An Account of the Standard in General.  
THE Standard is a Rich Embroydery of Gold and Silver; the Characters upon the Green Ground embroidered with Gold, the Border upon a read Ground Interwoven with Flowrings of Silver: The Middle part richly embroidered with Gold upon a read Ground. The Characters woven into the Ground: The length of the Standard from the Point to the Staff, is 12 Roman Palms; the breadth of the whole, 8 Palms, the breadth of the Green, one Palm and two Inches; the breadth of the Narrow read Border, eight Inches: At the top of the Staff is a gilded Ball, and two Rings under it, for two Strings of Green Silk to run in, to keep the Standard steady, and to secure it against the Wind.  
According to the Impression at the Minerva at Rome.   

A true Representation of The GRAND VISIRS STANDARD, taken at VIENNA, by the most gnvincible John the III● king of POLAND, And by his majesty sent to his holiness INNOCENT the X● with the true Interpretation of the arabic words artificially Interwoven in the said Standard, with an account of the Standard in general. The Interpretation of the words in the vpper part of the Standard, God hath certainly decre'd amost Glorious victory unto us, and all thy sins past& to come, are graciously pardoned by his favour. mahomet) omar) direct thee in the right way in the middle of the Standard, There lives no other god but the god of mahomet Embassr. of god there lives no other god of mahome● Embassr. of god in the lower part of the Standard, Abubacher& god assist thee with a powerful hand, From them only is derived peace& security into the hearts of the faithful to the end that our faith increase in them( omar)( omar) to the perfecting of their faith, the armies of heaven& earth belong to god.   


The most heroic and Victorius. John the IIId. KING of POLAND etc.  
London printed for T. Malthus at the Sun in the poult F. H. Van. hove ●●Sculp    

scanderbag Redivivus.  
AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE& ACTIONS Of the most Victorious Prince JOHN III. K. of Poland: CONTAINING An Exact and Succinct Series of Affairs from his Cradle, to this Present Day; With a particular Account of the many Great and Signa● Victories obtained by Him against the TURKS, from the time he was first made Crown-General, and afterward Elected King of Poland.  
Dedicated to the Lord Landsdowne, Coun●● of the HOLY EMPIRE.  
London, Printed by H. C. for Tho. Malth●● at the Sun in the poultry, 1684.   

To the Right Honourable, Charles, Lord Lands-down( Eldest Son of the Right Honourable, the Earl of Bath, and) for his late Signal Services against the Turks, Created Count GREENVILLE of the Empire, by his Imperial Majesty.  
My Lord,  
THE Pictures of Celebrated Beauties may surprise, and be very acceptable to Strangers; but those that have the opportunity to approach a Charming Face, where Nature triumphs over Art, by displaying a thousand Graces that defy the imitation of a Pencil; will readily discover the Imperfections of a Shadow, and perceive how far short the draft falls of the Original. This Consideration were enough to deter me from presenting your Honour with these Memoirs of the most August and heroic King of Poland, whose Sparkling Virtues you have had the Happiness to view and contemplate near hand, and in their Direct Rays, and therefore can scarce without indignation behold them thus dully represented at distance in Broken ideas, and as it were but by Refraction of their Illustrious Beams.  
The Glorious achievements of this Mighty King are the Happiness of Our Present Age, and will be the Wonder and Envy of those to come, as well as the Reproach of times past; for I must avow, I have not met with any Hero mentioned in History, Ancient or Modern( those immediately conducted by a Divine Spirit, and Miraculous Power, excepted) whose Actions being put in balance, will not have reason to blushy at the Comparison.  
To do him Right in a just History, will require another Livy, or a second Thuanus; in the mean time, not to be altogether wanting in those acknowledgements which the whole Christian World owes to his Merit, I have adventured this short Essay, the rude Lineaments of a most Noble Figure left to be perfected and polished at leisure by Abler Artists, the measure of some Footsteps of this Christian Hercules, whereby skilful Mathematicians may guess( and but guess; for they can never comprehend) the full dimensions of the Vast Body of his Worth. And I thought I could not address it to any Patronage more properly than to lay it at your Lordships Feet, who are able to correct, and by your own Personal Knowledge supply the Defects of the Relation; whose signal Services upon the Place, and near this most Illustrious Prince, have rendered you famous throughout Europe, by particular Marks of Honour, deservedly conferred from the Imperial Majesty.  
Valour and loyalty are Qualities inherent in the Greenviles; Nothing could be added to that Paternal Stock of Renown you inherit, but by spreading it further in Regions remote▪ Nor could your Lordship have an ampler Theatre whereon to display your Early Gallantry, or a more Noble Cause to engage in, than for the common Safety of Christendom, at a time when so many Kingdoms and Estates did with weary Eyes, and trembling Hearts expect the Issue.  
That Almighty God may inspire all Christian Princes with a just and mutual Charity, to unite against the Common Enemies of our most Holy Religion, and root out Infidelity and profaneness, shall always the Prayer, and that your Honour would pardon the Presumption of this Address, is the present Request of  
Your Lordships Most Humble Servant, H. G.   

scanderbag the Second; OR, The Life of the present King of Poland.  

CHAP. I.  
The Introduction and Seasonableness of the History: An Account of this Noble Family of the Sobieski, and the Parents of this Illustrious Prince.  
THE Stupendious achievements of the present King of Poland, his incomparable Valour, joined with an equal Prudence of Conduct, and( through the favour of Providence) attended with answerable Success, has afforded Matter of general Discourse and Admiration: and the Obligations he has lately laid upon all Christendom, in repelling the barbarous incursions of the mahometans, threatening, like an impetuous Torrent, to overflow Germany; after which, no Christian Kingdom or State could have promised itself security from that terrible Inundation; as it must in point of Gratitude, have excited all this part of the world to pay the just Tribute of their Praises to his immortal famed; so it cannot but have jnspir'd them with curious desires to be acquainted with the whole History of that Illustrious Hero: For who can be but impatient to know the first Bloomings of a three which has yielded such happy Fruit, and to the Shade of whose prosperous Arms( next the Divine Protection) they owe their Repose, To inquire after the past Actions of his Life, as well as the present which have been performed on the public Theatre; to understand the Family he derives from( since rarely extraordinary Branches grow up but from eminent Roots; and Streams usually relish of the Fountain whence they proceed.) To trace the progress of his younger years, and those signal Services whereby he deserved before he wore a Crown; for Sovereignty, which in almost all other Kingdoms is( under God) the designation of Nature, by Chance of Birth, is there the sole Guerdon or Reward of superlative Merit, where( as of old at Rome) there is no arriving at the chief Temple of Honour, but by passing through That of the highest virtue.  
My Endeavour therefore shall be to gratify such a just and becoming Curiosity, by Publishing the entire memoirs of this most Excellent Prince hitherto; and though I am sensible such have been his astonishing Actions, as may be apt in after-times to render whoever attempts his History, suspected of Flattery or Romance( since there want not some sceptics, who causelessly think all the mighty Exploits of Alexander the Great, to be only the Fumes of graecian rhetoric, and worthy of no more solid Credit than the Fictions of Poets, or more modern Extravagancies of Pomish Legends) yet I am relieved against such Censures, by Publishing these Memorials in the same Age wherein the Wonders therein Recorded, were Transacted, and dare appeal to all the World as Witnesses, whilst the Ottoman Port trembles to behold her Crescent Moon forced by the bright Northern Star into a waning Posture; whilst the Plains of Caminick retain yet a Vermilion Die from the Blood of vanquished Infidels, and Vienna's relieved Walls are all hung round with glorious Trophies of his Victories, it must be the highest Effrontery as well as Ingratitude for any to go about to lessen his Renown, since it cannot be done but by opposing such notorious Truths.  
This Valiant Prince is descended both by the Paternal and Maternal Line, of as ancient Noble Families as most in Poland; his Father being James Sobiesky Castellan of Cracovia, a person no less eminent for Abilities in Affairs of State, than for his Courage and Conduct in the Field; who was employed in the year 1621. as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of that Crown upon a Treaty of Peace, which by his Prudence and Address was happily concluded upon honourable terms with the Sultan Osman; and distinguished himself by his Merit on many other important Occasions, and after several great Services faithfully performed for his country, exchanged this transitory Life for Immortality, in the Year of our Lord 1646.  
His Mother was one of the Daughters of Stanislaus Zoltiewski, Grand Chancellor, and General of the Crown, who bravely fought that memorable battle of Cicora, on the 19th. of September, 1620. And tho he was again five times attacked by the Turks on the Second of October following, yet he gallantly repulsed them, till at last being overpowered with Numbers, and abandoned by his Followers, he was slain, most courageously fighting amongst the thickest Troops of the Infidels, on the 6th. of the same Month, and in the 73. Year of his Age.  
His Grand-Child, the illustrious Theme of our History, and the worlds present Wonder, was but a younger Brother, yet gave in his early Youth all the blooming Presages of a growing Hero; to further which, his careful Parents were not wanting to cultivate his greener Years to the best advantage, allowing him an Education suitable to his Birth and Hopes; wherein he made a quick, yet solid Progress, endeavouring to surmount the Glories of his Ancestors by an acquisition of the most commendable Qualities; for after he had imbibed all the Learning which his country afforded, and was become well acquainted with the Learned Languages, the latin Tongue being there almost in as frequent use as the Vulgar; he travelled to enrich himself with Foreign Experience and Accomplishments, and came into France with his Elder Brother Mark, who afterwards( having given most signal Testimonies of his Courage) was unfortunately slain by the Turks at the Defeat of Betow.  
During his Stay at Paris, he diligently applied himself to the best Exercises, as frequenting the Academies, Fencing, the Menage, &c. And tho then but young, did by his prudent, manly deportment, contract a great acquaintance with many persons of Prime Quality in the French Court, who regarded him with a particular Esteem: But hitherto he was only laying in a Stock of Merit and Materials for a Foundation able to bear up such a vast Superstructure of Gallantry, which in his active mind he had already designed; and therefore thinking it long till he might be actually serviceable to his country, after he had taken not a superficial view only of the fairest Parts of Europe, but thoroughly considered their Manners and Interests, their Laws, and Military Discipline, their Strength, Defects, Polities, Obligations, entanglements, and in a word, all that is necessary for a Person of Quality to observe in his Travels, he hastened home; where after several Specimens of his Valour and Discretion, in quality of a Senator, he was by the then King Cassimir, made first Grand Master of the Crown, Aug. 24, 1665. and afterwards( in 1667) Grand General of the Realm, and Grand Master of the Kings household, Palatine of Cracovia, &c, on the several occasions and Traverses of affairs herein after mentioned.  
But first for the Readers better apprehending the Nature of these Honours and Preferments, and of many other Passages which we shall have on to mention in the Sequel of this Work; it will be requisite for him in general to be somewhat acquainted with the particular Constitution of the Goverumens, and past History of that Kingdom.   

