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
requested who hereupon withdrew secretly into the desart of Caravonitis making incursions into the adjoyning Countries against whom Mahomet incensed sent an Army of 20000 men the third day after whose encamping by the Forrest side in whose covert Tangrolipix a great way off lay the Turks at night suddenly set upon their affrightned enemies who fled Tangrolipix now furnished with all warlike necessaries shewed himself in the field whose Army was through the repair of rogues and villains unto him grown to 50000 against whom Mahomet set forward with a fresh Army having put out the eyes of the Leaders of the former and threatened to disgrace the fleeing souldiers with womens apparel who by the way fled to Tangrolipix to his great encouragement and at Ispanan of Persia they fought with wonderful slaughter on both sides But Mahomet breaking his neck by unadvised riding both Armies proclaimed Tangrolipix Sultan of Persia with all its Dominions in his stead which was in 1030 about 214 years after their coming out of Scythia who freed the passage for his Countreymen over Araxis and the Saracens being thereby kept under by the Turks who before used Circumcision do now embrace Mahometan-Superstition Tangrolipix who now warred against neighbour Princes after he had slain Pisasiris and joyned his Kingdom of Babylon to his own sent his Cousen Cutlumuses with an Army against the Arabians by whom he was overthrown whose Turks easily overthrew and took Stephen the Greek Emperours Lievetenant of Media who sought to stop Cutlumuses his return by the confines of his Countrey Cutlumuses returning perswaded Tangrolipix to turn his forces into Media who notwithstanding went against the Arabians in person with a new Army by whom he was also worsted Cutlumuses the mean while for fear revolting from the Sultan and betaking himself to the strong City Pasar was besieged by the Sultan who a long time defended himself Tangrolipix in the mean time sent Asan his Nephew to invade 〈◊〉 who was by the Emperours Lievtenant slain with most of his Army Then he sent thither his brother Habrami Alim with 100000 men who while the Lievtenant expected Liparites Governour of Iberia to come to his aid before be would encounter them Alim besieged Arzen a rich but open Town who after six daies 〈◊〉 setting it on fire in divers places forced the inhabitants to flee for their lives leaving an infinite spoyl to the enemy Liparites being now come with a great power they overcame the Turks and chased them in the night yet Liparites was taken prisoner who was franckly set at liberty by the Sultan with whom he sent the Seriph in Embassage to the Emperour to make an everlasting peace with him by becoming his tributary which Embassage being scornfully rejected the Sultan with all his power invaded the Roman Provinces And coming as far as 〈◊〉 the Countrey people and goods being conveighed into strong Holds and the Emperour raysing a great force against him at Caesarea in 〈◊〉 he returned into Media laying siege unto Mantzichiert a City strongly fortified he 〈◊〉 it 30 daies with fury in vain and was perswaded by one Alcan to stay another day to prove what he could do unto whom the whole charge was committed But this forward Captain was while others shot from higher ground at the Defendants slain in his approach to the Wall and being drawn by two Sallyers into the Town had his head cast over the wall whereupon the Sultan raised the siege threatning a return the next Spring with greater power But discord arising between the Sultan and his Brother Alim Alim joyned with Cutlumuses denouncing war against the Sultan by whom 〈◊〉 was overcome taken neer Pasar and put to death And Cutlumuses with 6000 glad to flee into Arabia being followed into Armenia by the Sultan where they had sent for protection from the Emperour Constantine Monomachus which Monomachus afterwards sent Michael Acoluthus a valiant Captain against the Sultan who spoyled Iberia wherefore he retired to Tauris leaving Samuch with 3000 to insest the Emperours frontiers the which by reason of Monomachus imposing tribute on the frontiers of his Empire who in lieu of defending the passages had been free they hereupon dissolving wonted Garrisons and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as chiefly his successour wholly given to hoard up treasure gave little maintenance unto men of service the Turks now and afterwards more easily did to the weakening and ruin of the Constantinopolitan empire And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as his wife with three very young Sons now governing the Turks spoiled Mesopotamia Cilicia Cappodoeia and sometimes Coelosyria who fearing a remove from the Empire thought of some valiant man for her husband to manage so weighty affairs the man was Diogenes Romanus of great renown who swelling with his Fathers ambition had secretly aspired unto the Empire for which by Eudocia he was held in bonds at Constantinople but when he was brought forth to receive the sentence of death for his treason the Empresse moved with compassion as the other beholders pardoned him and made him General of her forces But a solemn oath she had made to her husband never to marry was a check to her purpose wherefore in seminine policy she sent an instructed Eunuch unto John Xiphiline the Patriarch to get by craft the writing of her oath being delivered into his hands to keep by telling him of making his nephew Barda a gallant her husband if she might safely be discharged of her rash oath Where at the Patriarch moved with his nephews preferment sent for the Senators of whom some by his perswasion telling them of the Commonwealth's dangers and blaming her rash oath others by gifts and promises of the Empresse were overcome so that the Patriarch delivered her the desired writings discharging her of her oath who forthwith married Diogenes and proclaimed him Emperour who being of an haughty spirit was weary of the pliant observations of Eudocia and the Eastern Provinces being in part lost passed although with a small and unfitted Army into Asia of whose coming the invading Sultan hearing retired and dividing his Army spoyled the South and North parts of Asia surprizing and sacking the City Neo Caesaria But the Emperour using expedition with some of his best companies came on the Turks unawares who fled and left the booty and prisoners of Neo Caesaria together with bag and baggage behind them although but few slain Then going into Syria Hierapolis was yielded unto him where he built a strong Castle And hearing of the overthrow of part of his Army before sent unto Melitena speedily marched for their relief where having a far inferiour number and the Governour of 〈◊〉 traiterously joyning with the enemy he was surrounded with impossibility to escape yet suddenly and silently issuing out of his trenches put the Turks to flight so he returning to Constantinople first taking divers Towns and billetting his Army against Winter about Alexandria of Cilicia And at Spring he repressed the Turks fury who did much harm about Neo
