THE DECLARATION OF THE Hungarians War, Newly published by the Most Illustrious Michael Apafi, Prince of Transilvania, against his Imperial Majesty, 1682.  
To the Kings, Princes, Commonwealths of Christendom; to all States and Ranks of the Sacred Roman Empire, and lastly to the People of the unfortunate Pononian, or Hungarian Nation, groaning under the burden of oppression, to everlasting memory.  
Michael Apafi, by the Grace of God, Prince of Transilvania, Lord of part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Count of Sic: do manifest and bear testimony in simplicity and purity of Faith and Truth.  
AFter that by frowning destinies, and destructive idleness of Nobles discording among themselves, the ensigns of regal dignity were devolved from Princes of Hungarion Blood, to persons of the Austrian Family, (whence sprang the Fountain of our wounds and miseries) they did endeavour by counsels connected and circling in themselves, to procure and establish to themselves absolute and hereditary dominion over Hungary, destroying and trampling liberty, continued inviolate for several Ages before.  
Who though they were obliged by the sanctity and Religion of a solemn Oath, according to the Foundation of free Election, (which, from the very rise of the Kingdom, was the first and fundamental Law amongst the Hungarians) to presume nothing in prejudice of the Nations Laws and privileges, did notwithstanding seek out various Pretexts, that by Liberty's destruction, the Spirits of the Nations Inhabitants should be made bitter; they did esteem sowing and fomenting matter of Dissension, for engaging more capacious Souls inclined to Liberty, (dissatisfactory and repugnant to them) against each other, to facilitate their overthrow and suppression, a mystery of domineering effectual and suitable to their purpose.  
Nor did the preposterous Lust of Dominion contain itself in those Limits, but persons of all Ranks were Vehemently pillaged and oppressed by excessive Calamities and intolerable rigour, the Barrs of Faith and Solemn Oaths being broke asunder. The design and determinate purpose of their intentions was, to evert the Fortresses of the Nations Laws and privileges, by gradual and ingenious machinations, and those not succeeding, by open force, the secret Providence of a displeased. God permitting the same; Wither because a fatal period was approaching a most Flourishing Kingdom, or because the refusers of due obedience to a Lawful Prince of their own Blood, were to feel the weight of a Stranger's Domineering.  
These miseries received increment by the contempt and dishonour of the Nations Peers and Nobles, who contrary to the strength of Law, were gradually excluded or removed from Dignities and public Functions, and subjected to insolent Government, and Dominion of Strangers; so by daily growth of injuries, and prevalancy of force, the state of Hungary was so far precipatate, that scarce a shadow or vestage of Ancient Liberty could be perceived: whatsomever once appeared high and glorious, was now neglected and trod under Foot, ruin and overthrow was prepared for all suspect Virtue.  
Petitions and Complaints were no way prevailent, Appeals to Regal fidelity were in vain; will Occupied the Chair of Reason, whatsomever they pleased, or seemed to them expedient, was practised: Complaints were sometimes received in show and appearance, but in Conformity to the rule of extravagant Authority; and for further Torment, returned with vain and irrit Words, and often eluded by Ludibri and upbrading reproach.  
The Ambition of Governors and Kings Officials, their insatiable avarice and Bloody practices of Cruelty did accrue to such a height, that Men were rendered suspect against the King, and Noxious to the public because of their Riches, hence were they Robbed by most wicked pretexts, their Goods divided and dragged from them, either that the Bloodsuckers might satiate their voracious Appetites or the Exchequer a place for pillaging the Poor, and most infamous receptickle of Horrid Rapines might be crammed. Now the congruous and true names of things were banished; to confer other men's Goods in reward of Treachery was called Clemency; to destribute the fortunes of the wand'ring and illegally exiled amongst Bastards, Liberality, pardoning of Innocents' coloured with the name of Mercy; in short, all things Divine and human was at the disposal of the Germans: In the Kingdom was Want Damage, Dishonour and a most Abominable Scheme of affairs.  
When Souls vigorous and impatient of Servitude, were burdened above measure, with those and innumerable injuries, at length the excess of Patience inclining to revenge, did betake themselves to just and allowed Remedies; calling to mind they had chosen a King by free suffrages, not a Master they endeavoured to reduce the extravagent and indirect manner of Governing to its ordinary Channel.  
