shooting in also many letters full of like promises But seeing no hope to prevail he spake to his 〈◊〉 called together as followeth Though I know 't is in my power to grant or not grant the motioned peace yet it is my pleasure to know your minds also For so much as we have that 〈◊〉 hand wherein with worldly 〈◊〉 is endangered our religion c. As for mine own estate I possesse so large Countries in Asia and Europe that perhaps it might better stand with my estate to take more care for keeping that I have then to travel for more but whether have you sufficient or not and how long assured of the same And moreover we shall be driven at length to forsake our Religion if we now lay down Armes For our enemies require we should first cease from War and then they would talk of Peace I omitt what labour we have taken in our siege c all which they command us to forsake Our enemies 〈◊〉 whosoever shall have this City shall have 〈◊〉 ul 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 for his own 〈◊〉 an entrance 〈◊〉 subduing of others 〈◊〉 is now divided and this motion is but to gain time for satisfying private quarrels that with double 〈◊〉 they may 〈◊〉 on us c. Their proud demands for restoring Bulgaria and Rascia c. sounds already in my 〈◊〉 which we refusing to grant the Hungarians and 〈◊〉 joyned will bring those Wars to our doors which we 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 make on them 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And if we should restore all in reason they could desire do you think the Prince of Servia would rest 〈◊〉 with his own whose haughty mind gapeth at all ours in Europe c. If whose fortune should answer his designes besides all the 〈◊〉 out-rages to be 〈◊〉 they count it a godly work to use all cruel villanies against our Nation except we will forsake the Faith and Religion delivered by our Ancestors c. accounting all holy Saints which die in fight against us If ye will but a little inforce your selves ye shall find all worldy and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 assured unto us 〈◊〉 to morrow you shall overthrow the foundation of the enemies wall Hitherto we have 〈◊〉 with nature in the rough mountaines of Bulgaria and 〈◊〉 c. that at length we might attain to the wealth of fruitful Hungary whose pleasant places do yield plenty of all food for man and beast not onely to satisfie 〈◊〉 necessity but even glut our wanton desires gold which others most painfully dig up in few places the Hungarians gather as it were a growing plant It is in your power worthy Souldiers whether ye will to morrow open your selves a way to these good things for ever or leave the way open for your enemies to all that you hold According as I shall see you fight I shall perceive what to answer to the insolent demands of the Embassadours Next 〈◊〉 early 〈◊〉 commanded the 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 given to a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had made 〈◊〉 the Souldiers assayling it with great courage especially 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 the same The Christians seeing all in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from all parts to the breach 〈◊〉 charged the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they retired more hastily then they 〈◊〉 Many 〈◊〉 the rest fleeing 〈◊〉 were either 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 to death in the 〈◊〉 or strangled in the smoak the Defendants wild fire taking hold upon faggots c. where with the Turks made their way over He is reported to lose 〈◊〉 8000 of his best 〈◊〉 besides 7000 over whelmed in the Mines by 〈◊〉 They that assaulted by water had rather worse successe Many Galleys c. 〈◊〉 some burnt divers in sudden fear 〈◊〉 upon the Shelves 〈◊〉 shamefully beaten and by famine and 〈◊〉 force losing most of his Army determined after 7 months siege to return Yet 〈◊〉 answered the Embassadours in the Campe we will talke of peace when 〈◊〉 shall deliver us all of 〈◊〉 which he holdeth and also Belgrade as a pledge For this time I will raise my siege yet I would wish him rather to accept of my friendship than by denying that little to hazard both his 〈◊〉 I ask but what is mine by law of armes before he was called into Hungary If he will rather strive for other mens than quietly possesse his own I will in good time repaire thither again c. In his way he 〈◊〉 Isa Beg with certain troopes at Scopia in Servia who so troubled the King of Bosna that for peace he promised Amurath 25000 Duckets yearly tribute Uladislans seeing Transylvania much subject to the Turks incursious having gotten all Moldavia into their possession created John Huniades his Vicegerent there Whatever his parents were himself was a most polique Valiant and fortunate Caprain obtaining such Victories as was never before by any Christian Prince against the Turks with whose 〈◊〉 they used to fear their crying Children He began to keep them short cutting them off when they encred and shutting the passages of Transilvania and not resting till he won Moldavia quite from them And many times passing Danubius made havock of the Turks carrying away great booty with many Captives Laying at 〈◊〉 and Isa at Sinderovia both of great Spirit Isa to increase his credit with the Sultan his Uncle c. continually forraged about Belgrade that wearying the Inhabitants with daily harms he might gain the City mostly abandoned of the Citizens which Amurath could not by force obtain Sometimes not content to spoyle the open Country he assayled the Citie 's Suburbs and was hardly repulsed And Huniades onely hindring his further proceedings he brake sometimes into his Country laying ambushes in every Corner to Circumvent him who grieved hereat secretly raised a strong power and with Valiant Nicolas Vilarch passing Danubius encamped betwixt Belgrade and Sinderovia Isa forthwith setting forward against him with a great Army he found 〈◊〉 as ready for battle as 〈◊〉 At the first encounter 〈◊〉 his wings were forced to retire but the Turks coming to the men at Armes their fury was stayed many fell on both sides but of the Turks more who not able long to endure the Shock were by heapes overthrown Which Isa beholding fled to 〈◊〉 the rest fled also whom the 〈◊〉 especially Huniades fiercely following left not the Chase till come almost to the Suburbs of Sinderovia few escaped the rest being taken or slain Huniades returning with rich prey c. to Belgrade after which Isa was more quiet This Victorie soon filled Buda with joy and gladnesse Uladislaus causing publique prayers with thanksgiving to be made and by letters gratulatory with rich presents encouraged Huniades to the prosecution of the Religious War Amurath lest he would seem to yield to the Hungarians repaired his broken forces to renew his wars in Valachia sending Mesites Bassa with a puissant Army to invade Transylvania He passing out of Servia over 〈◊〉 suddenly entred Huniades his Country burning spoyling and killing all he lightt on without respect Huniades lately come and
Caesaria after whose departure unto Exphrates the Turks put Philaretus left by him at those frontiers to flight wasting Cappadocia and sacking 〈◊〉 in Cilicia The Emperour made towards them sending the Governour of Antioch to stop the Turks passage at Mopsiphestia But they being stript of their prey by the Armenians and escaping by night at the Emperours approach he returned from those quieted Provinces unto Constantinople After which Manuel Comnenus whose honour was envied by the Emperour for his prevalency against the Turks was near Sebastia taken by the Turks in his way to Syria and most part of his small Army 〈◊〉 who while the Emperour was preparing to go personally against his enemies fled from the displeased Sultan with the Turk that took him The Emperour set forward and having pacified a mutinous Legion at Cryapega where he encamped he both removed and divided his Army into three parts sending one part to besiege Mantzicierts which was soon yielded upon composition yet the garrison Souldiers being suddenly oppressed as they sought for forrage he sent 〈◊〉 for the Cities relief who when Basilacius was sent unto him as being too weak put the Turks to flight in battel Briennius notwithstanding laden with Armour was in the rear taken his horse being first slain and brought unto the Sultan who both entreated him honourably and questioned him frequently The present Sultan in the field was Axan Tangrolipix his son who was dead of great wisdom who sending to the Emperour to treat of peace had this message slighted by him through the perlwasion of some Captains being willed if he desired peace to leave the place of his encamping to the Emperour who sent for Ruselius in hast that he had sent against Chliat but he being for safety retired into the Roman frontiers had not his help some of the Scythians also in the Emperours camp revolting to the Turks yet he gave them battel who having some hopes of peace seemed not much desirous either to fight or flee But the Emperour retreating for fear of his camp that was left weakly manned others through Andronicus Constantine his brothers son and that envied Diogenes giving out that the Emperour fled began to flee also At which the Turks being encouraged hardly pursued the Emperour now standing and notably resisting but in vain for he was both wounded and taken which the Sultan at first believed not until he was assured thereof by his Embassadours and Basilacius a prisoners gesture towards Diogenes The Sultan then cheared him with words telling Diogenes who humbled himself he would use him as an Emperour the which he did concluding peace with him on promise of marriage between their children and sending him away in a Turkish habit with his Embassadours towards Constantinople being first cured of his wounds But Michael Duc 〈◊〉 the eldest son of Eudocia who was thrust into a Monastery being by John Caesar and others set up in Diogenes his room letters were sent into all Provinces not to receive Diogenes as Emperour who stayed at the Castle of Docia and was by Caesar's sons overthrown and yielded to them in the City of Adana upon condition of resigning the Empire for ever who being brought by Andronicus Caesars eldest son to Cotai in Phrygia while he was there sick had notwithstanding the Clergies faith gaged for his safety his eys cruelly put out and in the Isle Prota worms breeding in his wounds for want of dressing shortly dyed reigning 3 years 8 moneths Axan in revenge thereof invaded not for booty alone but for conquest the Imperial Provinces and overthrew Commen's Armie taking him prisoner and Casar the Emperour's Uncle with another Army being also taken but that was by Russelius a revolting traytor who hereby doing what he list in lesser Asia was through Commen's secret working with the Turks for mony betrayed to the Emperour who being imprisoned was afterwards employed against Briennius up in rebellion But Cutlumuses and his cousen Melech in the beginning of Axan's reign returning out of Arabia raised a great power and were ready to encountet the Sultan's whole forces nigh the City Ere 's as envious of his Kingdom But the Caliph of Babylon their chief Bishop considering the ruine of the 〈◊〉 through civil dislention and fearing the like in these the chief stay of Mahometism thrusting himself contrary unto Pontifical formality betwixt the Armies ready to joyn battel who both by his reverence and perswasion that Axan should enjoy his Kingdom entire that Cutlumuses with his Sons should be the sole Lords of what they subdued in the Constantinopolitan Empire were content to say down Arms Most commodious to Mahometism and most hurtful to the Christians for Cutlumuses c. soon subdued all Media a good part of Armenia Cappadocia Pontus Bythinia and the lesser Asia and enlarged by the Persian Sultans help much the Turkish Empire which occasioned them to be accounted Sultans though indeed they were none neither were Aspasalemus c. though all great men of the Selzuccian family any other than imaginary successours in the Turks first Empire Axan or rather Ax-Han that is the white King succeeding his Father Trangrolopix Axan giving to Ducas and Melech his kinsmen Damasco's and 〈◊〉 government still to hold all of him as of their Soveraign that he might encroach on the Aegyptian Caliph Cutlumuses priviledges being larger who had also assisted Botoniates in thrusting Michael Ducas after 6 years 6 months reign into a Monastery who usurped the Empire of Greece though himself was in like manner served by Alexius Comnenus Cutlumuses and his sons thus prevailing both against the Christians and Melech against the Aegyptian Caliph to the loss of the Saracen name and Empire now almost quite driven out of Asia Peter a French Hermite then visiting Jerusalem in devotion diligently observed the manners government and strength of these Barbarians as also the grievious miseries of the oppressed Christians amongst them the which being a little hard-favoured fellow he had freedom safely to do and comming to Jerusalem entred into deep discourse with the Abbot of the Monastery and Master of the Hospitalers at length agreeing that they should write Letters to the Pope and other Christian Princes touching the Christians miseries craving aid against those cruel Infidels the Hermit promising that he would be a trusty carrier of their Letters and also a careful Solicitor of their Petitions which were to this effect That whereas the Citizens Countrey-men of Christ Jesus are daily scourged and brained c. were it not impiety in divers respects to leave the Land they would flee to the farthest parts of the earth And though happily the Western Christians are without fear yet the Turks forces policies attempts together with their success being stronger and deeper than the Saracens seeing Jerusalem itself is taken sacked they could not presume to stand in safety And therefore since our bloud cryeth out for revenge we lay prostrat at your feet for help for deliverance of
fleet at Ascalon for Jerusalem's relief sunk their Ships and marched to the Camp among whom were divers Engineers by whom a great moving Tower was made covered with raw hides to save it from fire which by night being brought to the wall they the next day the winde driving the Turks fire who thought to burn it into their own faces gained the top of the wall which being first footed by Godfrey and his Brother they pressed in like a violent River killing men women and children with a lamentable sight The better sort of Turks retiring into the Temple fought terribly many on both sides falling but the Christians fiercely breaking in the foremost were miserably slain the Turks also 〈◊〉 fighting in the midst of the Temple there were slain heapes both of victors and vanquished the pavement swimming with blood Then the Turks held the top of the Temple And the next day upon Proclamation of mercy to such as laid down weapons they yielded themselves Thus Jerusalem was recovered in 1099 having been in the Infidels hands above 400 years Eight daies after cleansing the City and giving thanks to God and the poor Christians welcomming with joy their victorious Brethren the Princes consulting of their King chose Robert Duke of Normandy who refusing Jerusalem upon news of his Fathers death in England William Rufus being in possession as it were lost both Kingdomes Godfrey of Bulloine a great Souldier being saluted King who said He would not wear a Crown of Gold where Christ wore a Crown of thorns but briefly certified these proceedings to Bohemud shewing Jerusalem's strength and situation and how he first gained part of the wall Baldwin opening the gates for entry of their great conflict in Solomon's Temple and that since he was saluted King of Jerusalem though against his will he would endeavour well to deserve of the universal faith And then joyned a most dreadful battle with the greatest multitude of Turks and Saracens all as one assembled at Ascalon for revenge killing a 100000 of them taking more spoile than in this whole expedition After this Victory some Princes returned to their Charges others with honour to their own Country But shortly after a great Pestilence ensuing Godfrey among the rest died July 18. 1100. Scarce reigning a full year generally lamented and honourably buried on mount Calvary in the Temple of Christ's Sepulchre In whose Room Baldwin of Edessa his brother was Crowned King in 1101. Who aided by Sea and Land took the Sea-City Cesarea-Stratonis overthrowing certain Companies at 〈◊〉 gladly and safely conducting to Jerusalem new westerne aides by Tyre and three other Cities holden by the enemies at which time the Christians were notably overthrown about Rama by the Turks aided by the Arabians and Aegyptians two Stephens Earles of Charters and Burgundy being slain the King hardly escaping who repairing his Army at Joppa speedily so overthrew his secure enemies that they had little cause to rejoyce in their Victory Tancred Prince of Galilee in the mean time taking the City Apamea and with much toyl Laodicea But Baldwin 〈◊〉 Governour of Edessa was at the siege of Carras thatwas upon yielding overthrown by the Persian Sultan Benedict a Bishop and 〈◊〉 his kinsman being taken with him who to the offence of the 2 Sultans after 5 years redeemed themselves from the Turk that took them King Baldwin who after this lived unmolested for a season suddenly raised a full strength and besieged Ptolemais or Acon in Phoenicia and was glad to raise his siege being after a long time brought to his end by a healed-up wound received in a skirmish at his return yet the next year Ptolemais by the encouragement of the Genua fleet was yielded to him on composition after 20 daies Tancred Livetenant Governour of Antioch soon after put to flight the invading Governour of Aleppo and others and the Caliph of Egypt was discomfited by the Christians at land and by tempest at Sea comming against Jerusalem Bohemud returning out of Italy with 40000 foot and 5000 horse as is reported toward Jerusalem spoiled in revenge of Alexius his injuries the Country about Dyrrhachium forcing the Emperour to promise by oath security and kindnesse to all travelling Souldiers and dying shortly at Antioch in 1108. Whose Principality his child Bohemud enjoyed under Tancreds 〈◊〉 Baldwin the King Apr. 23. 1111. wonn the City Berytus 〈◊〉 most to the sword and the same year Decemb. 19. Sidon was yielded to him through the assistance of a Norway fleet Tyre only of all the famous sea-Sea-Cities from Laodicea to Ascalon remaining to the enemies the which Baldwin hardly besieged 4 months in vain Two years after Baldwin and Tancred who Bohemud dying Reigned in Antioch with the rest joyned a cruel battle with the Persian Sultans mighty Army under Mendus their General encamping on the Sea near Tyberias after some companies were by some flying skirmishers entrapped in ambush and rescued by other Christians who were by the Turks far exceeding in number put to flight and hardly followed with great slaughter The Ascalon Turks the mean while besieging Jerusalem weakly manned but news of the Kings coming and of Supplies out of the west made them having burnt store-houses of Corn and spoyled other things to retire home This King after many hard conflicts with Turks and Saracens won Pharamia a strong Sea City in Aegypt taking abundance of fish at the mouth of Nilus wherewith he feasted in the City And after dinner grieved with his old wound died near Laris in his return in 1118 Reigning 18 years and royally Sepulchred near his brother Godfrey Baldwin Brugensis of Edessa his Cousin was chosen and Crowned King of Jerusalem Apr. 2. 1118. a man of great courage tall stature and comely countenance Against whom the Caliph of Aegypt with the King of Aleppo raised a great power the same summer Baldwin also encamping in fight of his enemies both armies for fear of each other after 3 months facing retired without any notable action Alexius the Emperour died this year whose Son Calo Johannes his successour all his Reign worthily defended his territories in lesser Asia But Roger Prince of Antioch with more courage than discretion going forth against a great Army not far from Aleppo was slain with most of his Army the place being called the field of bloud Baldwin Aug. 14 1120 overthrowing the carelesse Turks with a great slaughter joyning Antioch principality to his own which Antiochians Baldwin their protecting Prince being far off were more subject to enemies inroads than before the King of Damasco entring with great power and doing harm thereabouts in 1122 who understanding Baldwins approach with a puissant Army retired out of the Countrey the King taking Garaze a new built strong Castle of the King of Damasco's which he raced to the ground Whilst this King wisely sent Embassadours to divers Christian Princes especially to the Uenetians for relief by Sea Balac the Persian Sultan with a great Army invaded about him
friendship often 〈◊〉 each other but the Sultan was at length 〈◊〉 in the Turks Camp Sarracon entring the City was by the great Caliph 〈◊〉 true 〈◊〉 appointed Sultan as he desired the first of the Turks that enjoyed it He dying within a full year Saladine his Nephew stept up who not regarding the Caliph as Sarracon and the Sultan's before with his Horse-man's Mace struck out his brains rooting out all his posterity and to encourage his Turks against the Christians he divided the Aegyptian treasures among them Renowned Aegypt was till about 704 part of the 〈◊〉 Empire which revolted unto the Saracens whose superstition they received through the Greeks pride and covetousnesse so living about 464 years till now invaded by Almericus Sarracon ayding repulsed the Christians but took the Kingdom remaining in Saladines posterity till again taken by the Mamalukes Selymus the 1 utterly destroying them under whose servility it was long holden it hath remained to this day in the Turkish Emperour's Government Selymus his posterity Saladine thus possessed of Egypt entred into Palestine in 1170 with so great an Army as the like of the Turks was never before there winning Daron and overthrowing Almericus his relievers and returned contented into his Kingdome Almericus beset on both sides by the Turks went personally to Constantinople and sent Embassadors to Christian Princes of the West to crave aid he and his Embassadours were loaded with great promises all which came to nothing Saladine made three light expeditions into the holy Land the three following years still raising his siege and retiring upon Almericus his coming more to prove his enemies strength train his souldiers chiefly the womanly Aegyptians than for hope of Victory Noradine Sultan of Damasco reigning 29 years soon after died Almericus forthwith besieged Panead but for a great sum from the Widdow noble Prisoners delivery he departed So returning not well on horseback with his ordinary retinue to Jerusalem where being grievonsty tormented with his old disease the Flux which was before somewhat staied he requested a gentle potion of his refusing Physitians commanding it upon his own peril wherewith though his loosed belly was at first eased his Feaver was vehement and he suddenly died July 10. 1173. having reigned about 10 years This wise and right valiant Prince was buried by his Brother with great lamentation of all His son Baldwin about 13 years old was 4 daies after chosen and solemnly crowned 1173. Raymund Count of Tripolis being by the whole consent appointed his Tutor for his tender age Noradine left his son Melechsala a youth to succeed him Whose disdaining Nobles betrayed Damasco to Saladine secretly sent for who in fine unresistedly 〈◊〉 the whole Kingdom of Damasco Arethusa excepted The wiser not thinking it safe for the Kingdomes of Damasco and Aegypt to be joyned Jerusalem lying betwixt both Wherefore the Count of Tripolis made out to hinder his proceedings Then also Cotabed Prince of Melechsala's Uncle's Troops sent to aid his distressed Nephew were almost all slain by Saladine near Aleppo Who appeased the Christian Princes with intreaty rewards and rich presents After which he passing 3 or 4 years in quietnesse was greatly strengthned in those new Kingdomes Philip Earl of Flanders comming over the Christian Princes consulted of an expedition into Aegypt Saladine drawing down into that Country But Philip disliking it and the rather for Tripolis his no cheerfulnesse they turned forces a contrary way miserably wasting about Emissa and Cesarea 〈◊〉 taking this occasion invaded the holy Land where burning the Country and raging in bloud he encamped not far from 〈◊〉 them of 〈◊〉 being about to forsake the City for fear Baldwin lay close in Ascalon with small forces he had left Saladine encouraged dispersed his Army to forrage the Countrey The King perceiving this secretly issued out and charged him till after a hard and doubtful battel Saladine fled most of his Army being slain or lost with hunger and cold This was Novemb. 25 1177. the Turk had 26000 horsmen the King not past 4000. He returned triumphing to Jerusalem diligently repairing the Cities Walls In revenge Saladine did great harm chiefly about Sidon the King overthrowing part of his Army carryed great booty Saladine came as a sudden tempest on the secure Christians dividing the spoil slaying a great number taking Otto and Hugh in flights confusion the King glad to shift After which he took by force a strong Castle lately built by Jordan putting all to the sword except a few prisoners He becoming hereby dreadful in Syria caused the Christians to be more vigilant yet there was almost a 2 years breathing by the Sultan and Kings shortly concluding a Peace But the Count of Tripolis being through enemies suspected by the King as affected to the Kingdom and commanded to stay coming toward Jerusalem suddenly troubled this pleasing calm The Kings turbulent Mother and her 〈◊〉 were the chief authours but the other Nobles wisely foreseeing discords danger appeased that fire for a time by causing him being sent for to be reconciled to the King Saladine now renounced the League with Baldwin setting forward with great power in Egypt toward Damasco Baldwin went to meet him and encamped at Petra but Saladine turning away encamped before Mount-royal Castle given to the Templars who there refreshing his Army arrived unresisted at Damasco The Turks Captains then spoiled Galilee besieging and soon taking 〈◊〉 Castle at Mount Tabors foot carrying away about 500 prisoners with great slaughter made Saladine joyning all 〈◊〉 Garrisons with Egyptian forces entred the holy Land whom Baldwin though the Count of 〈◊〉 lay sick encouraged 〈◊〉 near 〈◊〉 a Village overthrowing him and most of his Army perishing himself by flight escaping to Damasco who in revenge besieged 〈◊〉 by Sea and Land his brother 〈◊〉 of Aegypt besieging Darum towards Aegypt Baldwin thinking best first to relieve Berytus set forward by Land rigged 30 Gallies at Tyre which Saladine by intercepted Letters understanding presently departed And seeing the success against Baldwin not as his desire passed more Eastward over Euphrates into Mesopotamia getting Edessa Carras c. by force and corruption into his hands in which time Baldwin spoyled about Damasco retiring to Jerusalem laded with spoil Saladine returning matched in revenge to Aleppo longed for above all other which ere long was by the Governours treason delivered to him the Princes fearing great matters to ensue The Prince of Antioch sold Tarsus Saladine as it were stepping betwixt him and it to Rupinus of Armenia The King sick of a Feaver and the Leprosy daily encreasing appointed to the great discontentment of the Count of Tripolis Guy Count of Joppa and Ascalon to whom Sybil his Sister was espoused Governour of the Kingdom reserving only the Kingly title and Jerusalem with 10000 Ducats yearly Saladine after a little breathing took many Castles doing infinite harm in the holy Land the people fleeing into Cities for fear The Christian Army through envy
to Guy and affection to Tripolis lying fast by and never so before not moving suffering the enemy to spoil and depart in safety who within a month in hope of a safer passage between Damasco and Aegypt sat down before Petra beyond Jordan with a great Army Baldwin sent the Count of Tripolis by him restored and Guy displaced against him Saladine hearing of it raised his siege The King a little before growing sicker appointed by the Nobles consent Baldwin Sybills Son a posthume of William Marquess of 〈◊〉 her first husband 5 years old to succeed him Raymund of Tripolis during his minority to govern the State Guy hereupon departed from Court to Ascalon discontented the Patriarch and Princes fearing great danger requested the King to receive 〈◊〉 into favour and to reconcile him with Raymund by his Parliament at Acon but it was dissolved and nothing in that point concluded Jerusalems Kingdom through the old King's sickness the young ones unfitness and the dissention between Guy and Raymund began to decline Raymund fearing Guy was thought to have intelligence with Saladine the King almost purposing to proclaim him Traytot But by the Counsel of Tyre's Archbishop and others he sent Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem and two more Masters of the Knights and Templers to the Pope the Emperour of Germany the French and English Kings to crave aid against the Infidels These Embassadours before the Pope and Emperour declaring the Eastern Christians hard estate moved all the Princes at the Councel of Verona to compassion Thence passing into France England and Germany great preparation was made for relief the returning Embassadours filling the sick King with great hopes But quarrels shortly arising between Pope and Emperour sharp war between the French and English Kings and others the expedition was dashed Whereat Baldwin oppressed with grief 〈◊〉 without issue May 16. 1185 25 years old whose body was also buried with a general mourning in the Temple by Mount Calvary not inferiour to his Predecessors Baldwin 5th a boy was Crowned Raymund contending for the government and Kings tuition by the late Kings 〈◊〉 having it almost confirmed by 〈◊〉 But Sybill so animated Guy not to give place that by his favourites and the Marquess of 〈◊〉 then in 〈◊〉 with great power he had from the Nobles what he desired Seven months after the young King was buried poysoned by his Mother as was said whose death she concealed till it was wrought that the King was 〈◊〉 and Guy the same day Crowned Let him have his place as the 8th King of Jerusalem though some reckon him not among the Kings Raymund out of all hope did what he could to crosse the King Saladine promising him help at need which the Count desirously embraced Discord reigning the Kingdom drew to a period which Saladine perceiving invited Turks Saracens and Egyptians to take up Arms assuring them of great prey and honour of conquest which Mahometans flocked to Ptolemais 50000 horse besides infinit foot there meeting the Count conducting some thorow Tiberias Nazareth and Galilee They besieging this City Ptolemais Saladine terribly assaulted it on May day 1187. In the heat whereof the 2 Masters of the Templars and Knights Hospitallers to whom it was given to defend sallying out assailed the Camp and turning on the assaillers made confusion and sudden danger turned his whole forces fighting a most bloudy battel the Count of Tripolis in a Turkish habit helping the Infidels unhorsed the Master of the Hospitallers who surcharged with Armour and oppressed with enemies died Saladine new succour still coming having lost 15000 fled with the rest a 〈◊〉 not without Christian blood most of the Hospitallers being 〈◊〉 Saladine now thought good to joyn pollicy to open force working by Raymund of Tripolis 〈◊〉 as utterly fallen out with the Turks he should seek for grace of Guy as his dread Soveraign Saladine to colour this besieged Tiberias a City of the 〈◊〉 who traiterously craving aid of the King encamped with an Army near the fountain of Sophor joyning a terrible battel with 120000 horsemen and 160000 footmen of Turks both Armies as by consent retiring through extream heat and nights approach The 〈◊〉 next day by the false Counts flight gained the victory Guy the King with divers of great note were taken the Christians whole strength was here broken Saladine with little resistance had Ptolemais 〈◊〉 and Berytus delivered him not forcing any Christian yielding their obedience and tribute but the Latins to depart And within a month taking except Tyre all Sea-port Towns betwixt 〈◊〉 and Ascalon he marched from Ascalons siege of 9 daies directly to Jerusalem perswading the Citizens timely to yield themselves and City to his mercy they refusing he for 14 daies left nothing 〈◊〉 for gaining thereof The Citizens considering their danger the Kingdoms strength 〈◊〉 no forreign aid to be expected agreed to yield on condition of staying with goods and liberty or departing with what they could carry on their backs 〈◊〉 delivered Octob. 2 1187 holden by the Christians 89 years Saladine prophaning the Temple with his superstition using the other as Stables that of the Sepulchre was for a great sum redeemed by the Christians The Latins he thrust out with what burdens they could bear who travelling to Tripolis Tyre and 〈◊〉 were by false Raymund of Tripolis and his followers lightened thereof Others as Syrians c. had places in the 〈◊〉 appointed to dwell in All Monuments were defaced except Christ's Sepulchre with Godfreys and his brother Baldwins Above 20000 Christians perished the Count of Tripolis shortly after found dead in his bed as some say circumcised Saladine returned to the siege of Ascalon which after 10 daies with a composition for safe departure was delivered for freeing Guy the King and Gerrard 〈◊〉 of the Templars Then he attempted 〈◊〉 but gave over the siege He most furiously assaulted Tyre which was full of men by Conrade of 〈◊〉 arriving with the Greek Emperour's Fleet and distressed Christians fleeing thither but was repulsed with great losse The Admiral of Sicily landing upon his back he charged behind and before left his Tents with all therein to the Christians for haste In few daies invading about Antioch he destroyed all with fire and sword that so strong a Cities Castle being by means of the Patriarch for gold betrayed to him whereby he soon was Master of the City about 90 years before hardly gained by the Christians 25 Cities with the Provinces belonging depended thereon The report of this losse soon filling Christendom with pittiful complaints of 〈◊〉 and perswasions of Pope Clement 3 moved the Christian Princes with many great Prelats all or most making great preparations for relief against the Turks and afterwards imploying them at divers times with danger of their persons the success shall hereafter be declared Of which Saladine not ignorent set Guy at liberty 〈◊〉 a year contrary to promise with an oath never by Arms to seek revenge or recovery of his
