought with him unto Paguin all the pledges, and amongst the rest, the king's eldest son, and his brother. The king being departed for to perform his promise, according to the treaty by him confirmed, he was received, and as it were worshipped within his country, with all the joy that might be. In the mean time the Emperor, after he had provided for the assurance of his new conquest, he left Odmar there to govern them, and gave unto him an estate of thirty thousand horse and fifty thousand footmen, to furnish all the fortresses and strong places, the Prince having led with him, many of the new conquered people, desiring to have them for to dwell within his country, and to send other Colonies in their places, to assure himself the better of the lightness of this people, having noted them to be inclined unto novelties. He gave in charge unto Odmar to make his principal abode at Quantoufou, and to fortify well the passage: and also commanded a fortress to be made at Dermio, the better to strengthen his borders: and after he had left him all things necessary, he recommended unto him the 
Odmar left governor of China for Tamerlan.  services of that Lord, who had manifested unto him his great affection. The Emperor having well tried his faithfulness in his affairs as they fell out, he carried with him a brother of his, unto whom he gave great gifts within Sachetay. Then we turned our faces strait unto Cambalu, having advertised the great Cham of the happy success of our affairs, whereof many said, he had lost the opportunity of utterly rooting out the Chinois: but they do nothing consider, the difficulties therein as yet remaining, and that we must sometimes content ourselves with the mean, 
A good advertisement unto Conquerors.  and know how to preserve them, without desiring at some time extremes, whereby doth often happen such accidents as bringeth the loss of all, and maketh that we retain nothing of that which we accounted most assured, for that we sought more than we should have desired. The Prince remained in deed king of China, holding in his possession, two of the fairest and greatest Cities of all the whole Country, having an hundred good leagues thereof unto himself, and many lesser Cities, having extended his borders unto a river, by which he might go unto the enemy, but they could not come unto him without passing over the same: having good means to keep it and with advantage. The king of 
The tribute paid by the king of China unto Tamerlan five hundred thousand crowns yearly.  China moreover was his tributary of five hundred thousand crowns yearly, and having the means at such time as he would not perform it, to be within the space of four and twenty hours within his country, and he could not come into his: so as it was much more commendable to make this honourable treaty, then tyrannously to seek for to subdue all, & to put unto fire and sword a whole nation, who willingly cast themselves into his arms as tributaries. Now the Prince desired above all that the idols which were within his conquest, should 
Tamerlan caused all the idols within his conquest to be beaten down, establishing the worship of one God.  be beaten down, and commanded the worship of one God, establishing the same after the form of his own country, for he made account that in short time all would be reduced unto our customs. But the Chinois were not of that mind, & their patience was founded upon hope of recovering by that means their former liberty: but they did not weigh, that the Prince's foresight had been such, that he had left there the most wise and sufficient Captain that was in his kingdom, who would not lose any occasion by his watchfulness to assure his affairs. When Odmar left the Prince, as the custom is, he humbled himself too much. The Prince in lifting of him up, said unto him; I see well now that thou art a Chinois, seeing thou wilt worship me even as they do their king: the worship I require of thee, is the remembrance thou shalt continually have to do my commandments, desiring thee to establish in my new conquest, the honour of God, and after that, my authority through your faithfulness: you know this estate better than I, call to thy remembrance that the sword hath conquered them, and not love or good will: therefore hope not to have them assured, whom fear retaineth, and not any love, I recommend my service unto thee. I did never see the Prince in greater grief than now at his departure: but he was driven of necessity to employ the faithfulness and wisdom of Odmar. So our army wherein was much sickness, began to march, and on the third day having news of forces which came towards us, the Prince sent them a commandment not to come any further forward, and that they should march strait unto Cambalu, where the Prince did suppose to find the Emperor his uncle, who had set forward towards that place to have the good hap for to see him, being determined to receive him at Cambula with magnificence & triumphs, as he well deserved. Now I will declare by the way, how Odmar being severed from us, all 
Tamerlan turned his favour unto Axalla.  the Prince's favour was turned unto Axalla, unto whom he committed the whole charge of his army, in so much as Axalla although he was always in great reputation, notwithstanding the same was much increased by the Prince at Quantoufou, where the Prince did trust him with the army, in so weighty an enterprise as that was, and the which he so gloriously achieved: likewise the manner of entering into the kingdom of China, the intelligences he had: so as the report of his valour did fly throughout all the Empire. Calibes led the vanguard, and Axalla was in the battle near unto the Emperor, who gave him the chiefest place, bestowing upon him 
Two hundred thousand crowns of yearly rent given unto Axalla by Tamerlan.  two hundred thousand crowns yearly, for to maintain his ordinary expenses. Now he for his part had no desire to leave his master at quiet, being desirous to draw him back again into his country, to the end he might afterwards move him to enterprise some great matter, the which might redound as well unto the glory of his master, as the quiet of the Christians, of whom he was very careful, whatsoever was the cause thereof. Thus after certain days journey, we received news, of the emperors arrival at Cambula, the Prince having left his army in a fair country for to winter, where he dismissing many of our soldiers, we arrived within four leagues of Cambala, whither all the Princes of the emperors Court, came for to receive him, together with all the principal inhabitants, for to gratify our Prince for his happy voyage. The Prince having received every one, according to his wont courtesy, retaining notwithstanding convenient Majesty, he was beheld to the great contentment of all his subjects. He had with him the Empress his wife, who had not left him in his voyage. The next day the Emperor did him 
The meeting between the great Cam & Tamerlan at the City of Cambala in Ca●aio.  so much honour, as to come and meet him, with all the magnificence that might be. He gave a present unto the Emperor his uncle, of all the richest chariots and fairest horses he had won. And I can assure you, that at such time as the Prince set foot on ground, for to do reucrence unto his uncle, the Emperor wept for joy, and this old Prince being on horseback, would have descended; but our Prince beseeched him not to do him that wrong, and with all the humility which he did owe unto his Prince and Lord, he hindered him from alighting. The Emperor was very desirous to see his daughter: he caused her chariot to be uncovered, and caused her to enter into his: but the Prince remained on horseback, whom the eyes of all the people could not be satisfied with admiring. The Prince presented Calibes unto the Emperor, and making a recital of his faithfulness, and the endeavour of every one, he caused the Emperor to give unto him an hundred thousand crowns of increase unto his pension. Axalla was also presented unto the Emperor, who being informed of his valour, he was received withal the best favours that might be, and he gave unto 
Axalla rewarded by the great Cam for his good service and faithfulness.  him, of the revenues belonging unto the Empire, an hundred thousand Tartarins of gold in a Principality, that he might the better declare unto him how much he esteemed of his fedelity. This joy and pleasure continued with us all the winter, where the Prince having received advertisement how Bajazet Emperor of the Turks, had enterprised to join the Empire of Greece unto his own, & fully determined to besiege Constantinople: the which he understanding & succour being required of him by the Greek Emperor, he dispatched one towards Bajazet, for to declare unto him his pleasure 
A message sent by Tamerlan unto Baiaz●t.  herein, and warned him on his behalf, not to trouble the Emperor Paleologue who was his confederate. Now this motion came from Prince Axalla, who had wrought this league, being of kin unto Paleologue, and also thrust forward with desire to maintain his religion in Greece, where he was borne of the Geneuois race. Whereunto being answered very proudly, by Bajazet unto our Emperor, 
The proud answer of Bajazet.  ask what he had to do therewith, and that he should content himself, with enjoining laws unto his subjects, and not unto others, seeing he was not borne his subject. This answer being made, Axalla procured to be very ill accepted of the Emperor, and in such ●or●, that he determined to hinder this enterprise of the ottomans', not being convenient for the greatness of the Tartarian Empire, to suffer such a neighbour, who would even trouble his allies: so as the Ambassador returned from thence assured of the Prince's succour against Bajazet: who in the mean time was not idle, but continued daily his enterprise, seeking all means to accomplish the same: thinking that what messages soever were sent unto him, were no other then threatenings. But on the other side also, the Prince unto whom rest and ease was already become tedious, egged forward also by Axalla, with the increase of his glory & name, being desirous of this enterprise, did not cease until the Prince did send him unto Sachetay, for to give beginning unto the assembling of forces from all parts, to the end that about the spring time he might march forward. The Emperor also had received news of the battle lost by the Greeks', and that their affairs were like to go ill, if they were not succoured: the which made the Prince more forward, also to hinder these Ottoman dogs (for so he called them) mad for troubling the world. Axalla sent word also unto the Prince how all things proceeded, and earnestly moved him to departed. Now the Prince had obtained of the Emperor his uncle an hundred thousand footmen and fourscore thousand horse, hoping to have as many from Sachetay, besides the Lords who would accompany him for to win glory, from whom he made accounted also of 50000. men more that they would bring unto him, besides the other forces. He supposed that he had ability to deliver the Empire of Greece from the bondage of the Ottomans. Thus the Prince departed, leaving the Empress with the Emperor her father, for to serve him as a comfort of his age: it was not without a hard farewell of the emperors 
Hea●i● parting.  part towards his nephew; but more grievous on the Prince's part towards his wife, who had never left him since the time they were married: but nothing withheld our Prince, where there was either glory, or means to increase his reputation, & profit the common wealth: saying often, that he was borne to this end, and that he 
A notable saying of Tamerlan.  must take in these exercises his principal delights: for every other thing wherein he did exercise himself was but borrowed, being appointed and called of God to punish the pride of tyrants. Neither will I here omit a dream, which our Prince had the night before he 
Tamerlan his dream.  departed from Cambalu, which was, that he did see as he thought, a great multitude of reverent men, who put forth their hands unto him, requiring his succour against the violence of certain tyrants, who did afflict them with sundry kinds of torments: he said, that he did never see more reverent countenances, and that some of them were appareled in white, and others in cloth of gold, some having as it were crowns of gold upon their heads, and it seemed unto the Prince, that he gave them his hand, & lift them very high. This dream he recited unto us the next morning, but no body was able to give him the interpretation thereof, and himself thought no more of the same. Now to return again, we departed from Cambalu accompanied with all the City, with all the love and grief of a good people towards their Prince. In like manner, the Prince during the time he abode there, used all kinds of liberalities and magnificences that might be, after he had received all manner of presents that can be named of every one, as 
Tamerlan his journey against the Turk.  a witness of their affection. The Prince was accompanied also with Calibes, and he commanded the Prince of Tanais to take upon him the state of Colonel of the footmen, the which Axalla had left: unto whom he gave the charge of Lieutenant general within his army, with commandment to lead his avant-garde, and Calibes the ariere-ward, being accompanied with far greater forces than ever he had in any of his armies: for they came unto him from all parts. The Chinois Lord was licensed by Odmar to go with 20000. men of the subjects newly conquered, being desirous to show himself unto the Emperor, as also for to learn our manners & fashions. The absence & separation of our master was grievous unto none but Odmar, not for the fear of the Chinois his neighbours, but verily for the change of fortune. The Prince having sent him word of his purpose, he confirmed the same, & amongst other things, he sent word unto the Emperor, that he should hope for all good success therein, seeing he was created by God for to cast down the proud & raise up the humble: the Prince also did mislike of nothing more than cruelty. I remember well, that when we were at China, when he perceived this fierce nation, he said, I am sent to pull down the glory of this proud man, I hope to have a good end thereof. So we arrived leaving our forces, the which came strait unto Ocera, where they had appointed the general meeting of all the army, and the Prince took his voyage directly unto Samarcand the place of his birth, three years 
Tamerlan returneth from the conquest of China unto Samarcand.  being past since he had been there. Zamay came to meet him, and I verily believe a million of men, blessing and praising him in all manner of songs. All the Princes of the country also ran to visit him, he abode there a month. Axalla in this mean time was already at the meeting place at Ocera, who prepared all things, looking for the Prince's commandment for to go unto him, advertising him often of the doings of Bajazet. I have forgotten also to declare, how the Prince sent unto the Moscovite to b● favoured by him in this enterprise, who presently sent Ambassadors with offers of what soever should please him. The Prince made demand 
The Moscovite ●●leth Tamerlan against the Turk.  of fifteen thousand horse, and the payment of certain money the which he owed, the which was granted unto him, and also passage through all his dominions, being very glad that he did set upon others then on himself, and that so great a preparation should fall upon them, whose greatness was as prejudicial and fearful unto him, as it was unto our Prince, the Ottomans at that time bringing not only suspicion unto their neighbours, but which was much more, all the earth was astonished at their sudden greatness, and of the happy success they had in all their enterprises, being of so small a beginning attained unto so large an Empire. Now this was the very reason that moved the Emperor to oppose himself against the same, thinking it much better to go and set upon them within their new conquests, then for to stay until they were come nearer unto him, and should come to debate their quarrel within his Empire unto his damage: 
A sound deliberation.  a sound deliberation; for the same tendeth unto two effects, the one is that it destroyeth the enemy's country, and the other, that any disfavour coming unto him, his country receiveth not thereby any astonishment, so as this enterprise was greatly for his advantage. Now our Prince did all this through the counsel of Prince Axalla, by whom at that time all the estate was governed, & the great authority which this man had, was not without the envy of diverse Courtiers: notwithstanding the ready 
Axalla governed all the ●state, his commendation.  fashion of Axalla to content every one, accompanied with his singular virtues, together with so many services that he had done, did uphold him against the envious; as also for that he was no less acceptable unto the old Emperor then unto his master, who did often remember the dangers & the brave enterprises he had executed in the affairs his master had, as well against the Moscovites, as at the rebellion of Cambalu & Catayo, & in the last conquest of the kingdom of China: so as his authority was great, with this, that he was courteous and humane, and friendly towards every one, and who spoke daily unto his master of great matters, and always propounded unto him honourable enterprises, whereunto he would be the first to set his hands, without sparing the hazard of his life at all. And although our Emperor was accompanied with great renowned Princes, yet were they no body in comparison of the virtues and the greatness the which Axalla had gotten with his master, whether it were in pomp, in liberality, and in furniture of slaves and horses: for having a a great mind & sharp wit, he made use thereof politicly to maintain himself. Moreover he never gave counsel the which he did not offer to execute, and he was happy for that they had success according to his desire, which procured him great authority; but he had a grace 
The commendation of Prince Axalla.  beyond all this: for he was humble unto every body, the which made him well beloved, in humbling himself (in such greatness) even unto the smallest. I was one day in a place when the Prince did reprehend him for this so great mildness. He answered him, that it belonged unto his master to be stately, but for me it is my trade to play the slave and servant, and as greatness doth well beseem you, so doth humility me, for I am not about you but for to honour you: for if you be honoured I shallbe also. Also how humbly soever I carry myself, what need you to care so as I serve you well? if I should be stately, I should be odious unto the great men of your Court, and I should sever them from you. I will have them honour me, for serving well of you, & not for my countenance. This answer did greatly please the Emperor, & it was a cunning to cause him to be beloved, the which fell out happily for him: for they honoured him more than he would. Now for to come again unto the Prince's purpose, we will for this time leave Axalla, whose nature I was willing to express unto you, the which shall serve to give you understanding of many things, that shallbe declared of him within this history. So the Emperor sent unto Axalla to come unto him at Samarcand, for to receive directions from him for the setting forward of his army. Now having left by the Emperor's commandment the Prince of Thanais to command, he came unto him, & consulted with him of the order for his army: and having resolved that it was best to pass by the borders of the Moscovite, to go directly unto Constantinople the seat of the Greek Emrours, whither they said the army of Bajazet Emperor of the Turks did march, being already come down into Asia Minor, there was a kinsman of Axallas dispatched, for to assure the Emperor of Greece of our armies coming forward, and that great provision of victuals was made from all parts for maintenance of the same. We departed from Samarcand, for to go unto Ozara, where was the meeting place for all the Prince's troops: and having in that place taken 
Consultation about the way the army should take to the Turks Empire.  advise for his journey, that is to say, for to know whether should be more expedient and favourable, either to go by the coasts of Moscow directly unto Capha, or rather on the other side of the sea Bachu to pass by the skirts of Persia. It was resolved in the end, after sundry opinions, although the way were the longer, to pass unto Capha for to come unto Trebisonda and to the Georgians, and from thence to enter into the limits of the Ottomans. Then our army after the accustomed ceremonies and prayers made unto God, wherein 
Tamerlan his chiefest trust.  our Emperor hoped to find his principal succours, we drew strait unto Maranis where the army abode three days, looking for the forces which Odmar did send, whereof they received news. There did the Emperor cause all his army to be paid, and a general muster was made. He had news also there of the forces that the Moscovite did send unto him: he likewise caused an infinite quantity of victuals and the most part of his furniture to be conveyed by the sea of Bachu, there being some twenty leagues where was 
Bachu.  want of water and victuals, through the which our army must needs pass, causing all things necessary to be carried by water, the which was a great commodity unto us: and there was a commandment given at all the shores of the sea, that they should bring all the vessels for to carry the munition of the army: so as this foresight did greatly ease our army. The Prince went continually 
Tamerlan hunted by the way towards the Turk.  coasting the sea shore, passing away his time in hunting, & his army came not near unto him by 10. leagues, except such as came to seek necessaries for the army, the which did extend itself some 20. leagues, it was so great. The Prince abode at Sarasich during the time his army passed the river of Edel at Mechet, and at two or three other bridges, the which they had caused to be made; there had he certain news how Bajazet marched 
Bajazet marched unto the siege of Constantinople.  unto the siege of Constantinople, having reduced unto his obedience all Bithynia, & Bursia a very noble city, the which he caused to be fortified, & divers other Cities, using all the cruelties that might be, in so much as all the adjoining provinces yielded themselves his tributaries: amongst the rest the noble City of Capha, wherewith the Emperor was greatly moved, because it had first put itself under his protection before the Turk; & this had been compassed by the means of Axalla, where he was borne, 
Axalla a principal worker against the Turk for the relieving of the Greek Empire, and against Capha the place of his nativity.  who was also the more offended because it was his country, so far forth as he sent to summon them to come & yield a reason unto the Emperor of their fidelity: whereupon the City received a great astonishment, and the principal men of the same City came unto the Prince, who sent to be informed of all; and being ready to receive the punishment for their infidelity, after diverse presents by them made of very excellent Martens & other furs, pardon was granted unto them, & the city was by the Prince given unto Axalla for to dispose of the same: the which he did, going thither to see his kinsfolk, 
The government Axalla did chase.  and to take such order there, as he thought was for the preservation of the City, as one not ungrateful unto his country: and it was not without seizing upon Tana, the which was belonging unto the Signiory of Genua, of Achea and Lopeso, who submitted themselves unto the Prince, and commandment was given unto Axalla to take order therein. This Lord which had refused the commandment of the kingdom of China and of so many good Cities, did plainly show, that there is nothing more dear, nor that a man doth more esteem, than his country, whereof after a sort he now received possession. Behold Axalla, who in the end made there the choice of his resting place, notwithstanding the greatness he might promise unto himself, being the second person in the Court of the greatest Monarch of the world: making no reckoning thereof, he rather placed his hope in this little shore of Mar Maiore, then in the limits of Scithi● and China, and for to succeed after his master unto all his great conquests, for that he had all the soldiers at his commandment, and great credit amongst all the people over whom his Prince commanded. Now the army had spent some time in refreshing itself, to the end it might be gathered together, when any need should require; the Prince determining from hence forward to march within his 
Tamerlan marched within his army.  army, the which he had not done until this present, having spent his time in pleasures, leaving the burden of conducting his whole army upon Axalla. Now as soon as we came near unto the holy mountains, the Circassians a●d Georgians sent unto the Emperor for to offer unto him all the help and assistance they could for his journey. Now they be Christians and a very great Nation, who have been always tributaries unto the Grecian Emperor, acknowledging this Empire ever since they were conquered by Pompey. For these Nations, being part of those over whom the great Mithridates reigned, at such time as Pompey subdued them, they were very desirous of the coming of this great power, the which seemed to be sent from heaven for to deliver the Grecian Empire from the cruel bondage of the Ottomans▪ Axalla drew many of this people unto the Prince's service, who are greatly esteemed for their brave courage and strength, being 
● description of the Georgians with the●● country.  all of them tall men, very beautiful, wearing long hair: they are very expert in wars, and have often resisted the power of the Ottomans, by reason of the advantage they have within their country, the which is hard to come unto, they (for the most part) upon the first rumour of war, burning all their houses, and making very great wastes to hinder the enemies, and by these means they are able to resist any power whatsoever that shall come to assault them. The Prince took great pleasure to behold these fair people, and was very glad to hear of their valour, and careful to provide that they should not be injured in any thing; at this present time they were under the Empire of Trebiso●da, the which the Grecian Emperors possessed. The Prince was every where received very friendly, and they brought unto us all the help of victuals that might be, to supply the want of our army. Here had he certain news of the siege that was before Constantinople, where the Emperor was shut up, and all his estate brought unto great necessity, Baiaze● having a very great and mighty army, who neither believed, nor once thought that we would come upon him, so exceeding barbarous was he, that he would not endure any man so much as to speak only unto him of our army, as despising it, he was so proud: and there he caused all the bordering people publicly to be forbidden, to make any vows and prayers for our prosperity. For I will declare a truth, that we marched with such order▪ and the soldiers having such commandment, that none of the people where we passed, were injured 
Notable justice amongst the Tartarians  in the passage of our army, justice reigned so amongst us. Insomuch as if a soldier had taken but an apple, he was put to death, and this was severely observed over all, a thing usual and especially in this journey, the which was the only cause of overthrowing the tyranny of the Ottomans, and of this proud Bajazet. So we arrived at Bachichiche, where the army refreshed itself for the space of eight days. Unto this place came the Ambassadors of Guines, unto the Emperor, whom the Prince did greatly reverence for his holiness. The said Ambassadors offered on the behalf of their master, all assistance and aid unto this enterprise, and brought fair horses unto the Emperor the which their master had sent unto him, with assurance of good success in his enterprise: for 
Guines a great Astrologian.  this foresaid Guines did prophesy, and was a great Astrologian. The Emperor seemed greatly to honour this Embassage, and sent unto the said Guines great store of rich furs, and vessel of gold, & whilst we sojourned in that place, the army made a general muster, and were paid, as well the horsemen as the footmen, the Prince having made an oration unto them) as his custom was, at such time as his soldiers made their general muster) and informed them the manner he would have observed in the fight, to the end they might observe the military discipline, whereof he was very curious with his Captains. And also upon this same day it was permitted unto every soldier 
The custom of the Tartarrians towards their Emperor.  for to behold him with more boldness then on other days, for as much as he doth for that time lay aside his Imperial Majesty, to humble himself, and become familiar, so far forth as to exhort his soldiers unto virtue. So the Emperor after he had caused general prayers to be published, we departed from Bachichich, and they reckoned that there was in our army three hundred thousand horsemen, & five hundred thousand footmen, of all kinds of Nations. The Emperor was advertised that the Ottomans were become masters of all Greece, in so much as the Emperor was of opinion, that Bajazet would pass over into Europe, when he should perceive that he approached: at the least wise the reason of war made him judge that he would do so: but it fell out far otherwise: for as soon as we had gone beyond the Georgians, and were come unto Buisabuiche, Axalla whom the Prince had not seen in eight days, because he led the head of the army, came unto the Emperor, knowing very well, that he could not bring unto him more acceptable news than he did bring, the which was that Bajazet had raised his siege for to come and defend his new conquest, and that it was a most certain thing, that he was resolved to come unto a day of battle: that he had caused all his forces to come out of Greece, as many of them as he could draw from all parts, trusting not upon the multitude, but rather in the boldness and experience of his soldiers, who were well trained up in the wars. This did greatly rejoice the Emperor, but yet it was not with insolency of vaunting, but rather with the countenance of a parsonage, who judged the events of battles to be ordinarily doubtful. And he said, that 
Tamerlan his saying of battles.  a small number well conducted, is oftentimes victorious. We sojourned three days at this Buisabuiche, and we caused our soldiers continually to advance forward, and to pass over Euphrates, for to find better means to maintain our army upon the spoil of the enemy in attending their coming, rather than upon our own selves, or on our Allies. From that place the Emperor did dispatch unto the Emperor his uncle one of the greatest favourites he had about him, for to certify unto him of the delivery of this noble City of Constantinople, and how the Ottomans came fully resolved to give battle; and for to prevent dangers, he gave commandment that they should keep the borders strong, & all his forces on horseback upon the enemy's side: for often times as in prosperity all your neighbours do smile upon you, and incline towards you: so whensoever an overthrow happeneth, every one setteth upon you, & do help to spoil you. For 
A good advertisement for Princes.  this cause should wise Princes assure well that which they do already possess, lest the victorious enemy pursuing his good fortune, take from you the means to raise yourself up again. Our Emperor had always this wisdom, when such blows happened, for to advertise his countries to stand upon their guard, rather than to publish unto them his victory. So we departed from thence after the Prince had assembled all the principal men of his army, to impart unto them his purpose, and for to receive counsel of them, the which his courtesy did use of custom, that made him to be beloved. For the farther you were from him than did he most honour you: there were so many several Nations within our army, so many Captains sent unto him for his succour, and then was the time when he principally was humble, and laid aside his gravity, feasting them for the aid and secure they gave unto our army. Amongst the strangers this Chinois Lord did ordinarily receive great honour of the Prince, who was always wont to say, that the virtue of Axalla, and the love of this Lord towards him, had made him Lord of the fairest kingdom of Asia. The Emperor was very desirous to acquaint and instruct this Lord with the manners and fashions of those people by whom we passed, for he was always near unto the emperors person; and all the forces he had conducted unto our army, wherein the Prince made show to put great confidence; they had marched with us these two months, and carried themselves very well, as all our other forces did, victuals being there in great plenty, that which gave us so much thereof, was the great justice therein observed. So our army came unto Garga, where it passed the river Euphrates, the avantgard at Chinserig; and the general meeting of the army was appointed to be at Gianich, the which did yield itself: and there had we news that Bajazet his army was near unto us, within some thirty leagues, which caused us to march more close. All the cities yielded, the Emperor receiving them graciously, and those which refused obedience, were cruelly punished, especially such inhabitants as were Turks, but the Christians set in full liberty, under the name of the Greek Emperor Emanuel, whom the Emperor would wholly gratify, Axalla having received this commandment from the Prince: so he caused them 
The causes of Tamerlans war against the Turks.  to swear fidelity unto Emanuel, his purpose being to set him again into his Empire, and to punish this Baiazet for being so rash, as to enterprise to destroy so flourishing an Empire, as that of the Greeks' his Allies. Now the emperors quarrel was just against this proud lightning from heaven, especially in respect of his execrable cruelties he used against all sexes and ages, usurping an Empire the which had sought all possible means to make peace with his Arms: but he soon broke it, and falsified his faith unto this poor Emperor, according as he found the means by little and little, to usurp almost all from him, there remaining no more unto him, but some small towns belonging unto his Metropolitan City, the which he had also besieged. It was then an honourable thing, for the Emperor to deliver this noble Empire from such great tyranny, an Empire so famous in the world, and a city so ancient, out of the hands of so wicked and accursed an offspring. This was the cause that made the Emperor to hope for to have God, his great God for an helper in this enterprise. But before I begin, I am desirous to speak a word of the uprightness of the Prince's cause, and also for to note the worthiness of his courage, in giving help unto the weak, and punishing of the proud, representing by such deeds, the image of the divinity, the which should be marked in Princes, in upholding the weak ones, and those that require succour against such oppressions. So God being with us, the army fully replenished with joy and hope, we departed from Gianich. Axalla who was in the avant-garde, having commanded four thousand Parthian horse for to get 
Four thousand Parthian horse sent to descry.  knowledge of the army, under the charge of Chianson Prince of Ciarcian, commanding him to put all unto fire and sword, and also to bring word unto him of the place where Bajazet was, and what country that was beyond Sennas; and if he could learn any thing thereof, he should make relation thereof unto him. This Captain was of great reputation, and next unto Axalla, he had the commanding of the avantgard in his absence: this man sent before him a Parthian light-horseman with five hundred horse. So he had not ridden ten leagues, but they heard news of the army, and having surprised Sennas, they understood there the estate of the Turks army, the which was at Tataya, and marched forward. The which being certified unto the Emperor, commandment was given unto them, not to retire from that place, until they did see the arrival of the enemy, and thereof to give advertisement every hour: the Prince determining to pass on no further, having seen a fair plain, and a country of advantage for the order of his battle: for he knew that he had to deal with people expert in wars, and which were accustomed to fight against the Christians, who are very active and warlike people, who wanted not the knowledge of warlike stratagems. They knew also, that his army was greater than Baiazet's: but it was yet of diverse parts, so as it behoved to be well advised, for it was not against the Chinois soft and effeminate people, but against soldiers, well acquainted with all manner of fights that are to be fought. Then the Emperor did not omit any vigilancy for to keep his advantage, Axalla was sent for by the Emperor to come and accompany him for to view the said place, and to consider whether it would be for his advantage, and to have his advise. This place is between the sea & Gianche on the side of Sennas bounded of one side with a little river which runneth into Euphrates. And he was advised to keep Sennas as long as he could possibly, and sent word unto those which were within the same, to set it on fire when as they should withdraw themselves from thence, to the end that the enemy should not have a desire to encamp therein: but should come forward nearer unto our army into these plains, the place which we desired to fight in, because we were stronger in horsemen than the Ottomans. Thus behold this great army of Bajazet encouraged unto the battle, who thought to have surprised our men within Sennas, but as soon as they drew near, our men set it on fire, and the greatest part retiring, there remained some hundred horse to perform the same, who retired themselves in very 
A stratagem.  great disorder. Now the Prince of Ciarcan had divided his men into two troops, & given commandment unto the first troop, that as soon as they perceived the enemies to pursue the hundred horse, they should receive them, and retire jointly together. Now he had the rest of his power in a valley near unto a wood, and having suffered some two thousand of the enemy's horse, Turk's avant-currers to pass by him, he charged them behind, and fought with them, they not fight but flying as soon as they did see themselves pressed: many were slain, and many were taken prisoners. This was the first time we fought, and carried away the victory: all the prisoners were sent unto the Prince, amongst the rest the Bassa of Anatolia, who led this troop, of whom the Emperor earnestly demanded, what caused Bajazet so little to esteem him, as to show so great contempt of his Army, and that he should find that he was well able to punish his pride. The other answered, that his Lord was the Son of the earth, that 
A proud answer of a Bassa made unto Tamerlan.  he could not endure a companion, that he surely was astonished, how he from so far had enterprised so dangerous a journey, to hinder the fortune of his Lord, in whose favour the heavens did bend themselves, because they were not able to withstand him, that all the rowed world did subject themselves unto him, and that he committed great folly in going about to resist the same. 