A Remedy by War is concluded upon; immediately sudden meetings, a Soul uniting society arising from common hazard and loss of Liberty, together with the justness of their Cause, did animate that most Noble Nation to lay hold on necessary and just Arms, and endeavour restitution of now buried Liberty to former splendour and integrity, without the stain of Rebellion or infidelity, according to the tenor of the Decree of King Andrew the 2d. surnamed of Jerusalem.  
The magnanimous Hero, Stephen Bocskai, a man of excellent Ingene, famous for Warlike Virtue and sagacity, repute more than a private person while private, did first assault this luxureant force, who iritate with excessive injuries, with a small number of Assistants, but great and undaunted resolution of Soul, opposed himself to raging violence, with a high and Heroic spirit, assaulted a part of the Imperial Army, with happy success did rout and chase the same, and pursuing, his first victory did fill the Kingdom and the World with admirable progress, having gained the Honour to be by common consent of the people of Hungary, declared Prince of Transilvania, and Hungaria, and Patron of Liberty, which he did not only revive from the dust of Death, but did also prescribe due measures to the King then Reigning, viz. Rodulphus the second and his successors, Circumscribing their Power according to the Laws Limitations.  
Now there appeared most excellent and conducible provision for peace and public tranquillity, most ample conditions were ratified in a Treatise by which, safety, integrity, and security of Liberty Civil and Ecclesiastic, were assured to the Subjects by Regal Faith, and Letters Patents: But not long after, the Inhabitants experienced Hope to be salacious, and humane expectation to be founded upon an unstable bottom; for not long after the Peace, the most illustrious Bocskai paying his last debt by his untimely death, did afford sorrow to the Hungarians, and a new occasion for ambition, while almost they by the same Burial performed Funeral Solemnity to the Memory of the great Patron of their Liberties, and their decaying Liberty; a passage to be memorate to all posterity, that as it were by a new Funeral, their lately regenit Liberties were overwhelmed immediately, contrary to Faith and conditions of Peace, occasions were catched for breaking the late compacts, as if they they had been extorted by force of Arms; which were, notwithstanding, of free choice and voluntary consent.  
Which unbridled Licence, breach of Faith and solemn Oath, the discreetly intelligent Freemen of the Nation, sustaining with indignation and displeasure, that they might apply new and effectual Medicaments to reiterate Maladies, did betake themselves to their Ancient Privilege of resisting their oppressing Kings, and directed their eyes towards the protection of my Ancestors.  
The Atrosity of most exquisite oppressions, and eversion of Privileges Divine and Humane, did promove the zeal of those pious purposes, by which also my Ancestors Gabriel Betlen and George Rakoci the first, a Prince of glorious memory (here I conclude double injuries, and a twofold War in one compend, to evit the recital of particulars) did employ all endeavours to suffocate an approaching mischief in its birth, reverberate the vehement pressure of incumbent violence, and esteeming the afflictions of a dejected Nation their own, either to mitigate or remove the same, with design always to compress insolent and extravagant dominion within the boundaries of Laws and Privileges, lest Liberty and Religions final overthrow should tend to a most flourishing Kingdoms total eversion, and damnifying prejudice of all Christendom.  
Arms are again Levied for the Defence of that most righteous Cause, so countenanced with Blessings from Heaven, the Austrian Kings frighted with increment of Arms and unexpected success, of their own accord proposed, and did conclude a Peace, ratifying the same by Faith and public charter; but this Peace, confirmed and registrate in the houdge bulk of Two Treatises, afforded not to Hungary expected tranquillity, or continuing Peace: The Kings in such respites did rather lay hold on all occasions, that in a state of imaginary and fraudulent Peace, they might, by their accustamary infatuating Machinations, infect and divide the minds of Peers and Nobles, which they could not infringe by force and War.  
It were tedious, and more than necessary to memorate in a prolix gradation calamities of former times, which, since comprehended in the monuments of Histories, I shall not recapitulate; laying aside therefore the precedent, I shall shortly relate the grievousness of the present, that the whole world may judge and cognoss the Hungarians, who have sustained violence and injuries, are stripped of their whole liberties contrary to Regal Obligation and Faith, the contents of Charter and public Laws, have taken up just, warrantable and allowed Arms.  