that discord of the Turks be recovered and the Kingdom established who perswaded Henry the Emperour to undertake the matter who sent the Duke of Saxony with a great Army into Asia to whom two 〈◊〉 the Archbishop of Moguntia and the Bishop of Herbipolis were joyned Many other German Princes and Prelats then taking on them the holy war who being relieved and transported to Antioch by the Greek Emperour came by land to Tyre and Ptolemais purposing to relieve the besieged Germans in Joppa but they being all by treason slain and the City raced they departed to 〈◊〉 Then taking and fortifying Berytus they besieged 〈◊〉 which being brought to extremity the Turks came on so fast for relief that they raised their siege which Berytus Garrison perceiving abandoned the City marching with the Army to Joppa and fortifying it The enemy coming raced Berytus in 1197. The Turks coming to disturb Joppa's fortifying the Christians removed some miles off to draw the Turks to a convenient place The Turks hereupon sent a part to assail the City the other following disorderly on whom the Christians turning sharply encountred and put them to flight some thousands of them falling taking the spoil and returning to the City But the Duke of Saxony over-heating himself and on the 〈◊〉 day dying of a Feaver and the Duke of Austria the night following of a wound diminished this victories joy Not long after both Pope Celestine and Henry the Emperour dyed troubles arising in Germany about a new Emperours choice whereupon the Bishop of 〈◊〉 an Electour and the other German Princes could not be perswaded to stay but home they went The Turks afterwards the Germans on Martin's day making merry in their Pots at Joppa had a port betrayed to them putting all to the sword and racing the City thinking now to drive the Christians quite out of Syria yet by Simon Count of Montfort sent thither with a tall Regiment by the French King and their civil discords they were repressed and a Peace concluded for 10 years which was in 1199 or as some write in 1198 the Count returned into France with whom the time and History now calling us we will repair into lesser Asia to see other Turkish affairs in those Eastern Countreys The ruin of the Turks first Empire in Persia with the success of their second Kingdom in lesser Asia under the Aladine Kings IT fared with the Turkish Empire first planted by Tangrolipix in Persia and other Eastern Countrys as with a sick body subject to many changes which continuing for 170 years must now give place to a greater power For it fortuned about this time that the Tartars or Tattars inhabiting the cold and bare Countries in the North of Asia a barbarous fierce and needy Nation stirred by their own wants and the perswasion of Zingis or Cangis holden for a great Prophet made their leader and honourably named 〈◊〉 or the mighty King or great Cham flocked like the sand of the Sea and conquering their poor neighbours easily entreated to seek better fortunes with them passed the high Mountain Caucasus part of Taurus dividing Asia into 2 parts over which coming down as into another world full of natures delights never seen to them before bear down all before them Zingis dead Hoccata his eldest Son took his Fathers place who sending part of his Army Westward turned himself Eastward where subduing the Bactrians and Zogdians with others he entred India subduing to the East Ocean building in Cathaia the City Cambalu 28 miles about where the Cham of Tartary hath his Imperial residence having also in the Province of 〈◊〉 Quinsay the greatest City in the World 100 miles about 12000 〈◊〉 therein some whereof are exceeding high The Cham alway 30000 in Garrison Hoccata through the rich pleasures of India mannaged his warrs by Lievtenants 〈◊〉 them North West and South who subdued the Arachosians Margians c. and also subdued Persia with all Parthia Assyria Mesopotamia and Media Cursumes or Corsantes now reigned in the City 〈◊〉 in Chorasau the farthest part of Persia who fled with all the people leaving all the Tartars racing the City and taking the Countrey Cursumes of the Selzuccian family dying in this flight Ugnanchan his Son led the multitude of Turks and seized on Babylon now called Bagadat where putting all to the sword he there and thereabouts seated himself but ere long the Tartars pursuing took him and thence expelled his people Solyman also of the Oguzian family of whom more shall be said hereafter reigned in Persia at Nacnan who terrified and waned by the Salzuccian Sultan's fall fled with some subjects into lesser Asia After this the Tartars conquered greater Armenia with Cholchis and Iberia This proud Conquerour purposed to subdue all Asia but overcome with India's delicacies he so rested embracing the manners and superstition of the conquered The Turks were driven out of Persia about 1202 who retired into lesser Asia possessed by their Countreymen under the leading of Aladin descended of the Selzuccian Family who taking opportunity by the discord of the Latines and Greeks and Greeks among themselves first at Sebastia in Cilicia then at Iconium erected their new Kingdom of the Aladines Now and within few years such great strange changes were in the Constantinopolitan Empire that it was almost utterly subverted the Turks hereby establishing their Kingdoms in Syria and lesser Asia and at present triumphing in the imperiall City which briefly to pass through shall not be from our purpose Usurping Alexius sought also the life of Isaac his Brother's son Heir apparent to the Empire who seeing the villany committed on his Father fled from his Uncle's fury with some Greek Lords for aid to Western Princes comming first to Philip German Emperour who married his sister Irene Who most instantly solicited her husband from the execrable indignity done to her Father the banishment of her wandring Brother and her own disgrace thereby as also his declaring that if Alexius had not lightly regarded and contemned Philip he durst not have committed so great villany not to leave the same unrevenged Her Husband promised to be 〈◊〉 revenged but through wars with Otho his Competitour in the Empire he could not at present But it fortuned that then great preparations were making in divers places for the Holy Land Theobald Count of Campagne General of the Army Boniface Marquels of 〈◊〉 c. were cheif with divers Noble men their Army was very populous But since the Greeks had formerly shewed great discourtesie to the Latines they thought it best to journey by Italy and cheifly to use the Venetians for their transportation by Sea who were the easier intreated thereto hoping hereby to scour the Adriatique Sea of the Dalmatians and recover Jadera in Sclavonia being revolted from them to the Hungarians which this Army did But in their march into 〈◊〉 their General died to the whole Armies sorrow the Marquesse of Montferrat was chosen General This great Army having
they digging up his bones those who could get never so little thereof set it in silver or gold hanging it about their necks or otherwise wearing thinking thereby to have such good hap as Scanderbeg had while he lived The Hungarians and Venetians most time of these Wars busied the Turks for Matthias entring Bosna overthrew the Turks frontier forts and driving them out till he came to Jaziga or Jaitze the chiefe City at length took it wresting all that Kingdome out of their hands whereupon Mahomet hardly besieging Jaziga it was valiantly defended till Mathias comming to its reliefe so troubled the Turks Campe on one sice and the besieged with salleys on the other that the Turk stealing away with his Armie by night into Servia left his Tents and great Ordinance for haste which the Turks Histories report he cast into the River whom Mathias following into Servia and taking part thereof united it with 〈◊〉 to Hungarie After which Mahomet had no great stomack to provoke the Hungarians Mathias being now as dreadfull to the Turks as the name of his Father Huniades Then also the Venetians scouring the Seas did great harme to the Turk by landing in severall places amongst others Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus comming into Salonichi Bay burnt divers Townes and Villages by the Sea side Then returning into Pelopouesus he in despire of all the Turks could do fortified 〈◊〉 where leaving a strong Garrison he returned into Euboea and soon after sayling along Macedonia and Thracia surprized Aenus upon the River Meritza's mouth taking its spoile and carrying away 2000 Captives into Euboea Then likewise the Venetians ayding Duchaine against his Brother Alexius striving for Zadrima's principality greatly overthrew the Turks neer Drine River in Epirus who came in Alexius quarrel Mahomet perceiving that Euboea Island now Nigropont 10 miles long abounded with Corne Wine Oyle Fruit and Wood for shipping and separated from 〈◊〉 with à narrow strait of the Sea was for its commodious 〈◊〉 and strength the chiefe place whence the Venetians wrought him all these wrongs resolved to imploy all his forces both by Sea and land for the gayning thereof wherefore assembling a mighty A rmie and sending Mahomet Bassa with 300 Galleys and other small Vessels well furnished into Euboea himself marched through Achaiae till he came over against Chalcis The Venetian Admirall finding himself too weak for the Turks Fleet returned towards Seiros But the Bassa comming out of Hellspontus Straits came without let to Euboea where taking and razing Stora and Basilicon he went directly to Chaleis of whose smaller Vessels Mahomet making a bridge over the Strait passed to the City Chaleis Rich Populous and very strong besieging it round by Sea and land where with his battery faire breaches by the chiefe Cannoneers giving the Turks by signes knowledge where the Walls were weakest being the sooner made the Traitour it being perceived was executed Yet what he beate downe by day they repaired by night Thus for 30 dayes the City being defended to the Turks great losse in their sharpe assaults the Venetian Admirall comming in view of the City shewed as if he would give the Turks battell Wherefore Mahomet it s reported was about to goe over into the maine with his Armie lest the Venetians breaking the bridge should have shut him in which its thought he might have done if he would have adventured as his Capraines earnestly requested But comming to an Anchor he moved not which the Turk perceiving brought on his men to the Wal's breaches promising them the Cityes spoile c whereof himself said he would be aneye witnesse Whereupon the Turks furiously assaulting the defendants made such slaughter of them that the ditches were filled and the breaches made up with their dead bodys but Mahomet still sending in fresh supplies this dreadfull assault was maintained a day and a night without ceasing who twice winning the breaches were beaten out againe At length the defendants being most flain or wounded and the rest wearied retiring into the Market place sold their lives deare to the Turks among whom were found many dead women who chose rather to die in defence than to fall into the Turks hands Mahomet although Lord of the City yet losing 40000 in the siege put all men there alive to most cruel death especially the Italians with exquisite torments Ericus the Governour fleeing with a few into the Castle on promise of safe departure delivered up the same but having them in his power the Tyrant cruelly murthered them Erigus's Daughter being presented to Mahomet as the mirrour of beauty when he could not prevaile on her by flattering words c to consent unto his desire threatned her with death torture c But the constant Virgin resolutely denying he commanded her forthwith to be slaine And the horrible cruelty committed by the Turks at the taking of Chalcis passeth credit the rest of the Island without resistance yielding to the Turkish slavety This happened in 1470. Caualis the City being lost fearing to be set on by the Turks dishonourably returning to Venice he was by the Senate imprisoned and afterwards with his family banished to Utinum Mahomet and his Fleet soone after returning the Venetians attempted a sudden surprize of Chalois but the Garrison there left was so strong that retiring to their Galleys they forsook Euboea Petrus Mocenicus being chofen Admirall instead of Canalis the Venetians solicited Pope Sixtus the 4th the King of Naples the King of Cyprus and the Master of Rhodes to joyne with them against the common Enemy which they promised They sent also Zenus to Usun Cassanes King of Persia to incite him against the Turk who next year taking up Arms had with him mortall Warres who not ignorant of these things and knowing how he had offended Christian Princes by his cruelty at Chalsis lay a while still at Constantinople as if desirous to live in peace whereby as he wisht nought worth speaking was that year attempted against him who also requested the Persian King if it were onely but for community of the Mahometan Religion to withdraw taking up Arms in the Christians Cause though otherwise he regarded not Religion but Zenus so wrought wi h Usun Cassanes that he told the Turks Ambassadors he neither could nor would longer endure the Turkish Kings injury and that having made a league with the Christian Princes he would to his power perform whatever he had promised so dismissing them discontented as were the Persian Ambassadors before from the Turkish Court touching the Emperour of Trapezond The yeare following 1472. Mocenicus arriving in Lesbos did great harm and passing into the lesser Asia sore spoiled about Pergamus Then landing again at Cnidus he took a great booty so returning having exceedingly hurt all along the Sea-Coast laden with spoil to Peloponesus on whose Coast he met with Richiensis with seventeen Gallies from King Ferdinand of Naples who joyning their Fleets in one landed at Modon in Peloponesus
into Greece Bajazet forthwith sent Mustapha Bassa to Pope Alexander with like instructions who comming safely to Rome among many things in charge the life of Zemes was that he most sought for of the Bishop Charls the French King then in 1495 passing thorow Italy against Alphonsus and so thorow Rome so terrified Alexander the Bishop that he yielded to all conditions he demanded not purposing the performance of any giving him Casar Borgia his Sonne in hostage then a Cardinal covering the disgrace with his Sonnes Title of Legate and was forced to deliver him Zemes who to the Bishop's profit had remained seven yeares there in custody who three dayes after died at Caieta thought to be poysoned before by a wondrous white and pleasant powder cunningly mingled with the Sugar which Zemes drank with water whose dead body sent to Bajazet was by his appointment honourably interred at Prusa Borgia also deceiving his Keepers at Velitras returned to Rome before Charls came to Naples which wicked imp shortly after envying Candianus his Brother General of the Bishops forces then great having supped together with their Mother caused him to be murthered going home and his body to be cast into Tiber. Then casting off his 〈◊〉 Robes took on him the leading of his Fathers Army And with exceeding prodigality exhausting his Fathers Coffers and the Church Treasures bound to him desperate Ruffians and Souldiers chiefly Spaniards his Fathers Countreymen which proceedings his Father winked at fearing it was thought to be murdered of him himself He now became a terror to the Roman Nobility and Signiories thereabouts by his Fathers help desiring to make him great drave the Family of the Columnii out of the City then out of Italy and poysoning or killing the honourable of the Ursine and Caetane Families took their possessions strangling at once 4 Nobles of the Camertes and driving Guide Feltrius out of Urbin taking Pisaurum from John Sfortia hardly escaped his hands and driving the Malatestaes out of Ariminum thrusting the Lady Catherine Sfortia out of Forum Liuli and Cornelii shamefully leading her in triumph thorow Rome And shedding blood without measure he took Faventia from young Astor Manfredus whom having abused against Nature he caused to be strangled and east into Tiber But he being with his Father at a solemn Supper in the Vaticane prepared to destroy some Cardinalls and other chief Citizens they were both poysoned by a waiter's mistaking the Flagon of poysoned Wine prepared for the guests the Bishop dying few dayes after but his Sonne the same being more allayed with water died not a long time after yet was so sick that he was soon forsaken of his followers seeing two of his enemies Pius the 3d and Julius the 2d sitting in his Fathers place Pius enjoying it but 16 dayes whom Julius succeeding caused Casar Borgia to be shut up in a Castle whence he freed him upon delivery of some strong Holds held by his Garrisons who fleeing to Ostia and so by Sea to Naples he was for fear of raising new stirs in Italy apprehended by Ferdinand King of Spain's Command and imprisoned in Spain in Medina Castle where after three years he escaping by a rope from a high Tower fled to the King of Navarre in whose Warres he was in a hot skirmish though he got the Victory slain with a small shot whose body found stript and brought to the King on a bad Beast was honourably buried at Pampilona But the French King having lost Zemes by death and Borgia by escape journied toward Naples all places yielding to him as he went without much resistance Alphonsus destitute of requested aid and most of the Nobility hating him for too severely punishing the late rebellious the Princes of Sarne and Salerne being chief and the people murmuring at their heavy exactions for these Warres maintenance with teares in sight of the Neopolitans resigned his Kingdom to his Sonne Ferdinand scarce reigning a year after his Fathers death passing over to Mazerea in Sicilia Ferdiuand was to the wondrous content of the Neapolitans with joy c. saluted King returning presently to his Army by which time the French King was with his forces entred far into Naples and having taken divers Cities by assault struck the Neopolitans with a general terror Ferdinand had taken the Straits of St. Germanes Forrest to hinder Charls his further passage but suddenly hearing that Columna had broken by the Appenines into Campania he doubting to be shut up betwixt two Armies retired to Capua where through the River Vulturnus deepness he purposed to stop the French but newes being brought that the Citizens of Naples were all up in Arms doubting which way to turn he troubled leaving his Army and Capua in charge to his Captains rode back post to Naples by whole arrivall every man laying down his Arms generally welcommed him who earnestly requesting them not to betray him their natural King unto his cruel enemies c. they all answered they would spend themselves in his quarrel while keeping his Army whole and defending Capua but if the Arragonians should be overthrown or abandon that City and the French King approach Naples he should against reason and equity exact his Subjects fidelity So exposing City and Country thereabouts to be spoiled c. Charls the while being come to Capua the Citizens though ever affected to the Arragon Kings yet the French King beating down all before him they consulted of yielding up the City and the rather through the revolt of Trivultius and his followers which caused Verginius Petilianus to flee to Nola with their Companies The French hereupon entring the Suburbs Gothfredus Gaspar two valiant Germanes sallied forth with their Companies and having valiantly repulsed the French in their return were shut out of the Gate and in danger of the enemy who on their knees entreating the cowardly Citizens on the Walls not so to berray their friends c. at length were received ten by ten in at one Gate and put out at another farthest from the enemy who going towards Naples met with the King at Aversa declaring what had hapned at Capua who notwithstanding came to its very Gates calling on divers chief ones to be let in but none answering him and a French Ensign being on the Wall he returned to Naples where he found the Gates shut against him and all the Citizens in Arms not willing to receive any but the King himself for it was famed that all his chief Captains were gone to the enemy or fled the Army broken up and Capua yielded wherefore they began to contemn Ferdinand who fetching a compasse came to the Castle whereinto he was received but foreseeing he should there be besieged by Sea and Land he commending it to valiant Davalus his keeping departed with 20 Gallies to the Island Aenuria not farre off But Justus the Captain of the Castle traiterously shut the Gates against him wherewith the Prince wondrously perplexed with intreaty and remembrance of
it saultable and Septemb. 24. swarming up up the Hill furiously assaulted it for 5 hours with invincible courage by the Christians endured many valiant ones falling on both sides for they came to handy-blows even in the Breaches thrice were the Turks forced to retire and still brought on again so at last 900 Christians 〈◊〉 slain with Count Oetingen their Chieftain and his Lievt mortally wounded the Turks entered the Fort slaying those few whom they found yet breathing and whence they carried certain great pieces to help batter the City and planting 30 great pieces against the Low or Water-Town they most terribly battered it which being environed with a Palisado of Wood the Turks by firing brush-Faggots stuffed with powder and brimstone burnt down making their way even to the Walls which they incessantly battered till they had made a large Breach and then not regarding the showers of Bullets matched hand to hand the Janizaries especially had undertaken this service who with their great Musquets cruelly gauled the Defendants the great Bassa was also present at the assault encouraging his Souldiers with terrour and comfort the fight was 〈◊〉 and terrible few Bullets falling in vain among such a multitude howbeit after 4 attempts most of the Christians being slain the Turks forced the rest and gained the Breach 〈◊〉 both dead Turks and Christians under 〈◊〉 to get into the City Which won and those that were left put to the Sword and the Town rifled the Turks attempted the High-Town hoping in so great confusion of the Defendants to have carried that also yet were they at present notably repulsed Wherefore underminining it their Mines in few dayes perfected violently blew up Walls Men c. smothering and burning many which Breaches so made that the Christians could not shew themselves without danger of their lives the Turks forthwith came to the assault whom the Christian Captains preparing to withstand found their Souldiers as 〈◊〉 at his most need found his not willing in any wise to sight so that none would come nigh the Walls yet the Captains prayed exhorted and sometimes threatned them with death to stir them up but all in vain during which time the Turks had without any great resistance gained the foot of the Breach Whereupon the cowardly Souldiers compassing in 〈◊〉 Dampierre the Governor would by reasons have perswaded him to yield and by threats have feared him from further resistance Howbeit he enraged continued firmly resolved his courage 〈◊〉 in this mutinous storm and by divers Expressions minded them of their Duties and perswaded them saying For his part he was resolved rather there to die with Honour than to be beholden to his Enemies for an infamous and miserable life Wherefore he besought them to follow him in this 〈◊〉 Action carrying with it 〈◊〉 the Trophies of their precedent Ones who had oft assisted him in many actions of less worth and much more dangerous But these Degenerate Souldiers stood with their hands behind them without any Weapons in them and the while some of them conceived their cowardly requests and reasons thereof into writing which they sent to the Governour which he having read tore in pieces in their fight and 〈◊〉 under his feet going himself to the Breach with some few to defend it but they now threatned to deliver him with the place to the Enemy to save their lives if he would not by Treaty save them from those eminent perils who being deaf to their requests or threats they laying hands upon him put him in prison then craved parley with the Bassa who sending in Haly Bassa it was soon agreed they to yield up the place upon safe departurewhither they would with bag baggage Ensignes frilled up and fire in their matches leaving behind them all their Ordnance Warlike provision Which Composition was now by the Turks faithfully kept among many other-like before by them broken for it being yielded Octob. the 3d. they safely conducted these Cowards within a League of Comara helping them to carry their sick and wounded with their Fardels which the Turks oft carried upon their own shoulders their Governour was also sent out with them Many Inhabitants who had there dwelt by leave remained there still the rest which would not might depart whither they would Thus famous Strigonium holden 10 years and one month by the Christians fell again into the power of the Turks These base Souldiers with their Governour come to Comara were spoiled of Honour and Arms and sent back to Presburg where being detested of all and chiefly of the revolted Hungarians themselves the chief of them were imprisoned and after some time convicted of great damnifying Treason for which they were according to the quality of their offences diversly 〈◊〉 Capt. Schleker having his right hand cut off his tongue drawn out at his neck and both nailed to the gallowes was to be hanged yet through the intercession of many he was beheaded 5 other Captains were to have their right-hands cut off and nailed to the gallows and then to be hanged but by the intercession of Count Mansfield their hands were not cut off another was to be quartered alive but by the Count's intercession beheaded then quartered 12 others were only hanged another was to serve as a common Souldier 2 years without pay but by Mansfield's means one year was pardoned divers others who fled or stayed still at Strigonium had their names set on the gallows and being caught some to be quartered others hands to be cut off nailed to the gallows then hanged But as the Sultan received the pleasing news of the winning of Strigonium in Hungary so also the melancholly report of the overthrow of his great Armies in Asia with the loss of Damasco the greatest City in Syria for first The King of Persia invaded by Cicala and hearing that the Bassa of Caramania was with all speed to 〈◊〉 to him with a great supply of Souldiers presently with a puissant Army set forward against Cicala by his unexpected coming overthrew him and took all his Ordnance Cicala with 300 Souldiers with much ado escaping to Adena which City the Persian shortly after straitly besieged upon which news Achmat forthwith wrote to the Bassa of Trebesond speedily to ayd Cicala who with a great Army set forward Whereupon Cicala being with 10 trusty Souldiers secretly by night let down over the walls came to the Bassa keeping on his way with him to joyn Battel with the King as nigh the City as he could for he had ordered that so soon as they perceived the Battel to be joined to sally out upon the backs of the Persians which the King doubting left one part of his Army to continue the siege went himself with the other to meet the Bassa falling upon him before he could put his men in 〈◊〉 made of the Turks such an exceeding slaughter that few escaped Cicala but with 2 or 3 much 〈◊〉 escaping in a small