CHAP. II.  
The Kingdom of Poland, and its Laws and Customs described; with a brief Deduction of the State thereof for some Hundreds of Years past.  
POland is generally agreed to take its Name from Pole or Poln, which in the Sclavonian Language signifies a Plain, or place proper for the Chase: For that the country is there Composed of vast campaign and level Woods, very fit for Hunting; but Orichovius( himself a Polander) denies this Derivation, and tells us 'twas first called Polachia, from Lachus, their first King or Leader. This Country, as it has now annexed the Great Dukedom of Lithuania, and other Provinces, may be numbered amongst the largest Kingdoms of Europe, extending from about the 48th. degree of Latitude, unto the 57th, and from the 38th. of Longitude, unto the 60th. making in the whole a much greater Continent than France: Being bounded on the East, for the most part by Muscovy, and in some places by the Petite Tartars. Towards the South the Carpathian Mountains, and the River Neister divide it from Hungary, Transylvania, and Moldavia. On the West, it borders on Germany, and touches on the baltic Sea; and on the North they have Livonia( belonging to the Crown of Sweden) and part of Muscovy.  
The Air of this Country is pure, and the Soil fruitful. The chief Commodities are Furs, Honey, Wax, Buff-Hides, and other Skins, Masts for Ships, and other Timber for Building, Flax, Pot-Ashes, all sorts of Grain, and Rye in abundance, whereby it hath made the City of Dantzick famous. The Nobility and Gentry are free, magnificent, and very tenacious and jealous of their Liberties; but the Peasants or Common People are no better than Slaves; so much subjection they are in to their Lords, who treat them with the greatest Tyranny in the World; their Lives being assessed at a certain Price; and accordingly a Gentleman there valves his Servants or Tenants, that is, if any of his Neighbours kill one of them, paying such a Rate, there's an end of the Business. The public established Religion is Roman catholic, tho the Light of the Reformation darted thither its Beams from Germany; but the good Seed faling into an ill Ground, the Ignorance of the Inhabitants being very great, and no public Care taken for regulating or encouraging the Purity of Doctrine amongst them, and the Papists, being willing to connive at, if not promote extravagant Opinions;( that they the more might have somewhat wherewith to upbraid Protestants) several Heterodox Opinions have long since there taken footing: but above the rest Socinianism; an Instance whereof, is the Cracovian Catechism; other Books deriving their Original from thence: Their Language is a Dialect of the Sclavonian; but most of them do also speak latin.  
As to the Government, 'tis the only Kingdom or Royalty( under which Term I intend not to include the Empire) that is at this day Elective in Europe; for tho the Crown of Denmark were generally so for many Ages, till in the Year 1660. the Senate of that Kingdom were made( or forced) to alter it, yet now his Majesty of Denmark writes himself Hereditary King of Denmark, as well as of Nerway.  
'tis commonly believed, that the first People( of whom we have any Records left) entering Poland, were the Huns and Sclavonians, whom, Orichorius says, came from about Macedonia, and yet retain in their vulgar Tongue some relish of the Greek Language; and that they having driven thence the Suevi and Goths, and other People who were possessed of all that Tract of Land from the River Vistula, even to the Elb; at last one Lechus,( or rather Lachus) made himself their Chief, about the Year of our Lord 350, and commenced the Monarchy of Poland; from whom there are reckoned 14 Princes to Miesko( or Micislas) who began his Dominion, Anno 964. and was the first Christian Duke of that Country, being Baptized upon his Marriage with a Daughter of Boleslas Duke of Bohemia, the 7th. of March, 965.  
To this Micislas, his Son, name Boleslas, succeeded in the Year 999. and was by the Emperor Otho the 3d. ( going to visit the Tomb of St. Adelbert, whom those of Prussia had slain) Created King. After whom came Micislas the Second, Father of Casimir the First; followed by his Son Boleslas the Second, surnamed The Cruel; for that he put to Death Stanislaus Bishop of Cracovia; for punishment whereof, Poland lost the Title of a Kingdom; and was governed by several Princes or Regents, till it again recovered the Quality of a Realm under King Primislaus, about the Year 1295. To whom succeeded Ladislas the Third; who after four years was expelled; and Vinceslas, King of Bohemia, chosen in his room; but after five years Ladislas was re-established; and next came Casimir the Third, called The Great.  
After whom, Lewis King of Hungary, being chosen King of Poland, left two Daughters; the younger of which, being declared Queen, Married wirh Jagellon Great Duke of Lithuania, who, upon these Espousals, being Baptized( for before he was a Pagan) was accepted for King, and his Countreys were united to the Kingdom of Poland, about the Year 1386. He at his christening taking the Name of Ladislas; who had for his Successors Ladislas the Fourth, and Ladislas the Fifth, King of Hungary, and Casimir the Fourth, and John Albertus, and Alexander and sigismond the first and second: Which last dying without Children, in the Year 1572. the Polanders choose Henry Duke of Anjou( second Son of King Henry the Second of France) who was crwoned Febr. 15, 1574. But that Prince being advised of the Death of his Brother Charles the 9th. quitted his Elective Crown of Poland, to take up that of France, falling to him by Inheritance, in the Year 1576.  
After whose Recess, the Poles not agreeing in their Election, one Party name Stephen Batheri, Prince of Transilvania; and the other Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria; which occasioned a War between them, But the First carried it, and died without Issue, 1586.  
Then sigismond( the Third King of Poland of that Name) Son of John, King of Sweden, was chosen to the Throne; soon after which, his Father dying, he was also crwoned King of Sweden; but having been secretly bread by his Mother( who was a Papist) in her Religion( unknown to his Father, who was a zealous Protestant) and he having upon his Election to the Diadem of Poland, made public Profession of the Roman catholic Religion, the States of Sweden, upon their Receiving and Crowning him King, obliged him to Conditions of maintaining their then received Religion( which was as still it is, the Lutheran persuasion) and that he should no way endeavour the introducing of Popery; which Articles he soon after violating, by erecting, or suffering Popish Churches, and placing Roman catholics to be Governors of Castles, Forts, and Places of Importance and Trust, whereby they perceived his Resolutions to bring in upon them that Religion; they revolted, and accusing him of Breach of Faith, &c. proceeded to depose him, and set up his Unkle Charles( the Third Son of his Grandfather Gustavus Errickson) in his stead.  
Hence arose the Foundation of feuds and Wars between Poland and Sweden; sigismond prosecuting his Claim and Pretensions, and Charles justifying his Election; which Quarrel descended to their Posterity; for sigismond dying in the Year 1632. Ladislaus his Eldest Son followed; who also departing this Life in 1648. his Brother Casimir was chosen, who Reigned Twenty Years, and then( as we shall show more at large in the following Pages) voluntarily surren● dring the Crown, Michael Corib●● Wiesnowiski was chosen King of Poland, and he dying in 1673. this Joh● Sobietski by his Merits, and those extraordinary Services he had rendre● his country, was unanimously Elected King.  
I thought it not unnecessary to give this short Deduction, since it may very much serve to illustrate after-Passages; as also it will be convenient to acquaint the Reader, That the Kings of Poland being thus Elective, are very much restrained and limited in their Power; some Authors telling us, That the King takes an Oath not only to Govern according to the Laws, Statutes and Customs of the Kingdom, to maintain the Rights and privileges of every Order, and not to diminish the Revenues of the Realm; but also that there is a Clause in his Oath, amounting to the Absolving of the People from their Obedience in case he Rule otherwise: But as the latter seems strange, and yet is no more than what ●n effect is contained in the Aurea Bulla, or Fundamental Law of Germa●y, in relation to the Emperor, and ●herefore may probably be true; yet ●n the form of the old Oath of the ●olish Kings, published by Orichovius, 〈◇〉 do not find any mention of it. However, this is on all hands agreed, That by the ancient Constitution, Laws and Customs of that Kingdom, the King can do nothing considerable without the consent of the Estates; and that he must in making Peace or War, levying of Taxes, alienating Lands belonging to the Crown, or ought else of importance to the Commonwealth, have the advice and concurrence of the Senate.  
As the Nobles have such an influence on the supreme Government, so subordinately they assume( or have formerly done it) a greater pow● than they allow to their King hi● self; for in their several and respectiv● countries, they behave themselves 〈◇〉 absolute Lords; the Realm being d●vided into Thirty four Palatinates 〈◇〉 Governments; each of which has u●der him Castelains, that is to say, Ca●tains or Governors of Cities; of who● there are in Poland in all about t●● number of 87.  
As for their Grand Ecclesiastick● they have two Archbishops, viz. 〈◇〉 Gnesna and Leopold( there was fo● merely another at Riga, till that Cit● fell under the Swede.) The Arch-B●shop of Gnesna is the prime Senator 〈◇〉 State, and upon the Death of a King he hath the chief Management of A●fairs, and issues out Precepts for th● Election of a new Prince, and adm●nisters the Oaths to him when he i● chosen.  
Their most important Affairs are ●●solved on and determined in Diets 〈◇〉 Parliaments held after this manner; ●he King by his Chancellor sends to the ●relates and Palatines his Letters called ●●structionis Literae[ Letters of Instru●tion] which mention the Matters ●●at his Majesty will propose to the Assembly, and appoints the Time of ●heir Meeting; which Letters being received, each of the Senators ●onsiders in particular the Nature, the Quality, and the Consequences of ●hose things, touching which he has liberty to give his Vote as he pleases, ●ither in reference to the public Good, or his Private Interest.  
But besides this, the King also sends his Letters into every Palatinate, acquainting them when the noblesse is to assemble; and willing them to choose one or more Representatives of their Province, whom they called Land-Nuntio's; and for this purpose, they have a Convention held in each County, called The Landt-Jag, si● weeks before the Session of the Diet● at which a Commissioner from the King is present, who declares wha● is to be debated in the ensuing Parliament on his Majesties part: Upo● which they deliberate, and then choose Members for their several Provinces, giving them their Instructions( which they must exactly follow) in reference to the Kings Desires, and withall a Liberty to propound what they shall find conducible to the Good o● their country.  
Now this distinct Body of nuntios tho less in dignity than the Senate, ye● equal to them in Authority, is a balance to the Senators, controlling o● them, if from the Bounty or Temptations of the King, they should prove corrupted or byassed to the endangering of their Liberties. And therefore they generally choose the most prudent and sufficient Persons to that Trust; and indeed they had need be wise; for such is their Constitution, That if in the Diet, upon any Debate, there shall happen but one single Gentleman( be he Senator or Nuntio) to dissent, and obstinately persist therein, nothing can be Concluded by all the rest on that Point; and therefore all their Determinations are made with an unanimous Suffrage, or( as they commonly express it) Nemine reclamant.  
Besides the Palatinates, the Cities of Cracow, Dantzick and Vilna, have the privilege to sand their Deputies to the Diet, who have Seats in the Chamber of the Nobles: But ordinary Affairs are heard and dispatched by Judges established in each Palatinate, and the Burgraves of each City, where it is permitted to all sorts of Persons to be present; as also in their Provincial Assemblies; so that the meanest Peasant may, if he please, know all. The King's Chief Revenue arises from Salt-pits, and the Mines of Copper and led, and in some places Silver. He has the Nomination of Prelates, and all Dignities of the Realm, and the Officers of War, of the Exchequer, o● Justice, and of Policy.  
The Highest Honours are these; of the Grand Marshal of the Crown, Grand Master of the King's household, the Grand Chancellor, &c.   

CHAP. III.  
The Marriage of Sobiesky, and his Advancement to the Charges of Grand Marshal, and General of the Crown; wherein occasionally is given a Brief Account of the Reign of King Casimir, and the manner of his Resigning the Crown.  
THough the great Sobiesky began early to devote his Services to Mars, yet he escaped not the sweet en●anglements of Cupid; Love and Arms ●sually intermix the Stories of Heroes: ●or as Valour is the Property of Ele●ated Souls, and a constant Inhabi●ant of the most Generous Breasts, so ●re they the most susceptible of the Noblest Passions: Nor is it to be ●eckoned amongst the least of his ●ood Fortunes, That in his Youth he made so brave a Conquest as the Heart of Madam Arquiem, one of the most Considerable Ladies in the Polish Court, both for Quality, Beauty, and Fortune; 'twas the Charming idea o● his brave Person and virtues made the first Impressions on her Soul, and she had not been wanting to testifion several Occasions, that his Addresses were not displeasing to her, bu● rather gave him sufficient grounds to promise himself the Happiness of he● Favour.  
But she being one of the Queen Ladies of Honour, Her Majesty proposed her for a Match to the prince Zomoski( one of the greatest Palatines of that Kingdom) and in th● absence of Sobieski prevailed so fa● on the Lady, being then very young and ashamed to own her pre-engagement, that she was Married to tha● Prince: But he Living not long, sh● being then at Liberty to pursue he own Inclinations, was shortly after Espoused to Sobieski, bringing him a Beauty more advanced, together with ●he accession of a vast Dowry added ●o her proper Fortunes; by which Alliance Heaven has blessed him with several Children, and particularly Prince Alexander, of whom we shall have occasion anon to speak further, ●he having already signalized himself, and shown the World that he resolves to follow the steps of his Gallant Father; nor indeed can any but a Prince of his promising Merit be fit to support and advance that Mighty Glory to which he is Apparent Heir.  
The 24th. of August, 1665. Castmir, then King of Poland, thought fit to give Sobieski the Office of Grand Marshal of the Crown, in the room of Lubomirski, then discharged of that Office for his Rebellion in Heading the Party called The Confederates, which was like to have destroyed the Polish Kingdom; and concerning the Original of which it will not be unfit here to give a brief Account.  
Casimir being Elected Anno 1648. to the Crown, did, by a Dispensation from the Pope, mary the Relict of his Brother and Predecessor Ladislaus, a French Lady, and of an● enterprising Temper, whose afterintermedlings in Affairs of State, and Endeavours to promote a French Successor, is thought to have much contributed to the Disturbances and Miseries of that Kingdom: But its first Calamities arose from an Invasion made by Charles Gustavus, King of Sweden, about the Year 1655. To which he was disposed, partly by his marshal Temper, and that Feud that had long been between them, by reason of the Kings of Poland's Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden; and partly, as excited by Ragieski, late Vice-Chancellor of Poland, who having Married a Young and very Beautiful Lady, the King, who was Naturally Amorous, Courted her, and they long had an Intrigue together, till Ragieski at last perceiving it, carried away his Wife from Court to a covetous at a distance: The King incensed to be thus deprived of his Mistress, Commands him back to Court, under pretence to render His Majesty the Services which the Duty of his Office required: But soon after, he was Accused of Caballing against the Interests of the State, and holding Intelligence with the Enemies of the Crown; and notwithstanding all the Opposition of the Arch-Bishop of Gnesna, Primate of the Realm, in his Favour, Condemned to lose his Place, Forfeit his Goods, and be for ever banished. The Parents and Kindred of this Noble-man Murmured aloud at this procedure, and many others stuck not to say, that the Dignity, privileges, and Honour of the whole Nobility were violated in his Person, and so became dis-affected towards the King, whilst Ragieski himself taking shelter in Sweden, knew he could no way better ingratiate there, than by discovering the Weaknesses of Poland, and the Di●contents that were amongst its Gran●dees.  
All which made such Impression on the King of Sweden, that notwithstanding there was a Truce depending, he entred Poland with a Formi● dable Army, and like a Whirlwin● he forced his Passage, took the Capital Cities, Warsaw and Cracow, an● over-run the whole Kingdom, ma● of the Palatines and Chief Lord espousing his Party, so that King Ca●simir was forced to fly to the Border almost generally deserted, only th● City of Dantzick persisted in u● movable Loyalty; and to their Fide● lity next under God, Casimir owe● the Recovery of his Kingdom an● Crown. For Charles being not ab●● to win that City, and his soldier committing all kind of Spoils an● Cruelties, the Poles began to forsak● him and return to their Duty. Kin● Casimir gathered up an Army able to make Head against the Enemy, and having worsted them in several Conflicts, and the Dane at the same time falling upon the Swedish Territories at home, that King was fain to disgorge his Conquests as fast as he had gained them, and Casimir was quickly not only re-established in his Dominio●s, but to chastise the Great Czar, who had Assisted the Swede, carried the War successfully and with mighty Devastations into Muscovy, and obliged them to an advantageous Peace.  
Affairs being brought to this Happy Calm, the King having no Issue, nor like to have any, the Queen-being a passionate Advancer of the French Interest, as being her Native country, moved the King to procure a Successor Nominated in his Life time, and strongly Endeavoured that the Duke D'Enguien, only Son of the Prince of Conde, might be the Man, and mary her niece, the Daughter of the Princess Pallatine: Nor were the French Pistols wanting to dispose the Court-party to that Choice. Th● extremely irritated others of th● Nobles to oppose such a Design amongst whom Lubomirski was th● Chief, with whom a strong Part● joined, that called themselves Th● Confederates: But after several Traverses of War, and Treaties between them, he was put to the worst; hi● Place of Grand Marshal taken from him, and he forced to Retreat to Breslaw in Silesia, where he afterward dyed of a palsy in Jan. 1666/ 7.  
In the mean time his Office o● Grand Marshal was( as you hav● heard) conferred upon Sobieski, and soon after the Crown-General Potos●● departing this Life, that Importan● Charge was also committed unto him though many opposed it, alleging that it was not fit two such great Trusts, as Marshal and General should both be managed by one Person, and therefore would have had the same enjoyed by Prince Demetrius, a Prince of great Interest and Merit. But indeed the Exigencies of Poland at that time required no less than the incomparable Valour of Sobieski to Relieve them; For the Cossacks( who are a People composed of many Strangers of several Nations, but the Gross of them consists of Polish Peasants, who to avoid the Servitude of the Nobles, have abandoned their country, and withdrawn themselves into the Ukrain, a Province bordering on the Turks and Tartars, plentifully abounding with all things necessary for human Life; where they follow the Greek Church, as to Religion, and have a Patriarch of their own, Residing at the strong and great City of Kioff: They aclowledge themselves generally Subjects to the King of Poland, and serve him in repelling the Incursions of the Infidels without any Pay, being always in Arms for their own Security, but their Resentment is so violent against the Nobles, and the ill will of the latter so great against them, to reduce them to an entire Vassalage, that they are frequently in Arms on against the other.) These Cossacks, 〈◇〉 say, having now joined with the Tartars, and promised Assistance from the Turks, Invaded the Frontiers with great Spoils, taking the Town o● Podhays, and blocked up Russe-Lemberg against whom General Sobieski advan●cing about Sept. 1667. was by reason of their numbers reduced to grea● streights, they having surrounded him with their Army, but Animating hi● Men by his Exemplary Courage, h● issued out upon them with a great slaughter of the Enemy, and little loss on his side; and so not only quitted himself of those disadvantages but brought them to conclude a Treaty on the Terms following. First as to the Tartars:  
1. That there should be an Amnesty for all things done in the late War, till the Signing of the Treaty.  
2. That if any Differences should for the future arise, they should not presently return to Arms, but endeavour to Reconcile them by their Envoys.  
3. The Sultan Gilga, in the Name of the Cham of Tartary his Master, Engaged himself to be an Enemy to all such as should make War upon the Poles, and to Assist them with Forces when-ever required, for which the Poles were to pay them a Yearly Penston, and for so doing to give Hostages, until the States( which were to be Assembled about January following) should have raised Money for their present satisfaction.  
4. That the Cham should not Quarter any of his Forces in Ukrania, or any other part of the King of Poland's Dominions without his consent.  
5. That if any of the Foreign Forces which had been in the Army of the Cham should make any Incursions into Poland, he should neither give them Assistance nor Protection.  
6. That Prisoners on both side should be Released; and that Sultan Galga's Forces should comm● no Disorders in their Return.  
The Treaty with Doroskensko, General of the Cossacks, was thus:  
1. That they should have a General Pardon.  
2. That they should seek no other Protection than from His Majesty of Poland, and that the Pole● that live amongst them may quietly enjoy their Estates, as the Cossack should what they possessed in Poland.  
3. That the Army of Zaporanisk● may sand their Deputies to the States of Poland, and that none of His Majesties Forces should be sent into any of their Cities and Towns.  
4. That the governor of Biala-Cieurky should be Ordered not to disturb the Cossacks.  
'tis most true, that the Grand Marshal had done abundance of Illustrious Actions, which render him worthy of that Figure he has since made in the World, but it must be avowed, that this was so eminent, as it might alone have entitled him to the Reversion of that Crown, which he now enjoys with so much Glory: For in that Juncture, considering with what Conduct and fore-sight he prevented such a pressing Danger, and the Advantages of these Treaties, wherein the Honour of the King was conserved, and the Realm set at Peace, nothing could be more seasonable, or worthy of Praise.  
But still the General well knowing that the Tartars are a People that use not to be very much slaves to their words, and that without doubt they had some amongst them, which in their March homeward, would Ramble abroad to Plunder, put himself in the Head of a Party of Horse to observe their Motions, and finding a Detachment of them near Jarnipolis beginning to Pillage, came suddenly upon them, slay divers, and force the rest to fly to their Main Body.  
The General Diet met not till Fe● 24. at Cracow, where the matter 〈◇〉 the Succession being taken into Debate, the States published a Remonstrance of the following purport.  
That whereas all the Difference and Troubles which have lately arise in this Kingdom, have sprung from no other cause than the Electio●( which some Persons intended t● have made) of a Successor to th● Crown during the Life of our present King: For the timely prevention of so great an Inconvenience. We by these Presents, Declare to th● World our dissatisfaction in that point, and that in case of an Interregnum, should His Majesty( to whom we wish a long and happy Life) depart this World, We have Covenanted and Agreed amongst ou● selves to resume and observe all and every point of the Order made concerning Elections; as also the Diploma of sigismond the Third, and in no wise to allow of or consent to any such Election during His Majesties Life, but to hold and Esteem all and every Person that shall be found to Oppose the same, as Enemies to our country. And if any Ministers of Foreign Potentates shall endeavour to advance their own Interest by Encouraging any such Election, We shall declare and proceed against them( notwithstanding the Law of Nations) as Enemies of our country. And whensoever His Majesty shall depart this Life, we shall, according to our Obligation, immediately upon the News thereof, proceed to the Election of a New King, without expecting an Universal Diet. Further declaring, that whoever shall forcibly endeavour to obtain the Crown, shall be proceeded against as a common Enemy.  
Hereupon the matter of choosing a Successor was laid aside, and during these Disputes, the Queen of Poland dyed, which together with the Discontents of that ill-regulated Government, and the perpetual Turmoils he was in, induced the King to an irrevocable Resolution to Resign the Crown, and betake himself to the Solace of a private Life. To which purpose, at a Convention of the Senators, June 12. 1668. He by his Chancellor gave in to them the following Paper.  
It is not unknown to your Lordships, That it hath been long since the intention of His Majesty, even during the Life of his Royal Consort the Queen, of Glorious Memory, but especially since Her Majesties Decease, to Resign the Government of the Kingdom. To put this Resolution into due effect, His Majesty hath only expected a convenient Season and good Opportunity, having been forced upon the account of the late Confederation, the Wars with the Muscovites abroad, and the Commotions at home, to defer the Execution thereof until now. For as much as it was to be feared, that during these Disturbances and Unsettlements, the republic might be highly endangered by an Inter-Regnum: But now, since by the Divine Goodness, Peace appears again at home, and a Truce is concluded with the Muscovite, His Majesty is fully Resolved with all convenient speed to execute his said Intention; to which he is induced upon sundry private Considerations, and particularly by his great Indisposition of Body, which disables him any longer to support the burden of this Kingdom: His own Conscience also requiring some interval of Retirement between the Cares of Government and the end of his Life. But above all, having especial regard to the public Peace and Prosperity, since His Majesty finds, that to break the Malice of those Men, who by misrepresenting his good Intentions, continually perplex the republic with the Jealousies of a forcible Election, he cannot but by his own demissie give them this certain mark of h● Royal Affection by leaving them 〈◇〉 an entire exercise of a Free Choice.  
For these Reasons His Majesty after Mature Deliberation, Declare That he will Resign the Crown in●● the hands of the republic, wit● out Reflecting on the Counsels 〈◇〉 your Lordships and the several F●reign dissuasions from this Resoltion: For His Majesty hath not no● Assembled your Lordships to as your Advice whether he should R●sign or not, since he means not all to submit his firm and irrevoc●ble Resolution to any Arbitramen● nor to harken to any Considerat●ons or entreaties that can be offere● to the contrary, but only that 〈◇〉 might advice with you about th● Manner and Solemnity of his R●signation, that so this Work may b● done with most Advantage for th● safety of the republic, the sec●rity of the Peace during the into Regnum, and the greatest Freedom in the future Election.  
And to the intent His Majesty may perform what is requisite on his part for the fore-mentioned Ends, to put to shane those Malicious Persons, whose Tongues have given out, as if he had already transacted with a Foreign Prince: He is so far inclined to concur with the republic for a Free Election, that he desires not so much as to Recommend to them any one of the Candidates; and to the end his presence may not administer the least Umbrage of disturbing their Freedom, His Majesty is Resolved, during the Election, to remove from Warsaw.  
Nor will His Majesty be troublesone to the republic upon the account of his own future Interest, assuring himself, That the Commonwealth in their approaching Election, will cause to be inserted the Articles of Capitulation, That the succeeding Regent shall take due care for a fixed Maintenance of him after h● Resignation.  
And this is that which His Majesty was willing to propose to you Lordships Consideration, That you would agree on such away of R●signation as might be safe to all concernments, to himself Honourabl● and expedient for the republic Declaring, That he intends to preceded thereunto in the next Die● which he much desires may be A●sembled the first of August, to th● end, that the Solemnities of th● Inter-Regnum and the Election ma● be ended before the next Winter.  
Pursuant to this Resolution, o● the 16th. of September following, th● Estates being Assembled in the Cast● of Warsaw, King Casimir made t● them the following Speech.  