It must of necessity be granted, and ought not to be reflected upon without intimate and hearty sense of grief, that his now Sacred Imperial Kingly Majesty, immediately after his being installed in the Government by free suffrage, according to the ancient use and custom, treading the footsteps of his Predecessors, did decline from legal procedure in Government, to burdensome and absolute domineering: In the whole Tract of his Government, he remitted nothing of the customary inveterate endeavours of prejudging Liberty, and nothing but what pleased was granted to Addressers and Supplicants according to public Law. An Umbrage of Liberty, and ostentation of Regal Clemency, portended Slavery to the Malcontents.  
In this state of expiring and vehemently depressed Liberty, there wanted not highly generous Spirits among the Hungarians, thoroughly grieved with the fraudulent machinations and counsels practised to the overthrow of the public, who modestly represented the violence and breach of public Faith, but with more zeal than success; for as his Majesty had received the supreme Honour of Government, impaired and deflowered by others, and aught according to Faith and Obligation to have restored the same to former Lustre and Integrity, so managed he the same according to Lust and Illimited Dominion.  
Hence from respect and obedience due to Regal Majesty (of which the people of Hungary have still been most observant) mitigation of rigorous Mastership, was first essayed by Addresses and Supplications; but while neither complaints, nor volumes of grievances, often composed and rejected, could put any stop to the currant of inordinate Power, a plaster for Wounds was to be found out by the Sword, which a public Law doth pronounce Lawful and Just; and to be laid hold on when any of the Kings, not observing the true Balance of Ordinary Power, do proceed to a preposterous Licentiousness of domineering, contrary to the Nations manifest Laws and privileges, and the interest of the Inhabitants.  
And I hearty wish the Arms once taken up in defence of Liberties, had been continued in better Order, and with more vigorous endeavours; it had been more Glorious, more Virtuous, to have recovered the overclouded splendour of Liberty, by constant and generous Achievements, than be subjugate to most reproachful Slavery by too much Credulity and fatal discord.  
But an Inclination to Dissension, natural to the Hungarian Nation, together with the Word and Promises of His Sacred Imperial Kingly Majesty, which most effectualy bewitched them, did suddenly put a stop to so considerable Commencements.  
So soon as it was notified to the Court at Vienna, that thirteen Counties had Levied Arms for recovering their Liberties, immediately by an exquisite artifice, for renting their minds, Letters were directed to the foresaid Counties, in which Pardon was granted to all, repenting their defection, should desert the Racocian party, in due obedience to their King: Moreover it was added, that already committed delinquencies should be liable to no punishment by Law or Judicatory whatsomever; that all should be continued without hurt or Damage in Life, Liberty and Fortune, in possession of moveables and immovables; at the report of this immunity publicly ratified by Regal Faith, their minds were rend affunder to the loss of vigour and motion, and laying down their Arms with indiscretion, they again betook themselves to Peace of too short continuance, esteeming a spacious door of superaboundant benignity, opened to all who pleased to enter, who indeed were preserved for a more secure Vengeance for the future; for some forfeited their Lives, others their Fortunes, and some were punished by perpetual Imprisonment; this never enough to be lamented inconstancy, did open a Gate; and furnish the Imperialists with sufficient occasions to effectuate all their purposes; who liberate from fear, under the conduct of General Sporkius invaded Hungary, and rushing into the Heart of the Nation without loss of Blood or Man, did seize Towns, Castles, and Fortresses; neither were there any to resist, the people being scornfully cheated with the promised benignity.  
By these means they did proceed to all manner of afflictions, rapines and Libidinous baseness, which the unbridled Soldiers committed every where, contrary to the tenor of the foresaid Letters, and Regal security; Churches were abused and pulled down, Castles demolished, Nobleman's Courts everted, and the Nobility, who inconsiderately confided in promised Oblivion, dragged to Judgement at Posonia; yet many of the more discreet forseeing fraudulant machinations couched under the mask of Kingly Clemency and Grace, did evit prepared shares, betaking themselves to my protection in this Province.  