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
forward against the Tartars who at first sight of strange Ensignes and Souldiers were much dismaied Yet they had with them a most bloody conflict wherein that part standing against Paleologus being worsted 〈◊〉 about to flee but the Sultan's Kinsman bearing him a grudge revolting with his Regiment to the Tartars the battle was quite altered the Tartars fighting like Lyons and the Victors were glad to flee a great number of them being slain Paleologus and the Generall were hardly chased glad to stand fighting often for their lives with much adoe after many daies recovered a Castle of the Generalls The Tartars hazarding hereby the Turk's Kingdome forraged all his Countries 〈◊〉 so that the discouraged Sultan fled to Theodorus for aid who comforted him with such small aid as he thought good sending them home with him for his safety under Isaac 〈◊〉 Murzufle who gave him Laodicea in recompence yet ere long it fell again into the Turks hands as not to be holden by the Christians The Sultan too weak to withstand the Tartars made a league with them for paying them a yearly tribute They are accounted from this time as their 〈◊〉 and Vassals Not long after Paleologus was called home by the Emperour's Letters with his faith for security who before his return was bound by Oath to be loyal never to seek after the Empire or cause new suspect of matters before charged but yield dutifull obedience to the Emperour or his Successours Whereupon he was again Great Constable living afterwards in great honour with him Who reigning 3 years died leaving John his Son but six years old to succeed him and commended him to Arsemus the Patriarch and George Muzalo as trusty Tutors together with the Empire Muzalo though of mean Parentage was brought up in the Court as the Emperor's play-fellow still ready to say or do what might please him And the elder they grew they increased in mutual affection and he as in greatest favour was promoted to the greatest honours and married to the Emperour 's nigh Kinswoman An Oath of obedience unto the young Prince and them as Tutors was exacted of all sorts whatsoever both before and after the Emperour's death for many Nobles murmured at Muzalo's sudden fortune many thinking themselvs to have better right thereto as of nearer Kin to the Emperour and fitter for such a charge than Muzalo who not honourably born and having been Theodore's minister of wrath against some Nobles was to be hated and contemned and if be should now affect the Empire he would spare no villany to effect his inordinate desire Muzalo's wits being awakened with these dangers he called all the Nobility into the Court courteously offering to yield up both the Empires administration and the tuition to any one whom they thought fittest for such a charge which all refused saying He was to be preferred to whom the Lord of both had committed both Muzalo 〈◊〉 requested the contrary for fear chiefly of danger to ensue But would he or not he must take the charge on him Now were all sworn with greater solemnity the third time than before wishing a shameful end to them and theirs if they failed to perform their obedience c. Yet 9 daies were not fully past but some of the chief Nobility conspired the unworthy death of Muzalo which was on the Emperour's funerall day in his Abbey at Maguesia where while the Hymns were singing c. the Souldiers before instructed by the Conspirator breaking into the Temple with drawn swords slew Muzalo at the Altar for refuge with Andronicus and Theodore his Brethren and divers others The mourning Matrons thronging out fled as fast as they could but the Priests and Monks thinking to do the like were by the Soulders forced into the Temple and on the Pavement slippery with blood ended in fear those bloody Obsequies Arsemius the onely Tutor was much troubled for though for learning and integrity not inferiour yet in state matters he was far to seek and of no great reach yet wishing all well he consulted with the Nobility what were best to be done for government of the Emperour and Empire now Muzalo was dead Which not being grounded on wise fore-sight was more dangerous to the young Emperour than the murthering swords Michael 〈◊〉 was also called to the counsell descended of the Comnen's house a man very courteous and liberall winning all mens hearts thereby especially the Commanders of the Army of whose aspiring many Rumours had formerly passed yea the Patriarch on speciall favour committed to his trust the Keys of the common Treasury when mony was to be paid out upon great occasions of State the readiest way to effect what he had long plotted for he powred out the Masse of treasure amongst the Nobility and Martiall men with others and many of the Clergy also The Patriarch was by his favourites who had many meetings sollicited though generally to take order for the States good Government which as a ship without a Master was in danger to perish Paleologus was then in every man's mouth as onely fit to take the charge on him till the Emperour came to Age. Unto which the Patriarch gave consent and so with a general contentment made him a Governour and Tutor This was the first step whereby he mounted to the Empire Not many 〈◊〉 after it was alleadged by his favourites in Counsel It was not seemly for a Tutor and Governour of State who was to hear forreign Embassadours to want the honour next to an Emperour whereupon he was honoured with the title of Despot Shortly after he was by certain great favourites near Magnesia with great applause saluted Emperour Arsemius being much troubled therewith fearing what would become of the young child He thought it better by Oath to bind the Emperour and his makers not to seek his life nor to go about to deprive him than to excommunicate them which was done Within a moneth the Patriarch perswaded set the Imperial Crown on this Usurpers head not as still to enjoy the Empire but according to present necessity till the child came of age to whom he was then to resign All being confirmed by oath good news was brought him of a victory obtained by his brother John against Michael Despot of Aetolia and Epirus who hearing of the Emperour's death his Father in Law with troubles in Asia being aided by 2 others entred Macedonia and Thracia burning and spoiling the Countrey and thinking to take most to himself The news he received when Crowned the great Commanders shortly bringing the Prince of Peloponesus and Achaia prisoners who gave to Paleologus for ransome three of the best Cities of Peloponesus wherein he put strong Garrisons and gained at length most of Peloponesus from the Latins shortly after purposing to besiege Constantinople with a great Army but as too difficult he left that and besieged the Castle of Pera on tother side the haven hoping by winning that to master the Town but he