My Lords,  
YOu see at last that moment wherein your King and your Father, to consummate that affection with those of his Family, for more than two hundred years past, have had for your public Weal, finding himself too weak to support at once both the burden of Age, and of 〈…〉 Affairs, comes to remit in 〈…〉 our hands the Crown, that most precious and desirable thing amongst Mortals. Behold, I say, the time which is the Funerals of my Glory: For henceforth I am Dead to the World, and shall rather choose instead of a Royal Globe, a small Turf of Earth, wherein, with the Benevolence of the republic, I may repose amongst the Ashes of my predecessors, That it may be red in your Annals, That I whom you have so often seen in the head of your Armies, and always the last in a Retreat, am also the first that voluntarily deprived myself of tho● human Grandeurs, and surrendered t● you the Royal power, from a mo● tender Love towards my Countr● Your kindness and the free Suffrage of those present at my Election, raise me to this high degree of Majesty and my reciprocal affection induc● me to despoil myself thereof in 〈◇〉 grateful requital. My ●●esto●'s, wh● have been your Kin● ●●en by n● cessity of nature, they ●ave quitte● the Diadem, have left either Brothers or some of their Blood, who Relation and virtues have oblige● you to consider them in the ne● Election. But I for a Testimony 〈◇〉 my affection to the public, gi● up all I have received, and leave entirely to whomsoever is better ab●● to serve you. It has been my m fortune to fall into such unhapp● times, that the sovereign Dignit● wherewith you invested me, has no● only contributed innumerable Tro●bles to myself( which for you● sakes I should have endeavoured to struggle with) but given causes of Jealousies to others; I desire pardon for what has been done amiss during the time of my Reign; and that you would impute my Errors to human frailty, and wish my Successor may prove more Fortunate both to his own Concernments and those of the republic.  
And that you may be Happy in your Choice, I shall in my Solitude beseech God to Illuminate you with his Blessing on this occasion, and at present return you all the Thanks I can possibly, for the Love you have shown me, for the good Offices I have received of you, the Counsels which you have given, and the Aids and Supplies you have so liberally offered me. And thus with all the Endearments imaginable, It ache leave of you, hoping that you will not fail to conserve me in your Memory. 'Tis with these Sentiments that I give you all a Fatherly Benediction, assuring you, that if I shall happen to be at never so far a distance in Body from my Dearest country, I shall be always entirely united thereunto in Mind and all the Affections of my Soul, and hear with an extreme Joy that Kingdom to flourish and be it Repose by anothers Conduct, which under me has more than once bee● at the very brink of Destruction— I would say more, but am hindered through want of Memory, and that tenderness of my Heart, which suffers me not to speak further to you but with my Tears.   
This pathetic Speech ended( which set all the Assembly a weeping) King Casimir publicly Resigned the Crown, sceptre, and other Ensigns of Royalty, and departed in the Quality of a Private Nobleman: However the General our Generous Sobieski, with all the Nobles waited on him to his Apartment, and the States in gratitude soon after presented him with his Assurance of an Honourable Main●enance for his Life.  
WE the States Ecclesiastical and Civil, as also Inhabitants of the two Nations of Poland and Lyffland in Council Assembled, do by these Presents certify and Publish to all the World and to our Posterity, That we have humbly besought, and by all ways imaginable endeavoured to persuade John Casimir our King and Master, that he would not Relinquish that Crown, to which himself, as formerly his Ancestors, the Renowned and Mighty Kings of Poland, had been Elected, but that he would continue the Government so long as he lived. But for as much as no persuasions could induce His Majesty to alter his Resolution, but that he hath freely Resigned the Kingdom of Poland and great duchy of Lyffland, together with all their Dependencies into the Hands and free disposal of the republic; we knowing not how t● resist His Majesties Intentions herein His Majesty desired that we would make some convenient Provision fo● his future subsistence; which being a point in which we had not received the Advice of our Brethren in their Provincial Assemblies, we were ye● willing, out of our Affection to Hi● Majesty, to agree and consent to the Allowance of an Yearly Pension of 150000 liures, whereof this Kingdom to be Charged with th● Payment of One Hundred Thousand, and the great duchy o● Lyffland with Fifty Thousand, ou● of the Revenues of the Kings Table: The said Sums to be fixed and specified at the next Election. And that the Lords of the Treasury of both Nations, not attending the said specification, shall make an Allowance of the said Pension from the day of His Majesties Resignation. And this we do promise to get confirmed in our Provincial Assemblies, and to make Provision for the Security thereof by an Agreement with the succeeding King. Further Agreeing, That this Allowance both from this Kingdom and the duchy of Lyffland, shall continue during the Life of His Majesty, and to be paid fully and wholly to him, without any Abatements, Fees, or Gratifications whatsoever.   