Tamerlans reply unto the Bassa.  The Emperor answered, I am sent from heaven for to punish his rashness, and to teach him that the proud are punished of God, whose principal action is to cast down high things, & to raise up the lowly: at the least yet I have already constrained thy master to raise his siege from before Constantinople. And moreover, thou hast already felt (although I lament thy mishap) what the valour of my Parthian horse is against thy Turkish. Dost thou think (changing of his speech) that thy master doth come to bid me battle? The Passa answered, yea, assuring you that there is nothing he more desireth: and I beseech you that I may acknowledge your greatness in giving me leave to assist my Lord at this Battle. The Emperor said unto him; I give thee leave, go and tell thy Lord that thou hast seen me, and that I will fight on horseback in the place where he shall see a green ensign. The Bassa did swear, that next unto his Lord he vowed his service unto him. Then he returned, and declared unto Bajazet how he had seen Tamerlan, reciting unto him all that he was willed to declare. Of this (said he) I will make trial, and I believe he will acknowledge his folly before the match be ended. The Bassa did not forget to publish over all, the mildness of Tamerlan, his greatness, and courtesy, declaring that he did so far extend his courtesy, as to give unto him a very fair horse, although he might well think that it was to fight against himself. So the next day Bajazet his Army drew near unto the sight of ours, the which marched two leagues: and we encamped within a league the one of the other. All the night long you might have heard such noise of horses, 
How Tamerlans army passed the night before the battle fought against the Turk.  as it seemed the heavens were full of voices, the air did so resound, and every one was desirous to have the night passed, for to come each one unto the trial of his valour. Unto the Scythian nation, the which is desirous of goods, they propounded the great riches they should get by the victory over the Ottomans. Unto the Parthian nation ambitious of rule, the honour and glory of their nation, being conquerets of them, who only were able to take from them the Empire of Asia. The Christians who made the fourth part there of, assured themselves to conquer their greatest enemy. Behold how every one spoke during the night time, according to his humour. The Prince this night went through his Camp hearing all this, & was very glad to see the hope that every one of his soldiers did conceive already of the victory; & I being near him, and he did me the honour to tell me, that at the time he fought the battle against the Moscouit, he did hear all the night long all kinds of songs, the which resounded in his Camp, seeing in a manner no body sleep: I hoped then (said he) to have some good hap, and I trust to receive the like now. Now after the second watch the Prince returned unto his lodging, and casting himself upon a carpet, he meant to sleep: but the desire of day would not suffer him for to sleep; he than commanded me to give him a book, wherein he did read: therein was contained the the lives of his fathers and grandfathers, and of other valiant knights, the which he did ordinarily read: he called me, having light upon (in reading) the discourse of a battle that his grandfather had lost against the Persians, the which he had thought to have gotten (very undiscreetly) having assaulted his enemy, many advantages being propounded unto him, whereof he might have made good use, all which he neglected, trusting unto his own valour and that of his soldiers. And having ended his speech, he commanded me to read the same before him, and said unto me, I always read this 
Tamerlan his custom before a battle.  before I begin a battle, to the end I should not so much trust unto the lions skin, wherein I wrap my arm, that I should not serve myself with the Foxes, to wrap therewith my head: for thus (said he) my grandfather was in a place of advantage, & he went out of it to seek his enemy, who was lodged strongly, & what soever his men said to him, he went on headlong, shutting his ears against all the counsel and advise of his servants, and demanding of me whether it were day, he caused the great Chamberlain to be called, and commanded him to to cause his trumpet to be sounded, and that his horse should be ready: and having a little slumbered, he gave commandment that Axalla should be sent for, who came unto him with other Lords and Captains, the chiefest of the Army, with whom after he had consulted of the order of his battle. He mounted on horseback, and sent every one for to make themselves ready to do the like: at the same instant he received news that the enemy's Army marched forward, and came to take his ground for the battle. The Emperor desired to see him march, that according to his order he might marshal his own: and having caused three thousand horse to advance forward, unto whom he had given in charge to begin the skirmish, himself advanced forward to lodge every man in such places as he had foreseen to be most for his advantage. Now he seeing the Turkish footmen march, whom they do call 
The manner of the march of the Turkish footmen.  janissaries, the which were placed in the midst, and upon the two fronts, two great squadrons of horsemen, the which seemed to be thirty thousand horse, & another which advanced and covered the batallion of the the janissaries. He thought this order to be very good, and hard to break, and turning himself unto Axalla, who was near unto him, he said, I had thought to have fought on foot, but it behoveth me this day to fight on horseback, for to give courage unto my soldiers to open the great Batallion: and my will is, that 
The order of Tamerlan his battle.  they come forward unto me as soon as they may: for I will advance forward an hundred thousand footmen, fifty thousand upon each of my two wings, and in the midst of them forty thousand of my best horse. My pleasure is, that after they have tried the force of those men, that they come unto my avant-garde, of whom I will dispose (& fifty thousand horse more) in three bodies, whom thou shalt command, the which I will assist with fourscore thousand horse, wherein shall be mine own person, having an hundred thousand footmen behind me, who shall march in two troops; and for my Arierward forty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen, who shall not march but unto my aid. I will make choice of ten thousand of the best horse, whom I will send into every part where I shall think needful within my Army, for to impart my commandments. Over the first forty thousand the Prince Ciarcian commanded: over the foremost footmen was the Lord Synopes, a Geneuois, kinsman unto Axalla, and he which was his Lieutenant over the footmen, a Captain of great estimation. That over which the Prince Axalla commanded, consisted of five squadrons of horsemen. Bajazet his Army seemed fair and great, which was advanced continually forward towards us, who stirred not one whit from the place of the battle. There were indeed many light horsemen, as well Scythians, Parthians, as Moscovites, who left their ranks, and shot arrows, and broke lances between the two Armies. There was a spy who brought word that Bajazet was on foot in the midst of his janissaries, where he meant to fight, that he did not forget to mount on horseback, giving order over all for the wants of his Army: but purposed to fight in the midst of those janissaries, who are a number of trusty men, brought 
What the Turks I anizaries be.  up in exercises from their youth to all manner of warfare, and chosen out of all nations, the fairest and strongest men, so as they are invincible. By this bringing up the which they have had together, they do fight with a great force and courage for their Prince and Lord, who being in the midst of them, they are as in a half circle within the Army. Now they were thirty thousand men in this order, wherein Bajazet put his principal hope: he had many other footmen, but gathered together of all sorts. His battle of horse was very fair, amounting unto the number of an hundred and forty thousand horse, well exercised in all manner of fights. The Sultan of Egypt having aided him with thirty thousand Mammelues, very good horsemen, and with thirty thousand footmen. Their Army in that order seemed almost as great as ours: for they were not so knit together as we were, our forces being directly one after the other, and theirs all in a front. So the enemy's Army advanced forward continually with an infinite number of cries, and ours was in great silence. After that common prayer was ended, the Emperor himself advanced continually forward, beholding the first charge given, and caused Axalla to set forward after he returned into his order, continually exhorting his men before he left them. There could not be seen a more furious charge given, then was performed by the Ottomans upon the Prince of Ciarcian, who had commandment not to fight before they came unto him: there could not have been chosen a fairer plain, and where the skilful choice of the place was of less advantage for the one then for the other, but that we had the river on our left hand, the which was some advantage for the Emperor, having given commandment, that in any case they should not lose the same, & that the enemies, whatsoever came thereof, should not win it: this he did for to have the advantage of the hand in fight. The Emperor, who above all Maxims 
Tamerlan his principal Maxim of war.  of war, did use to deal in such manner, that the enemy might be the first assaulter; he had straightly commanded them which were appointed for the first charge, to suffer the enemy for to give the onset. Now (as I have already declared) this young Prince of Ciarcian with his forty thousand horse was almost wholly overthrown, having fought as much as he could, but he entered 
The battle between Tamerlan and Bajazet.  even into the midst of the janissaries, where the person of Bajazet was, putting them in disorder, where he was slain. About this time Axalla set upon them with the avant-garde, where as he was not in any such danger; for having surprised one of the enemy's wings, he cut it all in pieces, & his footmen coming to join with him, as they had been commanded, he faced the Batallion of the janissaries. The Prince seeing the charge Axalla had upon his arm, sent ten thousand horse from his battle for to secure him, and knit together the main battle of Axalla, and to give once again a charge upon another Batallion of footmen, the which did show itself, and came tojoine with and strengthen that of the janissaries, who behaved themselves valiantly for the safety of their Prince. This fight continued one hour, and yet you could not have seen any scattered, fight resolutely the one against the other. You might have seen the mountains of horses rush one against another, the men die, cry, lament, and threaten at one yerie time. The Prince had patience to see this fight ended, & when he did perceive that his men did give place, he sent ten thousand of his horse to join again with the ten thousand appointed for the Arierward, and commanded them to assist him, at such time as he should have need thereof. At this very time the Emperor chargeth, and made them give him room, causing the footmen to assault, over whom the Prince of Thanais commanded; who gave a furious onset upon the batallion of the janissaries, wherein was yet the person of Bajazet, who had sustained a great burden. But the multitude, and not valour, did prevail; for as much as might be done in fight, was by the janissaries performed, for to preserve the person of their Prince. But in the end the horsemen, wherein was the Emperor's person, gave a new charge, and his avantguard was wholly knit again unto him, he renewed another forcing, and was fully victorious. 
Tamerlan his notable victory obtained against Bajazet wherein he was taken prisoner.  Bajazet having retired on horseback out of the troop of janissaries wounded, fell alive into the hands of Axalla, unto whom he yielded himself, supposing it had been Tamerlan: then Axalla seeing him so followed, (being for a time not known but for some great Lord of the Ottomans) twenty thousand horse did not fight at all, but only in pursuing the victory, and they made a great slaughter. The Prince had his horse slain under him with the blow of a lance, but he was soon remounted again on horseback. This day the wisdom of the Emperor gave the victory unto his soldiers: 
Tamerlan his wisdom the cause of the victory, & wherein performed.  for the judgement which he had in tiring of the strong forces of the Ottomans, was the safeguard of his. For if all had gone unto the battle in one front, surely the mutitude had put itself into a confusion: but this manner of aiding his men made every one profitable. The Emperor judging (like a great Captain) of the need that every one of his soldiers had, so that this manner of proceeding was the getting of the victory. They accounted threescore thousand men slain of the Ottomans, and twenty thousand of ours. The Prince of Tirzis was slain as I have said: the head of the Georgians slain, Calibes was very sorry he had so easy a reckoning in his Arierward, being very courageous, and a gentle knight: the Despote of Servia was taken prisonerer, who did accompany Bajazet, and was a Christian: they gave him this day of battle much reputation. The Emperor gave unto him very good entertainment, reproving him, for that he did accompany Bajazet against him, who did come in favour of his Emperor. He answered him, that it was not according to his duty, but the prosperity of Bajazet, unto whom it seemed, that all the world did bend for to subject itself unto him, and that his safety had caused him to set forward. The Emperor presently thereupon gave him leave to departed at his pleasure. He took care to get into his hands Bajazet his children: he gave commandment that Bajazet should be cured, and after brought before him: who at such time as he was there, 
Bajazet brought before Tamerlan, with his pride.  never made any show of humility. The Emperor saying unto him, that it lay in him to cause him to lose his life; he answered: Do it, that loss shall be my happiness. And demanding of him what made him so rash, for to enterprise to bring into subjection so noble a Prince as was the Emperor of the Greeks'. He answered him, the desire of glory and rule. Wherefore dost thou (said the Emperor unto him) use so great cruelty towards men, so far forth that neither thou nor thine do pardon either sex or age? This do I (answered he) to give the greater terror to my enemies. Then said the Emperor, so shalt thou receive the like reward: and causing him to be conveyed again out of his presence, he turned unto his followers, and said, behold a proud and fierce countenance, he deserveth 
Tamerlan his saying of Bajazet.  to be punished with cruelty, and it is necessary that he be made an exemplary punishment to all the cruel of the world, of the just wrath of God against them. I acknowledge that God hath this day delivered into my hands a great enemy, we must give thanks unto God for the same: the which was performed, being yet day: for the battle was won at four of the clock, and there was as yet five hours of daylight. The children of Bajazet were brought before him: he caused them to be used courteously, and as the children of an Emperor. The next day he commanded the dead to be buried: they found the Prince of Tirzis' dead in the midst of the janissaries, where he remained enclosed. The Emperor did greatly lament this young Prince, who was his kinsman, and would have been one day worthy for to do him great service. In that battle there-died many Captains, & almost all the chief of the Ottomans. This was a great Battle, the which was fought from seven unto four of the clock, in such sort that they knew not unto whom the victory did incline. Our Army stayed until the next day, every one causing his friends to be buried. The Prince of Tirzis was embalmed, and conveyed with two thousand horse unto Samarcand until the Emperor returned. All the other dead bodies were buried at Sanas with all the honour that might be. Axalla was much grieved for his kinsman, because he was very well beloved of the Prince: his charge was given unto one of his brethren who was very famous; in fight this same day, we might judge the events of the matters of the world. Behold this Emperor Bajazet, who was, as he thought, superior to fortune, which in an instant found himself and his estate by one battle only overthrown even unto the lowest place, and at such time as he thought lest thereof. He used to say, that he was justly punished, for despising the multitude we had, for the assurance that he had in the valour of his horsemen, and especially of his janissaries. He was three days (as they report) 
The despair of Bajazet after he was taken prisoner.  before he could be pacified, as a desperate man, seeking after death, and calling for it. The Emperor did not use him at all courteously, but caused small account to be made of him: and for to manifest that he knew how to punish the proud; upon festival days, when as he mounted on horseback, they brought this proud man unto him, and he served 
Bajazet Tamerlans footstool to mount on horseback.  him in steed of a footstool: this did he for to manifest the folly and arrogancy of men, and how justly God had humbled him. The next day the Prince marched directly towards Bursia, whither all the remainder of Bajazet his Army was retired, with the Bassa Mustapha. All the country yielded unto us, and the Prince caused all the holds and fortresses to be overthrown and destroyed, and punished all those which were so evil advised as to stay until they were besieged. I had forgotten to declare, how he caused the Prince of Tirzis' body to be accompanied with divers prisoners chained & tied together, whom he did send unto Samarcand, the which the Prince had determined to make great, for a perpetual memory of his greatness. Even so had he greatly peopled it 
Tamerlan his policy for to increase his city Samercand.  with people of China, which had been taken in the Battles, and of those likewise which were taken out of the two great Cities, Paguinfou, and Quantoufou. Now this battle did bring great astonishment unto all the countries possessed by Bajazet, and no body resisted us, even unto Bursia, whither this army was fled, and therein were also two sons of Bajazet very young. Axalla being always advanced forward before our Army, with forty thousand horse, and an hundred thousand footmen without any carriages, who hindered the enemies from joining themselves again together: and he made a cruel war upon the Ottomans, delivering the Grecians from the tyranny of 
Axalla cruel against the Ottomans for the delivery of Greece.  Bajazet. He approached near unto Bursia, where the Ottomans did not stay the coming of Axallas Army, but only they which could not run remained behind. Bajazet his two sons were sent unto the Greekish Emperor for to bring them up, & to have mercy upon them; the rest went unto Gallipoli, for to go unto Andrinopoli, the which they held, having conquered it from the Grecians. Now the Prince (for to return unto my purpose) dispatched towards the Emperor his uncle, and unto the Empress his wife one of his familiars, called Lieban, Captain of his chamber, for to carry 
Presents sent by Tamerlan unto the great Cham his uncle  him news of this victory, and to join it also unto all the rest. He sent unto him Bajazet his sword and bow, and the comparisons of his horse, the which was esteemed to be worth above two hundred thousand ducats. You may easily think that Prince Lieban was well entertained of the old Emperor, and of the young Princess, bringing word unto them, that all the world did bend itself to make our Prince victorious, who surely received these victories from God without insolency, & at such time as he sent him most glory, than did his men note him to be least puffed up. He was never bold, but in the day of battle, and on the eeve for to command severely, and with greater majesty. To tell you what he was in adversity, I did never see him in that estate: but it is to be thought, that they which be not insolent in prosperity, are not fainthearted in adversity. So our victorious Prince marched directly unto Bursia, loaden with spoils and Trophies which he daily got, departing from the Cities which did come and yield themselves unto him; therein observing the same manner of proceeding the which we did in the conquest of China; they which did yield unto him without fight, were well used, and the obstinate well punished, the Prince knowing that reward and punishment are the moderators of commonwealths, the one to be used towards the good, and the other towards the evil. In the end we received news by Axalla, that he had received Bursia in the Emperor's name, and how the inhabitants thereof had punished the garrisons of Bajazet, having driven them away, and slain many. He sent word also unto the Prince, that the Ambassadors of the Greekish Emperor Emanuel were come unto him, the most honourable persons of his Court, and that he had stayed them from passing any further. The Prince sent word, that they should stay for him in that City: so we arrived in short time, and all the inhabitants of the City came to meet the Emperor bareheaded, in token of bondage: and the Prince entered into Bursia with great magnificence. Axalla with the Ambassadors came to meet him, whom the Emperor received with all the honour that might be, and showed unto them all his magnificence, and the order of his Army, whereat they wondered: for our Army resembled a City, for the order that was therein, the which did bring unto us plenty of all kind of victuals & merchandise. The Embassage of the Greek Emperor was, that he submitted all his 
The effect of the Greek Emperors Embassage unto Tamerlan.  Empire and his person unto our Emperor, and that he would be unto him a most faithful subject and vassal, himself and his subjects, and that he would be think him how to dispose of his goods, the which he offered thereby as his own, and that he was bound for to do this, for that he was delivered by him from the yoke & bondage of the most cruel Tiger that might be; that the far countries he had passed, and the discommodities he had endured, and the loss of his men, could not be recompensed, but by the offer of his own life and his subjects, the which he did dedicated for ever to his service; that he should always find therefore such faithfulness as so great a bond towards him doth deserve. Besides, the so many virtues & rare gifts, which made his name famous throughout all the world inhabited, did bind him unto the same; that he would attend him in his chief city, for to deliver it into his hands as his own, and all the Empire of Greece, over which he commanded, to cause the same for to obey him. Now the Greek Ambassadors looked for no less than to fall into bondage, thinking that to be so great which they did offer, & a morsel so delicate, that it would not be refused, especially of a conquering Prince, as was Tamerlan; & that accepting thereof in mildness & friendship, was the best bargain they could make therein: but they received answer far otherwise: for the Prince with 
Th● worthy answer of Tamerlan unto the Greek Ambassadors.  a mild countenance answered them; that he was not come from so far a country, nor had taken so much pains to conquer countries; that it was too base a thing for him to put himself into so great travail and dangers, but rather to win honour, and thereby for to make his name famous and glorious unto all the world: therefore would he make it well appear, that he was come to aid him, being requested as a friend and ally, the which had happy success. That his upright meaning therein was the greatest cause that God had beheld from above his power, by the which he bruised the head of the most fierce enemy unto mankind that was under heaven: & for to get him now an immortal glory and eternal name, he would make free so great and flourishing a city, governed by so noble and ancient a house; that with his courage he had always faith joined, the which would never make so great a breach in his reputation, that it should be reported of him, he came 
The worthy mind of Tamerlan.  to help as a friend under the pretence to invade the dominions of his Ally; that he would have the service he had done ot the Greek Emperors engraven in the memory of the posterity, to the end they might wish well unto him and his successors, by remembering that he had done good unto them; that he contented himself to carry away the honour and glory thereof; that long might he live to govern his estate; and that before his departure he should consider so well to establish him, as that he should not fall again into so great jeopardy, that he delivered into his hands the two sons of Bajazet, to do with them as he should think good; that he should be wise and provident in well advising himself hereafter; that his good will should be always most favourable towards him. You may easily judge what joy these Greekish Princes received, hearing the Emperor pronounce these words, full of so great clemency, who for that he would not be seen to break his faith, refused an Empire offered unto him, and the most stately and magnificent City of the world. I do think there be few Princes that would perform such a part, so be there likewise but few Tamerlans in the world. Axalla had commandment from the Prince to feast these Ambassadors, and to do them all the honour that might be: one of them was sent unto the Emperor to carry him these news, who looked for some clean contrary: but having received word thereof, then was the time to make bonfires 
Bonfires made in Constantinople for the worthy answer received from Tamerlan.  within Constantinople, and the opportunity to rejoice with all kind of pleasures. The Greekish Emperor having assembled his Counsel, to know whether he should not go unto him and give him thanks, it was so resolved on by all the Princes of the Court. So the Emperor was advertised of his journey, who was very glad thereof, and even upon the first days journey Axalla was sent by the Emperor for to certify him of the joy that he conceived to have the good hap for to see him, as also for to conduct him even unto Bursia, whither the Emperor understanding the Greek 
The meeting of Tamerlan and the Greek Emperor at Bursia.  came, went to meet him, and with all kinds of magnificences, they were one whole day together. The next day the Greekish Emperor took his leave of the Prince, who did accompany him out of the City. Now the Emperor had as great a desire as might be, to see this so famous a City, as was Constantinople, but he would not go thither but as a private person; the which Axalla handled without making any show thereof, desiring to be received thereinto privately by the Greekish Emperor. The which 
Tamerlan his secret going to Constantinople  was accomplished with all the familiarity possible, and therein was no rare and excellent thing which was not showed unto the Emperor. The Greekish Prince having advised himself of all the means to do him pleasure, & unto all them which did accompany him, who were in a manner all appareled after the Greek fashion, insomuch as they were greatly astonished to understand that we had been there. The Greek Emperor was curious to show unto our Emperor all the fair gardens, the which be all along the sea coast, a league or two from Constantinople, and he conducted him in private company, so as five or six days were spent with all the mirth that might be possible. The Prince would often say, he had never seen a fairer city; that this was indeed the city (considering his fair and rich situation) which ought to command all the world. He wondered at the costly buildings of the Temples, 
The rare things in Constantinople.  the fair engraven pillars, the fair Pirimades of wonderful height, the which the Emperor Constantine had caused to be brought thither out of Egypt, and the making of the fair gardens: and he was wont to say, that he did nothing repent him of his voyage, for that he had preserved from fire and blood, so noble a City as that was: he greatly commended the mildness and courtesy of the Greek Emperor. Now the Greek Emperor knowing the Prince very curious for fair 
The Greek Emperor gave unto Tamerlan fair horses.  horses, he gave unto him thirty of the fairest, strongest, and readiest that might be gotten, with the most rich cloth of gold, and excellent silk that could be seen. The Greek sent likewise to gratify all the Princes and Lords of the army with presents, and caused all things to be delivered unto them, the which he thought to be necessary for the army. So as having rested almost fifteen days, we began to think upon the accomplishing of our purposes: and after a strait friendship was sworn between the two Princes, our Emperor determined before he returned, to make the Sultan of Egypt know his power, who had given aid unto Bajazet against him, to the end that all the world should know, that he was mild and courteous unto his friends, and unto his enemies terrible and fearful. So we departed from Bursia, having delivered the same into the hands of the Greek Emperor, and having driven out all the Ottomans out of all the fortresses, and having left the Greek Emperor in the same liberty, he was before our army came, there being nothing now in Asia that took the Ottomans part, unless he had gotten unto the mountains or passed over into Europe, so fearful was our army become by the victory obtained against Bajazet. Andronicus Paleologus, nephew unto the Greek Emperor, followed our Emperor with ten thousand horse, the which the Greek Emperor delivered unto him, for the war which he enterprised against the Sultan of Egypt, with whom he had often fought. Now for to accomplish the Emperor's good hap, he received news from his court, that the Empress 
The Empress delivered of a goodly boy.  was delivered of a goodly boy: for the which were made bonfires, and great rejoicing in the Army. He had also news how all was quiet in his estate, and the old Emperor his uncle in good health, the which was one of the things did most comfort him: for he feared especially lest the old Prince should die in his absence, & by this means some trouble might arise within his estate, by some great men, and certain favourites which were near unto the old Emperor. Notwithstanding they which had played the fools in his absence, were so well punished, that (as I think) others should take thereby example, & it is a general rule, that after a Prince hath once his weapons in his hands, there will be no great revolting in his absence, nor novelties within his country, how far soever he be severed. For first and foremost all the seditious and ambitious fellows, do ordinarily follow him unto the war, and moreover he that is on horseback is feared. On the contrary part, whensoever a Prince is softly and effemenate, his soldiers which are not employed, do go unto him that hath any discontentment, or rather who is desirous of reigning: so as the Prince being found unarmed, before he hath made an Army, and gathered together his garrisons, the seditious have already played well their parts, and the mischief hath entered very far. There were six months passed since we departed from Samarcand, and it grieved many that the Emperor would not return into his country: insomuch as this being declared unto the Prince by Axalla, it was thought convenient the Prince should again review the order of his army, and should speak unto his soldiers, causing a general review to be made of his army, and that this same might give them the greater courage for to endure all discommodities for the service of the Prince. So being come unto Calestria, a general review was commanded, the Prince being himself there in person, where he spoke first unto the Parthians in this manner: I can not believe my 
Tamerlan his oration unto his soldiers at Calestria persuasive, to follow him unto new enterprises  countrymen and soldiers, that you have any desire to see your country, and that you are fainting to win glory unto your Nation, seeing all people do hazard all & every kind of happiness for to win unto themselves the same: you with me, and I with you, have within certain years gotten many victories, whereby we have made our Nation superior unto others, and our name made famous over all the world. If you be weary in following my glorious ensigns, remember yourselves, how it may be reported, that Tamerlan your Emperor hath finished his victories through the valour of another Nation, & not by his own: & consider what reproach you shall bring unto ours, renowned by so great success obtained against so many and sundry warlike people. You my soldiers, whose reputation flieth through all the world, shall I believe this of you? I will not, neither ought I to believe it: therefore follow me, and let us go and assault the Mamelues, who you know of long time have opposed themselves (how far soever from us) against our happiness, having joined themselves unto the Ottomans for our destruction. Would you that I should punish their rashness without you? Would you that the Scythians and my allies, should have part in my victories, and in the mean time, you should go rest yourselves, and lose the glory already gotten? The Prince had no sooner made an end, but they all cried with a loud voice, that they would live and die with him, and as they followed him into China, so would they also follow him throughout all the world: but they besought him to have regard unto their wounds, to comfort their old age, and that he would give them hope of rest: the which the Prince promised unto them. Unto the others the Emperor spoke nothing at all, for they were very glad to have this glory over the Parthians, in perceiving them willing to return, insomuch as when the Prince came to pass before the Scythian horsemen, they all cried in their language: Victorious Emperor what dost thou? march forward, for we will follow thee. The which did greatly content the Emperor. Now the Parthians and Scythians 
Tamerlan his care of his sick soldiers very commendable and imitable.  were the principal forces the Prince had in his army: now the Emperor did nourish wisely emulation between them, which of them should best manifest his faithful affection. The Pince commanded that the sick and wounded should be viewed throughout all the army, and that the Treasurer of the wars should distribute money among the companies, over and above the ordinary pay due unto every soldier: so our army departed, and in the avant-garde with Axalla was placed Andronicus together with him, for to lead the head of the army: and it was reported unto the Emperor, that the Sultan of Egypt prepared forces from all parts, for to resist the power which came against him, but he knew that he should have much to do, and that it was very hard to stop a victorious army, wherein there were such a multitude of men, who had overthrown the strongest and most warlike Monarch that was in all Asia. Insomuch as this gave a great terror unto the Mamelues. But the Sultan, who commanded over them at that present was a young Prince, who had been chosen for the great virtue and courage which was in him, rather than for his great experience in war like affairs, insomuch as he had not as yet since his election showed his affection, and as little his valour unto his subjects: he had indeed his courage puffed up, by seeing himself through this choice Lord of many great cities well fortified, 
The Sultan his brave resolution.  so as he resolved to be overthrown bravely. In such sort as he put his hope in the winning of a battle, from the which what chance soever did happen, he might retire himself at any time into a place of such advantage, that he might have the means to hazard again another, and hope thereby for a revenge. Whereof the Emperor was advertised, & after he had conferred with Axalla & Andronicus, for to be advised whither he should direct the head of his army, for to constrain the enemy the sooner to come unto battle: it was in the end concluded that he should pass by Caramania, directly unto Gevolache, the which was the first city of the Mamelues Empire, being one of the Sultan's frontier towns which did separate him from the Turk, even there where the peace was sworn betwixt them, the which Bajazet had sought, to the end he might have aid from him to strengthen himself thereby against the army which came upon him. So this place was well defended by the Sultan, and it was well fortified: Axalla advancing forward his avantgard did summon the same to yield, or else they should receive the just reward of their rashness & folly. They made answer, that they were children of obedience, & had commandment to die therein. And that willingly they would there endure until death for their Prince & country. This wilfulness put the Prince into great choler (who since he departed from his kingdom, had not seen any one place which brought not to him their keys twenty leagues off before he came unto them) to see a mean city dare to stay his coming, & for to prepare to let his army. The which the Emperor perceiving, he commanded Axalla to march on, & to lodge near Aleppo: the which he summoning, did yield itself, having no other than the inhabitants within the same. The Prince in the mean time, prepared himself unto the siege, whereto having caused his footmen to march, & his artillery to be planted, there was an assault given, which was bravely defended by them within, & there were of our men slain to the number of 1200. The Emperor greatly stirred, determined to assault them once again, & having given a fresh assault, wherein the Prince of Thanais was wounded, our men lodged upon the wall, and leaving no respite unto them within, they killed a great number of them. The Prince understanding that the Sultan had promised them aid, whereof he was well advertised, and did certainly know that he marched forward, he supposed that he had committed a fault, in causing Axalla to advance so far, so as he determined to set forward to overtake him, hoping by that means to surprise the enemy, who came directly towards Axalla for to fight with him. But the enemy did not look for him so soon: so having left all his carriages behind at the siege, where the Prince of Thanais remained with thirty thousand men only, the rest he caused to march with him without any baggage unto Bogras; thither did Axalla send him word that the Sultan had passed the river at Confincan, and that he came for to aid the besieged: and it was reported that he had 74000. horse, and an hundred thousand footmen. Now the Emperor being arrived at Aleppo, understood where the enemy was, & determining with himself to surprise him, he caused Axalla to advance forward with his avantgard, himself staying half a day, and then presently he followed his avant-garde. Axalla having set forward some fifteen hundred horse, they were encountered and almost all slain, he not being able to aid them as he desired, by reason of the unfitness of the country, and judging that they were compassed about, he did not assist them. Now the enemies thinking to deal with none but those which were at Aleppo led by Axalla, they came forward unto the fight ill advised: so as Axalla had them upon him before he supposed; he advertised the Emperor to come forward, & sent him word that he went unto the battle, but that he would dally with the enemy as long as he could, to the end he might have leisure to draw near and assist him, and that he would not fail to choose his place of battle as much as he could for his advantage, whilst he looked for him, he set forward presently twenty thousand horse with speed under the leading of Calibes. In the mean time the enemy by reason of the place which was narrow, & a valley wherein his men could not march, but in single rank, he advanced not so soon: the which Axalla supposed, for otherwise he would have retired, but in the best manner he might unto the Emperor. So he determined to choose a place for the battle, & to make his men for to fight in small troops, to entertain the enemy in coming down the mountain, perceiving that his purpose was to take his place for the battle at the foot of the same mountain. This sport endured 2. or 3. hours, until Calibes came with 20000. horse for the assistance of Axalla, who had also full 30000. more, Andronicus between 8. and 10. thousand, the most part Albanois, who were good horsemen: he requested the first charge, the which Axalla did grant unto him, being loath to discontent him; in the which having fought valiantly, & overthrown & slain many of the enemies, he was one of the first that was slain, for want of being aided by his men. A Prince surely of such a courage, as did much grace him, and who verily in this his youth, did follow the honour & nobility of the blood of them from whom he was descended. Axalla assisted him with all his power, who were in a manner all Parthians or Christians in the Princes pay, who gave a great shock upon the Sultan's troops, and passing through them, he found directly before him all their footmen, he busied himself in fight with them: in the mean time a troop of five & twenty thousand 