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
his purpose he returned without doing any thing Septemb. 26. Hassan encamping betwixt the Rivers of Kulp and 〈◊〉 by night passed over part of his Army into Turopolis with fire and sword spoiling all that fertile Island the Lord of Bonny labouring in vain to defend the same About the end of this moneth the Bassa of Ziget the Sanzacks of Mohas Koppan and Quinque Ecclesiae and others encamped with a strong Army betwixt Ziget and Rodesto soon after which the Emperour had newes that Kainsia a City of Stiria was hardly besieged and that the Turks in coming thither had taken many Captives whom they had sent to be sold at Constantinople and that their Army were about one hundred and sixty thousand but since the Christian Army increasing also was now grown to sixty thousand Men he hoped well that their Enemies rage would be stayed about which time Ernest appoin ed Generall with the Marquesse sonne to Ferdinand the arch-Duke his Lievtenant came to the Army About the beginning of October the Emperour had sad news of 7000 men slain whom he had sent into Croatia men the conduct of Beane and 2 others to hinder the Turks proceeding encamping between Wyhitz and Carolstat and having Septemb. the 12th discovered from a mountain some Turkish Companies come thither to view the Army of the Christians sent out 50 Horsmen to discover where the Turks Army lay with its attempts who finding no more Turks then those before-seen from the Mountains returned with such Intelligence whereupon the Christians as secure in their Tents kept but negligent Watch. But a hundred thousand Turks suddenly brake into their Trenches where those Footmen for 4 hours maintained a notable fight many being slain on both sides but the Christians beset and oppressed with multitude were slain almost all yet the Captains speedily fled for which their cowardize and negligence they were afterwards beheaded Such as fell alive into the Enemies hands were cut in pieces The Enemy also had the spoil of the Tents wherein besides abundance of other things found 60000 Dollars lately brought from Luitz for the Souldiers pay The Turks in ostentation laded 14 Waggons with the Heads of the slain which they sent to divers of their places thereabouts yet the Christians flew of their Enemies above 12000. The night following the Turks in the dead of the night surprized the Castle of St. George putting to the sword all therein of any Age or Sexe except 150 whom they carried Captive so firing the Castle departed At which time some Turks were seen about Sifeg who led away Captive above 600 Christians and 300 Waggons loaded with all kind of provisions for relief of the Garrisons in Croatia were all intercepted by the Turks and carried away The Emperour hereupon gave notice by writing to the Princes and States of the Empire What incursions the Turks had lately made into Croatia the Frontiers of Hungary and other places near them and that the Beglerbeg of Greece with the Bassaes of Bosna Buda and Temesware without regard of the League had by taking divers strong places extended their bounds above 40 German miles slaying and carrying away the Inhabitants and were grown to that height that except they were represfed they would soon set foot into Germany it self c. which to hinder he required their generall help requesting them at length to open their Coffers and send out their Forces against the common Enemy which request with so great a danger moved not only them but others farther off liberally to contribute thereunto The Turks hearing of these great preparations besides the Christian Army already in Field and that they had made a strong bridge over Dravus which they had fortified also for the safe transporting of their Army forthwith furnished the places they had gotten with strong garrisons and so withdrew into their own Territories and the rather because the plague so raged in Constantinople that there dyed a 1000 a day which had also infected the Turkish Army which the Christians fearing forthwith slew every Turk they took The Turks in the beginning of 1593 began also their wonted incursions into the Christians Frontiers The Garrison of Petrinia a strong Fort lately built by the Turks on the River Kulp for the further invasion of Croatia made daily excursions spoiling and burning the Town and Castle of Beck Vochobinam in the Island Turopolis and after a great slaughter carried away 400 prisoners and in Hungary the Turks Garrisons to supply their wants made divers inroades did exceeding harm of whom 600 passing over the frozen Lake were all drowned therein In another place 3000 of them near Nutiusa dividing themselves in twaine one part shewed themselves in sight of the Townsmen the other laying in Ambush the Townsmen hereupon sallyed out and causing them to retire followed them till they were past the place where the other Turks lay who ran with all speed and wanted not much to surprize the Town for there was scarce a hundred Germans lelf in Garrison who had hardly time to draw up the bridges which done they with the Ordnance forced them to retire About the same time also they of Petrinia suddenly saliying out took the Town of Martenize which they spoiled killing about seven hundred setting it on fire and so returning having lost not past a hundred and fifty men Ere long the said Garrison took another Castle three miles from the River Kulp Whereinto the Christians round about had for fear conveyed all their Wealth with great store of Victuall and slaying six hundred men in the Castle returned with a very rich booty yet with the losse of five hundred Turks slain in that enterprize So also did the other Turkish Garrisons rage in all other parts of Hungary About Sasobia in upper Hungary they carried away about three hundred Captives and in the nether they took