Sigefrid Collonitz for the Emperour who coming to 〈◊〉 told of a number of rebellious Turks at Belgrade who rifled it and burning down Alischria to the ground went over to the Rebels and that Redeius going to take possession of some Lands Botscay gave him was slain by his Tenants waiting for him upon a strait passage The Emperours Embassador deferring to set forward with the Presents to Constantinople the Turks and Tartars began to roam abroad into the Christians Territories and caused the Pledges of the peace at Buda to be hardly used and clapt fast in prison whom the Bassa soon suffering a little to walk abroad the Janizaries tumulting had almost slain him with stones and with many reproaches called him Traytor and wounding grievously one of the pledges wherefore the Bassa next night had some of them secretly taken and cast bound into Danubius yet shortly after purposing to make an inroad to colour their harms they caused the Bassa of Buda to write to the arch Duke of great wrongs done by the Christians when as there was no such thing at all The Sultan desirous first to appease his troubles at home before he further dealt with the Persian sent a 〈◊〉 to the Bassa of Aleppo to lay down Arms and deliver over his charge to whom he had appointed it promising hereupon to pardon him of all past and to receive him into favour who answered he never took up Arms against him but to be revenged of the Bassaes of Damasco and Tripolis his sworn Enemies who taken out of the way he would both yield himself unto him and re-deliver the Tribute sent out of Aegypt and if he pleased to employ him to bring great forces against the Persian The Sultan not contented sent the Visier with a great Army against the Asian Rebels who by wisdom and discretion more than by force appeasing those in lesser Asia with 130000 men marched towards Aleppo whose Bassa with 40000 men most Harquebusiers in a place of advantage but two miles from the City in three notable Battels withstood his whole forces but preparing for a fourth encounter and hearing of great ayd coming from the Bassaes of Damasco and Tripolis he speedily retired into the City and trussing up his Treasure c. fled into the Mountains towards Persia most of his Army being left following him after which the Visier taking Aleppo by force put all the Garrison-Souldiers to the Sword But the Bassa forsaken by many of his former friends by Letters requested the Visier to write for him to the Sultan if possible to procure his peace which easily obtained the Sultan by Letters sent for him to Constantinople assuring him of being employed against the Persian so the Bassa there arriving with 100 Horse before many Bassaes humbled himself to the Sultan who both pardoned him and for his ancient descent great valour and fair conditions took him into favour and restored him all his goods The Sultan the mean while had by the Tartar Cham in vain sought for peace with the Persian King for he demanded the restoring of Tauris with all Provinces taken from him by the Persians which he utterly denied as formerly belonging to his Ancestors then also the Persian King wrote to the King of Spain to this effect though they were divided in Religion yet in power and hatred against the Othoman Empire conjoyned and considering he was become his powerful Neighbour in the East he most entirely loved him wherefore he had commanded all his Provinces in India and thereabouts to be wholly courteous to his Subjects demanding no Tribute of them and he having recovered the 〈◊〉 of Aden had appointed it to the service of the Spanish Governour of 〈◊〉 that all Christians dwelling in his Kingdom should enjoy the same priviledges which his own Subjects had and that he had for seven years warred against the Turks who by Treason had taken from him that strong Town 〈◊〉 for recovery whereof he had divers times overthrown his Armies but since he resolved not to cease till he had driven them out of those parts and recovered the seat of Ismael and Juchell in Babylon and Caire he requested him to confederate with him and send his dreadful Fleet into the Persian Gulf whereby he could easily become Lord of Syria and Aegypt Then he reckons up the Presents he sent him the Images of Ismael Juchel and Jonas with his own in gold and set with most rich Stones and Pearls a writing Table garnished with fair precious Stones four Doggs naturally spotted with red yellow and blew two pieces of Arras adorned with most precious Stones and Pearl wherein were Tamerlane's acts lively to be seen four Hunters Horns very smooth and richly garnished twelve most gallant Plumes of feathers of divers sorts six drinking-Glasses not to be broken and Couch-Beds like unto Chaires having the ancient Warres between Ascanius and Chiusa King of the Medes The Emperour in August calling together the Hungarian States to Presburg they long expecting the coming of the arch-Duke appointed President in that Assembly were about to return home in the beginning of September but they were content by the arch-Bishops Request to stay 15 dayes more and no longer for the Tartars having requested a place in the Borders of Hungary to dwell in they desired much that Parliament to be adjourned for their more timely preventing of their designs and the Turks the while hoping the peace would not long hold came so to Buda that Tents were set up for them to lay in within the City for the Bassa would have none set up in the Fields lest the Christians should suspect them to be about raising of an Army But the arch-Duke not coming the States wrote a solemn Protestation before the Chapter of the Cathedrall that they departed from Presburg not upon discontent or contumacy but for want of necessaries and other their urgencies yet if the Emperour should call another Parliament they would be ready upon summons to return and consult of all things good for the Commonweale so nothing were propounded contrary to the Articles of Vienna against which they would ratifie nothing though by the Emperour allowed Which Protestation they requested to have registred sealed with the Chapters Seal After whose departure the Haiducks most discontented with this general peace began to raise new stirs craving ayd of the Turks and Tartars and not of their now loyal Countreymen and a number of them flocking to Buda the Bassa with other Commanders consulted what to do with these fit instruments for disturbing of the peace so he wrote to them of Comara except they better kept the Articles they should shortly hear of new matters but the while the Sultan writing to the Bassa that though the Christians were said to increase their strength yet he to attempt nothing against them till they proceeded to open force c. the Turks again departed from Buda most of their Ordnance brought from Sigeth being carried back But the States of Hungary
poisoned him seizing upon his Realm The King of Fez seeing afar off this Tempest the fear of the like calamity much afflicted him but the Xeriffs with the fourth part of the rich spoiles lull his distrust asleep sending him also the Tribute due for Morrocco Hamet is called King of Morrocco Mahomet King of Sus and by a good mutual Intelligence became fearfull to all those Countries and then plainly denied the King of Fez the Tribute of Morrocco saying They were issued from Mahomet's line The King of Fez seeing the Xeriffs had abused the liberty he gave them besieged the City Morrocco with 18000 men but he was chased away and his Army defeated at the passage of a River Then these two Brethren through peace and idlenesse quarrelled and fought where Mahomet after 2 bloudy Battels took Hamet depriving him of his Realm made him die in prison Then he turned the Arms wherewith he had vanquished his elder Brother against the King of Fez vanquishing and taking him and depriving him both of Realm and Life Thus the Xeriffs became Soveraigns of Fez and Morrocco These Victories made Mahomet fearfull but his posterity was miserable for Cidan was expelled by his Brother Kequi but afterwards Kequi was defeated by Cidan and forced to save his life in 1610 in Algarbe in Kequi's son hereupon retires towards the Mountains in Sus making daily incursions upon his Uncles Territories with 4000 Arabians Horse and Foot that joyned with him but finding this too long a course for Conquest he made use of a Prophesie forged in his ambition and to work an Impression in the peoples minds he sent some religious Mahometans to preach from place to place that one Flaquere of a holy life gave a son of his a Drumm of admirable Virtue commanding him to keep it carefully till a Prince called Abdalla expelled by the injustice of his own bloud should come into Morrocco and then he should beat it and the people might safely go to war at the sound thereof that it should give peace to the Realm and settle all its Customs and ancient Laws Which Prophesie they said was now accomplished This encreased Abdalla's party Wherefore Cidan sent a great Army against him into Sus under Alcas Elmy to hinder his progress upon whose approach Abdalla retiring towards the Mountains thence so charged the Enemy that he in few dayes cut off 5000 whereby his Troops daily encreasing Cidan must go against him with new Forces defeating and shying him in 1612. Gotardus writes that this miraculous Abdalla whom he calls Muley Hamet was charmed with devillish-Incantations freed from all outward Force carrying himself for a Divine Prophet he instancing in sundry prrticulars concerning him Yet having gotten some Victories against Cidan and taken the Town of Morocco in the end his Art failing him he was slain as aforesaid In Algier a wondrous drought had so devoured the Fruits of the earth as there was an exceeding Famine throughout the Land the Turks ascribing the cause sometimes to their sins then to the Moors who came out of Spain and sometimes to the licentiousness of Christians in those places Wherefore the Judge ordered all Turks to pray devoutly to their Prophet for Rain the Moors to depart within 3 dayes on pain of death and all Christians to shave their Heads and Beards which was speedily executed But the Moors who through sickness or otherwise could not depart Algier at that time were cut in pieces For 13 dayes the Turks made Processions without Turbants crying and howling for rain but God held the pipes of Heaven yet stopped Bernard Murroy of the Order of Redemption of Captives hearing the Turks would revenge their miseries upon them and ruin a little Chappel which the Christian slaves had in the prison obtained through the French Consull leave from the Dovan or Judge to make Processions and to pray to God for the dew of Heaven They so continued 5 dayes but on the 4th day May 8. there fell abundance of Rain so that they seeing their prayers heard in midst of the Enemies of their Faith gave exceeding thanks to God Yet were these sleaves still detained by this accident Murroy with 2 others of the same Order had redeemed 136 but being ready to embarque them the Galleys of Genoa landed some men nigh Algier taking the Bassa's Son with many Turks and a very fair Slave a Virgin of Algier of a Noble Family and when the rest were redeemed by a Frigat sent by the Bassa the Virgin was detained by a Genoway-Captain who retired into an adjoyning Isle there to satisfie his desires with more ease upon her Whereupon the Bassa of Algier put the 136 slaves again into Irons with those 3 that redeemed them However the Genowayes flattering his lust say His desire to win her to God and make her a Christian made him to keep her so carefully But a Capuchin Florentine Fryer lost his life at Tunes by the cruelty of the Moors retired thither out of Spain He being a slave daily waited for mony to redeem him but one day disputing with a Morisque about Christian Religion he said among divers Turks His Religion was better than Mahomets which being reported to the Cadi they prest him with such clamours that he sentenced the Capuchin to death so they stripping him naked led him thorow Tunes out of the Town some spitting in his Face others casting dirt at him then tying him to a post and a Morrabour or religious Turk saying He that gave him not one blow with a stone should be no good Turk they stoned him to death burning his Body and throwing the ashes into the wind After this 4 French-men slaves in the Island Chios in the chief Galley belonging to the Governour or Bey resolved to carry that Galley with themselves into some Port of Christendom drawing to their party the Captain being a Florentine Renegado they were to do it when they went to cut wood but the Scribe either through treachery or indiscretion being on Land said aloud Hoe we shall return into Christendom A Turk near reported these words to the Patron who presently apprehending the Scribe drew from him the whole enterprize sending 100 men to seize upon the four French slaves and the Captain but these 5 made such resistance that if the other slaves who were most Moldavians or Borderers on the Black-sea had had courage their design had well succeeded yet they slew 15. wounding many the French men were all slain and the Florentine taken whom they continued 6 hours in most violent torments he still calling upon Jesus Christ even to the last gasp and detesting the falshood of Mahomets Law this was in Octob. A little before the States of the United Provinces and Count Maurice seeing the losses of their Ships in the Mediterranean and a great number of their men made slaves sent Cornelius Hage Embassadour to Constantinople who being forced to fetch a great circuit because of some creatures to the Pope and
your Religion from accursed slavery averting the storm hanging over your own and childrens head The Hermit delivered these Letters at Rome to Pope Urban the second requesting his care for redresses of the Christians miseries seen at Jerusalem who calling a Councel at Claremont in France of 310 Bishops out of divers parts with Embassadors of all Countries propounded the same as a special matter where the Letters being read and the Christians miseries and teares being by the Hermit lively represented the whole Assembly was moved with compassion crying out Deus vult that is God willeth it which words were afterward much used in their expedition as a sign of their chearfulness this religious decreed war spreading in one daies space by flying fame so far as is hardly to be believed And by the effectual perswasion of the Father returned home were shortly seen about 300000 men with red Crosses on their breasts ready to spend life and goods for Religion and recovery of the holy Land under the commands of Godfrey Eustace and Baldwin Brothers of the house of Bulloin Great Hugh the French Kings brother Raimond Robert Earls of Flanders Robert of Normandy William the Conquerour's Son Stephen of Ualois Ademar the Popes Legate and Peter the Hermit many Princes being partakers of their travels though not of such charge One Gualter first set forward then the Hermit with 40000 who came at length thorow Germany Hungary and Bulgaria with labour and losse to Constantinople which weary travellers were afterwards shipped over Bosphorus into Asia by Alexius the Emperour marching encamping not far from Nice in Bythinia unto whom by reason of distrusting the expedition to be against himself through guilt of his usurpation they were not at first very welcome Godfrey with others followed the Hermits way Hugh the Legat and the French Commanders passed into Italy taking leave of the Pope unto whom Bohemud a Prince of Apulia joyning with 12000 they crossed the Adriatick from three several Ports Brundusium Bary and Hydruntum passing by land to Constantinople where they met with Godfrey with whom jealous Alexius better perswaded of their good meanings made a League to furnish them with all supplies though by him but slenderly performed for which he should receive all Countries except Jerusalem gained from the Turk and Saracens he transported them unto Asia but Bohemud from his Fathers grudg with Alexius came nor to Constantinople yet marched passed Hellespont sooner than was expected The Turks understanding what was growing on them out of Europe diligently sought to cut off Gualter Peters Army who had lyen two months about Nice expecting the other Princes whose Souldiers weary and somewhat pinched chose Raymond a Germane in a mutiny in Gualters room suspecting also Peter's prowess and therefore by quitting Exorgum a Town and sending out Cattel as a bait to train out the Christians winking at those who brought them into Exorgum slew asterwards full 3000 incouraged Christians to the discouragment of their chief Cómanders yet the Soldiers chose one Burel a new General 10000 rashly going out of Exorgum in revenge for forrage were almost all slain by the Turks who afterwards hardly besieging the town with famin sword consum'd most of them the Hermit with much ado defending the town Cinit whither he had 〈◊〉 til the Princes coming Solyman Cutlumuses his Son who was dead who had almost nullified the Hermit's forces was careful to withstand the great Army who removed from Nicomedia besieging Nice so called from Nicea the wife of King Lysimachus this City was yielded July 1097 after 50 daies siege defended by the Turks longer then was supposed new supplies coming to them by the lake Ascanius on the other side the Turks assayling the mean while the 〈◊〉 Camp were with great loss repulsed Solyman's wife and two children being taken prisoners the City was restored to Alexius Then the Christian Princes encamping on the fourth daies march by a river for refreshment news was brought to Bohemud of Solymans approach aided by the Persian Sultan with 60000 men to give the Christians battel who sending word to the other Princes for relief upon occasion the two Armies most terribly fought the Turks lying slain on heaps some of their horsemen breaking in the mean time into Bohemuds Camp among women and weak persons appalled the fighters but Bohemud withdrawing some Companies repulsed the enemy whose Souldiers he found at his return ready to flee from the Turks but his coming restored the battel The enemy with horsemen 〈◊〉 the Camp again Hugh seasonably coming with 30000 to rescue it whom a fresh Turkish reserve notably encountred At length after a terririble and doubtful fight the Turks gave ground retiring into the mountains 40000 being slain about 2000 Christians No enemy the next morning appearing they buryed their dead easily distinguished by their red crosses Solyman fleeing gave out he had the victory burning destroying or carrying away all as he went Bohemud and the Princes now marching through lesser Asia easily took Antiochia in Pisidia being courteously received by the Citizens of Iconium refreshing their Army But at their approach to Heraclea the Turks and Garrison souldiers fled the Christian Citizens gladly yielding themselves and City to their deliverers Here through the Turks fear not daring any where to abide their coming Baldwin and 〈◊〉 with part of the Army soon subdued Tarsus Edessa and Manussa Cities of Cilicia while the other part took the lesser 〈◊〉 and the Cities of 〈◊〉 and Socor in Cappadocia driving the Turks in every place out of lesser Asia and setting the oppressed Christians at liberty Of which Solyman sorely complained in Letters for aid unto Axan his Cousin Thus the Turks until by discord and ambition of the Greek Empire they again became dreadful this heat being over were glad to retire farther off being brought low in lesser Asia The Conquerours mounted over high Taurus possessing the City Maresia from whence the Turks had by night fled being first bound by oath not to return home till the accomplishment of that holy war While they 〈◊〉 here the Citizens of Artasia suddenly slaying all the Turks in Garrison received Robert Earl of Flanders with 1000 men that was sent to Summon it In revenge hereof the Turks sent 10000 out of Antioch unto Artasia 15 miles off who by stragling Companies drew the Flemings out of the City purposely fleeing from them and had not the Citizens relieved them they had surely perished by the Turks ambushments The Army marching forward encamped Octob. 21. 1097 before Antioch having passed the River 〈◊〉 on which this famous City is scituated Robert Duke of Normandy by a hard conflict making the Turks forsake the bridge where they thought to stay their passage the Covernour for the Persian Sultan of this Metrapolis of Syria called by the Hebrews Roblatha was Gassianus who had 7000 horse and 20000 〈◊〉 as defendants with great store of all necessary provisions 〈◊〉 incompassed
Antioch with whom without longer stay for his friends aid he joyned battel and was with certain of the best Commanders carried captive unto Carras most of his Army being overthrown Hereupon the Caliph of Aegypt the Saracen for Aegypt with Tuneis and Moroccoes Kingdoms were yet in their possession invading Jerusalems Kingdom landed an Army at Joppa besieging it also by Sea with 700 sail Against which while they lay in hope the Duke of Venice stirred up by the Pope for the Christians relief came from Cyprus thither in hast with 200 sail and either before the Saracens could make ready or after a doubtful battel obtained a glorious victory going by land to Jerusalem where he was honorably received by the Patriarch c. Eustace also the Vice-King overthrowing them at Ascalon After Joppa's relief the Saracens discomfiture and the Christians encouragment they besieged Tyre by Sea and Land March 1. whose sharpe assault the Turks valiantly repulsed yet after 4 months June 29 1124 it was yielded on composition of which a third part was given to the Venetians according to a former agreement Baldwin after 18 months imprisonment being shortly ransomed for 100000 Ducats But the Duke of Venice returning home took Chios 〈◊〉 and three more Islands with the City of Modon 〈◊〉 Peloponnesus from the Emperour who as Alexius his Father envying the Christians success had in the Dukes absence infested his Territories King Baldwin also invaded and spoyled the King of Damasco's Country overthrowing him in three battels taking great prey as also the invading Saracens at Ascalon whereby for a time he lived in peace who with others joyning with Hugh Paganus the first Master of the Templars returning with a great number of Christians out of the West and besieging Damasco through the Cities strength the Defendants valour and the 〈◊〉 contagion raised their siege King Baldwin also now sent to Fulk Count of Turine c. who was 60 years old and making preparations for the holy Land offering him his eldest daughter Melisinda with the Kingdoms succession for a dowry whereof he accepted And about 3 years after feeling death draw on removing into the Patriarchs house he in the presence of divers great Ones commended to his Sonne in Law and Daughter with their Son Baldwin two years old the Government presently after Aug. 22. 1131 dying and solemnly buried with Godfrey and Baldwin Fulk was Sept. 16. Crowned by the Patriarch the beginning of whose reign was by Pontius of Tripolis and Hugh of Joppa that joyned with the Ascalonian Saracens vext with domestick discord 〈◊〉 hurtful to the Christian State which by force and others mediation was well appeased and yet vengeance followed the Traytors The Turks also invaded about Antioch aud were overthrown But John the Greek Emperour with a puissant Army took Tarsus with Cilicia's whole Province besieging Antioch pretending it belonged to his Empire who after Christian Princes mediation agreed that Raymond Count of Poictou to whom the dukedom of Antioch was given with the Dukes daughter should hold it from him as his Soveraign and so returned Fulk about that time coming to relieve Monteferrant-Castle was by Sanguin the Turk overthrown betaking him into the Castle which now he hardlier befieged pinching them within by famine unto whose relief the Kingdoms whole power coming the Turk upon deliverance of the Castle to him set all at liberty John the Emperour about 4 years after came to Antioch having longed also for Jerusalems Kingdom who not being suffered to enter but upon an oath and few followers with quiet departure in revenge pretending the Armies want of victuals made havock of the Suburbs cutting down the fruit-trees to dresse their meat And wintring in Cilicia at hunting of a Boar had his hand lightly wounded by a poisoned arrow in his quiver wherewith his arm swelling more and more must be cut off which he abhorred saying The Greek Empire was not to be governed with one hand died Emmanuel the youngest Son his two eldest being dead succeeding him King Fulk also now at peace walking with his Queen out of Ptolemais following amongst other 〈◊〉 a Hare put up by running boys fell in the course with his head under the Horse with whose weight and the 〈◊〉 hardness the brains came out at the nose and ears of his crushed head who died Novemb. 13. 1142 lying 3 days speechless and was magnificently buried by the other Kings with a general lamentation The elder of whose 2 Sons Baldwin about 13 years 〈◊〉 with his mother were solemnly on Christmas-day crowned in 1142 about which time Sanguin the bloody Turk took by undermining Edessa in Joscelin's absence exercising all cruelty on the Christians the territory of 3 Archbisho-pricks being drawn from Antioch hereby which Turk was stabbed in his drunkenness at the siege of Cologenbar Noradine his Son succeeding him Who after Baldwin 3 had in his first year recovered and fortified Sorbal Castle beyond Jordan so beset him in his return the next year going against the King of Damasco that he miraculously escaped Edessa's losse with the Christians miseries through the stirring up of Eugenius Bishop of Rome greatly moved the Western Princes to prepare almost in every Province for their relief Conrade Emperour of Germany raysing a puissant Army set forward who having before certified Emanuel the Greek Emperour of his purpose craving passage with victuals and all necessaries for his mony he seemed willingly to condiscend though inwardly pining thereat for strong companies of the Greeks following the Army to keep the Souldiers from stragling now and then cut them off roaming at advantage And the farther they travelled the more the Greeks discontented countenances appeared yet they went on to Philippolis from whence departing the Greeks and Armies rear had not the wiser sort duly appeased them had plainly fought Then from Adrianople they came to the Plain Cherobachi where the River Melas that suddenly in Winter or great fall of water overfloweth its banks like a Sea through abundance of rain so by night overflowed the encamped Army that 〈◊〉 with burdens besides weapons c. and also great numbers of armed men were with lamentable out-cties carried away and perished like hay or chaffe every one glad to shift for himself the beholders saying The wrath of God was broke into the Camp Neverthelesse the water being fallen the sore troubled Emperour marched to Constantinople Who by armed men glistring on the Walls was not suffered to enter but perswaded by the Emperour to transport his Army over the straite promising to supply his wants the Greeks sparing no labour or vessel in that so hasty service Who being shipped over the Countrey people by his appointment brought nothing as before to sell them the Towns at an extream rate first receiving their mony by ropes from the Walls delivered them what they pleased and oft-times nothing vildely mingling Lime with their Meal of which many Souldiers died but if the Emperour were not privy thereunto yet he coined
Kingdom hoping to stay the other Princes coming thereby which extorted oath the Pope dispensed withal Guy now came to Tyre but could not for their sworn obedience to Montferrat be received But departing he besieged Ptolemais with the power he had with whom the Venetian Fleet them of Pisa and 50 sail of Flemings joyned to win the City Saladine came with a great 〈◊〉 for relief there was fought a great battel and had not Geffrey the Kings brother come from the Camp with supplies the Christians who had at first the better had had a notable overthrow yet 2000 were slain Saladine sent for his strong rigged Fleet at Alexandria putting men and victuals into the City The encouraged Turks made often salleys whipping in despight the Image of Christ crucified on top of the Wall Saladine scoured the Seas with this Fleet that no supplies could come to the Camp So that some Christians through famine shortly arising fled to the Turks for bread Saladine making shew as not understanding thereof departed leaving his Camp full of victuals The Christians supposing he had gone for fear hastened to the forsaken Camp of whom Saladine returning made a great slaughter yet they with many a skirmish by Sea and Land continued the Winters siege expecting aid the next Spring Frederick the Emperour with other Princes the mean time set forward from 〈◊〉 arriving at length at Constantinople where Isaac Angelus Emperour honourably for fear and fashion entertaining him hastened his passage into Asia pretending the Christians need of aid who passing the strait and marching into Lycaonia overthrew the Turks in a great battel sent to stop him 〈◊〉 the Iconium Sultan which City he took by force giving the spoyl to his Souldiers in revenge of his Unkle Conrade Then he overthrew them in Cilicia taking Philomela racing the City to the ground and putting all to the sword because they slew his summoning Messengers He likewise took Melitene in lesser Armenia overthrowing a huge Army coming for relief with an exceeding slaughter Then he 〈◊〉 Saladin's Sons Army in Comagena But his horse foundring in the River Saleph at his too eager chase his foot hanging in the stirrop he was drawn thorow and taken for dead yet with much ado he uttered Lord receive my soul and gave up the ghost of whom Saladine was greatly afraid He perished June 10 1190. aged 70 years reigning 38 his body was pompously buried in Tyre's Cathedral Frederick his Son Duke of 〈◊〉 was chosen General whose 〈◊〉 Army the Turks fiercely charging in hopes to overthrow returned with some losse and like speed as they came But famine began to encrease the Turks having destroyed and carried away all yet Antioch being easily delivered him his Souldiers were well refreshed by the Christian Citizens 15 daies after the Plag ue began to rage there among his Souldiers and he glad to take the open field and setting forward against Do Dequin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sent for out of Egypt they joyned a great and doubtfull battel the Christians 〈◊〉 in valour they in number At length the Christians Vauntg uard began to retire their seconds hardly charged Frederick breaking in with a valiant Troop the Turks gave ground Leopold of Austria presently coming with his foot they speedily fled 4000 slain 1000 taken and 15 Ensigns small losse of the Christians After which he passed Laodicea easily taking Berytus with other revolted Cities So coming to Tyre buried his Father Thence certifying Guy at Ptolemais of his coming who sent Montferrat to transport him by Sea because of Saladin's great Army and being safely conducted with his Souldiers to the Camp at 〈◊〉 he was 〈◊〉 received After whose coming 't was thought good to affault the City round every Regiment being appointed what place to assaile which was done with such fury as if they purposed to gage their whole forces the Turks still beating them from the walls top But now Saladine hovering aloof came suddenly on the Christians Camp notably receiving the first charge but giving ground some Tents with Ensigns were taken and Pavilions fired having slain above 100. The Christians retired from the assault to relief of their Camp the Turk retired also having almost lost himself This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was Octob. 14. Divers Princes the mean while of the West came thither rather increasing famine than furthering service Then also Conrade of Montferrat who had married Isabel the Queens sister pretending a Title to the Kingdom much hindred proceedings But Duke Frederik dying shortly at the siege of the plague and buried at Tyre the Christians attempted no great matter but lay entrenched expecting aid from the Princes which were Philip 2. of France and Richard King of England on whom all the hope of affairs in Syria rested who met at Marselles in province with combined forces for relief The French King first departed for Sicilia with a prosperous gale but coming nigh the Island through a sudden tempest he with much ado arived at Messena tossed in the deep many ships perishing some broken on sands and rocks and all sore weather-beaten Richard arived after 〈◊〉 better fortune Both Kings resolved there to Winter the French being 〈◊〉 so to do for supplies from France King Richard and Tancred the now aspiring King of Sieily had like to break out into war about the Queens Richard's sisters Dowry had it not 〈◊〉 taken up But it fell out whilst the Kings of England and France often met as good friends c. that jealousie and distrust revived old and raised new quarrels to the great hinderance of the common good they intended a warning to great Princes willing to hold a unity never to converse or stay long together An old quarrel was Richard's rejecting Adela the others sister for suspition of too much familiarity with his Father Henry the 2d and espousing Berengaria the King of Navar 's Daughter which 〈◊〉 brake 〈◊〉 to this Expeditious overthrow and disturbance of their Realms The French King at Spring loosed from Messana arriving safely at Ptolemais and was received by the Christians as succours from Heaven Richard shortly following two ships of whose weather-beaten Fleet were driven on Cyrus the Islanders spoyling them slaying and taking the men that hardly escaped the Sea and forbidding the rest to land The King moved landed by force fully conquering the Island and taking Isaac Comnen commonly called their King sent him bound in silver chains into Syria Then there at Limozin he married Berengaria and set forward after disposal of things he took of the Sultans a great ship laden with victuals warlike provisions and was most honourably received at 〈◊〉 which had been besieged 3 years with many a hot assault and bloudy skirmish The eys of all were fixed on these two Kings The Camp chiefly consisted of English French Italians and Almains as also many others from Zeale daily coming in These thus besieging had laboriously undermined that called the accursed Tower with part of the Wall appointing every Regimen to assail
