NEWS OF the present Miseries of Rushia: Occasioned By the late War in that Country.  
Commenced Between 

Sigismond now King of Poland.  
Charles late King of Swethland.  
Demetrius, the last of that Name, Emperor of Rushia.    
Together with the Memorable occurrences of our own national Forces, English, and Scots, under the Pay of the now King of Swethland.  
LONDON Printed for john Bache, and are to be sold at his shop on the backside of the Royal Exchange. 1614   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable sir Robert Car, Knight, Viscont Rochester, Earl of Somerset, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, and one of his majesties most honourable privy Counsel.  
IF in the great affairs of the kingdom, wherein (under our excellent Head) your Lordship is worthily employed as a principal member, there be any leisure left from the business of your high place, It may then please your Lordship to cast a favourable aspect upon the humble Labours of such whom Fortune, and their mean deservings keeps under in the obscure rank of Poverty. Amongst whom, I have presumed to write this little Book, as a Discursive Treatise upon the Miseries of Russia, occasioned by the late foreign and intestine war in that Country, which I have adventured to present unto your Honour's view (if a precious eye may look upon a worthless object) and it is not the meanest virtue, to respect the poorest fortune: for take away goodness from great men: to whom shall the poor flee for refuge? I have therefore made bold to shroud it under the Patronage of your Honour, which I wish may still transcend, until with your high worth it hold correspondency. And that those holy Nuptiallbands, whereby you are now honourably linked into the Noble House of Norfolk, even by the Sovereign appointment of the most high God, beyond the subordinate power of Destiny, may till death prove indissoluble, more hard to be untwined, than that Gordious knot, wherein lay enfolded the fate of Asia, That you may live long most happy, as you are now most worthy, both in your high Style, State, Place, Fortune, and a King's favour.  
Your Honours in all humble duty, HENRY BRERETON.   

The War and Miseries of Rushia.  

CHAP. 1.  
Demetrius the last of that name, after the death of his father Basilius, succeeds him in the Empire, he distrusteth his own people, and many of his Nobility, and strives to strengthen his estate by marriage with a young Lady near in blood to Sigismond king of Poland.  
OF all the accidents that I have read or heard of in the oppression of any State or Kingnome whatsoever, either for the present or precedent ages, there hath none in my opinion been found so sudden, strange and variable, with occurrants so doubtful, and events so fatal, both to Prince and People, to the invader and the invaded, with such devastation of Country, depopulation of Towns, combustion of Cities, such deflowrings, ravishemnts, murders, and horrible treasons, fire, sword, and famine, the tragic executioners of these miseries, plots and stratagems devised in hell by devils, and acted by men on earth: as hath happened of late years, and is not yet concluded between Sigismond now King of Poland, Charles King of Swethland, and Demetrius the last of that name, called the great Duke of Muscovia, or Emperor of Russia.  
And this unhappy country, which before flourished in great wealth, state, pleasure and peaceable commerce with strangers, no war at hand, nor none towards, but such as no man looked for, was on the sudden, before a man's mind could think in such a case of a kingdoms alteration, made the woeful Scene and public stage whereon so many bloody parts have been acted on all hands, as have brought wretchedness to the people living, and prepared misery for the child unborn: which war well considered. God never gave unto the world a more memorable example, either in what unsurety stands the state of any Kingdom or Nation that is not propped and supported by the high hand of Heaven, or what miseries and calamities succeed in the progress of such bloody and dangerous intendments, to a people so secure. And finally, what end follows such treasonable and despiteous cruelty, as the lamentable sequel of this history shall declare.  
You shall therefore understand that Demetrius, the last of that name, Emperor of Rushia, after the death of his father Basilius, called for his stern and austere government, as well by strangers, as his own natural subjects, the great Tyrant of Rushia succeeded him, both in the Empire and hatred of his subjects: For notwithstanding that Demetrius was a most excellent Prince, framed even in the prodigality of Nature, endued with many commendable parts, and hereyicke virtues, in the flower of all his youth and beauty, which commonly the people do much esteem full of rich hope and expectation. Yet such was the hatred they bore unto his father, that not dying with his death, it lived still in his issue, and proved in short time the confusion of this Prince, who (setting aside his haughty disposition) which seemed to be inherent in him by Nature, he was otherwise a most absolute Prince, noble in mind, and of a kingly presence.  
He having thus by his father's death obtained, but not established himself in the Empire, devised the best means he could for the assurance of his estate, which by reason of his subjects minds (being Aliens to him) and many also of the Nobility (which for his father's sake also bore him no affection) stood very fickle: Amongst which, there was at that time one Knesevansusce a noble man, and of great power, that in the Reign of the great Tyrant, being great Master of the Horse, did also at this time bear many great Offices in the Empire, which the present King Demetrius, more for fear then love, suffered him to enjoy. And that state in a Prince must needs be vnassured, where the subjects power shall breed the Prince's fear.  
This Vansusce in the former emperors reign, did flily by his bounty and popularity wind himself into the love and opinion of the people: and because that some few turbulent broils and dangerous innovasions were by his power and policy pacified, he was held in great estimation of the Prince, and great veneration of the Nobility, among which nevertheless there were some that looking upon his state, with an envious eye, did also with considerate eyes look into his actions, that springing from ambition more than from country's care or honourable ends, they found his greatness to be dangerous, and those acts which carried the name and colour of the emperors good, served under hand to make way for his ambition, as having only a reference to himself and his own designs, which Demetrius well perceiving, did nevertheless dissemble, and colourably made him fair countenance, as loath (in this green world) to stir the fire that lay hid in this embers.  
This Vansusce was very noble in blood, derived from a long continued ancestry, honoured in many ages with many alliances of the Empire, always held in great love and estimation of the people, he was in his own person of a Princely presence, full of affability & Court complement: yet nevertheless ambitions, cruel, a great dissembler, not letting to kiss whom he meant to kill, sparing no man's death, whose life withstood his purpose. He was heard once say to a secret friend of his, that that man was to be held unworthy the stock of all Nobleness, that yielded his honour to vassalage, whose fortunes might attain to Sovereignty, whereby discovering his own affections, he made himself transparent, thinking that if his words were brought in question, his power was able to defend them. This Vansusces greatness gave principal matter for the emperors distrust, knowing well that his ambition once joined with the people's hate against him, whose natures are ever wout to follow Nobility, there might be raised a dangerous faction: for the prevention or meeting whereof, his friends counseled him to strengthen his unassured estate, by marriage in the alliance of some foreign Prince: for the furtherance whereof, there was a young Lady at that time of Princely birth and admirable beauty, as yet uncontracted in the Court of Poland. Thither with great preparations were Ambassadors with great expedition sent, the principal of whom was a young Nobleman, and kinsman to the Empereur, called Tragus, that bare chief place and honour, who being honourably entertained in Poland, found their designs happily succeed to their desires: for in short time this young Lady was withal solemnity affianced to this young Prince, a great jointure granted, a rich dowry constituted, and the Ambassador richly rewarded, withal speed richly returned into Rushia.  
The Emperor embraceth the news, and his kinsman for them kisseth the Lady's picture, confirms the Articles, exhausteth his treasure, holds himself poor in the riches of his hope, makes great preparations for his journey into Poland, still languishing in his desire to see the substance of that beauty, whose shadow only had so incensed his fancy, that that seemed to be true in him which was written by Plutarch, upon the languishments of Marcus Antonius, to Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, that the soul of a Lover lives not in his own, but in another's body.   

CHAP. 2.  
The Emperor Demetrius descends in person into Poland, with an honourable train, and is there with all solemnity espoused to the Polish Princess, returneth into Rushia, bringing with him six thousand Poles for his guard.  
ALL things being in sumptuous manner prepared, the Emperor Demetrius setteth forward towards Poland, committing the government of his Empire in his absence to certain of his Noblemen, whom he especially trusted, constituting his Kinsman Tragus for his Vicegerent. The people stock from all parts to see him, but neither with outward acclamations, nor inward desires of joy, which nevertheless he little respected, supposing that this new alliance with Poland had so strengthened his estate, as he should not need to fear any intestine innovasion, and from foreign invasions he was secured: howbeit there were some that judging of future centingents by the present times condition, foresaw that▪ this marriage and disposings of it, might hereafter prove his confusion, as indeed it did: Howbeit we will not now mingle his present pleasures with unseasonable fears of future troubles, but bring him in all honourable and delightful manner out of his own territories into the Kingdom of Poland, where in all places he found his entertainment to answer his estate, and to exceed his expectation.  
After many honourable stays and meetings, with many Princes and Nobles of Poland, he came at last to Court, the King lying then at Craccow, the chief City in Craconia, and the principal Seat of the Kingdom, here he found all the honours that his heart could desire, and saw the rarest beauties that his eyes could behold: but that which most pleased him, was the sight of her, whose beauty at first sight did so ravish him with astonishment, that his eyes and other parts with outward compliments, were driven to executs his tongue's office, in discovering his inward thoughts: for he wanted words to express his joy.  
Here feasting the time, and his own desires with banquets, embracements, dances, and other amorous delights, at last, the long wished for day appeared, wherein the solemnity and authority of the Church, should consummate their hopeful longings with those happy embrace, and that true touch of joy that languishing Lovers feel in the height of pleasure, which then is at the full, when with sympathy of affection that sweet is mutually tasted between them with reciprocal desire, as it was betwixt these two Lovers, in whom no compulsary consent did enforce marriage: neither was there any incompacible blood between them to oversway or dull affection: for they were both of equal years, and both of them the most perfect and absolute frames of nature, that lived at that time in that part of the world. But at last, all things being finished with the time for this Princely marriage, they begin to prepare for their departure, a new desire therein stirring them both, him to review his native Kingdom, and her to behold that land whereof she was now styled Empress.  
The King and Queen of Poland, a great part of the Nobility, and the richest beauties of the Court accompany them to the Frontiers of Rushia, the highways, towns and villages being strewed with flowers, and sweet smelling herbs, as if the ground had seemed too base to carry these Princely personages, the people flocking from all parts to see the blazing Comets of these two kingdoms, whose beauties attracted all men's eyes with wonder to behold them.  
At last, the day of parting came, wherein these two young Lovers having taken their leaves, with several tokens of joy and sorrow, held on their way by their appointed journals, first to Smalensco, the chief City in the Dukedom of Seveare, where the emperors Kinsman Tragus in honourable manner met them, here staying awhile to rest and solace themselves, within few days they departed, holding on their conrse, from thence to the great City of Moscow, where by the directions of the Prince Tragus they were with all State and Magnificence entertained.  
Here they lived a while in all delights and pleasure. Who would have thought that this Sun thus shining but in his morning beauty, could so suddenly have found an Eclipse in this Horizon, even in the highway of his ascending glory. But O the incertainty of terrene pleasures, this light that brought so great a lustre to so great a Nation, was by the same people, whom it beheld with so fair an aspect, suddenly extinct by the malignancy of Fate and opposite Envy, as you shall further hear. The Emperor Demetrius brought with him out of Poland six thousand Soldiers well appointed, to whom he gave the guard of his person, distrusting the undelity of his own subjects, which the rather did incense the Muscovite against him, and in short time proved the cause of his utter overthrow.   