CHAP. IV.  
Of the Election of Prince Micha● Koribut Wiesnowiski to th● Crown of Poland, and th● Eminent Services of general Sobieski during his Reign.  
KING Casimir having thus abandoned the Government, Sep● 16th. 1668. The Arch-Bishop o● Cnesna( according to his Office) applied himself to take care of th● State during the Inter-Regnum, an● appointed a General Assembly for 〈◇〉 New Election to be held at Warsa● in May following.  
In the mean time the several Candidates were busy in making the Parties: As the Son of the Grea● Duke of Muscovy( who had been bread in Poland, and spoken that Language) on whose behalf the Duke his Father offered, that he should Change his Religion, and embrace that of the Roman Communion, make a Renunciation to Muscovy, That all places formerly taken from Poland should be restored. That four Millions should be Advanced as his Free Gift for the Payment of the Arrears of the Polish Army, And that he would be Obliged to Assist Poland against all Enemies whatsoever with an Army of 40000 Men, and enter into a firm and perpetual League with them. The next was the Duke of Neuburgh, a Brother to the Duke of Bavaria, whom the Emperour seemed much to favour in his Pretensions. A Third was the Prince of lorraine, and a Fourth the Prince of Conde's Son, whom the Arch-Bishop of Gnesna and General Sobieski were thought to Favour.  
Towards the beginning of Ma● 1669. the Grandees began to Reso● to Warsaw, in Order to the approaching Election. On the first of Ma● Duke Michael Radzevil, General o● the Field in Lythuania, made his Entr● with a stately Equipage: First, Marche● five Companies of Heyduques, consisting of an hundred in each, with their Ensigns flying, and Drums beating, a●● clad in large blew Vests lined with Yellow: Then a Foot Company o● sixty in Yellow clad like janissaries followed by two Troops of Dragoon well Mounted, with blew Coats and Silver Lace; then a Troop of German Horse in excellent Accoutrements, followed by as many Hussars, and after them by 60 Gentlemen of Quality Richly Habited, with their launces after the Turkish Fashion; Then came Duke Radzevil himself, followed by above 200 of the Lords and Principal Gentry of Lythuania, all splendidly arrayed, and their Horses extraordinarily Harnessed, and among them divers of the most Ancient Nobility, as Prince Slavislaus Lubomirski, the Lord Potoski. These were followed at some distance by a great number of Gentlemen their Attendants, with their other Servants in Rich Liveries, after whom marched two Troops of Tartarian Horse, an hundred in each Troop, followed by five Troops of Dragoons in blew Coats with Silver Lace: And lastly, a full Company of Heyduques brought up the Rear.  
This Entry, though Magnificent, was much exceeded in the Afternoon by that of the Lords Pazzi, the one Great Chancellor, the other Great General of Lythuania, who had thrice their Number and Attendance.  
But all these were Eclipsed by the more Illustrious appearance, May 3d. of General Sobieski; all the Princes and Nobles doing him the Honour to meet him some Miles from the City, who was followed by a vast number of Gentlemen and Officers, and had a stately Company of janissaries( like those of the Grand signor) for his Guard in most sumptuous Habit. The Waywood of Cracovia also came Attended with a Train of above 5000 Persons.  
The Diet being begun, and the Nobles having Elected the Lord Potoski, Brother-in-Law to Prince Slavislaus Lubomirski, for their Marshal or Speaker, an Oath was proposed to, and taken by the Senators and Equestrian Order, in these terms.  
I Swear, That I neither already am, nor hereafter will be bound or engaged either by Word or Writing, to any foreigner or stranger in the Election of a Prince. That I neither already have, nor will enter into any Party or Faction, nor suffer myself to be corrupted through Gifts or Rewards by any Foreign Princes, 〈◇〉 I will not give my Vote or Suffrage for any Person but such as I shall judge fittest for the Administration of the Government of this Kingdom. And if I have formerly obliged myself to any Foreign Prince, I do hereby Renounce the said Obligation, and leave his Party.  
After this, the Diet established a Chamber or Court of Justice, composed of Senators and several Waywoods, selected Persons of the respective Provinces, who were to take care of all Affairs concerning the Crown, and to prevent Disorders which daily happened by such a vast concourse: And of this Court, Marshal Sobieski was appointed President.  
In the mean time the duchess of Muscovy happening to die, that Duke was so Afflicted therewith, that he had some thoughts of committing the Government to his Son, and so gave over his solicitations for the Crown of Poland; so that now there were only left three Parties, viz. That of the Prince of Conde, of the Duke of Neuburgh, and the Prince of lorraine, each endeavouring to exclude the other. But soon after, the nomination of the Prince of Conde was excluded by the Diet, and the Arch-Bishop of Gnesn● was openly called Traitor, and threatened to be Killed for offering to but speak in favour of the French Interest; and some Menaces were made by the Nobles to Sobieski on that Account, he being suspected a favourer of that Party, by reason of his Alliance with a French Lady, Mary de la Grange, Daughter of the Marq. of Arquiem, and widow of Prince Zomoski, as before mentioned.  
Then the Competition between the Duke of Neuburgh and the Prince of lorraine was bandied very obstinately, so that it was much feared it might occasion a rapture, and the contending Parties fall to blows: To prevent which, on the 19th. of June, the Lord Opalinski, Palatine of Calitz, made an Eloquent Harangue between both Parties, wherein having at large demonstrated the fatal consequences of such Heats, he began to Expostulate with them how they came to be so passionately concerned for two Princes whom they were strangers unto, and either of which, for ought they knew, might treat them ill, when once he had got Possession of the Crown, and therefore he Advised them rather wholly to lay aside those Foreign pretensions, and choose a Piasti, that is, some Nobleman of their own country, of whose virtues and Temper they had Experience; and for his part, he knew none of greater worth, or better deserving the Royal Dignity, than Prince Michael Koribut Wiesnowiski, which Nomination was presently received with general Acclamations, the Assembly crying out, Vivat! Vivat! And the said Prince being then present, was immediately forced by the Assembly to be Covered and Take a Chair, which he refused, urging his Incapacity to support so Weighty a Crown; but the Assembly not hearkening to his Apology, Obliged him, not without Tears in his Eyes, to accept the Honour: All the rest of the Provinces and Palatinates giving in their Suffrages to his Choice, save only the Grand Chancellor Patz, the Principal Person of Lythuania, who affirmed he would not give his Voice for any but the Prince of lorraine. But his Brother, the Palatine of Troski, shewed him the Inconveniences of refusing a Piasti, encouraging him to Nominate one of his own side of the country; whereupon he name Prince Boguslaus Radzevil, for whom there appeared a considerable Party, but that of Wiesnowiski upon the Competition prevailed, and in the Heat Killed two Gentlemen upon the place, who spake over-boldly against their Choice.  
Things being thus carried, Marshal Sobieski, and the Marshal of the noblesse, retiring themselves, protested against the Election, but the prevailing Party slighted it; and demanded of the Archbishop of Guesna to proclaim the Election, but he pretending some Indisposition, would have delayed it, till they threatening to oblige the Bishop of Cajari, and he supply that Office, he then appeared in the Field, with the two Marshals, and according to Custom demanded three times, That if they were agreed upon the Election, they should name the Person, which they did with great Acclamations, accompanied with the discharge of all the Cannon; this being about eight a clock in the Evening, and before nine, the King was Proclaimed, and so Conducted to the Castle, and next day in St. Johns Church took his Oaths he observed, the Pacta Conventa, or Agreements concluded upon; then dined with the Primate, and afterwards went into the Field of Kolu( the place where the Election was held, some distance from the City) and returned his thanks to the several Waywodeships, Palatinates, and Provinces.  
Both the Archbishop of Gnesna, and Marshal Sobieski were dissatisfied with the Irregularity of this Election, yet for the public quiet, complied therewith. And when shortly after some stirs were like to happen in the Army, upon a report that he was to be turned out of his Command as General, he being sent down thither, not only pacified them in that, but other their discontents, and retained them in their due Obedience to the Crown, and in January following the Tarrars of Dialogrod falling into the Ukrain and Podolia, where they made great spoil, and had taken a multitude of poor people Captive, he advanced against them, and put them to flight, leaving the most part of their Booty, and Prisoners behind them.  
The 27th of February, 1669/ 70 King Michael was Married to elinor, the Emperors Sister, by reason of which Alliance Jealousies were raised, that His Majesty had a mind to make himself Absolute and Hereditary, and subvert the Polish Liberties. Insomuch, that at a Diet or Assembly of Estates held soon after, the Equestrian Order put up several Requests, and amongst others, that the Pacta Conventa, or Agreement concluded upon, when he was chosen King, might be openly red; their other desires his Majesty readily Accorded, but was loth to grant this, till finding them resolved not to proceed in any business, till that were granted, he condescended thereunto, and accordingly next day the Equestrian Order went to the House of Senators, where His Majesty was seated under a Canopy of State, and the Senators on each side of him, and there the said Pacta were publicly red, at the last Article whereof, which imported, That if the King did not rightly and duly perform his part, what he had there promised, then they were discharged from their Allegiance to him; They all gave a loud shout.[ Which passage serves to reconcile the difference of Authors touching that Kings Oath, mentioned before Ch. 2d. for though there are no such express words in the Terms of the Oath, yet it seems they are wont to be contained in the Pacta Conventa, which by that Oath he swears to observe.]  
The Kings Uncle, Prince Demetrius Wiesnowiski, was Lieutenant General under Sobieski, and between them two, there was no very good Correspondence; to bring them to a better understanding of each other, the King used several means, and to Crown the work, it was resolved, that the said Prince should mary with the Princess of Ostrogy, Sister to the Prince of that Name, and niece to General Sobieski; which was performed with great Solemnity, and thenceforwards the Animosities between these two great men ceased.  
In the year 1672. The Cossacks assisted by some Tartars, having again fallen to their old habit of Rebellion, and General Sobieski with the Forces of the Crown, having Chastised them for the same, and forced their Leader Doreskensko to retire; the Turk took thence an occasion to quarrel with Poland, upon pretence that he had taken the Cossacks into his protection; and making a sudden inroad, besieged the City Camieniec, where having made their Approaches under the shelter of great Sacks filled with Cotton Wool, and raised a Battery, upon which they planted 12 whole Cannons, with which for 12 whole days they continually played most furiously upon the Town; the Besieged were forced to surrender upon Articles, to march out with Bag and Baggage, the whole Garrison not being above 500 men, of whom 200 were unfortunately killed by the accidental blowing up of a Tower by their own Powder; the Grand signior was personally present at the taking of it, and entred the Town the same day it was yielded, and placed therein a Garrison of 8000 janissaries, his whole Army consisting of near 190 thousand Horse and Poot, as was reported.  
The King of Poland was at this time at Jauowitz, expecting the Arrival of the Nobility, who were from all parts resorting to him; and to gain time, he sent Ambassadors to the Grand signior to treat of a Peace, or procure a Cessation; whereupon the Grand Vizier return'd him this Answer.  
To the Vice-Chancellor of Poland.  
THE Letter of the most Serene and Honourable King of Poland, our Great Friend, to our most Serene, most Glorious, and most Potent Emperour of the World, and Monarch, like to Alexander the Great, who is the Shield of the whole World, was together with your Letter directed to me, brought to my hands in our Camp near Caminiec, some days before our taking of that place; I delivered the Imperial Letter to His Majesty, and having caused mine to be Translated, I understood what you wrote. That which I did writ to you from Adrianople, gave you notice of what hath since happened, and may serve for Answer to these Letters; But you were wanting to do those things in time, which were necessary for the Preservation of your Country; and therefore have seen and heard things which you would not, and what is to follow, is known to God alone.  
We always wrote both to your King and you, what hath now come to pass, which you might have prevented by sending Ambassadors to his Imperial Majesty, with Royal Presents, as is usual, and promise of Tribute, who thereby might have appeased the burning wrath of our Great Lord, and obtained better Conditions for you; nay, had you ever since( for the Gate of Mercy of our Emperor is open to all) sent ambassadors to offer a Tribute, it was to be hoped they might have obtained the good will of our Lord, and he permitted them to renew the ancient Peace and Friendship. If therefore after all, you have any care for the quiet and good estate of your Armies, Kingdom and Subjects, do what you intend very suddenly, without any delay, and the sooner you do it, the more advantageous it will be for you. That you have desired the most Glorious Cham of Tartary to be Mediator at this Treaty, you do well, for he hath offered his friendly persuasions on your behalf. Peace be to those that believe the Commandments of God.  
But the Winter coming on apace, and sharp weather, hindered the Turks further Advance, and General Sobieski falling unexpectedly upon a Body of 20 thousand Tartars( at that time confederates with the Turks) at a place called Try, totally routed them, killing above 10000 of them, as also rescuing very near as many poor Christians, whom they were carrying away into miserable slavery; and soon after defeated another Party of them with great slaughter, whereby the Country was freed from their Rapine and Devastations, which was generally acknowledged to be a most acceptable and advantageous service to the Kingdom of Poland at that juncture.  
The King having summoned the Arrier Ban( that is, a General Convention of all the noblesse throughout his Dominions) to appear in their Arms, lay Encamped near Samosch, where amongst other things, the Nobility took into consideration the Party called malcontents, amongst whom they name the Bishop of Guesna, the Crown Ensign, and many others, and ordered that they should be summoned to appear and take an Oath of Confederation, which was there framed, and upon their taking the same, a general Act of Oblivion to pass; but if they should refuse to appear and enter into the same, then they were to be declared Traitors, their Offices disposed of to others, and all their Goods and Estates to be Confiscated. Which Oath ran in these words.  
I. N. N. Of my own free Will, and without any Constraint, do swear by the Holy and Blessed Trinity, that for the Honour of God, the Dignity and Welfare of our Free Elected and crwoned King and Lord, and the preservation of this republic, and the privileges and Liberties thereof, against all Enemies whatsoever, I will readily expose my Life and Fortunes; and that I will not forsake or depart from this Confederation, till our Country be freed from all danger of any Enemies as well at Home as abroad, but will do all that shall lye in my power for the making this Treaty more strong and valid, until we shall have obtained the ends aforesaid, and if I come to know that any Person does Act in prejudice of this Confederation and Brotherly Agreement. I shall be obliged to discover the same, without having the least respect to Friendship or Relation, and account and prosecute him as an open Enemy. I have not taken any Money to be corrupted, nor will I take any. I will not hold any Intelligence, or Act on any occasion to the prejudice of my King and Country, but will truly and sincerely observe this Confederation in Brotherly Unity, without any mental Reservation, or hope to be dispensed therefrom. So help me God.  
Things running thus high, several of those accounted disaffected, retired to Meaco in Prussia; but the Archbishop of Guesna remained at Lovitz, his usual Residence, seeming not at all concerned at the heats of the noblesse, who offered 1000. Ducats to any that should bring his Head into the Leaguer, and threatened to proceed to Depose or degrade him; but that the Popes Nuncio opposed, as being a violation of Ecclesiastical Liberty, for that Lay Assembly to proceed against a Churchman without leave from his Holiness.  
In the mean time Commissioners sent by the King to the Grand signior, clapped up a Peace with the Port on the following Articles.  

1. That the Tarrars formerly In habiting the Kingdom of Pol. called Lipcees, and who have since quitted their abodes there, and given themselves up to the protection of the Port, yet so as to leave their Wives and Children behind them, shall have free liberty to return and fetch away their said Wives and Children, and their Goods and movables whatever, and that such as shall desire still to abide in Poland, shall have liberty so to do, without any molestation or disturbance.  
2. That the King of Poland shall by his ambassadors sand yearly to the Port 22000 Ducats, which shall be paid every year on St. Demetrius-day, being the 15th of Novemb. on this Condition, that the Grand signior shall secure the Subjects of the Crown of Poland, against the incursions of the Turks, Tartars, and other people subject to the Port; and in case the Poles shall at any time be endamaged by them, the King of Poland shall demand satisfaction of the Grand signior, and forbear to pay the abovementioned Tribute, till he shall have received it.  
3. Podolia, as in ancient time shall be subject to the Port; and in case any difference shall arise concerning the Limits, it shall be amicably decided by Commissioners to be to that purpose deputed by both Parties.  
4. The Garrisons which the Poles now have in any place or Fortress in Podolia, shall immediately be drawn out from thence, and have liberty to return home with their Goods, &c. On the other side, the Grand signior shall restore all places taken from the Poles in Russia.  
5. Free Exercise of Religion shall be granted to all Persons.  
6. Such as desire to depart with their Goods and Families out of Caminiec, shall have free liberty so to do, and return into Poland within the space of two months, after the Ratifying of this Treaty.  
7. The Ukrain shall be left free to the Cossacks as in former times, and the Poles shall quit all the Forts and places they have possessed themselves of there, and shall depart with all their Goods, &c. except their Cannon.  
8. The Cossacks that have been under Hanensko, may return to their former Habitations in the Ukrain, if they shall think fit, and no injury shall be done them by the other Cossacks; but Hanensko himself shall remain in Poland.  
Lastly, All former Treaties between Poland and the Port, shall remain in force.   
Besides all which, there was a separate Article that the Crown of Poland should pay a Tribute of 16 thousand Ducats to the Cham of Tartary.  
This Agreement, so prejudicial and dishonourable to the Poles, as rendering that Crown Tributary to two of its Infidel Neighbours, at a time when it might have been in a condition to defend itself,( for besides the Army, with the General, the King at Lublin, had above 100000 men in Arms) was very ill resented by General Sobieski, and many others, who looked upon it only as a politic Device, that in the mean time the opposite Faction might be at leisure, and have opportunity to crush those they called the malcontents; and therefore though two Senators were sent from the Convention to the Army, to invite them to enter into the aforesaid Oath of Association, yet he declined it.  
The Peace being thus concluded with the Turks, and the Polish Nobility finding themselves unable any longer to subsist in the Field, by reason of the ill weather, and for want of forage and Provision, did about the latter end of October break up their Assembly; only left a party of 2300 men in Arms for the Kings Guard, and agreed that a General Assembly of the Deputies of the several Palatinates should be held in the beginning of January, and there the Confederation begun in the Leaguer to be confirmed, and then to proceed to the trial and Condemnation of such of the malcontents as should continue to absent themselves, and refuse the before recited Oath.  
Hereupon the Army entred into a Counter-Confederation, wherein they declare, They will defend the Liberty of their Country, and the privileges of the Nobles, which( they alleged) under pretence of adhering to the Royal Authority were violated, and endeavoured to be suppressed; and that therefore they were resolved to protect those of the Nobility, which were so severely prosecuted under the name of malcontents, and disturbers of the Peace of the Kingdom, Titles which much more fitly belonged to their Accusers.  
Pursuant to this Declaration, the Army began to Advance somewhat towards Warsaw, which put the Court into great Consternation, but General Sobieski thought fit not to approach further than Lowitz, being willing to determine all differences by an amicable Composure; and accordingly after several Overtures, towards the end of March 73, an Accommodation was made upon the Terms following, 