The report of so lamentable calamity and unexpected alteration, struck me with grievous and unspeakable astonishment; and because I understood this storm would break out in tempests most dangerous and prejudicial to the Christian World, immediately, from an upright and sincere intention, I sent my Ambassador to his Sacred Imperial Majesty, representing the hazard which might follow the Application of too corrosive Medicaments to this Malady, and that remiss and mollifying Plasters were conducible, that Souls might be engaged to hope and confide in Regal Clemency, lest driven to despair, they be prompted to extremities of dangerous consequence, to Hungary and all Christendom: But this my proposal again and again reiterate, and sincerely upright endeavours for public advantage were heard, but with difficulty, and returned without a suitable or desired answer; the lust of absolute dominion had taken deeper roots than could be plucked up by words and persuasions.  
The complete progress, and all the actings in the Kingdom did savour violence, not Kingly Government; nothing required according to Law procured, no man's state secure, delinquency attended Riches: Neither now was the proceedure gradual, but with precepitate rage to all manner of affliction. It evidently appeared an occasion of converting a free Kingdom to a hereditary, long sought after, was now voraciously snatched. Immediately Violence is practised, the glory of liberty undone, the Peers and Patriots of Law trod under foot, the Nobility banished their predecessors habitations, their goods confiscate; dignities, honours, and places of public trust conferred on Strangers in prejudice of the Kingdoms constitutions; moreover a Council of rigorous inquisition institute against liberties assertors, or any suspect opposite to their illegal endeavours; three Counts judged by a most illegal Process, and murdered by the hands of bloody Executioners, a memorable instance to the World of their savage cruelty; but all this was defective to satiate revenge, for the misery of Orphans was augmented, by redacting the Children of the slain and banished to Beggary.  
Their seizing the Churches of the reformed was an accessary of this Tragedy, in which Fury and excessive madness did rage so impetuously, that men might have imagined they waged War against houses set apart for pious uses, and the Walls had been Guilty of Rebellion; suddenly the Ministers were thrust out from their Congregations and expelled their native Land, others forced by the terror of threats to give security no more to Preach, did obtain their Lives and Liberties to departed the Nation, and many, as piacular Sacrifices, were condemned to the Galleys (a horrid and ever to be abominate president, that their leading an anxious and miserable Life, they might be consumed with grief, want of cleanly accommodation, hard Labours and Hunger.  
A violent Torrent of Persecution, and cursed Tyrannising over Consciences went on a pace, no Marriage to be solemnised, nor Baptism administered, but by Roman Ministers; men dragged by Force and Arms to Masses and Processions every where, endeavourers to draw back, were affected with excessive penalties and pecuniary Mulcts.  
Neither were women exempt from danger, who not chargeable with less Majesty, were accused for tears; it was a trespass, and of dangerous consequence to sigh under misery, and weeping over the Sentenced by Death, a thing discharged.  
Money was extorted privately and publicly from the misrable Commons, by various Stratagems, and feigned Names, Garrisons removed and settled, Laws irrogate at pleasure, Rapines, Plunderings, and innumerable Oppressions over all.  
The Exiled Lords, provoked by these and other Inexplicable Injuries, brought to the Precipise of final overthrow of Life and Fortune; destitute of all help from Christians, and perceiving no hope of mitigating His Majesty, did resolve in this extreme necessity to betake themselves to the benignity of the Illustrious Ottoman, Sovereignty, and implore his Protection against most unjust violence, for the relief of the Kingdom, and safety of many Innocents'. Neither was their resolutions in vain; their requests beware admitted with small difficulty; and whom a hard Lot, and extreme Rigour, had rendered Exiles, the Generosity and Condescension of the Ottoman Sovereignty did furnish with refuge, security and means for Sustenance. Often are the works of the Divine Sovereign so ordered, that sudden punishment overtaketh raging cruelty, when secure in success itself; lest straying should at any time be removed from the wicked, or hope utterly detained from afflicted virtue.  
I know many do misconstruct this Act of Extreme Necessity, and preposterously slander the Hungarian Nation, as degenerate, and making defection from Christians; but such are either ignorant of the Hungarian Liberty, according to fundamental constitution, or too active promoters of the Austrian interest.  