taken Jadera was ready to be embarqued for Syria But prince Alexius had so wrought especially with Pope Innocent III. Philip the Emperour and the French King that they commended both him and his cause by Letters and Messengers to the Army Who comming to Jadera with this commendation was received as an Emperour's son recommending himself as a poor exiled Prince to their protection of a lively Spirit c. and being instructed by the Noble Greeks in all things for his purose he fitted divers Nations in the Army with motives most prevalent with them Promising to pay the mony that the French had borrowed for this War To the Venetians recompence for all injuries received from the Greek Emperours chiefly Emmanuell To the Pope and Italians he and his Nobles had promised the Greek Church should alwaies acknowledge the Supremacy of Rome which made the Pope by all means to further Alexius his cause alledging that the Greeks Latines difference in opinion caused that the Mahometans were not long ago by united forces subdued And promised large rewards to all that took his part These forces for the Christians relief in Syria were hereby converted against the Greek Empire to the Turks grean advantage who had he been charged home by the Christians as by the Tartars might easily have been suppressed The Commanders of the Army thought best to march directly to Constantinople giving out thorough all Greek Cities manned against them that they purposed not to war against the Grecians but to restore their lawfull Emperor And seeing antient Greece had appointed rewards and honours for their deliverers from Tyrants they should the more favourably intreat them So embarquing their Army and entring the streights of Bosphorus Thracius they anchored even in the face of the City with 240 tall ships 60 Galleys 70 of burden 120 victuallers the streight seeming rather a Wood than part of the Sea They lay thus a while attending if on their sight any tumult might arise in the City But the Tyrant had provided that the Citizens favouring Alexius durst not stir in his quarrel Embassadours now came from Crete yielding that Island to the young Prince which he gave to Montferrat to encourage others in hope of recompence Alexius had made fast the Haven between Constantinople and Pera with a great chain manning it with 20 Galleys but the General sent the Eagle a swift the strongest ship in the Fleet who sailing with a full gale brake the chain thus gaining the Haven the Greeks left their Galleys to the Venetians Lascaris the Emperour's son in Law was ready with a select company to hinder the Latines landing who running on Land the Foot for the Horses could not so soon land leaped out of their ships in a moment laying about the mounted Greeks like mad men The Citizens expecting the event of this hot skirmish 60000 Greeks bravely sallied out of the City and made the battle doubtfull yet in fine the Greeks retired into the City guessing the losse by Alexius with Lascaris and a few others secretly with a masse of treasure hidden by his daughter Irene Abbesse of a Nunnery the next night fleeing The Constantinopolitans next morning taking Isaac out of Prison saluted him again Emperour and opened the Gates to the Latines calling them the Revengers of their liberty and their Emperour's Life and Majesty requesting to see young Alexius so long desired so saving the City that time from saccage The old Emperour and his son in the imperiall seat gave most hearty thanks to the Latine Princes and though his sight could not be restored yet he acknowledged they restored his Life Liberty Empire Country and Son confirming whatsoever his son had promised them and that he would content them better if they were not therewith contented not being able to render answerable Rewards to their deserts And consulting about means to satisfy them that the Citizens might more willingly do what was to be commanded he intreated the Latines as they did to retire out of the City But what every man was to pay being set down it seemed to the Greeks most intolerable Isaac being brought out of a stinking Prison through the sudden change of aire and manner of living dyed in this very instant The Constantinopolitans grievously exclaimed at this exaction all in generall saying and the Nobles in assemblies grievously complaining that it was a villanous thing for the Empire by a boy to be made bare unto a covetous and proud Nation that the rich Isle Creet was given to the Latines that the Greek Church was constrained to submit to the See of Rome from which it was happily freed since the translation of the Empire thither by Constantine the Great whereupon a Tumult was raised The armed people furiously ran to the Pallace purposing to commit some outrage on the young Emperor to whom without stay he shewing himself above promised to doe nothing without their advice and liking appeasing the tumult with these good words But the Emperour burning with desire of revenge and thinking himself more bound to keep promise with the Latines for he could not satisfy both he sent secretly to Montferrat to send him certain souldiers about midnight assuring him to receive them in by a Gate nigh the Pallace Of this Alexius Duc as sirnamed Murzufle from his bettle Browes was not ignorant whose aspiring mind took this occasion and the night following raised a tumult not inferiour to the former comming suddenly to the Emperour as if he had no hand in it and told him with a sad countenance that the people especially of his Guard were in an uproar comming to do him violence for his love to the Latines The terrified Emperour demanded of him what was best to do in the case He embraceing him in his Gown led him by a secret door into a Tent in the Court and departing as to appease the tumult he was in bonds clapt into a close stinking prison as the Traytour before had ordered The Traytour now made an Oration to the people shewing his compassion to the Greeks and their Empire and in that they were governed by a Youth mislead by the Latines pleasure That 't was high time for the City and Empire to look about them since 't was sold by its Preservers that they needed one who loved his Country before the Latines had extinguished their name The windy people cried out with applause That none but he was to be Chief of the Commonweal Others to have him made Generall of all forces the greatest cry was to have him made Emperour who by general consent was forthwith chosen and proclaimed Who was of nothing more careful then to break the Latines forces which he feared attempting first by Galleys filled with pitch to burn the Venetians fleet who not unacquainted with such devices and wary by keeping themselves from each other avoided the same He now to colour the matter sent Messengers to Dandalus the General that it was done by the peoples malice
number drew the Emperour with his Army among the woods and mountaines where the King with his Army lay in waite where they being wearied and beset were overthrown with a great slaughter Baldwin himself taken and sent in bonds to Ternova where by the barbarous King his hands and seet were cut off lying 3 dayes in a deep valley where he was cast breathing he dyed no man burying him He perished in 1206 not having reigned a full year The barbarous King with his savage Souldiers tasting the Latins wealth over-ran all Thracia rifling and racing the City of Serrae with 9 more putting all to the sword except a few carried away prisoners Of all Provinces Thrace was most miserable first spoiled by the Latins now desolated by Bulgarians and Scythians Didimothicum and Adrionople valiantly defended escaped their fury The Latins made choice of Baldwin's brother to succeed him who aided by the King of Thessaly recovered all places taken by the Barbarians driving them quite out the Countrey But to come nearer to our purpose Alexius Angelus fled into Thessaly from the Latins and so to Leo Sturus who tyrannizing at Nauplus was grown greater by surprizal of Argos and Corinth by whom he entrapped Murzuffle for a secret grudg and put out his eyes himself an exile a deadly foe to other exiled who being shortly taken by the Latins was brought to Constantinople where for murdering young Alexius he was cast headlong from a high Tower and crushed to pieces miserably dying Not long after Alexius himself was wandring in Thraciae by Montferrat going against Scurus stript of all and sent away naked wandring as a beggar in Achaia and Peloponesus who hearing that Lascaris his Son in Law reigned as an Emperour in Asia inwardly grieved thereat came secretly to Jathathines the Turks Sultan lying at Attalia declaring his heavy state requesting he might be restored especially in that part of his Empire detained from him by Lascaris Jathathines not forgetful of his own troubles or of the kindness he had received from Alexius at Constantinople when fleeing from Azatines his eldest brother he was honourably entertained by him received after Azatin's death for the Turks Sultan and hoping to share of what he got threatned Lascaris with all extremities except he gave place to his Father in Law to whom those Countries of right appertained Lascaris fearing both the Sultan's power and the peoples inclination yet finding them ready and well-affected towards him set forward with 2000 choise horsemen with the Sultan's Embassadour to Philadelphia the Sultan with Alexius then besieging Antioch on the banks of Meander with 20000 Turks Lascaris understanding the gaining that strong City would hazzard his whole Empire resolved to do what he might with those few to relieve it And following the Embassadour at the heels who coming unto the Sultan and telling him of his approach and at length prrswaded of the truth thereof put his Army in the best order he could on such a sudden and the places straitness The Emperour had 800 resolute Italians who brake thorough the Sultans Army disordering them the Greeks following but being divided from the rest in coming back were by the disordered Turks all together 〈◊〉 having made an hard to be believed slanghter of the Turks The Greeks were now upon the point to flee but the Sultan singling out the Greek Emperour at the first encounter gave him such a blow on the head with his 〈◊〉 that he fell down astonished who quickly recovering his feet hoxed the hinder leggs of the Sultans tall Mare with which she faltred and the Sultan tumbled down whose head the Emperour cut off the sight of which so dismaied the Turks that they presently fled who for his small number pursued not but in the City gave thanks to God The Turks sent shortly concluding a Peace on his own conditions who carrying Alexius taken in this battel to Nice used him well notwithstanding his ill deserts Whilst the Latins spent their forces against the Greeks and Lascaris was troubled with the Turks the Christians affairs in Syria grew worse and worse whereof the Knights Hospitallers and Templers blamed Almericus King of Cyprus who being so near and marrying Isabel heir of Jerusalem's Kingdom given to pleasure did nothing to relieve the Christians for though the Turks were yet in League with them and at some mutual discord yet building new Castles c. they cut them short upon occasion The Knights requested Pope Inocent for remedy certifying him there was one Mary daughter of Montferrat whom they had brought up and were ready to bestow her on whom he should think worthy with her right to the Kingdom Innocent discharging Almericus gave it to John Count of Brenne a Frenchman of fame then in Arms with the Latin Princes who commending his Earldom to his brother came with what forces he could to Uenice and Constantinople and thence with rejoycing was received as King at Ptolemais arriving Sept. 5. and marrying Mary the last day was with her crowned at Tyre in 1209 Almericus soon dying for grief Some envying his promotion called him in derision a King Sans Ville that is without a Town The 10 years peace betwixt the Turks and Christians was almost expired 9 years discord having continned between Noradine and Saphadin for Soveraignty was ended by Saphadin's death Noradine contented with Aleppo Coradin and Saphadin's Sons one had Damasco the other Aegypt all enemies to the Christians Not long after Pope Innocent summoned a Councel at Lateran to which not only a multitude of Bishops but most Christian Princes Embassadours repaired the danger of the 〈◊〉 in Syria and their relief by the Western Princes was propounded To which all consented and some were appointed to publish their Decree in every Province for relief to stir up the people for undertaking the same The German Bishops of Ments Cullen Trivers were special furtherers of this whose example moved many Henry Count of Nivers and one Gualter with a great and gallant number were sent from France a Fleet of 200 sail meeting at the Adriatique Ports who arrived prosperously at Ptolemais Andrew King of Hungary before bound hereto followed with the Duke of Bavaria and Leopold of Austria to all which John of Jerusalem joyned There was great hope of some great matter to be done they the first day marched into Galilee easily overthrowing some met-Companies of the Turks The King of Hungary bathing in Jordan as discharged of his vow returned with all his power home all the rest crying out the contrary From Jordan they came to Tabor But Winter coming on and the Cattel dying by cold and want of meat they wintred at Ptolemais and Tyre John and the Austrian troubling the Barbarians that Winter by taking a Castle between Caesaria and 〈◊〉 The Army met at Spring they thought best to attempt the conquest of Aegypt which standing upright they should do no great matter in Syria and it being subdued Jerusalem and Palestine would of
as the famine should enforce out still expecting when the besieged through necessity should yield When they had lyen above a year at siege certain Souldiers in a bravery adventured to mount the Wall and finding no resistance they stood still hearkening but seeing that dumb silence continued they returned informing the Captains of the matter who thinking it some policy of the enemy afterward caused some Companies to scale a Bulwark in such sort as if they had gone against a puissant enemy who took it without resistance and cut in pieces in their further entry a small company very weak and feeble with famine and infection of air after some small resistance The gates being set open the Christians were let in with displayed Ensigns but at the entry were artainted with a most grievous stink they saw the streets covered with dead bodies others drawing towards their end Of 70000 persons were not found above 3000 alive and those the most part young children which maigred and poor ones had their lives granted them to cleanse the City and bury the dead being three moneths in doing it Damiata was taken Nov. 5. 1221. The spoil was great with store of Gold Silver and precitious Stones The Christians as in a Colony forgetting their Countrey stayed there above a year after The City Pelagius by vertue of his Legation adjudged to belong to the See of Rome at which the King and Armies General to whom all places taken was agreed to be given withdrew himself discontented yet dissemblingly to Ptolemais Pelagius weary to see nothing doing the year following commanded every man to take Arms and prosecute the war with besieging of Cairs yet the Souldiers cryed out with one voice They would be commanded by none but the King of Jerusalem The Legat was enforced to send and request the King to take on 〈◊〉 the mannaging of that war who by particular affairs 〈◊〉 his own indisposure excusing himself at length through the requests of the other Princes at the time when the 〈◊〉 Duke after 10 months absence arrived out of his Countrey with a brave Company returned to Damiata whom with others the Legat requested and urged speedily to take the field telling them the holy wars enterprize was grown old and cold by these delays c. That it was for the invaded or assailed on whose lives their Countrey Wives c. depended to prolong time and to delude and dally off the enemy till having weakened his forces he should lose his hope Caire he said was a great City yet the greatest Cities had by puissant and speedy enemies become desarts and that great Empires ought not to be assailed by forreign force if they were not at first overthrown or weakened as not to recover themselves c. That Aegypt ought not to have been attempted or not to be given over before conquest The King of Jerusalem whether grieved that Damiata could not be given him or having proved that higher Aegypt was not to be attempted without great danger said he would not go in any case the war being undertaken for recovery of the holy Land and that after Memphis Babylon or 〈◊〉 were taken they could not be kept long by force whereas Syria was in right their own And though he commended whatever forwardness c. Pelagius commended yet he ought to employ the same in Syria and not where no need was or profit to be exspected The Legat wedded to his opinion commanded him and the rest to get in the field against the Sultan threatning the sentence of excommunication against the backward or unwilling So as enforced they set forward in August the hottest season The Sultan as afraid of 70000 retired farther off at which the unexpert Legat rejoycing said That fortune favoured the valiant and to cowards all fell out to the worst The Christians seizing on a bridge made over Nile cut the Keepers thereof to pieces Drawing nigh Caire and encamping in its sight they ran up and down provoking them of the City to come out to battel c. who let them alone to brag and boast and purposely protracted long the siege and the Christians having confidence in their valour with little regard of their enemies not considering they were within the Trenches c. of a deceitful River took no care of duty watch c. So the crafty enemies abusing them with delays and deceits drew them out at length that they might circumvent them when they least feared it The Christians encamped under the covert of the Banks and Causies of that fenny Country thinking themselves safe But these places were soft and durty the people at pleasure watring them by channels and sluces out of Nile which opened the River began to overflow all Then they too late perceived themselves taken as in a gin all the ground being covered with water that the victuals were corrupted and no place for a man to lye dry in The Aegyptians had taken the high places that the Christians should not retire out of the covered Boggs and Marshes so their rash valour was exposed to the enemies shot and fury Then all began to cry out and rail c. against Pelagius the King they blamed 〈◊〉 who was against his liking drawn into this war c. After 3 daies thus coupt up with waters the poor Souldiers fell down dead in the water for want of food and sleep no help but to accept of the proud enemies conditions who most desiring his Countries liberty required Damiata to be restored and all things as before the besieging thereof and so the Christians to depart his Countrey These hard conditions were by the distressed Christians accepted of but when they were propounded to them of Damiata a great contention arose some said they would not surrender the Town a stay for all Christian affairs in the East but being restored carried away all their hope with it and therefore 't were better endure all extremities than receive so hurtful a Peace Others said they ought to have compassion of so many thousand distressed souls not to expose them to butchery Towns consisting of men and not men of enclosures These seeing the others obstinate presently by force entred their houses and took away their weapons to constrain them to yield When they before Caire almost drowned understood of this dissention they sent word If they would not yield Damiata to the Sultan they would forthwith send to Ptolemais which would not 〈◊〉 to have it surrendred instead to the Aegyptians So was Damiata again yielded to the Infidels Meledin the Sultan did neither by word or deed despight or reproach them but relieved them with victuals and other things wanting conducting them safely by guides out of the Countrey Likewise Coradin his brother made a truce with them for 8 years whereupon the King went into Italy and by the Popes perswasion gave his daughter Yoland in marriage to Frederick Latin Emperour she being Crowned Queen of Jerusalem in her dead 〈◊〉 right to stir
friends come to see thee or intreat for thee thou must needs have ill deserved of them as of others Yet if I should set thee at liberty would they receive thee as their Soveraign Bajazet answered Were I at liberty thou shouldst see that I want neither courage nor means to revenge my wrongs and to make those disobedient and forgetfull know their duties better Which made Tamerlan keep a straiter hand over him Then restoring to the Mahometan Princes Tachretin Isfendiar Germian and others all their inheritance with something more as he did divers Cities and Countreys of Natolia to the Greek Emperour for 400000 Duckats of Gold and 800000 Franks of silver yearly tribute and enriching his Army with Othoman spoiles in Asia he turned against the Aegyptian Sultan who had aided Bajazet and entring into Syria near Aleppo before yielded to him was fought a mortal battle the Sultan having an 100000 foot and 74000 horse whereof 30000 were Mamalukes Axalla with the Vant-guard hardly distressed was taken but rescued forthwith by Tamerlane who if he had not come on with fresh forces that day might have ended his good fortune After long fight 80000 being slain the Sultan fled Tamerlane pursuing him 3 leagues and sending Axalla with 40000 horse and 50000 foot to pursue along Arabia's coast himself the while with 60000 horse and 100000 foot had all Cities by the Sea coast as he went yielded to him as Magata Aman c. onely Damasco refused Prince Zamadzen strongly defending the same but Tamerlane overthrowing part of the Wall by battery won it by assault the Castle almost impregnable yet remaining but the retired multitude soon pinched with hunger and many dead the rest for their lives offered to yield to whom he would not shew mercy so that most dying the rest yielded without condition and were almost all slain Which severity made them bring the keys of their Cities to him 30 leagues off and contribution to his army Thence he turned towards Jerusalem the City driving out the Sultan's Garrison Chorazin at first stood on their guard but afterwards dismayed and submitting they found mercy where leaving certain men in garrison for repressing the troublesome Mamalukes he rode to Jerusalem to visit the Sepulchre and make his oblations where joyfully received seeking out all antiquities and conducted to all places thereabouts as Pilgrims gave to the Sepulchre and devout there many rich gifts to the contentment of all but the Jews who blamed him whom he called the accursed of God He heard the Sultan gathering his forces was in Aegypt fortifying especially Alexandria and Tamerlane's Army the while came towards Damiata which he would not leav behind him though perswaded by some as thought impregnable so commanding Axalla to set on it himself followed after Axalla declaring to the Inhabitants most Christians Tamerlane's courtesy and what Religion himself held and made many Greek Captains tell them of their misery under the Moors and Mamalukes which so prevailed that by night they mastering a quarter of the City delivered a Gate to Axalla who entring slew or took all the Mamalukes gaining the City Tamerlane yet on his march hearing of this was in good hope of a happy end in Aegypt for he knew this haven might serve him with victuals out of all Greece He left there two thousand of the Emperour's Souldiers taking Oath for obedience His Vant-guard marched towards Alexandria and passing the River turned even instantly to Cair to the Sultan's great astonishment But using diligence as Tamerlane approached he entredthe City to defend it with 40000 horse and 60000 foot whereby the City ready to revolt was again confirmed Tamerlan could not stay long before it for want of victuals yet making a great trench to cover his horse c. he drew near it giving divers on-sets to try the enemies confidence and to see the affection of the Citizens especially of the slaves to whom he promised liberty One day he shewed his Army in battle array before it to seek occasion to fight hoping also if the Sultan came forth some revolt might happen within he having made known to the Citizens he came not to hurt them but to destroy the Mamalukes But none came forth neither was any stir raised in the City for the Sultan resolved to weary him out with lying still Who resolved to force him even in his greatest Cities heart though not to be done without great adventure He purposing first to take one City for it 's divided into 3 advanced by little and little still fighting Having brought his foot to the place of onset for t was fortifyed onely with ditches and trenches he commanded the Prince of Thanais to begin with 50000 and there began a most terrible fight Axalla setching a compasse passed the trenches on another quarter of the City with small resistance leaving 30000 to fill the ditches and make way for the horse to enter advancing himself against 20000 sent by the Sultan to stop him Thanais being almost beat back by the Mamalukes But the way being made plain and 10000 horse entred who charged on their backs where the Sultan was and seconded by 10000 moe Tamerlane following with all his power the Sultan retired into the next City The fight was 7 hours above 16000 of the Sultan's being slain and betwixt 7 8000 of Tamerlane's who now sounded a retrait hoping next day to win the rest as he did For Thanais forcing their trenches in one place and Axalla in another the Sultan after a great fight abandoned the City encamping by Nilus purposing to passe it and flee to Alexandria whom Tamerlane followed with his horse and a few foot whose service he had promised to reward hardly drawn from their fellows spoiling the City against whom the Sultan opposed on a narrow cawsey 12 or 15000 slaves to favour his passage who stood fast but at length forced by their enemies increasing not without great losse they took the River with a weapon in one hand and swimming with the other to the bank The Sultan fleeing with 18000 horse not fled or drowned is reported to comforchis men saying tha they were not men but Gods that vanquished them Divers Mamalukes being taken and brought to Tamerlane he demanded if they would serve him now their Master was fled which they refused yet he freed them for their fidelity every man after 24 hours spoyl was commanded to his quarters He set all the Citizens at liberty leaving 10000 good souldiers with many others whereof he caried great multitudes c. to keep the City his Army passed the river to follow the Sultan Axalla before with the avauntguard and Chanais with the rest himself going by water greatly pleased to see the river's sometimes swist course and in an instant scarce moving The Alexandrians hearing of his coming besought the Sultan to withdraw into Lybia whither for barrenness he could not greatly follow they resolving no more to resist so great a force promising to
〈◊〉 with Amessa and other friends he closely followed but getting the 〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉 followers in place convenient he slew all the Turks carrying away the Secretary bound and with threats 〈◊〉 him to write letters as from the Bassa to the Governour of Croia 〈◊〉 in Amurath's name to deliver to Scanderbeg the charge of the City and Garrison cunningly enterlacing other things c. And then 〈◊〉 the Secretary and many Turks coming in his way that his doings might be the longer kept from Amurath's knowledge Who having with him 300 Epirot Souldiers that followed him out of the battle came with incredible celerity into Dibria about 70 miles from Croia where staying but a day he chose a few to waite on him to Croia as if his houshould servants the rest with other 300 come out of Dibria he appointed secretly to be led thorow woods and mountains till come so nigh Croia as possible unperceived When he drew near the City he sent Amessa before as his Secretary to certifie the Governour of his coming who framing his countenance and attire as a natural Turk he delivered his Message with so good grace and words that all was verily believed But Scanderbeg himself coming and delivered the great Commanders letters the Governour delivering him the Government of the City departing next day with his houshold towards Hardrianople Scanderbeg thus gaining the chief City of Epirus in the dead of the night received in the Souldiers come from Dibria placing most in convenient places he with the rest flew the Watch and afterwards many in their beds the Christian Citizens also helping in a few hours there was none of the Turks Garrison left except some few who were content to forsake their superstition many chose rather to die and as is reported to kill themselves than so to save their lives Seanderbeg now sending speedy messengers into all parts of Epirus to disperse the news and 〈◊〉 up the people for recovery of their liberty flying fame had already prevented the Messengers and the oppressed Epirots were in armes in every place greatly desiring leaders yet running by heaps they slew most Turks 〈◊〉 in the Country abroad No Turk could stir but he was slain c. the Governour of Croia with his retinue was by the way slain by the Country people and his goods a prey Scanderbeg commanded those he appointed Captaines speedily to repaire to Croia with all power they could possibly make divers Nobles also resorting to him with their followers in few days he had 12000 well appointed wherein marching to Petrella 25 miles from Croia and 〈◊〉 on a steep rocky mountain as the rest of the Cities be he sent a wise Souldier to offer the Souldiers of Petrella that if they would yield it they should choose to continue in Scanderbeg's service with bountiful entertainement or depart with bag and baggage with honourable reward The subtile Messenger declared to them That Amurath lately vanquished by the Hungarians and looking daily to be set on by Christian Princes had no leisure to look to Epirus willing them to consider the dreadful misery that befell the Garrison at Croia c. The Governour considering the matter gave up the City onely upon departure with such things as they had because it should not be said he sold the City Scanderbeg giving them both meat and money sent them out of Epirus safely with a Convoy Petrella thus gained he placed therein a convenient Garrison presently marching towards Petra Alba in great hast It is a City in Aemathia 3 miles from Petrella Scanderbeg scarce well encamped but the Governour terryfied offered to deliver the City on the same conditions granted at Petrella which Scanderbeg faithfully performed All things were there set in order he came without delay to Stellusa a strong City 50 miles from Croia where 〈◊〉 next morning he sent a messenger to the City with like conditions accepted of at Petra Alba which most of the Souldiers would accept of but the Governour 〈◊〉 with a few earnestly withstood But the greater part when they could not perswade him with those few to yield they delivered him and them bound to Scanderbeg and so yielded up the City Wherefore fearing to return to Amurath some remained with Scanderbeg others provided for or rewarded departed whither they would All other weaker places in short time yielded themselves on like condition onely Sfetigrade in Epirus frontiers placed as it were an Eagles nest remained in the Turks possession Scanderbeg coming hither began to assay it by composition causing his Embassadours to declare all that happened at Croia Petrella c. how courteously he used the Garrison of Stellusa which yielded to him and having the Governour with his partakers in bonds whom they should see executed if they forthwith delivered it not This troubled the Garrison chiefly the Governour seeing thereby what might happen to himself Wherefore first entertaining the Embassadovrs honourably he said to the Citizens and Souldiers Worthy and faithful men what is your pleasure we shall answer to our enemies demands A rough and bold spirited Souldier drawing his sword and shaking it on high answered Most Valiant Governour this and the like shall answer for us Nothing was to lesse purpose than to seek to terrifie Valiant minds with the fortune of Croia and Stellusa c. we prescribe them of Petrella or Stellusa no laws neither let them us brave mindes disdain to imitate others in honest actions much lesse in cowardise Let Scanderbeg kill the Governour and our fellow Souldiers before our faces do ye therefore think we shall die in their bodies c. But oh happy bodies 〈◊〉 c. which in defence of their liberty and faith have contemned Gold Silver Death and 〈◊〉 Wherefore carry back this answer from a common Souldier If thy Master seek to impose these conditions on us let him once more bare his Arme which men of courage fear not so much as he thinketh Yet Scanderbeg is not the 〈◊〉 we have heard him reported to be sor why holding the Governour of Stellusa in bonds doth he threaten him with death not deserving the same c Then the Suoldiers thronging about him beating their swords and targets gave a shout as approving his speech So the Governour returning the common Souliders answer appointed every man to his charge ordering all things for defence of the City Scanderbeg smiling at the common Souldiers answer said He is a Valiant Souldier if his deeds be answerable to his speeches but if my force fail 〈◊〉 I will make him happy among the happy Ghosts of Stellusa and commanding the Governour to be brought with the other some forsaking Mahometism were baptized 〈◊〉 with the rest were put to death in sight of the Garrison Souldiers shouting from the wall and railing on the Christians Winter now grown on he left 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 3000 Souldiers to keep in the Turks at 〈◊〉 and defend Epirus borders till a more convenient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Croia when in a