the strong Castle of Hedwigg upon the Lake of Balaton which they spoiled and burnt as also the Castle of Isna but attempting the lesser Comara they were valiantly repulsed They fortified also Stock Castle which they lately took as a refuge for their Adventurours all which declared their desire to begin that bloudy Warre which presently ensued and it was the more suspected because Crocowitts the Emperour's Embassadour was shut up close in his House at Constantinople not to speak with any man nor write or send to the Emperour Wherefore he began to raise new Forces the Hungarians and Bohemians also seeing these miseries that 〈◊〉 them and the Enemies strength daily encreasing agreed to maintain some horse foot upon their own charges for repressing these incursions now though the Emperor well knew that these outrages could not be done without Amuraths knowledge and liking as before informed thereof by his Embassadour yet he wrote Letters unto him the effect whereof were to shew himself willing to have the League on his behalf kept and also to make a further proof of Amuraths resolution for peace or war desiring
Rhegium 〈◊〉 rifled and burnt it but sayling thence 〈◊〉 in sight of Messana of Sicily landed some men who adventuring too far were by the people put to flight so they returning to Rhegium utterly razed what they before 〈◊〉 The while even in sight of the Garrison of 〈◊〉 they took a ship comming out of the East and 3 others from Apulia afterwards they changing a few shot with some Eastern galleys to no great purpose sayled along the Calabrian coast oft landing men who skirmishing with the Calabrians had sometime the better sometime the worse being again received 〈◊〉 their Galleys The Messanians gave speedy knowledge hereof to the Viceroy then at Palermo for his pleasure requesting his present ayd but he dallying off time they of themselves raised 500 Horse to be led by Ph. Cicala the Renegate Admirals Brother storing the City with all necessaries for a Siege certifying the Spanish King of all and of the Viceroy's negligence requesting speedy ayd against these Turkish terrours The Neopolitans put to sea 30 Galleys to whom the Pope Duke of Florence the Genowayes and Knights of Malta joyning theirs there was about 80 Galleys under Auria's conduct The Venetians also though in League with the Turks for more safety set forth about 100 Ships and Galleys under Foscarin their Admiral which Fleets sayling up and down freed Italy Sicily Dalmatia c. of a great fear 〈◊〉 having encouraged his Souldiers with great hope and large promises assaulted Rab Septemb. 23. the Sun 〈◊〉 scarce up furiously maintaining it till night but through the Defendants valour the Turks with loss retired yet was the assault renewed next day and that most desperate for two dayes 12000 Turks being slain the rest retiring into their Trenches Few dayes after the Turks by a Mine blew up a Bulwark of the Town whereby the Ditch was there somewhat filled the Turks with all their power next day striving to enter but were still notably repulsed with loss yet ceased not the Enemy his 〈◊〉 and assaults till he had gained two Bulwarks whence he might by the fallen rubbish have access to the Town to the great terrour of the Defendants Whereupon Count Hardeck who corruptéd by the Turk had often said The Town could not possibly long be defended now took occasion to consult with the other Captains divers being already framed to his purpose what to do for yielding up the Town and after a little consultation for fashion-sake resolved to send to Sinan sor a truce for a while for coming to some reasonable composition yet to excuse his doings he conceived a publike Instrument in writing in his and his Captains names that since 't was impossible longer to defend the town against such an enemy without new supplies instead of the 〈◊〉 which they had oft in vain requested they were necessitated to compound with the Enemy which they subscribed and sealed So a Truce being granted and Pledges mutually given it was agreed That the whole Garrison should with bag and baggage and 〈◊〉 displayed with a safe convoy be brought to Altenburg which though by Oath confirmed yet when the Count had September 29. delivered up the City and all were come forth himself and a few friends were conveyed to the appointed place but the rest were spoiled of all they had and hardly escaping with life came to Hochstrate and next day to Altenburg Rab even when it was given up was Victualled for a year and sufficiently furnished with all necessaries for defence Sinan glad of this Victory gave his Master speedy knowledge thereof of whom he was highly commended and afterwards bountifully rewarded for Amurath now hoped to devour Austria with the adjacent Provinces Sinan 〈◊〉 delay repaired and fortified the City enlarging the Ditches and filling the Cathedral with 〈◊〉 Whereon he planted store of great Ordnance speedily dispatching all things and the while sent the Tartars to summon Pappa which Castle and small Town the Christians next night setting on fire fled The 〈◊〉 leaving 4000 Janizaries and 2000 Horse in Garrison departed from Rab to Comara a strong town about 4 Miles from it which is enclosed on the East North and South with the two arms of Danubius all 〈◊〉 ways 〈◊〉 with his well appointed Fleet hardly besieged the Town giving divers assaults while the Beglerbeg of Greece by continuall Battery and Mines shook the walls and bulwarks by land but the Christians with no less courage defended themselves than they 〈◊〉 by the Turks assailed Matthias the Arch-Duke the while collecting again a good Army resolved to go and raise the siege from this City of such concernment to the Emperor so he came encamped Octob. 