It aught to be considered, the Austrian Kings were advanced to Crown and Sceptre by the suffrages of a free Election, (the most ancient and righteous form of Government amongst the Hungarians) and obleadged by Faith, and solemn Oath (which solemnity, according to custom was performed under the open Heavens) to maintain the Nations Liberties; from this Faith and Solemn Oath ariseth a formal and true obligation, not only necessary for exercing Government-according to the prescript of Laws, and tenor of Regal Charter, but doth authorise the Palatinate of the Kingdom, as the Guardian of Liberty, with the Inhabitants, to contradict and resist the King, degenerating from ordinary and allowed power, to savageness and unjust Licence of domineering; therefore in case of despairing reduction to due measures, Liberty was not annihilate, nor the privilege of procuring protection from whomsoever, even from the Ottoman, as a neighbouring Monarch.  
Many years are now past since this unfortunate Kingdom, placed betwixt two Potentates, cut short by the one, and trod under foot by the other, hath exhibit a most lamentable Tragedy to the World, the first never levied War against it, nor laid aside Arms without increment to his Empire, and the diminition of this counter-mure, whence it hath been almost equally subjected to its most potent Neighbour. Seeing then this Kingdom bordering on either side with a most potent Monarch is necessitate to sustain their first assault and Force, and that the House of Austria hath hitherto sought or intended nothing by Governing, but the depression of Hungary, and the eversion of its Liberties, especially his now Imperial Majesty hath redacted a free People of themselves liberally moderate; to dishonourable pusillanimity and most miserable condition, whom desperation, efficacious in straits and intricacies, did Arm, and since for the time of Eleven years' Banishment, they could see no relaxation or hope for removing oppression, it did seem more conducing in the case of extreme and inevitable necessity, to betake themselves to the protection of a most potent Prince, and make use of his help, than inevitably precepitate the remainder of the Kingdom.  
Neither are the Hungarians the first who have implored Ottoman assistance in their defence: Henry and Fredirick, Brethren to the King of Castil, in the time of Pope Clement the 4th, when associate with the Sons of Conradus, did call the Saracens by Sea and Land, not to defend their Country, but to expel the French from Italy. Maximilian of Austria, that he might repel Force carried on against him, but especially that he might destroy the Venetian Commonwealth, was active to procure the Turks assistance; Francis the first of France, when he perceived the ambition and dangerous Power of Charles the fifth, did not question the accepting help from the Turk; neither was it unglorious in our time, for the famous State of Polonia to call the Tartars to their defence against Christians.  
Let therefore the Christian World judge by the foresaid Reasons, whether the Hungarian Nation, of a most free constitution, privileged by their fundamental Laws, with a share of Supreme Power, reserving, in conferring Government, natural Liberty, exempt from Regal Authority (viz. to resist the King in a case) hath acted iniquiously in submitting themselves to the illustrious Ottoman Sovereignty, engaging by Imperial Faith, the restoration of Liberty, the security of Religion, Life and Honour, and maintenance of all Privileges.  
As for myself who am by offspring and descent a Hungarian, originally the same with that Nation, and do acknowledge myself to be erected to a Princely Throne of an Hungarian Dominion, by God the founder of Kingdoms, and placed as it were on a Watch-Tower, to manage the defence of Civil and Religious Priviviledges, and repel, according to my Power, Injuries inferred against a most free people, without evidence of any just Cause.  
These causes and respects prompted me to lay hold on Righteous and Necessary Arms, to restore Liberty, and reduce oppressed exiles: Therefore let no discreet and sober person admire my undertaking the Righteous cause of a most renowned Nation, especially of my own Blood. My scope is, that an once most Flourishing Kingdom may be by the help of divine Benignity restored to desired Tranquillity, and a most free Nation to the immortal Liberty of their Ancestors; it is most Righteous and Conform to Reason, to defend Liberty violate against Faith, right being granted by express Laws, It is just to undertake a defensive War for Friends and Relations violently afflicted, the Universal relation of Mankind were a reason of itself sufficient for granting assistance; neither is the right of Humane Society suffocate, when Kings exerce injuries approvable by no Righteous and Discreet person, against free Subjects.  