1. That all past Offences should be forgiven and forgotten.  
2. That the Confederation made the last year by the Nobility. should be canceled and made voided.  
3. That all those, who had during these unhappy misunderstandings been Branded by the name of malcontents, should on all occasions, without exception or distinction partake of the Kings favours, with, and as well as, the rest of the Nobility.    
To confirm this good Intelligence, the Grand-General Sobieski came to Warsaw with a numerous Train, where he was complemented on the part of the King by the 'vice Chancellor, and by the Weywode of Posen for the Senate; and in the name of the Nobility Assembled in the Diet by two of their Deputies, and by the said Diet it was ordered that he should be presented with 50 thousand Dollars, as an acknowledgement of his good Services; but he generously considering the present necessities of the public, freely abated one third part thereof.  
In Council he vigorously urged the regaining of that Honour, which by an unhappy Treaty had been lost the last Summer, and that it might never be said the free Crown of Poland, had for a day been Tributary to the Sworn Enemies of Christendom, opposed the payment of any of the money agreed on; offering that With an Army of 60 thousand( if the State would take care for their pay) he did not doubt but to give a good account of this Summers Campaign; which much encouraged the Diet to resolve upon and prepare for a War, and in order thereunto, the Crown-Jewels, which they had before ordered to be Pawned, valued at 600 thousand liures, were entrusted in his hands for securing the Army their Arrears; and so forthwith his Excellency departed to Sokal, where the Army was Rendevouz'd, extremely satisfied with his Conduct.  
In the mean time the Archbishop of Guesna departed this life, April the 12th, 1673. and in his Room the King advanced the Bishop of Cujavia to succeed him.  
The Grand signior understanding these resolutions and preparations in Poland, dispatched thither the following Letter( though not delivered by the Chiaux till after the Kings death.)  
THou the chief Prince of the Christian People, Administrator of the Nazarene Kingdom of Poland, King Michael our Friend, may your Administration have an happy Issue. By these Letters We give you to understand that Achmet Bassa, our Grand Vizier, is the chief Administrator of our Dominions, the Dignity and Authority of whose Ministry let God increase: We have not long since understood, that you refuse to pay our most Serene Majesty the Tribute stipulated by the late Treaty between us and you; and to remove the Garrisons out of your places on the Frontiers; wherefore it appears clearer than the light, that you have broken the Peace that was concluded with me;& is it thus lawful for you in so short a time to violate the Peace? The Governors and Souldiers of our Frontier places have not done your Subjects any damage, nor given you any cause of Offence, wherefore then have you broken the Peace? And why have you provoked Me the Monarch of the World to Anger? What? Do your Souldiers think to delude us? sand us quickly the Tribute and the Gifts, which by virtue of the Treaty( tho by you violated) and the promise of your Envoy, ought to have been paid on the day of St. Demetrius last past. sand them quickly if you will, that the ancient Treaties between us be preserved and re-established: sand the Gifts, restore the Castles, repair the damages, and do it sufficiently, unless you desire to be by my Arms compelled to it. If you omit it, by the help of God, I will with innumerable Armies infest and destroy thy Poland. Be therefore ready for War, and sand back my Messengers quickly, that I may know thy mind.  
But these proud Menaces were in vain, the Invincible Sobieski had advanced to the banks of the River Niester, and by a Commanded Party sent out under the Conduct of the Crown Standard bearer, taken in the strong Town and Castle of Miedzibos, after an obstinate Resistance; as also Jaslowiec, and several other places, and brought off great numbers of Prisoners, from whom he understood, that the Hussam Bassa lay on the other side the Niester with a Body of 40000 men, expecting a great Reinforcement to come up to him out of Asia, whereupon he resolved with all expedition to pass the River, and give them battle, before the arrival of those Troops.  
Accordingly having passed over the Army, he advanced towards the Turks, who lay commodiously entrenched under the Walls of Cothim, greatly exceeding the Poles in number; and his Cavalry being on the 9th of Nov. 73. come within Cannon shot of their Leaguer, the Grand Marshal went in Person within Musket snot of the Enemies Camp, to observe in what posture they lay, and at his return called a Council of War, where it was resolved, that considering the want of Provisions, under which the Polish Army at present laboured, it was their best course to Attack the Infidels in their Trenches. Towards Evening his Foot and Train of Attillery came up, several little skirmishes having in the mean time passed between his foremost Troops, and those of the Enemy.  
The next morning, Nov. 10. General Sobieski drew up the whole Army into Battalia, and having placed his Artillery( which consisted of 50 pieces of Cannon) most conveniently for annoying the Enemy, advanced in good Order, and with great resolution towards their Camp; and being come pretty near it, the Hospodars of Wallachia and Moldavia( Provinces formerly belonging to the Poles) revolted from the Turks, and came over to the Polish Army with 5000 men, immediately all things were ordered for the Attack; which was to be made in five several places, the Crown Watchmaster was posted next the Neister, on the side of Czeczora, next him the General Sobieski, and then the under General Wisnowiski, assisted by the Weywode of Kiovia, the other two were to be managed by the Troops of Lithuania; in which order they had beset the Enemy, but because reducing the Army into this posture took up much time, that night the Turks, who were not wanting in their defence, seemed to have some advantage over them; colonel Danemark a brave Commander in the Crown-Watchmasters Quarter, and Captain Jarozki, with many other Officers and common Souldiers being cut off; the Enemies loss was altogether as great.  
That whole night the Polish Troops stood ready in Arms within Musket shot of the Enemies Retrenchment, and early next morning, Nov. 11. General Sobieski adventured again on foot to discover the posture they were in, and the many of his Officers would have dissuaded from so hazardous an Attempt, continued in his Resolution to fall upon them. And now he ordered his Cannon to play very furiously on the Enemy, and having every where given the necessary Orders, encouraged his Troops with assurance of Victory, telling them, they fought not only for Honour, but also for the Liberty of their country, and( what was yet infinitely more valuable) their Religion; and so marched with his drawn Sable in his hand on foot at the head of them till they came up to the Tutks Entrenchments, and then mounted on Horseback, the like being done by the rest of the great Officers. The first discharge was of the Cavalry, who in the space of a quarter of an hour had made themselves Masters of the Enemies Retrenchments, and made great slaughter amongst them; upon which the foremost of the Infantry, who should have seconded the Horse in pressing on upon the Enemy, thinking they had already won the battle, began to fall to Plundering, which the Turkish Horse perceiving, sell upon them, and did great Execution amongst them; and would have done much more, had not the Hussars come in to their assistance, who again put the Enemy into disorder, insomuch that Hussain Bassa who commanded the Turkish Army, finding himself unable any longer to stand the Shock, began to retreat with many thousands of his Men towards Czraozo, but the Weywode of Bleski and the Sicur Riouwski observing it, Intercepted his passage, and forced him to return back into the battle, where General Sobieski with a party Rencountred him, but being much inferior in number, and the Turks fighting( like their condition desperately) tho the General himself performed wonders as well by the slaughters he made with his own Hands, as by the encouragement his Example and Words gave to his followers, yet things were like to have fallen into much confusion, had not the Hussars once more come in with incredible Resolution, and then the Battle seemed altogether as fierce as when it first began; so bravely did they behave themselves on both sides, but after a long and bloody dispute, the Crescent gave way to the across, the Turks were broken to pieces, leaving many thousands of their Companions dead on the place; so that the Field was covered with breathless bodies, and of those that endeavoured to escape the greatest part were drowned in the Neister; so that of their whole Army which according to the modestest Computation consisted of between 30 and 40 thousand Men, there were not 5000 that escaped; and as there was no Quarters given during the heat of the fight, so consequently there were very few Prisoners; amongst the dead were found Heybegh Bassa, and soliman Bassa two great Commanders; but their General Hussain had the luck to make his escape, and fled to Caminiec.  
On the Poles side the loss was considerable, the General Quartermaster, the Crown-Hunter, the Lord Starosta Wolbramski; the Lord Rzeozky, the Lord Rozmiarowski, Captain of the Hussaws, and many other Officers slain; besides those that were wounded.  
After the fight ended the Soldiers had leave to Ransack the Enemies Leaguer, where they found great Booty, and to complete the Victory, the next day they took the Castle of Cothim by Storm.  
The joyful news of this Grand Victory( chiefly owing to the Courage and Conduct of General Sobieski) found Poland in Mourning; for in the very time that the same was gaining, King Michael after some weeks lingering Indisposition, departed this life at Lemburgh Nov. 10, 1673. whence his Corps was removed to Warsaw, where being Embalmed, it was( according to custom) to remain unburied, until after the Election of a new King.   