28. at N tria about 5 Miles off The Tartars were a little before departed purposing to return home yea the Turks weary of the siege and wanting Victualls began to shrink away Wheresore the Bassa upon the Christians approach forsook the City after three weeks hard besieging it and by a bridge of boats passed over Danubius to Dotis where next day he brake up his Army The arch-Duke coming to Comara diligently repaired the Breaches filled up the Mines made new Bulwarks and Rampiers in divers places leaving Lord Brun the Governour still who in defence thereof was grievously wounded in his right knee to whom Sinan in the late siege sending 5 Turks under colour of a parley but indeed to try if he were any way to be won to yield the City he having heard them out had 4 of their Heads struck off and set upon pikes upon a Bulwark but the 5th he sent back to tell the Bassa He was much deceived if in him he thought to find a Count Hardeck he wishing rather to die the Emperour 's faithfull servant in the bloud of the Turks than to betray his charge Count Hardeck generally suspected to have betrayed Rab to Sinan was sent for to Vienna and by the Emperour committed to prison and being accused of sundry things as that at first he suffered the Enemy to do many things which afterwards turned to great danger That he caused some Cannoniers to discharge some great pieces with powder onely and seeing one piece especially to do much harm he caused it to be removed hat he should oft say The Turks should be but one Town the richer if he won it c. The heaviest thing was the Testimony of one who being taken young and serving in Sinan's Chamber now was fled from the Turks declaring to Matthias in time of the Siege he but 3 dayes before by his Master's command had delivered 2 baggs full of Duckats to 2 Christians one having a notable scar in his face and afterwards known to have bin a servant to the Count. Upon this and the like proof he after many hearings in open Court where were 47 Nobles and great Capt. was condemned of Treason and adjudged to be hanged and to hang 3 dayes on the gallows and all his estate to be confiscate which rigour the Emperour mitigated by
Basta and they with the loss of many lives forced to get them further from the walls Wherefore they for fear by night arose departing by another way than they came doing great harm as they went The free Haiducks of Valachia also living most upon prey by Bridges passing over Danubius overthrew the Bassa of Natolia's great power with a great slaughter and loss of his Brother then over-running the Country they did exceeding harm and took the Bassa's son prisoner Thus passed the Winter with many light skirmishes and incursions in divers parts of Hungary Maximilian the mean while comming from Prague to Vienna found in his Camp but 24000 Foot and 10000 Horse ready against next Spring divers German Princes sending this year 1599. no ayd at all by reason of troubles with the Spaniards in the lower side of Germany which made him the more to dread the Enemies comming but about this time the great Duke of Muscovy requested leave of the Polonian for 40000 Horse to pass thorow his Country to ayd the Emperour against the Turk which he would in no case grant as dangerous to his State Wherefore the Muscovite offended sent other Embassadours to the Emperour by Sea who in an English ship in Nicolas Port sayled about Sweden Norway and Denmark and after long trouble arrived at Stoad and from thence travelling by Land to Hamborough Lubeck and Maidenborough came to the Emperour then at Plissena for the plague was hot at Prague Who having delivered their Presents and Letters of Credence had audience and were most honourably used yet the Polonian suffered the Turks Embassadour calling himself Gabriel a Jew to pass thorow his Country to the Emperour to entreat of peace which Gabriel comming to Prague and having no Letters of Credence to shew for he said They were taken from him upon the way by the Polonian Cossacks and some of his retinue slain was taken for a Spy and sent to Vienna where at first he was well used in an Inne but the night following the Martial clapt him fast in prison with as many Irons as he could bear and all his followers with gyves on their leggs were compelled to work daily in the Town-ditch About this time Sigismund of Transilvanian gave a most manifest token of an unconstant Nature to the great wonder of the World for he having again taken upon him the Government and withall requested himself and the Transilvanians to be discharged of their Oath of Loyalty to the Emperour and Veradinum with the adjacent Country to be restored unto him and the Emperour pausing thereupon did now doubting of his ability to keep that Country in the beginning of 1599. by his Embassadours request the Emperour to have the first Agreements again renewed and a Principality in Moravia added to the 2 Dukedoms in Silesia with 50000 Duckats yearly out of the Imperiall Chamber and a generall pardon for all the Transilvanians that following him had lately revolted from the Emperour and their antient liberties confirmed All which Conditions being obtained they returned from Prague Apr. 19. But Sigismund in the mean time consulting with some of the Polonian Nobility far differing from the former Agreement and sending for a Turks Chiaus and for his cousin the proud Cardinall out of Borussia met them in a Village towards Polonia accompanied with some of his chiefest States and there in the presence of the Polonians and the Chiaus resigned all Right Title in Transilvania to the Cardinall commanding the States to swear Obedience and Fidelity unto him who shortly after with the Polonian Embassadour sent a special Favourite to Constantinople to desire safe conduct for his Embassadors thither who were both courteously received in the Turks Court and as with a special favour rewarded with right sumptuous Garments and charged that the Cardinall should within 3 months send thither a solemn Embassadour with the accustomed Tribute Thus Transilvania one of the strongest Fortresses of that side of Christendom became again Triburary to the Turk The Turks of Buda not able longer to endure the great Famine had most earnestly requested relief from their Friends in Hungary Who comming near to Buda could not put into it such provision as they had brought the Imperials about a League off diligently attending every motion of the Enemy whence Swartzenburg secretly approachiug by night to one of the gates thought with a Petard to have broken it open but the gate being within strongly fortified he was forced to depart being also discovered from the wall Shortly after the Bassa issuing out with 600 Horse to meet with Victuals coming thither fell into an Ambush of the Haiducks who putting him to flight took him prisoner his Horse falling under him whom his Souldiers seeking to rescue they encreased their former overthrow with the loss of most of those left the Bassa's son and Aga of the Janizaries losing their lives The Bassa being brought to the Camp was with great threats forced to reveal the state of his City with other Turkish designs Whereupon the Haiducks returned towarks Buda 〈◊〉 by all means to stop the comming of Victuals thither hoping at length to gain the City but newes was brought them that the Bassa of Bosna with 3 Zanzacks were comming with 10000 men to oppress them who went to meet them and in a place of good advantage upon their first appearance with great courage charging them