Arms who easily repulsed the Turks many were slain but far moe Turks not so well horsed and armed as the Christians Huniades much hurting them with the Artillery from the hill Amurath drew as close thereto as he could out of the danger whereupon Huniades coming down and sending supplies to both wings encouraged them with chearful speech and sometime with his valiant hand c. omitting nothing of a good General to be done whereby the battel became in every place fierce and terrible Amurath likewise presuming on his multitude hoped by continual sending fresh supplies to weary his enemies one battalian of the Hungarians being forced to weary 3 or 4 of the Turks who were that day put to the worst and often forced to retire yet was the battel still again renewed The night ending this fight both returned to their Trenches purposing next day to renew the batrel which began when scarce fair day the Hungarians not fighting with such courage as before for they had spent their strength the day before whereas almost 40000 Turks not fought at all or but lightly skirmished Huniades exhorted his Souldiers that remembring how many thousands of their enemies they slew the day before not now to give over for that they were to be thought worthy of honour not who began but who ended honourable actions wishing them to set before them the calamities like to ensue if they should as cowards be overcome c. Amurath also promising and threatning his perswaded them rather to endure any thing than by that daies overthrow to be 〈◊〉 out of Europe After some skirmishes it was fought with no lesse fury than the day before The slaughter being great and the Hungarians force not to be withstood the Turks began with fresh horsemen to delude their fiercenesse by turning their backs divers being slain by the eager pursuers And again on a signal given turning back upon them well revenged their fellows deaths wearying the Hungarians thus all day long Many Hungarians were slain and the Turks had the better that day so at night both returned into their Trenches By day dawn the battel was again begun Huniades his brother with his Light-horsmen first setting forward for some hours they fought with like hope the Hungarians being chiefly slaughtered Zechel Huniades Sisters Son was in the front the first of the leaders 〈◊〉 Marzalus and Bamffi there died also Amurath seeing Zechel's Ensigns taken and his Souldiers now di comfited turning their backs commanded all the fresh Companies to issue forth and overwhelm the few Christians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 daies fight who breaking out overthrew both the Christians wings discomfited and put to 〈◊〉 the rest with a great slaughter Huniades seeing the battel quite lost fled also leaving all for prey who following the 〈◊〉 with cruel execution returned 〈◊〉 night to their Trenches The rest compassing the Camp were by the wounded Souldiers Waggoners c. kept out so long as they had shot but in the end were all slain two or three Turks in many places lying dead by one Hungarian Amurath to cover his losse cast most of his common Souldiers into the River Schichniza for which the Inhabitants long abstained from eating fish therein taken The plain laying covered for many years with mens bones could not be ploughed c. Though the Turks had the victory yet they lost 34000 at least for 8000 Hungarians yet themselves report The Christians lost 17000 and themselves 40000. There fell most of the Hungarian Nobility Many taken in chase were by the angry Tyrant slain of such as returned through Servia few escaped being either slain or stripped of all Huniades travelling 3 daies without maet or drink cast off his tired horse the fourth day and falling into the hands of two thieves they spoyling him of apparel strove for his golden Crucifix whereby laying hand on one of their swords he thrust him thorow then putt the other to flight Next day he lighted upon a sturdy Shepheard roaming for prey who strucken with his Majesty at first stood at gaze as did Huniades fearing his so great weakness after a while the Shepheard asked him of his fortune He craving something to eat the Shepheard moved and hoping of reward caused bread and water to be set before him in a cottage not far off with Onions who would often say in his banquets He 〈◊〉 fared better than with the Shepheard Being conducted to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 caused him to be imprisoned who left he should deliver him to into Amurath's hands yielded that all the strong Towns detained when he was restored by 〈◊〉 should be delivered him his youngest Son 〈◊〉 marry the Despots daughter and other like requiring his eldest son in hostage for performance Huniades comming to Segedinum was honourably received by the Hungarians Raysing suddenly a great Army he invaded the Despots territorie in Hungary destroying and burning never resting till he got it into his power and presently entered Rascia where the Despots Embassadours met him with the hostage craving peace which at the Nobilities request he granted forgiving all wrongs so returning into Hungary Amurath exceeding wroth with the Despot for freeing Huniades sent in 1449 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with a strong Army to invade Rascia who fortifying Chrysonicum on the River Morava destroyed with fire and sword far and near The Despot dismaied and wisting not what to do yet had rather 〈◊〉 any thing than the Turks bondage again humbly and not without shame craved aid of Huniades which the courteous Governour easily granted And forthwith setting forward with a convenient power he joyned with the Despot's power in Rascia Marching on with expedition and in a thick mist he was the fourth day upon the Turks before they were aware who the mist breaking up discovering Huniades's dreadful Ensigns speedily fled whom the Light-horsmen followed with bloudy execution all the day Huniades with his men at Arms following in good order Fritzebeg with most of the best Commanders were taken Then Huniades entring Bulgaria burnt Budina its Metropolis to the ground So clearing the Country of the Turks and presenting all the prisoners to the Despot he returned with triumph to Buda to find no lesse trouble with the Bohemians and some Hungarian Nobles than he had with the Turks to the Christian Commonweales great hurt Mustapha lying still all this 〈◊〉 on Macedonia's borders a great quarrel arose betwixt the Venetians and Scanderbeg about the inheritance of 〈◊〉 Zachary murthered which laying in Epirus frontiers they claimed holding the City Dayna against him so that they were by him at the River Drine 〈◊〉 in battel wherefore Mustapha would fain have taken his opportunity to enter the Countrey but not daring to attempt it without his Master's leave he giving him intelligence from time to time of those troubles earnestly requested him to give him leave The suspicious Sultan at length discharged of fear of the Hungarians sent Mustapha Letters answerable to his desire that his own valour should give him
and Osman with their writings began to be contemned and Haly exalted as the true Successor commanding his Subjects to wear some red Hatband-lace on their Hats to be known from other Mahometans which they still observing are called Cuselba's or Red-heads and was soon so beloved and honoured that his sayings and commands were accounted Oracles and Lawes they swearing by his head solemnly to confirm any thing saying Hysmael grant thy desire when they wished any one well upon whose Coyn was on one side words to this effect There are no Gods but one and Mahomet is his Messenger on the other side Hysmacl the Vicar of God Chasan Chelife and Techellis the while in 1508 having gathered a great Army invaded the Turks Dominion for now such a desire of that new superstition possessed the peoples mindes in general that 10000 of them met first at the City Tascia at the foot of Antitaurus or else at Attalia on a Fair day where they executed the chief Magistrate setting his quarters on 4. of the highest Towers of the City all swearing never to forsake their Captains nor refuse any hazard for honour of their most holy Religion as they would have it These Ring-leaders considering the money brought in by the Countrey people was not sufficient to maintain such a multitude gave their followers proclaimed-leave to 〈◊〉 the Countrey and live on the spoil of those who received not their new Doctrine whereupon bringing store of Cattel c. into the Camp they their multitude increasing entred Lycaonia and roaming up and down many dayes the whole Country so feared them that those in the Villages fled with Wives Children and Goods into Iconium for Proclamations were set up proposing large blessings spiritual and temporal to such as followed their established Doctrine in Persia but to the obstinate after their Sword once drawn utter destruction so that the Inhabitants thereabouts for one cause or other resorted daily to them While the Turks were preparing to suppress them some Troops of Horse came timely to these Prophets from Hysmael who a little before by Messengers had exhorted them couragiously to proceed in so religious an enterprise promising them skilful leaders and Coyn from time to time for Hysmael bearing an old grudge against Ba jazet for former Warres betwixt Turks and Persians disagreeing also in their Superstition and heat of youth pricking him on greatly desired in this his prosperous success to have occasion of warring with him sending Embassadors to the State of Venice to joyn with them in league as before with Usun Cassanes his Grandfather chiefly requesting them to send him men skilful in casting Ordnance and with their Fleet to trouble Ba jazet by Sea he promising by filling Asia the lesse with his Land-Army to give them occasion of recovering all places they lost in the late Warres tothe Turks The Venetians answered they would never forget the ancient league c. being wondrous glad that Hysmael was the Turks enemy c. But the Embassadors such was the badness of the Venetians State and condition obtaining no more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded returned to Cyprus thence to Syria where having secret conference with Zenus Governour of the Venetian Merchants at Damasco Ba jazet grievously complained unto Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan for suffering not as a confederate them to passe thorow Syria to the Christians their common enemies to stir them up to warre whereupon Zeuus with all the Merchants at Tripolis Aleppo Beritus and Alexandria were carried in bonds to Cairo where often answering in Chains to what was laid to their charge after a year's suffering manifold despight hardly escaped with life and liberty Chasan and Techellis well strengthened and comming to Iconium wasting the Country drew a multitude to receive their Doctrine Wherefore Orchanes and Mahomet Ba jazets Nephews governing those Countries gathering their forces came into field against them but they youthfully and hastily joyning battel in a disadvantagious place were put to flight and had not these wanted Artillery and Engines requisite they would have besieged Iconium Also Corcutus then levying an Army about Thyatira c. 〈◊〉 not set foreward against the Rebels though dispersed fast by him These Prophets entring at last into Bythinia met near the River Sangarius with Caragoses the Asian Viceroy comming against them with a great Army commanding Achomates or Achmates Ba jazets eldest Sonne Governour of Cappadocia and Pontus with his power to follow at the back of the Rebels but Techellis marching with all possible speed was upon Caragoses near Mount Horminus before he was well aware then taking up more Souldiers who thought it not honourable to refuse battel though his Army consisted most of rude Countrey people suddenly taken up most unarmed and called Asapi but he reposed his greatest confidence in his ancient Horsmen's valour and the Rebels most consisted of Foot Techellis exhorted his Souldiers couragiously to defend their lives and Religion by Victory as having no new power or Cities of refuge there to flie unto c. who giving a terrible shout as chearful set upon their enemies The Viceroy placed his foot in the middle and his Horse in the Wings to compasse-in his enemy but Techellis set all his Foot in a square battel and the Horse for a reserve who with their red Hats as if bloody terrified the Viceroy's fresh-water-Souldiers fleeing in half an houre The Turkish Horse although they had slain many and somewhat disordered the battel yet Techellis his men beginning to kill their Horses with their Pikes and lay hard at them they fled also then the Persian horse as yet lookers on following the chase slew many enclosing the Viceroy stayinghis Horsemen who for the dust could not well discern them so that he had bin taken if not rescued by his Guard 7000 Turks Foot were slain all their Ensigns with store of provision taken Chasan Techellis resting a day marched to Cutaie as it were in the midst of lesser Asia the Viceroy's seat who fled thither the Countrey also having for fear conveighed thither most of their wealth Techellis placing such Field pieces he had before taken in battel and his Archers in fit places for annoying the Defendants caused scaling-ladders to be set up proclaiming the Citie 's spoil to his Souldiers if they could take it with greater rewards to them that first recovered the wall 's top Wherefore fearing nothing they strove who first should get up the Ladders c. the Defendants casting down on them Stones Timber Fire Scalding-water Lime Sand c. wherewith though many were killed and spoiled yet others stept up in their place none shrinking back for the Viceroy on one side and Techellis on the other were eye-witnesses of every mans valour the Viceroy all being in danger personally performing all parts of a couragious Souldier but the Defendants at last wearied and most wounded Techellis brake into the City in two places over heaps of dead
behind Selimus setting forward with his foot and Janizaries neither the couragious barbed Horses nor their Riders could abide their force for with their harquebusiers and pikes they so strongly be set their front that nothing could stand where that linked body swayed yet this cruel battel continued doubtful fromthe fourth hour till Sun setting every part of both Armies with divers successes enduring the fury of that fight both victors and 〈◊〉 fighting as prodigal of their lives c. So that their bodies wearied and weakened with wounds supported with anger seemed sufficient to mantain that Battel till next day if the darkness coming on had not ended that dayes slaughter Tomombeius fearing to be utterly 〈◊〉 first sounded a retreat that his Mamalukes might not seem to be put to 〈◊〉 for the fortune which deceiv'd his first hopes seemed to promise better success if as not discouraged he should renew the War The Turks enjoying their enemies tents and Ordnance pursued them till midnight It was fought Jan. 24. 1517. The Diadare was taken in flight mortally wounded and valiant Bidon having his knee broken with a 〈◊〉 his Horse being therewith slain both whom Selimus next day commanded to be slain either for their wounds thought uncurable or to revenge Sinan's death which he wondrously lamented The Turks Armies was greatly impaired even in their fortunate Battels the fourth part was consumed by sickness and Sword that day tyring many Horses besides their former long journey Wherefore not yet experiencing the 〈◊〉 disposicion nor certainly understanding where Tomombeius stayed or what he resolved staying four dayes at Matharea and Rhodania he provided for his wounded and burying his dead but not his enemies Then for more commodious watering he came into the plains between old Caire and Bulace Tomombeius encamping between new Caire and Nilus with his collected 〈◊〉 Aethiopian slaves 〈◊〉 so is and 〈◊〉 also Jews and Arabians having opened the old Armory 〈◊〉 for a 〈◊〉 War than before but having lost his 〈◊〉 with many of his 〈◊〉 Horsmen and desiring to protract the War till heat of Summer he thought not good to adventure another 〈◊〉 but resolved by night to 〈◊〉 the Turks Camp and if possible to 〈◊〉 on fire that he might attempt some notable exploit before the enemies should perceive his weak 〈◊〉 and before grown into contempt with the 〈◊〉 Aegyptians expecting but some fit occasion to 〈◊〉 also by benefit of the night to avoid the danger of their great 〈◊〉 But Selimus by some 〈◊〉 who daily 〈◊〉 him understanding hereof making great fires in his Camp kept most careful watch whereby next night Tomombeius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with no small loss of his first Troops unadvisedly going on too far and misdoubting the unwonted fires called back his hasting Troops marching into the very mouth of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on 〈◊〉 Tomombeius his chief Captains now 〈◊〉 him with his whole strength to man Caire and keep the Turks from entring wherefore the Mamalukes coming thither furnished all their 〈◊〉 and flat roofs of their Houses with all 〈◊〉 of Weapons requesting the Egyptians to take arms against their antient and 〈◊〉 enemies not to suffer themselves to be slain their goods spoiled and their wives and children to be miserably captivated since the merciless enemy if they overcame would not spare them though they stood as newters c. Many of the wealthiest as they thought the charge would be hurtful to their trades and wealth so were they ready to help their old Lords But many of the middle sort and far moe of the basest vulgar having little or nought to lose hoped to gain by others losses and remembring their about three hundred years slavery under the proud Mamalukes kept close expecting the last event secretly rejoycing that their cruel Masters should now be justly punished and the more that the revenge should be by the hazard of others lives with which they hoped shortly to fill their eyes Tomombeius with much labour and care fortified all the gates and entrances of that great and ancient City for it was not compassed with any walls appointing to every street a Captain in every publike 〈◊〉 encouraging the people and omitting nothing that could be done or devised making cheerful shew of greatest hope in so great a danger The Mamalukes also strivingly according to every ones devise caused great ditches or Timber-logs to be cast along the streets some setting up sharp Stakes in covert Trenches that the enemy falling on them unawares might be engaged others furnished the windows and fronts of their Houses in the greatest streets with Harquebusiers and all with many moe with such speed that none refused to put his hand to any labour The broadest street came strait from the East gate to the Castle and middle of the City the rest were so narrow and crooked that no great Artillery could be brought by them or Souldiers enter without great danger into this especially Tomombeius conveighed his chiefest strength for the enemy must needs come in that way but the innermost part where the Castle stood was kept with very great strong and valiant Garrison thence on all occasions to come for relief for why that greatest City could not with his then so small power be in every place sufficiently defended Selimus certainly understanding hereof drew nearer to the City with his Army exhorting them now a little to force themselves for gaining of the Rewards due to their former labours and Victories which he said would be more and greater than they had imagined telling them there was but few good Souldiers left with the desolate Sultan c. making them believe he was sent for by the Aegyptians promising to assail the Mamalukes whose name they hated upon occasion out of their houses yet saying they were not to be accounted quite overcome which lived in hope with Weapons in their hands possessed of the chief City therefore to think that in that day's fortune rested the good or bad estate of their lives honour and fortunes assuring them it would be but small labour to bring it to an end if in that new kind of fight as in other Battels they would but resolve to overcome This speech enflamed the Souldiers but hope of such prey much more So that Selimus entring by the gate Bassuela thrust in his Horse at divers places at once but brought in his Janizaries by the largest street At first Horsmen with Horsmen bloodily fought in the narrow streets but the Foot discharging their Culverings and Falcons before them among the thickest enemies cleared the street but coming to the Bà racadoes and 〈◊〉 and to remove Timber-logs c. by force they fought with force and obstinacy on both parts never in mans memory more cruel for they were not ignorant that 't was as well as for their lives and Empire as for honour Here the Turks received great losse for running on the hindermost on the formost they tumbled by heaps into the covert Trenches and were impailed
free men being found amongst whom were 600 Knights 500 of Creete the rest most Marriners who did great service the 〈◊〉 serving chiefly to dig and carry Earth and the Citizens except a few of the better sort were most weak and of small courage great speakers but small doers yet hardly to be governed Villerius rearing nought more than the faint hearts of the Citizens 〈◊〉 them together encouraged them by a speech the 〈◊〉 whereof 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 the Turks who came out of the dark Dens of 〈◊〉 Caucasus their injury and tyranny and 〈◊〉 desire of Soveraignty especially to exceed herein against Christ and Christians whose Islands and Countries he strove to the utmost to take from them and utterly to root out the Christian name hoping he said other Christian Princes would in good time joyn with him and his Knights of the Order who were most ready to defend them their Wives Children Goods and Temples declaring the Cities strength and great store of furniture of Arms and Provision 〈◊〉 as they should not feel hunger and thirst which calamities for all that he said some people in faithfulness and valour not comparable to them had most constantly endured as they of Petilinum when besieged by the Carthaginians and they of Cassilinum by Hannibal holding out till a 〈◊〉 was sold for much money who thrusting their Children and Parents 〈◊〉 lived with Leather or Hides sodden leaves of Trees c. till wanting strength to hold their Weapons or stand on the walls that if their Houses chanced to be beaten down they must have patience for they should be repaired neither was 〈◊〉 of such importance as therefore to yield to enemies in whose 〈◊〉 and fidelity there was no assurance for said he besides Solymans being cruel and unfaithful by nature he can by no meanes be gentle and faithful toward us who have done him so much harm that God had hitherto protected them so often assailed by open force whom he wished them above all things to serve and call upon for saith he except the Lord keep and defend the City the Watchmen watch but in vain The vulgar especially were much encouraged herewith but whilest they dreamed of nothing but victory the wiser 〈◊〉 careful did what they could to effect the forewished good Clement the Greek Bishop greatly repured by them labouring to perswade the Greeks in that great and common danger to joyn with the Latines whose Governme nt they many times repined at fordefence of the City and it was so ordered at that time that they all agreed as one man to spend their lives c. many of the vulgar wishing his coming rather then not And few nights after the Turks by night fires in the Main gave sig 〈◊〉 parley whereupon a Galley and long Boat setting forth being nigh the shoare was hailed by a Turk with a Troop of Horse desiring to send one ashore for more convenient parley which the Captain refusing Art thou said the Turk afraid of Xaycus's fortune who 〈◊〉 answered Xaycus troubled him not nor they feared him but if he had nothing else to say to get further off or he would speak to them by the Cannon A Turk coming layed down Letters on a stone and said In them was their charge who being departed with the rest the long Boat was sent for them thus directed Solyman by Gods Grace King of Kings c. To the Reverend Villerius Lilladamus Great Master c. THe Purport was that pittying his Subjects and for his great injury he was wroth Therefore he should yield him the Island and City without delay making divers protestations that if they chose rather his friendship than his force they should depart with all their Riches or live under him without infringement of Liberty and Religion by any Tribute but to those that were subdued were all extremities from the angry Conqueror threatned from which neither their force forraign ayd nor huge Walls which he would utterly over-throw should defend them This being openly read some thought 't were good to answer him roundly Others not further to provoke so great an enemy at last they agreed to send him no answer at all The day these Letters came June 14. a Turkish Commander arrived at Coos-Island part of the Rhodes Dominion with 30. Galley fore-runners Who beginning to burn the Corn almost ripe and Villages Prejanes the Governour of great valour with some Horse and Foot suddenly set upon the dispersed Turks with such a cry of the people and Instruments of War that running away amazed many were slain not resisting and had not the Galleys received them not one had escaped who then put to Sea again The Rhodians now most of them assured of the Turks coming by Pomerolus Vice-master his perswasion burnt down the Suburbs utterly destroying their pleasant Gardens nigh the City and all the rest within a mile except things needful for the Siege which they took in that the enemy should find nothing there to use A woful sight the while more mournful than the enemie's 〈◊〉 presenting it self for the miserable Country-people as Villerius commanded bringing in wood corn cattel fowls c. numbers of Women and Children followed them weeping with dischivelled hair scratching their faces tearing themselves wringing hands and casting up eyes beseeching God to defend the City and themselves which multitude being packt into narrow Rooms and their cattel starved afterwards corrupted the ayr rotten agues and 〈◊〉 ensuing but the City being yielded there followed such a plague as destroyed great numbers of Turks and Christians not knowing whither to go The Turkish General which landed in Coos was sent before to provoke the Rhodians to Battel who with 20 Galleys came daily betwixt Lycia and Rhodes leaving the rest at Gnidum 〈◊〉 not far from Rhodes to ayd him upon necessity braving them many dayes knowing a Victory then was little less than taking the City or if he could by fight but weaken their number he should further his Masters Victory and sometimes laying at the very Havens mouth the Rhodians moved as not wont to be so braved by importunity had a Councel call'd to consider whether to fight or not Whereupon the Chancellour of great authority spirit c. said Such disgrace was presently to be revenged for said he the huge Fleet of the Turks is as a head to be joyned to these Pyratical Galleys as members to which head they should give such a blow by cutting off those limbs that it should ever after stagger or if no Fleet were prepared to follow that then it being discomfited they should be at quiet which in his judgement was most like to be true the fit time of the year for a Siege being so far spent c. Wherefore to set upon their proud enemies not fearing a few threatning words and sitting still like cowards not daring to shew their heads which forsooth they called Fabius his policy wishing they were as Fabius but fearing they should prove more
subdued Belgrade he rested in great hope those fierce and obstinate Christians should not be able long to defend themselves in their Dens and lurking places The Captains making known the Emperours pleasure proclaimed the spoil of that rich City to the 〈◊〉 s a prey Solyman layd him down on his Pallet to take rest but Villerius all night in Arms viewed all the City encouraging his Souldiers to remember they watched for Countrey life and liberty A Christian serving a Turk secretly warning the Watchmen of a general assault next day Villerius calling his Knights to prevent rashness and fearfulness said He was glad the time was come when in one battel they might be justly accounted the defenders of the Christian Commonwealth the Turks presumed upon their multitude but if they measured valour not by number but courage a few resolute would overcome a multitude of cowards that they knew their manner of fight c. Wherefore remembring their birth and what opinion the Christian Common-wealth hath had of them they should furiously fight as if their slaves bore Arms against them necessity as well as wrong enforcing them for they were in an Island whence was no escape and in a City whose rent walls defended them not so much as their Weapons therefore to morrow should give them a joyful Victory or a most honourable death The enemies approach made him cease every one hastening to his charge they with a horrible cry fiercely assailed 5 stations 10000 Turks being appointed to a Place Mustapha calling on Mahomet and promising his men the spoil assailed the English whence he had been thrice repulsed Pyrrhus 〈◊〉 ed the Italian a cruel and deadly fight was in both places also Women Children and aged men bringing stones burning-Pitch-Barrels hoops with wild-fire scalding Oyl and boyling Pitch on whomsoever it fell so scalded them that 〈◊〉 down their weapons to tear off their Cloaths many rent off the skin and flesh besides the deadly shot which fell never in vain Villerius having well relieved the Italians station at first hardly distressed left Monterollus a Knight with company convenient and went to the English hardly laid to by Mustapha but having well relieved that place a cry ran that the Spanish Bulwark was possessed by the enemy at which heavy newes he leaving Gombaulus with a choyse Company hasted thither with his Guard which he found taken for some Turks at the first hiding for fear at the Bulwarks foot among the stones beaten down by battery Achimetes hotly charging the Spaniards on the right hand not medling with the Bulwark it self those in the Bulwark seeing their fellowes distressed fast by left the Bulwark and went to that place The hidden Turks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 silent over them secretly crawling up the battered walls got in 〈◊〉 before discovered suddenly slaying a few 〈◊〉 Souldier in removing a great piece and overthrowing the Christiań Ensigns which the Turks 〈◊〉 seeing made great hast thorow the Town-Ditch to get into the Bulwark but were so cut off by shot from the flankers that few got up Villerius nothing fearing resolutely scaled the same and Caponus a Spaniard with Menotius a Frenchman breaking in by a Gate not yet bolted whom they 〈◊〉 not they forced to mischief themselves for 〈◊〉 over the walls It was two 〈◊〉 in the enemies possession Villerius leaving there a sufficient number went with the rest where the Spaeniards sore charged by Achimetes had much adoe to hold out who encouraged with his sight valiantly repulsed their enemies It were long to tell the hard fight and adventures at the Avergnoys and Narbonenses stations but the Turks laying slain by heaps Solyman beholding it from his standing made of high Masts and no hope of Victory caused a retreat welcom to both sides to be sounded divers Knights with 150 common Souldiers were slain in this six houres assault and 2000 Turks Solyman was so much offended hereat that falling into a rage especially against Mustapha as an unfaithful Counsellour and chief perswader of that unlucky Warre commanded him to be put forthwith to death in his presence which sudden dreadful doom on so light occasion upon such a man struck such terrour in all present that none durst so much as sigh in pittying his case The Executioner ready Pyrrhus presuming of his great favour 〈◊〉 forth earnestly requested him to spare his life wherewith Solyman was so wrathful and for sending for him to Constantinople that he commanded him to be executed also All the rest seeing the danger fell down at the Tyrants feet craving pardon saying The enemies ground had already drunk too much Turkish blood c. Solyman at this general intercession pausing a little granted them their lives Pyrrhus for his age and wisdom and Mustapha for his Wife 's Solymans Sisters sake once Bostanges his Wife The Turks great Fleet all the while lay before the Haven not doing any thing for the Admiral no man of Warre seeing all fortified durst not try to enter or besiege the Castles suffering also Victual and Ammunition to be conveighed into the City 〈◊〉 though by Achimetes mediation Solyman spared him from a most cruel death yet on the poupe of the Admiral Galley he receiving an 100 stripes with a cudgel was thrust out of office The remembrance of so many unfortunate assaults c. so grieved Solyman that being ready to raise the siege he also lay 〈◊〉 speechless with fainting and a great while alter would not be spoken withall till Abraham his minion recomforted him and perswaded him to continue the siege time working that which the Sword could not suddenly subdue Solyman building a Castle upon Mount Philermus in sight of the City Letters were shot in the while revealing many of Solymans secretest Counsels and promising a great mans revolt which the Rhodians gathered to be Mustapha not forgetting the late injury but tyding coming that Cayerbeius was dead Solyman sent Mustapha to be Governour of Aegypt thereby pleasing him no letters coming into the City after that It now seemed that the Turks purposed by long siege rather than assault to take the Town yet the watchers in their Trenches would sometimes offer the Souldiers on the walls great rewards to yield sometimes threats and would politickly say Solyman desiring onely revenge upon the Latines meant no harm to the Greeks October was now begun Rain Thunder c. and mighty Tempests fell so abundantly that the wearied Turks were now discouraged the Admiral being forced for the Seas roughness to slip his Anchors and run his Gallies on ground In these troubles Achimetes one of his valiantest Captains comforted Solyman promising if he would continue shortly to make open way into the City who thereupon assembling his fainting-Souldiers 〈◊〉 his Pavilion thus 〈◊〉 that he knew what great things they had endured for his honour c. that the threatenings of the Heavens did perswade him to give them leave to lay down Arms but they were first to consider whether it were not a