CHAP. 3.  
The emperors guard of Poles abuse his favour, committing many outrages in the City, and in short time fall into great hatred with the Muscovite, Knesevansusce laying hold of this occasion, joins with the Muscovite, and grows discontent.  
NOw while the Emperor with his Lady delighted in nothing but what might please his fancy, spending whole days and nights in Banqueting and Revels, thinking all safe and secure, the Poles being a people proud in their own nature, and that pride now doubled in them by the Prince's favour, commit without controlment many outrages in the Moscow, and other places adjoining, so that by degrees (in short time they came to be extremely hated of the Muscovite, which Vansusce perceiving would oftentimes complain so far as he durst to diverse of his friends the Muscovites, both of the Indulgence of the Prince, and insolency both of the Pole, alleging probability of a Tyranny in the son, more unsufferable than that of his fathers.  
Who foresées not saith Vansusce, that perceives any thing, how this new Alliance with Poland is like to prove fatal to Rushia, who sees not that these rude beginnings, are certain signs foregoing much greater mischiefs, if they be not in time prevented, we are scarce now secured of our wives, children and goods, but that many times they pass the hazard of their barbarous cruelty, if six thousand Poles keeps us thus in awe, committing such outrages (whereof there are daily complaints) without controlment, what will their greater numbers do, whereof there is a continual expectance: the Prince sleeps and dallies in the delights of his new love forgetting his old friends, his own people are disestéemed, the Pole hath all estimation, no Rushian sues at Court but (if he will thrive) must have a Pole to his Aduoacte, nothing that is by the Pole begged, but is by the Prince granted, without respect of common profit, the principal Offices begin already to be transposed both in Court and City, what shall we look for but a declination still from bad to worse until we have lost all, and the Pole hath got all.  
These words together with their outrages had so incensed the Muscovite that there wanted but occasion to raise an innovation which unluckily was soon after proffered, for a Polish Gentleman casting by chance his eye upon a merchants daughter of Moscow, a virgin of excellent beauty, was so infangled in her love, that having tried all ways for the obtaining his desire by entreaties, and gifts, and finding still his suit to return in vain, was nevertheless so ardent in his outrageous lust, that having trained her by devise into a place of conveniency, where in the pursuit of his desire all fair ways being denied him, he in a most barbarous manner ravished her. This deflowered damsel with great sorrow and heaviness complained to her friends of this vile abuse.  
When the causes of our griefs exceed all bounds, it works in our mind's diversity of effects, not immoderately those that follow our ordinary afflictions, or the customary crosses of fortune, which draw our sighs, tears, and other common tokens of calamity; but in the excess of grief when the object there of presents a view beyond all patience or sufferance, it so distracts the mind and astonisheth the senses that reason giving way to sorrow we fall into a boundless Ocean of the extremest passtons, such was the involved heart with grief in that spectacle of all misery Hecuba Queen of Troy, who seeing herself betrayed 〈◊〉 set on fire, her Lord Priam slain, her children murdered, and that flower of all beauty Polixena (in the love of whom that mirror of all knighted Achilles fight) slain in her own arms, by unrelenting Pyrrhus, in the view of these miserable objects she was so far from finding ease in the utterance ofsorrow, that she lost herself in the Maze and Labrinth of madness, the like was that of Niobe upon the slaughter of her seven sons by the Goddess Latona, who in the fight thereof was so astonished with sorrow, that the Poet feigned her turned into a stone, not much unlike was the state of the friends of this deflowered damsel, who having seen their daughter's tears, and known the cause of her grievance fell presently from the passion of sorrow to the passion of rage, and in a furious manner with resolved purposes but unguided steps ran to Court, complains of this abuse with frantic and unseemly gesture, set forth the guilt of this abominable fact in the presence of the Emperor, and after a violent manner, rather commanding then craving justice, what have we committed (saith the father to this wronged damsel) that we your natural people having been so long brought up under your Laws, Religion, and Government, should be so far disinherited of our loyalties, and so much distasted in our affections that you should repose yourself in a strange guard, and expose us to their cruelty. what outrages have they committed since the coming of your Queen into Moscow, sparing neither age, sex, nor quality, how many complaints have been made of their abuses, but no redress; and I the sad father to this deflowered virgin perceive by your looks that I speak in vain, the way to oppression is plain and open, the path to justice is untrodden, the King is a stranger to his subjects and a King to strangers, the Muscovite held himself wretched under the government of your father, but we much more under your tyranny, these last words did so incense the Prince, that with his foot he spurned the father of this damsel from him, and being by rage wholly transported from reason without any respect, either to the complainants' cause, or the Muscovites discontent, committed him as a mutineer together with his wife and this wronged damsel to prison, who causing them there to be laden with Irons, did there by so overlade himself with the hatred of his people, that in short time it proved a burden too heavy for him to bear, over-pressing him so much that it deprived him of his Empire, & in the end of his life, as the sequel shall declare.   

CHAP. FOUR  
Vansusce with the aid of the Muscovite rebels, surpriseth the great Castle or Palace of Moscow, kills all the Poles in one night, in this garboil the Emperor is bruited to be slain, but with the aid of a trusty servant escapes secretly with his 〈◊〉 disguised.  
THe news being spread abroad the great City, of the usage of his Merchant, his wrongs and unjust imprisonment, together with his wife and daughter, the Muscovite in more open manner bewray their discontents on to another, and all against the Pole, so far forth that they begin to mutiny, flocking together in great Companies with minds of resolution to revenge themselves for the wrongs received, which the Pole understanding, keep within the great Palace, not daring to stir abrdad: The Prince looking (but too late) into the danger, employ certain Noble men of his Court, such whom he knew to be gracious with the people for the quieting of these tumults, by whose care and industry in short time they seemed to be pacified, not appeased, the Merchant, his wife, and daughter delivered, not contented, a punishment upon the offender imposed, not executed, a satisfaction promised, not performed, so that this fire was for a time smothered, not extinguished, which shortly after broke forth in such biolent manner, that the flame thereof had well near consumed the whole Empire.  
The Prince being much perplexed in mind with these garboils and continual dangers of innovation, demands council of his friends what were best to do, rather for prevention of mischief than pacification of the people, the best counsel was given to appease; to apply himself to a gentle and debonair behaviour towards his subjects, that obedience was better from love then fear, to send back the Pole, into his Country, to betake the guard of his person to his own people and to apply his government to the nature of the Muscovite. But the worst, is followed which is to forestall to make his Guard stronger with the aid of the Poles to fortify his Palace and other places of command in the Moscow, to rule by force not love, and utterly to disgrace and distrust the Muscovite, to this end, and for these purposes were there messengers secretly sent into Poland for ten thousand soldiers more to be entertained under his pay for the saveguard of his person.  
When distrust once grows in a Prince's mind and hatred once settled in the subjects hearts, they are hardly removed, as was well found in this Prince and people, howbeit if at that time he had followed the best counsel to have cassiered the Pole and entertained the Muscovite for his Guard, undoubtedly he might long have reigned a happy Prince over a happy people, and prevented infinite mischiefs that followed even to the utter destruction of himself and great desolation in the Empire: And thus in the beginning ends the last act of his comic Scene, and now begins the first act of his tragedy, and as the first was short and full of pleasure so this last was long and more full of misery, for his old adversary Kneseunnsusce understanding of the close dispatch of the emperors messengers into Poland for this new supply foreseeing that the Prince would then be to strong for him, except he should openly raise his powers, and so put it to the hazard of a battle, the end whereof he wist was doubtful, as well for the number of the Poles that were known to be much better soldiers than the Muscovite, as also for some few Noble men in Court both of land and power, whom he knew were fast unto the Prince, and might soon raise there forces: held it his best for the pursuing of his designs to take the advantage of the occasion present, & by a sudden surprise with the help of his friends to make a new slaughter in the Palace and places adjoining not only of the Poles but also of the Prince himself his chief friends and followers. To this end and bloody purpose he sendeth secretly to his friends & such as he specially trusted in the City to be in a readiness armed at an hour appointed, and as the Poet saith, Tenebris audacia crescit: the night was held fittest for this deed of darkness, & the Palace itself was made the public Theatre whereon was acted this horrible massacre, the night being come they flock on all sides to the house of Vansusce, all ways being forelaide to prevent intelligence of this bloody project, his friends and followers being thus assembled together to the number of ten, or twelve thousand, all armed for the purpose: Vansusce prepares for this bloody assault, telling them with words of much encouragement that now the long looked for time was come, that should make the Muscovite famous to all posterity in the delivery of themselves from the cruel tyranny of the Poles, the experiment of whose proud natures and bloody dispositions they were to well acquainted with in their own particulars, and that now the hour was come, wherein they might revenge at full the wild abuses and intolerable wrongs of this unsufferable stranger, and free the City and the land of so dangerous a Viper, these words of Vansusce, together with the credit and opinion that was held of him that spoke them, did so stir up the spirit of the Muscovite to the enterprise of this attempt, that most of them with an universal consent of revenge, the rest carried with hate and desire of spoil ran in disordered troops from the house of Vansusce to the Palace of the Emperor which was two miles a sunder, now was there one Glasco a Secretary, and in special trust with the Emperor, howbeit a most vile traitor, for being privy to all Vansusces projects he was the only means for their entry into the Palace, this Glasco shall carry the stamp of infamy, and for ever leave it to his name and memory, who had he been faithful to his Lord and Master might have discovered this horrible treason, prevented the infinite mischiefs that followed, preserved the life of his Prince, and purchased to himself immortal glory.  
The entry was made with little resistance into the base Courts, where having once set foot, they cry out, liberty, liberty, liberty; kill, kill, kill; the Poles some naked, some weakly armed, according to the shortness of the time, pass with small defence the cruelty of the enemy's swords, & it fell out as Vansusce had expected, for others that knew not the matter hearing the Larum-bell rung in the Palace, came from all parts, and understanding that Vansusce was there in person, without enquiring further fell presently to execution, killing all they found, as well Muscovite as Pole, that bare office in the Court; now was there nothing heard in the Palace but a horrible and confused noise of armour, Horses, and harqubuses; a pitiful cry of all sorts of people, of all ages and conditions going unto death, and the pitiless shouts of murderers, the Palace died over with blood, to the which (though having made choice of darkness) they nevertheless set fire to give them light for the execution of this massacre, two hours murder and rapine make this one night famous in the infamy of the executioners, to whom also afterwards it proved so fatal, as all of them were enforced to confess that man's blood split violently, when as the manner thereof, cannot lawfully challenge, the qualification of justice is odious in his sight; who having created man according to his own image, sells his blood dearly to the authors of such effusion, nevertheless this was but the exordium, or entrance, or first, or least part of this Tragic Scene, for when their way was made into theinward Courts by fire and sword, they spared none of any degree or calling, every object they saw in the Court was a subject to their fury.  
The Emperor and his Lady being in the heart of the Palace embracing one another, in great dolour and heaviness determine yet nobly to die together, whilst a trusty servant of the Emperors found away and means for their escape, the Prince in the habit of a slave, the Lady in man's apparel, thus in great sorrow and fear these two young lovers in this disguise took hand in hand, and with their faithful guide by his direction passed through by-ways out of the Palace, then burning about their ears: he deserving for his care and duty to his Prince, no less fame and memory than that pattern of all piety, Aeneas did carrying upon his shoulders his old father, Anchises, even through the flames of Troy.   