Moreover I admonish and exhort, yea, I beseech and obtest all Ranks in Hungary to join with me in Righteous and Pious Arms, for endeavouring the reduction of Liberties, Glory to former splendour, by Glorious Achievements, and concording Unity: Let the virtue of our Predecessors possess our Souls, who with their Blood, who with their Lives did defend their Liberties. There is need of constant and vigorous resolution in affairs of such consequence, and what is remaining must be committed to Divine disposal, which hath Crowned bypast undertake and exploits for recovering Liberty with most Blessed events.  
Here is no private controversy nor question about Romish Religion which hath the advantage of the same Privilege with the Evangelic or reform, our dispute is for our Country, our Lives, our Fortunes, our Honours, and the whole Nations Glory. They are Hunting unjust Dominion, your Blood and Fortunes; pursue your Liberty, which no good man, no virtuous man, no noble or generous man will lose but with his Life.  
For my part, I am conscious of Human frailty, nor am I without consideration of Fortune's force, I acknowledge all my undertake subject to a Thousand various incidents, but having satisfaction and security of Conscience in serenity and composure of Spirit, by God's assistance I undertake your defence, proposing nothing to myself but interest of public safety; without hesitation I expect prosperous progress, and a Blessed period.  
But if any shall betake themselves to the adverse party, to advance their Country's overthrow, their own temerity, trespass and error shall be liable, not I, to any censure, if deserved punishment shall accompany their contumacy: But I hope, and am confident, all ranks and conditions shall direct their counsels, thoughts and undertake, to the safety, enlargement and interest of their Country. By Blood our Ancestors at first did come to peaceable possession of their Liberties, which since by blood hath been secured and maintained, and now remains its vindication and recovery from oppression and eversion, to be attained and effectuated by Blood.  
I shall be sufficiently remunerate, abundantly honoured, if in enjoying Liberty, I shall see my Country's relief; or in case of overthrow, my right hand patronising Liberty, shall fall among the Carcases of my Countrymen, and my Soul freed from guilt, be removed to a better Country.  
The Lord God of Hosts, the Just and Omnipotent God, Bless from the Highest our sincere and lawful endeavours; be the orderer of all our actings and counsels, dispose and engage minds alienate and dissentient to sincere concord; confirm the strong, encourage the faint-hearted, effectuate the undertaking and terminating of all may tend to the everlasting Glory of his Name, the restitution of overturned Liberties, the peace and tranquillity of an afflicted People, to the private and public felicity of all and every one. Amen.   

A true Copy of the Compact and Conditions, betwixt the Emperor of the Turks, and the Hungarian Male-coontents.  
THe great Emperor of the Turks, upon the following conditions constitute, and to be performed on both Parts, hath received in protection, the Hungarians, who have suffered extreme violence.  
If the Kingdom of Hungary, rend from the House of Austria, shall become Tributary, shall yearly pay the same too, and ever continue in Faith and Obedience towards the Ottoman Port (or Court) which the Hungarians oblige themselves to perform, Hostages being yearly to be sent to the foresaid Port, for the ratification of the same.  
The Emperor of the Turks hath bound himself by Oath, to restore the Hungarians to former Liberty by strong Hands, to repel all violence which may be carried on against them by others, and to protect them.  
Above all, that he shall exact no tribute from the Hungarians, until the affairs of Hungary be reduced to good condition, all Tumults being appeased  
That he shall draw to himself no Town or Fortress of the Hungarians; that he shall disturb none in their Liberty Ecclesiastic nor Politic; that he shall allow unto all, the free Exercise of their Religion; that he shall give Power to erect and repair Churches, Schools, and Parioches; and to choose a Prince of their own Nation, whom they shall judge sufficient, the suffrages of the Nations Inhabitants agreeing thereto, no Foreign, beings to be forcibly obtruded.  
All this is contained in the Ach-nam of the great Emperor of the Turks, that is: in the Obligatory Letters given to the Hungarians, corroborate by his own Hand and the Authentic Seal Imperial, which the present Prince of Transilvania hath with himself, as to whom, the whole affair of the Kingdom of Hungary is committed, to be decided, by open War, or pacification with the Emperor of the Romans.   
FINIS.  

LONDON: Printed by J. Grantham. 1682.