A battle between the Sultan of Egypt and the Emperor Tamerlan.  horse did set upon Prince Calibes, they say, that therein was the Sultan himself, who fought the one against the other very obstinately, and in this mean space Axalla fought with these footmen, which he leaving half overthrown sounded a retreat, and seeing Prince Calibes hardly beset, he went directly towards him, and perceiving the place where the enemies had the greatest advantage & his men the worst, he charged this main power on the flank; which 15000. horsemen seeing, who were behind these footmen, whom the Sultan had commanded that they should not fight but upon need, they came upon Axalla on that side he had given his charge, & setting furiously upon him, they fought a long time, so as he was wounded, his horse slain under him, & himself taken prisoner. Which being reported 
Axalla taken prisoner.  unto the Emperor by one that fled; he coming forward with as much speed as he could, was greatly vexed, having his chief confidence in this Captain. This caused the Emperor to make the more haste, who if he had not come in so good time, that day had made an end of his good fortune: but having commanded 10000 horse to advance before him & give an onset, he assisted them with 25000. of his most faithful horsemen, having upon his wings 20000. horse of his aiders. The Sultan did not see this main power, by reason of the valley they came in, & he was greatly astonished for to behold the rest, during the time that Prince Calibes & Axallas men did fight. Behold in an instant 10000 horse which set upon the Mamelus, who were almost masters of the field. The Prince also advanced forward with all his footmen & horsemen. The Sultan not being able to resist so great a force, he sounded a retreat, finding the fault he had committed, seeing all the whole army upon him. Now Axalla, being overthrown by him who held him prisoner, was on foot, & 
Tamerlan his victory over the Sultan.  he was mounted again on horseback: his wound was but a small matter: the Emperor followed the victory three leagues. It is reported, that the Sultan had been thrice mounted on horseback during the battle, so well did he perform the duty of a good soldier & captain, but the fault he had committed was great, for he did not mark that all our army did not follow. We committed another fault also, in so much advancing forward our avantgard, which was like to have cost us dear: for had it not been for the art Axalla used, the Emperor had never come in time to assist him: but we may say that fortune the mistress of all did bring to pass, that our faults were often turned into stratagems of war, so great hap did accompany our Prince: so his coming was the victory of his men. Behold how this war was much shortened against the opinion of many: for it was known how the Sultan was counseled (& wisely) to draw this war into length, notwithstanding he could not shun his ill hap. Our Army could not lie in one place for the great multitude, & especially the country being also in many places unfruitful. These news being come to the Prince of Thanais at Goulach, and he making the same known unto the enemies, they were greatly astonished, as soon had he commandment from the Prince to punish them well for their rashness, and to put all unto the sword, without any mercy, to give terror unto those which would wilfully resist his forces, and also he would have it to be an example unto others: which was done, being won by assault, their courage failing them, by reason of the loss their men had received, as also for that the number of their soldiers was much diminished by the fight given unto them night & day. The Prince would not return back again, but abode at Aleppo, where the Prince of Thanais came & joined with him, not hindering Axalla from advancing forward with the horsemen of the avantgard, to the end that the Sultan should have no respite to take breath, who was retired with 40000. horse. There died in the battle full 80000. men, & no men of mark but Andronicus & three Parthian Captains of great estimation, the Sultan's carriages were the next day taken, wherein was great riches. He made dispatches unto all his allies, & also unto the Greek Emperor, comforting him for the loss of Prince Andronicus, as also for to receive order from him for a new commander over the Greeks'. He sent also some for to carry news of his victory into all his kingdoms. In this mean space the Sultan withdrew himself into Egypt, & fortified all his cities, demanding aid of men & money of all his allies. He divided the rest of his army, where he thought was need thereof; he burned & spoiled before our army, sparing nothing, to hinder us from passing any further, a thing which brought unto us great discommodity, & want began to be in our army, it was so great: in so much as it behoved the Prince to make a review of all his army, to see what unprofitable members were therein, & to sand them from the same. He was advised to divide his army into three parts, the first under the Prince, the other under Axalla, and the third under Calibes, who should conduct the carriages with one part of the footmen, which should bend directly towards Persia, coasting the river Euphrates, and in that space put all the country there under the Prince's obedience, were he should find nothing to stop him, our army 
The Emperor Tamerlan his army divided into three several parts marched sundry ways.  being advanced forward, which overran the same. So the Emperor took the coast of the sea, Axalla the coast of Arabia. There was with the Prince 6000. horse and 100000. footmen, with Axalla 40000. horse & 50000 footmen. Calibes had thirty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen, insomuch as all the earth was covered with men: so as by means that good government was observed in our Army, victuals for men was there in great plenty, & for the horses were many pastures. Now the Sultan had always Axalla following him, but in the end he divided his army, where the most part of his men forsook him: they say he retired into Arabia, where our great army could not lie. He often showed himself with some 4000 horse for to hinder Axalla, who having the smallest troop did follow him more near than we. All the cities upon the sea coast submitted themselves under the Emperor's obedience, as Magata, Aman, Tortosa, Gibelleto, 
Certain Citie● submit themselves unto the Emperor Tamerlan.  Barut, Nephthalim. Damascus' having received a garrison, refused to open the gates, & the Lord laid siege thereto. This was a strong city, wherinto the Sultan had put the Prince Zamadzen, who endeavoured to defend himself, but we having planted all sorts of engines, we overthrew much of the wall. The Prince of Thanais gave th'assault, & won the city, there remaining only a castle of wonderful strength & invincible, but there being a great multitude of men retired into the same, they died for hunger. In the end being willing to yield, the Prince would 
Damascus' taken by assault.  not receive them unto mercy, for to make them feel what it was to hold out against him: so that dying with famine they yielded unto his mercy, & were all taken prisoners or slain, & so punished for their rashness. This caused that 30. leagues off, they brought unto us the keys of their cities: for they which did so were not any ways molested, but only in paying the charges of the army. This city was no sooner tak●, but we turned our head directly unto I●rusalem, at such time as they did drive out the Sultan's garrison. The like did almost all judea also, & came to submit themselves unto the Emperor, who used them very graciously, restored unto them their liberty, promised them for to visit the Sepulchre of jesus Christ, according to the holy customs of our law, & with this honour & reverence he granted unto them whatso ever they demanded. We came unto Coracin, the which city had received commandment to stand firm, & wherein the Sultan had left a garrison of 6000. men, who resolved to fight lustily: but at the length, the same was astonished, seeing the siege laid before it, & that we were determined to take it, & having approached the walls, they 
Coracin yielded upon Composition.  besought mercy, which was granted unto them. The Prince left a garrison therein, for to stop the roads that certain Mamelues made upon our army, departing from Nasuia, from whence the Prince sent a commandment unto Calibes to besiege Cities, and to set himself against those forces which joined themselves together near unto him, the which kept the coming of victuals from the army. In the mean time the Sultan having feigned to draw towards Arabia, he went towards Cairo in Egypt, opposing himself against us only by small incursions, spoiling continually the corn before us, endeavouring to keep our Army from victuals; but our light horsemen did press so near upon them, that he could not execute that he would have done: the people also who willingly submitted themselves, did hinder the waste. The Emperor being come unto Miserill, he did forbid the Army to pass over the river of jordan, for to preserve that country, from whence came great store of victuals unto the Army, and himself road unto jerusalem with certain horsemen for his guard, he determined like a godly Prince to visit the Sepurcher 
Tamerlan his coming unto jerusalem, and his godly reverent behaviour therein.  (the which is had in so great reverence of all the nations) and there for to make his offerings; and being arrived into jerusalem, there he was received of the inhabitants: he therein sought out all the antiquities of the ancient Temple, & would be conducted into all the places wherein jesus Christ had preached, even as the Pilgrims do; & seeing the Sepulchre, he gave thereunto great plenty of riches, & precious gifts; two things made him wonder; which was that he demanding of certain religious men where the body of their Lord was, they answered, in heaven at the right hand of God; he asked of us where our Prophet was placed: the Cherit who was 
Cherit.  near unto him answered, it was true, and that he held the chiefest place in heaven, because he was there before him, and that as he was borne of heaven, unto heaven he was returned, having there first taken the place. Then kneeled he down, and ever after had his name in great reverence; and when he was returned unto Samarcand he builded a most rich Church unto his honour, and would be heard to speak daily of his miracles. And as he did visit all, he came unto the place, where jesus Christ having left his disciples, went up into heaven: in which place, there is a print of his foot, he greatly wondered thereat, and the story being recited unto him of the Pilgrim, who had been ravished in spirit, he accounted him very happy. Axalla came thither also, and all the Christians who did accompany him, having conducted his army unto Tema, for to set it forward into Egypt. There had the Emperor news that the Sultan gathered forces on all sides, and was entered into Alexandria, which is one of the chiefest Cities of Egypt. All the people were very glad to see our Prince honour the holy places, but the jews did greatly blame him for so doing, but they were a people whom the Prince misliked, and called them the accursed 
Tamerlan called the jews the accursed of God.  of God. Axalla gave great gifts and honour unto the holy Sepulchre. Now the Prince did greatly honour them that were devout, and afterwards returned from thence with commandment that they should advance forward the head of his army directly unto Damieta, the which was reported unto the Emperor, to be in inexpugnable, as well in respect of the Castle, as for that the Sultan had put many soldiers into the same. Now this is a City upon the sea coast, and one of the chiefest of judea, so as the same was in great reputation, for that it had held out many great sieges, in so much as many did dissuade the Prince from going thither, but rather for to cause his army to march higher, and not enclose himself within a corner. But the Emperor who thought nothing could hinder his good fortune, would needs go thither, and having commanded Axalla to set upon it, he caused the rest of the army to march thither. Axalla having summoned them, and declared to the inhabitants, who were most of them Christians, the mildness, & courtesy of the Prince, who himself was, & what religion he held, causing many of the Greek Emperors captains to speak unto them, and made them understand the misery wherein they were obeying barbarous Moors & Mamelus: they determined to venture their lives, for to put all the Mamelues out of the city, and all those that favoured the Sultan. 
Damieta wo● by intelligence in the night.  So as they having taken arms in the night, made themselves masters of one quarter of the city, and delivering one gate to Axalla, all the Mamelues were either slain or taken, and the city put under the obedience of the Prince. These news being come unto the Emperor, who was already marching forward, made him hope for a good end of his affairs: for to leave such a city within the arms of the river Nilus, and himself to pass on further, would be the destruction of his army. He trusted also that by this haven victuals should come unto him from all the parts of Greece, according as the Emperor Emanuel had promised him, and wherein he nothing failed him: unto the which the Prince having made his entry, there were left in garrison two thousand soldiers of the Emperor Emanuel his forces, and there he placed a Governor, and caused them to take an oath of obedience, the Prince desiring to become master thereof, for to hold the Sultan thereby the more short. The Prince found this city to be very fair; they of Arissa did the like, and he put garrisons into all the walled towns upon the sea coast, for to make victuals come (as I have said) conveniently unto us: for this was the Prince's chiefest care, considering the multitude of his army, the which had felt no want thereof. The Prince having remained a space at Damieta, he caused his avant-garde to march towards Alexandria, and having passed over the river, even in an instant, he went directly unto Cairo, a thing which did greatly astonish the Sultan, who made provision for the defence of Alexandria; as soon as he understood these news, he used so great diligence, that he entered thereinto even as we approached the same, and he himself in person determined for to defend it, and for to keep us from passing over the river of Nilus for to go unto Alexandria; they reported that the Sultan entered thereinto with forty thousand horse, and threescore thousand footmen. The Emperor could 
Practise with ●●●ues of Cairo.  not believe it: and then was our army at Buldac seven leagues from Cairo, at such time as the Sultan arrived there, who came thither in necessary time: for the slaves (whereof there be an infinite number) began to settle themselves for to rebel, and had entered into the same without doubt, the which was very evil news for the advancement of our affairs: for to remain 
The Sige of Cairo.  long time before it was impossible for▪ us to do, by reason of the want of victuals: yet the Prince notwithstanding all this did not leave to draw near unto it, and encamped with all his army near unto the same, having caused a great trench to be made for to cover his horsemen, and thereby for to lodge his army the more safely. So the Prince during that time, caused diverse onsets to be made, the which he did, both to know the enemy's countenance, as also for to cause thereby slaves to issue out, who did bring us news in what estate they were, against whom we always had the better, and shut than into the city. Now it happened that the Emperor one day thought good to show his army before the city, for to try whether the enemiy had a desire to come unto a day of battle, and to view what forces he had, and indeed to seek occasion for to fight: he hoped also that if the enemies did put out all their army, some revolt would happen within the city, as well by the slaves unto whom liberty was promised, as of many discontented with the insolences of the Mamelus whom the Sultan had caused to enter with him. So the Emperor was betimes in battle array, but no body issued out, contrary to our expectation. The Emperor in the mean while viewed the situation of the city, and showed unto them his power, having certified the inhabitants that he sought not their destruction, but only of the Mamelus his enemies: so as the same being declared by certain slaves of the nation, who feigned to fly from our army, he be thought them of the means how to drive out the Mamelues: the which being made known unto the Emperor by the slaves, he determined to advance forward his footmen within half a league of the city, and there to encamp the same determining so thereby the more to favour the Moors enemies unto the Mamelues, who promised to take arms in his behalf. The Emperor having sent for the principal leaders of his army, he propounded unto them that which he had determined for to do, the which he did as well for to have their advise, as also if the same were concluded upon, for to make them know his pleasure, and the order wherein they should march: and he declared unto his Captains how he was come on a sudden before this city, not imagining the Mamulus should enter into the same, knowing there being none but the inhabitants he might easily have taken it, & out of the same draw commodities for the maintenance of his army: but the sudden arrival of such an army did put great difficulties before his eyes. The first was that he could not long remain before the City, for the want of victuals, and the season by reason of the excessive heat was very hurtful unto his men, for that they had not been thereunto accustomed; that he doubted lest he going about to famish others, mortality should join itself unto the famine, & so come into his army; that he had bounded his enterprises upon that part between the Cities of Cairo and Alexandria, and this being taken he would return victorious into his country, and loaden with the spoils of all Asia; that it were dishonourable for him to recoil before the enemy's Army with that victory which he had obtained, a victorious Army 
Persuasive reasons of Tamerlan for to ●oue his soldiers not to return before they had won the City of Cairo from the Sultan.  before a conquered and flying Army, the which had done nothing else but seek the deserts and strong places since the time of the overthrow that the same had received, not daring for to show itself before ours, very near these three months; that at this present it was within a great City, acknowledging that therein they had a great advantage. But on the other side in number of soldiers he was much their superior, so as the forces being greater which he had, did countervail the enemy's walls; and that he did not doubt but our victorious arms already over them, would be a terror to make them fly before us, as soon as we came to hand-blows with them; that it was a thing whereon the enemy did not depend, in thinking himself invincible by means of the trenches they had made within their streets, who do you think will arm themselves when as they shall see us to set upon them unlooked for. I hold opinion we shall have a happy end: for it is a more honourable thing then shamefully to retire and show our backs unto the enemy, who have so often seen our faces unto their hurt. A thing which the great God hath granted us, having been these twenty years passed in continual wars against so many warlike nations, notwithstanding by you even the Parthian name hath been victorious. To be short, in doing of this we must by that means bury our reputation and all our victories, if we should retire this day shamefully from before this City, the which will come out after us, hindering us from victuals on every side, and spread a rumour of our disgrace, so as they which do now incline unto us, will make head against us, and they which do obey will rebel against us: & if we having lost this occasion, would bend ourselves against them, they will presently run into their dens, so as on every part we shall have great difficulties. Advise yourselves herein, for there are but two ways; either to raise the siege and retire before their army, or else to assault them. The Prince by his speech made all the Captains astonished, not knowing well which of the matches for to take, considering the weightiness of the matter. This was also a fight which they had not tried for to force an army within their walls, notwithstanding they must prefer their reputation before death, and run into all hazards. At the last the Prince seeing that none did speak, he commanded Axalla for to begin and to declare his advise, who did rise up, and 
Consultation.  after he had taken leave of the Emperor to show his 
Axalla his worthy speech unto Tamerlan thereupon.  opinion, he said aloud. My Lord, what is this thou dost of us demand, hast not thou always tried the courages of thy Captains and soldiers, preferring the honour of thy reputation, before their own lives? What is it then thou requirest at our hands? lead us against the Mamelues, & thou shalt see whether the love and true affection to thy service, and desire of the immortality of thy name be any thing diminished? Dost thou think (according to thy speech unto us) that the walls do hinder our valour, & the force of our horses? The first horse of ours that shall put his head within Cairo will give entrance for all the Army Axalla had no sooner made an end of speaking, but all the Captains cried that they might be led unto the fight, & that they were ready to die for the greatness and glory of their Prince. The Emperor having thanked them, began to declare the manner of the order he would his army should march in: he divided his footmen into three parts, the Lieutenant general of the footmen marched with 30000. men. The Prince of Thanais had the head assisting him with 50000 footmen about his person, and all his horsemen after him, this day all the horsemen being reserved to attend upon his person, having given unto Axalla in whom he had his chiefest trust, the charge of the whole army, who was on foot. Now the Prince's determination was to take one of the Cities of Cairo, & there to encamp himself, & so to advance forward by little and little fight with the enemy. Now within the city the which was over against us, was the Sultan encamped & all his forces: he had 60000. footmen & 50000. horse, whereof there were 30000 Mamelues, brave men, & exercised in warlike affairs, & of whose arms we made trial in the last war; as for the footmen, they were gathered together out of Arabia, Persia, & Libya, with many slaves 
The siege of Cairo in Egypt by Tamerlan.  unto whom he had given freedom, his experienced soldiers being overthrown in the last battle. The Emperor who had not declared any thing of the hope he had in the slaves & Moors, did now utter the same unto Axalla. So after this conclusion was taken, the Emperor determined to give an assault, & having brought his footmen unto the place where he would have them give the onset, even upon the face of their enemies, as soon as he did see that they had set lustily upon their trenches, he commanded the Prince of Thanais to assault them with 50000 men: this was a furious fight. In the mean time Axalla went along by certain palm trees, for that he judged the enemy had forsaken that place, to go & assist their own men, as soon as they perceived the Prince of Thanais to enter, wherein he was not deceived: for having found but small resistance, he passed over the trenches, and having received commandment from the Prince that they should presently make room for the horsemen to pass, whither (during the time he employed himself therein) the enemy sent 20000 men for to stop him; then did Axalla advance forward, leaving 3000. of his men to make an end of filling up the ditches, & himself went to the fight; he found the Mamelues who fought on horseback, & had almost beaten back the Prince of Thanais. As soon as the way was made plain, the 10000 horse set forward, who charged the Mamelues behind, where. the Sultan himself was. Now the Emperor caused 10000 more to advance forward, after them he followed with all his power: then did the enemies retire unto a second trench the which they had made in another City. The fight had continued full the space of seven hours, and it could not be judged to which side the victory inclined, for they did courageously defend their advantages. But the Prince having in the end caused a retreat to be sounded, contented himself in having driven the enemies out of their trenches and won their lodging from them, hoping the next day to win all the rest: we possessed a third part of the City, all the footmen lodging upon the enemy's trench, and there were continual assaults given, so desirous were our men to overcome. There were slain this day of the enemies, sixteen thousand men at the least, and of ours, between seven and eight thousand. Draguen Lieutenant general of the footmen was slain with many of his soldiers, for he sustained all the brunt of the fight, the stratagem of war used by Axalla, and his judgement was for us a great advantage. The Prince about night having advertisement that the Sultan would retire, & pass over the river, he forthwith commanded ten thousand horse to lodge themselves that night for guarding of the river banks. But the Sultan thinking those to be all, the horsemen durst not pass over, having been informed that the whole army was there. The break of day being come, the Prince caused them to begin to fill up the enemies trenches, & to set his army in battle array. The Prince of Thanais did once again begin it, & Axalla upon an other side; but after they had fought, the Sultan determined for to make a retreat & so to go out of the city. For these footmen did so obstinately press on unto the battle, and after he had performed his endeavour seeing our men already masters of the trenches, doubting lest he should have our horsemen upon him likewise, he determined to go out and encamp himself all along the river, and to accomplish the purpose he had failed in the night. They determined to retire unto Alexandria if he could pass over the water, and having withdrawn his men from the fight, as well as he could, he encamped him between the water and the City, for to pass over the same. As the Prince had passed over the trenches, the soldiers killed and sacked all the whole city as conquerors. The 
Great Cairo won by Tamerlan.  Prince having present knowledge of the Sultan's flight, settled himself to follow him with his horsemen, who only were in order, and having knit together as he might, some of his footmen busied in the spoil of the city, and being informed that the enemy passed the water with great diligence, he set forward directly towards him, for to stop him upon a narrow causey, where were certain marshes made for to stay the over flowing of Nilus: but the Sultan had opposed 12. of 15. thousand men whom he called his slaves, to favour his passage, who were his best soldiers, & stood firmly, the place being greatly for their advantage. Now our footmen with whom it be hooved us to fight, were busied in pillage, and did come forward softly and unwillingly, leaving the city the which others did spoil: so as the Prince was driven to promise to regard especially and to acknowledge their good service. Now as soon as they were come, they forced the enemies, but not without great 
The courage of the Sultan's men swimming ever the river of Nilus, with one hand, & their weapon in the other.  loss, they seeing that they could not resist so great a multitude and such a force, they cast themselves to swimming, and made an honourable retreat: for every man had his weapons in one of his hands, and with the other hand swimming, did arrive upon the other bank, one part of the horsemen were cut in pieces, and the other drowned. This was the end of the Sultan, who staying a long time (as it is reported) did busy himself in beholding from far, how they did spoil this great city. Now when the night came upon us, he thought our men should be sufficiently troubled in enjoying of the victory, without following of him. It is reported, 
The Sultan his speech unto those about him after his over throw at Cairo.  he said unto his soldiers, in comforting of them, that they were not men which had conquered them, but rather some God, so great wisdom, force, and valour, did he observe in our soldiers. There went away with him some eighteen thousand horse, the rest were fled sundry ways, and many drowned. On the morrow he withdrew himself directly unto Alexandria, making much of those slaves which remained alive, who had so well endeavoured themselves for the safeguard of their Master, having resisted the force of all our Army for the space of two long hours, yea even after they had made such a glorious and memorable a retreat. The Prince caused diverse of those which had been taken in the battle to come before him, and gratified them in what he might, he gave them presents, and desired to be served by them, but they all refused that offer: notwithstanding 
The faithfulness of the Sultan's men towards their Master.  the Emperor (seeing their fidelity towards their master) did not forbear to give them liberty to go and find again the Sultan: for the Emperor did make himself to be noted in his victories for some notable act of clemency, a thing very well 
Tamerlan merciful.  be seeming great men: for bounty is the part which maketh us to beloved, and valour and force maketh us to be feared and admired. The Emperor after he had beheld this spectable withdrew himself, and caused his pavilion to be placed between the river of Nile and 
A wise foresight in Tamerlan after his victory.  the City, for to assure his army, the which he did foresee was easy to be overcome, during the sacking of so rich & wealthy a city. That night he mounted on horseback, and accompanied with some of his most faithful servants, did ride through all his camp, visiting his guards himself, making much of his soldiers, and commending them for their endeavours: on the morrow he made his entry into the city, where there was speech of receiving the Castle, wherein the Sultan's had put their riches, for it was their ancient dwelling: the which the Prince did in his own person, and lodged himself with all his army round about the same fortress, the which is at one of the ends of the city; having given commandment to cease the pillage, the same having continued the space of 24. hours, and every soldier being also enjoined by the same proclamation to return under their ensigns, and lodge in the army's quarter. The Prince commanded the next day, that they should set at 
The bounty of Tamerlan.  liberty all the inhabitants of the city, and that he adjudged none unto bondage. There was within this city an infinite quantity of riches and treasure ●ound, the which they report the Sultan Princes have of long time kept there, not being suffered to employ any part thereof, but upon great necessity. And this was in my opinion, one of the chiefest occasions, that made the Sultan come thither with such diligence as he did. They report also, that in the night time he had conveyed out of the same place much thereof: and some say, that he did not enter thereinto, and that he took out nothing for fear of making his soldiers for to think that he would retire, a thing which might bewray the retreat he meant for to make; others hold opinion, that all the treasure was there, and that he did not think ever to be forced in such a city, & with such forces as he had put into the same, referring such a deed of arms unto the Divinity, wherein his men had been overcome with such advantage. Now the Prince after he had certified Calibes of this victory, who was all along by the river of Euphrates with his army, which daily increased, having taken many cities, it was a great astonishment unto all Persia, & there reigned at that present time over those Nations a multitude of small kings, some of them observing the law of the Prophet, the other being Christians. The Prince had a purpose in his return to subject all that under his obedience; he sent Calibes word of his victory, and that he gave him the government of all Egypt. So the Prince having taken order for all that was necessary for the keeping of such a city, he caused his army to pass over the river for to go and follow the Sultan unto Alexandria, to the end he should not leave his victory unperfect. And having caused his avant-garde to pass over; and distributed unto every one before the passage, a reward according to their deserts, Axalla passed over with the avant-garde to go with all speed into Alexandria, for to hinder the Sultan from joining of his forces together. The Emperor remaining with the main forces of the army, did make no longer abode at Cairo: for all the people came and yec●ded themselves unto him, and after he had taken the oath of fidelity of the people and city, and of all the near adjoining cities, and having established as great security as he could, he determined to stretch even so far the borders of Scythia: he left ten thousand soldiers within that city, and brought away those he thought might hurt him: he changed almost all the people therein, having a great multitude of men within his army, of whom he planted every where as he passed new Colonies for to assure the places, and in a manner even unto Cana all yielded to his obedience: & Ambassadors came from all parts, as well from Arabia the happy, as out of all Africa, for to submit themselves under his obedience, so much was the terror of his name printed in the hearts of all those people adjoining unto his conquests. And referring the disposing of the affairs of Egypt until his return from Alexandria unto Cairo, his own person went upon the river of Nilus for his pleasure, having caused all his army to pass over under the conduct of the Prince of Thanais: and himself with a part of his 
Tamerlan went by the river of Nilus unto Alexandria.  soldiers determined to go by water, and causing an infinite number of boats to be prepared for himself, and those he carried with him, the Prince took great pleasure in beholding this fair river, and his swift course sometimes, and in an instant to become so calm. The news being come unto Alexandria of the marching forward of the army, made the people consult and think upon their safety: insomuch as going unto the Sultan, they be sought him to have compassion on their estate▪ and to withdraw himself into Libya, and for themselves they were determined for to do as the time served, and not to resist any more so great a force▪ against the which they had so often in vain opposed themselves: but now they knew not what to do, they must give place unto fortune, and that Tamerlan his Army could not pass strong into Libya: and if weak, he might defend himself from the same, that they would observe the faith promised unto him at his coming thither, and upon the first occasion offered, they would make the same appear unto him, that he would only preserve his person. The Sultan who did see all things desperate, determined for to retire, hoping that time would bring unto him some change, as also that our army would not remain there, and that in the mean time he should have opportunity to attempt some thing, he went out of the city of Alexandria, 