CHAP. V.  
Demetrius with his Empress flies to the Dukedom of Collooge, and finds entertainment, Vansusce bruits him dead, and causeth one like him to be carried thorough the City murdered, the Muscovite believes it.  
THus these two young Princes sprung from the lines of Kings, in the chief pride of their flowering youth, and beauty, in the height of all their state and dignity, in the midst of all their pleasures and delights, from the happy society of their friends and great Allies, are now by the wild treachery of Vansusce, their sworn subject, and forsworn vassal, brought from their Imperial greatness to so wretched and miserable a state, as not the meanest in the Empire would now willingly change fortunes and conditions with them.  
But to return to their tragic story: They having by the aid of their trusty guide past the fears and dangers of the Palace, took the River of Volga, in a little boat, the Prince himself helping his trusty servant to row down the stream, O what a piteous sight it was to behold a Prince that but the day before held a Sceptre of so rich royal and spacious a kingdom served in all state and majesty, attended on with Nobles, and infinite numbers of men, to be now tugging at a simple Oar, and labouring for his life to preserve her, whom above his life, and all the world he preferred, and of all that he enjoyed but three hours before, to have only this remnant left that he might call his own, his desolate Queen, his faithful servant, and two silly Oars, and a little Boate.  
But holding on our course, we must publish to the world those dolorous occurrents, and heavy calamities that followed, to fill up this sad Scene of sorrow with matter more tragical than that of Seneca, in the wretchedness of Locasta, or that of Homer in the miseries of Hecuba: thus this poor rich remain of Rushia, these two precious jewels plucked rudly from their golden frame, these two great personages, in this little Boat, easing themselves in this heavy burden of care by the natural participation of sorrow, and comforting themselves in the sight each of other, hold on their course towards the Dukedom of Colloga, some fourscore verse, as the Rush calls it, from the great City of Moscow, which is about threescore miles English, a place for the natural situation so defensible, by reason of Rivers, Rocks, and Castles, that with an Army it is well near unaccessible, Demettius having here safely set his foot, the whole Dukedom did generally entertain him, some also of the Nobility, and many of his old seevants that had past the dangers of the Palace, and the tyranny of Vansusce fled unto him, in whose sight he comforted himself with this, that he was not utterly forsaken, thanking almighty God upon his knees, that his state through this treason was not reduced to so low an ebb but that he might yet live, to out live this misery, and sith he was in this short time raised from the attendance of one servant and a little Boat, to the possession of many servants and a whole Dukedom, he might also afterward, by the revolution of time, and fortune, recover and repossess his whole Empire, checking his present fears with the hope of future contingents, striving thus to make a body of a limb, and to beguile the actual condition of his fortunes with imaginary conceits of better: But we will now leave this cross star Prince in the sorry comfort of his wan hopes, building new Castles in the air, while his fatal enemy Vansusce possesseth his old Castles in the Empire, and letting him rest a while after the unrest of that dismal night, we will now return where we left Vansusce burning, or spoiling that great Castle and Palace of Moscow, the royal Seat of many Emperors in many precedent ages, which had been a building many years, and was thus miserably in one night destroyed, or so much defaced, that to this day it is not re-edined: now must we bring upon the stage Usurpation attainders, forfeitures and confiscation of Lands and Goods, plots, and stratagems to supplant, polices, and devices to establish a Crown unjustly gotten, upon an usurpers head, that is never at rest, or seldom sleeps in quiet.  
Vansusce notwithstanding that every thing succeeded according to his desire: but that which was the main of his project, the slaughter of the Prince Demetrius, whose escape none but his trusty friends knew of, proceeds in his purposes to make himself Emperor, albeit he knew that he had no title thereunto, nor colour like to any.  
The mind of man is infinite in opinion and weening, which being once set upon ambition, nothing can stay or limit her adventures, as appeared in Vansusce, in whose way lay two great stumbling blocks, the first was the escape of the Prince, the other was the life and greatness of his Kinsman Tragus, who was also great in the people's opinion him must Vansusce needs remove, or he finds a greater enemy exposed then Demetrius that was expelled, this must be done secretly, and upon the sudden, and there was no time slacked, for three hours before the appearing of the day that followed this fatal night, a brother of Vansusces, whose name was also Demetrius, was sent to surprise him with five hundred horse, he lying then at a house of pleasure in the country, some fifteen miles from the City, and to bring him prisoner to the Moscow, where by form of trial he was to pass such censure as was prejudicated for him, in those false crimes and imputations already set down to be suggested and enforced against him: for he durst not by reason of the people's favour proceed against his life, but by process of Law, and because he knew also that it would be a hard matter to surprise him in his house, he causeth a letter of Credence to be counterfeit in the emperors name, the tenor whereof was only this, That there was some matter of import that craved his present aid at Court, and that he should set all other business aside, and make what speed he could thither, the trust of this letter was committed to that wild traitor Glasco, as being found the fittest for this negotiation: howbeit there will come a time wherein he that is now an Agent, shall prove also a Patient in this bloody tragedy, when that treasonable blood that now floweth in his veins, shall be let out even by the hand of him whom he now obeys, but we will leave him now, and Vansusces brother Demetrius, to their posting journey, and return to the Castle at Moscow, where Vansusce having beheld many dead Carcases, found one that in years, favour, and other lineaments of his body, was very like the Emperor, Vansusce lays hold upon this occasion, and having princely appareled this dead counterfeit, caused it to be published, that the Emperor Demetrius was slain: for manifestation where, he causeth this counterfeit to be laid upon a Beer; and with great State to be carried barefaced thorough the great City, to their Statehouse, or common hall, he accompanying the body in person, the people flocking from all parts to see him, believing steadfastly that it was he, but no man bestowing a sigh or funeral tear upon him, such is the nature of the vulgar.   

CHAP. 6.  
The counterfeit body is buried for the Emperor Demetrius, with the state and solemnity of a Prince, Tragus is suddenly surprised and brought prisoner to the Moscow.  
VAnsusce being come into the public Hall, colourably attired in black, being in himself of a Princely parsonage and presence, majestically ascended up into a high Throne that was suddenly erected for him, the supposed body of the Prince being laid before the people, where after silence proclaimed, he spoke after this manner unto them, with a sad settled countenance and an audible voice. I cannot tell with what passions or affections of grief and sorrow, my dear Countrymen, this dead Prince whom we lately called our sovereign Lord and Emperor, lies buried in your hearts, but unto me it is the saddest sight, and the most woeful object that ever my unhahpy eyes beheld, of whose blood, as the immortal God can witness of my clear heart and innosence, so I protest by the majesty of him before whom I stand, that with your allowance and consent, I would punish with torture, to all example, this worse than Parricide, were it in the person of mine own brother, though done in ignorance, as in such unhappy garboils many such chances happen: If probable witness could be produced against him, for it is not fit the earth should bear the murderer of his Prince, but because that matters uncertain cannot be certainly disposed, we must leave him to his judgement that knows as well the intentions as actions of man, it only resteth that we perform our last duties to the dead, his funeral Rites and Obsequies, which I desire may be with all solemnity accomplished, in whose sudden and untimely death, because we have lost a hope of a continued line for succession in the Empire, and that by the slaughter of the Poles we have drawn a great and dangerous enemy, it behooves you to make choice of such a one to govern, whose wisdom and valour may be able to maintain the State and Majesty of the Empire, and also meet with those opposite occurrents that doth malign it, but first of all, and chiefest of all, it behooves you to cut of all occasions of civil and intestine war, for prevention whereof we have this morning sent for the Prince's kinsman Tragus, as well to answer to such supputations of crime as shall be objected against him, as also in this dangerous time to be disposed of by your wisdoms, nought else at this time our dolorous tongue can discourse of but the Prince's funerals, which we will hasten to solemnize: and with that word he wiped his eyes, the people were so far from any tokens of sorrow, that they fell presently to acclamations of joy, clapping their hands and throwing up their hats, crying Vansusce, Vansusce, God save Vansusce.  
It is a thing worth the observation to note and mark what diversity of shapes hypocrisy puts on, Haec simulata sanctitas haec dissimulata iniquitas, how many miles distant are the words and thoughts of a dissembler, how many unknown Regions betwixt his tongue and heart, but admit they lie close for a while they will be discovered when his justice shall be turned outward, and though his treasons have for a time undeserved and unsuspected passage, as carrying an outward gloss fair and remarkable, yet the day will come when he shall render an account of his unjust Stewardship, and surrender up and restore back all those false titles and honours which murder, perjury, and horrible treason helps him to put on, when by being truly pulled down from the height of his false greatness he shall be advanced as a mark of terror to all traitors and treasons, in the mean time, and at all times his name and memory shall be held odious and infamous to God and all good men, to whom human society and virtue is had in veneration.  
Not long after the living Princes obsequies were with all state and honour solemnized in the person of another, who though he were of base birth, and obscure parentage, and perhaps did never any act memorable in his life, was nevertheless in his death honoured with a Prince's funeral, and buried in a Sepulchre of Emperors.  
But we must now return where we left with Vansusces brother, Demetrius and the traitonr Glasco, who many days before this counterfeit obsequies had betrayed and surprised the young Prince Trahus, which in this manner was effected: early in the morning a little before the breaking of the day, they came within sight of the Castle, where having found within a mile thereof a fit place by reason of certain copses of wood, and other shrubbish, to plant an Ambuscado, Demetrius took the advantage thereof, lying there close with his men to entrap the Prince upon the way whilst this Achitophel, this judas, that had before betrayed his Lord, in a most abominable manner goes now also to betray his kisman, to whom before he had been much obliged, but no benefit received, or pleasure done can stay a treacherous heart bend to mischief, for that it is altogether transferred unto the end it aims at, and neither respects the way it takes, nor the course it holds, though never so foul or indirect, he comes like sly Ulysses, that stole Palladium out of Troy, with a fair face, but a foul mind, a smooth countenance, but a rotten heart; knocks at the Castle gate, and is let in, he understands that the Prince is a sleep, who God knows little dreamed of the fatal night his kinsman the Emperor endured, nor of this unhappy day wherein he himself is to be betrayed. Now because that Glasco had told the servants of the house that his business was of suah import, that he had itin charge given not to forbear his rest, they waked the Prince before his hour, who understanding of Glascoes' coming was very glad, and sent for him into his bedchamber, so clear and true a mind hath innocence upon the anvil when treason and mischief is in the Forge. But this wild traitor Glasco being entered the Chamber, he in very humble manner salutes the Prince, and delivers many suggested compliments, together with these counterfeit letters from the Emperor, the Prince with a cheerful and unsuspected countenance, gives him his hand, bids him welcome, demands of the Prince his health, and the news at Court, all is delivered in fair manner and coloured over with dissembled words, the Prince believes all, and distrusteth nothing, receives and reads the letter without suspicion, making himself ready for his journey to Moscow: Thus whilst the tongue and the heart of truth are in one line parallel, the heart and tongue of treason are as far sundered as the Poles; such distance there is from their arctic words to the antarctic purposes: the Prince is soon ready, kisseth his fair Lady, making more haste then good speed to go on with this traitor to the Moscow; from whence he is never to return, nor ever to behold his wife again; she weeps at parting, as bedewing his hidden fate with her open tears, whether of present love, or fore signifying sorrow, they mount on horseback, and with half a doozin of the Prince's followers they post towards the Moscow, till they came within the compass of the Ambuscado, that all this while lay as still as midnight, the alarm being given on the sudden, they surprise him and detain him prisoner, there could be no resistacne, the Prince seeing himself thus vildly betrayed, and by him also whom he especially trusted, boldly desired to know the cause, and whether it was the emperors pleasure that he should be thus held in captivity, they answered him churlishly, that he should know the rest at his coming to Moscow, and when he began in goodly terms, as he was an excellent well spoken man, to bewray his innocence, they stayed not the end of his speech, but rudely put him forward, at which the Prince sighed, but it booted not: All this was done within view of the Prince's house, and in the Lady's sight: Now judge all you honourable dames, that love your Lords and husbands with entire affections, with what heart the sad eyes of this desolate Lady could behold this miserable object, to see her husband thus betrayed within her view; such was the sorrow of that ever memorable Roman Lady Cornelia, wife to Pompey the great, when from a far off she saw her Lord and husband in a little Boat betrayed and slain, by the treacherous counsellors and bloody ministers of that perjured Prince Ptolemy King of Egypt, when after his overthrow in Thessaly he put himself upon his protection. And this poor Lady's sorrows were the greater because she neither knew the cause, their purposes, nor the means to help him, but we must leave her in her passions and follow him in his captivity, whom they soon brought in a posting journey to Moscow, and lodged him in a strong prison.   