many of his Carriages and much baggage with 500 Janizaries and 3 Zanzacks with their Companies near the City Sultania ruined by Tamerlant except the Temples Solyman encamped many dayes expecting that Tamas would come out of the Mountains and give him Battel but he comparing his own strength with his enemie's so retired that Solyman could not learn what was become of him And whilst he lay in those plain fields such a horrid tempest never before seen in the beginning of September fell from the circumjacent Mountains whose tops are alway covered with deep snow with such abundance of rain so eagerly freezing as it fell that the depth of Winter seemed suddenly to be come for the raging winds so swept the snow from the tops of those high Mountains that the Turks lay as buried alive therein most of their Tents being overthrown wherein a huge humber of sick Souldiers and others following the Camp perished Others losing the use of hands and feet for ever through benumming most of their beasts for carriage chiefly Camels being frozen to death Yea Solyman was endangered in his Tent Neither was there any remedy by reason of the night's great darknesse most of their fires being put out by the storm a thing accounted by them ominous They feared also the sudden coming of the enemy till the Sun next morning breaking out revived many ready to dye for cold and discovered the fields clear of enemies Many Turks vainly thought it was brought on them by the Persian Magician's Inchantments Solyman troubled hereat after some refreshment of his men took his way into Assyria Ulemas perswading him chiefly from hopes of taking Babylon its Governour being his friend But Mahometes was not to be won to betray the City Wherefore Solyman resolving to take it by force Mahometes hearing of their coming who thought they would not come so far being neither provided nor beloved fled out of the City Solyman being soon received by the Babylonians It 's called Bagdat not far from old Babylon out of whose ruines it role standing on the River Tygris Solyman according to the old manner received of that Caliph the chief Mahometane Priest and greatly reverenced the Ensigns and Ornaments of the Assyrian Kings bountifully winning the peoples hearts and spending the Winter there Other Cities Babylon being taken unresisted yielded themselves Yea Ambassadours came to him as far as Ormus City famous for great Traffique out of India suing for peace Thus Babylon with Assyria and Mesopotamia became Turkish Provinces in 1534. Solyman after Winter past placed a Beglerbey that is a Lord of Lords and under him divers Sanzacks or Governours for Government causing his Treasurer for the Wars there to be hanged and confiscating all his goods for his unfaithful dealing Solyman being gone to Babylon Tamas returned to Solyman's men there left fleeing away in such haste that all in their custody was left for a prey Solymans Army being much encreased by the coming of the great Bassaes of Caire and Syria with the Sanzacks of Alexandria Judea and Comagena departed by Abraham and Ulemas's perswasion towards Tauris but Tamas too weak to give battel fled from the City into the Hircanian Mountains destroying all as he went and carrying away the Inhabitants Wherefore he sent Ulemas with all his choyse Horsmen to overtake and fight him if possible but after 2 or 3 dayes still finding the Countrey neither yielding forrage nor relief and no hope of overtaking him he in time retired back to Solyman declaring how it was who fretting that Tamas was not to be drawn to battel he marched to Tauris sparing the submitting Citizens lives but giving the City for a prey to his Souldiers They 〈◊〉 king every corner abused the people with all manner of insolence Solyman razing Tamas's most stately Pallace with the Nobles sumptuous Houses and carrying away the best Citizens and beautifullest of all sorts Captives and so returning again towards Mesopotamia destroying all as he went and killing the very Cattel He was scarce past Coim and the Calderan fields but some Persian troops were in his rear taking some baggage and slaying divers sick and stragling Souldiers troubling his whole Army with skirmishes Besides it was noysed that Tamas was coming with a great power of Horsmen and would be at their backs before they could get out of Armenia wherefore he appointed the Bassaes of Caire and Syria with Ulemas to follow him in the rear with 18000 good Souldiers so keeping on till he came to Amida now Caraemida in Mesopotamia Tamas the while return'd to Tauris with a mighty Army hoping to surprize his enemy but finding him gone and the miserable desolation made he with indignation resolved to pursue him going as far as Coim where hearing he was hardly to be overtaken and his Noble Gentlemen being unwilling in their heavy Armor to undertake such a pursuit c. Tamas knowing their reasons were good thought it best to stay there till Delimenthes a Noble man alway most forward offered with 5000 choyse Horsmen to overtake some part of the Turks Army and do some good service which Tamas accepting of greatly commending him and promising reward sent him 〈◊〉 haste away who used such expedition in the nearest way that he overtook those 18000 at Bethlis a famous Town in a pleasant Valley bordering on Mesopotamia with a Garrison'd Castle The Bassaes with Ulemas Solyman being come safe to Amida 〈◊〉 secure in that Valley to refresh their wearied Souldiers which Delimenthes being within a dayes journey of Bethlis by diligent espials understood and determining to assail their Camp the night following he secretly sent to the Captain of the Castle to salley out upon sign given upon that side of the Turks Camp which his design was much furthered by the night's darknesse and the abundance of rain then falling The Persians did such speedy execution amongst the sleepy Turks that the Bassaes Ulemas hardly escaped they being slain by thousands few escaping the sword And of 5 Sanzacks 3 were slain one taken 800 Janizaries being forsaken layed down their weapons and yielded on Delimenthes's his word The Mountain-people also joyning to the Persians revenged their wrongs done them after Aladules's death who had the baggage of the Camp The Turks account that slaughter among their greatest losses in memorial whereof the Persians kept that day Octob. 13. as a solemn Holiday many years Delimenthes returning from the slaughter and loaded with spoils was joyfully received and honourably rewarded This overthrow so daunted Solyman that he resolved to return and no more to prosecute that unfortunate War whose ill event his mother he said more truly presaged than the cold Prophet Mulcarabe being secretly offended with Abraham Bassa At Iconium Barbarussa and Sinan Bassa surnamed the Jew met him by land to shew joy for his Conquest of Mesopotamia and Assyria and to excuse themselves for the losse of Tunis Kingdom which was before the end of the Persian war wrung from Barbarussa and
the Turks sought to break the League which was the sooner don because Auria diligently looking into every Harbour in the Ionian Sea lighted on 12 great Turks Gallies near Corcyra filled with their best Souldiers Horse and Foot the Horses being sent before to the Camp by their Lackies who with invincible courage fought bloudily with Auria having 30. Gallies till most were slain the rest sore wounded who seeing they must fall into his hands threw their Scimiters over board because those choyce Weapons should not come into their hands Auria lost many of his best men yet with Victory anchored nigh Corcyra where he was advertised that Barbarussa was coming against him with 80 Gallies wherefore as too weak he returned to Messana to repair his Fleet. Solyman now throughly junusbeius cursed Barbarussa who had done him no good service in these Warres grievously threatning the Venetians who under colour of an ancient League being secretly confederate with Charls had holpen Auria with intelligence and all necessaries c Junusbeius Barbarussa and Ajax incensing him the one out of private revenge these gaping after the spoil of the adjacent Venetian Isles the Warres in Italy being more difficult than they imagined for the French King came not then into Italy it being commonly reported that the Viceroy of Naples strongly garrisoning all Sea Towns was coming with a great Army besides the Horse sent over ranging for spoil were oft cut off by Scipio Governour of Otranto for Charls wherefore Solyman proclaiming Warre against the Venetians arose from Aulona encamping near the Mountains Acrocerauni where the wild people of the high and rough Mountain Chimera for so great a prey by meanes of one Damianus a notable Thief and perfect in the blind and difficult passages attempted by night to spoil Solyman in his Pavilion hoping though guarded with so many thousands to steal into the Camp undiscovered and kill him sleeping there But having put all things in readiness Damianus their Ring-leader by secret wayes stealing down the broken Rocks came very nigh the Camp to view the standing of the Pavilion with the order of their Watch and was by a bough cracking espied by the Janizaries in a Tree where taken and tortured he confessed his intent and was by Solyman commanded to be torn in pieces who forthwith sent a great party up the Mountains who hunted after and slew many of those wild people doing what they could quite to destroy them as enemies to all men Solyman purposing to invade Corcyra now Corfu sent Barbarussa before with his great Artillery which Pisaurius timely foreseeing strengthened both the Castles with good Souldiers out of his Gallies withdrawing himself into the Adriatique Gulf to joyn with Veturius who kept that Sea with another Venetian Fleet and so to defend the Venetian Coasts against the Auria's coming being also daily expected Solyman sending a great part of his Army into the Island burnt and destroyed the Villages leading away a number of people Captives Ajax and Barbarussa came as nigh the City Corfu as they could to see how fitly to besiege it but perceiving its great strength they advertised Solyman that it was impregnable Ripa and Leonius Senators were then Governours of Corfu who doubting of the Turks great strength 〈◊〉 down the Suburbs very great and sumptuous a woful thing to behold when as then also the Turks had fired the Magnificent Houses of the Venetian Merchants in every place but in so great a publique danger all was accounted lightly of in respect of lives and liberty since they might with new charge be soon recovered The two Governours fearing a long Siege and not Victuals enough for such a multitude as were there turned a number of weak people and Children out of the City many chiefly Children dying in the Town-Ditches in their Mothers Arms not daring to go further for fear of the enemy who had fast by planted his Ordnance on Mounts against the City onely S. Angelo Castle in midst of the Isle about 15 miles from Corfu being valiantly defended against assaults saved above 3000 which fled thither all being made desolate elsewhere The Turks on a Hill covered with their Tents shot with their Ordnance from the Rock Maripetus into the Town and some standing close in the Suburbs ruines did kill or wound those appearing on the Walls The Galley also oft discharging their Pieces more terrifying than hurting the Defendants Solyman seeing he did but loose his labour determined to raise his siege and return to Constantinople greatly ashamed he had no better sped but being about to depart he was told how unfaithfully some Souldiers dealt with them of Castrum which tending to his dishonour and the deterring of others from yielding he put the authors to death and those Captives to be diligently sought out and sent home The Turks departed out of the Island about Septemb. 12th in 1537. carrying away above 16000 into perpetual captivity so he returned having done great harm both in Italy and Corcyra but not increasing his Empire or honour Before his departure he commanded Lutzis to return with his Fleet to Hellespont who passing by Zante took divers Countrey people prisoners in the night but the City it self being well fortified he departed to Cythera where vainly attempting to take the Castle he spoyling what he could with 800 prisoners returned into Aegium to Aegina a rich City and well peopled He approaching the Isle sent to the Governour of the City by fair meanes and then by threats to have the City yielded unto him and not prevailing he landed his men giving the signall of Battel whom they manfully meeting slew many Turks Lutzis greatly offended still landing fresh men oppressed them with multitude being but few and weary of long fight forcing them to retire into the City The Bassa in revenge planted a battery against the City soon opening the walls in divers places then assaulting the breaches took it which he rifling and burning to the ground razed the walls killing all the men and giving the women to the lust of his men whom afterwards with the Children he shipped away into servitude raging with much like cruelty on them of Paros and Islands thereabouts killing the old men and such as resisted thrusting the rest into his Gallies And coming to Naxos all the Island people fled into the City for fear where he made havock of all in his way sending a Messenger to the Duke to yield himself and City to Solyman's obedience who in blunt termes said If he would without more adoe yield to Solyman he might save himself with what he had but otherwise he should never have the like offer c. That there was present a most mighty Fleet c. To be warned by them of Aegina Paros and other Neighbour Princes That his hap was good if he were not misadvised c. He being commanded to stand aside a while the Duke with his chief Subjects full of Heaviness consulted for an answer generally
and a Panther two great dead Crocodiles a Chaire of Massey gold richly set with precious stones a rich Casket many packs of most fine Cloaths woollen and silks other Cloaths with Gold and Silver fringe and the Barbarian cutwork most fine 〈◊〉 of Alexandria and all the Harquebusses besides sundry rich presents he gave to the great Ladies reported to be worth 200000 Sultinues But it shall not be altogether impertinent to declare what passed between the aforesaid Zanzack of Jerusalem and the Arabians of Palestine a little before the coming of 〈◊〉 into those quarters In the 〈◊〉 of Sodome and in the 〈◊〉 not onely 〈◊〉 the Lake Asphaltites and Damasco but also in the Plaines of 〈◊〉 Samaria and divers other Townes there do haunt and live certain Arabian Captains who over-run at pleasure all the Countries round about even as far as Rama and Joppa committing grievous out-rages against the Inhabitants and upon their goods and wealth as also on strangers and travellers yea they dare to assault the fenced Cities they are good Horsmen without Armour their Horses very swift themselves bold and 〈◊〉 Thieves who having Intelligence that the strong Zanzacks of Jerusalem would joyn with all the 〈◊〉 thereabouts and with his Father Veis to work their destruction by sundry Invasions upon him even to the Gates of Jerusalem They provoked him to come out into the fields compacting with a Subbassi of 〈◊〉 their friend to animate the Zanzack thereunto by promising him good success Whereupon the ambitious young man having armed a hundred of his Vassals and raised all the Horsmen under his Government in number 600 made a road towards Jericho sending before defiance unto the Arabians who comming with their Arrows and Indian Canes overwhelmed his Harquebusiers and the 〈◊〉 being yet at the hottest the Traiterous Subbassi fled towards Bethlehem leaving the Souldiers of Jerusalem in the Arabians hands 〈◊〉 most of them and the Zanzack scarce saving himself by flight who informed of the Subbassi his fraud fained that he would try his Forces against them Whereby the Subbassi came armed unto him suspecting no mischief but being come the Zanzack took him and presently caused him to be flayed quick But Osman having gathered together too huge an Army 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should want victual for so great a multitude neither so fearing the Persian forces drew out about 4000 Persons such as he thought least able to endure travel who according to every ones ability redeeming the ordinary perills of the Warrs returned home So Osman had about 180000 men in his Army with whom he departed from Erzirum in Aug. 1585 towards Tauris yet continuing the speech for Nasivan but he had scarce marched two dayes but divers Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople upbraided him of great improvidence and telling him They had already that day wanted their allowance of Corn for their Horses so that if in the beginning of so long a journy they began to feel such want they could not tell why he meant to lead so great a Company so far as Nasivan nor by what cunning he had presumed to sustain so great an Army Osman quietly heard them causing the Barley desired to be delivered among them and severely punishing the Officers for allowance of Corn who began to make Merchandize of the common provision So proceeding on his journy he arrived upon the Calderan Plaines where he took a generall view of his Army wanting a number who by reason of sickness were forced to stay behind from hence he went not towards Nasivan but directly to Tauris which the a foresaid Souldiers hearing fell into a great rage reviling Osman with most insolent speech to his face calling him Villain and 〈◊〉 as not brooking his Lyes and Deceit But if he had changed his Opinion upon good advice for the enterprize of Tauris why did he dismisse so many Souldiers Did he think by suffering others to redeem their Liberties to encrease his Riches to set their lives to sale and make them 〈◊〉 to the Persians At these arrogant speeches the Generall was exceedingly troubled seeing his good meaning to advance the Majesty of his King so ill taken by his best Souldiers and upon good advice he sorbare 〈◊〉 and punishment but sending for many Captaines and chief 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 those seditious he perswaded them that the former speech for Nasivan was not raised by him nor was he minded then to go to Tauris but all he had done was 〈◊〉 fulfill the command of the Sultan who had charged him so to do to lessen the Persians preparations neither need they to fear that the Souldiers dismissed might weaken the Army for they themselves were not only sufficient to pierce into Tauris but to daunt their Enemies even with their Looks and those that were discharged had but purged the Hoast of all cowardice By this mild answer the Souldiers were sufficiently pacified but much better when he had bestowed amongst them all a small quantity of monies for now they became so willing and couragious that they durst venture to the 〈◊〉 parts of all the Persian Kingdom The General went towards Coy in the midst between Tauris and the Marshan Meer where he refreshed his Army with all things then he passed to Maraut plentifull of all necessaries thence towards Saffion a fruitful place whence he began to discover Tauris Great was the joy of the Souldiers and those of Greece and Constantinople did highly commend the advice in giving out the rumor of Nasivan for Tauris as the onely meanes whereby they were in quiet come so far so that every man without fear proudly plotted to themselves all insolent and outragious actions that use to proceed from those barbarous Victors especially the Van-guard who descended down towards pleasant Gardens full of all sorts of Trees Springs and Fruits and satisfying their Appetites they withdrew to a little River near a Bridge called the Bridge of salt Water at pleasure attending the comming of the Army But the Persian Prince Emir Hamsey having closely couched himself with 10000 good Souldiers suddenly set upon them with such speed courage and fury that in a manner without resistance he dispersed them killing about 7000 and with many Prisoners Horses Slaves sundry Ensignes and Drums he withdrew back towards his blind Father who lay encamped about 12 miles from Tauris with about 50000 Souldiers Aliculi had but 4000 left in Tauris for the Persian King could not leavy above 64000 men for the Turkomans because of the death of Emir-chan would not be brought to defend that City whereof Aliculi their Capital Enemy was Governor and from Isheilam and Meri there came not one Souldier so that the Persian King had 〈◊〉 stomack to meet the Turks in plain Battel but sought by all politick meanes to weaken and annoy his strong Enemy Osman dispatching Sinan Bassa and the Bassa of Charaemit with 14000 Souldiers to pursue the Victorious Prince they used such expedition that they overtook him in the way towards his
Fathers Camp who seeing he could not avoid Battel without a shamefull and dangerous flight joyned with them a most bloudy Conflict for 2 houres till the darkness of the night enforced both sides to retire the Turks losing as was commonly reported 6000 men so that hitherto they lost above 10000 Souldiers and yet had scarce discovered or seen the City they so greedily longed after Next morning the Turks encamped within 2 miles of Tauris but whilst they were setting up their Tents Aliculi issuing out with all his Garrison and Citizens fit to bear Arms with many cunning turnings and windings so charged the Vanguard now renewed that he 〈◊〉 them to retire even to the main Battel they being disordered and almost 3000 〈◊〉 in a very small time Aliculi spying the Ordnance withdrew himself without 〈◊〉 into the City but in the shutting in of the evening he sallied out again and swif ly running along that side of the Army towards Tauris he slew the Bassa of Maras and did great hurt which done he fled to the Kings Camp not being able to hold the City yet the Taurisions that remained therein gathered together to the Gates to make a bloody entrance for the Turks And upon the break of day a great multitude of the servile and rascà ll Turks without order from their Captains with Corstets Spears and Swords went to that Wealthy City thinking to have sacked it but contrary to their expectation they were forced at the Gates to joyn a hard and mortall Battel so that the Vallies entrance and ground thereabouts was bathed with bloud and as it were covered with Weapons and dead 〈◊〉 yet at last the Persians was constrained to yield entrance a multitude out of the Camp flowing in upon them who retiring into the City astonied and amazed fortified themselves in their Houses under ground and in the corners and windings of the streets whence they did the Turks great harm who at last were too mighty for them and wrought many grievous mischiefs in that wofull City and so a great number of this rascall people returned to the Camp with manifest tokens of the oppressed City wherein the women and impotent souls stood embracing and straining their doors and posts and kissing their native soyl with prayers mournings and complaints bewailing their present misery and yet fearing worse to come Osman acquainted with these calamities proclaimed that 〈◊〉 should be so hardy as to molest the Taurisians going about the City himself and thorowly viewing its scituation and wherein he might safely encamp and more securely erect a Castle or Fort. The buildings in Tauris which is seared at the foot of the hill Orontes after the manner of the East are of burnt-clay rather low then high It carrieth the name for all things and was the Persian Kings place of residence till Tamas removed his seat farther into his Kingdom to 〈◊〉 yet though it hath bin sundry times 〈◊〉 by the inroads fury of the Turk it was stil in great estimation renown Osman 〈◊〉 his Tents to be pitched on the south-side thereof where was a spacious Garden replenished with sundry 〈◊〉 of Trees and sweet smelling plants many Brooks derived from a pretty River which divided the Garden from the City for the delicacy thereof it was called the 8 Paradise was in times 〈◊〉 the standing House of their Kings but after their remove to Casbin became the Habitation of the Governour of Tauris Here Osman would build his Castle giving the Modell himself and commanding all those pleasant Greens to be environed with walls and Trenches to convey the water from the said River which whole work was finished in 36 dayes store of Artillery mounted on the Walls and divers Baths Lodgings and such other Houses built within the first day of which building Osman sickned of a Feaver with a bloudy Flux Five dayes after the Castle was 〈◊〉 newes was brought to the Camp that 8 Janizaries and divers Spaoglans were seen strangled in a Bath within the City whereupon the Janizaries and others came to the Generall telling him That although according to his pleasure every man had used modesty towards the Taurisians yet themselves had strangled in a Bath 8 Janizaries and certain Spaoglans which injury and insolency in their judgment was not to be suffered Osman was so moved that commanding the City to be sacked he left it wholly to the 〈◊〉 of his Souldiers Whereupon every place was filled with 〈◊〉 ravishment rapine murder Men-Children most horribly defiled younglings snatched out of their Parents arms Houses burnt and destroyed Riches and Money carryed away and all things ruinated Thrice were these mischiefs committed one exceeding another This wo sore troubled the Persian King but the Prince much more who resolved to attempt any thing to requite so great a wrong and commanded 500 Horsmen to present themselves even to the very sight of their Enemies Tents as it were to dare them Battel the Turks imagining that the Persians were in great number come to affail the Army the sick Generall ordered Cicala Bassa and the Bassa of Careamit with near 40000 of those of Greece their own Forces and servile people to go to encounter the Enemy the 5000 Persians with a cunning kind of skirmishing drew the Turks forward above 8 miles where the Persian Prince with about 20000 of his Army couragiously 〈◊〉 upon them with the cruellest Battel that ever was written of who having done great harm it was thought as content they would have 〈◊〉 retired which the Turks to prevent hardly pressed upon them hoping to put them to flight give them a deadly overthrow but the Persians having endured their charge began a most deadly Battel afresh wherein the Bassa of Careamit being wholly discomfited fled back to the Camp with most manifest Tokens of the unhappy issue yet Sicala valiantly and cunningly still 〈◊〉 their fury labouring by all meanes to encourage his men and restore the Battel but at last was forced also to flee comming to the Camp without any Ensign having left behind him 8000 of his Souldiers dead upon the ground The Prince herewith encouraged speedily sent to Osman whom he thought had been in health that if he would sight he was 〈◊〉 how he pleased to accept of Battel and make him know both that Amurath had most unjustly raised this War and also that it had bin good for himself not to have taken the same in hand Osman 〈◊〉 this offer sent out 60000 men the Bassa of Careamit and Sicala leading the main Battel the Bassa of Natolia the left-Wing and the Bassa of Caramania the right-Wing The Prince lay about 10 miles off from Osman's Camp who had of Persians Hircanians Parthians and Meropatians in all 40000 himself being in the midst of them The Turks feared lest the Persians fetching a great compass should set upon their Tents and Riches wherefore retiring what they might as if they had given place they had well-nigh brought them