The Soldan● words when he fled from Alexandria.  the tears in his eyes, repeating often these words; That God was provoked against his people, and that he must of necessity suffer the fatal overthrow of so flourishing an estate; that himself had done as much as in him lay, according to the charge and choice they had made of him; that he hoped to return with strong forces for to deliver them from that bondage whereinto they must needs submit their heads, and bear the yoke. These words were declared unto Axalla, being the most advanced, who sent them unto the Prince: he sent him word also, that unto Alexandria came much people to obey his commandments, & that for the space of more than fifty leagues, all came for to submit themselves unto his obedience. So the Prince, having received these news, he was very glad: and seeing his purposes so to prosper, he conceived hope of a happy return. But notwithstanding he was greatly vexed, that he could not get the Sultan into his hands: this caused the Prince for to use cruelty towards them which took his part, and carried them with him, doubting some alteration in his absence. Now as we approached within a days journey unto Alexandria, the Prince sent word unto Axalla, that he should bring with him the chiefest that came, promising unto him obedience and fidelity. The Prince having made his entry into Alexandria with all his army, he encamped the same near unto the City, and for the safety of his person caused to enter thereinto 6000. horse, and 20000. footmen, and having given commandment unto Axalla, to pursue the Sultan with the avant-garde, the Emperor's person remained long time in Alexandria, staying until he might hear news from Calibes, unto whom he had sent Lochestan his great Chamberlain, for to succeed in his place, a man of good desert, having always commanded over ten thousand horse in the army, who carrying with him his regiment which was of ten thousand horse, Calibes took as many for to come forward towards us with all his carriage. Behold how there needed no mediation with the Prince; he remembering in the absence of his servants, their valour & deserts, and the honour whereof they were worthy; one of the parts that did so much recommend the Emperor. Insomuch as no man did sue for anything, neither demanded any honours, or estates near unto his person▪ no not for the government of his estate. As we departed from Alcaire the Emperor received news that the Emperor his uncle was very sick, the which made him very sad: but he relied upon the wisdom of the Empress his wife, who would so well gratify the kings & princes his subjects, that there should happen no trouble when soever this ill hap should fall out. For his affairs being prosperous, & many victories daily obtained▪ who was he in all the world that durst so much as lift up his head against him? much less within his own kingdoms. The Empress also sent him word, that she looked for his coming home, unto the circumcision of his eldest son, whom God had given unto him, the which was well nourished, so as in Alcaire were the certain limits of his conquests, & also of the prosperity of his fathers in heritance. He had news also that the Chinois would have rebelled, and how the Viceroy Odmar had punished them severely, and had won a battle wherein the king's brother was slain, so as his borders were on that side most assured, and increased even unto Cauchechina, after that they went about for to rebel: notwithstanding, Odmar had a commandment from the old Emperor to pacify and keep that which he had couquered beyond the river of Flezan. Now Axalla having passed beyond Alexandria, had thereby given so great a fright unto all Africa (they supposing that the Emperor did follow) that 22 kings of Libya sent their Ambassadors unto him, for to offer their obedience unto the Emperor. The Sultan having passed further forsaken of all his men, who came daily to yield themselves unto Axalla our Lieutenant general, Arsanibei sent to demand security of the 
Arsanibei his treachery against Tamerlan.  Emperor, who seeing all things desperate, beseeched him to accept of his service. The Emperor who was mild, received him courteously, granting unto him as much as he desired, and thereupon did swear fidelity unto him: but he had notwithstanding another matter in his mind, for he had promised the Sultan to give an attempt upon the Emperor's person: and there were full four thousand Mamelues received into the Prince's service, who should have done this execution within Alexandria, where the Prince did continued intending the establishing of his new conquests. Now the enterprise was appointed in the morning when the Prince should give audience to every one (according to his custom) having of his guard only 1200. soldiers, appointed every day out of 10000 ordained for the preservation of the Prince's person: he had also imparted this enterprise unto diverse of the inhabitants, who should have taken arms as soon as the same should be executed. Now as the enterprise was dangerous, so seemed it easy as he thereof persuaded himself, having caused all his men to enter one by one into the army, whither they had yielded themselves: and it was three weeks since he devised this enterprise. So the day came when he should do this execution, the Prince having the day before made him a present of one of the most courageous horses of his stable, and having commanded his men to show all courtesy and good entertainment unto him and his company. Now in the morning he drew near unto the Emperor, who was in his tent, whither every one repaired that had any business with him. Now you must understand, that Alexandria is builded in such a fashion, that they go upon the tops of the houses, the which are in manner of vaults, where the traitor had secretly placed those who should assist him after the mischief were committed. He came then & showed himself a far off; the Prince (full of gentleness) asked him what he desired, astonished notwithstanding that he came into that place which was not fit for his dignity, the Prince only ministering justice for those which had not access unto his person, as were the poor people & soldiers: but he knew not yet that custom: so as the Prince perceiving him change colour in holding some petition, the Prince had always an eye to that he did; on a sudden he drew near unto the Prince, with his sword in his 
Tamerlan his great danger and valiant defence of himself, to the mischief of the traitor.  hand: the Prince having his ready assoon as he, miss not him as he had done; the Prince retired back one pace for to avoid the thrust he cast at him: the Emperor having stricken him, did almost cut off one of his arms, the which he put forward for to strike him. In this instant they ran unto the Prince's succour, and one of his servants coming, did give him another blow upon the head: but a small matter wherewith he fell down. The Prince having stayed them from killing of him, to the end he might know his companions, than cried he out, & with great lamentations bewailed his good master, sending unto him this his deed, as the last witness of his fidelity. The Prince demanded of him, wherefore he did not kill him in the battle, but would traitorously at this present under the pretence of friendship and service take his life from him? The other answered only; let me die, let me die. The chief judge of the Imperial justice took and examined him, together with the Princes most privy Council. In the mean time they caused every man to take arms, the Prince's horsemen mounted on horseback, the guards were increased, they made the haven sure, the Prince withdrew himself into his lodging, being happy that he had saved his life from this blow. You might have seen both Captains & soldiers run unto the Emperor's lodging, & would have forced the guards for to see whether the Prince were well, who was desirous to take rest: he was compelled to show himself unto his Captains & soldiers, for to assure them of his health: yea he was constrained to mount on horseback, and to go every where even into the camp. And at such time as they did see the Prince, you would have said, that the heavens did break with cries, through the joy they made over all for the health of their Prince, so great Idolaters were the soldiers of their Emperor. The other was presently put to the torture, who courageously confessed all the enterprise requiring death. Some went unto the place where the named were; there were three hundred yet shut up, who were all tied and put in prison, the others sought out here and there. He miss not to accuse those of the city, unto whom he had delivered letters of credit from the Sultan. The Prince who was an enemy unto cruelty, perceiving that the end of this business would prove long, he went out of Alexandria, for that he knew the discovery of all the partakers, & to the end execution might be made of those of the enterprise. It was a miserable spectacle to behold all these things thus performed within the City, at such time as they apprehended the conspirators, who being convinced, were put to death openly: and the game began at Arzambei, who being 
Arzambei beheaded for treason against Tamerla●, with divers of his companions at Alexandria  strangled, his head was set up for a memory of that treason upon the market place, and his body divided into four quarters. And the very same punishment was taken of all the conspired inhabitants of the city, or any others. Those which were suspected, and might any ways be detected, were led away prisoners, and made slaves, being changed from that place. Behold the end of this conspiracy, the which the valorand majesty of the Prince alone did defend, and no other force at all: but as I have often heard the Prince say, he had an imagination, that this mad fellow would do him some mischief, and if it had not been for fear of committing any thing unworthy his greatness and faith given, he would have caused him to be apprehended, but he had good regard unto his practices. The Prince was often wont to say, that he did not fear such wicked 
A resolute saying of Tamerlan  murderers, for that he had a good keeper near unto him: and this he meant (as I understood afterwards) by a defending Angel, whom he called Meaniel, unto whom it was enjoined (as he said) by God, for to defend him against all dangers, whose picture he carried as a mark in his ensigns & imprese, causing the croissant mark of the Ottomans to be blotted out of all Asia, and his own to be planted there. Now Axalla having passed further, and made the Prince's arms to be felt over all, having also brought all the neither Libya to be subject unto Alexandria: the Prince finding this country to be very fair and pleasant, he looked daily for the coming of Calibes, and he in the mean time ordered the affairs of his new estate, causing his Army to refresh itself, the which was spread over all: he suffered none but Axalla to keep the order of an army before him. The heat was very great at that present, the which our soldiers did endure with great discommodity: the Parthians especially whose temperate climate doth incline more unto cold then heat. This being ended, the Emperor returned into Alexandria, whither divers Ambassadors from the kings of Libya and Barbary came unto him, swearing obedience 
Obedience sw●●ne unto Tamerlan by almost all the kings of Afri●●  of fidelity between his hands. The nearest gave hostages for the other further off: the Prince contented himself with their faith, and with the outward signs of their good wills. Behold how every one came to acknowledge this new Lord, & he would have the great enlargement of the bounds of his Empire appear unto the world. Now the Prince had a desire more than he used to have, to see the sweetness of his native country, age bringing unto him a desire to rest himself. And he was wont to say, that he had heard the Emperor his father declare, that the favour of fortune was at his period unto a man of 45▪ years of age, for any increasing; that it 
A strange opinion in Tamerlan of Fortune's favour.  behoved after that time to study how to preserve it, & not any more to augment the same: because fortune doth often change her countenance, like unto that of man, the which doth become wrinkled & old. He had moreover, to perform the building of Samarcand, where he meant to eternize his memory, the which he greatly desired: so as he was curious to search in all parts artificers & skilful men for to send thither, & all the fair people he could find in any place where he was the conqueror. In this very place he said that he would make his tomb, where he had received breath, weighing it in a just & equal balance, to deliver unto the earth the same which it had brought forth, without using any ingratitude unto the same. And he being one day demanded by a Pagan (unto whom he made this discourse, and who beheld his stately tomb) where he would build one for his soul? The Prince showed unto him heaven, saying, that it should return to heaven, from whence it did come: for this same (said he) is a parcel of the high God▪ And seeing we are come unto this matter, I will speak a word thereof by the way: which was, that being one day reprehended by one of his great Priests, because he did not constrain with the sword, all religions to embrace his. Ah my friend (said he) I will never do 
The Author saith, that this may be praised in a Pagan & infidel, not in a Christian Prince.  it: for I cannot believe but God is delighted with the diversity of religions, hating only those which are without any religion; and myself would willingly have rooted out from the face of the earth such kind of people, but not the other. I believe the fashion I use in praying unto God, is the most acceptable unto him, & therefore I serve him in this manner. This is the cause wherefore I suffer within my dominions every one to worship God in any manner whatsoever, so as his principal end be ●o honour, and not to despise him. I have said this by the way; seeing I writ this history for you, it is very convenient I declare unto you what his religion was. This was his manner also, that whensoever he did speak of God, it was with so great reverence, that he durst not almost lift up his eyes alo●t, so fearful was he of the sovereign majesty: & of all men I did never see any more fearful of the divinity. He was also wont to say, that every one should continue in that wherein he was borne and first instructed, if it were of that religion as served one only God. Our Prince had so good conditions & so agreeable unto every one, that it shall be hard for me to utter and declare them unto posterity, neither can I sufficiently commend them, nor lively represent them in that perfection I desire, as I have undertaken for to do. Now for to return again unto our history, the Emperor received news of Calibes marching forward, and of receiving his great Chamberlain into his Army. We looked for his coming with great devotion, being daily desirous to return, after we had run so many forrtunes of all kinds, and the Prince having subdued and brought under his obedience so many sundry people. Axalla was commanded to march towards us▪ and the whole Army was summoned from all parts for to assemble themselves together. The Prince carried away from Alexandria even to the number of seven or eight thousand men, and put thereinto for to inhabit other people, whom he had brought from sundry places: he left therein six thousand horsemen, and ten thousand footmen: he appointed a sufficient Governor under Calibes, who arrived there presently. The Emperor after he had declared unto him his pleasure, and appointed what he should do, the Army was commanded to set forward directly towards Cairo: the Prince having left within Alexandria Zamolzan, a man of great reputation, to be Lieutenant general under Calibes. The number of forces left by the Prince unto the said Governor, was forty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen, whereof part were dispersed into all the strong places and forts, and principally all along the sea side: the rest were left in the plain fields towards Alexandria, where Zamolzan commanded them. Staying until such time as the Prince were departed from Cairo, whether he did go for to conduct Calibes, whom (as I have said) the Emperor had appointed for to command over all Syria and Egypt, together with 
Calibe● made Governor of Syria with the rest conquered in Africa.  the countries newly conquered in Libya and Barbary. Then the Emperor after he had taken order for all things belonging unto the preservation of his new conquest, perceiving that every one of those countries did like well of his government, acknowledging his great mildness and great justice observed every where, it seemed that every one did like well of this change, & to be governed by so victorious a Prince, and whose power was so great for to de●end them. So after he had received the solemn oath of the people, as well of Alexandria, of Cairo and other Cities, of all Syria and the bordering countries: we began to set forward our avant-garde, and the Battle with the Prince of Tha●●●●. So the Emperor dismissed Calibes, after he had instructed him, after what fashion he would have those kingdoms governed, over the which he had given him charge, and himself having friendly committed them unto God, not as a master, but like a companion, he seemed to be sorry for to leave them destitute of his presence. The Prince himself with few returned unto 
Tamerlan his devotion 〈◊〉 jerusalem.  jerusalem, where he remained eleven days, for to visit daily the Sepulchre of jesus Christ the God of the Christians: and was curious to bring away great quantity of the earth from that place; saying that he would honour therewith the places of devotion within his new City. He was also desirous for to ●ee the 〈◊〉 of Solomon his Temple; saying, that he would cause one to be builded like unto that at Sa●aroand▪ In like sor● did he wonder at jerusalem the seat of Druids▪ kingdom, and of that great Solomon: he lamented the ruins thereof, for that he did not see them fully in their former beauty, so greatly did the devotion unto all holiness conduct him. He only despised the jews, which had committed so cruel a murder against him who came to save them. The Emperor having this affection 
Tamerlan, granted great privileges unto jerusalem.  unto jerusalem, did declare the same to be free from all subsidies, and garrisons of men of war. He gave great gifts unto the Monasteries▪ and honoured them as long as he remained in that place. I will return to declare how the great Chamberlain, as soon as he was come into his Army, had besieged a City called Meleg upon the river of Euphrates, staying for the Emperor, the which being brought unto great necessity, and even after he had greatly battered the same, was constrained for to raise the siege from before it, being succoured by all the Lords of Quilean, of C●ld●r, and others assembled, believing the Emperor's was overthrown, by one only report they had received from certain false messengers; in so much as that which was peaceable before, presently was in arms, and he had upon his arm all the forces thereabout. He in the mean time remained within his Camp, having no commandment from the Prince to give any battle, and being retired himself all along the river of E●phrates, 
The great Chamberlain his dis●r●●t cariag● of himself in Ass●ria and Persia.  the enemies pa●sing over the river, began to press upon him for to fight: he which had no such commission, kept himself as well as he could within his trenches, having already advertised the Emperor of all that had passed, and not thinking of the enemy's rashness, could not imagine they would come & assault him within his trenches; but being grown vainglorious by repulsing of him from before the City, they did attribute unto themselves therefore a great glory, and unto us a great disgrace: so as they desired when their soldiers had this advantage, to win a greater for than, if they could. So they determined to force our Camp, over the which commanded a Captain, who was (as they supposed) more trained up within the Court then in Armies. (And certainly the fear and reputation of Calibes was great, the which made him feared: for when they reckoned up the names of our chief Captains, next after Axalla they put the name of Calibes for his valour and experience.) So far forth that despising this new head, they busied their heads in thinking the victory to be on their sides most certain, for lack of experience in him which commanded it, by reason of his youth. So in a morning they came and lodged their Camp near unto ours: the great Chamberlain having commanded his soldiers not to issue out of the Camp, but for to defend themselves with the advantage they had by reason of their trenches, & set his army in order▪ disposing thereof for the better defence of the same; & having of that, as of other matters▪ taken the advise of hi● Captains▪ he st●●ed for the enemies with this resolution assuring himself by that means they would not disobey the Prince's commandment. The enemies failed not with all sorts of cries forcibly to come and assault our Camp: they were in number 50000▪ footmen, who in two several places gave the assault▪ Now the camp was made in that fashio▪ that a certain place to issue out was left in the same▪ by the which the horsemen might go unto the battle, and fight under the safeguard of the trenches, of which cunning the enemies did nothing at all doubt. For they had sent their horsemen unto the other side of a little river, by the which they doubted that our men, not having the courage to sustain the fight, and seeing themselves assaulted, would fly away, to the end they might set upon them in their retreat. Now our men were no more but eighteen thousand horse, and forty thousand footmen: there was indeed therein a great multitude of carriages and prisoners, whom the great Chamberlain had caused to work so well in the entrenching▪ that they were stronger than the City they had besieged; and from whence they had raised their siege. So the ●ight endured two or three hours, when as he perceiving that our men did courageously repulse them, and that an infinite number of the enemies were slain, the Chamberlain thought it a ●it time to assault them: so 
The pollitick● & valiant service performed by the great Chamberlain.  he issued out of the Camp by the same place that I have declared, with ten thousand of the best horses within his Army, and having first given order to busy them, he came and set upon them on a sudden; and sl●e a great number of them, in so much as ou● men became weary with killing, their horsemen being advertised oft his evil hap befallen unto their ●ootmen; thought good to repa●●e again this river▪ the which the great Chamberlain perc●●●ing, foundend the retreat, not willing to hazard any thing to no good purpose: for their horsemen were in n●●erfull 〈◊〉 thousand. This day did they lose five and twenty thousand men, that were slain as well in the field, as in the fight of the trenches. The 〈◊〉 of the faction was ●●aine▪ who was called 〈◊〉 king of A●●e●●ia. In this mean time the Prince who had received news of his Army's disgrace, had dispatched Axalla with speed, for to advance himself forward with the Parthian horsemen, for the assistance of the great Chamberlain. And Axalla having received news of the victory within two or three days journey, he sent word of the same unto the Emperor, during which time he remained at Damascus, staying for the Prince's commandment: who after he had received these news did publish the same over all, and especially advertised Calibes thereof, to the end the same should stay their troublesome spirits, who already did believe that the Army of the great Chamberlain was overthrown. I will declare by the way, that I marked in the Prince a greater joy for this victory, than I did note in him for any other he had where his own person commanded. And this he did in my opinion, for that he rejoiced that he was not deceived in the choice which he had made of the great Chamberlain, who was as yet too young for such a charge. For he thought this same would yield matter unto some for to blame him, not to have sufficiently weighed such a charge: but seeing the wisdom he had showed in keeping his advantage, and likewise the obedience and respect he had unto the Prince's commandment, this same did greatly content him. Some also report, that the Prince would not busy himself any longer, desiring to return unto his ancestors kingdoms, for to assure them, fearing lest the long time of his absence should cause some ●edicions, by reason of some disgrace his Army might receive at the length: and therefore he would return and pass over the Mountains of Ima●s before the rigour of winter came, the which drew near. Prince Axalla was commanded to abide and attend the emperors coming who marched forward, putting garrisons in the strong forts of judea and Syria, and dispeopling all those places he thought were likely to revolt in his absence. The which was not done without dismanteling of all those towns he meant not for to keep; commanding the like to b●e done throughout all Egypt. I have forgotten to declare how the Prince dismissed the aid sent unto him from the Emperor of Greece, having first given great presents unto the Captains and also unto the Lieutenant of the late Prince Ca●ta Cusni, so that the meanest soldier rested well contented, assuring you that our Prince was much renowned, for knowing how to bond his ambition, who knew how to stretch the same over all the world: for having with good success joined thereunto the Empire of the Sultan, it had been easy for him to have made Constantinople the principal seat of his conquests, and by these means to join all his countries together, whereof the Sea might have been his limits: the which being declared unto him by one of his counsellors that kept the seal, whom they call chancellor, 
An●table conference ●etwhen Tamerlan and his great chancellor  & whom the Prince did credit in many of his affairs, that such large bounds it was easy for him to have at his return, saying unto him; that it behoved great men to use their faith and friendship unto their most advantage; and that he was a public person, under whose government so many people and several nations did wholly repose themselves; and that he should not neglect so great a benefit, which would bring so much glory and greatness unto the Parthian nation. He answered, that he liked better to leave their limits founded upon his virtue, then increased to his dishonour by infidelity. Whensoever the Greek Emperor shall give me any other occasion, then as a friend and good neighbour, then shall he feel my power, & God will assist my good cause. I think (my friend) that I never did any thing more of the honour and glory of my Empire, and unto the Parthian nation, then for to leave a memorial unto posterity, that a Parthian Emperor did come so long a journey, for to minister justice upon such a tyrant dog as Bajazet: and for to set at liberty this worthy nobility, whom he would bring into bondage. And having power to perform it, I have not done the same, but have in such sort bounded my ambition, as to abstain from commanding over the fairest and richest Empire, and for to govern the most beautiful City in the world. I will reason with you (my friend) and say, that I have not obtained any such victory as that is, although I be the Conqueror of so many several people and nations so far off, and that my Arms, even unto this present, through the almighty favour of the great God my God, have always been victorious. It is an ordinary matter to win battles, to conquer kingdoms, and for to prescribe laws unto Empires, many have done the same: but there be few to be found amongst the great Princes and Potentates, who have balanced justice and equity with their ambition: but putting themselves by right or wrong into the midst of the world, have held only force for justice, the which some have used, not having regard either unto equity or faith. I will at the least wise leave this example unto posterity. Do you not see how this faith which I keep with mine enemies, maketh them become my faithful friends? What force and virtue (think you) will it have with them which be my friends already? And how greatly shall my honour and reputation be increased? Commend me then I pray you, and leave to blame me. The chancellor being returned from him, who was very wise, declared this discourse unto me, the which I would not omit, to make the good nature of my Prince the better known, whose history I do set forth. As also that his conditions should be the better represented before the eyes of those which have not diligently considered the same: or rather for such as hear speech of the blessing that God hath bestowed upon him in so many happy conquests, to the end his goodness should be acknowledged, and not attributed unto fortune or blind chance, the which raiseth up the vicious as soon as the virtuous. So the Prince came unto Damascus, where he found Axalla, who stayed his coming with the avant-garde, who had made an end of utterly destroying it, for that he 
Damascus destroyed by Tamerlan.  knew the same to be evil affected. His Army encamped eight days therein, Prince Axalla having received commandment to send six thousand horse unto the great Chamberlain, to the end that he might pass over the river of Euphrates with safety: and he went to besiege Mebeg again, the which within three days he took, and Raflan also, and all the country yielded unto the emperors obedience, and especially the Cities situated upon the river of Euphrates. The Prince gave uno him a commandment, to stay at the passage for to join with him, and himself in person to come uno him: all the which he performed accordingly. The Prince did give him very good entertainment, greatly commending his valour and courage before all the Captains of the Army, and afterwards sent him back unto his charge, having commandment to join a part of his forces with those of Axalla, and himself was appointed unto the 
Tamerlan▪ with his Army marched into Persia.  Arier-guard, over the which Calibes had been leader: although indeed our Army marched all in a front: for the Prince marched in the midst, Axalla on the right hand, and the great Chamberlain upon the left: the Prince of Thanais was in the Battle near unto the Prince. I do not here set down by name so many Princes and other great Captains, the which commanded over troops as well of horse as footmen. So the Emperor came unto Mebeg, where he passed over the river of Euphrates, from the which place he sent other ten thousand horse unto Calibes, under the conduct of the Prince of Atacen, together with fifteen or sixteen thousand footmen for aid, he being commanded to take his way by Babylon, and to make the same subject unto the Prince; and he remained in the same place to understand what success Atacen had, he being also commanded to remain in that same place to hear news from Calibes, and to advertise him what need he had of him, the Emperor having been certified of some stirring of the Sultan. Notwithstanding Calibes sent word, that they came from all parts to submit themselves under the Prince's obedience. In the end, after some abode, he caused the front of his army to march directly into Armenia, being desirous to pass by Diaberoth, and punish these little kings, who had rebelled against his men, being also desirous to bring under the subjection of the Parthian Empire those countries which lie even at the mouth of Euphrates, which the Prince of Atecen did happily bring to pass: & Ambassadors came from all the kings which commanded to take the oath of fidelity for the same: for you must understand, that since the Empire of the Christians, which they call Romans, they were sometimes governed by the Ottomans, sometimes by the Sultan's, sometimes by the caliphs, & sometimes by the Lieutenant's general of the Romans; so as these people were now at the strongest, but greatly destroyed by means of these wars. Now the Prince would assure himself of the passage over the river of Euphrates, for to secure from thence the provinces of Egypt, at such time as they should have need thereof: and being ready to draw strait into Armenia, he received news from Calibes, beseeching his Majesty to dispatch aid unto him. Presently 
Aid sent unto Calibes into Egypt.  was the Prince of Atacen sent back again, and commanded to set forward into Egypt, and the Prince in person went unto Babylon, leaving Axalla with the avant-garde, not to leave the journey into Armenia. The Prince being advised to go thither himself in person, to the end for to bring unto them a great astonishment and assurance in his bounty, when they would trust to the same. We came in eleven days unto Babylon: the Prince having received all those people under his obedience, he left the great Chamberlain at Romedat for to fortify it, and also for to command all the river of Euphrates, even to the Armenians. He recommended unto him the inhabitants of Babylon, who had showed themselves very affectioned towards him, and the which was almost wholly peopled by the Tartarians: for the late Prince of Sachetay his father having made an enterprise thither, did take the same, and for the better keeping thereof, he caused the Parthian Colonies to come thither; who in the end were so vexed by their neighbours, as well Mamelues as Persians', that they were of necessity compelled to submit themselves under their Empire, the affection and remembrance of their ancient original remaining always with them. The Emperor for this consideration showed them all mildness, and upon this occasion desired to make himself Lord of this country, by this right, that the late Prince his father had once conquered it by a Lieutenant general of his, called Sahali, whose remembrance was yet very fresh, for the services he had done unto the Empire of Sachetay. From this place the Prince returned in great haste, being advertised by Prince Axalla, how the Persian Guines came to visit him in peaceable 
Guines the holy Persian.  manner, for to submit under his obedience whatsoever countries he held, the which were not many. The Emperor who did wonder at his holiness, and honoured him, having understood thus much, made haste to set forward for to honour him the more: for he held an opinion always of him as of an holy parsonage, in so much as the Emperor was determined for to see him, for the estimation of his holiness and religion. Now understanding that he came in this manner towards him, he left his troops to come softly under the charge of the Prince of Thanais, and himself advanced forward unto Axalla, who looked for the Persian Guines: who presently dispatched towards him the Prince of Liseauceu and the great chancellor for to gratify him, and to assure him of the great desire the Emperor had of his coming. The Prince wondering greatly at his holy life, determined to yield him all the honour he could possibly, and to devise all means to pleasure him. So the Emperor set forward to meet with this Guines, who did come in 
The strange coming of Guines unto Tamerlan.  very humble manner, bringing also with him an infinite number of sundry kinds of beasts, the which he kept tame, and by the which he taught men. As soon as he did see the Emperout, he began to make his prayers towards the heavens, for the greatness of the health of the Emperor, for the greatness of the religion of the Prophet, excommunicating with all his power the Ottomans, as enemies unto the faithful believers. The Emperor who came in great pomp, was greatly astonished, to see this man in such furniture as he was, and as he was by nature, a great wonderer at such kind of of people, there was he more than ever before: and being willing to gratify him, he offered him part of the enemy's spoils he had conquered, giving unto him fifteen or sixteen thousand prisoners, to the end they might be instructed in his religion, a present the which was very acceptable unto Guines, in as much as this same did greatly help to augment & also increase him, causing the most part of them to conform themselves according to his manners and opinion. But as this devout humour pleased the Emperor, so divers on the other side did reprove the strange fashions in this Prince, who through holiness knew well how to bring so many countries under his obedience. Now divers blamed the Emperor for making so great account of his holiness: but when I consider the honour & reverence which man oweth unto religion, I am not of those, which will say, that a prince ought not to have so much thereof: for certainly it is a thing whereof any do seldom complain. Now after all this great show of religion, he came not unto the Emperor for nothing, but rather for two ends, whereof the one was, the fear he had of 
Guines religion abused for the increase of his greatness.  this army, which he desired to be favourable unto him: & the other, to receive by means thereof, increase of his affairs, under show of devotion, knowing the Emperor to be inclined as much as might be to godliness, and also that he might be always near unto the Emperor's person, as protector of all the countries near unto him, the which by his means and intercession did submit themselves under the Prince's greatness: and himself was the first that thereunto did willingly submit all the jurisdiction he had, although the Emperor made no request for the same. But this humility did serve him to good purpose, and to his successors also: for this was his preservation, & the foundation of their greatness: so as the Prince, having subdued all Persia excepting 
Tauris.  the city of Tauris, the which is a very great and rich city, and having made unto itself a peculiar kind of government, did hinder as much as in it lay, the greatness of Guines, and a great part of the country also that was obedient unto him, and in the same was a Captain who did command them, called Talismahar, who 
Talismahar.  was thoroughly advertised of the credit Guines had with the Emperor, and who would not fail to solicit him for to enterprise and conquer this city, and thereof change also the government: and he having an opinion that the Emperor being desirous to return, would not busy himself about him, if he set but a countenance of well defending of himself, and so having taken such order, he sent his Ambassadors unto the Emperor for to inform him of the usurpations Guines had made, and his purposes under the pretence of a feigned religion. The Emperor would hear nothing of all that he sent him word. But he himself would declare his own reasons, and would demand the ancient right his predecessors had unto this country: or for want thereof, he would make appear how hurtful the same would be unto them. The Emperor omitted not to hear them, and noted very well the means he might have to make himself greater through these divisions: acknowledging and considering well thereof, he found that every where they did abuse the same, and especially that the cloak of religion is big and large enough for to cover all the world: but he dissembled it, and setting forward carried Guines with him, and received a new oath of all the people, and in the strong cities he planted new Colonies: to conclude, the emperors determination was to bring all Persia under his subjection. Now Prince Guines having already submitted himself under his obedience, had given an example unto many: but the Emperor who considered that Tauris was a great city, and the chiefest of that country, he sought to have practices under hand, having sent some of his men unto this end, promising unto this Captain a government within his own country: but he who was hated of Guines, could not assure himself, so as he persuaded the people to resolve upon the extremity of a siege, the which did greatly displease the Emperor, unto whom it being declared, that the presence of Guines was very prejudicial unto him, for the bringing of this city under his obedience, he advertised him thereof, and having presented him with all sorts of gifts and honours, he returned from thence into his own country, having remained with the Emperor some fifteen days: the borders of his dominion stretched from Saucausan on our side, and on the 
Axalla marched with his army into the country of Tauris.  other side, even unto the Caspian sea. Now Axalla was commanded to advance forward with the avantgard: and as soon as he entered into the territory of Tauris, to put unto fire and sword all them which should resist him. Behold how the Emperor could serve himself with this occasion, for to put under his subjection all Glautere & Taperestan, the which until this present had maintained themselves against the often roads of the Tartarians. Now as soon as Talismahar understood our army approached unto his territory, he entered into opinion to advance forward with all his horsemen, and some footmen for to furnish the strong places, the which might busy the Emperor's army. He had with him full thirty thousand good horse, he being also a most famous Captain, being able greatly to distress our army, the which was we arie with wants, and through the long time it had marched and encamped, even unto the beginning of winter. But the inhabitants of Tauris being very light & inconstant, he thought that the events of war are doubtful, and oftentimes uncertain, and that if there should happen any disgrace unto his army, he doubted least some change & alteration should happen within the city, where he hoped to find his chiefest safety. He therefore sent his horsemen under the charge of one of his Lieutenants called Camares, who 