CHAP. 7.  
Tragus is arraighned, condemned, and judged unjustly in the Moscow, who out of the greatness of his mind, to mock Vansusces tyranny kills himself.  
NOw were their daily counsels and consultations held in the City, concerning the progress of this business with this Nobleman, by Vansusce and those of his secrets: who ●oo●e grew to be powerful by: reason of his strong Guards and plurality of friends, that from all parts flocked unto him. The day was soon appointed for this young Lords trial, not from his known innocence to clear him, but from their prejudicated dooms to confound him; the public place of judgement was appointed, the Theatre upon which must be acted this Gentleman's tragedy, thither at the day set down comes Vansusce in a Prince's Robe, together with his friends, allies, and a strong guard of soldiers, the principal Officers in the City accompanying him, and having all taken their places, this Princely prisoner is brought in before them who with a cheerful and unaffrighted countenance beholds them all. The allegations of treason objected against him were, that by his procurement the last war with the Tartars was commenced that cost more treasure and blood than the victory was worth, that by his solicitation that unhappy marriage with the Polish Princes was mediated and concluded, that the Polish Guard was by his means brought in, by which, so many outrages were committed that they were driven to take the course they did for their slaughter, in which the Emperor himself past an unhappy destiny, the guilt of whose death was laid upon him as being the original, though not the efficient cause thereof, that the bringing in of tenthousand Poles more was by his counsel urged, that the Prince's treasure was by his prodigal profuse of money much wasted, that he had allowed the title of the Dukedom of Severe, to the Crown and Kingdom of Poland, with other matters not so much as thought upon, to all which, the Prince answered so fully and so nobly as every unpartial ear found his innocence; howbeit truth never told her tale but envy was either ready to wrong hereby suggestion, or falsehood by subornation, for unjust witnesses were produced against him, by whose testimony this innocent Prince was condemned. Vansusce then rising from his Throne, began with a studied and premeditated speech after this manner, I cannot tell my loving Countrymen in what terms, or with what words I shall proceed in judgement against this Nobleman, late kinsman and near Alley unto our dear Sovereign Lord the Emperor, for when I think of the times past and compare them with the present, the thought and consideration thereofso strikes me with astonishment, my mind being diversly distracted betwixt my Country's care and this Nobleman's respect, that I stand divided in my judgement, the one pleading rigour, the other pity, what I shall definatiuly set down in censure for him or against him; first give him his due, who doth not sorrow that so noble a Gentleman, so fully stuffed with such excellent parts of mind, of so admirable composure, and constitution of body in the prime of his youth, and beauty in the pride of his state and pleasures, in the solace and comfort of his wife and children, his over-héedlesse actions, and overwéening conceit, his own greatness, in abusing the Prince's favour, should now make him unworthy of his life, by reason of the states present condition: whereas otherwise his life should have been most desired. For mine own part, I would I had not lived at all, or at least, not till this time, wherein saving my country's care, and the entire respect and affection I bear to all your lives and safeties, I am otherwise even against the consent of my soul, and my best genius, enforced to pronounce peremptory sentence of judgement against such a man, to whom but of late I gave place to in honour.  
For thus say my private thoughts to my common cares, where Nobility, greatness, a Prince's favour, or what excellent parts or qualities soever, either of body or mind, be in the same subject that owes them transferred unto itself without respect of common good, to the which he owes a duty, he grows not only an unprofitable, but also a dangerous member to that Commonwealth, and where from such a mind there be acts committed, though but criminal, and fears depending of greater consequence in this case, it is more than a politic or national Law, it is Religious justice, and the service of our God, to take away the life of such greatness, and make it the people's sacrifice: and therefore with your consents, since things cannot otherwise stand, or be established, I give him over to the rigour of the Law, and the ministers thereof.  
All this while this captive Prince although he saw how closely and indirectly every thing was carried, and had heard during the time of his imprisonment, the supposed death of the Emperor, the murder of the Poles, and many of great place and office in the Palace, actions so bloody and so fatal that albeit be knew the world to be full of mischief, and the paths thereof trodden with unsanctified feet, yet he thought there wanted that venomous matter in the mind of man to beget, breed, and bring forth such hideous and horrid murders, he doth yet nevertheless, neither in the conceit of these inhuman massacres past, nor in the iudurance of his own unavoidable miseries present show tokens of any fear or affrightment, but with the same countenance he held before in his prosperous estate, he now beheld the tyrannous authors, and bloody actors of his tragedy, so nobly had the inward virtues of his mind framed and composed the outward actions and gestures of his body: And thus with words as bold, and as undaunted as his looks, he spoke in this manner unto them.  
I have strained withal my best within me, to hear and bear patiently all your unkind handle, unjust presumtions, furious Enforcements; your malicious and manifold appliments, foul wrest, and impossible constructions, and all to make me seem to be a member dangerous to the state, to take away my life as a common enemy, which only must be removed to make smooth the way to your present ends and intendments, for this cause was the true noble blood of my royal Lord and kinsman shed, to make you grow up in this false greatness, I speak to the Vansusce, whose inward soul knows my innocence in all my accusations, and that all this show of Law is but a form, a mere engine, or device to set a gloss upon your horrid murders past; and to take away my life by a pretext of justice, which you pursue in malice, have I shown myself dangerous to my Country, when in the last wars with the Tartars I so little regarded mine own life, that I spent most of her blood in that action, and returned victorious against the eye and opinion of all that saw and knew the danger of that day; did I wrong my Country when with your consents and allowances I made that honourable contract with the Polish Princes; was that the Treasure I exhausted in that expedition: when mine own private Coffers are yet empty with that charge. For the Polish guard, it was rather my enforced consent, than my voluntary counsel, or approvement, for the title of the Dukedom, with the rest of the Articles, which I scorn to repeat, the great God of my hope knows me to be as free either in action, or intention, as he knows the Vansusce to be guilty of these horrid treasons; I do not plead mine innocence to save my life, for that is foredoomed by an unchanged decree, but only to ease my heart of an overburdening wait of grief which your base wrongs, and false woven injuries have contracted there, (and it, is one comfort yet that I am suffered to speak, I do not rail either against thy tyranny, or the malevolence of my stars, there is no man greater than his destiny, neither have I set the guard of virtue so weakly within me, against the spite of Fortune, or your malice, but that my spirit and resolution can suffer, either in thy inhuman cruelty Vansusce, or thy unnatural treachery vild Glasco, or all your hates you unkind Muscovites, or what else is precious unto me, as the loss of wife and children, deprivation of lands and honours, or torment, or death, or whatsoever can happen in humanity: All these or what else is in the power of envy, hate, malice, or tiranouse oppression is beneath me. Life is not my Paramour, I stand not inamourad of her pleasures, the world hath to me adulterated his fair protestations of love and respect, with the foul prostetutions of the times mischief, I have seen an end of my fortunes, and have set an end to all my desires, all the ambition that is left in me is the hopeful enjoyment of a far more glorious kingdom, thither doth my soul aspire, and thither shall my spirit mount before your time prefixed, if there be any therefore in this assembly that either is at this time, or shall happen hereafter to room into the like danger, and would know how to mock Vansusces tyranny, let him learn it thus by my example: And with that word having closely drawn a short dagger hid of purpose for this hour, he stabbed himself to the heart, an a● though in itself seeming desperate and full of horror, yet in circumstance and considerate respects truly noble and full of honour that would not suffer his opposite and mortal enemeys to triumph over his virtues and the freedom of his spirit in his end.  
The sudden and voluntary death of this Noble man put them all into amazement, and some there were present and those not of the meaner sort, did for the time so inwardly sorrow for the hard disaster of the Prince his innocence and injuries that they made outward manifestation thereof by there tears, which Vansusce perceiving, and in their general silence a general sadness, that from thence his Plots and Projects, might be more narrowly looked into with considerate eyes, began to look about and to gather his wits together to draw this inward creeping suspicion from the heart of the Muscocite, upon whose love and opinion did principally depend the hope and means of his proceedings, he therefore spoke again unto them so fully for the times condition, so colourable against the guilty life, and rash death of the Prince, and so carefully for the security of the state, together with all their safeties, that he soon turned the gentle currant of their passionate sorrows into the vast Ocean of their wont rage, crying out against the house of Demetrius his name and family, and in this new humour, like the flattering jews to Herod after his Oration to the people, they falsely gild his words with an Angel's eloquence, crying out after their wont manner, Vansusce, God save Vansusce, such a turning Fane is the people's breath, with these much looked for acclamations the Court was presently dissolved, the dead body of the Prince carried back to Prison, from whence the next day, it was brought forth again and poorly buried, making the world to stand at amazement, that the earth which never fails of means in abundance for a Prince's life should now fail in necessaries for his interrement.   