CHAP. V.  
General Sobieski Elected King; His sudden Conquest of the Ukrain 1674. with 4000 Men he Routs 60000 Tartars near Leopold, August 75. and in November following with 15000 chaces before him above 100 thousand of the Enemy, &c.  
'tis hard to imagine, much more to express what unusual transports the Polish Nation felt upon the Arrival of these two Different Tidings; Joy and Sorrow, like contrary Torrents, struggled in their Breasts, ready to overwhelm them with a Neutral Astonishment. The death of their King in the Flower of his Age( for he was but in his 33th. year) leaving the Kingdom not only engaged in a terrible War abroad, but( what was worse) embroiled and in danger of being torn to pieces by Factions at home, and the Clashing Interests of Pretenders to the Crown, was matter of an afflicting Consideration: But on the other side, such a Glorious Victory just in the neck, seemed a good Omen of future success, and that the Divine Favour designed not to abandon the State of Poland to the Malice and Cruelties of its Enemies, since it had so signally appeared for its preservation: And besides the present security, this prosperous battle brought to their Affairs( Hali Bassa who was advancing with a numerous Host to reinforce, Hussain Bassa having upon the News of his total defeat, Retreated towards the Danube;) The terror it struck into the Enemy, the encouragement it gave the Polish Soldiery, the influence it had on Revolted Provinces, and Wavering Friends, all vastly augmented the Import of it; for Kingdoms and States as well as Merchants, subsist as much by Reputation as by real intrinsic strength; an instance whereof was soon found here, for immediately on this Blow to the Turks, the Envoy from the Czar of Muscovy, offered Poland in the Name of his Master an Assistance of 50 thousand Men against them, tho he very little observed this promise afterwards.  
Nor was Sobieski wanting in the part of a discreet General, to Improve this Victory, but presently dispatched some Troops under the Command of the Crown-standardbearer into Walachia, the better to secure that country in their Allegiance, and sent other Forces under the Weywode of Braklaw to quarter round about Caminiec, and so strictly Blockade that place, that no provisions might be brought into it; after which, having disposed the rest of his Troops in fit Winter Quarters, he came to Lemburgh resolving to reside there all the Winter to be near at hand in any emergency; nor could the Invitations of the Nobles, nor of the Queen Dowager her self, who wrote to him to be present at the Diet at Warsaw in January, about the Election, remove him; so much did he prefer the service and safety of his country before the pursuing and advancing his own Interests.  
January the 15th. 1673/ 4, the Diet met for the first time, and choose the Lord Bielmiski to be their Marshal, or Speaker; the generality of the Nobility seemed inclinable to make choice of a person qualified to mary with the Queen Dowager, as well for their Affection to her Majesty, as in Good Husbandry for the public, to prevent the many Inconveniences that might accompany a New Queen, especially in point of Charge, when instead of one they must provide Dowries for two. Amongst the Candidates, Prince Charles of lorraine seemed to stand fairest, for besides the Interest of the Emperour and the Queen Dowager, engaged in his favour, many of the Noblest greatly esteemed his person for the vigour of his Youth, and the Experience he had already had of Military Affairs; whilst those that opposed him, had only to allege, that 'twas to be feared he would be too much addicted to the House of Austria. But all that this Diet agreed on considerable, was to appoint the time of Election to be the 20th. of April following.  
At which day they Reassembled accordingly, and began to adjust the Preliminaries, but General Sobieski arrived not at Warsaw till the 2d of May, making his entry then with great Solemnity; for besides his Guard of two Troops of Horse, and a Regiment of Dragoons, and his Train which were numerous of persons of Quality, most of the Nobility and Senators that were there went forth to meet him, at the palace of Prince Radzevil Under Chancellor of Lithuania, he alighted and was with all his Retinue entertained at a Noble Banquet: The next day his Excellency went out of Town to pay his Respects to the Queen, and on the fourth of May was the first time he appeared in the Diet.  
Where for several days following, there happened a long and brisk Contest between the Nobility and Gentlemen of Poland, and those of the duchy of Lithuania; the former proposing him the said General Sobieski to the public Choice as a person eminently deserving of the republic by the continued services he had rendered it, and particularly for the Victory obtained in the last Campaign over the Turks at Cochmi, which next to the Divine Assistance they solely attributed to his great Courage and Conduct; and that at present being engaged in a War with so powerful an Enemy, they thought they could not make choice of any one, whose Experience in Military Affairs, and his other great Abilities could render more meriting the Crown than he: Adding, That a foreign Choice would but engage them in foreign Interests, which might perhaps be more regarded than the welfare of the Crown. The Lithuaners on the other side, urged the general Resolution of the Nobility of that duchy, not to admit of any Piasti( that is, a Native either of Poland or Lithuania) for that they had found the ill consequences of it, during the late Kings Reign by the Factions some of the Nobility had stirred up against him; and therefore they ought to choose a foreigner, and such a Prince, who besides his other endowments rendering him worthy of the Crown, could be a fit Husband for the Queen Dowager, and who was assisted by powerful Alliances, the better to enable the republic to carry on the present War against the Turks; on all which Considerations they knew none fitter to be their King than the Prince of lorraine. Some there were that nominated the Prince of Newburgh, but their number was not considerable; but after all these Disputes, General Sobieski was by plurality of Votes, and indeed at last almost unanimously Elected King on the 21st. of May 1674. with the great Applause of the People of that Kingdom.  
And accordingly the Bishop of Cracow in the absence of the Archbishop of Guesna( who was sick) did with the usual solemnities publicly declare him King by the name of John the third King of Poland, Great Duke of Lithuania, &c. Who forthwith was graciously pleased to promise of his own free will and motion, That the Queen Dowager should be provided for according to her high Quality, and extraordinary Merit; as also, that the Arrears of the Army should be forthwith discharged out of his own Revenues, seeing the public could hardly do it at present. He also expressed himself willing to Confer the Command of Grand Marshal, or General, on Prince Demetrius Wiesnowiski, Uncle to the late King, and that of Lieutenant General of the Crown( thereby becoming vacant) to the Palatine of Kiovia, but as he signified his Resolution to prosecute the War against the Turks with the utmost vigour, or oblige them to an Honourable Peace, and to that purpose that he would at his own particular charge raise 1000 Foot, and maintain them during the War, to encourage the Senators and other Great Men of the Kingdom to do the like proportionably; so he desired that he might retain the command of General in his own hands till this Campaign be ended, for that the present urgent Affairs of the Kingdom were like to prevent his Coronation before the Campaign; which the Nobility assented to: As likewise that the Article offered in the Pacta Conventa obliging the King not to Resign the Crown on any occasion whatsoever, should be omitted.  
The 15th. of May died the Archbishop of Guesna scarce warm in his place, and the King raised the Bishop of Culm, a Person of great esteem and merit, to succeed him in that dignity. The Queen Dowager by the consent of the King and Diet had a yearly Revenue of 200 thousand Guilders Assigned her, with liberty to reside in any place within the Polish Territories, except Cracow, or some other fortified places on the Borders of Silesia; and her Majesty made choice of thorn in Prussia for her Residence.  
Tho his Majesty was most solicitous for carrying on the War, yet the Nobility and Senators w●●e generally as Remiss therein, for tho they had promised him at first maintenance for 60 thousand Men, he now desired it but for 40000, and yet such were their dissensions and Jealousies as would not permit them to consent thereunto.  
In the mean time the Muscovites pretending Friendship with the Poles, and that they would oppose the common Enemy, had on the contrary only fallen upon Doroskensko, Head of the Rebel Cossacks and recovered many places in the Ukrain to enlarge their Territories that way; However the Great Cham of Tartary, and the Grand signior with their Forces hastened thither to oppose the Muscovites, and in short time had over-run another great part of that country; so that the whole Province was like to be entirely lost. wherefore to give what Assistance he could in such an unfortunate posture of Affairs: King John seeing no Recruits or Money could be obtained, departed from Warsaw on the 22th. of August towards the Frontiers, appointing a rendezvouz of that small Army he had, to be held on the 15th. of September; they being not above 15 or 16000 Men Effective.  
'tis true Romadanowski the Muscovitish General had a vast Army consisting of above 100 thousand Men, encamped near the River Dniester, but did little or no service with them, being diverted by the Turks, who knowing the Suspicious, Jealous Nature of that People, caused Reports to be spread, that the Poles had made their own Terms, and were clapping up a Peace with the Port, without including or giving them notice of it; serving themselves of this Stratagem, the Turks and Tartars without any considerable opposition had possessed themselves of the whole Ukrania, except two or three places, and at last besieged the Great City Haman, which having assaulted with great fury, and the Muscovites, who promised to relieve it, being instead thereof on a sudden repassed the Dniester and Retreated, those of the Town surrendered upon Articles to have their Lives and Goods saved; but the Barbarous Enemy without any regard to his capitulation, put all the Inhabitants and People that had fled thither from all parts round about for shelter, Men, Women, and Children to the Sword; so that of 100 thousand Souls very few remained alive within the space of few Hours.  
About the beginnning of October the Troops of Lituania consisting of about 12000 came up to the King of Poland, so that then he was 30000 strong, and having held a Council of War at Slotzow on the Frontiers, resolved to March in the Head of them into the Ukrain and fall upon the Enemy, casting aside all further Treaty, which now again the Grand Vizier( since his Master the Grand signior had repassed the Danube on his return towards Constantinople) had made overtures of, on purpose to amuse the Poles, and foment the Jealousies of the Muscovites, and so divide them.  
Accordingly his Majesty sending forth the Weywode of Russia with a considerable party to learn the Condition of the Enemy, who near the Walls of Caminiec surprised and defeated 1000 Turkish Horse; and brought away 150 of them Prisoners, did in Person march to bar a City in the Ukrain, which he stormed so furiously that he soon became Master thereof: The Turks and Tartars that were there flying to the Castle, which proved not long their shelter, but on the 18 of Nov. was forced to surrender upon discretion: The Turks his Majesty generously sent away with a Convoy to Caminiec; but the Lipher Tartars were distributed for purchase as Slaves amongst the Soldiers of Lithuania. Next his Victorious Majesty advanced to the City Mohilow on the Dniester, a place of great Importance, as being the pass into Moldavia, which quickly surrendered to his Arms, as likewise did Sciana, Kalnick and above 40 other places of Podolia; but at this time the Forces of Lithuania would needs leave his Majesty and return home, alleging they were not able to bear the Rigor of the season, it being now Dec. 74. but his Majesty with his gallant Poles resolved still to continue the Campaign, and push on his good Fortune, scarce a week passing, but some considerable Post or other was yielded to him; the Turks, tho they had very considerable Forces in those parts not daring to make Head against him.  
Towards the beginning of January, his Majesty took in Raskaw, a Considerable place on the Deinster, wherein were 1600 Turks, of whom the Foot were all Cut to pieces, but the Cavalry made their Escape, the Polish Horse being so wearied with continual Service, that they could not pursue them; So that now his Majesty had Subdued all that part of the Ukrain which lies Westward of the Neiper, Excepting the City of Czebryn, the Residence of Dorosensko, whom He Endeavoured by a Treaty to Reduce to Obedience, and the other made shows of Complying therewith, upon the Demands following, viz. 1. That the Cossacks shall continue in the free Exercise of the Greek Religion, without any Disturbance whatsoever; 2. That a Bishop or Arch-bishop of their Church, shall have a place, and sit in the Senate; 3. That a part of the Ukrain shall be set apart for their Army. 4. That the King at his Coronation shall confirm all their privileges, and these Articles upon Oath; 5. That the republic shall declare whether they have need of the Service of the Cossacks, and on what Conditions they desire it. 6. That the Deputies which the Cossacks shall sand to the diet, shall be received, and treated with the same Respect as the Deputies of the Dukedom of Lythuania, or of the Kingdom of Poland; 7. That they shall continue their Commerce with their Neighbours as heretofore: And Lastly, That they may Erect Printing-Houses, Schools, &c. But nothing Succeeded Effectually on these overtures, for Dorosensko was but Playing his own Game between the Poles and the Muscovites, and friend to neither, further than his Interest lead him.  
In April 75. The Turks and Tartars began in Numerous Bodies to take the Field. King John who had held out in those parts all the Winter without any considerable Recruits, whereby his small Army was much weakened, so that it was generally believed he would be Necessitated to quit the Ukrain, yet Supported by his Natural Courage, he resolved not to Stir a Foot, but on the last Extremity, and therefore reinforced the Garrisons at Moh●low, Nimirow, Braclaw, Kalmick, and Bialacierkiew; Which being done, he left not Forces enough to deserve the Name of an Army to keep the Field, had not his Valour and Conduct, like a Figure advanced in place in arithmetic, rendered them Virtually as many thousands, as they were Numerally Hundreds.  
In May, the King made a Step to Zlokzow, Eight Leagues from Leopold, where he had a Consultation with several Senators of the Kingdom, Remonstrating to them the just Reason he had to Complain of being neglected, since after a Campaign of Seven Months, in which by an handful of Men so great Advantages had been procured to the Crown, by Restoring under its Obedience the greatest part of the Ukrain, and in which both his Majesty in his own Person, and all his Souldiers had Suffered so much through the Scarcity of Provisions they found in many places, being forced to eat Horses, Dogs, &c. for their Sustenance, together with Innumerable Fatigues and Dangers; Yet no Care had been taken at home to furnish him with Supplies Necessary, or to Enable him to Recruit his Army, which was now become so Weak as not to be longer able to keep the Field; His Majesty having hitherto been Necessitated to maintain the War almost wholly at his own Proper Charges; Which yet under all these Perplexities he Resolved to continue.  
But whatever Instances he made, little was done towards his Supply; However, he return'd to the Army, and kept his Head Quarters at Leopold; And it was but high time to assure the People of those parts, by his Royal Presence, Who otherwise were just ready to abandon their Habitations, by Reason of those vast Swarms of Turks and Tartars, which they had Intelligence were every day pouring into their Neighbourhood, amounting in all, to the Number of 200 Thousand or upwards.  
On the 17th of August 1675. A Council was held of the chief Commanders of the Turks and Tartars, in the Presence of the Great Cham himself, and Ibrahim Bassa, where it was Resolved to Attempt, First, the Town of Slotskow, and afterwards to possess themselves of Leopol, where they understood the King of Poland then was quartered, having not in all above 14000 men with him, for the Lithuanian Troops had not yet joined him. Pursuant hereunto, on the 22d of that Month Sultan Nuradin being on his March, with 40 Thousand Selected Tartars, the Flower of their whole Army; accompanied besides with the Eldest Son of Cham, and Sultan Aquigitary, and their Troops, and many others of the most Eminent Officers, as Volunteirs, in this Expedition; So that the whole Body Consisted of at least Sixty Thousand; With which Formidable Force, Sultan Nuradin on the 23d early in the Morning appeared before the Town and Castle of Slotskow, eight Leagues from the Polish Camp at Leopol. He immediately made an Assault, and continued it till two in the Afternoon, with all Imaginable Fury; But the Palatine of Russia who Commanded there, had so well disposed of his Men and of his Cannon, that with very little loss, he destroyed great Numbers of Infidels; who being thereby extremely discouraged, quitted their enterprise, and Marched towards Leopol.  
Where his Majesty having received Intelligence both of their Repulse at Slotskow, and of their Advance towards him, presently Ordered the Cannon to be continually Fired from the Castle, to give warning to all the Neighbouring Garrisons to be upon their Guard, then went and Visited the Camp, and gave the necessary Orders for the safety of his Queen and the young Princes, who were at the same time in that City; For he was resolved to venture All in the Defence of his Country, and Common Cause o● Christendom.  
Things being thus settled, his Majesty went up to an High Hill, from whence he could observe three Leagues Distance round about, and about Noon perceived by the Clouds of Dust that were raised, The Approach of the Enemy.  
The Kings Camp lay about a Mile from Leopol, on the East-side in a Valley shut up by several Hills, somewhat beyond the Camp; that Way the Enemy was to approach, there was an Ascent of about 300 paces, and having marched as far on the top of the Hill, you descend again by a very narrow Way amid a Wood that had lately been Cut, at the Bottom of which Descent there was a Plain by which the Tartars must necessary pass to Engage them: The King Commanded Prince Radzevil his Brother in Law, to Post himself with some Troops for the Guard of a Pass on the Right hand of his Camp; And General Kariski on the Left, caused several Pieces of Cannon to be planted on a Hill, from whence they might command the Plain through which the Tartars were to pass, and Lined the Wood on each side of the Narrow Way with several Companies of musketeers; Then his Majesty caused some Troops of Horse with all the volunteers to advance into the Plain, to Oppose the Enemy, who about four in the Afternoon appeared in such Numbers, that all the Plain was covered with them; In the mean time, the King from an Hill observed the Countenance of the Enemy, and gave the necessary Orders, and caused several other Troops of Horse to Advance before him, and being followed with Six Troops of Hussars, which 〈◇〉 posted on the Right and Left of the Way, in the midst of the Copse or Low-wood, so advantageously that they appeared to be far more in Number than indeed they were, his Majesty with a Natural Air of Gallantry usual to him in time of Action, and a cheerful Countenance Presaging Victory, Entred himself into the Plain, Encouraged his Souldiers, telling them he came there with a full Resolution either to Conquer with them, or to die with them; and having thrice with a loud Voice pronounced by Way of Invecation, the Name of JESUS, and giving the Souldiers all his Benediction, he briskly advanced in the Head of them toward the Enemy; And now the Fight began to be sharp on all sides, His Majesty omitting no part of his Office either as to Courage or Conduct, but performed both the parts of a most prudent General, and of a most Valiant soldier, and by his Example inspiring all the rest of his Officers and Souldiers, so that with this small handful of men, he made those vast Multitudes begin to fly before Night, leaving great Numbers slain upon the place. And for a Testimony of a complete Victory, their Great and onely Standard which they always carry before them, was taken.  
His Majesty would gladly have pursued the Enemy further, but that the Night was dark, and he feared lest the Cham with the rest of the Troops might come up to their Assistance. In this great Action the most Memorable Victory that has been achieved in our Age, or indeed almost in any other, the King had not with him above 4000 men( The rest being left to secure the City of Leopol,) and of those scarce 1500 came up to Execution; And with such a Party thus to defeat by plain downright fighting an Army of Threescore Thousand Combatants, seems altogether prodigious or miraculous; yet so great was the fright and Consternation that the Tartars were in, that they fled that one Night as many Leagues as they had Marched three days before, and to make the more hast, left behind them that little Baggage they had brought with them.  
Nor was the Confusion less in the Camps of the Cham and Ibrahim Bassa, upon seeing their Companions returning in this disorder from an expedition from which they had promised themselves so much advantage; But after some days Recruiting and Consideration, to show that they were not dismayed at this ill success, 'twas resolved to March with all their Forces towards the King of Poland; And in order thereunto, 2000 janissaries and a strong body of Horse, were sent out to attack a small Castle near Brzeziani, in which were only 60 Poles, who yet so bravely Behaved themselves, that they repulsed the Infidels with great loss; which so much dammed their Spirits, that they would not proceed on their intended design upon the City of Brzeziani. But on the contrary, the Polish Crown-Ensign, who Commanded there, making a Sally with a Party of Horse, fell upon the Rear of the Tartars, killed many of them, and made the whole Body mend their place.  
Soon after 10000 Tartars advancing somewhat near the City Leopol, the King sent out the Lord Harkownisky with a good Body of Horse against them, who after a brisk Engagement forced them to take to their heels; leaving a great number dead behind, tho in this Action there were several Brave Polish Gentlemen likewise slain.  
In September the Lithuanian Troops being come, the King was no longer content to make good his Post at Leopol, but would also with that small Army not then above 15000, advance to seek out the Enemy, who were at least seven times as many in Number. But left his Royal Consort, and the Young Princes still at Leopol, being willing they should remain there, to keep the people of those parts in heart, who might otherwise for fear abandon their Habitations, and leave the Country desolate, but by this means were induced to continue at their Dwellings, considering that the King, his Queen and Children, were exposed to the same danger as They.  
His Majesty understanding that the Enemy had Besieged Podhais, did intend to March on the 15th of September to relieve it, but on the 14. received Intelligence of its being surrendered, and Twelve Thousand Persons made Prisoners, and the Town first plundered and then Burnt, though they had expressly Capitulated to March away with their Persons and Goods. Upon Advice of which, His Majesty on the 17th, held a Council of War at Lemburgh, where several of the Senators advised not to Adventure with so few Forces against such a Mighty Enemy; But His Majesty Heroickly  told them, That he would not sit still and see so many poor Christians carried into Slavery, and his Territories laid desolate; But was resolved to Remedy it, or perish in the Attempt. And so Marched forward the same day towards the Enemy; who were then sat down before Buczaez, but upon notice of his Advance, raised their siege, and Marched with all their Forces to Trembowlae, which they Invested. And Ibrahim Bassa the Turks General, sent to summon the Garrison to surrender; who Answered, That if they came thither in hopes of meeting with any Booty or Plunder in the place, they were much deceived, For there were only Soldiers and Peasants who defended it, and had nothing to lose but their Lives, which they were resolved to sell very dear. His Stout Answer much incensed the Turks, so that in 14 days which they continued the siege, they shot above 2000 Cannon Bullets into the Town, and 500 Fireballs, and sprung divers Mines, though without effect, and stormed several times, but were repulsed with great loss, and yet continued obstinate to pursue the Siege, till happening by Chance to Intercept a Peasant charged with a Letter from the King to the governor, in which His Majesty assured him, That he was coming in Person with his whole Army to Relieve him, and that in order thereto he had already passed such a River, and was Marching directly towards the Enemy; Immediately upon which( such was the Terror of King Sobieski's name to the Infidels) Ibrahim Bassa gave order for dislodging the Cannon from the Batteries which consisted of about 100 pieces, and to March towards Caminiec, and the next day decampt his whole Army and followed them; Marching above Fifteen Leagues in so much Confusion and Consternation, that he Commanded the Tartars to keep near him to cover his March, just as if he had been routed in battle, and a Victorious Enemy were in the pursuit of him; and thought themselves not secure till they had entrenched themselves under the protection of the Canons of Caminiec; a thing almost incredible, that an Army of 15, or( at most) Sixteen Thousand should, force an Army of 100 Thousand and upwards to raise two Sieges with so much disorder and precipitation.  
Nay when lodged under the Walls of Caminiec, they yet thought not themselves safe; For the King advancing after them that way, Ibrahim Bassa held a Council of War, where it was resolved not to stand an Engagement with the Poles, but to pass the N●ester, and March away towards Walachia, which was done accordingly, but not so suddenly, but part of the Kings Troops under the Lord Lubomirski fell upon their Rear, and slay great Numbers of them.  
And also the King forthwith caused several Troops to Advance one each side of the Niester, with such good success that the said. Lubomirsk seized on the Enemies Bridge, Cutting in pieces all those that were left to Guard it, and the Night following the Lord Konski, General of the Artillery, met with 500 wagons drawn by above 2000 Oxen, that were coming from Caminiec to pass that Bridge, which he took, destroying their Convoy, and releasing a great many Christians, whom the Infidels were carrying into Slavery; And the Soldiers being for their Encouragement allowed the Plunder, possessed themselves of a rich booty, as well in money as goods, wherewith those wagons were laden.  
His Majesty ordered that the Boats which Composed the Bridge before mentioned, should be carried and laid up in some place of security, to be made use of as occasion should serve the next Spring. And then being informed, That the Turks in the fear they were in of being further pursued, had marched night and day, and again repassed the Danow, as also that the Tartars were returned home by the way of Bialogrod, resolved to put his Army into Winter Quarters, and to endeavour to settle Affairs at home, so as he might early take the Field next Spring. And accordingly His Majesty on the 12th of November, arrived at Zulk●ew, three Leagues from Leopol, where, as he was most joyfully received of his Queen and the Young Princes his Children, so no less almost was the Joy of all the people, Crowding to behold, salute, and Welcome home the Common Father and Deliverer of their Country.   