Camares.  was of very great experience, he being enjoined to weary our army, and if he found opportunity to fight with it, assuring himself that there would be sufficient to assault the same: but above all, that he should fight by surprise, and not in open battle, knowing well, that so great a multitude of men did take up a great country, and lay strongly being joined together. The Emperor being advertised of this resolution, sent word thereof unto Axalla, to the end he should not be assaulted on a sudden, & having summoned a city the which they called Cafechion, Camares had put men thereinto when he did see our army go that way, so as the same made a refusal. Now Axalla having invested it, he began to assault the same, having with the great number of pioneers he had, raised up a Cavalier, the which did defend our men approaching unto the wall, and from whence likewise they did continually fight with them that were within, who did resolutely defend themselves. Axalla having assaulted them on every side, in the end they were overcome, their courages failing them, and also because they were almost all wounded, our soldiers entered thereinto, and so they were all cut in pieces. About the time that our men spoiled, and put all unto fire and sword, the Emperor being as yet three leagues from the siege, Camares showed himself with his horsemen, and began the 
Encounters between Axalla and Camares Lieutenant unto Talismahar.  fight upon two thousand horse, the which some had caused to advance forward on a sudden, doubting of the enemy, and they came even where the main battle of Axalla was, driving that troop forward in fight, but wisely and like a Captain, advancing no more than four thousand horse to perform this exploit, and himself coming after in very good order, & having caused the retreat for to sound, Prince Axalla commanded six thousand Parthian horse for to follow them, and if they could mingle themselves amongst them, the which being very well and diligently performed by the Captain which did conduct them, the avant-currers of these four thousand horse, having perceived axalla's main forces to advance forward, following the lightness of these Parthians, began presently to turn themselves, and retire in very good order, leaving the four thousand horse to make head against the six thousand Parthians, notwithstanding in retiring themselves in the end, at the passage of a river, Camares did stay, & put all his troops in battle array, assisting of his men, who were somewhat pressed by the enemy, although the fight was in a manner equal, and there were some six or seven hundred men slain of either side, Camares making a show of lodging, was careful for to send to defend all the passages. Axalla having advanced forward the footmen with him, forced the passage, and found the enemy retired ten leagues beyond the same, who wisely had put into a city near adjoining, a sufficient garrison for to defend it, and hold out for the space of eight days: and Camares in the mean time did weary our army, and made great spoil of all kind of victuals, hoping to draw things into length. But the example of those the which had been handled so roughly, caused them not to be so obstinate: for it is a Maxim to 
A Maxim.  shorten the war, that by punishing well the obstinate by their lives, the neighbours become wise through their example, not to play the fools in the same manner: so did it fall out with Gorgechin, the which in steed of being obstinate, came to parley, and was received by composition, and well used. Axalla being advertised that Camares was at Archiech, ten leagues beyond that place, he made choice of ten thousand Parthians, and of six thousand Scythians, and of ten thousand choice Stradiots, determining for to surprise the enemy, and caused a rumour to be spread by some sent between, that they of Gorgechin looked for his succour, and had not yielded themselves; & that they did greatly batter the same, the which Axalla hoping to accomplish, 
A stratagem.  advanced directly towards them, having commanded the rest of the army to approach as near as they could. By this means he surprised them in a morning, being encamped within a great village, & having found a thousand of their horsemen at their ease, he caused them to be pursued even into the camp, and putting himself into battle array, to the end they should not come forth without fight, he encamped himself upon the ways into their camp, hoping very soon either to famish them, or for to compel them to come unto a battle. Now there was but one way to issue out in order: the Prince Axalla having caused the footmen he had with him to advance forward, he placed the same upon the ways unto their camp. Now they had left their footmen behind them, and had none but their horsemen, the which Prince Axalla perceiving, he caused trenches to be made for to hinder them, and having sent word unto the Emperor of this deed, he set forward with all diligence. Now Camares thought he had all the whole army upon him, therefore he began to think upon his safety, seeing himself compelled for to fight, having but one issuing place, the which was upon the side of the enemy's camp. Now he had caused a counter-trench to be made, the which was along by a little mountain, wherewith he hoped to strengthen himself so well, as to set himself in battle array, and to force four thousand horse which were his guard. I have forgotten to declare, that the Emperor assoon as he had received these news, caused the Prince of Thanais to march on forward, with twenty thousand horse that were already arrived, the which caused our enemies to believe that our whole army was encamped. Now the enemy was determined to make his retreat, & for to cut in pieces this standing watch of four thousand horse, & this matter fell out about midnight, when as the Moon did shine bright. Prince Axalla by chance came to visit his watches, and had some 2000 horse which followed him, & he being advertised that the enemy caused fires to be kindled within the counter-trenches, the which we sought to force and win, he doubted of that the enemy did in deed: so as he secretly commanded all the army to mount on horseback, notwithstanding this could not be so soon performed, that the enemy had not first attempted forcibly to execute his enterprise, and began to put two thousand horse before him, for to try the hazard of fortune, who ran clean through the guards which were on foot. Now our men had already begun a counter-trench for to be opposite against that same which they had made. This did hinder them, and our soldiers hearing the noise, began to take arms, and to resist the enemies, who did strongly assault our men, and upon their first coming being followed by certain footmen, they did win our counter-trench, and began to labour for to level the same, for to pass over their horsemen, where happened a very great disorder: for our footmen being astonished, their horsemen having passed, the most part of them were cut in pieces, wherein the enemies busying themselves longer than they should have done, our men were soon upon them (the which were the six thousand horse that were in guard half a league from thence) who arriving found the enemies in this disorder, and charged upon them: but Camares was already passed over the first trench. About the same time Prince Axalla (who was on horseback) being advertised of this disorder, came unto the alarum with two or three thousand horse, the which 
The valiantness of Axalla.  were presently in a readiness, and finding the danger of his men, did hazard himself into the fight: but the enemy made no head at all, but did continually retire, Axalla always joining together those of the camp, who came unto the alarum: but the enemy coming unto a passage, the which place Axalla had commanded six thousand men for to keep, the enemy not thinking to find any hindrance there, was beaten back: he busied himself in seeking for to force the passage. In the end he went lower for to pass over, resolved for to fight if they did urge him to it. Now Axalla 
The battle between Axalla and Camares.  following him very near, the enemy turned his head, and like unto a furious beast, he came unto the charge very courageously as one desperate, and returning in good order, he found Axalla, who was in the forefront of seven thousand horse that followed him: the other had yet also twelve or thirteen thousand horse with him. It behoved Axalla to show his courage and valour at this present: for seeing himself engaged, he did run through the thirteen thousand horse, and having his horse slain underneath him with the blow of a lance, upon the second charge he was mounted again and succoured, at such time as behold eight or ten thousand horse, led by Damascen (whom Axalla had commanded to assist and follow him, who did bear the brunt of all) arriving, they found our men almost all overthrown, notwithstanding maintaining the fight resolutely. Then was the enemy forced to forsake the place of fight, our men overthrowing them. Camares seeing such evil hap light upon him, together with 
The overthrow and death of Camares.  them that were joined with him, threw himself headlong, and was slain fight, the fight was performed all by Moon light. The Prince of Thanais remained within the camp for to guard it. In the morning the Emperor in person arrived, who found this fair sight, and as he commended the valour of Axalla and his diligence, so he blamed the Captains who were in guard, because they had ill performed their endeavour in repulsing of the enemies first horsemen: the Emperor caused their indictment to be framed, and two were condemned, who according to the laws for war were punished about ten of the clock in the morning. They of the City, wherein remained full two thousand horse whom they had gathered together, and about six thousand footmen, seeing their men overthrown, and especially beholding the head of Camares, lost their courage, and entered into communication: and the Emperor having given them his word, they came out to treat, there was a composition made with them, upon 
A composition with certain of the inhabitants of Tauris.  condition, that none of them should reteturne into Tauris, but might otherwise go whither they would: so they required to be conducted unto Lovan, promising to subject themselves unto whatsoever the inhabitants of Tauris would yield unto, who were greatly astonished at the evil hap which did light upon Camares, accusing him of the fault he had committed, to suffer himself to be shut up in this manner. So as the Emperor at that very instant caused his Army to march as soon as it was joined together, and he encamped within eight leagues of Tauris, his main battle at Sedema, and caused his avant-garde (wherein was Axalla) to lodge at Chiara, who having showed unto them of Tauris the head of him that was over their Army, they were greatly astonished, and the Prince's pleasure being sent unto them by an Herald, they were in great trouble, as well by means of the part Prince Guines had within the City, who upon this disgrace happening unto the contrary party, would make no doubt to be obeyed, upon which occasion they being all of them retired into one of the quarters of Tauris, they determined openly to favour the Emperor, assuring themselves of peace and mildness. Now you must 
Talismahar chosen Prince of Tauris.  understand that the inhabitants of Tauris had chosen Thalismahar for their Prince, and sworn fealty between his hands after they had perceived the approach of the emperors Army▪ so as he was no longer acknowledged only as Captain general, but for their Prince, and having received a solemn oath of them all, they had every one sworn unto him to die, rather than obey the Tartarians, or to acknowledge any thing that cometh from them: but seeing their affairs for to change, they repent themselves already, so inconstant a thing is the election of a new Prince, who took upon him to fight with the Tartarians in a ranged battle, and to drive them fight even into their own country. But now when they did see so great an Army draw near unto them, being victorious over so many sundry nations, and especially the experience of their force and valour by the overthrow of Democares, it troubled them much to be shutup, especially seeing he had made them promise, that the enemy should not approach within four leagues of their walls. This murmuring was spoken aloud, and the most obstinate, who were their Priests, and who did abhor the change of the religion they held, and which would not receive the new reformation of Guines, nor his superstitions, they were the first which began to stir up the people, and to exhort them to think upon their safety, declaring unto them how vain their Prince's promise was, and that he deceived them, their destruction being a thing most manifest; that they should remember themselves of Cairo, and so many thousands of Cities, the which this Tamerlan hath brought under his subjection, and peradventure he would not constrain them to obey Guines, but the Emperor only: and that it was the best way to send unto him. This opinion remained three 
A great ●●tin●e within the city of Tauris.  days to be considered of amongst the people, and even the greatest fell into this opinion, although they did see that they were able to make resistance more than three months, but hoping for no other succour but the death of Tamerlan who was young, and that even his Captains would not leave his glory imperfect, before they had achieved this glorious enterprise, that all this did bring unto them small hope of safety. Axalla was advertised of all this by the spies which went and came to and fro, being most advanced, and thereof gave intelligence unto the Emperor. But in the end, fear together with the desire of change prevailed 
The faction of Guines within the city of Tauris sent unto Tamer●●.  so much with them, that they of Guines faction sent unto the Emperor for to know his pleasure, and to take assurance for their safety. But they were not the sixth part: notwithstanding a body cannot have so small an evil in any one of his parts, that it shall not greatly impair the health of all the rest. This canker although it was little at the beginning, did daily increase and went on augmenting. The Prince of Tauris being advertised of these two factions, the one of Guines sent unto the Emperor, knew not how to remedy the same; for the enemy being so near, and things so disposed, he doubted a great revolt, and did wisely bear all with patience until some extremity, when as he purposed to use extreme remedies for his benefit. Now within the City of Guines faction were some thirty thousand men, whereof they having assured the Emrour, and having been comforted to assure themselves of his assistance, they returned from thence, spreading over all, the courtesy they had found there with the Emperor, and they published the same aloud amongst the people and that there was no evil meant unto any, but to the new chosen Prince; and that the Emperor required nothing of them but their obedience; and that notwithstanding the folly which some seditious had committed in choosing this man for Prince, yet was it not fit to overthrow so flourishing a City and so many honest men, for such a light matter; that the Emperor required but the life of this new elected, and of his confederates, and not of the inhabitants. In the end matters came unto this pass, that they of Guines faction had assembled the people, and caused the same Ambassadors whom they had sent unto Tamerlan, to declare aloud unto the people, being assembled, what they had heard the Emperor say, the which was; that he directed his arms only against the elected Prince, and not against the City. Presently thereupon some cried; let us arm ourselves against 
●●●mult within the City of Tauris.  such as will gainsay this: & there was neither the majesty of the senators, nor the arms of the soldiers, that could stay this sedition. The new Prince withdrew himself into his lodging, where being entrenched and desirous to intermeddle his authority, he was desired to retire unto the Palace, into some corner about his Castle, with those of his faction: and seeing himself weak, he determined to forsake the City, and to withdraw himself unto the Mountains. The Emperor being advertised of this happy success by Axalla, who came unto him, & declared unto him this purpose, to the end he might have leave to cut of the way unto the Prince elected. But the Emperor having meditated long thereupon would not hazard any thing rashly but let him go, and rather take that great city through their division then by his arms: he therefore commanded Axalla to suffer him to retire, and to send none unto the war, being unwilling to enterprise any thing by arms, to the end they should have a greater confidence in his mercy. The night following the Prince elected departed away, together with those of his faction, who 
The Prince elected departeth out of Tauris.  had been only fifteen days Prince of the common wealth, whereof he had been Captain the space of eight and twenty years with all prosperity, having stoutly resisted the supstitions of Guines, and the tyranny the which he would under colour of this new godliness bring upon the Persians: and surely if the over sight of Camares had not been, his affairs had not received so bad success, which doth teach us that the matters of war are so uncertain, as it is necessary to have always regard unto the most sure way, and preserve the principal matter. For if those forces had not departed out of Tauris nor hazarded them, there had been work for our Army the space of six months. And you know what chances and novelties do commonly happen in the estate of so great a monarkie as is ours, the which having so great a breadth of country, it is not possible but some new alteration must daily needs happen within the same, especially seeing long sieges are oftentimes the destruction of great armies, & principally in such an estate as ours was, which having been out of his own country the space of two years, it drew near home, so as it was hard to keep them from severing during so long abode. The Prince elected had many perfections, and was surely worthy to succeed in this monarchy before Guines: but the destiny had thus limited his glory That same having happened, all the City being joined together, sent unto the Emperor, desiring eight days respite for to treat with him, and yield themselves under his obedience, the which the Emperor granted them willingly. And this they did, to the end they might have time to provide the means to keep themselves from the government of Guines, & his superstition, or rather reformation in the Prophet's law: for the faction of Guines which was small in respect of the other parties could do very little. So the time being come, they sent to treat with the Emperor: and the first article was, that 
Articles of treaty sent by the inhabitants of Tau●is unto Tamerlan.  they did beseech that it would please him to cause them to be governed by one of his own subjects, & that they might not be severed from his obedience; that they doubted not but that Guines would remember the resistance 
1  they had made against him; that they beseeched his imperial Majesty, he might have no commandment over them; a thing very acceptable unto the Prince, what good answer soever he had given unto Guines to bring them subject under him. The other was, that they should 
2  be maintained in their privileges, and acknowledged as subjects unto the Tartarian Empire, and not any longer unto that of the Persians. That they wished this great 
3  Monarchy that had so long time flourished, should be changed in the time, and under the reign of so great and courageous an Emperor of the Tartarian nation, as our Prince Tamerlan was: to the end the reproach of their nation might be the less. That they desired not to be 
4  freed from ordinary tributes, although it might please the Emperor to consider the great wars they had lately maintained against Guines for preservation of their liberty; and that it would please him to ease them of the same. The Emperor who was of a courteous nature, made show there of in good earnest towards this people, and made grant unto them that they should live without any constraint in their religion, aswell after the reformation of Guines, as after the law of Mahomet according unto the interpretation of Haly, and also the Christians and jews should be likewise free, as they had always used and accustomed. All other demands being granted, they submitted themselves under his obedience, and the next day came from thence three hundred principal men of the city, who performed the oath of fealty, in the name of all the people. The Emperor after this, determined of his entry: so Prince Axalla was commanded to enter the first thereinto with fifteen thousand horse, & thirty thousand footmen; they delivered into his hands all the fortresses giving commandment for honour and obedience 
Tamerlan his entrance into the city of Thanais.  unto the Emperor: he seized upon the gates, and caused proclamation to be made, that all the Citizens should bring their weapons into his lodging, the which was done. So the Emperor arrived there in great magnificence, being received with the full rejoicing of all the people, and he was almost worshipped of every one, thinking themselves happy to be saved from such a shipwreck. The next day the Emperor had news of the death of the Emperor his uncle, by the Empress who had apprehended some great men that would have raised up some tumult: he made great lamentation for him; yet it was the less grievous unto him, for that he knew his great sickness, which did threaten him with death of long time: & had not the kindness of the Empress his daughter been, who had such care of him as she ought for to have, old age had made an end of him long before. The Emperor caused these news to be concealed from the army, bewailing the same privately, he dispatched Prince Axalla (in whom amongst all the rest of 
Prince Axalla dispatched by Tamerlan into Tartary after the death of the great Cham.  his Captains he reposed greatest trust) for that he had chiefest authority with him, to the end he might assist and aid the Empress with counsel, with full power of Lieutenant general under the Empress: he carried thirty thousand horse with him, causing a rumour to be spread, that the Emperor advanced forward. Who in the mean time gave order for the assuring of Persia and restraining Guines, of whom he had discovered many practices, that tended unto the Monarchy of the Persians. Axalla being also contrary unto him, and having as much as he could favoured the contrary faction, he had set down as a Maxim unto the Emperor the assuring of Persia, and that he should seek the weakening of Guines faction. But he Emperor having sent him far from him, being naturally religious, suffered himself to be carried away with the feigned holiness of Guines, which did great hurt, but not during 
Tamerlan abused through Guines holiness.  the emperors time: for he durst not during his life, but yet unto his posterity: monarch deserving no less blame for not providing for the quiet of their posterity, as for seeking an assurance only during their reign. For the Emperor having suffered Guines to come near unto him, he knew so cunningly to behave himself, winning the Chancellor and the other Princes of the emperors 
Guines practice with the Chancellor and other Princes about Tamerlan.  counsel, that they brought him near unto the Emperor; and being there he knew so well to carry himself, that he made the Prince for to taste his manner of serving God, as most answerable unto the last will of the Prophet. Notwithstanding the Emperor knowing how much the change of his manner of serving God, was acceptable unto the people whom he governed, although he allowed it, he did not practise the same: but very secretly he assembled together the principal men of the law, to make trial for to agree this controversy: but he did see this to be impossible, so stiffly every one held his interpretation to be according to the true meaning of the Prophet, wherein having spent some time in vain, in the mean time he received the oath of all the Persians, & gathered together great store of money, wherewith he had paid his army, and gratified his men of war, rewarding them after their deserts, he established the Prince of Thanais to command over them in his absence, with whom he left an hundred thousand feotemen of his army, to the end for to suffer the same to winter in all the Cities, and through all the country, to keep all in subjection, and refresh itself. The rest did the Emperor conduct with him, and all his prisoners of what quality soever, except those whom he 
The cunning practices of Guines under the cloak of religion.  gave unto Guines, for to instruct them in his reformation. But the matter fell out much otherwise, for having framed them well unto the war, as soon as the Prince's death happened, he used their service for to assure his affairs amongst the Persians, upon the first occasion should be offered, whereby he thought he might attain unto his purposes: for the Prince having led him with him, he made him believe that he had no kind of ambition, but only religion; in so much as he making profession of his religion near unto the emperors person, many applied themselves unto the same. Now he perceived well that the Prince had some jealousy of him: this was the occasion he desired to follow him, assuring himself the Tartarians would in short time cause themselves to be hated of the Persians. The Emperor invited all the greatest Lords of Persia to accompany him unto Samarcand, which they did upon the commandment of the said Emperor, being desirous to teach them for to serve him, the Persian gentlemen being so many little kings, and also that during the time he was in his Court he made them for to know his courtesy and magnificence, and did win them by good deeds, advancing them also unto the honours of his Court, and unto the charges of his kingdoms, wherein he employed them: so as Persia as long as he lived was much affected unto him: which greatly served him for the keeping as well of Syria as of the Sultan's Empire, leaving continually men there, & drawing out colonies, the better to settle his affairs in those places. So the Emperor leaving the Prince of Thanais with his Army to attend his pleasure, he marched with the rest of his forces into his own country, with all the joys and triumphs that might be possible, the chiefest prisoners marching before the Emperor, amongst the which was Bajazet Emperor of the Turks all chained, and was a spectacle unto all the world of fortune's inconstancy: he continued notwithstanding in the same fierceness was wont to be in him. So where soever the Emperor passed, the people assembled themselves by thousands, praising & singing his victories. We arrived at the last at Samarcand with all our spoils, in very great magnificence: 
Tamerlan and his army came unto Samercand with all their spoils.  where after we had been the space of one month or two in feastings and magnificences, the Emperor with his accustomed devotion, having in great solemnity 
Tamerlan his 〈◊〉 unto God.  vowed a Church and Hospital unto his God, the most magnificent that might be devised. Whereupon to perform the same, he began to search out all sorts of handicratfs men for to honour this city, the which he had a desire to make one of the stateliest Cities in the world. And in one of the corners thereof he began, and did build there his Temple and Hospital, making an account to increase yet this City, as large 
Tamerlan built a temple and hospital at Samarcand.  again as it was, and to people the same, with so many several kinds of people and nations as he had brought with wim, giving liberty unto them all to frame and build their houses, causing money to be distributed to do the same, and giving all kinds of privileges and freedoms unto the prisoners, for to give them a greater desire to build and settle themselves there: and having caused the streets and places to be plotted, and having appointed a place for every one to build upon, he took no other pleasure, neither had he any other care, than the preserving the good will of his most famous soldiers, whose names he having caused to be written in a general muster book, the which he commanded to be made, from day to day, they (not thinking thereof) received honours, and good turns of the Prince, in recompense of their so great services. Now he declared the death of the Emperor his uncle unto his Counsel, and forgot no ceremony due unto the honour of the said Emperor, outwardly showing the grief he conceived for his death; where after he had rested some eight days, he determined to go unto Quinzai for to see the Empress, and having left Bajazet in the custody of the governor of Zachetay, the Emperor 
Tamerlan his ordinary court of forty thousand horse and threescore thousand footmen.  set forward with his ordinary court, which was of forty thousand horse, and threescore thousand footmen. I had forgotten to declare, that the Emperor sent back the Moscivites forces with rich presents, and dispatched Sinopes nephew of Prince Axalla, for to conduct them out of the country of his obedience, as also to the end for to confirm a new friendship with him: for to leave nothing during his voyage that might be an occasion of novelty, having for that time made an end of his enterprises, he was altogether bend to preserve the friendship of his allies, and for the maintenance of his conquests. This was the cause that before he departed 
Tamerlan his wise foresight.  from Quinzai, he dispatched towards the Prince of Thanais, one of his most faithful counsellors called Nobazes, to the end he should have an eye unto the factions of the Persians, and also for to succour all the places that should have need, as well on the side of Cairo as towards the Mediterran sea, to the end that nothing should be changed during his absence, giving him charge moreover that the policy and discipline should in his Army be carefully observed, and commanding him to credit Nobazes, very expert in the art of war. So the Emperor being come unto Cambalu, he received news of the battle Odmar had won against the king of china's Captain general, and how he pursued his victory, having taken three or four great and rich Cities, the which did yield themselves unto him, and that again the Chinois did desire peace. The Emperor 
Articles of a new agreement between Tamerlan and the king of China.  sent the Articles he required, which were that before all other things the king of China should pay the arrearages of the tribute the which he had agreed with the Emperor. First he should come in person to do homage 
1  unto his Majesty, & acknowledge himself as vassal unto his Empire. That the Army should withwraw 
2  itself during his voyage, and he should deliver up unto him all his Cities, saving three such as the Emperor should nominate; and that the things should be restored 
3  unto the same estate they were in before the war, when the Emperor made the first peace; that he should pay the 
4  army for six months, and should also satisfy all the expenses of the war, seeing he had begun it, & was author of the breach of peace. Then the Emperor gratified Odmar, sending unto him for wife one of his sisters with all magnificence that might be, for to make him the more affectioned unto him. I will declare how the Emperor was received at Cambalu by his subjects with all the magnificence possible, the Emperor for to gratify them having restored their privileges, the which he had taken from them, for the rebellion they had committed with Calix: so as the Emperor went over all gratifying his subjects for this new succession that was lately fallen unto him, all the companies coming unto him: for in these countries they have no certain dwellings, they are always wandering in troops wheresoever they go: thither the Empress (having left Prince Axalla to govern at Quinzai) came unto him. The Prince remained there almost two months, having in this place given order for all the affairs he had. Cambalu 
Mount Althay the burying place of the Scythian Emperors called the great Cam.  was also near unto mount Althay, where they use to bury the Scythian Emperors, whom we do call the great Cham. The Emperor caused the body of the Emperor his uncle to be brought thither, and himself would conduct it with all pomp, honouring not only his body, but also all that he had loved in the world, 
The magnificent funeral of the great Cam of Tartary.  & although it was not the custom to cause women for to assist the funerals, yet would he afford this honour unto the Empress, that she should assist the bringing of the body, going near unto the same. This he did, the more to make appear how much he honoured the memory of the late Emperor in his wife, being his daughter, & also to the end that if God did take him away his children being small, she should have the greater authority, & be the better acknowledged worthy to govern in the minority of his children; and also for that she had been brought up always in authority even since she was married. The Prince desiring thereby the more to acknowledge the honour the Emperor his uncle had done him, by adopting him as his son, and in having left him so great and large an Empire, as that was, whereof he left unto 
Tamerlan his virtuous and cha●● love unto his good wife.  him the possession. Now the Emperor loved her only, having no other affection in such pleasure, but only the happiness of a fair offspring, the which he hoped for. Now the body of the late Emperor being come unto Cambalu, he determined to conduct it unto the burial according unto the accustomed ceremony, and to put the body with the kings & Emperors his ancestors. After he had from point to point performed the last will and testament of the late Emperor, he returned from thence unto Cambalu, where he spent all winter in tilt & tourneying, going a hunting, making his abode there, because he was in a place nearest unto the kingdom of China, to know how matters passed there, having now brought thither his last affairs, purposing to go thither in person the next winter, if Odmar did not make an end of the wars already begun, and if the king of China did not submit himself wholly under his obedience, having determined not to departed from Cambalu until this country were pacified, the mark he shot at being only to keep that which his valour was able to conquer through his good fortune, being desirous to spend the rest of his life in enjoying the fruits of his travels, & for to publish his praises unto his people, and with millions to maintain them in peace. He had also a purpose to bring unto an end that which he had determined to do at Samarcand. Now Axalla was at Quinzai, as well unto the contentment of all the men of war, as the inhabitants, who desired much to see their Prince, and having caused Prince Axalla in their behalf to beseech it, that it would please the Emperor to cause his son to be brought 
The young Prince made governor of Quinzai and over all the country.  up amongst them there, the which he did grant unto them in favour of the said Prince Axalla, establishing him for to command in the absence of the Prince his son, whom he made governor of Quinzai, from Cambalu even unto the sea. This country was replenished with some three hundred cities, and was in largeness more than four hundred leagues, besides an finite number of villages. To make short, it was that the Emperor his uncle governed, where this Prince Axalla was his Lieutenant general, under the authority of the young Prince his 
Axalla appointed the young Prince's governor, and authorized over all the kingdoms of Tamerlan, as governor general.  son, unto whom he delivered him in charge for to be his governor, authorizing him unto the government general of all his kingdoms: for the great wisdom that was in this knight, made him beloved in all the countries under the emperors obedience: the services also and great victories the which he had caused the Emperor to obtain by his stout courage, and good conduct, who for these occasions put his principal trust in him, and after himself he thought him only worthy to preserve for his children his kingdom and Empress. Now he received news that the Prince of Thanais set forward for to go into Syria, and to join with the governor, for that the Sultan had these three months besieged Cairo with a great army, notwithstanding the inhabitants had showed great faithfulness: they were indeed all 
The Prince of Thanais sent into Egypt to assist Calibes.  new colonies, not trusting unto the old Citizens: for had not that course been taken, there should have been many revolts seen, the governor not having sufficient forces to be able to assist it. The Emperor once again had given commandment unto the Prince of Thanais, to march thither in diligence with his army, wherein were the old soldiers ordained by the Emperor, & his companions in all his wars; there were of them an hundred thousand of this kind of warfare, amongst the which there were thirty thousand Parthian horse remaining continually in the army. Now they lamented much the absence of Axalla: but next unto him the Prince of Thanais was most beloved of them; this Prince was the emperors cousin germane, who as you have heard, had served him very well; he had been continually in all the enterprises of war under Axalla, whom the Emperor had commanded fo● to lead him unto all the services of war, to the end he might be made fit for to do him service; so as the Prince of Thanais being in Syria, and Prince Axalla at Quinzai, they were established in the two furthermost parts of his kingdoms, Princes and Captains who had always assisted and served him faithfully. So the Prince of Thanais being with Calibes, and having gathered together part of the Great Chamberlains forces upon the coast of Babylon, he marched directly unto Aleppo, having their forces joined together, being two hundred thousand fight men. The Sultan perceiving the Prince of Thanais to draw near, remembered well, that those were they which had overcome him. But he encouraged himself, because this great Tamerlan & his fortune were not there present; that he had to deal with a young Prince desirous of glory, & who peradventure to get it would do something unadvisedly; & to resolve himself for to fight, was a thing he had too much proved unto his hurt, except the hot blood of this young Prince did move him inconsiderately to seek for to force his trenches and secure the necessity of those of Cairo, whose victuals failed them. So he entrenched himself all along the river, by the which only the inhabitans might be relieved: for so great a city cannot be victualltd by carts, but very hardly: he made his trenches even at his pleasure, our army advancing forward slowly. 