CHAP. 8.  
The wife of Tragus dies for sorrow his two children are detained prisoners, Vansusce is crowned Emperor of Rushia, Demetrius, with the Empress flees into Poland from whence with a great Army he returns back into Rushia: the war begins.  
AFter this tall Ceader of the Rushian state was, from the mountain of his greatness, thus pulled down: many lower trees and shrubs past the like fortune, for whosoever stood in Vansusces way must be removed, till it was made smooth from any oblique let for his transcending glory, even to the majestic state of the Rushian Empire, treacherous Glasco being the principal agent, and special instrument for his designs, and Intendments.  
But before we set the Crown on this usurpers head, whilst the preparations be now in framing for his Coronation, we will look a little back into the wretched state, and miserable condition of this untimely Widowed Lady, wife to the late noble Prince Tragus, and his two sons, both so young that they were not capable of their calamity: To write of this Lady's tears, and her profound sorrows, were but like a Painter to counterfeit by art the tears of Lucrece for her enfrost wrong done to Collatyne, or the true bred woes of Porcia for her dear Lord Brutus, to show outwardly the presentation of such tragic spectacles, and so to feed the fantasy with imaginary grief, in which nevertstelesse their is neither life, nor sense of real sorrow.  
To leave therefore these tears with her that was the true owner of them, who presently also leaving the world and the pleasures thereof enclosed herself in a religious house, where with long fasting, and deep melancholy, spending her days alone in the exercise of sorrow, in short time she ended her life, leaving behind her a notable example of love and constancy: his two sons are yet living, but detained as prisoners by Vansusce, howbeit happily reserved to better fortunes.  
Now is Vansusce arrived at that Haven he a long time did bend his course unto, even through a Sea of blood, where nevertheless he shall not find that safety that he expects, for dangerous is the State that is obtained by blood and treason, as the sequel shall declare, the Imperial Crown of Rushia being now set upon his head, there fell mischiefs thick, and as the thing evil gotten is seldom, or never well kept, thorough all the time of his usurped reign there never ceased bloody war and slaughter, no not in his own destruction and captivity for he had scarce time to finish the state and solemnity of his Coronation, before he heard news of the great preparations in Poland, both to revenge the treasonable wrongs done to the Emperor, and also the murder of the Poles, or rather which is most like, Sigismond the King of Poland making these but colourable pretences for higher designs of another nature, both to recover the Dukedom of Seveare, to the which he challenged a title, and further, as the success should follow to invade the whole Empire of Rushia, and to keep it for himself, to make another entry that way into the Kingdom of Swethland, such a passage had this civil dissension made, even for the overthrow of the whole state, but we must now return to the lawful Emperor Demetrius, who being by the happy fortune of his birth a Prince, was now by the malignant power of his fate a fugitive, for having about some few of his friends that followed him in all fortunes, he gave them in charge to look carefully to the keeping of that Dukedom, it being still a receptacle for them in the worst of danger while he with his unhappy Lady in great danger and strange disguise together with his trusty servant passed from Colloge, and after a long and weary journey at last took the River of Ipre, and with safety recovered the Territories of the Polish Kingdom.  
Sigismond having notice of their coming, sendeth his safe conduct, together with directions for their entertainment, but not in the state and sumptuous manner as before, for in a change of fortune we find a change of friendship and account, being nevertheless come to Court, they were honourably welcomed, and comforted after their many endured miseries, where they rested themselves awhile till the preparations for Rushia were made ready, it being an Army of forty thousand soldiers. With this new raised power, Demetrius raiseth new hopes, both to recover and to revenge, which fell not out according to his desire, man purposeth but God disposeth.  
Now Vansusce hearing of this great preparation in Poland, fortifies the City of Moscow, and other places of import, gathering soldiers from all parts to strengthen his faction, bearing the Muscovite in hand that it was the policy of the Polish King to have entertained some straggling runagate to take upon him the name and state of Demetrius, only to countenance this invasion; staying by this suggestion the uncertain mind of the Muscovite, that otherwise he knew would be diversly carried. But Demetrius being now in all things furnished for the trantposing of this great Army into Rushia, takes his leave of the King and Queen and other of his friends in Poland, but above all, of his dear beloved Empress, whom his unhappy eyes shall never behold again; to show her sorrow in his departure, were to stay us in the pursuit of this great war that must be prosecuted with all speed and cruelty, Demetrius thereforewith many long marches, at last had passed the frontiers of the Polish Kingdom, he no sooner had set footing upon the Territories of his own Empire but the miseries of the war began, and that Country that before flourished with along countinued peace, and was grown exceeding rich both in their own abundance, and a prosperous commerce with others, began now to be spoiled and harried of her plenty; fire and sword being the executiones: the Pole spoiled and killed in all places in revenge of the Massacre done in the Moscow, sparing neither sort, nor sex, in any state or age, whom they met withal, nevertheless the most of them had before fled into Cities, Castles, Woods and other defensible places.  
Thus mischief having set footing in Rushia, it did in a short time take such rooting, that in a long time after she was not supplanted, Demetrius either giving consent thereto, or else wanting power in himself to curb her, howbeit he made as much speed as he could to Moscow, either to make the spoil of his Country less by his hasty marches, or otherwise burning in desire to be revenged on that place where he had received such wrong and outrage. Being at last come to Moscow, he beleagers the City, but finds an unexpected resistance, it being so strengthened with men and munition that it was welnéere unpregnable, all plaof strength and import about the City were in short time subdued and given to the Pole, who executes all manner of cruelty: Demetrius lays wait in all places to cut off all succour that should be brought into the City, so that the Muscovite in short time endured great want and misery, to wright all the particulars of this siege, that continued for the space of two years, would ask a whole volume by itself; I will only touch the most special occurrants, according to my best intelligence that happened in that time.  
Vansusce understanding the miseries that the Country people endured by the cruelty of the Poles, and fearing all great miseries in the City, if the siege endured, sent speedily and secretly his Cursitours to Charles King of Sweathland, whom he knew to be mortal enemy to Sigismond King of Poland, demanding upon certain conditions his aid to remove the Leaguer. King Charles having at that time an Army of French, English, and Scottish, in pay for any occasion offered from Sigismond, but understanding at that time all his preparations were disposed of in Rushia, and knowing also that it the Pole set footing their he should find him more dangerous there then in his own Country, yields easily to Vansusces demand, employing the forces of those strangers which he had strengthened with many companies of Swethens, to the full number of twelve thousand under the conduct and general command of one Pontus de la Guard, a French Captain, a man of more fame than worth among them.   