provision Whereupon the Christians removing came betwixt Dregel and Novigrad understanding of the people that the report was true so forthwith they sent for some Ordnance to Dregel and March the 8th very early the whole Army came with the Ordnance before Novigrad and before night they had planted certain great Pieces on a high Hill whence they might see into the Castle against which the Master of the Ordnance discharged three of the greatest about Sun-setting that the Turks might know they wanted nothing for the siege That night also they cast up a great Mount in the Valley whence they sent six great shot into the Castle but early in the morning they began to batter the Castle discharging 300 great Shot that day against it but to small purpose for it stood on a most strong Rock with high and thick Walls and a deep encompassing Ditch hewen out of the Rock and was so fortified with Timber-Pallisadoes that there was no access to the Walls yet the Generall commanded some Companies to assault the breach such as it was who firing certain dry Faggots burnt the Pallisado in divers places and so opening a way to the Walls slew divers Turks upon the Rampiers who but faintly defending themselves yet slew divers of them beating them down with stones Fire-works c This night the assault ceased till four in the morning Shortly after came the arch-Duke with 1000 Horse renewing the Battery whereby the chief Cannonier a renegate German being slain◠the Turks dismayed presently set forth three white Ensigns for parley but the Christians continuing their battery the Turks pittifully crying out desired to send two Captains to fall to some Composition so the Battery ceasing those Captains brought nine of the best Turks to the arch-Duke declaring by their Interpreter that considering the Christians forces and seeing no relief from the Bassa of Buda as he had promised they were content to yield the Castle so they might safely depart with bag and baggage but Palfi in the person of the arch-Duke who would not be known answered that since they yielded not at the first Summons but had held out to the losse of many of his mens lives and great charge they were unworthy of any favour yet he would of clemency receive them if without condition they would yield to mercy which being told to the Sanzack he said he would still stand on his defence whereupon a fresh assault being about to begin it was at last agreed the Turks safely to depart with their Apparel and Scimitars onely upon which agreement onely two of the Turks were sent back into the Castle they delayed 4 houres as doubtful what to do but Palfi being earnest for an answer and the Christians being ready for assault they yielded four hundred and fifty comming forth the Sanzack Governour being one with his Wife and Daughter and another Sanzack sent to ayd him and one Chiaus lately come from Court Instead of their gallant Horses they had base Jades to ride upon Men and Women being searched that they carried away no more than their Clothes any thing else fell to the Souldiers share Novograd serving as it were for a Bulwark to Pesth Buda now opened a way to the Turk's further harms Lord Rebei a Hungarian was made Governour with a strong Garrison and some Troops of Hussars The Sanzack coming to Buda was laid in prison by the Bassa who though he alledged the Town could not be possibly held with so small a Garrison against such a power imputing the fault if any to them of Buda for not sending timely relief and appealing to Amurath yet was he by his Command hanged by night on a Tree nigh the Gate and then cut in pieces The Emperour the while sent Embassadors to the great Duke of Muscovie the King of Poland and Transilvanian Prince to prove their affection towards these Warres and what ayd he might obtain Warkutch coming to Mosco found the Tartarian Turkish Persian Polonian and Danish Embassadors there the Tartar and Turk could have no audience being with reproachful words rejected as miscreants Warkutch was honourably entertained and after their manner was daily and largely allowed Wine Meade Aquavitae flesh fish and fowl of sundry sorts At length having audience the great Duke answered he would give the Emperour during that War 500000 Duckats and allow him yearly 400000 requesting him not to make peace with the Turks and promising him also ayd of forces if he needed the Persian also feasting the Emperours Embassador had great conference with him about the Christians Warres with the Turks promising the continuation of his Masters Warres with the Turk so the Emperour would promise to have no League with him that so he might not turn all his Forces into Persia. Warkutch after four moneths stay in Muscovia returned to the Emperour Then also Dr. Wacker returned out of Poland with joyful newes that the Polanders with 28000 had stopped the passage of 100000 Tartars sent for by the Turk and if he needed to be ayded by the Cossacks but the King being in Sweden he was by the States referred to a further answer of his other requests at his return At this time Serinus having assembled 10000 men departed from Canisia to besiege Bresenza Castle but the Turks had conveyed away their best substance firing the Castle and departing March 23 into which the Earl put a Garrison so also did he to Sigesta forsaken by the Turks and then besieged Babostcha which Castle though strongly scituated in a Marsh was for fear abandoned by the Turks by all which the Bassa of Ziget not a little doubted to have been even then besieged Amurath to vex the Emperour every way would send his Fleet into the Adriatick to besiege Zegna a City of his scituate in the Bay of Quernero wherefore he sent a Chiaus to request the Venetians that his Fleet might passe along that Sea and use their Ports and Harbours upon occasion which the Venetians fearing the Turk's treachery wou'd in no case grant yet they most honourably used the Embassador and so sent him away Lord Teuffenbach Lievtenant in upper Hungary with 20000 Souldiers April 16th laid siege to Hatwan six miles from Buda it having a triple 〈◊〉 and exceeding strong Bulwarks wherefore the Christians blockt it up Hereupon they of the Town by secret Messengers certified the Bassa of Buda how it was praying his ayd who with 10000 in readiness and five Sanzacks with 5000 more came April 30 and encamped on the side of the River Sagywa in sight of the Christian Army but not daring to passe the River he retired to passe over at Jasperin or Jasbrin where the River had a Bridge and not far off a good Foord thinking to come upon their backs and the more safely to relieve the besieged but Teuffenbach forthwith passing the River with much difficulty overtook him next day about one in the afternoon with his Ordnance disordered his Reare and coming on couragiously
Turks in the Suburbs and those in the Fort under Thomas-hill firing the Houses and defacing the Fort what they could in that sudden fear fled into the Lower-town Next day the Count took those forsaken places manning them with 〈◊〉 making a Bridge with boats over Danubius casting up Mounts and doing many other things in 3 dayes he repairing St. Thomas Fort placed 4 great pieces and battered the Lower-town and straitning the besieged in other places more than they had bin the year before The Bassa of Buda knowing their wants of men and munition attempted thrice as he did many times after to have by the River put supplies into the City but was still forced with loss to return The Lower-town called 〈◊〉 or the Water-town was soon so battered that scarce any building was whole and a Counter-scarfe made last year beaten down Certain Walloons were sent hither to view the Ditches after whom some Hungarian Heidons followed without any command who couragiously set some Ensigns on the top of another Counter-scarf but the Turks comming on close together forced them with loss to retire divers walloons were also slain with some others of good place to the 〈◊〉 his great grief not a little offended with that disordered service yet the battery ceased not and the Christians slew many Turks on the walls with Musket-shot receiving little hurt again being in their Trenches and the Turks shooting but sparingly yet with what they spent they had slain four Christian-Cannoniers and one Walloon-Captain About the midst of July the Count thinking the Water-Town to be made saultable sent some Companies to assault it who passing the Counter-scarf found the Ditch full of mud and but newly cut broader being thought scarce passeable without a Bridge behind which was a huge Wall with strong Bulwarks and within that another new Ditch on whose brink was a thick and huge parapet yet some Walloons ventured to pass all this but through the Defendants valour the small number of the assailants with the places disadvantage they retired with the loss of many The Christians had taken a little Island before the City kept by some of Palfi's Heidons but the Turks from Buda there landing three thousand Souldiers slew the Heidons and recovered the Island furnishing it with a Garrison and all necessaries so departing About 3 dayes after the Christians the second time assaulted the Water-town the chief Leaders being 〈◊〉 Greis and Zinne who being pardoned for the stain with Count Hardeck at Rab most couragiously with the rest now assaulted the Breach but were notably repulsed retiring with the loss of 150 men Zinne himself being slain with Ruger a Captain and some of the Count his Guards Greis was wounded in the Head and the yonger Lord Schuendi with other Captains grievously hurt Next day 600 Mountain people came supplicating the Count not to give over the siege till he had won the City promising in their names who sent them to repair of their own cost all harms yea though he should lay the City even with the ground the harmes they daily received from the Garrison being so great Then also was the Count advertised by his espials of whom he maintained many that Mahomet had written to the Bassa of Buda carefully to provide that his beloved Strigonium took no harm and not to spare for men or money to relieve it in time and doe nothing therein without the advice of old Alis Beg a long time Governour thereof and that nothing might be wanting he had sent Alexander Aga of the Janizaries whom he could ill spare whose Counsell and help he might also use for he had rather lose some other Kingdom than that City wherefore he should upon the price of his head beware it were neither won nor yielded on composition which severe Command the Bassa sent to Strigonium with most grievous threats from himself if they terrified with any thing should not hold it out to the last man swearing to empail those on stakes who should consent to a yielding Alis hereupon to deter the Souldiers from a thought of yielding diligently enquired if any of them had at any time made any motion of yielding or murmured against their Commanders in any service and whom he found so to have done he presently executed and then went into the lower Town to see that nothing were wanting or amisse where most danger was but when he would have returned the Janizaries stayed him saying Seeing he was so couragious and their Governour he should there stay and take such part as they did were it better or worse Now the Bassaes of Buda and Temeswar with divers Sanzacks were assembling their forces for relief of Strigonium whereupon the Transilvanian made shew as if he would besiege Temeswar so that that Bassa was glad to return for defence of his own charge they also of Stiria Carinthia and Croatia with Serinus's Troops so stopped all passages that 12000 Turks coming from Zigeth and thereabouts could not joyn 〈◊〉 the rest for the Citie 's relief The Count having made a notable Fort upon St. Thomas Hill placed therein 5 great Culverins greatly hurting the upper-Town by a furious Battery so that none also could go betwixt the upper and lower Towns but he was endangered by those or Musketiers who defended by them lay waiting to that end on the side of the Hill in Caves and bushes but Gokara Town and Fort on the other side of Danubius besieged by Palfi was most shaken by the great Ordnance wherefore the Count increased the battery continuing it till the Counter-scarfe was beaten down and fair breaches made in the wall The Moravians July 21 assaulted it in five places whom Palfi seconded with his Hungarians some being appointed to bring with them things to fire the Town so that in time of the aslaut the Town was all on a light fire The Turks having notably resisted now being overpressed and the fire so encreasing that it caught hold of the lower Town on the other side of the River the rest were all slain by the Christians The fire being quenched they repaired the breaches and left therein a strong Garrison A night or two after 200 Turkish Horse being descryed fast by an Alarum was raised in the Camp as if all their Army had been at hand yet it was afterwards known they were onely Scouts sent out to view how the Christians lay encamped A young Countrey Fellow being the latter end of this moneth secretly sent out of the City was taken by Palfi and sent to the Count who friendly demanded of him Whence he came Whither going and whereabouts who answered he was sent by the Governour with Letters to the Bassa of Buda which he presently delivered unto him the purport whereof were that if the Bassa did not within 6 or 7 dayes ayd and relieve him he should be forced through want of necessaries to abandon the City or yield it up so the Count causing them to be closed up again gave the
youth a few Crowns commanding him to carry them to the Bassa and bring him his answer promising to reward him bountifully The Bassa returned answer he would be with him at the time appointed willing him the while to be mindful of his wonted valour telling him all circumstances how he would relieve him whereupon the Count provided for welcoming of the Bassa Also within a day after a Turkish Cannonier fearing the City would be lost 〈◊〉 forth into the Camp who besides declaring the Cities state and wants of the besieged did good service during the siege The Turks had often sallied out to their great losse yet they adventured out again on the 29 day of this moneth 80 being left behind them slaying but five Christians The Turks in great wants at length news was brought into the Camp that the Bassa was coming with 20000 men who came Aug. 2d encamping within 4 miles of the Christians some Turkish Horse seeking after booty out of the Pastures even under their noses carried away some few Horses some German and Hungarian Troops issuing out had a hot skirmish with them but the Turk retiring as if overcharged had at length drawn them where divers Troops of Turks lay in ambush who hardly charged them The Hungarians acquainted with such dangerous skirmishes fled the Germans a while valiantly encountring them but oppressed with multitude at last fled about 100 being in all lost and much wounded The Turks now encouraged came all on next day resolved by force to open a way into the City The Count had strongly belayed all wayes thereinto yet the Enemy coming on between St. Thomas and St. Georges Hills nigh the Suburbs called the Rascian City put themselves in order of Battel as did the Christians letting them come even to 〈◊〉 Trenches Palfi the while with his Hungarian Horsemen fetching a compasse on one side of the Hill and Lord Swartzenburgh on the other the Turks could not without much danger retire The Signall given the Turks having discharged seventeen Field-pieces without any great harm came on with a most hideous cry and at first onset darkened the Skie with with their Arrowes but the German and Walloon Horse lent their shot as thick as hail amongst them again and the men at Arms taught the Turks to their cost how unfit their half-naked light Horsemen were in a set battel to meet with them in a trice but with great slaughter the battel was brought to the Sword The noises of Warlike Instruments neighing of Horses crying of the wounded and groans of the dying making deaf the eates of the hearers c. The Battel had scarce endured half an houre but many thousands of Turks lay dead on the ground the rest fleeing and leaving behind them their Ordnance and whatever they brought for relief of the besieged whom so fleeing Palfi and Swartzenburgh so received them that of those who came that way few escaped The Bassa who stood on the Hill fled also himself the Bassa of Natolia with about 100 Turks more got into Strigonium some say 14000 Turks were 〈◊〉 in this Battel and some fewer Many were also taken some being of great name and place also 27 Ensigns with a multitude of Beasts laden with money shot powder and other provision for relief of the besieged In heat of the Battel the besieged sallying out entred a Fort on the River side but were presently forced with losse to retire After this the Count sent some Companies with 500 Wagons to the Enemie's Camp 〈◊〉 farre off in the Mountains who found it forsaken but well stored with all kinde of provision which they brought away with 600 rich Tents The Bassaes Tent taken by a Horse Colonel was given by him to the Count with the 〈◊〉 and Money there found all which he divided among the Souldiers according to their 〈◊〉 they found also some Heads of Christians with the dead body of Lord Blandestine slain the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which were honourably buried in the Christian Camp The rest of the Turks hiding in the Mountains and Woods by night shifted for themselves The Bassa came to Buda but with 20 Horse every man there 〈◊〉 his lost friends The Hungarian Heidons best 〈◊〉 with the Countrey for certain dayes brought into the Camp such prisoners as they took or the Heads of those Turks they slew The Count certified the arch-Duke at Vienna speedily of this notable Victory who rewarded the Messenger with a Chain worth 500 Duckats causing Thanksgiving to be sung first at Augustine Fryars then in all Temples of the City The Count also sent to the Emperour by his Nephew two chief prisoners with 4 Horsemens Guidons cunningly made of Horse hairs such as use to be carried before the greatest Turkish Commanders and 14 other Ensigns with 14 most goodly Turkish Horses for a Present Next day after this Battel the Count sent Lord Palfi with an Interpreter to the City to demand it who declared the danger they were in their expected help to be quite overthrown new relief could not but in long time be sent them wherefore they were best bethink themselves betime lest perhaps when they would yield the City it would not be accepted promising to entreat with the General that they might safely depart and be conveyed to places convenient The Turks answered they had layen 5 weeks at the siege and must lay 5 weeks longer and whereas some few friends had lately failed to relieve them yet 100000 more were to come who if they could not perform what they came for yet would they not leave the City till ready to be drawn out by the heels and then also take 3 dayes to resolve The Christians had sore beaten both the Towns maintaining their battery with greater fury than ever before and the besieged had nothing now to live on but a little Wheat and Barley with some 〈◊〉 to whom Lord Palfi by the Count's Command Aug. 9th sent two Gentlemen to the 〈◊〉 to do a Message from him to the Governour who being very aged and courteous came with the Aga to the Walls to hear what they had to say one of whom briefly said that his Lord Palfi knowing him to be both valiant and wise and who had ever courteously used those fallen into his hands had compassion of his obstinacy wherefore he advised and exhorted him if he would save him and his from most eminent and undoubted death and utter confusion without delay to deliver up the City To whom Alis answered He should tell Lord Palfi he could not pleasure him with the least stone in that City that he had one foot already in grave and would with honour carry his gray hairs thereinto yet had he an undoubted hope that his most dread Soveraign and his Lord Sinan would not forsake him and if they should write they could not relieve him yet would he at leasure consider whether 't were fit for him to deliver up that City since on its defence depended all his honour and
Lippa adventuring too far for booty in the Turks Territories were discovered and so beset by Turks and Tartars billetted about Temeswar that they had no way to escape so being on every side hardly charged by them they as men resolved before to die although scarce one to twenty fought most desperately and were all slain except some few which by great fortune escaped leaving to the Enemy a right bloody Victory yet hereby was the Garrison of Lippa much weakened Whereupon the Enemy forthwith prepared to besiege the Town which Barbelus the Governour foreseeing sent in post to Sigismund requesting him speedily to send him 4 or 5000 good Souldiers to whom the Prince without delay sent 8000. Shortly after whose arrival 40000. Turks and Tartars came and enclosed Lippa on every side doing very little for certain dayes The besieged the while doing them all harm they could with their plentifull great shot but news being brought that the Transilvanian was coming with a great power hereupon they presently retired to about 2 miles from Lippa where certainly understanding the report was not nor could be true they returned more straitly besieging it than before and battered the Town with 17 pieces then giving thereunto divers desperate assaults but were still with great slaughter repulsed for the Christians with murdering pieces out of the Towers and bulwarks flanking each other made great spoil of them In the heat of one assault the Governour as of meer desperation set open one of the gates having within placed 16 pieces at the very entrance charged with murdering shot whereupon the Enemy came thronging exceeding thick and were suddenly cut down as with a Sithe and so the third and fourth time before they could clear themselves their rent limbs most miserably flying in the ayr yet was the siege continued and by often assaults very 〈◊〉 maintained But whilst the Bassa of Temeswar lay at this siege they that were left in Temeswar lived in great security In the mean time the Governour of Lugaz sent out 6000 Souldiers now in the Bassaes absence to seek after booty who coming to Temeswar speedily rifled the Suburbs slew all the Turks they lighted on and freed 1000 captives so setting the Suburbs on fire they departed which fire grew so great that it was plainly seen into the Camp at Lippa shewing as if the whole City had been on fire which so daunted the besiegers that they most disorderly fled leaving all that they had behind them the Transilvanians who were even then comming thither pursuing them slew divers and took some prisoners At which time some Hungarian Heidons that served the Prince who was now come into the confines of Hungary getting over 〈◊〉 took Plenia a small Turkish Town which they ransacked and burnt and slaying above 3000 Turks thereaabout returned with a rich prey Not long before the Christians had surprized Clissa a strong Frontier-town in Dalmatia the Bassa of Bosna layed hard siege thereto for relief whereof Lewcowitz Governour of Stiria and other Provinces thereabouts and him of Zeng embarqued 4000 Souldiers in 42. ships well appointed so setting forward and light-on a Venetian Galley bound for the Turks Camp with warlike provision they took and rifled her The Governour landing his men at Siret marched that night part of his way and all next day lay close at night setting forward again they came to the Enemies Camp before day where assailing the secure Turks in their Trenches they as amazed fled sundry wayes every man in so sudden a fear shifting for himself leaving all behind them the Christians falling presently to the spoil and not by hasty pursuit possessing themselves of an assured Victory the Turks from the Hills discovering at day-dawning their small number and disorder came down and enclosed them on every side 〈◊〉 them downright Lewcowitz with the Governour of Zeng and some others getting into Clissa where after 2 dayes stay and doubting of safety they secretly by night issued forth with 600 men hoping to recover their Fleet but the suspitious Turks had so beset the passages that of all them Leucowitz hardly with 3 others escaped The Enemy now more straitly besieged the Town than before Whereupon the besieged now despairing of relief yielded the Town upon departure with bag and baggage About which time Palfi hearing of an Assembly of some Turks Adventurers at 〈◊〉 Castle betwixt Buda and Alba-regalis set forward from Strigonium May 22. with the greatest strength he could comming thither about 3 in the afternoon where after 3 hours dangerous and most desperate assault he with much difficulty prevailed putting man woman child to the sword 50 being Janizaries but that day come thither The Bassa of Buda oft resorted to this beautifull and pleasantly scituated Castle for his pleasure wherefore Palsi much desired to take it without spoiling but the fire already raised burnt down all the goodly Buildings and left no more Victuals or other provision than what the Christians had saved for themselves Lippa being by a great chance 〈◊〉 before the Prince his comming he besieged Temeswar but 40000 Turks and Tartars came to raise the siege of that famous City Wherefore the Prince rose and went to meet them and had a terrible battel doubtful for a while yet seeming rather to encline to the Enemy who at length disordered with the Artillery and the Transilvanians charging them afresh gave ground and so fled 5000 Turks and Tartars being slain and 1500 Christians the Prince himself being for a time reported though falsly to be 〈◊〉 After this he returned to the siege leaving nothing unattempted that he could devise to win the City but news was brought him that Giaffer Bassa and the Tartars were comming with a great Army to relieve it Whereupon considering the power of the Enemy and his promised ayd not yet ready he with great grief retired with his Army to Lippa expecting supplies both of his own and friends and was there advertised that the Bassa of Mahomet's 〈◊〉 was at Belgrade with 14000 Horse and 4000 Janizaries to joyn with the Bassa of Buda to relieve Temeswar in all about 60000 and that Mahomet himself was comming after with a far greater power Wherefore leaving a strong Garrison at Lippa he returned to Alba Julia there assembling his States for repressing so puissant an Enemy Mahomet although the Tartar at first said he would not send so much as an Asse thereunto had by great gifts and his own respect with the Tartar made him now ready with a strong Army upon the Frontiers of Moldavia to meet him in Hungary to whom that Vayuod sent Presents with what Victuals he could possibly provide Mahomet also entreated with the Polonian King for his passage as also to confirm the ancient League which he knew the Emperour and other Princes sought by all means to withdraw him from He also sent an Embassadour to Michael Vayuod of Valachia both by shew of great dangers to deterr him from the Confederacy with
Christians more entred but Giaffar Bassa coming with above one thousand tall Souldiers all the Inhabitants also running after him with great force they constrained the Christians to retire to the Gate who there with incredible courage sustaining the greatest fury of the Enemy and this Bassa also encountred by Lord Swartzenburg being at length slain also most of the Turks retired into the City about 300 crept underneath a Bulwark where were some Barrels of Gunpowder which they firing blew up with themselves 300 Christians that were above upon the Bulwark who else were not supposed to have lost in that Victory above two hundred men The Turks discomfited fled in every place before the Christians they most horribly slaughtering them the Turkish Women all this while casting down from on high Stones Timber c. upon the heads of the Christians the bloudy execution in one secret place or another continued all that day untill night who ransacking also every corner were by their wealth greatly enriched but they found exceeding store of rich Furniture at the Pallace of Giaffor also Letters in Characters of Gold from the Bassa of Buda to this Bassa with many things written from the Sultan unto him with great store of Coin which all fell to the Souldiers share 60 Pieces of Ordnance were there recovered sometimes the Emperours and 24 others brought from Buda with great store of Ammunition and small Pieces and Meal enough to serve four thousand Men for a year and a half but of Wine onely four Vessels In Giaffars Palace was also found great store of Armour and Weapons abundance of Cloth and Apparel all given to the Souldiers Rab was thus taken March 29 1598 about six thousand Turks or more being slain and scarce six hundred Christians The Heads of the two Bassaes being sent for a Present to the Emperour at Prague with all particulars of the whole action For all this did not Mahomet cease to make greater provision than before for his Warres in Hungary ordering Ibrain Bassa his Brother in Law and Generall with all convenient speed to take the Field which yet fell out otherwise for a great dissention arose betwixt the Janizaries the best footmen and the Spahi the best Horsemen of the Turkish Empire the one whereof standing upon their strength and the other upon their honour do oft in setting forwards toward the Wars fall at odds as now they did insomuch that the Generall to appease this tumult was glad to put to death some insolent Janizaries refusing to set forward as their Aga commanded them but he thinking to have executed some others of them also was by them and their adherents put in such fear of his life that to avoid the danger he was glad to lay all the blame upon his Lievtenant who was therefore delivered to their fury who presently slew him with some others of the Bassa's followers So Ibrahim reviewing his Army at Sophia there stayed expecting order from the Sultan whether to begin his Warres in Hungary or Transilvania which could not well be before the beginning of July such scarcity of Victuall then arising in the Camp To supply which Mahomet not a little cared but this caused that a great number of Janizaries coming from Hadrianople and hearing that the General would not yet set forward and not knowing the cause were about to have returned back again whereupon Command was presently sent from Court to Ibrahim without longer stay to march towards Hungary In which long delay the Christians had good leisure to prepare new forces and doubting that August now at hand the Enemy would not turn his forces into lower Hungary they thought best to provide for the safety of the upper where Basta a man of great experience and valour was made Lievtenant General for that Countrey to the great content of the Souldiery 〈◊〉 the while remaining in lower Hungary at Rab with eight thousand good Souldiers and Matthias at Vienna for the dispatch of 〈◊〉 because the upper Hungary began now to feel the incursions of the Turks and Tartars besides he was afterwards to return to the Emperour expecting a Turkish 〈◊〉 sent by the way of Polonia for Prague to 〈◊〉 with him of peace No Turkish Army being then in field in lower Hungary Palfi set forward to attempt Buda and Octob. 16th began to batter it to the great feat and discomfiture of the besieged he having first taken the Fort of St. Gerard. wherefore all that dwelt in the City most earnestly befought the Bassa in time to hearken to some reasonable Composition that every man might at leastwith life depart yet the Bassa would not hearken putting them still in hope of present relief howbeit the battery still continuing and they not able longer to endure the force of the Imperials not any relief coming at last abandoned the City 2000 Janizaries being slain and but 300 Christians and 800 hurt the rest of the Turks retiring into the Castle Palfi possessed of the City laid siege to the Castle which though in some places shaken by the Cannon yet were the Defendants ready to make it good so that Palfi giving chereto a general assault was forced to retire they within the while repairing with great labour the breaches and gauls so that Palfi thought it better by undermining to shake the Rock whereon the Castle stood than to give a new assault which purpose was by a Countermine disappointed Yet the Christians still hoped by another Mine as yet unperceived to obtain their desire and the more because the Defendants now were silent and quiet as if they had been consulting about yielding up the Castle for the Christians by possessing a strong Abbey and Fortresse fast by and breaking down all Bridges over the River had deprived the besieged of all relief either by Land or Water but the time of the year beginning to grow tedious and sharp the Christians resolved to give another general assault and at the same instant to blow up the Mine but they were again repulsed with the losse of 200 men Then also some Turks sallied forth and couragiously encountred the Christians but they were almost all cut in pieces the Mine also being blown up did little or no harm so that they were about to rise Yet willing to give a fresh attempt by the Mine they began again to work therein and in hope to parley with the Defendants but the Mine having taken no effect the Souldiers could hardly be drawn on thorow the deep and muddy ditches to give a new assault in fine seeing no hope and hearing also of a great Army of Turks for relief of the besieged they departed with a great booty towards Strigonium having burnt the Suburbs and shortly after there was order that the disbanded forces should be dispersed into Garrisons and the Countrey thereabouts that they might be ready with the first of the Spring to be employed as there should be occasion But the Transilvanian Prince the while repenting of his exchange made