Good foresight in the Prince of Thanais ●or the victualling of Cairo and Egypt from the Grecian islands  The counsel of ours was to send throughout all Syria to gather together store of corn, and to cause it to be brought unto Alexandria by sea, for to victual therewith Cairo, aswell from all the Isles of Greece, as from all the sea coasts. Being obedient unto his commandment they showed great diligence, so as within short time there was gotten together a great quantity of corn. Our army in the mean time marched continually forward, drawing near unto Cairo, the enemy being retired at the same present, seeing our army come along by the river side, having made great provision of boats to pass over his army, & for to keep us from the river. In the 
The Prince of Thanais doth bring victuals into Cairo.  end, the Prince of Thanais, having approached his army, and marked the enemy's countenance, who was entrenched within his camp, he entered into Cairo, where having with good order distributed that which he had brought in carts, & upon Mules & Camels, by the hands of Commissioners whom he had appointed, seeing the people had victuals sufficient for 15. days, having taken the advise of the Captains of his counsel, he was counseled to cut off victuals from the enemies, and to take from them the river, and thereby the victuals which did come unto them from three or four cities they had taken, 
The Prince of Thanais actions in Egypt, and happy success in the same.  the which had put them in hope they should be able to famish this great city; he resolved to take those from them. In the mean time they prepared in Alexandria the victualling again thereof by the river, and whilst some rigged certain armed boats for to fight with those of the Sultan, the Prince of Thanais marched directly above Cairo, strait unto Muiare, the which he summoned to yield itself unto the great Emperor of Asia his master, the which they having refused were besieged, and having caused all his engines to be planted, and great hollow trenches to be made, to the end he might approach near unto a tower, the which he determined to win by undermining, because it did defend all the curtain, so as our men as well by the height thereof, as for that there was an infinite quantity of artificial fire therein, were greatly endamaged. 
The siege of Muiare, with the taking of the same by ●●●ce.  The Prince of Thanais having caused it to be viewed by him who had the charge of mines in the Army, he promised within four days to overthrow it, the which he having performed, our men did win the curtain. Now the Prince of Thanais having caused an engine to approach, they tried the wall, and finding it weak, they brought four more thereunto, the which did beat down a great part of the wall unto the ground. This being done, our men were commanded to give an assault, the which was given, and the city won, all being cut in pieces which were within the same, the women and little children only excepted. The other cities seeing the diligence we had used, & the small succour they had received from the Sultan, yielded themselves upon the first summons, & were received upon good composition. The Prince of Thanais having left two or three thousand horse and 4000 footmen within the places he had taken, he thought it not convenient to stay any longer, considering the want of victuals, whereof he doubted: & surely the Sultan, who was a great Captain, had with great wisdom provided for the well fortifying of those cities which were above him: for it had been our overthrow if they had obeyed the commandment he gave them, being certain that within fifteen days, victuals would have failed us. But it falleth out often times, that the Generals are blamed, & that their enterprises have ill success, not for that they have provided ill for that which should be done, but rather because there was either fear or disobedience in them which are commanded, & who were credited in a matter of importance. As soon as the Sultan understood these news, he began new practices, especially knowing for certain that our army by sea set forward from Alexandria. And having caused his storehouses to be reviewed, & calling together the generals for victuals within his army, they did assure him that he might continue thirty days without having any want, and to perform this, he drove out of his army all that were unprofitable, and caused them to pass over the water, thrusting them out to try their fortune, 
The unmerciful act of the Sultan.  to retire into Libya, or whither they would at the conquerors mercy. The Prince of Thanais whose resolution had taken good effect, the which seemed impossible unto the old Captains, got thereby amongst his soldiers great reputation, and even verily judging that the event of the victory, and of the deliberation of Cairo proceeded from that part: but it behoved to end well, and this was the hardest to be performed, and it seemed unto every one that this was a prize for a master to execute, every one lamenting the emperors absence for this purpose, one wishing his boldness, another his diligence, and another his reputation, the which only made his enemies for to fly: others said of the Prince of Thanais, that at such time as he 
The speech of the soldiers in the Prince of Thanais camp●.  did any thing bravely, or rather whensoever he had any good success, that he remembered well the emperors fashions, & that he was a good scholar, presently they wished for the liberality of Prince Axalla, & remembered the dangers whereinto he would put himself one of the first. This was the speech of the soldiers, when as they remembered those that had so often commanded them. Now the Prince of Thanais encamped his army under Echied and Sebeit, upon a river which maketh an arm of Nilus, but to be passed over in many places. The Sultan was entrenched as I have declared at Buldao, having made wonderful trenches on every side, 
The number of the Sultan's army.  even unto the river of Nilus. There were in his army threescore thousand footmen & forty thousand horse: but all very good men, and the most part of them were his old soldiers. Now he had fed them much with the hope of taking Cairo, whereupon he grounded the recovering of his kingdom: but the soldiers perceiving there came no more any thing from above down the river, began to despair: notwithstanding the Sultan assured himself, that within fifteen days our army should be driven to retire, and that Cairo would be consumed with famine, so as he kept himself close and secret, busying himself only in keeping the river with a great number of boats. The Prince on the other side seeing his enemy entrenched, he exercised his soldiers in making a trench before the enemy, being a dangerous thing for to be encamped without a trench near unto an army, although our army was greater by one third part of footmen more than horsemen. Now we made our abode staying for Calibes, who came forward with the victual that was provided. In the mean time we forbore not to make daily skirmishes, to the end for to discover where we might with greatest advantage set upon the enemies, thereby to make them keep close within their trenches, and also to the end they should not have the means to hinder our men from passing, in succouring their army which was upon the water, at such time as our men would pass along with 
Calibes coming down the river of Nilus to victual Cairo.  the victuals. So Calibes coming forwards, forgot not to advertise the Prince of Thanais of the meeting place, to the end he might receive 20000. men from his army, the which it was necessaire also to embark & put upon the water, the which he was desirous to do without the enemy's knowledge: for he made small reckoning of the forces which were come from Alexandria. Calibes was determined to fight upon the water, with hope to cause his victuals for to pass, or else to die himself and his company. The Prince of Thanais earnestly desired to undertake this charge: but some declared unto him, that the importance of the fight was upon the land, as also it belonged unto Calibes to dispose of all within his government, for to fight at the very same time (according to the enemy's countenance) with the whole army, the enemies being within their trenches, if in case he did sever himself from his footmen, to assist his army upon the water, or else if he went about to put fresh soldiers into his boats and Galliottes: for we were within two thousand paces the one from the other, so as every one was assured that the day would not pass away, but they would set upon the enemies within their trenches, especially they which knew the heat of this young Prince, the which had come to pass, but that the Emperor had placed two old Counsellors near about him, who knew how to temper this his forwardness, who was notwithstanding greatly commended for animating of the soldiers, accustomed under the good fortune of the Emperor to attempt any thing, although very hard and dangerous. So the Prince of Thanais having heard news of the army by water, he sent thither with all speed thirteen or fourteen thousand of the most expert soldiers within his army, under the conduct of the Colonel of his footmen (who was his Lieutenant when as the Emperor himself commanded in his army) called Synopes, brought up a Captain under Prince 
Synopes.  Axalla, at such time as he had the general commandment over the footmen. The Prince at the same very time he supposed the fleet to draw near unto that place the enemy had fortified with oaks, with boats, and galliots, caused all the army to mount on horseback, & appointed forty thousand soldiers to march directly unto a place the which he had noted to be most easy & for his best advantage, for that the enemy had as he thought traveled least in that place, who (doubting the Prince would lodge between the city of Cairo and him) had there employed the most of his time. There was also in this place a little mountain, the which he desired this day for to win, & which he had reserved upon this occasion to force, the better to entertain the enemies, & restrain them if they went about to secure their men that were assaulted by water. Now as he had determined, so did he force this place strongly, but the greatest matter was to stay the fury of those which had given the onset: for they would have gone unto the second trench, the which the Sultan did think: and the Prince of Thanais making show to give the onset, busied the Sultan so in the mean time, that he could not secure his men, having enough to do for to defend himself, so as during the time he was thus hindered, he did behold our Navy fight, & all his Galleys to be broken in pieces, and yet could not aid them: for our men having landed in an Island from whence they were greatly annoyed, having assaulted it, they did force it, and whatsoever was entrenched within the same, and then this Island which was as a Cavalier for the defence of their men, who defended the bridges of boats they had made, being taken, was a great disadvantage unto them: insomuch 
The valour of Synopes, by means whereof he obtained ● notable victory of the Sultan's men entrenched within an Island in the river of Nilus. Calibes drowned.  as this fight after it had continued for the space of three hours, the victory inclined on our sides, by the valour of Synopes, who seeing Calibes drowned, & most part of his men in flight, he renewed the fight, and being resolute, carried away the victory, and utterly overthrew the enemy's bridge, the which they had forsaken by the means of a currant of water full of artificial fire, the which coming to rush against it, did burn the whole bridge, which was one of the principal causes of the victory. So 
A stratagem.  the victuals passed, and our victorious army encamped within this Island, the which our men had won, for to give passage unto the rest of the victuals. The Prince of Thanais caused three engines of artillery to be embarked presently, for to shoot into the enemy's camp upon the rivers bank, at such time as they should show themselves for to hinder our victuals. It was a great loss of Calibes, because he was a person in whom the Emperor put great trust, and he had done him great services. They busied themselves in seeking for his body, the which could not be found, by reason of the great multitude of bodies which were within the river. They hold opinion that there died twenty thousand men this day on both sides, few of Calibes men being saved, who had given the onset upon the left wing of the enemies. Synopes obtained great honour, and this day was the occasion of his good fortune. Also he had done a notable piece of service worthy to be remembered, there being no possible means to succour Cairo, but by that same place: for this great city was so weakened, that it required a long time for to repair it, the which could not be done by land, but only by the river, looking for the revolt the which could not be sooner than three months. Now after this victory Synopes encamped himself within this Island to hinder the Sultan's men from passing, notwithstanding they passed over in the night from the one shore unto the other, & they judged that the enemies were forced unto the fight, or unto a shameful flight, the which could not be but by the other side of the water; for by land he had no retreat at all, but by the sword's point, having no place but beyond the water, the which bred suspicion that he would make his retreat by water. For he might well think that Cairo was not for him, & that his enterprise on that side was weak. As for those which favoured him within Alexandria, all was changed there, & in a manner every where. Therefore it behoved the Prince of Thanais, to have a watchful eye unto the enemies new practices, and to provide well for the maintenance of his army, the which could not be done without difficulty, by reason of the scarcenesss of the victuals: for by feeding his army he famished Cairo. For there could not come victuals sufficient, neither by land nor water, for to victual it being encamped so near unto the enemy: our army having made provision for victuals but for 8. days, keeping themselves encamped in one place, so as it was resolved by the Counsel to retire themselves assoon as they had delivered Cairo, & seen the same victualled. For they supposed the enemies had made great provision of victuals to be able to continue in their camp, their army not being so great as ours. Insomuch as it was resolved to pass over half our Army unto the other side, and that Synopes should not remove out of the Island, our purpose being no other than to hinder that the enemies should not keep the victuals from entering into Cairo. This counsel was very secret▪ in so much as the enemies perceiving their victuals for to fail, had the same purpose that we had, the which was to retire themselves, the which they could not do but in the night. Having as yet many boats they rigged them, and the day before made a show to draw towards Syria, having caused part of their Army to go out of their Camp, supposing that assoon as they should show themselves to go out, our Army would be on horseback, and by that means should deceive our men, hoping that this would make them think they had a purpose to retire themselves on this part, the which they did: for having in the night made show of assaulting our Army, and having kindled fires, he caused his men to pass over, and to lodge themselves along the river, what hindrance soever Synopes could do unto them, for that the night was very dark. The first that passed over was the Sultan, having left within his Camp his Lieutenant general with all his footmen. In the morning we knew that their Army passed in part; the Prince of Thanais was of opinion to assault the enemies within their camp, and was very stiff in this resolution, but the old Captains were not of this opinion, but rather to strengthen Synopes with men and engines, to the intent to endamage them therewith; & that threescore thousand men were not to be forced within their trenches. So all was deferred: they were yet of opinion, that if noise were heard, and that they passed over, to attempt for to force the Camp upon their retreat. Now the Sultan seeing his passage had good success, he commanded his men to do the like that he had done: but he was not advertised of the supply Synopes had received: so as he returning for to look his men, and guiding the foremost unto the passage along by the bank side, he was assaulted by Synopes, who began the fight, wherein the Sultan was wounded: notwithstanding he passed over 
The Sultan wounded in passing the river.  the water & came unto his men, who had already passed. There were many of his men slain, & divers of his boats sunk, so as there remained about twenty thousand within the Camp, out of hope of being able to retire & join themselves unto the other Army. Our 
The Prince of Thanais assaulted the Sultan's camp, wherein were twenty thousand footmen left, who upon parley yielded themselves.  soldiers having assaulted the Camp, did win the first trenches: but the second being compassed with men, and well fortified, they were not of opinion to assault them, to the end we should not hazard that which who held assured, in so much as our men being wisely conducted, remained encamped within the first trenches: and it is very certain, that if they had gone on further they had overcome them, so much did fear & despair take from them their courage: but it was better to set forward slowly, then to deliver unto changeable fortune, that which the eye of reason judged certain, by the rules of war: for that had been a deed of folly & rashness. Now the enemy seeing our men so near them, began to parley, and to cause their interpreters to speak, ask for the Prince of Thanais; amongst the rest there was a Parthian Ensign, who inquired for the said Prince, who at that time was visiting the guards of the trenches: he commanded that he should be brought unto him, & having talked with the said Captain, who had been long a soldier under his ensigns, and remaining sick, had been taken, and had given himself unto the Sultan's service, who had made him Ensign general, whom we do call Colonel of all the footmen: he beseeched the Prince to receive from them the victory without shedding the blood of his soldiers, or of his own men. The which the Prince did grant unto them, causing them to swear to remain for ever slaves unto the Emperor, and his subjects 
The Prince of Thanais notable victory against the Sultan.  for to make war wheresoever it should please him: the which they did swear unto. The Sultan's Lieutenant being in the night retired with some of the Captains into a boat. Now the Sultan being hurt, retired himself with his horsemen some twenty leagues, unto certain places which he held, where he died of his hurt. The Prince of Thanais pursuing the said Sultan, found him, being not yet buried within Palema, & was 
The death of the Sultan.  careful to give an honourable burial unto the said Sultan, and entertained all his servants courteously. There remained a son of his, with whom did join themselves the most part of those which would not submit themselves under the Empire of the Parthians, and withdrew themselves unto the borders of Libya into certain places, whither very hardly (by reason of the deserts of Libya) any could come unto them, in hope to revenge their miserable fortune against the Parthian name. Thus ended this war, the which had put the Emperor into a deliberation to go thither in person. When as he received perfect news of our victory, them did he commend the valour and courage of the Prince of Thanais, & above all the noble mind of Synopes: but the loss of Calibes did hinder the full rejoicing for this happy victory: for the Emperor did hold the loss of such a person to be great, who was greatly to be commended for the experience he had in the art of war. The Prince of Thanais was appointed by the Emperor to command over Calibes charge: but the Army was 
The Prince of Thanais appointed governor of Syria & Egypt after the death of Calibes.  commanded to return from thence into Persia, for such affairs as might happen there. Synopes also was appointed Colonel general of the footmen in the emperors army. The Prince of Thanais remaining governor over Syria and Egypt, with the same estate of the former Governor, the Army was conducted back again by the great Chamberlain, who was come thither upon the end of the affairs with new forces for to aid the Prince of Thanais, if he had any need of the same: the Emperor having this custom, to send out forces upon forces, unto such places as he thought had need thereof. This happy success coming unto the Prince, by the means of his Lieutenants general, made him for to know how necessary his presence is within his realm, for to give aid in every place, where there were affairs. Now for to return unto the emperors Court: the king of China came to visit him at his Court, according unto the covenants offered 
The king of China came unto the Emperor Tamerlans court, & did swear unto him once again obedience.  unto him, the which he accepted: he did swear once again obedience unto the Emperor, who caused him to see all his greatest cities, for to make himself the more to be feared of this Barbarian, who kept no more promise then pleased himself. He was astonished to behold so many soldiers, and the country so well replenished with people; and above all, that they used so little curiosity of riches in their apparel and garments, wondering that the Emperor was appareled in mean cloth of one colour, without any other fashion: but 
The mean apparel of Tamerlan.  to countervail that, he had about him men which seemed to be kings. At the same time when the king of China was at the court, the Emperor received news of the victory against the Sultan, for the which the Emperor rejoiced, making feasts and turnies in his Court in token of mirth, and this rejoicing continued for the space of eight days. After the Emperor had given order for the double paying of his Army that came into Persia, under the conduct of the great Chamberlain, and Synopes Colonel general in the imperial Army, the Emperor went unto Quinzay for to see his son, and visit the people of this country, who desired his presence, and also for the affairs which he had not as yet established in these countries, as he had done in all the rest of his kingdoms, Prince Axalla not being willing to take so much authority upon him, although the Emperor had sent unto him a special commandment of the same: but he doubting lest this people would take some occasion to murmur, and the fault thereof might have been laid upon him, being wont always to say wisely, that these manner of affairs were the prizes of a skilful Master, having always referred them unto the Emperors coming. Then did the Prince with equity cause all to use the like laws, the same weights & measures, & he imposed certain tributes throughout all his kingdoms, every one according to their ability, for to help his affairs, and lay the foundation of his revenues, and storehouses for victuals, the which were dispersed as the want in his Armies required: for the Emperor was wont to say, 
An apt comparison.  that an Army must be made like unto the shape of a man; he called the Captains the head, the soldiers the arms, money the feet which made it for to march, and victuals the belly that nourished the whole. In so 
A notable saying of Tamerlan.  much as he often said, that an Army was invincible which had a perfect man: for (said he) it fighteth when it will, and never hazardeth any thing to ill purpose: for the oversights of war do happen at such time as this body is lame of a leg, or maimed in an arm, or that the belly is famished, or when the head is sick. At such time as he sent the Prince of Thanais against the Sultan, he doubted nothing but the head and the belly; because the Prince of Thanais was a young Prince: and for victuals, he had but bad provision of them: for he was wont at such time as he was to begin any war, for to make a great collection of victuals the year before, the which was not done now, attributing this victory unto his good fortune, which would not turn her back upon him, and not unto his wisdom. So the Emperor arriving near unto Quinzay, Prince Axalla coming to meet him two days journey off, with all the chief Lords of the country, together with the principal Citizens, who were preparing for the Emperor the most magnificent receiving that might be, as well by water as by land. As this city is one of the richest 
The description of the city of Quinzai with the wonderful situation thereof  in the world, so is it one of the greatest, and of the most wonderful situation, being all wholly divided & overthwarted with channels, upon the which are framed wonderful and stately buildings, accompanied with an infinite number of bridges, upon the which they pass over channels: this city aboundeth with all kind of spices & in great quantity, likewise with all manner of merchandizes. The Emperor as soon as he was arrived, 
Tamerlan received with great magnificence into Quinzai with rich & rare presents  received presents of the Citizens, the which were esteemed to be worth above two millions of gold, with a wonderful variety of all rare and singular things, the which they presented unto him, for to testify the love and obedience they did owe unto him. The Emperor was desirous to see his son, whom they brought up with the accustomed greatness of Princes: & having caused the child to be brought before him, being of the age 
The order 〈◊〉 took for his son's education.  of seven years: he forbade from hence forward they should suffer him to wear any thing upon his head, & himself did hang a bow about his neck, saying aloud, that they which from their birth were called unto sovereignties, should be used both unto cold and heat, and should be exercised in Arms betimes, and not brought up delicately and easily, reprehending them which had the bringing of him up, demanding of them, if they meant to make a woman of him? And they answering, that he was tender. If he be not borne 
Tamerlan his notable saying of succession in his Empire.  (said he) for to be strong in Arms, he will not be worthy to succeed me: for he must not be an effeminate Prince that shall preserve the Parthian Empire. Now he had sent the Empress unto Samarcand to be delivered, where she was honourably received, having never been there since she was married. He received news that she was there delivered of another goodly son, a 
The Empress delivered of an other son at Samarcand i● Parthia.  thing which he caused to be published over all, & himself in token of joy, made feasts 15. days, with all kinds of magnificent tourneys: this he did for to show his agility unto this people, to the end, that as he excelled all his court in virtues, that they should also judge him worthy to govern them above all other men. After he continued there a month, and having visited all the sea-towns near unto Quinzai, hunting all kinds of chases, 
Tamerlan his recreations, & notable saying thereof.  neglecting nothing notwithstanding which belonged to his charge, saying often, that the recreations he did take, were helps for to ease him in the pains of his pubpublike affairs whereunto God had called him. Having upon his return called together all the people, he published his laws, which were all reverenced of this people, as though they had proceeded from the divinity, so much admiration had every one of the greatness of this Prince. The which I will truly declare unto you, that so long as the Emperor was there, this people 
The admiration and exceeding love the people of Quinz●i did did bear● unto their Emperor.  did almost nothing, being for the most part busied in beholding of him, not finding any greater contentation than that. Some of his courtiers, and amongst the rest Prince Axalla said one day unto him, that this was a City fit for his abode. O my friend, it is not so: if they should see me daily, they would make no more account of me. It is a maxim, that the Lord of this great City must not go thither but once in ten years, and 
The nature of the people of Quinzai towards their Emperor.  when he is there, it behoveth him to temper his actions, as if he were upon a scaffold ready for to play some Comedy, where gravity and good grace is necessary for to content the beholders: for the people do easily receive an evil impression of their Prince, as they also do a good, if you perform it well unto them. Now I have forgotten to tell you how the Emperor sent 
Prince Axalla sent into China for to establish a peace there.  Prince Axalla in his name from Quinzai into China, & his imperial Majesty did not departed out of the Province before he returned: he went thither with great diligence for to establish peace there, and faithfully for to report unto the Prince Odmar his carriage of himself with the king of China, and for to temper all things there. Also for that the Emperor, who loved his servants, desired to see Odmar. This was a thing very acceptable unto Prince Axalla: for he was greatly honoured in those countries, and he was also very desirous to show by all good offices his affection at his being with Prince Odmar. The Emperor having a 
A great virtue in Princes.  virtue the which is seldom to be found amongst great Princes: for he kept his servants in great love and union together, giving them often warning to love one another, to bear good will each unto other, and faith and obedience unto him, two flowers which raised him up unto his greatness. There was also another occasion, which was, that the Chinois would not by any means swear obedience unto Odmar, as representing the emperors person, by reason of certain complaints he made against them. The Emperor who did temper all things with his mildness, did honour Axalla with this charge and commandment, for to end all these particular matters. Axalla found Prince Odmar upon the entrance of the borders, who received him with all the magnificence that might be: and having honoured and feasted him the space of three days with all the royalty that might be, after he had imparted unto him the affairs of the Emperor his Lord and master, he set forward towards him with all diligence, and Prince Axalla went forward towards Paguin, where he was received of the Governor with all possible honour. And having assembled all the emperors forces, he set forward towards the borders of China, to have an interview at Pochio, where the meeting place was agreed upon. He passed by Quantou: there did he view this strong city, which he had won against the hope even of his master, who supposed the same was able to resist him six months, he having taken it in three: so as every one for his valour came to reverence him, honouring & magnifying him, desiring his government, because he was mild, courteous, and of easy access to them that had business with him. To be short, the Emperor who knew with wisdom and readiness how to order his affairs, could not reform them but by the changing of Odmar, who in truth was severe and grave: but Axalla being mild & courteous, did knit again every one unto the emperors obedience: so Prince Axalla went forward unto Pochio, whither the king came also to meet with him; & he entered full fifty leagues into the country newly conquered. It seemed unto him a thing too much derogating from the greatness of the Emperor, the majesty of whose person he represented, if he went any further to see this barbarous king, being more fit that he should come forward into the country conquered lately from him by Odmar, after he had obtained the victory, then to go into his countries although he had subjecteth them unto the Emperor, & 
The meeting of Prince Axalla with the king of China at Po●hio.  did pay a very great tribute. So the king of China arrived within a league of Pochio with all his Court: he set forward unto a plain, where he and Prince Axalla did see each other, who was much better accompanied, from whom the king did as much differ as from the Emperors own person. They met three several times together: the king desired to be admitted into a City, which the Emperor had granted unto him by the treaty. Prince Odmar declared that it was of great importance, therefore Prince Axalla was by the Emperor appointed for to be judge of this controversy. In the end they required another further within the country, the which the king accepted: so he was put into possession of that city, the situation whereof was very pleasant, being compassed about with a lake. Axalla having discovered that this barbarous king did earnestly desire it only for his pleasure, and not for any other evil intent, the city which he delivered being seated upon a river further within his country, and that other within our country compassed about with our fortresses: but Odmar did not allow of that, and supposed it to be for an evil purpose, as for to contrive some new practices. Odmar being an old man, who knew the king's unfaithfulness, although he had made him know it well enough unto his smart, having (as I have said) won twenty or thirty Cities from him, and above fourscore leagues of country, at such time as he obtained the last battle, during the time that the Emperor was in his last voyage against the Persians. So the interview continued yet between Prince Axalla and the king of China on the plain, a tent being pitched, whither Prince Axalla did come unto him, whom he continually honoured as much as the Emperors own person, where after they had long time treated by interpreters, it was in the end agreed that the king of China should enter again into Quinanci, not suffering him to put any Garrison into it, nor to fortify the same: but even as a prisoner & subject unto the Emperor, he should enjoy it, & it should be his own, enjoying all the revenue thereof, neither should he carry any kingly ensigns, without the express 
The resolution of the meeting between Axalla and the king of China.  leave of the Governor for the Emperor: he should notwithstanding have a guard of three hundred men for his person; and should give knowledge unto the said Governor of his journey, before he entered into the emperors countries, the which he must pass for to go thither. Now the City was situated in the midst of a very great lake, in the which were many islands, wherein there were an infinite number of houses of pleasure, and it had been always a very delicate place, where the kings of China were wont to recreate themselves in alkinds' of pleasures that were there to be found: in so much as this barbarous king did not respect the conditions propounded unto him, so as he might make his abode there, as it were in an Hermitage. Having left unto his brother the government of his whole kingdom, through the displeasure he had of his bondage whereunto he was brought; a courage certainly magnanimous, and worthy a nation made civil with the best learning, and unworthy the name of a Barbarian wherewith we called him. So Prince Axalla having visited all the cities newly conquered, and delivered up by the king of China, having brought all things into a peaceable estate, he sent unto the Emperor to beseech that it would please him to grant unto his return, and also for to understand, if he allowed of all things which he had done. The Emperor 
Tamerlan his custom in placing governors over his provinces.  who used this custom, often to change the Governors of his Provinces, would gladly have retained Prince Odmar near unto his person, and put another into his place, seeing him old, and also for that he was not liked of the soldiers and people, by means of his age and frowardness, the which the Emperor perceiving, did purpose for to bring him near unto his person▪ and for to send in his place the great Chamberlain, who was young, and would be more acceptable the he, and more able to sustain all things, as well in respect of the untemperateness of the air, as also for the pains of wars; determining that if a very necessary occasion did not happen, to have him near his person, for to serve him with counsel, and to ease him in the government of his estate. So Axalla was called back again, being commanded to come unto the Emperor, who was at Cambalu, where he stayed his return, and to suffer in staying the great Chamberlain to come thither. The Prince of Vauguefu, who had of long time very faithfully served the Emperor, and whose faithfulness was most especially acknowledged in all his wars he had conducted, wherewith both himself and a brother of his had served very well. Notwithstanding it was not convenient to leave him for to command absolutely, as well for that often times honours do change the affection upon occasion, as also because the Parthians do very unwillingly obey strangers. The Emperor had also a desire to honout him with another government, where he should do him better service than there: for the Emperor had this custom, to make a note of those that 