CHAP. 9  
Sr. Robert Shirley comes as Ambassador from the Persian to Demetrius in the Leaguer, the Muscovite mutiny, but are appeased, Glasco is suspected, convicted, arraigned, and executed in the Moscow.  
KNesevansusee albeit he bore no great affection to King Charles, and was loath also that so many strangers should be brought into Rushia, to harry and spoil the Country, yet knowing the difference that was betwixt him and Sigismond King of Poland, he held it his best to make use thereof, to serve his own turn in their dissension, and by any means rather to remove the pole, then upon the best conditions to yield unto their habitation there, making choice rather of a sufferable than an intolerable stranger. Now while these forces were thus a raising in Swethland for these designs in Russia, Demetrius with his Army lying still before the City of Moscow, that brave Spirit of England, Sir Robert Shirley, came as Ambassador to Demetrius from the Sophy of Persia, demanding his aid in the general hostility to be made by christian princes against the common enemy the Turk, where he found that entertainment that those tumultuous times in warlike leaguer could afford, but for the matter of his Embassy, the present troubles cut off the means of any present aid, so that after his stay there some few days, having received many honourable gifts and presents he departed, only furnished with hopes and fair promises, howbeit his coming thither put the Muscovite into more than a presumption, that it was the true Demetrius that beleagerd their City, and that the report of his death was but a feigned matter, insomuch that in most places, especially in the Moscow, they began to murmur, whispering one to an other, that God had forsaken the guidance of them and their City, and had given them over into the hands of strangers and others for their disloyalty, they said between themselves, that it could not be that the King of Poland, other Princes, and many noble men of Russia in the leaguer could be so long deceived with a counterfeit Emperor, but either his countenance, behaviour, speech or some one's report or other would betray him. They compared the times present with the times past, and found that the Errors and Indiscretions of a young Prince, being their natural Lord, were more easy to endure than the milder government of an Usurper, for that the abuse and instability of his estate had drawn infinite dangers and miseries by a contrary faction, which they now endured in no mean degree, and were like hereafter to suffer in the greatest extremes these murmurings and privy whisperings being brought to Vansusces ear, he began to look about, and to prevent all occasions that might be offered for the raising of a faction within the City, he therefore sought to pacify the Muscovites in the best manner he could, and withal sent colourably (under safe conduct) certain Gentlemen his friends to the Emperor in the Leaguer, that if he were the right Demetrius his true and lawful Prince, he should show it in a natural love and care unto his Country, and not suffer him to be thus defiled with the blood of his people, by the Poles cruelty, and for his own part, if he found that it were so, he would not only surrender up unto him, the Title and government that he now held, together with the City and other places in his command, but also in all submission acknowledge and serve him in all faithfulness and duty as his natural liege Lord, he further instructed them to excuse him in the plots and courses that he had taken, and to blame but respectively his sufferance in the abuses of the Poles, that had drawn on the hatred and indignation of the Muscovite, so far as being gathered to a head, and breaking forth into action, it proved as a raging Torrent or violent Inundation that no ways could be stopped: he willed them further to descend into particularities, and to touch the several factions on his part, that it stood him upon to take the advantage of his friends offers, and the opportunity of every revolt, to the end that the head of all, which was himself, might be the surer guarded, and this (he said) he learned of Nature and Necessity, that teacheth every creature to defend herself, and that albeit he could a long time endure the siege, and that he knew also the Forces were ready in Swethland to attempt the Leaguer, he would yet nevertheless give over these new hopes and designs for war, and with all his best, endeavour to conclude a peace, protesting with this conclusion, that if by his majesties favour he might enjoy those lands, honours, and offices, to the which partly he was borne, partly he enjoyed by the deceased emperors gift, and his own admission, no Prince in the world should find a more loyal subject or more faithful Gentleman than himself. Demetrius albeit he suspected a Pad in this straw, did nevertheless either simply or colourably put them in hope of a parley, and for a time held a cessation, discharging the Messengers with fair words and countenance, who at their return into the City, gave out that this was not the true Demetrius, but a counterfeit by Vansusces instructions, and that if they held out but a few days till the coming of the Swethen Army, the Leaguer would easily be removed.  
Vansusce also bestirs himself to stir up the Muscovite to endure the siege until the coming of King Charles his forces: In the mean time Demetrius had understanding secretly of some causes of discontent given from Vansusce to the traitor Glasco, both in the bars to his expected recompense, and also in the change of Vansusces favour and countenance, for it is commonly so with Usurpers, when their turns are served by such Ministers, whohaving made all the use of them they can, they convert their services done, into injuries, especially where there is an expectation of reward above merit, for benefits with tyrants are of no longer pleasure, than they can with ease restore them, that once transcended, they study not how to reward, but to kill: for Glasco supposed that his services to Vansusce were of such worth and greatness, that half the Empire had been scarce his recompense. Demetrius therefore striving to work upon this his discantent, and that by him some means might be wrought for the surprise of the City, sent secretly his Lecters unto Glasco, wherein after he had touched (but in gentle terms) his disloyalty, he willed him to consider that there was no way for him to recover the love and opinion both of God and man, but to untreade again those step of treason, which from a corrupt mind his guilty feet had before trodden, promising him in the word of a Prince, that if he would find means for him to enter the City, he would not only pardon what was past, but restore him again into his wont place and favour. These Letters being intercepted, were brought to Vansusce, who presently caused this traitor to be committed to prison, where having a long time endured much misery, he was at last arraigned and condemned, and finally, were he faulty, were he faultless he was executed in the Moscow, a fit death for such a life. There were many others of his confederacy, which because I knew not their names, I would not mention their actions, but this I deliver from report, that none of them all died their natural death, only one excepted, that yet lives in a pelting Village in Ruscia, poor, wretched, miserable and hated of all the world.   

CHAP. 10.  
King Charles of Swethland sendeth an army of twelve thousand Soldiers into Ruscia, under the command of Pontus de la Gardiner a French Colonel, the Ruscians join with them and remove the Leaguer: the Emperor Demetrius flees again into the Dukedom of Colloge.  
NOw must the miseries of Ruscia be augmented by the coming of this Army compounded of so many Nations, English, French, and Scots. For though they came as a friend, and for their aid, yet who can stay an Army from spoil and rapine, which the unhappy Ruscian found true in the pursuit of this bloody war, not only in their goods and chattels, but even in their wives and daughters, which in all places were made a prostituted prey to the lustful appetite of the Soldiers. It was about the beginning of Summer, that this Army of King Charles descended into Ruscia, under the command o● the aforenamed French Colonel Pontus de la Gardiner, who with all speed marched with this Army to the City of Moscow, encamping in the most commodious place they could find near to the Polish Leaguer. Demetrius was before advised to remove, by them who fore-iudged the proof of that which the sequel manifested, foreseeing that it would be a hard matter for Demetrius to resist both the Forces of the Moscow, and this new raised power, for being much wearied with a long siege, being now also with this fresh Army, in a manner beleagerd themselves, they seen found the want of victuals and other necessaries, which in a short time brought them to great misery, and to increase the Swethen Army, Demetrius the brother of Vansusce advanceth himself forward with twenty thousand Russians, to join with the Swethen forces. Now are all places sorestalled that might bring in succours to the Polish Leaguer. The Emperor Demetrius was now in greater misery than ever before: for besides the wants which he endured, the Poles themselves began to murmur and mutiny against him, insomuch as he was often times enforced to hear many contumelious words and reproaches pronounced against him, that he was an unhappy Prince, borne to a disastrous fortune, and not only for himself, but also for such as should take part with him.  
The councils that were daily held were continually divided, some advise to make their way thorough the Swethen Army, others to continue the Leaguer, the most to parley, the last was the worst that Demetrius liked, knowing well that there would be no composition made without his delivery, either alive or dead into the hands of Vansusce, which though the Poles knew it was for their best safety so to do, yet they did abhor it as an execrable deed, to betray a Prince whom they had undertaken to protect, and to yield him to his enemy's hands whom they had vowed to defend. To continue the Leaguer, was without all possibility of effecting, victuals growing so scarce in the Camp, that all provision was devoured so far as they were enforced to eat their horses; and from this scarcity followed a great mortality. The Pole being so straightly engird, that they wanted ground to bury the dead, the unhappy Prince sits alone in his tent, all desolate and dismayed, wanting both courage and council in these extremes; in the Camp he fees his dignity decreased, and his command not respected; in his Tent he fears murder, in his Cup poison: and though the causes of these fears were false, there being no such in tendments, yet to a troubled mind overwhelmed with sorrow, oppressed with care, distracted with opinion what comfort or conceit can assure, his friends being a few noble men of Russia that were about him, comfort him and council him, that he would adventure with those companies of Russians he had yet in his command, which were faithful to him in all fortunes, being nevertheless not above the number of a thousand men, make an attempt in the dead of the night for their escape, even through the Swethen Army, the necessity of the time and place say they urge you to this dangerous resolution or to die, there being no third way for you to take: you shall not need to fear our loyalties, because our own lives lies in the same hazard, and if we line or die, it shall be our glories, that we have either friend you from this danger, or that we have communicated our service to the fortunes of our Prince. For the attempt itself, it may happily not prove so full of peril as it appears to be, for that the darkness of the night, the suddenness of the action, and the advantage of the place, wherein we are quartered, being but against the skirts of the Swethen Army, may happily make our way with more safety, and less loss than you imagine, howsoever it falls out, the greatest danger dwells here, where to remain, there is nothing more certain than certain destruction. These words, together with the desperate condition of their estates, made him suddenly to apprehend the plot, and to entertain with courage the resolution of this attempt, which was done so closely and so secretly, as it was not discovered till the alarm was given: this was about the noon of the day, all the after noon was spent in council, and in giving directions, which also was done so covertly, as the Poles themselves doubted nothing less than that which was intended. Now is the hour come wherein Demetrius must pass as great or a greater danger (by all opinion) than that of the Castle in Moscow, but with less fear or sorrow: for his unhappy fortunes had now so enured him to such disastrous accidents, that his mind seemed to be suited to his misery, all things therefore being ready, they begin to dislodge, the alarm was first given in the Swethen Army, and was so suddenly answered in all places, that it bred a horrible confusion, the Poles feared a surprise from the Swethen Army, the Swethen from the Poles. When they came into the emperors Tent, not finding either his Guard or himself, they cried out, that he had betrayed them. Pontus de la Gardiner draws the best of his Foxes to the head of his Camp, and there attends all attempts, whilst the Emperor with the loss of a few men had passed the danger, the darkness of the night being a great help unto him, his guides before day had brought him out of all fear from any followers, howbeit many of the Poles followed after, and yielded themselves afterward to him in Colloge.  
All this time both the Camps stood still without any attempt on either side. The City also not knewing the matter were soon in Arms, howbeit kept themselves within the walls, in the morning the Poles found the plot, and being driven every way to obey necessity, they required Capitulations of truce with Vansusce, which was granted, the Articles drawn, the composition made, the Poles dislodgd, and with colours displayed, they went, some into other parts of Russia, turning Cossakes, and living upon spoil, some back into Poland, who having related to their King the manner of Demetrius flight, and by it their own enforcements, he renounced for ever his friendship and alliance, protesting from thence forth never to aid him either with men or money. But though he seemed to be discontent, he was nevertheless inwardly glad that such occasion was proffered, in his own behalf to revenge and recover the loss he had sustained, and under this colour, together with the broken Title he had to the Dukedom of Sevean, to invade the whole Empire of Russia, and to keep it for himself, which shortly after he in person did, as you shall hear. And thus was the Polish Leaguer all this time removed.   