brake their Arrays and slew most of them with the Bassa himself yet had not Palsi in time sent in some 〈◊〉 Companies it was doubted the Haiducks had been worsted about 300 being already slain Nevertheless the Tartars held on their way purposing by over-running the Country to have withdrawn the Imperialls from the City but Swartzenburg his Regiment onely going against them so overthrew them that part being slain and part driven into Danubius most of them there perished Basta at that time lay at Cassovia with 18000 men doubting lest the Turk Army which he heard was at hand should come and besiege it In the mean time Ibraim Bassa came to Solnoch with 50000 men 10000 being Janizaries yet hearing that Basta waited his comming at Cassovia he retired back to Belgrade a place of more security expecting a great Fleet to bring Victualls for the Army also for relief of Buda Alba regalis c. with divers battering pieces and other less pieces upon Carriages with other Instruments of Warr all guarded with 5000 Turks up Danubius Whereupon Palsi dispatched a convenient power of good and valiant Souldiers to cut off this Convoy who suddenly assayling them and comming to handy blows cut them in pieces and rifled the ships most whereof were there sunk and took a booty deemed to be worth a million of Gold and 100000 Dollars there found were all divided among the Souldiers This being known at Buda and other Cities greatly terrified them yea Ibraim's Army grew much discontented as disappointed of Victuals and pay besides the Imperials ransacked and destroyed the Villages and
Castles thereabouts without mercy though the poor Inhabitants offered them large contribution Hereupon also Swartzenburg determined with all his Forces to come again to the siege of Buda sending for some great Ordnance to Vienna Col. Rodoler of St. Andrews in upper Hungary also upon this overthrow shewed himself with 500 Horse and 600 Foot before Agria yet leaving most of his Forces a little way off in Ambush The Bassa hereupon sallying out began a hot skirmish but those in Ambush started out and couragiously assayling the Turks put them to flight pursuing them even to the gates of the City and had there bin more Footmen 't was thought that the dismayed and confounded Turks had abandoned the place Nevertheless the Christians with small loss retired having slain a great number and carrying away 100 prisoners with 500 Horse and much Cattell The free Haiducks also receiving new supplies had done great harm in the Country about Buda without opposition Wherefore the poor Christians which yet dwelt there ŕose up against the Turks promising Obedience to the Emperour and that they might be no more molested by the Imperials offered to do their utmost themselves to hinder the Turks passage by Land and Water These Haiducks also brake down all Bridges which the Turks had made between Buda and Alba-regalis for the commodious bringing of Victuals and munition to each other and Palfi Nadasti hearing that the Tartars in 3 companies had over-run much of the Country and were retiring towards Buda with great booty went out and forced them to fight who better inured to filch lost all their lives with what they had stollen Then with their Forces they took 2 of the Turks Castles with much rich spoyl which they sacked and burnt with the great Town of Zolna breaking down the bridge upon the river Trava The Turks at Buda now having no Governour and also pinched with great want doubting some sudden attempt retired into the Castle leaving the City to the Imperials then ready to have besieged it but the Avantguard of the Turks great Army being come to Moattesh where Sartes Bassa was also looked for and there being a report that the Turks having relieved Buda would besiege Canisia or Strigonium they as in doubt went no farther So some Commanders with their Souldiers were sent to fortifie some passages whereby the Enemy was to pass the rest retiring for that he began to approach they knew also what desire Ibraim had to recover Strigonium The Imperials the while encamping near 〈◊〉 and Zolnock cut off 500 Turks going towards Buda to vctual it taking a Chiaus prisoner who was sent from Ibraim to Agria to put them in hope of speedy relief Then also they approaching the 〈◊〉 of Zolnock with certain Petards being discovered by the watch were ensorced to retire 40 being left slain and many more carried away wounded in revenge whereof the rest destroyed the Villages intercepting much Munition and Victuals going to Buda and Agria Ibraim Bassa in the beginning of September came to Buda with an Army of 130000 Whence in his Masters Name he gave the Emperour to understand That to save the further effusion of innocent bloud and not for any distrust of his own strength he could be content to hearken to some reasonable Conditions of peace whereunto both these Princes having well wearied themselves and exhausted their Treasures seemed not now unwilling the rather because the old Sultanness who through the greatest weakness of her Sons Government did bear most 〈◊〉 seemed in what she might to further the same Wherefore about the end of this month a parley was agreed on in an Island of Danubius beneath Strigonium Swartzenburg Nadasti Palfi and the Bishop of Vacia being for the Emperour and the Bassa of Buda with the Lievr Gen. of the Tartars and some others for the Sultan The Turks at first demanded Rab Strigonium with all other Towns and Castles taken from them in 5 years before with a yearly Tribute to be paid at Constantinople the Emperour also to have his Embassadour Leiger alway attending upon the Turks Court for which they would deliver the City of Agria only All which Demands being by the Emperour's Commissioners rejected they offered to leave unto the Emperour Rab and Agria onely for Strigonium exchanging as it were Strigonium for Agria which when it could not be obtaied the Treaty was broken off the wars again continued But in the mean time Michael of Valachia certainly informed his life to be sought after in the Turks Court by the ambitious Cardinall Bator his envious Neighbour by command from the Emperour with an Army of 60000 men entred Transilvania most horribly burning the Country and killing the people as he went Where while the Cardinall was making head against him he had the City Corona or Brasso with the strong Castle of Focaras yielded unto him whence marching towards Alba Julia with all his Army Octob. 