Tamerlan his worthy custom  were fit to do him service, and he remembered such, to employ them in the government of his estate, whether it were in peace or war, without being importuned with demanding, there being no man in his court so bold as to demand any estates or honours of him: for money and goods it was permitted, but not for any other thing, esteeming that they which do ambitiously seek for governments and charges, do it not to use them well, neither for the Princes or people's profit. He had also this Maxim, that he did change them, and they for all that did not think themselves any thing disgraced, thinking it verily the destruction of an estate, how flourishing soever it be, to deliver countries and places unto Governors as heritage's: for in the end they usurp them as their own, and the estate how great and mighty sooner it be (being knit together) coming to be severed in pieces, is at the end of his power and authority, and becometh nothing. And always for the most part he did employ them from a less unto a greater charge of country: sometimes he called them near unto his person, to lead his Armies, the which was the greatest honour within the Empire: and they were obeyed throughout all his countries even as the Emperors own person. I have seen two of them alone, after that four, then seven, as at this present; they are come unto this number even as the Empire increased unto his greatness: none of the other having jurisdiction of all the Empire but they, and upon whom as on seven pillars, the Prince's person doth rely his greatest affairs, of the which they do not speak but in the presence of the Prince, & as he propoundeth the matters, for to have their advise therein, whether it be of peace or war. Now to return unto the Prince, who was at Cambalu, accompanied with Odmar and Axalla, Odmar an old man persuading the Emperor unto peace, and Axalla who was warlike, an enemy unto rest, and desirous of glory, did provoke him unto war. But the Prince's borders were stretched out so far from the Court, that he could not set down any plot for that matter: so as seeing the country of Quinzay a country of quiet, he judged this estate to be fit for Odmar, who was already old, and allied unto the Emperor, who would be fit than he to govern this country, as also this reverent old age which was in him, would be very convenient for to train up the youth of the young Prince, who was brought up in this place, and that there was none fit than he: but the means how to set this forward was a thing he durst not undertake, because he would not be noted to have any other purpose then that which proceeded from the will of his master. Now it fell out that after a certain time the Emperor received news that the ancient discipline of the Army did degenerate, in so much that every soldier desired the emperors presence, rebelling often against their heads which were there, for that they had not the accustomed authority for to suppress them. Now this Army was the life of the estate, the terror of the whole world, and that which maintained in obedience so many countries conquered with the sword. The Emperor being advertised hereof by the Captains, was troubled: for to go thithither in person, always to remain there, his pleasure and rest which he promised unto himself did withhold him, so as having secretly sent for Odmar and 
Consultation.  Axalla about these affairs, and to know whether it were necessary he should go thither: Axalla presently persuaded him unto this voyage, and to leave Odmar there in his countries where he was, whose wisdom would provide for all. But the Prince who did already perceive the sweetness that was in Cities, in comparison of the wild life in Armies; as heretofore he had taken delight therein, so at this present apprehending this manner of living, he determined to preserve his estate by his Lieutenants, and himself to rest, and enjoy the fruits of his travail, being already of the age of fifty years, he thought before he died to take his rest, and to content himself with the remembrance and contemplation of so many happy victories and worthy deeds, and to preserve in full peace his conquests without enterprising or attempting any thing but in his own defence: so as he turned himself towards Prince Axalla, and said unto him, that surely he would maintain Odmar in quiet as long as he could; and surely 
Resolution.  he should have been ungrateful unto his services, if he had not provided for him a quiet life: that his opinion did greatly content him, for to give unto him this government, that he might end his days in those quiet and peaceable countries, in continuing with honour the faithfulness of his service. That his own person would make his abode at Sachetay, to be the nearer unto the occasions his Army might have of his presence in Persia, where he would leave the same, and would increase it with the number of thirty thousand horse: but his pleasure was that he should go and command over it, for that he knew him the only person in his Empire which could perform that service, having tried the affection that the soldiers did bear unto him, together with the care he always had for the observation of military discipline: that he trusted him with all his estate, trusting him with his Army, whereupon only depended the keeping of so many great provinces, and the terror unto so many nations, differing both in language and manners, over whom he commanded, and of whom he was the conqueror; that he only should have an eye unto all that should be necessary for the maintenance of his Army; and that the first foundation of his revenues & the best should be appointed thereunto, as well for the recompense of his soldiers, as for the ordinary payments; that he would have them to be kept in the ancient discipline 
The discipline of the Parthians.  of the Parthians, the which is, to lodge in the open fields, and to keep within the Camp, and from three months unto three months to diflodge, buying all, and paying for all; that he had always been brought up within his Army, for to consider the valour and deserts of every one; that he had governed them; that the Captains and soldiers should be recompensed as he should appoint according to their deserts; that Persia was the place where he would keep his Army, for that their minds are more stirring and impatient in bondage. Also that the borders of Syria, were near for to help the same upon occasions offered, if there were any need. And turning himself unto Prince Odmar, he said, he would commit two parts of his estate unto him, the bothome of his riches, and his most precious treasure his son; that all things were in great quietness where he would have him for to govern; that he should be there honoured in all peace, an estate fit for his old age, and for the recompense of his services. Calling (after that) his Chancellor unto him▪ who was not at this discourse▪ he commanded 
Commissions dispatched by the Chancellor unto Odmar and Axalla for their governments.  him to dispatch out Commissions, the one for Odmar in the authority and government of all the estate of Quinzai and Cambalu, even unto the sea, and unto the mountains, being the borders of China. Unto Axalla the government of Lieutenant general over his army▪ and the authority and commandment in all the Provinces, through the which the same did march, even as the Emperors own person. This rumour being spread touching Axalla for his government over the army, and come unto the camp, there was never seen so much joy amongst the Captains and soldiers, every one of them remembering the particular affection they did bear him, & his deserts towards every mā● Better news co●ld not be brought unto Synopes, who was made by him, & a duanced by his hand. Odmar was left at Cambalu to make preparation for his journey unto Quinzai, very well satisfied with the choice the Emperor had made of him: and the Emperor having caused him to be instructed in his affairs, and particularly of his Provinces, he himself did command him that as soon as his son should be ten years old, he should be brought up in the affairs, and that all should be imparted unto him, to the end he might learn be times to serve the common wealth, not willing to trouble his head before that age, but for to suffer him to play with those of his own years. Kam Tai●●hie● was the name of this young Prince, the which is as much as to say in the Parthian tongue, as, The love of men; he had received his name of the Emperor his uncle in the absence of his father, and in truth, this name was very convenient for him: for many men did love him, and principally the Provice wherein he was borne, the Emperor not being able to carry him with himself unto Samarcand, where the Empress was, and it seemed unto the people of Quinzai, that they were utterly undone, if they should lose his presence, and if he should go out of their city. In the end they so earnestly be sought his Majesty, that he granted them the bringing of him up in his youth amongst them. So the Emperor went unto Samarcand, having taken such order as was convenient throughout all his Empire: he determineth to make his ordinary abode there, and to make this city (the place of his birth) worthy to be the seat of his successors, so fair would he make it, large, and beautified with all manner of fair buildings. Devotion did also draw him unto solitariness, where unto his nature inclined as much as was possible. Where had it not been for a certain desire of glory he had, which forced his nature of long time, he had played this part. It is also a great wisdom to know how to command his inclination, and also to be able to content himself with glory, and to suppress his ambition, and enjoying it, to begin in good time to give unto himself a happy end, if it be possible, and that this is the will of fortune the enemy unto man's quiet: for oftentimes that which men purpose, God the chief governor of all things doth frame it after another manner: but the hap of the Emperor▪ the which I do attribute unto the honour and reverence he did bear unto the Divinity, was the cause the same had care of him, and favoured his purposes. Now returning back again unto Prince Axalla, who after he had received this commandment, was nothing sluggish: so as he gathered together from all parts the old soldiers which had been discharged, it seeming unto him they had enjoyed sufficient rest: he sent also on the other side unto the Moscovite, to draw from thence soldiers on horseback for his guard, trusting greatly in their valour and courage, and all the way he entertained the Emperor about the order it would please him should be observed in his army. Axalla propounded unto him that which was convenient to be done: the Emperor than did either add thereunto 
Tamerlan the most excellent man in the art of war.  or take away as it seemed good unto him: for in the art of war he had so great knowledge and experience, that no man was equal unto him. Prince Axalla was the next unto him in this virtue for the faithful & witty executing of his commandments. The Emperor going by small journeys, by reason of the Court which was great, and the train of his carts, the which were in great numbers, which did greatly vex Prince Axalla: for his dispatch was referred unto the coming to Samarcand, the Emperor continuing sometimes 
Tamerlan loved hunting but as a good exercise.  where he found good hunting: he greatly loved these honest exercises, the which kept him (as he said) in breath, that he should not find the pains of arms strange unto him: but Axalla drew forward the Emperor as much as he could unto Samarcand, where he arrived at the end of Summer, where he found the Empress, who had a very fair son ready for circumcision, for the which were made an infinite number of magnificences. In the mean time Axalla dispatched his affairs, and the estate of his army: for the Emperor had in the midst of his greatest pleasures, certain hours for the affairs of his estate, the which he never omitted. All matters thus dispatched, Prince Axalla having taken his leave of the Imperial Majesty, he set forward, & had with him some twenty thousand horse, all the flourishing youth of the Court accompanying him. The Emperor desiring they should be trained up in the pains of wars, rather than in the delicacies of a Court: for the Prince did advance unto charges those which were in his army, and not such as remained in his Court, except they were by his express commandment near about his own person. The Emperor whilst these matters passed thus, received news from the Prince of Thanais, appointed Governor over Syria and Egypt; who sent him word, that all things in those parts were very quiet, a thing which brought great contentment unto the Prince, who had his mind wholly bend unto peace, busying himself in building of his city of Samarcand, and in decking of a sumptuous Temple 
Tamerlan built a Temple at Samarcand, and called it the Temple of Solomon.  the which he had built; wherein he meant to make his Tomb, and for his successors, the which he caused to be named the Temple of Solomon. And there did he hang up all the Trophies which he had conquered from his enemies: he caused also therein to be graven all the battles he had fought, together with the diversity of 
Tamerlan his Zealous gratefulness towards God.  Nations he had overcome, and the countries he had conquered. To the end he might (he said) show unto his great God, how greatly he did acknowledge his benefits & goodness. And because he had many Christians of all kinds of arts and occupations, whom he had brought from all parts where they had given them unto him: his pleasure was they should have a Temple built for to pray in the same, the which he called the Temple of jesus. This had Axalla obtained of the Prince, who lived according unto this law, and many others also, of whom our army was compounded, the Emperor serving himself with them indifferently, having suffered throughout all his kingdoms the honour and reverence of jesus Christ, even within the army itself, and the sacrifices of the Christians were offered, the Christians being his best soldiers, and the chiefest in his Court: so had he also many countries under his obedience the which were all wholly Christians, whose service he used in his wars, who would not be forced nor held for other than such as were of his religion, in as much as they worshipped one only God, and not allowing (no more than he) the plurality of Gods, the which above all other things he had in detestation and horror, driving away and destroying the Idolaters, declaring them slaves in all the countries of his obedience. And as this Emperor was religious, he would often hear holy men, as well of his own religion, as of the Christians, whose austerity he wondered at, being without ostentation as that of Guines was, and of others feigning holiness for to get honour and praise amongst the people: but he did see one thing throughout all Egypt, whereat he greatly wondered, religious people who lived with dried things, refusing all moist things, which were in the deserts for the name of jesus Christ, whom they account God, depriving themselves of all delights for to follow his cross & passion, things worthy admiration. He heard also recited the persecutions of the Roman Emperors against the Christians: this same caused in the Emperor (who was naturally religious) a respect towards them which were of this religion, recommending himself unto their prayers, and putting as much trust in them as in his other subjects, maintaining them in the liberty and exercise of their conscience, as if they had been his own natural subjects. And we must commend in the Emperor two actions, the which were without intermission exercised by him, that is to say, godliness & justice: for three times 
The godliness and justice of Tamerlan.  in the week at Samarcand he ministered open justice unto the meanest, in his Imperial Majesty, a thing which made him beloved of the people over whom he commanded. In the other days he gave secret audience for the affairs of his estate, & took advice for matters of importance, which were decided daily in his presence. He had such severity in his counsel, that they must needs deal truly before him, & without all passion in discoursing. Notwithstanding he always showed himself courteous in his conversation, & made himself both beloved & feared of his people: he never changed his servants except 
Tamerlan his great liberality  they committed great faults against him: of all the servants of the late Emperor his uncle he did not change one of them, but he did withal increase their estates, making them in this change to feel his liberality, which he made strangers for to taste also, unto whom he was accustomed to give, to bind them unto him. He drew great store of money yearly for tribute of the Moscovite: but he distributed it within the same country for to maintain his authority there, winning those for his which might have hurt him, by means of giving unto them. He 
Tamerlan his care of his re●enue.  had great care of his revenues, and he had such a readiness, that he did see his estate from three months unto three months within one hour, both the ordinary and extraordinary expenses, they presented it so well digested unto him. His revenue was not certain, for he augmented or increased it according unto his own good pleasure, and one certain day in the year he increased or diminished the same. His great Treasurer was very familiar with him, as one who made him continually an account of his doings, and also for to receive at every hour his commandments: the great Treasurer paid the estates of all the Princes and great officers with his own hands, and all the revenues by himself or by deputies for whom he was answerable, being administered generally in all the Provinces by him for to distribute them according to the Princes will. These estates were very dangerous: I have seen two of them punished with death most cruelly, being found to abuse their offices. After the death of the old Emperor, 
Severe punishment against deceitful treasurers.  all money was reduced under the image and arms of the Prince, and all other forbidden. During the time that the Emperor did remain at Samarcand, he did greatly reform the estate of his revenues, & every one made account that he would make a great foundation therein, and they knew not wherefore he made so great a heap thereof: he was accounted to be very liberal, which is a point of no small commendation in 
Tamerlan very liberal.  the great; the same was very ordinary, and as it were borne with him, being wont to say, that on the day he had not given something, that he had done nothing in all that day: saying, that giving doth commend men, making them like unto God. Often glorying that never any had refused that which he offered unto them. Now let us return again unto Axalla, who as soon as he was come unto the army, caused the old laws to be published, the which the Emperor did observe when he did first begin his wars, the which had been canceled, and left in all the orders of warfare, many strange fashions being mingled therein, which did cause the decay of the military discipline. Prince Axalla assembled the Captains of the army, declaring unto them, the disorders which were amongst their companies, for the which he did not blame them, but the heads which had commanded them these two or three years: but he desired them, together with himself to take the pains for to reduce all things into the first form of the Parthian discipline; that he would not give unto them any new thing, but he was only desirous indeed for to cause the ancient discipline to be observed. The which was, first to encamp every where; 
The Parthian discipline.  to entrench the camp, commanding that the soldier who was become dainty in the garrisons, should accustom himself again from hence forward unto the pains of the field, strengthening himself by traveling with those which were appointed only for the fortifying of the camp, the number of whom was always five and twenty thousand in the Imperial Army▪ That he would have the first number wherein there was any commandment amongst the footmen, should be ten, 
The order of Tamerlan his standing camp.  next an hundred, than a thousand, and afterwards ten thousand, over whom one should command alone underneath the Colonel general: amongst the horsemen an hundred, next a thousand, than ten thousand, and after that the general of the army should command over all. He caused particular views to be made, for to settle this order. He had threescore thousand footmen within his army, over whom commanded six Colonels under the Colonel general, there were 40000. horse under four heads, whereof there were ten thousand light horsemen. He had his particular guards beside these, which did amount unto 2000 horse, and 4000 footmen, these encamped about the general's person. Behold the estate which the Emperor commanded to be observed within the Army, the which only they called Imperial, the others not having that name: for there is in Syria an army of threscore thousand men, twenty thousand horsemen, and forty thousand footmen, as many in China: as many towards Cambalu: as many towards Moscow: as many towards Cherroneze, but not in the field, except then when need required. But this army thus ordered was a sound body, the which was fit to strengthen the other bodies of his armies (the which were weak and ill ordered) upon the first need. Prince Axalla traveled also to search out the inventions which the Christians had, and this caused he to be performed by means of the jews, who did traffic into all parts: and he spared no cost for to get all sorts of inventions and engines, the which might serve in the art military, wherein was all his study, for to excel in the same. So as he obtained the invention of artillery, the which was 
The invention of Artillery amongst the Christians.  new amongst the Christians, and it was brought unto him by a Greek, who had served him ever since the death of Prince Andronicus. The same did greatly astonish every one, to behold the violence of the powder: that caused them also to study the more thereon, for to get the full perfection thereof, wherein the Emperor did spend greatly, in causing some of them to be made, after he had gotten people which had skill to make them, as also for to get some of them already made. For we had always indeed this invention, to thrust forward a bullet by a violent motion, but with this powder it was a thing wonderful, and of great astonishment. The Emperor would have the praise of this invention to be given unto Prince Axalla, the which he caused to be written within the history of his reign for an eternal memory, amongst the services he had done him for the increase of his Empire, even as also he had acknowledged them in earnest, having given unto him more than a million of revenues, besides his ordinary pensions, the which did amount unto as much. Odmar had not much less, and also the Prince of Thanais had a great estate. I have left unspoken of an infinite number of other acknowledgements of services, the which he bestowed upon them that served him well: for the meanest soldier might hope for the greatest honours of the Empire: for the first notable service of the soldier was remembered, for to encourage him to do the better, so as the reward for the good, and punishment for the wicked, were distributed according unto their deserts. That same held this great Empire linked together, in such sort, as it could not dissever what onset soever he had, how great soever the same were; so as by that order, as soon as any war was begun, it was as soon ended. And for his new conquests, they did order the same so well for him, that revoltes did seldom happen in the same; and if any did chance, they were well punished, and but of small weight. Thus our estate was in his force, & at his period, & very hardly could be greater. Our Prince waxed old, & became heavy, his sons grew to be great, & men began to worship the son rising. But the Emperor did bear such love unto them, that there was nothing did vex him, nor any jealousy, but the fear he had that after his death they should not have so much valour & wisdom, as to preserve his estate together, fearing divisions, often lamenting that he had not a third son for to agree them both when as they should be at strife, as it is a thing which doth often happen; and he was therein a Prophet: for this great Monarchy through division of the brethren was overthrown and dispersed after his death, as we shall see in their history. Now to return unto the affairs that passed there, Prince Axalla, who was desirous to be doing, being returned from Babylon, whither he went upon some revolt, gave the Emperor to understand that the Ottomans having knowledge of the death of the Emperor Bajazet within the prison at Samarcand, had chosen his second son called Calepin, and that they gathered together, a great Army for to conquer all Anatolia again. And that the Emperor who was troubled much with the inward war against his brethren in Greece, hearkened not after the affairs of Asia. That this was of great importance for his greatness. That even within Persia Democares had gathered forces together, and came towards him. That he thought good to give his Majesty understanding of these news, to the end it would please him to advise himself therein; that he was most ready to receive his commandments, and that he would set forward after he had received the same; that he did assure him, his army was well disposed to do him service; that it was much better to go & meet than, & to fortify his borders, them for to stay for the wars in Persia, where their minds were not as yet sufficiently confirmed in his friendship; that Lichibanes who was governor in Anatolia, had retired his forces upon this rumour out of Bursia, the which he had unmanteled and destroyed, not having sufficient forces for to keep it, and had retired themselves unto the mountains looking for the forces he hoped to receive from his Majesty, seeing there was no city of importance in the champion country. These news being come unto the Emperor, he assembled together his 
Consultation.  counsel, where these affairs were consuled of, whereupon it was in the end resolved, that Prince Axalla should 
Resolution.  set forward with the Imperial Army directly towards Anatolia for to join with Lichibanes; that the Emperor should send Odmar with the forces of Quinzai and Cambalu towards the frontiers of the Muscovite, Zerisanes with twenty thousand horse, the which should be sent unto the Moscouit and his allies, for to require of him the forces he oweth unto the Emperor by his submission, the which was ten thousand horse; that the Prince of Thanais should also set forward with as many as he could raise, with his horsemen; unto the governor of Babylon also to raise even to the number of twenty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen; a commandment into Persia to levy men every where. And to this end there was a commandment sent from the Emperor unto all the Cities of his kingdoms, and Commissioners were appointed for to make choice of the men, some for wars, the other for the works▪ Victuals were commanded in all the emperors countries for setting forward of the Army. The great governor of Parthiae Zamai was dispatched unto Deristan, to be there for to receive all the troops, and commandment was given unto the Commissioners for victuals and munitions to convey them thither. It was published over all that the Emperor went thither in proper person, for to punish once again this proud race of the Ottomans. In the mean time Aralla marched directly towards the borders, and he went like a ball of snow, his Army always increasing, being glad of so good occasion. The Emperor having sent unto him his resolution, with a commandment also to take and leave all that should be necessary for the maintenance of his Army, in all the places of the emperors revenues. Axalla marched with diligence, being desirous to come unto the borders, and to join with the forces that stayed for him, for to fight with and expulse the enemy, before the Emperor should come unto him, whereof he had an express commandment, the Emperor for this occasion marching slowly, in such manner as he greatly desired to execute the same by Prince Axalla, this journey being troublesome unto him, by reason of his indisposition. Where to the end nothing should be wanting unto him, he sent a commandment unto the Prince of Thanais to go and meet with Prince Axalla, as soon as he had settled his government. He caused also two or three thousand horse to go one after another, who came unto him with diligence. Passing also by Tauris, he drew from thence five thousand horsemen, and ten thousand footmen of ordinary garrison, over whom commanded a Lord called Aliren, greatly affectioned unto the Emperor's service, and principality of Prince Axalla. Arriving also in Armenia he drew out of the garrisons as many as amounted unto twenty thousand horse, so as his army was very near 80000 horsemen, and 160000 footmen: the Emperor making account to be accompanied also with as many forces from Parthia, as also from the Moscovite. Now the Emperor could not come before 
Tamarlan waxed sickly.  it was near six months and slowly as I have said marched his own person, not being well at ease, having complanied these 3. months of a pain in his reins, in so much as some doubted greatly lest this sickness would bring some other accident; for he decayed greatly, and did eat nothing, notwithstanding this was only known amongst his familiars, who greatly feared the inconvenience that happened. Notwithstanding some report, that an Astrologian did say, that he should give a 
Astrologians.  battle unto all the East, and that he should be victorious; another did advertise him, to take heed of the third day of the Moon, of the ninth month of the year wherein he now was; so as the Emperor did think he should die in some battle and not in his bed. For he often said amongst his men, that he did acknowledge himself to be mortal, and that he was subject unto the law of nature; that he did often think of paying his tribute. Now he looked for Odmar, who should bring the Prince his eldest son unto him, providing wisely for his affairs before he would march any further, feigning to be desirous to carry him with him, and to teach him to know his subjects, and the means to serve himself with them if any ill fortune happened unto him. But I believe the Emperor was desirous for to see him before he departed, determining to leave him at Samarcand with Odmar and the Empress his mother; & what soever his destiny appointed for him, he determined to pass over Bosphorus unto Constantinople, and enter into Greece to root out for ever the Empire of the Ottomans; and that he must once again do this violence for to assure his estate, and settle the foundation of his glory. Now during the time that the Emperor stayed the coming of the Prince his son, who by reason of his young age came slowly with Prince Odmar, Prince Axalla whose desire of reputation and glory did waken 
Tam●rlan his second journey against the ●●●●mans.  him an hundred times in a night, went in great diligence, and so well, that he came unto Turcomanie, where the Georgian troops which the Emperor did there entertain came unto him, and he drew out of them full fifteen thousand men, very gallant and well trained in the wars. At the length he arrived at Garga, whither the Governor of the Province did come unto him for to receive the emperors commandments. Being come thither, he would not enterprise any thing before the Prince of Thanais were come, who made great haste; he brought but 15000. horse & 30000. footmen with him. As soon as he was come, he made him partaker of the Emperor's commandments, & imparted unto him the honour of leading the avant-garde of the Imperial army, and unto the governor of the country the arier-guard: for he was a man of great authority, and had been long time honoured of the Emperor; the end of his government was limited on the one side with Persia, and on the other with Syria. Now the most part of the countries which the Emperor had conquered in Anatolia, he had delivered 
Tribute paid by the Emperor of Greece unto Tam●●lā for the most part of Nat●lia.  them unto the obedience of the Grecian Prince, who should pay a certain yearly tribute for the same unto the Emperor, the which amounted unto four hundred thousand ducats of gold, and eight hundred thousand franks of silver. Axalla sent unto the Emperor of Greece to give him understanding that he was come unto Garga, in the which place he gathered together his forces, and that the Emperor his Lord had sent him to prepare his army there, and that his own person did march thither in his old age, for to perform the same good office unto him the which he had done unto the late Emperor his father; that he desired him to pacify the inward quarrels, for to remedy the evils abroad, the which increased; and that he would in the end put his estate into the same or greater danger than it had been, if he did not think upon quenching the civil and particular discords, for to take care for public matters. All this could prevail nothing with these Princes, who had made division of the Empire, and were at debate every one about his portion: but they considered not, that by this division they did build a portion for a third, the which was greatly for his advantage, if they did not remedy 
Discord between the brethren for the Empire of Greece, being divided amongst them.  the same, whereunto he persuaded them. At such time as the Ambassador came, who was a very wise man, they thought Prince Axalla had only certain troops of ten of twelve thousand horse: but as soon as they understood of the great army he had, they entered into suspicion, that the same might be as well against them as Calepin, although he assured them of all manner of good will of the Emperor's part, insomuch as presently it was negotiated to treat some argreement between the brethren, at the least a truce, but pervailed nothing: for they would not trust their elder brother. Upon the ambassadors return, we learned where Calepin was and his army, and of what quantity it was. After he had made a general review, and caused a muster to be had of all the soldiers, he marched directly towards the enemy who was in Caramania. Calepin was greatly astonished to see the diligence this Army had made, the which he had caused to be viewed by his spies; he did think it had been but of ten or twelve thousand men only: but when he knew how great an Army it was, he entered into a great fear, insomuch as having committed the whole charge of his Army unto a Bassa, he retired towards the sea; he remaining only of the stock of the Ottomans, they thought it not good he should hazard his person unto the event of the battle, although his Army were great. But the Persians and the Mamelues had the principal forces, which made him doubt lest any disgrace happening unto him, they should make their agreement unto his damage, the which was not ill advised. He had also intelligence from Persia that the Emperor marched forward, for to assist his forces with another great Army, insomuch as he repent that he had stirred the sleeping dog. The Greek on the other side entered into a great suspicion, of the great preparation the which was made in every place, not thinking that it was only for Calepin: but in respect of his estate he began to seek the means 