CHAP. 11.  
Kneseuansusce continues still his usurped authority. Sigismond King of Poland descends into Russia with an army of a hundred thousand men: he besiegeth Smalensco, and the great City of Moscow. The Emperor Demetrius makes another attempt, but is driven back into the Dukedom of Collogue.  
NOw stood Vansusce higher in state and opinion of the people than ever before: Now were there daily feastings and triumphs in the City, and all dedicated to Vansusces fortunes, Orations made daily in the public Hall to the people of eternal praise and immortal thanks to Vansusces greatness, even above the strain of flattery, attributing the safety and preservation of their lives and goods to his wisdom and providence, together with the general good of the whole Land, reduced by him from a manifest danger of utter destruction, the benefit of whose peace (say they) and happy state next under God, we derive from his Imperial Majesty in his natural and politic body, the one so absolute in blood and quality, the other so excellent in State and Council, that as he gives place to no Prince living for Style and territory, reaching from the River of Ipre, to the Caspian Sea, in Fame and Glory they all give place to him; and it is the universal joy of the whole Empire, that to a Prince voluptuous and full of defects, as was Demetrius, there hath succeeded a Prince of such high worth and estimation. They also gave great praises and gifts to the French, English and Scottish for their pains taken, and valours shown, in their defence, still retaining them in the Moscow for their garrison. But though the City was for a time thus delivered, and in quiet, the Poles that remained still in the Country, having taken many Castles, and strengthened themselves in many places, commit all manner of unspeakable cruelty and villainy on the poor people, who can call nothing they have their own, neither wives, children, nor goods, but are all made a prostituted prey to the Poles lust and rapine; in their houses, sword and fire destroyeth them, in the woods, hunger and cold devouceth them. Thus the poor Russians in many parts of the country do miserably foele or endure, either alive or dead, the bondage of the Poles tyranny. Yet these afflictions and calamities present, are but as a sufferable pain or disease, inflicting one part or limb, in respect of the universal mischief following, that tormented and almost destroyed the whole body of the Empire. For by this time Sigismond King of Poland raiseth a mighty Army, compounded of many Nations, as Tartars, Leiflanders, Coerlanders, together with some Companies of English, Scottish and Dutch, and many numbers of Cossakes, which be people drawn from all parts, following only for spoil and prey.  
Vansusce hearing of these great preparations in Poland, fortifies the Moscow and other places of import in the Empire, but especially the City of Smalensco, whereof one KneIacob a Noble man of great power and virtue, was Duke and Governor, howbeit at that time, for some reasons, he committed the government and defence of that City to an other whose name I could not learn. Thus all things being in a readiness, both with the Pole for invasion, and the Russian for resistance, Sigismond advanceth forward with his Army, consisting of a hundred thousand fight men. This was about Michael, mass in the year 1609. for he stayed of purpose till their Harvest was ended for the relief of his Army. Being descended into Russia, he came with his whole forces before the City of Smalensco, one Chollcosce a noble soldier that had done many honourable services against the Turk, being his Lieutenant general.  
Now had Vansusce (which I should have remembered before) sent to King Charles of Swethland for more aid, who presently dispatched his Messengers to France, England, and the low Countries for men. There were taken up in England of Voluntaries, English, and Scottish, two thousand under the command of Captain calvin a Scottishman, lieutenant Colonel to my Lord of Wormston, and of Captain Coborne a valiant Soldier Colonel of the horse. There were also sent at that time out of France, and the low Countries, to the number of one thousand more, the French under the command of Monsleur la Vile a Captain of name and worth among them, the Dutch under the command of Colonel Dove: the English and Scottish Forces arrived in Swethland about the latter end of May, some in the Nulies', some at Stock-holland, and some in other places, as the uncertainty of wind and weather drove them. But being all at length met at Stockhollam, entertained, mustered, and sworn unto King Charles, our Forces, together with the French and Dutch, which by this time were all met, stayed there the most part of the Summer, until the latter end of August, in which time the King had made his preparations ready for his Intendments towards Russia. About the beginning of September these Forces took shipping for Russia, but by contrary winds were driven upon Fynland, where because the Commanders had no directions to land their men, the frost overtaking them, and victuals failing aboard, our people unaccustomed to so cold a climate, died in great numbers, for want of food, and abundance of cold, insomuch that being not able to endure the extremity, they landed their Forces by directions from the Governor of Abo, a town situate upon the Sea: from thence to march to the City of Wyborrough, being distant from the place of landing three score and ten leagues, in which march they lost by the extremity of the cold, many of their men by the way, and many were left behind sick, that nevertheless did afterward recover the Army. At the last being come to the City of Wyborrough in Fynnland, our Troops relieved themselves after this long weary march, and being kindly entertained of the Burghers, kept their Christmas in the city, and rested there for the space of fourteen days, wanting no necessaries that their present case required. After this time expired, our Troops marched three days journey to the Sea side, that Sea being narrow in that place, parting Fynland and Russia: here they marched eight leagues upon the Ice, and having once set footing in Russia, the people of the Country being unacquainted of their coming, forsook their houses, fleeing into the woods and other unknown places, for the misery of the war was so great by the outrages of the Soldiers, that they found cause to distrust all, aswell those that came to defend them, as such as came to destroy them. Yet our troops committed no other spoil in their march, but only in their provision for victuals, which in all places they found in abundance, our Troops marched in small journey is the four months following, januarie, February, March and April, under the guide and conduct of one Burrisse a Noble man of the Country, appointed by Vansusce for that business; in which march they freed those parts of the Country, which the Pole before was possessed of, as the first, a town of import called Stallarusse, which the Pole forsook upon their coming, and fled. But Monsieur la Vile following them with a few horse, cut them in pieces. They marched from thence to a Town of defence called Costasco, which the Pole had a little before beleagerd, but upon an assault made, having found an unexpected resistance. And hearing the approach of the strangers, they fled before our coming.  
By this time the Sun in his delight some progress having passed the Equinoctial, had turned the weary wracks of wasteful winter, into the cheerful view of the Summer's beauty, at which time, it being in the beginning of May, our Troops recovered a very pleasant country, where in great plenty they found all necessaries for horse and man. After some few days march in this champain country our Troops received intelligence where the Enemy lay, to the number of seven or eight thousand, at a Town called Ariova some four score verts, which is three score English miles from them. This Ariova was a great Town, situate on the side of a hill, pleasant to look upon, the great river of Vollga running through it, and as it were, equally parting it in the midst, with a strong and fair Castle in it; howbeit the Town unwalled and undefensible.  
Our men having received true relation, both concerning the Town, the Poles strength, the distance, and the best way that leadeth unto it, they entered into council, what best was to be done for the surprise of this Town, and a non slaught of the Poles, and as always in such cases of weight, there are diversity of judgements and Opinions, some giving council one way, some another, the bravest spirits stirred up with honourable emulation of others fame and greatness, press forward for employment. Colonel Coborne being the first that desired to have the undertaking of this business with five hundred horse; but his plot being disliked, as being too full of danger, Monsieur la Vile the French Colonel undertook with four hundred horse to do some notable service or other, as occasion should be proffered. For many times in such doubtful cases, unlooked for Accidents and unplotted attempts find better opportunity and success in prevailing upon the sudden, than premeditated and foredecreed councils. Thus having taken some of every Troop, English, Scottish, and French, with the aid of three other Captains, as Captain Cosmorre, a Moor, a very valiant Soldier, brought up in the wars of the Netherlands, the other Captain Crale an Englishman, and Captain Creton a Scottishman, with this number of four hundred horse. La Vile early in the morning leaving the Army in their quarters, marched towards Ariova, by the way they met with a Conskippe of the Enemy, being a hundred horse upon the skirt of a wood, if being sent from the main Army in Ariova as a scowtwatch to discover our Troops, for they had Intelligence before of our being in the Country. Their Vancurriers having espied our forces, gave the alarm, and presently turned back and fled, but our Troop followed, flew some, forced others to take the river of Vollga, took many prisoners, the rest fled, firing the Country as they went, and brought the news of our approach to Ariova. La Vile with his troops held on his course, meeting with no other Occurrents by the way till he came to a little river, which they found so deep, and the current running so swift by reason of the late dissolving of the Snow, that they knew not how to pass over. La Vile himself proffered to give the attempt, but was stayed by others that looked into the danger: a French Soldier of his Troop, showing more courage than foresight, took the river with his horse, and by the violence of the Stream, were both drowned. Here they spent some time to seek out a ford, but found none: at last they espied a narrow place, where (pulling down an old house standing hard by) with the rafters thereof they made a little bridge, upon which they passed on foot, swimming over with their horses in their hands. Thus they marched forward till they came within sight of Ariova about the noon time of the day. La Vile when he came within view of the Town, and saw how it stood parted by the river of Vollga, might perceive afar off on the other side of the Town, the Enemy's colours displayed in great numbers, the suddenness of the action bred a terror on both parts, the Poles verily believing that the main Army of our Forces to be at hand, and our troops supposing the Enemy's strength to be as great on that side the river as on the other, though undescried, howbeit they kept on their march towards the Town, with resolution to do some notable service, either by death or victory: when they came within half a league of the Town, they espied five hundred horses of the Enemy advanced against them, where on the sudden both sides awhile stood in gaze one of an other: at last forty of the Enemy's horses were drawn forth, with proffer of a charge after the manner of a Bravada, a twelve or sixteen of our horses gave an onset to answer them, slew some, and beat the rest back into their main strength, so that both parts again stood in gaze one of an other. Some doubted that it was the policy of the Pole to draw our Forces nearer to the Town, and so to encompass them with their Army on the other side of the river.  
But Lafoy Vile, whose courage overcame all fear, seeing no third way to be taken, but either that night to die, or to be Masters of the Town, out of a brave and honourable mind, with a few words in Dutch, did after this manner encourage his Soldiers, We have come (saith he) thus far (my loving friends and followers) with purpose and resolution to do some special service or other, in the honour of our Countries, and profession, for advancing the success of the main action for this Land against the Poles tyranny in the behalf of the King of Swethen. This place of Command which at this time I enjoy with your consents, I will strive with all my power to discharge, as well for your safeties and contentments, as mine own honour and reputation, and though we be of several Nations, Languages, and Customs, we are in this business tied together in an indissoluble band of love and partnership, either to live or die together, the best hope is, we have one God to defend us all, whose outstretched arm over-swayeth all: let not then either our own weakness, or our Enemy's strength affright us, for besides the achievements of Honour that pricketh forward every worthy mind, there is a necessity to put us forward, for back we cannot go, without certain dishonour and destruction, all places being harried and spoiled by the Pole, and no relief to be found: the rivers also and the champain fields will give them advantage with their numbers to heamme us in, and cut us in pieces: and if I be not deceived, they stand in more doubt of us, than we of them, as I judge by the uncertain waving of their colours on the other side the river, and it may be all their fear hath given them false Intelligence, that we are to receive seconds from our main Army, which they suppose to be at hand. From this fear of theirs springeth my hope, that in spite of the Poles Army we shall rest in yonder Town this night, and with that, crying out with a high voice and spirit, Jesus' met ounce, which in English is, jesus be with us, with a brave courage they advanced forward. Captain Cosmorre with the Englishmen gave the charge, and was seconded by the French men.  
The Pole seeing the charge thus made with such resolution, fearing (as it was afterward known) the approach of our main Army, turned their backs, and fled. Notwithstanding they had a second of four hundred horses more, our troops followed with all speed, slew many with the sword, the most of them took the river of Vollga, thinking to recover their main Army, but the greatest numbers of them were drowned. Our troops thus entered the town of Ariova without any other resistance, and found the castle abandoned, at which they marveled, that a Town and Castle of such strength and import, having eight thousand men to defend it, should be thus forsaken.   