CHAP. V.  
The King crwoned; Obtains another great Victory over the Turks and Tartars; The Articles of Peace, The Magnificent Entertainment of his Excellency the English Ambassador.  
IT was now high time to prepare for the Solemnity of the Kings Coronation; for by the Constitution of that Kingdom, there are several things which a Prince Elect cannot perform till that Ceremony be past. Therefore Jan. 17. the Corps of the late King Michael Wisnowitski was conveyed from Warsaw in a Chariot, drawn by Six Horses, attended with all the Officers of his household, and many Persons of Quality, to Cracow, where their present Majesties were lately Arrived; Waited upon by almost all the Nobility of the Kingdom; The Body of King Casimire which had been sent for out of France, was also brought thither, and on one and the same day were performed the Funerals of both those Kings, with the usual Ceremonies and becoming Respects to their Memories: Which being dispatched, on the Second of February 1675/ 6. King John Sobieski, and his Queen, were crwoned in the Castle of Cracow, with all the Pomp and Magnificence Imaginable, and the next day his Majesty Received the Homage of all the Senators, Nobility, &c. And the French Ambassador presented to his Majesty a Solemn Declaration of the King his Master, by which he Adopted the Queen of Poland his Daughter, Declaring that accordingly She should upon all Occasions be looked upon and Treated as a Daughter of France; And on the eighth of March following her Majesty was happily delivered of a Young Princess. The King Applying himself to Supply the Vacancies, made the Prince Lubomirski Grand Marshal of the Kingdom; The Lord Siniawski marshal of the Court; on Prince Demetrius Wisnowiski, Palatine of Belz, He bestowed the Command of General of the Forces of the Kingdom; and that of Lieutenant General, voided by his Removal on Jablownowski Palatine of Russia.  
In June 76. the Sultan Nuradin with the two Sons of the Cham of Tartary, passed the Niester with a great Body of Men, and sent out parties to Ravage the Country; And Ibrahim Bassa with his Turks Advanced to several Posts about Caminiac. In the mean time, tho' very good Resolutions were taken at the last Diet, yet so negligent had they been in the several Palatinates to put them in Execution, that the King had neither men nor money to make Resistance: However he Ordered what Troops he had to March towards Leopol, to a Rendezvous there; And being destitute of all other means, Issued out his Letters for Convoking the Arrierban for the Defence of the Kingdom.  
About August 76. His Excellency laurence Ambassador from the King of Great britain, to his Majesty of Poland, being Arrived at Dantzick; the Queen of Poland soon after came thither also in her Way for France, to Drink the Waters of bourbon for the Recovery of her Health,( though afterwards that Journey was laid aside) of whom he had Audience; and having performed his compliment to her Majesty, presented the Young Princess, to whom his Majesty of Great britain was prayed to be Godfather, with a very rich and Noble Jewel on the part of his said Majesty, and so passed on to Poland; Where he was Received with all Demonstrations of Respect and Kindness, suitable to his Character and Person.  
The Turks and Tartars began now to appear very formidable, and yet continued so sensible of their last years defeats, and so afraid of the very Name of King Sobieski, That they desired nothing more than Peace, for which purpose the Grand signior by the Prince of Moldavia made an Overture for a Treaty; Nor were the King of Polands Affairs in a Condition to refuse such an Offer, and so Commissioners were sent. In the mean time to omit nothing for the public safety, the King understanding that the Turks were on their March towards Jaslovies, about Six Leagues beyond Caminiec; He Marched on the sixth of September from Javarow with intention to relieve it, but by the Cowardice or Treachery of the governor, the same was yielded with little or no resistance, and Burnt, as likewise they did two or three other considerable places, and were Marching towards Trembowla. Whereupon His Majesty with all Expedition Advanced, and leaving all his Baggage at Zorawno to make more hast, on the 24th of October fell upon the Enemies Vanguard, and killed many, putting the rest into disorder; but the Tartars being 30 Thousand strong, Rallied, and came down on the whole Polish Army, where a bloody Fjght continued from Noon till Evening, and in conclusion the Infidels were put to flight in great Confusion; but His Majesty being vastly inferior in Number, not above 15 or 16000 to oppose near 150 Thousand, had abundance of brave men Killed and Wounded.  
These ill successses on the Turks part the more easily disposed them to a Peace, which soon after was Concluded on the following Articles, very honourable and advantageous to the Polish Crown, viz.  
1. That the Treaties concluded with the late King Michael, should be quiter abolished, and no more account in the least be had of them.  
2. That as for what concerned Podolia, the Turks should retain Caminiec, with a certain Circuit of Ground round it; and concerning the Ukrain the greatest part, as Bialacirkew, Pawloz, Galnick, Memocrow, &c. to be quitted to the Poles; so that what was left to the Turks was inconsiderable, and mostly under Dorosensko.  
3. All Prisoners and Slaves to be set at Liberty, and no further Hostility to be permitted.  
4. The Christian Religion to be freely Exercised in all places that the Turks retain, by this Treaty.  
5. That the Turks should Renounce their pretensions to the moneys promised them by the Treaty of Leopol, and the Hostages given on that Account to be Released.  
6. That the Turks and Tartars should promise a strict Alliance to the Poles, and assist them against their Enemies.  
7. That the Custody of the Holy Sepulchre shall be restored to the Franciscans, to prevent all differences on that Account.  
The Peace being thus happily concluded, and the Infidels retired; His Majesty of Poland came back in November to Zulkiew, where His Excellency my Lord hid the English Ambassador had Audience in a most splendid manner, being Conveyed in the Kings Richest Coach, and received by the marshal of the Court at the Stairs, who Conducted him to the Chamber of Presence, where His Majesty received him standing under a very rich Canopy of State, clothed in a long rob of Cloth of Gold, and a rest of Cloth of Silver. After the usual Formalities of the Audience were over, and that the King had for some time entertained His Excellency in more familiar discourses, He was pleased to take him into the Queens Apartment, His Excellency every where meeting with a Reception full of the highest Kindness and Esteem from their Majesties, who as a further instance thereof, were pleased to Invite His Excellency to an Extraordinary Supper prepared in a large and stately Room, His Excellency being seated on the Kings Right-hand, and next to him, as likewise on the Queens Left-hand several persons of the greatest Quality in that Kingdom. After Supper, which lasted several Hours, and was served in with great Magnificence, His Excellency was Conducted back to his place of Refidence with the King Coaches, &c. The next day all the Senators and other Persons of Quality made their Visits to His Excellency, which he returned the day following; And on the 13th of November had his Audience of Congee of their Majesties, in Order to his Return home. He hastening to Nimeguen, where he assisted as one of the Plenipotentiares for mediating a General Peace.  
In December following, His Most Christian Majesty in Testimony of his Respects to His Majesty Commanded his Ambassador Resident in that Court to invest His Majesty with the Order of the Holy Ghost, which Ceremony was performed with extraordinary Magnificence; The said Ambassador at the same time, making to both their Majesties several Presents from the King his Master, which were valued at some millions of liures.   