26 before divided into 3 parts he came into the Plaines near 〈◊〉 where assured that his Lievtenant corrupted by Ibraim had promised to kill him with his own hands presently cut his throat By and by after came unto him the Popes-Nuntio sent from the Cardinall with another Embassadour telling him the Embassadour had Commission from the Emperour to will him forthwith to desist from Arms and depart out of Transilvania Which seeming to the Vayuod almost impossible he desired to see that Commission the Nuntio answered He had left it with the Cardinall himself But I said the Vayuod have one here present of another Purport which I purpose fully to execute yet was he for that day entreated by the Nuncio to stay his Army and in the mean time the Vayuod would know of the Nuntio Why the Cardinall so troubled the Country by intruding himself to the great prejudice of them to whom it more justly belonged not attending to the Government of the Church better beseeming his calling but he had no answer So Octob. 28. these Messengers were sent back to the Cardinall who presently returned them with rew Instructions to the Vayuod then busie with his yong Son in setting his men in Array who answered them only He was resolved to come to the tryall of a battel with him so the 2 Armies encamped near each other the same day joyned a most cruell battell for 5 hours space with desperate obstinacy fought till the Cardinalls men at length overcome were utterly overthrown 30000 of them being Turks and Tartars sent from Ibraim The Vayuod now Master of the field sent out some Troops to pursue the Cardinall divers wayes himself with the rest came to his Camp quite forsaken 45 pieces of Ordnance great store of Coyn and Wealth a great number of Tents and Horses becomming to him a prey Then marching to Alba-Julia he was joyfully received of his Friends for there were divers who still favoured the Emperour After that the Vayuod sent his Lievt to Claudiopolis which willingly yielded with many other places
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
of the Mole and Coll. Dayon to enter as soon as the passage of the Port should have been cleared But as the Souldiers were impatiently expecting the signall to fall on the Generalissimo caused the Ladders to be brought back and the Souldiers to re-imbarque none knowing the cause After which the Fleet retired to Delos from whence part went to the Seas of Cerigo and the rest towards Candia with no less discontent then astonishment The cause being the Governour of Canea had notice of their purpose and thereupon returned and re-inforced his 〈◊〉 with 5000 men drawn out of places which the Turks held in Candia and sent two Galleyes to Rhodes to demand aid of the Turkish Fleet. This mischief wrought a separation betwixt the Venetian Generalissimo and the chief Commanders of the Papall and Maltese Squadrons Sept. 12. In the Province of Albania there arose a great tumult because the Bassa which commanded there obstructed the trading betwixt the Albanish Christians and Turks Whereupon these Christians and Turks joyned together to oppose his power in which Action much bloud was spilt 4000 of the Bassa's men being killed An Envoy from Prince Ragotzi being come to Vienna Nov. 12. made severall instances to obtain succour from the Emperour but notwithstanding all reasons alledged the matter would not take effect in regard the Emperor having other designs in the limits of Christendome thought fit to correspond with the Turk and therefore would leave him to his pleasure who had setled a Prince in the room of Ragotzi which Prince used al means to secure himself having forces left there by 〈◊〉 chief Visier for his defence The Bassa Ussaim not being able to extort from the Inhabitants the 5000 Rixdollars which they are obliged to pay to the Grand Seignior yearly fired all in the two Isles of Paris and Nixia which are parted onely by a Channel of about five miles so that the Inhabitants were forced to retire to the Mountains to save themselves from the fury of this Bassa But in the mean time the great differences continuing still in Constantinople whither the chief Visier intended to march with his army which he had in Trausilvania to oppose the rebellious designs of the Bassa of Aleppo The Persian King likewise having made agreement with the Successors of the Great Mogull prepared to employ all his Forces for the regaining of Babylon Ussaim Bassa Novemb. 14. being advanced near the head City in Candia caused his Ordnance to be planted and stormed the two Forts Della Palma and Corona but the Venetian Generalls made a resolute sally putting 3000 to the Sword and made them retreat and fell upon the Island Paris plundered it and enslaved all the Inhabitants because they refused to let them have provisions for mony and were forward in supplying the Turks The Bassa of Aleppo arrived at Scuton Novemb. 15th four miles from Constantinople with 40000 men making great havock The Grand Seignior's Mother put the said Bassa upon this work because she sought the ruine of the Visier intending to put Ussaim Bassa in his place There were three factions the Janizaries held with the Great Prince the Spahies were for the Mother and the rest with the chief Statesmen were for the brother of the Great Prince because he was more inclinable to preserve the countrey in peace and safety The German Emperor Novemb. 16th declared 〈◊〉 Don Hanniball Gonzaga who was Vice-President over the Militia chief Commander in Hungary The Venetians Novemb. 26 loaded a great number of Vessells with Biskit meal and other provisions to repair the want of the chief city of Candia occasioned by a fire which hapned in their Magazine The Pirats of Barbary having taken two ships of Provisions which were sent that way retired upon Intelligence that some Venetian ships were sent from the Fleet to pursue them The tumults in Asia grew greater forasmuch as the Faction of Ussaim Bassa of Aleppo did every day increase and that a certain person named Turtaw joyned to his 〈◊〉 which pretended to make a Reformation of their Religion affirming that to be false which the Grand Seignior professed Against whom the Grand Seignior dispatched the Souldiers that came from Transilvania commanded by the Vizier's Lievtenant who being arrived at Bursia where the Rebells were encamped fighting a bloudy battell the army of the Grand Seignior was totally defeated Novemb. 