CHAP. 12.  
Vansusce sends his forces to join with the strangers, to the number of thirty thousand. Pontus de la Gardiner General of the strangers, attempts to raise the Poles Leaguer from Smalensco, but in a set battle is fought withal and overthrown by the Pole.  
Ariova being thus taken in, our Troops rested there three days till our main Army came up, in which time the Pole stayed in the Town on the other side the river. But when they saw the approach of all our forces, they hastened their departure, and because they supposed the Inhabitants had betrayed them, they set fire on that side of the Town in the dead of the night, only to revenge suspicion, where after a most cruel and barbarous manner, they burned and slew, man, woman, and child; a lamentable sight it was, to behold the flame, and to hear the confused cries of the people, which was the more miserable, because, as there was no pity in the Pole to respect them, so there was no way in our Troops to relieve them, by reason of the river, which for want of boats they could not pass. The Poles having thus satisfied their rage upon the poor Russian with blood & fire like incarnate devils, without remorse, leaving this miserable people of all sorts and sexes, from the impotency of Age, to the innocence of Infants, burning in that earth's hell of horror, they marched away with drums beating, trumpets sounding, colours displaying, as if they had effected some notable achievement. Early in the morning, Lafoy Vile perceiving them marching away, having had the night before many boats brought up the river by the Ruff, carried his principal Forces over, and with all speed followed them. The first night they overtook them in their quarters, slew many of them, took many of their colours, and forced the rest to flee, who still burning and spoiling the Country as they went, left no relief to help our Forces in the pursuit, so that in three days, having cleared all that part of the Country, they returned to Ariova, where our Army rested some fourteen days: and as contraries are ever best known by their contraries, they sound the excellency of rest after their labour, and of plenty after their wants. For here they found all things in abundance that in many places before they wanted.  
Not long after La Vile with Cosmer the Moor, and lieutenant Conisby a very resolute Soldier, took in a Town called Pogrilla, together with a strong Sconce manned by the Pole, taking it upon a sur prize in the night putting them all to the sword only the Governeur, and some few other reserved, Lafoy Vile, within a while after, went to the Moscow, accompanied with many Officers, English, Scottish, and French, where Vanscusce entertained them with liberal gifts and rewards to every one. Here they met with Pontus de la Gardiner, and found a great power of the Russians in a readiness for service. Sigismond lying all this while before Smalensco, understanding of the free passages, that the strangers had made thorough the Country even to the Moscow. And having received further Intelligence, that their Forces were ready to join with resolution to attempt to raise the Leaguer from before Smalensco, sent upon the sudden Chollcosce his lieutenant general with fifteen thousand Launsiers, and thirty thousand Cossakes to take a Skance of great import called Gregory, that lieth in the common passage between two great woods from Moscow to Smalensco. This Sconce being thus strongly beleagered on all sides, Vansusce raiseth his Army from the Moscow, constituting his brother Demetrius their General, who joining with the stranger's Forces, of whom Pontus lafoy Gardiner had the command, they march towards the Sconce of Gregory, the whole Army consisting of forty thousand. Being come within two days march of the Sconce, the Enemy having gotten intelligence by some of our fugitives, of the approach of this Army, their numbers and purposes, which was to surprise them in the night upon a nonslaught. Cholcosce to prevent their project the night before, draws out of his Leaguer three thousand and five hundred Launsiers, being Noble men and Gentle men of the best rank and resolution, that came with the King out of Poland, together with seven thousand Cossakes, and with this number, having nine thousand Launsiers more for a second, closely in the night they marched; and early in the morning, which was Midsummer day, they fell suddenly upon our quarters. Our men trusting that the Muscovite, who knew the Country, would by the Scowt-watches have given the alarm of any sudden approach. But the Ruff not daring to stir out of their quarters, was the cause of our unhappy defeature, and their own utter overthrow, for our men being thus put into amazement by the alarm given. Pontus de la Gardiner did according to the shortness of the time, and the weight of the danger) dispose in this manner of his Forces, the vanguard he gave to Edward Horn a full Soldier and a brave Commander with his Regiment of Fynlanders, who were the first that stood the Poles charge. But being overcharged by the Poles number of Launsters', they fled, scarce abiding the charge. Colonel Coborne commanding the English horse, advanced forward with his Troops, to answer the Pole. The French and Dutch did the like. But Cholcosce finding them weakly armed and horsed, being also encouraged before with the overthrow of the Fynlanders, with courage and resolution followed the tract of his fortune; and in short time overthrew the whole Forces of the stranger's horse, but with the death of many of his own Launsiers, The whole Army of the Ruff seeing the fortune of our forces, being themselves out of danger, fled, without stroke striking. The companies of our foot, seeing the success of the day, did barrocad● themselves with Cartes and Wagons, with resolution to fight it out to the last man, or to take some honourable composition. Which Cholcosce perceiving, and doubting some further stratagem, his return also back to the Sconce of Gregory being of moment, satisfying himself at that time with the glory of this day, made a tender of these proffers following, that if they would give over their strength, they should be at liberty, either to serve the Emperor, or the King of Pole with the same pay they had: if they would return to the King of Swethland; they should have leave, if into their own Countries, they should have licence, and help to pass through the Poles Country, with the King's favour. These proffers were accepted, and they having yielded, did severally dispose of themselves, some back to the Emperor, some to the King of Swethen, the most of them to the Pole, many home into their Countries. Thus was this great Army unhappily disperse, that never met together again. Pontus de la Gardiner, Edward Horn, La Vile, Collayne, and Coborne, with a few Officers, and some Soldiers, to the number of five hundred, returned back to the King of Swethen.   

CHAP. 13.  
The Emperor Demetrius returns from Colloge with a hundred thousand men and beleagers Moscow on the one side of the town, Cholcosce on the other. Vansusce is taken prisoner, and sent into Poland. Demetrius flees again to Colloge, and is at last miserably slain by a Tartarus.  
VAnsusce hearing of the overthrow of his Army, was much troubled in his mind, especially for the defeature of the strangers, upon whom he principally trusted: he now saw, that the hand of God was against him in dangers inevitable, which by human reason and judgement, he could not avoid, he feared Demetrius on the one side, that had drawn together in Colloge a hundred thousand men, with purpose to besiege the Moscow on the other side. He knew the Poles forces before Smalensco, and that they were still reinformed with new supplies: he feared Gregory could not hold out that Sconce, bearing his name which Cholcosce had beleagerd, but that he would yield it up upon any composition, as indeed he did. He knew then that there was no bar nor hawlt for the Poles Army to march from Smalensco, to the City of Moscow. To the increase of these fears he saw the city empty of victuals, and other provision for the wars. But that which most troubled him, he found his reputation much lessened in the opinion of the Muscovite. While Vansusce stood thus exercised and perplexed with these fears, sailing betwixt Scylla and Charybdis, in doubt which way to take the Emperor Demetrius, lays hold of the occasion, and once more attempts with this new raised power to recover his Empire, he therefore with all speed advanceth forward with this great Army, consisting of a hundred thousand men, that in those tumultuous times, either for his love, or their own safeties had fled unto him, there were also ten thousand Poles in his Army that had followed him in his last flight from the Moscow. He having thus once more like an Emperor the commanding of such an Army, which nevertheless was more fearful for their numbers then in their arms and courage, came before the City, fortifying his camp, and planting his Ordnance, which soon began to batter. Sigismond King of Poland having intelligence hereof takes his advantage in this division and sends Cholcosce his lieutenant general, having lately taken in the fort of Gregory with forty thousand men to beleaguer the other side of Moscow, there were also fifteen hundred strangers in his army, English, Scottish, and French, that had put themselves into the King of Poles service after their defeature on Midsummerday. Now was this great city environed on all sides, with huge numbers of men of war, and in short time brought to so great misery in the height of all extreme, that if a man could imagine in such a case the worst of calamity, such was the wretched fortune of this city, wherein nothing but horror and despair was found, the canon roaring without, women & children crying within, the noise of drums, trumpets, horses, harqnebuses, and the helpless groans of dying men, made it on earth a hell to the miserable Muscovite. Famine also at length so pinched them that they found these mischiefs to be unsufferable. Now was Vansusce without heart or hope, fearing daily to be betrayed by his own friends, if we may call it treason, to betray a traitor, and his fears proved true, for many noble men that were about him, looking into the present times condition, and reducing to their minds the nature of the times past, they found Vansusce to be both the original and efficient cause of all these miseries, and that God had thus plagued them with the plagues of men, for suffering an usurper to reign over them, so that at last upon advice taken, they took Vansusce prisoner sitting in council among them, with suppose, by delivering him captive, to make their peace with Cholcosce, O had the unkind and unstable Muscovite delivered this usurper unto their lawful Emperor Demetrius that lay on the other side the city, and had brought him in with their submission and acknowledgement of allegiance, they might have had the hand of God to have fought for them, and haply in short time recovered their former peace and glory. But they doubting his weakness, and fearing the strength of the Poles, delivered up their prisoner, together with the City into the power of Cholcosce, to be kept for the king of Pole. Which in this manner was effected.  
It was agreed upon between Cholcosce and the State of Russia, that he should have delivered into his hands, the City and the Castle to be held with a garrison for Sigismond King of Poland, unto whom they proffered acknowledgement of homage and fraltie, conditionally, that Cholcosce with his Army should presently remove the Leaguer of the Emperor Demetrius on the other side the river. These proffers were accepted of Cholcosce, together with the condition, conditionally that they should deliver sufficient hostages into his hands sor the safeguard of himself and his Army, which was granted, and a many of the Nobility chosen out as the great Patriarch of Moscow. KoeIacob Duke of Smalensco, and others of great power, who being delivered to the Cholcosce, sent them all as pledges to the King of Pole. Thus Cholcosce having taken possession of the City mariheth through to fight with Demetrius, and in short time overthrew him, who fleeing again to Colloge, found himself there also abandoved of all his friends. Thus this unhappy Prince, fleeing from place to place, finding no place for safety, was afterward (as I have heard it reported) miserably slain by a Tartar.  
Thus Cholcosce returning back to the City in triumphant manner, was solemnly entertained of the Muscovite, who presented him also with many great gifts. He having stayed a while in the City, and planted a garrison of eight thousand Poles in the Castle, returned to Smalensco with his prisoner Vansusce and delivered him to his master the King of Pole, who not long after sent him into Poland, to be kept prisoner at the Castle of Waringborrough, where he yet lives a miserable captain.  
Sigismond the year following takes in Smalensco upon assault, and returns into Poland, disposing the most part of his Army into garrisons in Russia. But the Muscovite in short time after rebelled, and having drawn the Tartarus as their Assistants, after a long and bloody assault, they at the last recovered the City and Castle of Moscow, putting all the Poles to the sword. Thus was the Colloge again freed, but not secured from the tyranny of the Poles, who are still possessors of a great part of that Country, sometimes losing in one place, oftentimes gaining in an other, never resting, but still in action, which the wretched people do miserably sustain. And thus (as I understand) stands the condition of this torn Empire of Russia at this day.   
FINIS.