CHAP. VI.  
Of the Actions of his Majesty of Poland afterwards; and Particularly in his late Expedition for the Relief of the Empire, at the Raising of the Siege of Vienna, and since to this Time.  
HIS Majesty of Poland having thus restored Peace to his Dominions, than which after such long Confusions and Hazards nothing could be more welcome or advantageous to his Subjects, did not during that Repose, abandon Himself to private Pleasures, nor at all Slacken his Royal Care for the public Welfare and their Future Security: But applied himself with all diligence to Repair those Impressions which the late Incursions from abroad, and Disturbances at home, had made upon the Realm. To provide for the due and equal Administration of Justice, and placing fit Persons in Offices of Importance, and for the Management of Weighty Affairs: To Reconcile and put a period to those Factions which had been nourished amongst the Grandees, by the secret Enemies of that Crown; To fortify himself with such necessary Alliances as might conduce to the Common Utility of Christendom; and in a word, accommodating his Vigilant Endeavours to all those prudential Arts of Government that render a people safe and happy, and are in themselves no less laudable and necessary Offices of a good Prince, though perhaps not so famed and glittering as the Atcheivments of war and Trophies of Victory.  
Amongst the rest he entred into a Treaty with the Czar of Muscovy, which held a long time for the Adjustment of several points in debate; for though they earnestly pressed him to a New rapture with the Port, offering great Assistances, yet His Majesty reflecting how much they had failed formerly in their promises of that kind, was cautious of embarking himself in a new War without sufficient security that he should not still be left in the lurch when he might have most occasion to expect the aid of their Forces.  
But in the beginning of the year 1683. Intelligence daily arriving of the vast preparations the Turks were making for Invading Hungary and other Neighbouring Parts of the Empire; His Majesty thought he could no longer in Prudence for his own Safety, Nor in Conscience for the general Cause of Christendom, sit any longer still without endeavouring to oppose the Designs of the Infidels.  
And therefore caused a Diet to be held in February, where the matter being debated, It was concluded, That Twenty Thousand Men should be forthwith raised for the Defence and Security of that Kingdom in the Present Conjuncture; And that the said Resolution should stand good tho' the diet should happen to be unseasonably broken up through the Protestation of any of the Deputies, which too often happens.  
And Count Wallastain being sent Ambassador from his Imperial Majesty to the Crown of Poland, did on the second of April, 1683. Conclude and Sign an Alliance, whereby the Emperour obliged himself to Act with an Army of Sixty Thousand Men against the Turks, and the King of Poland promised to have between Thirty and Forty Thousand Men in the Field the Summer following for the assistance of the Empire; Which League was approved of by the diet, who on the fourth of that month broken up their Assembly with great satisfaction to all Parties.  
There was at that time a Turkish Chiaux present in the Polish Court, who endeavoured all he could to divert His Majesty from entering into this Engagement, declaring that the Cham of Tartary with a mighty Army would fall into that Kingdom, if any Assistance were given the Emperour from thence. And it was also reported, as if the Minister of a certain Christian King was not wanting also underhand to cast in Rubs to hinder His Majesty from those Resolutions. But however, so it was, that the threatenings of the one,& Insinuations of the other were not regarded, but His Majesty remained still steadfast in his purpose of opposing the Progress of the Ottoman Arms; which Pious Inclinations, the Justice of Heaven has since Rewarded with such stupendious successses, as must render his Name and Memory the delight and wonder of all Posterity.  
I shall neither weary the Reader with a tedious deduction of the Original Occasions and Progress of the disturbances in Hungary, begun at first by several Great Men of that Kingdom ( Roman catholics) on pretence of their Liberties being violated, and afterwards unhappily continued and fomented by the unnecessary Severities practised upon the Protestants of that Country; Which the Turk taking the Advantage of, offered them his protection, and on that quarrel seemed to ground his present Expedition; Nor shall I undertake to give a particular Account of that most memorable Siege of Vienna, since the same is sufficiently published to the World by other Pens; But briefly sum up the most remarkable passages wherein His Majesty of Poland was concerned.  
The Intelligence of the Turks Advance with a vast Army, extremely startled the Emperour, the rather for that at the same time, He had Advice that the French were drawing together great Forces towards Germany; So that he was under Apprehensions they would have taken the Advantage of this Juncture to fall upon the Empire on that side; But whether it were an effect of the Generosity of the most Christian King, or that he omitted it on the earnest Request of the Pope, who wrote to him on that occasion, or that he waited to see first the success of the Ottoman Arms, or for whatever other Reasons, so it was, That he attempted nothing of that kind.  
The Imperial Army under the Command of the Duke of lorraine, had Besieged New-Hausel( a strong Town taken some years since from the Empire by the Turks) where they had advanced with good hopes of being quickly Masters of it, when express Order came from the Emperour to Raise that siege, and put Forces into Comorra, Raab, and Presburgh, esteemed the Bulwarks of Christendom, and which it was rationally supposed the Turks would first Attempt, and not leave behind them Garrisons of such Importance; and therefore great Care was taken to fortify them, whilst the Imperial City of Vienna, not looking upon itself in such sudden danger, was not so well provided for.  
The Duke of lorraine used all the Endeavours of a prudent General to secure his Retreat from Newhausel; but his Forces were so discouraged at the Raising of the Siege, that when the Infidels from the Garrison fell upon them, the Rearguard made little opposition, but hastened their March to save themselves, and so exposed the Infantry, which the Duke had placed behind in certain Houses to Flank the Enemy, to inevitable destruction, amongst whom was the Count de Taexis, descended of one of the best Families in Spain. The Duke with the rest of the Army retreated towards the Isle of Schut.  
In the mean time the Troops entrusted with the Guard of an important Pass at Vaag, revolted to Count Teckeley, Chief of the malcontents in Hungary, and Confederate with the Turks, who thereby finding the way open, past the Vaag, and advanced to the Banks of the Danube; and building a Bridge above Papas, carried over their Infantry, whilst their Cavalry and Baggage Marched round, and came over the Bridge at Papas-Town, and presently sent out Parties which harassed and plundered and Burnt all the Country; And one great Detachment following the Imperial Army fell upon their rear, who by the suddenness of the Enemies coming, and the Bruit of their vast Numbers, were so amazed, that notwithstanding all the Duke could do, his Cavalry abandoned his Foot, and retired towards Vienna; and though the Chevalier of Savoy( Son of the late Count of Soissons) and Count Taaff, made a brave resistance,( wherein the Former was slain) yet the Turks became Master of the Baggage, and therein of a Booty valued at Three Hundred Thousand Crowns. The greatest part of the Dukes Infantry secured themselves in the Isle of Schut, and were in eminent hazard of being all lost, had not the Duke quickly brought back his Horse, and forced a passage to their Relief, and put part of them( as ordered before) into Raab, Comorra, and Presburgh, and with the rest and his Cavalry withdrew near Vienna; For which Cities-sake this disaster may be counted happy, for if these Forces had not been thus driven thither, it would not have been able to defend itself against the unexpected Siege which immediately followed.  
For upon Advice of this near approach of the Enemy, Their Imperial Majesties and the Court, on the 7th of July, left Vienna, and went thence to Lintz, and afterwards to Passaw; but before they were gone far from the City, had the affliction to behold all the Towns, Villages and Houses on the other side the Danube on Fire by the Enemy, who wherever they came gave those Flaming. Testimonies of their Cruelty.  
Soon after the Duke of lorraine thought fit also to retire with his Cavalry, and what Forces he could spare, leaving there under the governor Count Starembergh, Twelve Thousand Men Effective, which with the Standing Garrison completed the whole to about Fifteen Thousand Souldiers, besides the Scholars, Burghers, and Handicrafts-men, who were able to bear Arms, and did continual duty.  
On the fourteenth of July the City was Invested by the Turkish Army, consisting in all of about 150 Thousand Men, against which most Formidable Power, and all their attacks, wherein they were not wanting either in Courage or Skill, but did more mischief by their Mines than their Batteries, the Garrison though but ill provided, did yet by the Resolution and Encouragement of their Incomparvble governor, bravely defend itself, till the twelfth of September following, during all that time doing great Execution on the Enemy, who were then beat off by the United Forces of the King of Poland and the Imperial Princes.  
For pursuant to the League with the Emperour before mentioned, No sooner was it known, That the Infidels were Entred Christendom, but His Majesty of Poland with all imaginable diligence gathered together his Forces: And though there wanted not some about him who were supposed Pensioners to France, That insinuated how unsafe it might be to the Kingdom, for its Forces to March out to assist others, when in the mean time they might be liable to the Incursions of the Tartars and Turks at home; yet this brave Prince esteemed himself obliged in Justice and Honour to neglect such Suggestions, and with all Expedition put his Army into a posture to March. And having dispatched away the Sieur Lubomirski with three Regiments of Horse, before, who notwithstanding Count Teckeley's Endeavours to Intercept them, joined with General Schuts, and did very good Service in several Rencounters, His Majesty in Person came to Cracow on the 29th of July, having first been to perform his Devotions at Crenstochow, And soon after advanced with his whole Army, through Silesia, causing it to March in three Bodies, and different ways, for their greater Conveniency and Speed; And from the Imperial Court the Schafgats was ordered to go and compliment him at his Arrival on the Frontiers, also his Imperial Majesty Himself on the twenty third of August partend from Passaw for Krembs, where was appointed the Common Rendezvous for His Majesty of Poland, the Duke of lorraine and the Auxiliary Troops of the Empire, all to meet at.  
On the second of September His Majesty of Poland Arrived at Holbron with the bravest Cavalry that the Sun ever beholded,( but much harassed with the fatigues of so tedious and continual a March) consisting of 18000. Horse, most of them Polish Gentlemen, who for the most part had each of them a stout Servant or Two well armed; His Infantry were about 15000, and could not come up till two or three days after, so that there was a Necessity to rest a few days to Refresh the wearied Souldiers before they adventured on any Action: For which purpose the Duke of lorraine had provided against their coming great quantities of Provisions both for Horse and Men.  
In which time, as well the Duke of lorraine, as their Highnesses of Bavaria, and Saxony came to visit and pay their Respects to His Majesty, who received them after a most obliging manner, and presented his Son Prince Alexander to their Acquaintance and Friendship; a Prince not above Fifteen or Sixteen Years of Age, but in prudence and Courage much out stripping his years, who attended his Father this Campaign, to instruct himself under so great a Master in the Rudiments of War.  
After the first Civilities necessary between Persons of such Illustrious Quality were past, knowing their Business was not compliment, but the Securing of Christendom from the most Eminent Danger it had been in, for some Centuries; They held a Council of War to adjust the measures fit to be taken in the Management of that great Work before them, viz. The Relief of Vienna; And having Concluded all Particulars, and Communicated the Scheme of their Resolutions to the Emperour( who had altered his Intention of Coming up to the Armies, because he would leave the Honour of Commander in Chief to the King of Poland) and the same being by him approved; They began to Advance to put them in Execution; and indeed it was High time; For the City was now reduced to the very last Extremity, and in human probability could not have held out for many hours longer.  
On the 11th of September, The whole Christian Army, consisting of near Fourscore thousand Combatants, was come almost within sight of the Turks, and all things were prepared for the battle next Day.  
The Right Wing was assigned by Consent to his Majesty of Poland, because He had most Horse, and the Country was on that side open; The Left to the Elector of Bavaria, and the Duke of lorraine, for that it was amongst enclosures all along the Danube●; And the Mainbody to the Elector of Saxony, and Prince Waldeck, with the Troops of the Circles.  
By break of Day, September 12. All the Generals met on an Hill to give the last Orders, and were no sooner come thither, But a Body of about ten Thousand of the Flower of the Turkish Cavalry appeared, advancing amain towards the Christians; whereupon a Battalion was Ordered to put themselves into a Vineyard that was on another Hill, hard by, seconded by three other Battalions, who put a stop to the Turks Carrier; for not enduring the fierce Firings of the said Battalions, and being all Horse, and in a Ground where they could not well attack the Foot, they contented themselves with one Discharge accompanied with an Hideous Noise or Hollow, and so retired. Whereupon the King of Poland and other Princes, drew the Army in Three Lines, all closed, without any Intervails, charging them to March very flowly towards the Enemy, and to stand when the Turks came to Charge them, keep themselves close, and not Fire till the Enemy had made their Discharge; which was observed accordingly. The Turks advanced towards them with a horrible Cry, as if they meant to break in upon them, hoping thereby to make them give way, or put them into Disorder. But perceiving that the Christians stood firm, and expected them in a very close Order; They durst not push any further, but made an Halt, discharged and wheeld off; Upon which immediately all the first Line of the Christians Fired, and the whole Army advanced with a slow place, gaining Ground upon the Enemy; who returning, came up as before, and the Christians thereupon made an Halt, and expected them; and the Turks having Discharged, again retired; and thus they did several times without being able to break in upon the Christians, who still gained Ground and drove them before them. Being thus got near the Enemies Camp, a Body of Foot and Dragoons was Detached to attack their Cannon, which they became Masters of without much Opposition, the Enemy having but a small number of Foot to defend them. On the Right Wing their Horse endeavoured to Charge the Christians in Flank, but the King of Poland mistrusting their Design, caused part of the second Line to Advance and make a Front on that side, and Charging the Enemy in Person with the first Line made them give way.  
Whilst this was doing, the Grand Vizier had caused two Mines to be sprung under the Ramparts of the City not far from the Scots-Gate, whereby a Breach was made able to let in Thirty or Forty Men a Breast; designing to take the City by storm, and instantly to draw his Men within the Walls, and under the Cannon thereof to secure his Baggage Tents and Train. But tho' his Forces designed to Effect this, omitted nothing that could be done, and fought like men Desperate, rather than Valiant; yet Count Starembergh having instantly clapped ten Great Guns upon the Breach loaden with musket Shot, Nails, pieces of Horse-Shoes, &c. Cut off the Assailants in vast Numbers, and yet fresh ones still Crowded on, and were as Valiantly resisted by the Besieged, so that the Ground for above half an hour was Disputed with the last Efforts of Resolution on each side; but at last the Turks were forced to Retreat to their Trenches; Upon whom Starembergh made a sally; and a party from the Prince of lorraine coming at that instant to his Assistance on the other side, beat them out, and Cut in pieces more than Four Thousand janissaries.  
In Conclusion towards Night the whole Body of the Turks began to fly, the Christians pursuing them beyond their Camp, being too weary, after having been near Forty-eight hours upon Duty, to follow them; But the Soldiers were Commanded upon pain of Death not to stir out of their Ranks, and the whole Army continued all night in Battalia to prevent any surprise. But the next Day finding the Enemy clear marched away, Liberty was given to Plunder their Camp, half a Company going out at a time, while the other half continued in Arms, and when the first returned, the Second went out in like manner.  
Here were taken all the Enemies Baggage, and vast quantities of Provisions and Ammunition, above one hundred pieces of Cannon, two Horse-Tails( which they use to hang out as a Denunciation of war, when they undertake any Expedition.) The Viziers own Horse, all their Tents, in Number above Thirty Thousand, and the Graud signors STANDARD, Extraordinary Rich and Sumptuous; The Exact Figure, and arabic Inscriptions whereof, with their Interpretations, you have before the Title-Page hereof.  
This mighty Victory( in obtaining which, the Christians lost not above One Thousand Men, and very few Persons of Quality) must under God, be chiefly attributed to the great Conduct and Courage of the King of Poland, who Engaged his Royal Person amongst the thickest of the Enemy, having with him the Prince his Son, who thus early signalized Himself. Nor ought the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony, the Duke of lorraine and Prince Waldeck, to want their share of the Glory, since they all Behaved themselves extremely well, and gained great Honour and Reputation.  
September the Thirteenth, The King of Poland and other Princes entered Vienna, a sad Spectacle of past desolation, which yet now served to enhance the Joy for its delivery; His Majesty Embraced the gallant Starembergh with the highest expressions of Esteem for his Person, Valour and Conduct. The next day the Emperour Arrived there, and met the King of Poland at the Head of his Army drawn up in Battalia, to whom in the most Endearing Terms, he made his acknowledgements; Who received them with a Modesty equal to his Courage; avowing that he had only used his just endeavours to discharge the Obligations which he owed to the Safety and Repose of Christendom, and that the Success of his Arms, was to be wholly attributed to the Goodness of God, and the Bravery of those Princes who had done him the Honour to join their Treops to his. His Imperial Majesty having ordered Prince Alexaneer to be presented with a Sword richly set with Diamonds, and so after a short interview departed, and the King of Poland Decamped with his Army and marched to Wiseha, and so by a bridge of Boats over the Danube about a mile below Presburgh, on the twenty fifth of September, and the twenty seventh the Imperial Army advancing after him passed over at the same place.  
On the ninth of October, understanding that a Body of about 14000 Turks lay encamped near Barkan, being the Choicest Troops that were remaining of their whole Army, under the Command of several bassas of best account, His Majesty of Poland, and some few of the Imperial Troops advanced thither, The Turks no sooner saw them, but they came briskly on, and Charged very desperately, but being as warmly received, after a sharp Encounter the Infidels were put to Flight, one of their bassas slain, another taken Prisoner, and the rest of them hurrying over the Bridge at grand, the same broken down, so that of all that Body of men, there were not 4000. that escaped. In this battle the young Prince Alexander had his Horse shot under him. Also here, the brave Lord Landsdown, a young English Noblem●n( Son to the Right Honourable the Earl of Bath) who being abroad upon his Travels with his Brother, had put himself into the Campaign, first as a volunteer, and at the Relief of Vienna served as a Captain of Horse, where having given large Testimonies of his Valour, he now Commanded a squadron in Count Taafts Brigade, and so signalized himself. That afterwards about the beginning of January last, waiting on his Imperial Majesty at Lintz, he was received with particular esteem in that Court, and the Emperour at his taking leave of him, was pleased to declare, that he could not suffer a Nobleman of so much merit to return for England, from a Compagne, wherein he had acquitted himself with so much Gallantry, without a Mark of Honour, and therefore at the same time delivered him a Warrant to the Elector of Mentz, chancellor of the Empire, to pass a Diploma constituting his Lordship a Count of the Empire, by the Title of Count Greenville.  
The next Considerable Exploit of his Majesty of Poland was, by taking of Zytchin, a place of great Importance; for having partend with the Duke of lorraine, and understanding that the Turks had there a Considerable Garrison, which might Incommode the Communication between his Troops, and the Imperialists; sent the Prince his Son and the Palatine of Lublin with a small Body of Horse, to view it, and at their return, gave order to attack that place; where the Turks on their side were in a posture of defence, and having notice that that the King had ordered the Cossacks to fall upon their Suburbs, set them on fire the night before, which yet hindered not the Cassacks from possessing themselves of one of their Gates, and breaking down the Palizados. The Turks defended themselves with great Resolution, and after a sharp dispute forced the Cossacks to retire, till being seconded with some fresh Troops, they renewed the Charge, and Compelled the Turks to quit the Town, and take shelter in the Castle, which the King commanded immediately to be Assaulted, and then the Turks hung out a White Flag, and the Commander in Chief with two others came out, and prayed his Majesty to permit them to March out to Buda; Which was granted, and so they went forth, being eight hundred Foot and five hundred Horse; In the place were taken great store of Provisions and Ammunition, and Twenty Pieces of Cannon, besides several small Field Pieces; and His Majesty afterwards put the Town into the hands of the Imperialists; And the very next day sent to summon two Castles called Brigh and Holoch, who yielded at discretion. Thence his Majesty Marched to Kimasombat, and on the sixteenth of Novem. the General of Lithuania met his Majesty there.  
During his Majesties stay in the upper Hungary, he endeavoured by all fair means to reduce Count Teckeley to obedience, offering him very good terms, for the performance of which he would be Guarranty; but finding the same ineffectual, and that it would not be convenient to continue with all his Troops this Winter in those parts, left only those of Lithuania there, and with the rest which had been much weakened by those extraordinary and continual Services they had performed, marched home into Poland? and Arrived at Cracow on the 21st of December, where he was welcomed by all the Applauses and Testimonies of an univerversal Affection from his Subjects; and to render their Joys and Triumphs more complete, the News Arrived that the Sieur Kiniski General of the Cossacks, had obtained a Great Victory over the Turks and Tartars, who being above forty thousand strong, Commanded by two Tartarian Generals, and Haley Bey a Turkish Officer, who had under him a selected Body of Spahies, and some Troops of janissaries, had made a sudden March, designing to fall upon the Poles in Podolia, and Relieve Caminiec, which was blocked up; whereupon the General of the Cossiacks drawing together thirty thousand Men, and marching with great diligence to intercept them, on the fourth of December attacked them near Tilgrotin, and defeated them, with so great a slaughter, that thirty thousand men of them, were destroyed on the place, and in pursuit; Their two Tartar Generals endeavouring in vain to Rally their men, being slain, and Haley Bey being taken Prisoner, offered an hundred thousand Crowns for his Life, But the Cossacks into whose hands he fell, quarreling about sharing the money, Killed him, to end the dispute.  
After which Victory, the Cossacks advanced into the country of the Tartars of Budziack, putting all they met with to the Sword; so that, 'tis said, they slay near one Hundred-Thousand; and having finished their Ravage, took Bialogrod and Ketin, and placed Garrisons therein. All which successses made such Impressions on the Wallachians, that Thirty Thousand of them have Sworn fidelity to the Crown of Poland, and to join with the Cossacks against the Turks and Tartars; And 'tis said the Moldavians are following their Example. In the mean time His Majesty has appointed a Diet to be held for taking the Necessary Resolutions for prosecuting this Happy war; Resolving to be again in the Field early in the Spring with a greater Army than ever.  
Thus have we waited on this Triumphant Prince through several of the most Important Actions of his Life; and now must leave him, for the present, to the Conduct of that Divine Hand which has hitherto blessed him with such a constant series of miraculous Success.  
To Attempt his Character would require another volume; Alexander and Caesar, United, will not express half the idea of his Merit. He is Master of all the Gallantry of ancient Hero's, but free from the Blemishes of their Pride, Ambition and other Vices; His Subjects find Him as Just, kind and Indulgent, As his Enemies, Valiant; And he Labours not for his own Glory and Interest; But to Repel Barbarians, and secure and enlarge the Bounds of Christianity; whereby his Name is become more terrible to the Infidels than ever was that of scanderbag or Huniades; In a word He seems a special Instrument raised by Providence to confer a double Obligation on all the Christian World, by Repulsing the mahometans from without, and preventing the Tyranny of others amongst themselves, who from an Insatiate Ambition, are more than suspected of a Design to have taken the Advantage by those Confusions, to have grasped to themselves an Universal Monarchy.  
FINIS.    

Advertisemtnt.  
Lucians Works, Translated from the Greek, by Ferrand Spence, the Second Vollumn is in the Press, and will be Published in few Days.