The Greek Emperor did seek aid of the Turk his mortal enemy, against Tamerlan his approved friend.  to assure the same, and also to demand succour of Calepin, affirming that the plot of this war was begun against them both, and that the Emperor would not content himself to have the Tegean sea for his borders, but would certainly (if he could) stretch forth his conquests beyond Constantinople; that he did perceive it was necessary for him to the assuring of his estate, to join themselves together; that he had especially heretofore very little favoured the governor the which the Emperor had left, after the death of the Greek Emperor his father. Also he had not desired the Parthian Emperor to undertake this voyage, and much less had made any countenance to favour him, for fear of breaking with Calepin, with whom he had made a certain agreement, so faint hearted was he. All these matters put him in a great doubt, and made him to think upon joining himself with Calepin in good earnest, for to resist our forces if he might. All these cogitations were good, but it was very late to advise there of now, matters being very doubtful in respect of Calepin, who was of the same mind, if he had had the leisure: but all remained now upon the hazard of a battle, the which he was constrained to adventure, seeing that delay did bring more hurt than profit. Also the forces which he did hazard, were most of them Persians and Mamelues, banished men and fugitives, who had taken the contrary part against the Emperor. I hold opinion that the Bassa had fifteen thousand Persian horsemen very good, and thirty thousand footmen, commanded 
The Turk & the Sold an joined together against Tamerlan.  by the Prince of Tauris a fugitive: the Mamelues were in number twenty thousand horse, commanded by a Sultan whom they had chosen, and it is five years since he hath made war in Arabia, from whence he was driven: in the end, he had been enticed by Calepin, & had entered into this league upon hope that if his affairs had 
Calepin his forces.  good success, he would give him aid for the recovering of Syria and Egypt, & of the principality of the Mamelues. The Bassa had five and twenty thousand horse, & thirty thousand footmen, Calepin having brought six thousand of them with him for his guard, so as the Bassa who was a great Captain, did assure himself to overcome our men, who he said were compounded of people nothing affected unto the Parthian name (but he was greatly deceived.) This same was the Bassa who was taken the day before the battle, wherein Bajazet was taken, unto whom the Emperor did give a horse: he said that he was assured that he knew our manner of fight, and had noted well the fault Bajazet had committed in the battle the which he had lost, the which did bring them more hurt by reason of the said emperors presence, being a Captive, then for any other loss, the same having been much more bloody on our side: and he said true. And this was the occasion wherefore he would not have Calepin commit Bajazet his fault; behold the reasons of the Ottomans. Prince Axalla as I have said, had made a general muster, he had found to be in the Imperial Army an hundred thousand footmen, and fourscore thousand horsemen, there were of them threescore thousand most brave and resolute men, of the Princes trained men and all of them old soldiers, there were four score thousand very good men who where commanded by Sinopes, desirous of honour and glory. As soon as the enemy had turned his face towards us, and that Prince Axalla had asked the advise of the Princes and Captains of the Army, he marched strait towards him unto Govalache, the which was yet thirty leagues from us; who marched in small journeys, never going far from the sea side, in respect of victuals, whereof they received with ease good quantity, so as all things abounded within their Army, but we had some want thereof. Now in the end Prince Axalla commanded a Parthian Captain called Stucan, who did lead the light horsemen of the Army, to have an eye that the enemies did not surpirse the Army, and that we should not fail but have word thereof, as soon as they drew near unto us. Now he was a very witty and vigilant Captain and a man of enterprise, insomuch as having a soldier of the country with him unto the place where their Army was lodged, knowing the language, he thought with himself that in an Army of sundry nations he might intermingle himself as it did march, and perform some brave piece of service: the which he having imparted unto Prince Axalla, he allowed well of the enterprise, and thought that it might be performed. So Stucan advanced forward with three thousand horse within ten leagues of the Army, and arrived at Regdin, where he found a part of the Ottomans Army advanced, and having gotten understanding by some prisoners, that the enemies marched towards the forefront of the Army, having viewed their Camp, he determined to enter into the same by the means of this soldier, who understood the language, feigning that he came from some service, whither he had been sent for to be a guide unto two thousand Persian horse, who returned from thence, and that at this very time he would mingle himself and surprise them unawares, the which fell out: for having advanced two hundred horse with 
A stratagem.  these soldiers, they mingled themselves within the 
The worthy exploit performen by St●●an with three thousand light horse in the Turks Camp, in though night.  army, and being followed by Stucan, he made himself master of that which was the safeguard of the army, the which were their light horsemen, and there were slain of them more than three thousand men of those which were advanced forward: the rest of the army being on horseback, did not pursue our men in their retreat, thinking it had been our whole army, the which caused them to hold the bridle with their footmen, choosing rather to lose their stradiots then the substance of the army. In the morning they were greatly astonished when they understood our Army was as yet ten leagues off, and that they were but three thousand horse, the which had put so great disorder in the camp. The Bassa was determined to stay for our army, and if it were possible to weary the same before he came unto the battle, being advertised that we had not victuals at our own pleasure. Prince Axalla being come within five leagues of the enemy's army, he entrenched his army, and made a show of abiding there. Now he was very desirous to view the situation of the enemy's Camp, and having one day advanced all his Army in a plain within two leagues of the enemy's Army, he would set forward for to view their countenance, and the place where they were encamped: the which he having done, he perceived the way by which their victuals did come unto them, and raising the Camp, he determided either to compel them for to fight, or else to lodge between them and the sea, for to cut off the way of their victuals: for he was well advertised of the enemy's purposes: and being uncamped, he marched in battle array directly towards the enemy, as if he meant to have assaulted him within his trenches. In the mean time he caused his Army to be lodged within a league of him. Now the Bassa who had not stirred out of his Camp, knew not what was our purpose, our army having been in battle array, within the view of their Camp above eight hours, in the mean time our soldiers lodged. The enemy who did not think any such matter, was greatly astonished, when some of his men came and declared unto him that we were lodged so near unto him, and did hinder their victuals, and having assembled the chief Captains of his Army, to have their advise, he determined to come unto the fight, and give a battle, if he did perceive that our purpose was to hinder him from the sea, he would yet endeavour as much as he could to procure that his victuals might come, making trial by scouts to do the same. So the day being come, the Bassa caused six thousand horse to issue out for to discover our purposes, giving commandment unto them whom he sent to hazard nothing, but to retire if they did see that any did stop the passage: so as it falling out that the Captain of our side, the which had this charge, was this day on horseback, with x. thousand horse, who upon the first alarm of his enemy, did beat them bravely into their Camp, the which the Bassa perceiving, and that it was the purpose of our men, he supposed he could no longer shun the battle. And the same night he began to approach unto the point of their camp near unto a mountain, the which was nearer unto them then us, to lodge there in parcels, and also to the end we should not lodge there at all, the which they did foresee might greatly prejudice them if we should win the same before them. So in the morning Prince Axalla had certain news that the enemy's Army did dislodge, the which he desiring to descry, mounted on horseback, and advanced forward with some twenty thousand horse for to behold their dislodging, determining to set upon them if he saw cause, and followed them to take an occasion to do it upon their lodging. But it fell out otherwise: for seeing their countenance, he supposed presently what they would do, and having called unto him the Prince of Thanais and Sinopes, he said unto them, that he thought it not convenient to suffer the enemy for to entrench upon this mountain, for the discommodities we should receive thereby. For this cause he commanded Sinopes to set upon them with twenty thousand men, and to hinder them from this mountain, assuring himself that if he did win it, he should have the victory of the battle most assured. Now the place was such, as the horsemen could by no means do any service there, by reason of a marish that was at the foot of the same mountain, the which did stretch a good league, but the footmen did easily march thither. Prince Axalla assured himself he had good footmen, and that Sinopes who was desirous of honour, would not omit to give a strong assault upon the enemies upon this occasion. So our army being wholly ranged in battle array, Prince Axalla caused all his footmen to advance forward: he determined to fight on foot if the enemies did wilfully attempt the same mountain, and having commanded the Prince of Thanais to keep himself at the head of all the horsemen who were in battle array, he advanced forward, for to succour Sinopes in good time, who advanced lustily with twenty thousand men only. Prince Axalla having advised with himself, as the best, to cause them to march along by a little hill, and that by this way they should do their endeavours by surprising of the enemy, who could not perceive them: so as they should as soon feel their blows and assault, as see their persons; this being 
A Maxim.  a Maxim that an enemy thoroughly viewed is half conquered: this was the cause that the same became so great an astonishment unto the enemy, to see himself assaulted not knowing whether it were with all the footmen, or part of the same. The enemy's Army was at the other end of the marish, & we were within the view the one of the other: but even as our men did give this onset, you might have seen their whole army stir, for to resist the strong force of our men, the which continued a good hour. The Bassa who was a discreet Captain, commanded all the footmen he had to aid them which where upon this mountain, and although our men upon the first fury had won the top of the mountain, so as then the enemies did fight on foot coming up, the which was a great advantage for our men. Axalla perceiving this aid mount up, commanded also 20000 of our men to oppose themselves against this new troop which mounted, and after them he sent 25000 more, and came to this point, that he himself alighted, determining for to lead the third succour, saying, that as soon as he should perceive another great troop of footmen for to stir, it was his turn to march. The Prince of Thanais understanding that he would go thither in person, sent to beseech him for to suffer the Colonels of the footmen to perform that, and that it belonged unto him only to command. Prince Axalla sent him word that this was a special match, and that if they did win the mountain they should also win the battle; that he would this day obey him, and be his soldier. About this time he did see this great body move, which was the remainder of the enemy's footmen, the most part janissaries, who at their coming, performed a wonderful act: but in the end Prince Axalla coming with many of the bravest men about him, he put the enemies to flight, and did win the mountain, and remained Master thereof before he departed, and lodged there, entrenching himself on the enemy's side. He left Sinopes to command there, who had this day gotten great honour. There died of our men fifteen thousand, and above thirty thousand of the enemies: the fight endured from eight of the clock even until night, our horsemen being lookers on, not any ways able to help the footmen. The enemy having received this disgrace, marched ten good leagues that night, and forsook his Camp as overcome, but it was not without having 
The discomfiture of the Bassa with his flight by night  the Prince of Thanais & Stucan at their tail, with his light horsemen, Prince Axalla continually following them, encamped within two leagues of them, having always the coast of the sea, and they bending towards Caramania. Now the Bassa having received again his spirits after this disgrace would encamp himself: but the Prince of Thanais discontented for that he had not fought, advanced in such sort, that even as we were ready to lodge had news that it behoved to aid him with diligence, the which Prince Axalla understanding, caused the sign of battle to be given speedily, and he himself with all the horsemen advanced forward. Now it was a little river he had passed over, not thinking the enemy had been so near unto him: which the enemies perceiving, they commanded 10000 Persian horse to give the first charge, the which they having valiantly performed, our men being engaged, without any other delay, were constrained to come unto the fight strong & resolutely, and defended 
The rashness of the Prince of Thanais.  themselves: but the enemies were forth with backed with 20000 horse after them, the first charge not having been but for to engage them: the fight was very furious, and our men were almost overthrown, when as behold ten thousand Persian horse led by the Prince of Hallicen, who set forward with great diligence, and came for to assist the Prince of Thanais, who fought valiantly, and had two horses already killed under him, and did fight upon the third: Stucan was 
Stucan slain.  slain, and all the light-horsemen overthrown. Prince Axalla who perceived the fault which the Prince of Thanais had committed, did bite his lip, saying, that God had given him a goodly victory, and that he must lose the same through another's folly, and turning himself unto his companions, he said unto them, that this was the day wherein they must fight, not for glory, but for the safety of all the Parthian people. Having sent forward with all diligence, ten thousand horse more for to maintain the fight, he came speedily unto the order of fight, & advanced forward with forty thousand horse, the which he put into three troops: on front he followed the enemy, who had knit himself together, & put our men to flight, having had always the better in all the former charges they had given. The Prince of Thanais at the third charge was overthrown to the ground as dead in the enemy's power: but the 10000 horse whereof I did speak, compelled the enemy to make head against Prince Axalla, who would not suffer 
The battle between Axalla & the Bassa  this occasion to be lost without revenging the overthrow of his men. Now he did perceive there was but two hours left of the day, the which caused him to press forward unto the battle, and to constrain and force the enemy to come unto the same. Now the Bassa had not as yet fought at all, who advanced forward with fifteen thousand fresh horse▪ strengthening this charge: but Prince Axalla coming unto the fight, he could not resist so great a troop, & was overthrown. The Governor also of Anatolia called Lenaven, who as yet had not fought, assisted Prince Axalla, and had yet ten thousand horse, who gathering our men together again, they all joined with Axalla, & repulsed the horsemen within their footmen, who giving themselves 
Axalla his victory against the Bassa.  over to flight, did forsake them: they could not stay our horsemen from assaulting them, so as they were almost all slain, having fought even until night: notwithstanding there retired above twenty thousand in order of battle, the most part of them janissaries, who passed over the water, and hindered our horsemen from having so large a victory as they otherwise should have had. Notwithstanding the next day we sent part of our horsemen under the Governor, for to keep that none of the enemies should join themselves together. They marched all that night led by their Captain, whom they call Ag●, the janissaries went in very good order, speaking reproaches of their horsemen, who had thus forsaken them: they fortified themselves, being resolved all of them to die for the 
The brave resolution of the janissaries.  preservation of their Prince. After the dead were buried, and care taken for the wounded, the Prince Axalla left the Prince of Thanais sore wounded upon one 
The Prince of Thanais sore wounded.  of his legs, and himself advanced forward more than ten leagues, the enemy's horsemen being as yet knit together fourteen thousand horse strong. The Prince Axalla having left all his carriages, followed the enemies, who could not join themselves with their janissaries, for we had gotten between them. The janissaries in this order wherein they marched, came along by the sea, the which Prince Axalla understanding, he sent ten thousand horse after them, and commanded that all the footmen of the army which had not yet fought, should march with diligence directly towards them for to set upon them: but they had gone 
The janissaries pass over at Gallipoli into Europe to join with Calepin.  two great journeys, and embarked themselves at Gallipoli, for to pass over into Europe, and join with Calepin, who accused the Bassa for that he had forsaken them, and was fled away from them. There were above five and forty thousand of the enemies slain in this last day: these were two battles happily achieved; there were slain of our men above twenty thousand, and Prince Stucan was found amongst the dead underneath his horse, his target being upon his face, all the whole army made great lamentation for his death; he had greatly overshot himself, for he had like to have overthrown all the whole army. There was great joy made for the safety of the Prince of Thanais, so preserved 
Axalla greatly reprehended the Prince of Thanais for his rashness.  amongst the dead. The Prince Axalla did greatly reprehend him for his rashness, having been the occasion of the death of twenty thousand men, and to make the victory unto us bloody, the which had not otherwise been so, seeing we might have had the same better cheap. The Prince of Thanais excused himself upon Stucan and the light horsemen, who had advanced themselves too far, and also he did not think to find the main forces of the enemies so near at hand. Prince Axalla said unto him, that he was in great doubt lest such a matter would fall out, and for this cause he had advanced the army as near unto the river as he could. But Prince Axalla notwithstanding all these great and happy victories, had not that which he desired, and showing himself very sad for that he knew the indisposition and sickness of the 
Axalla very sad for the indisposition of the Emperor his master.  Emperor as incurable, he purposed to return unto the Court, to the end he might win the good favour of the young Prince, whom he knew the Emperor his father had sent for. And having assembled the Counsel, he caused the dispatch to be read, the which he did send unto the Emperor of the happy success of the victory: and in the mean time he sent after the enemies, to the end they should have no more leisure, but only to get the mountains, and having given this commandment, very early in the morning he followed after with the rest of the army. The greatest part of the Persians sent to sue for their pardon, and did come and yield themselves, the Prince their chief having been slain; the head of the Bassa was brought by a soldier, 
The Bassa's head brought unto Axalla.  who had killed him in his retiring, at such time as he did see the Persians forsake him. This was the same Bassa, who had been taken before in the battle wherein the Emperor Bajazet was taken prisoner. The prince Axalla followed continually the small remnant of the enemy's Army that remained: they made foul war upon the Mamelues, because the most part of them had falsified their faith given unto the Prince of Thanais, for the rest they made them fair war. In less than fifteen days this army was wholly overthowne, and Calepin retired into Europe, all the cities upon the sea coast yielded themselves. The winter drawing near, the Army demanded their pay, whereupon they took advise, and having considered where the same might winter, it retired towards Govalache. The Prince of Thanais was desirous to withdraw himself into his government, and lead back his troops, as also to prevent the novelties the which the indisposition of the Emperor might bring forth, and Prince Axalla 
A league of friendship sworn between Prince Axalla and the Prince of Thanais.  and he, having sworn great friendship each unto other, he went his way. The Prince having a determination to overthrow the Empire of Greece the next Sommet following, to the end he might take from the Ottomans all opportunity of waxing great, seeing the Greek Emperor did favour them, and having conquered again all that which Calepin had won, without any great resistance. The Prince of Thanais was gone twenty leagues or thereabout, when as behold there came a post, who brought news of the emperors death, the which did happen two days after 
The death of the Emperor Tamerlan.  he had received the news of this victory, having done nothing after the receipt of these news, but quietly end this life, speaking even unto the last gasp, with sound and good sense, taking order for the affairs of his Empire, without any alteration in his accustomed 
Axalla lamented the death of the Emperor Tamerlan privately, but bitterly.  manner. The Prince Axalla having received these news whereof he doubted, withdrew himself alone, and with all kinds of complaints, he bewailed the death of his good master, he concealed his death certain days, and having with all diligence sent these news unto the Prince of Thanais, he desired that it would please him they might meet for to consult of their affairs. So they appointed a place to meet in about this accident. This post brought his dispatch signed with the name Sautochio our Emperor, by the which he was commanded to leave 40000 men with the Governor of the borders, and himself to take his journey through Persia with his army. This post was followed by a favourite of the new Emperor, who came unto Prince Axalla for to gratify him, & to make him an affectioned servant unto the Emperor, as a person whom he knew very necessary for to maintain the greatness of his Empire, holding in his power at this day, the principal forces, besides the great authority he had of long time enjoyed with the late Emperor: so as the quiet of the Empire depended more upon Prince Axalla, then upon any one, especially having had very lately so famous a victory. This same did greatly procure him the good will, both of the Captains and soldiers: but there was nothing but worthiness in Prince axalla's mind, who 
The worthy mind of Prince Axalla towards his new Prince.  assured the new Prince of his faithfulness, and obedience unto his commandments. I will not forget to declare, that during the time the army did refresh itself, the Prince of Thanais came to meet with Prince Axalla, where interchangeably they did swear faith the one unto the other, for the preservation of their honours and 
The meeting of the Prince of Thanais & Prince Axalla ●o what end.  estates. They thought it best to conceal the death of the late Emperor, the one of them in the army, the other in his government: but even as evil news doth disperse abroad sooner than good, so did Axalla upon his return find these news spread over all, the which he perceiving, thought good to cause the army to be assembled together, and there for to give them understanding of the loss of their Emperor. You did never 
The lamentation for the emperors death by the whole army.  see so many cries, and so much shedding of tears: he exhorted them unto the same faithfulness and affection towards the young Prince his son, for the honour of the late Emperor: the which they promised, even 
axalla's faith fullness unto the Prince.  unto the meanest soldier. Axalla caused the oath of fidelity to be particularly taken by the chiefest of the Army, and after he had covered all the standards with mourning weed, according to our custom, and had made also a muster of all his soldiers, where he did again exhort them to honour the memory of their late Emperor, towards the Prince his son, saying unto them, that he did not die at all, seeing he had a son, who deserved to be beloved of every one for his virtues, under whose good fortune they should henceforward fight, who would acknowledge their services. That it was convenient to go unto him for to receive the recompense of their faithfulness; that he was young for to exercise the young, and liberal for to consider well of their travels; that he would never forsake them, but would be always their Protector. After that was done, he severed unto the Governor those men as he thought necessary to remain with him, for to keep this country in peace, and to hinder the enemies from fortifying of themselves: the which Prince Axalla having performed, he advanced two days journeys forward. Now for to recite that which passed at the emperors death, this it is, that feeling himself ill disposed, having from all parts sought for health: in the end, seeing nature did decay in him, he called for Sautochio his eldest son, unto whom in the presence of Odmar, and of all his Council, he discoursed 
The Emperor Tamerlan his discourse unto his son before all his counsel lying upon his death bed.  of the course of his life ever since the death of his father Zachetay, who being given over to contemplation, had left unto him three personages near unto his person, for to assist and counsel him, of whom (said he) there remaineth none alive at this present but only Odmar, being the youngest of the three, the which had brought him up as well in the actions of war, as the affairs of peace, whereof you may judge by the great enlargement he hath added unto Zachetay, the which he had obtained as well through his great reputation, as by force; and that the hope every one conceived of his virtue in his youth, had called him unto the full succession of the Tartarian Empire. For having by the counsel of these three, as fathers, enterprised the war against the Moscovite, whose arms were at that time the most to be feared of all Asia, this enterprise having had good success, not only all his neighbours, but all his kinsmen, desired to have peace and friendship with his arms, and the Emperor his uncle, whose purpose was to divide his Empires amongst his Princes, whom he loved, for my valour changed his determination, hearing my reputation to resound, and that I had in this young age through my good conduct, overcome the common enemy unto our Nation: whereupon I was judged by him worthy to command the same, and sending to offer his daughter unto me in marriage, he made choice of me to succeed him in this monarchy, hoping that I would ease his old age, and that I would guide the years which remained unto him in peace, through my travel, and the reputation of my arms. He was not deceived in me, having honoured him always as my Lord, and loved him as another father, carrying myself so cunningly during his life, that at such time as his death happened, I kept this great Empire, without any commotion therein, but rather all subjection and obedience. I will tell thee my son, that I did not only succeed him in the Empire, but also in the love of all his servants, whom thou dost see about me, who have served me faithfully these twenty years, ever since I have enjoyed this great large country, unto whom the late Emperor my uncle did promise only recompense of their service, but myself have been so much acccompanied with good hap, that I have been able to give unto them. I leave unto thee then these servants, who are worthy to be kings; honour them, and reign with them: they will be faithful unto thee, and have remembrance of me for to serve thee faithfully, and do know how to excuse thy youth and guide the same: believe their counsel. And taking Odmar by the hand, pulled him on the right side of the place where he was set, and looking upon the other side, he turned unto the young Prince his son, saying unto him: This side and place here shall be kept for Axalla, who is absent, whose faithfulness and affection he had proved, the worthy acts of whom were so recommendable unto all this Empire and himself, that he would speak no more unto him of the same; that he commanded him to believe their counsel even as he had done, wherein he had found great good; that the Prince of Thanais was his kinsman, that he should esteem of his faithfulness, and serve himself therewith; that he might assure himself he would yield him obedience, even to the spending of his own life. In the end that he recommended unto him so many worthy Lords and Captains, who had served him faithfully in so many wars he had made for the greatness of the Parthian Empire, over the which he had left him to command without any desert but for a fair hope, and for that he was his son. And giving his hand unto all the Princes and Lords, which he had caused to come before him, he presented them unto his son, saying unto him, that this was his Empire and good fortune, and demanding his seal of the great chancellor, he put it into the hands of the young Prince, and caused the same to be redelivered unto him again, and having continued a certain space without speaking, he said unto him: My son, love justice, minister it as well unto the little as unto the great, this is your duty, and he shall ease you therein sometimes. Remember yourself, that the weapons which you have in your hands, are but to make execution of the same: this is the cause therefore that it behoveth the wars you begin be justly enterprised, and then will they have happy success. As his speech was directed unto the young Prince, he had the chancellor near him; whereupon during the same, there was a great noise more than was accustomed in the Emperor's outward chamber, and ask what the matter was, they caused a Lord to enter in, sent from Axalla (now the Emperor had nothing at all left the care of his affairs, as he was accustomed, although they were somewhat the more slowly dispatched,) who brought news of the happy success of two battles won in Anatolia, by the Army led by Prince Axalla, victorious over calepines 
News brought unto the Emperor Tamerlan of Axallas victories in Anatolia against calepines forces  forces; and declaring this happy success in his affairs, the messenger of these news said unto him, that he hoped the next summer his person marching forward, the Empire of Greece should be easy for him to conquer, seeing the astonishment the enemies had. 
Tamerlan his speech unto the messenger, and to the Prince his son.  He answered him, that he never doubted of his soldiers affections, but that he was called by a greater than himself, and unto a more happy conquest, seated in a more high place, whither he must needs go. Tell Axalla (said he unto the Lord which spoke unto him) that from hence forward he must receive my sons commandments. And drawing a ring from off his thumb, commanded that it should be carried unto Prince Axalla, to signify unto him the contentment he had in his service, and in witness of his faithfulness. He demanded in general of the health of all those of his Army, recommending them unto his son, every one according to their virtues and deserts: amongst the rest he recommended the services of the Prince of Thanais, commanding his son to honour him as his kinsman, and to continue him in the charges and honours the which he had put into his hands, for that he did deserve the same; that he should be well served by him. And returning again to speak, he commanded his son, that if he committed his armies unto any man to be commanded, it should be unto Prince Axalla, a thing notwithstanding which he did counsel him to do the latest he could, because it was so precious a thing, and that if it were possible, he should not trust it with any man but himself; that it was fit for the Parthian Emperors to be in the midst of their armies, & amongst the soldiers, even as householders are with their children, & that by this means he should preserve this great Empire, which he left to him by inheritance, hoping in time he would deserve it by his virtues. And as his last words he persuaded him to be gentle and courteous unto his friends, and terrible unto his enemies, and if they demand peace of you, do not in any case refuse it, and forgive your particular occasions, & do justice for the love of your people. This young Prince had the tears in his eyes, and the Emperor contrariwise uttering these words, had a majesty in his countenance more then accustomed, and causing his son to go out, he sent him unto the Empress for to comfort her. And having again called for Odmar, he recommended unto him the young years of his son, the love and faithfulness unto his service, willing that his younger son should be brought up to obey his elder brother: for of the love and agreement of the two brethren dependeth (said he) the quiet and preservation of this estate: and sending for them both, he was desirous to give them his last blessing. And they being come before him, he commanded the younger to obey his elder brother, and both of them 
Tamerlan his last speech & blessing unto his sons.  together to honour the Empress: and beginning to give them his blessing, touching the head of Sautochio, he pressed it down, and touching the head of the younger, he raised it up, lifting up his chin, a presage that Letrochio the younger should be lifted up unto the Empire, and should be the overthrow of his elder brother, as it fell out afterwards through their divisions, the which caused the destruction of the Empire. Night being come he slept very sweetly, and about the break of day, according to his custom, he caused them to be called unto him which had any business with him: and Axallas dispatch being presented unto him for to sign, upon this last victory obtained, he signed it without any change of countenance, & after turning himself, a slumbering took him again, and they perceived he passed away unto another life, they ran for to call the Emperor his son, who as soon 
The death of the Emperor Tamerlan.  as he was come shut his eyes, pouring out tears, as also did all his servants. The Prince Sautochio his eldest 
Prince Santochio proclaimed Emperor and signed dispatches.  son within two hours after was proclaimed Emperor throughowt all the whole Army, and dispatches were made from all parts to advertise the Governors of provinces thereof, the letters being signed with the hand of the new Emperor, who having assembled all the Army together, he made an oration unto the Captains and soldiers, and caused them to make a general muster, gratifying all the ancient servants of the Emperor his father: he would not dispose of any thing before he had seen Prince Axalla, and was joined with the imperial Army. This young Prince, when he came unto this Empire was nineteen years old, 
Prince Sautochio 19 years old when he came unto his Empire.  he was fair, and had much of the Emperor his father's natural disposition. They hoped that he would wisely (through the good counsel that was about him) maintain this great Empire: but they feared greatly the young Prince Letrochio his brother (whom his mother loved) would cause divisions, as it happened in the times of their great grandfather between two brethren, who had been occasion of the destruction of their estate, the which was relieved and lifted up again unto his height by the valour of Tamerlan.  
FINIS.