with the Emperour in disguised Apparel posted to Glausenburg in Transilvania where being joyfully received and taking a new Oath of his Subjects certified Maximilian appointed Governour of Transilvania and on his way as far as Cassovia of the causes of his return perswading him rather to turn his Forces for recovery of Agria than to come any farther for Transilvania whereof to his Subjects great content he was again repossessed as did also his Wife wishing him to consider what hurt and dishonour he should do to the Emperour himself Empire and whole Christian Common Weale if in so dangerous a time he should attempt any thing against her Husband to him by her so nearly allied Now the Turks 〈◊〉 Army lay under the Walls of Veradinum in upper Hungary where Basta not having strength enough to go against so mighty an Enemy or relieve the besieged City not having a sufficient Carrison he acquainted Maximilian therewith In the mean time the besieged notably defended themselves and by brave sallies did the Enemy great harm expecting that Basta Sigismund or Maximilian with divided or united Forces would send them relief whom they certified Octob. 19th that the Turks with all their Force and fury had as yet little prevailed being so repulsed c. that they well hoped to protract time till they might be by them relieved yet not doubting but the Turks would do what they might to subdue them The Transilvanian Prince taking the Field to relieve them was letted by the Tartars stirred up by the Turks to that purpose yet he sent some Companies of brave Souldiers to Basta who hearing that of 2000 good Souldiers in the City at the first there were scarce 700 left alive used a notable 〈◊〉 to delude the Enemy for comming bravely on as if he would have presently joined battel whilst the Turks were wholly busied in putting themselves in order to that end he by a way least suspected thrust into the City 800 men and so presently retired to his Trenches who returning without battel deceived by this fineness The Turks shortly after through continual foulness of the weather raised the siege now not without great 〈◊〉 and danger to be maintained leaving also behind them many Tents with some Ordnance as not able to convey them by water to Buda also greatly fearing to be encountred by Basta's Forces even then receiving new supplies from the Emperour In the mean time Matthias Swartzenburg and others with 12000 men and the Souldiers of Rab Strigonium and Komara and the Hungarian Horsmen over-ran the Country even to the Gates of Buda hoping also to have met with 8000 Turks comming towards Pesth with Victuals for Buda Castle Mahomet the mean while sent Cicala his Admirall with a great Fleet to Sea who comming upon the coast of Sicily requested that Viceroy to send him aboord his Mother Lucretia who dwelt in Messana he much desiring to see and Honour her promising so quietly to depart he considering how the 〈◊〉 for the like courtesie before denied had done great harm all along the sea-coast on condition of sending her back in safety sent her to him honorably accompanied whom Cicala her son receiving with great joy triumph and keeping her with him one day with all honor sent her back accordingly so peaceably returned without doing any harm to any part of Christendom In the mean time Michael of Valachia with good forces resolved to give an attempt upon Nicopolis in Bulgaria causing a bridge to be made over Danubius for his passage but the Bassaes of Silistra and Badova comming with all their power as the bridge was laid over upon boates attempted to break the same Michael hasting thither enforced the Bassaes to forsake the Exploit begun there being for a while a hard conflict till the Turks being greatly slaughtered were glad by a dispersed flight to save their lives So the Vayuod passing the 〈◊〉 came to Nicopolis where they of the City without resistance yielded themselves into his power who sacking firing the City carried away a great Spoyl with many Bulgarians choosing out the best and strongest to serve in his Wars and appointing the rest to inhabite and manure the waste places of Valachia The report of this overthrow and sacking brought a generall fear on the Turks even in Constantinople Wherefore Mahomet commanded his chief Bassaes with a great power taken up in haste to stop his further proceedings himself horribly threatning him Who now encouraged and knowing the Turks manuers little regarded the same Mahomet oppressed with melancholy at the raging plague in Constantinople the bloudy Wars in Hungary his ill success at Veradium and the great harm done at Nicopolis yet ceased not what he could to provide for so many evils Ordering Taut Bassa with all speed to march towards Valachia Who put himself upon the way with 600 Janizaries towards Hadrianople there to expect the rest of the Army at Spring that so being united with the Forces of Mehemet who besieged Veradium the last year he might appear more terrible to his Enemies The Emperour also was then much discontented that his men had failed of the Castle of Buda the Walloons blaming the chief Commanders who when they valiantly offered to do their utmost to win it chose rather by the Spade and Mattock than the Sword to perform the same But Michael to the Turks greater terrour and hurt made new inroads upon them so that he entred 10 Miles into their Territory against whom Mehemet comming he retired carrying away the spoyl of the wasted Country They of Buda the while fearing some sudden assault and suffering great want expected long to be relieved with necessaries yet they heard that Mahomet had given it out at Constantinople that he was raising a great power of his best Souldiers having sent for all his Old men of War such as had served in the Wars of Persia. The Turks the while providing to relieve distressed Buda some resolute Hungarians understanding that a Bassa was comming thither with 3000 Souldiers to encrease the Garrison lay close in Ambush where the Turks securely and disorderly passing by were overthrown and put to flight losing many Horses much Mony and Jewels many Captains being taken and the Bassa hardly escaping into the City But shortly after 400 Christians scouring the Country about Buda and returning loaded with prey were assaulted by the Turks and forced to forsake it and fight for their lives yet they notably repulsed the Turk slaying divers of them and recovering their booty returned and in upper Hungary a great power of Turks and Tartars having done great harm came before Cassovia making shew as if they would presently besiege the City so that many Inhabitants fled forthwith into the Mountains yet by the perswasion of Basta 2000 expert Souldiers stayed there 〈◊〉 him expecting what the Turks would do who demanded of them a great sum of mony as contribution threatning otherwise the utter destruction thereof which was stoutly rejected by
turned almost all their care and Forces unto that side of the City which he had battered He appointed Lord Rusworme to prove if those Zigeth-Suburbs were not to be surprized which being taken the City could not long hold out For undertaking of which enterprize he was by the captive Turks and Country people much discouraged who nevertheless sent certain of his men to try the Lake who brought word that it was undoubtedly though with much difficulty to be passed Whereupon he with 1000 select Souldiers with every one a good Faggot on his back beside his Arms to fill up the deepest of the Marsh by night entered it wherein he had not gone far but he found it much deeper and more troublesome than his Spies had reported but carried with an invincible courage these adventurous men going still up in Water and mud unto the waste where 't was shallowest where also if one missed but a step he was over head and eares and in danger of drowning if he were not by his fellowes presently holden They at length got over but with the loss of six or seven men a little before day Whereof the Duke being advertised by a sign with greater stir than at any time before assailed that side of the City where he lay and in the mean time 〈◊〉 with Ladders provided sealed the Walls on th' other side and almost unperceived recovered the top thereof and so being got into the Suburbs with a terrible cry assailed the Turks who not well knowing which way to turn without great resistance fled into the City the Christians following them with a great slaughter in which so great confusion the Duke took the rest of the Suburbs the Turks there also for feare forsaking them and retiring with all haste into the City The Christians besides other rich prey here took 14 great pieces with good store of shot and powder The Duke now again summoned the City whereunto the Turks gave no answer but by their pieces whereat the Duke much displeased sent them word he would send them other manner of Messengers to morrow and by Gods help sup with them in the City though unwelcome So next day having made two fair Breaches into the City he with great slaughter of the Enemy entered the same though the Turks cast downe upon the Christians Darts Wild-fire c. But seeing they must needs now give place they fled amain into their Houses there to defend themselves or die many whereof they had so undermined that they could easily overthrow them and as many as should come within danger of them so that the Temple-pallace with many other sumptuous buildings were left all rent and torn yet the Bassa upon promise of life yielded himself and was sent to the Camp the rest of the Souldiers being all or most of them put to the Sword The Walloons breaking by heaps into the richest Houses both took what themselves lighted on and stript the Germans of what they had gotten yea they opened the Tombs of the Hungarian Kings to spoyl the dead of such things as were for honours-fake long before enterred with them shewing themselves therein more barbarous than the Turks The Bassa of Buda then laying a prisoner at Vieuna hearing of the taking of this City fasted with his 2 servants a whole day prostrate on his face and praying to his Prophet Mahomet who had as he said all this year been angry with the Turks Now Hassan the Turkish Generall was comming to relieve Alba-regalis and though he heard by the way that the City was won yet taking with him the Bassa of Buda with the other Commanders thereabouts and having formed an Army of about 60000 but most raw Souldiers he held on his way thitherwards both to give some content to his angry Lord and hoping to overthow the Christian Army or at least to regain the City as yet unrepaired But the Duke had presently repaired the Breaches and put therein a strong Garrison of expert Souldiers and being himself about 20000 strong set forward to meet the Bassa beginning a hot and bloudy skirmish with him yet the Bassa next day sent away part of his Army to prove if the City might be recovered himself the mean while offering the Christians battel so to busie them But the Duke informed of the basenesse of the Bassa's Souldiers although he were in number far above him went out and encountred him and at the first onset disordering his foremost Squadrons sorced the Turks to retire with the loss of 6000 men among whom were the Bassa of Buda 6 Zanzacks and divers others of good place and note The Duke also took from them divers Ordnance and had not a great squadron of Tartars appeared at his back he had undoubtedly overthrown all the Bassa's Army but now contenting himself with the Victory already gotten he retired orderly into his Trenches having not lost above 300 men Whilst both Armies thus lay supplies repairing unto them and expecting a day of generall battel the Janizaries still murmuring that it was now no time of the year to keep the field enforced the Bassa to retire to Buda and disband his Army in which retreat many were by the Christians cut off in the Rear and many taken 50 being of the French mutineers of Pappa whom Matthias at the instance of Duke Mercurie pardoned They also who were sent to attempt Alba-regalis were so welcomed with shot and charged with often sallies that despairing to prevail they returned to the Bassa that sent them About the time that the Duke began to besiege Alba-regalis Ferdinand the Arch-Duke now 30000 strong by the advise of the Duke of Mantua his Lievt Gen. resolved to besiege Canisia the recovery whereof much concerned even Italy it self Whereupon he came and encamped before it Septemb. 10. And although the Turks in Garrison not past a 1000 with their often and gallant sallies much troubled the Christians and that other bands of the Turks came many times out of the strong Holds thereabouts to skirmish with them and to see if they could put any more Souldiers into the Town yet both in the one place and the other The Turks were to their cost still repulsed and put to flight losing also some small Castles and Forts The Christians found means to dry the Marsh a little that invironed the Town and to fill it up on one side and to come so near the Town that having planted 3 tire of Artillery against it they began furiously to batter it Yea at length they approached so nigh that they came with their Trenches even close to the Town-ditch perswading the Turks now whilst they might upon good conditions to yield and so save their Lives But they braving the Christians said They would keep the place for the Sultan in despight of all their Forces Whereupon it was resolved to give a general assault In the mean time the news of the winning of Alba-Regalis caused great Joy and Triumph in the Camp the Christians
Princes Lievtenant not able to endure or hear that the Province should again fall into the hands of the Germans went upon a sudden to assail Basta But he an old and xpert Commander perceiving even his first moving with great speed put his Army in order joyning Battel with him and with the losse of some 500 men overthrew Moyses with his Transilvanians Turks and Tartars slaying above 3000 and putting the rest to flight but Sigismund hearing what his Lievetenant had done went into the Camp to Basta excusing himself as done without his privity and against his will offering to perform whatever was by him to be performed according to the agreement and presently calling forth his Garrisons out of all strong places yet by him holden he surrendred them to Basta and so put himself on his way towards the Emperour after whose departure all that Province without more adoe yielded to Basta as to the Emperour's Lievtenant who calling an Assembly of all the Nobility took of them an Oath for their obedience and Loyalty to the Emperour But the mean while the Valachians not able longer to endure the great insolency of the Turks who after the death of Michael had made one Jeremiah Vayuod there took up Arms and proclaiming one Radoll the Emperours favourite Vayuod chased Jeremiah quite out of the Countrey who fleeing to Simon Palatine of Moldavia by his and the Turks help drave out Radoll again who now being with Basta with about 10000 Valachians earnestly requested him to help him for the recovery of Valachia who considering how much it concerned the quiet of Transilvania to have so near a Province a Friend gave him a great Regiment of approved Souldiers with whom at his entrance into Valachia the Moldavian meeting with a great power of his own and Turks there was fought a most bloudy Battel Radoll carrying away the Victory two Turks Bassaes being slain with a great number of others after which Radoll recovered his Government Shortly after with the same ayd cutting in pieces a great power of Tartars coming to ayd the Moldavians In Hungary the mean while passed many a hot skirmish for the Garrisons of Buda and other places attempting to surprize Alba Regalis were with great slaughter enforced to retire Then also Count 〈◊〉 suddenly setting upon 200 Turkish Wagons going to Canisia with Ammunition and Victualls slew and put to flight the Convoy and carried away the laden Wagons And shortly after the free 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 going in a great party towards Buda for booty returning homeward with sixty prisoners and hearing that Ali Governour of Pesth was coming but with a small retinue down the River to Belgrade there to meet the 〈◊〉 Bassa they slew all the prisoners and with two small Boats lay in wait for him who coming down accordingly they slew 14 of his 30 followers himself also being shot in two places was taken with a great booty whom they brought to Comara presenting him shortly after to Matthias at Vienna who certainly informing him that Hassan Bassa was coming with a great Army to besiege Alba Regalis presently sent thither Count Isolan the Governour who with much adoe getting into the City the Turks having already taken all passages and being a good Engineer caused all in the City to labour on the Rampiers so that it was soon so fortified that it seemed almost impregnable Ali was sometime the great Turks Butler but after the taking of Agria made Bassa of Buda being after 3 moneths by the envy and ambition of some displaced and made Governour of 〈◊〉 who offered for his ransom to the Haiducks 300000 Sultanines and had with him when taken 70000 Duckats Hassan Bassa by the Command of Sultan Mahomet coming to Buda by the way of Belgrade with 150000 men from thence came and encamped before Alba Regalis Aug. 12th where having well entrenched himself and planted his Battery he most terribly and furiously battered the same and because the Moorish and deep Ditches much letted his men from coming to the assault he had them filled up by the number of his Pioniers and so assaulted the Counterscarfe which Isolan had made before the City which assault though it cost him much blood yet the great number of the Turks prevailing the Christians were forced to retire into the City but they soon sallying out slew most of 〈◊〉 Turks in the Counterscarfe and forced the other out again whereupon multitudes of Turks came running thither and without regard of their lives desperately still pressing on fell twice as many as before so that the Christians weary and overwhelmed with their shot not without great losse abandoned the place with which skirmishes and divers others he Defendants were greatly diminished to keep a weak City as yet shewing the ruines of the late siege against so puissant an Enemy yet valiant Isolan the Italian not discouraged wrote to Matthias how things stood in the City requesting speedy relief or else it would be endangered many Souldiers being already slain and divers Hungarians daily fleeing to the Turks howbeit promising to do his utmost Whereupon the Arch-Duke ordered Lord Russworm to go to Comara and with such forces as were come thither to go and try if by any meanes they might put into Alba Regalis some fresh Souldiers who accordingly took the Field without delay with 12000 men but whilest by discord betwixt him and the other Colonels about the manner of relieving it the matter was too long delayed the Bassa Aug. 28. continued a general assault all that day and next night with some part of the day following without ceasing so that the Defendants much weakened and they that were left so wearied or wounded as that they could make no longer resistance and the Count himself being carried away dangerously shot in the thigh there was a sign of parley given to the Enemy which being granted some of the chief Commanders going to the Governour put him in minde of the weakness of the place the Enemies force and want of Defendants perswading him they not being relieved by divers reasons to yield the City wherewith he moved came to a parley with the Bassa who was right glad thereof wherein it was soon agreed that the COUNT should yield up the Town to the Bassa with all Warlike Ammunition therein himself with his Garrison with Bag Baggage and Arms safely to be convoyed half way to Rab. Upon the first bruit of this composition whilest the Merchants were seeking for Wagons to carry their Merchandize and the Souldiers for Horses to carry their Baggage the scarceness thereof bred a confusion and stir among the people so whilest some were quarrelling about these things and others were opening the Gates to be gone others were as busie in robbing and pilfering the Baggages of their Captains and Companions which encouraged the rest of the Souldiers to fall to pillage all also which the Souldiers keeping the breaches seeing left their charge and thrust themselves in among these pilferers as
preferments and honours so they would lay down Arms and no more take them up but in his service but they well knew the promises of faithless Princes cost them nothing but words so that they not onely refused to yield him their obedience as he desired but even to have peace with him upon any conditions Hereupon he thought best to offer the Christians that which the other had refused hoping that peace with the one should be the ruine of the other and to ease him of a care how to give an honest and honourable way thereunto the French Embassador Leger was then entreating with the great Bassaes for the deliverance of Count Isolan whom Mahomet thought a fit man to deal with the Emperour concerning a Treaty of peace to be had whereupon he set him at liberty with charge that he should discreetly and faithfully deal with the Emperour about it which if he should effect to Mahomets content then to remain free otherwise to return into his former captivity for whom the French Embassador became a pledge Achmet Bassa also wrote to Collonitz for the negotiation of this peace telling him if they were not resolved to surrender Strigonium before they began to treat of any other matter he need not trouble himself to give any answer to those Letters saying also if they should continue to pay the Tribute for the time to come and discharge the Arrerages for the time past it should be commodious for the Turks and honourable for the Imperials besides he said peace should be entreated of with the great Cham of Tartary who was commanded by the Turkish Emperour upon just and reasonable conditions to entertain the same and never more but in peaceable manner to come into Hungary Collonitz forthwith sent these Letters to the Emperour requesting him to consider what answer he would have given The Emperour commanded him to embrace the occasion and to try whether the Turks desire were agreeable to their words or not Collonitz hereupon with some of the best Commanders in the Army entred into a Treaty of peace with the Turks whose demands tended so much to the hurt and dishonour of the Emperour that they even at first shut up the way to all further conference for after their proud manner they unreasonably demanded to have Transilvania Strigonium and Pesth restored to them for which they offered to deliver Agria and Canisia pibble for Pearls so that they departed on both sides as they came also while this Treaty was in hand the Turks gathered together great store of Men and Ammunition at Belgrade to convoy much Victuals to put into Buda whereof Collonitz hearing ceased further to treat and betook himself to his Arms to do what they might for the hindering their purpose for Buda where there was now such want that the Turks having eaten all their Horses and rifled the Governours House for Victuals resolved to abandon the City if not relieved within few dayes The Christians embarqued their Footmen upon the River under Alimeine Governour of Strigonium and Sultze Governour of Pesth Whilest Collonitz with the Horsemen scoured along the Banks of the River and Aug. 22 near to Mohatsch fell upon the head of the Turk's Army led by Murat Bassa six thousand in number two thousand being Janizaries who laying encamped upon an even plain he forthwith charged them where after many notable charges the Turks retired toward the Body of their Army in great hast whom Collonitz followed with like heat as he had charged them but ill followed by his friends who sought after the spoil instead of pursuing their Enemies so that the Turks perceiving the fewness of the pursuers turned about and even right hardly charged them who were now glad themselves to retire yet so as without any great losse received Howbeit the Turks came on so fast and couragiously that they had defeated the Christians had not the Haiducks out of their Boats resolutely come to their relief whereupon the Turks again retired whom the Christians furiously charged and pursued even to their great Camp and so returned with the glory of the Field and spoil of their Enemies Bassa's red Cornet being taken with two Field-pieces seven hundred Turks being slain and 120 taken Saxar Beg being one who upon examination confessed that Hassan the day before came into the Camp dining with the great Cham after which he discoursing with him among other great matters of his return into his Countrey was much against the same till they had victualled Buda whereunto he was he said in honour and duty bound to give his assistance the losse of this good place being of so great importance to the great Sultan otherwise his ayd had bin unto him rather hurtful than profitable c. He also assured them that the Bassa purposed to new fortifie three frontier Castles and so to go to the Siege of Pesth which done to besiege Strigonium which yet he doubted to win this year winter approaching and a great part of his forces being far off that the Tartars were far from the Camp where the Bassa of Asia leading the reconciled Rebels of Asia and him of Caramania 6000 Janizaries were in few dayes expected which Confession though not altogether true yet time shewed it carried some shew of probability few Christians in Comparison of the Turks were slain It was noted that the Souldiers of Col. Sultze refused to pursue the Enemy whether fearing some ambush or disdaining to follow Gen. Collonitz the reasons perhaps why Sultze stayed them from the pursuit Collonitz most bravely behaved himself in this Conflict sometime forcing the charge and again staying his men in their retreat so that oft lost among his Enemies and again returning he escaped death as it were by a miracle and from being taken by chance and doubtless had the rest after his example prosecuted their good fortune the Enemy had been quite overthrown and themselves been both victorious and rich for besides the spoils by them gotten they might have carried away a whole years pay due to the Garrison of Buda which the fearful Turks had left in their Camp which upon the recovery of their courage they recovered with much more Russworm the Christian Army being assembled about Septemb. 4th sent forth two most trusty and expert Souldiers to understand of the Turks affaires and designes who in Turkish Habit were in their Army 8 dayes unsuspected and returning back declared to the General that the Turks Army was very great but not such as that which last year besieged Pesth that they lay encamped at large which made them seem the greater being well provided of Ordnance that Hassan commanded as General having brought with him 12000 Janizaries besides his Horsemen and reconciled Rebels in Asia daily looked for that the great Tartar Han was to Hassan's great discontent already returned homewards with Christian booty and prisoners to appease a Rebellion raised by his Nephew who by his Uncle given in Hostage to Mahomet had found
Boat over the River after which the 〈◊〉 returning to the siege after many sharp great assaults and many men lost on both sides Adena was yielded to his mercy Hereupon Achmat enraged 〈◊〉 Cicala's 〈◊〉 at Constantinople full of treasure wealth to be 〈◊〉 yet shortly after he delivered great summs of mony and raised new Forces for renewing of the Persian war Whereunto many Janizaries being appointed they mutined saying They would not stir one foot except they were payed before-hand assured to have their wages encreased grievously complaining that the Bassa of Damasco the Sultan's Treasurer converting the Treasures to his own use did not pay the Souldiers their due To appease which tumult the Sultan caused the same Bassa to be beheaded The Bassa's of Damasco Aleppo long agreed not after the aforesaid reconciliation he of Damasco continuing faithfull in his Allegiance th' other of Aleppo secretly enclining to Rebellion against whom he of Damasco with those of Tripolis and Gazare went with 60000 good men purposing to besiege him in his City Aleppo but he having very soon raised 30000 valiant men ready chearfully to follow him went joyned battel with them which was fought with great fury hideous noise for a great while howbeit at last the lone Bassa overcame the other 〈◊〉 and put them to flight eagerly pursuing them besieged Tripolis whose Bassa fleeing thence with all his Treasures into Cyprus he of Aleppo easily took ransackt the same and forthwith besieged Damasco whither the Bassa of Tripolis being coming with another great Army to raise the siege the Bassa of Aleppo with most of his Army meeting him again overthrew and put him to flight Whereupon the besieged dismayed upon certain Capitulations yielded to him the City Who there seizing upon great Treasure of the Turks Tributes resolved thereby to make himself master of all Syria giving free passage to all Persian and Indian Merchants unto Damasco In the mean time the Beglerbeg of Natolia sending his Lievtenant with a great Army against him he marched towards his Enemies and in two dayes space had taken all passages whereby he might be distressed and in the Straits of the Mountains layed 2000 Harquebusiers and 3000 Horse in Ambush who the Enemies being passed he charging them 〈◊〉 set upon them in the Reare so that they having lost a number of men in a great fight fled He also intercepted a Ship cast by weather upon the Coast laded with the Tributes of Aegypt going to Constantinople so that the Persian King sought to joyn in amity with him highly commending his valiant acts and sending him a Pistoll Helmet and Target set with gems esteemed worth 50000 Crowns This Rebel spread into Caramania so further further wherefore the Sultan commanded the Visier Bassa then in Hungary now Strigonium was taken upon reasonable conditions to conclude a peace that he might forthwith after turn his Forces against the Persians and Asian Rebels But in Hungary 〈◊〉 being long besieged by the Rebels and Turks most of that Garrison were slain and the rest grievously wounded of which strong Town the Turks were for its commodious scituation very desirous and the Rebels as unwilling because it being once in their hand would scarce be ever recovered from them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Captain Hungarian Rebel by Letters requested of 〈◊〉 that the Town might be delivered to 〈◊〉 another Hungarian-Rebel lest the Turks should get it by force assuring him upon the peril of his life and confiscation of all his goods that upon a reconciliation made betwixt the Emperour and the Hungarians he should deliver Newhuse into his possession 〈◊〉 the Town was yielded Octob. 17th to Humanoius and the Hungarians onely received in yet so as that the 〈◊〉 there yet left might still stay in the Town in pay and watch and ward with the rest Wherefore the Turks not a little discontented with the Hungarians marched toward the siege at Strigonium yet few dayes after the Hungarians turned the Germanes with their Captain S 〈◊〉 out of the Town conducting them to 〈◊〉 At which time they of Altexsol not far from Newhuse being long besieged by the Rebels and having but seven Horses left to eat yielded themselves and Town to them as did they of Wiglace Shemnitz and Kemnitz Botscay the while with a very great Army came to Tyrna about 16 miles from Vienna a little before which Humanoius had summoned Presburg Botscay also now requiring i by Letters or else threatning most straitly to besiege them wherefore Schonberg the Governour doubting of the Faith of the Hungarian Citizens retired with a good part of his Souldiers into the Castle protesting to spend life and all he had for its defence whereat the Citizens moved continued firm so that 〈◊〉 forthwith removed to Pesth where he was presented by the Visier with a Crown of curious 〈◊〉 60000 Duckats and 25 most goodly Horses and having full power from him to treat and conclude of peace 〈◊〉 the Imperialls Haly Bassa and other Turks being joyned with him he went to Kirpa to an Hungarian Assembly there to be holden whither Forgat was come with the Emperours resolution concerning the negotiation and the while other Commissioners came to Comara about a Treaty of peace with the Turks who required it 〈◊〉 Collonitz then by Letters advised the Arch-Duke that if possible an attonement should be first made with the Rebels and then peace concluded with the Turks because he perceived the Turks not to desire peace but onely by endeavouring to keep the Christians at 〈◊〉 and in suspence to do them harm and 〈◊〉 good which was afterwards found so to be The Persian King having sent three Embassadors to the Emperour and they coming one after another were all with peculiar Letters dismissed from Prague Novemb 29 congratulating with his successes against the 〈◊〉 and desiring a perpetual and firm friendship to be 〈◊〉 betwixt them with a certain secure and free commerce if the Persian King should extend his Victories unto the Sea and that he had then appointed to send unto him the famous Baron of Dohna but all things being ready for his Journey he suddenly died and would have sent another Embassador had not the unexpected change of the Muscovite's affaires otherwise disswaded him he having no other way but that who had yet no experience how the Prince there reigning stood affected One of these Embassadors went into Poland declaring to the King the great affection of the Persian King towards him requesting him to joyn with him in all friendship c. and then to take up Arms against the Turk promising that his Master should not lay down Arms till he were utterly destroyed so the Christian Princes would likewise impugne him Such a Message was not before heard of in Poland yet the Messenger was bountifully entertained and with good words put in hope of obtaining his request But in Hungary the Turks and Rebels assembling at Hidweg purposed to surprize the