29. They were again troubled by Prince Ragotzi who had gotten great forces together the rather because the Bassa of Aleppo marched against Constantinople with a mighty Army demanding the head of the Prime Vizier The Great Prince being Resolved to go in person against him and to abandone all other enterprises till he had brought this Rebell to a better condition came in all haste to confer with the Venetian Bayliff Capello and Secretary Bellarini who had order to negotiate with him which made the Venetians hope for an accommodation because he would have occasion to imploy all his Forces against the Bassa of Aleppo who kept the City in continuall fear He likewise received sad newes That the Persians were in a Body of 30000 Horse and 30000 Foot besides another Army consisting of 100000 which were set down before Babylon the Citizens being more affected to the Persians then Turks Prince Ragotzi having lost all except two of the greater Cities Dobrintz and Varad leaving Coll. Gaude a Scotchman with 5000 men at Varad did 〈◊〉 encamp at Dobrintz And when the Turk's Army 50000 strong first began to besiege Varad the Coll. making a gallant sally put their 〈◊〉 to flight killing above 200 and taking 160 Prisoners without any losse An Edict was published at Constantinople Jan. 10. 1659. wherein was expressed That all the Rebells and their complices should be destroyed and killed where-ever they were met with and that those that did execution upon them should enjoy the goods of such Rebels which caused men in divers Villages to fall foul one upon another On the contrary the Rebelling Bassa published an Edict wherein he charged all his Souldiers and Officers to destroy all such as opposed and would not acknowledge his power The Ministers of the Divan in Constantinople after a long deliberation how to satisfy him offered to him in the Grand Seigniors name the perpetuall Government of Soria for which he should onely pay 100000 Sultanin's yearly whereas 300000 were due but he rejected those offers as far from his pretentions which were no lesse then the dividing of the Empire And the Persian would so much the more easily carry Babylon the Sultan well knew in regard that the Divan thought not fit to make use of the forces of the Empire to relieve such a remore place the wayes to it being seized on by the Rebells since that they 〈◊〉 be made use of with greater advantage for the defence of 〈◊〉 which otherwise would be at the mercy of the Rebels The Grand Seignior being very much perplexed promised 400000 〈◊〉 to him that should bring the Rebell
Iconium and takes Despotopolis 177 178. marries the Greek Emperour's Daughter 180. overthrowes Lazarus his great Army 182. and is stabb'd 183. Amurath II. crowned King of the Turks 231. hangs Mustapha who ruled in Europe 233. assaults Constantinople in vain 234. wins Thessalonica 236. invades Hungary 237. besiegeth Belgrade in 〈◊〉 239 to 242. sends Alis Bassa to subdue Epirus who is overthrown 264. besiegeth Ico nium 265. concludes peace with Hungary 264. invades Rascia 283. befiegeth Sfetigrade 289. and wins it 294. besiegeth Croia 295. and dyes 303. Amurath III. enthroned Emperour of Turks murthers his Brethren 879. appoint Stephen Bator King of Poland 880. invades Persia 898. and fights with Tochomac 900. subdues Sirvan but returns in distress 905 906 907. overthrowes the Georgians 917. circumciseth his son Mahomet 931. appoints Ferat Bassa General 941. his Mother dies 944. reneweth his League with the German Empero 952. strangles the Tartar-King and puts his Brother in his stead 954. appoints Osman Bassa to be Chief Visier and General of his Army 956. makes Ebraim Bassa of Egypt 962. and sends him against the Drusians 963. who commits sundry Villanies there 965 to 971. breaks his League with the German Empe. our 991. but strángles Ali Bassa of Buda for breaking that League 993. makes a League with the Persians 994. encourageth Q. Elizabeth against Spain 996. breaks his League with the Emperour 1002. endamageth the Christians 1004 to 1007. but receives great losse 1019 1020. and dies 1054. Amurath IV. chosen Emperor of Turks wins Rava and Babylon from the Persians 1429. Andreas Auria wins Corona from the Turks 588. relieves it 590 591. and dyes 791. Andronicus aspires to the Empire 35. comes to Constantinople 37. is joyned in the Empire with Alexius 40. marries Anne the French King's daughter 41. is shamefully executed 43. Andronicus Paleologus crowned Emperour of Constantinople 132. is deposed 158. and dyes 159. Andronicus the younger obtains the Empire 156. suffers losse in Asia 162. Antioch taken by the Christians 14. Araphax chosen Sultan of Egypt 113. Axan Nephew to Tangroliphix invades Media 4. B. BAjazet I. crowned King of Turks 184. wins Philadelphia 185. Neapolis and Constantinople 186. overthrowes Sigismund the German Emperour 187. subdues Caramania 191. is put into an iron Cage by Tamerlane 202. and kills himself 210. Bajazet II. received Emperour of Turks 404. puts his Brother Zemes to flight 406. murthers Achmetes 411. subdues Caramania 414. invades Egypt with loss 415. wins Lepanto 427. Modon 428. and Dyrrachium 429. concludes a peace with the 〈◊〉 431. poysoneth his son Mahometes 447. and is poysoned 464. Solyman's son rebells 741 742. is pardoned 743. seeks his Brother Selimus his death 744 745. fights with his Brother and retreats 749. flies to the Persian King 752. is imprisoned 753. with his Sons is strangled 755. Baldwin I. subdues Cilicia and Cappadocia 13. slew 10000. Turks with the losse of 4000. Christians 15. crowned King of Jerusalem 18. wins Ptolemais 〈◊〉 and Sydon 19 20. is made Prince of Antioch 21. and dies 20. Baldwin Brugensis II. crowned King of Jerusalem 20. overthrows the Turks in Antioch 21. dies 22. Baldwin III. crowned King of Jerusalem 22. dies at Berytus 28. Baldwin IIII. crowned King of Jerusalem 48. puts Saracon to flight 49. and dies 51. Baldwin V. crowned King of Jerusalem 51. is supposed to be poysoned 52. Baldwin Count of Flanders crowned I. Latine Emperour of Greece 71. besiegeth Adrianople 72. is barbarously slain 73. Baldwin the II. chosen Emperour of Greece 85. pawned his Son to the Bruges Merchants 102. flies from Constantinople 104. Barbarussa made King of Algiers 599. comes to Constantinople 600. is made 4th Bassa 601. takes Lucidius and Spelunca 602. puts Muleasses to flight 605 wins Tunis 607. and New-Castle 654. besiegeth Nice a City in Provence in vain 713. he endamageth the Christians 721 722. and dyes 723. Bassa of Aleppo a Rebell comes to Scutari 1439 overthrows the Grand Seignior's Army 1440 1442. submits and is beheaded 1443. Belgrade besieged in vain by Mahomet II. 325. taken by Solyman 527. B thlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania assists the Bohemians against the Emperour 1416. wins Presburg 1417. is proclaimed King of Hungary 1419. Bohemud made Prince of Antioch 15. Botscay a Rebell stiles himself Prince of 〈◊〉 and overthrows Belgiosa 1262. takes Cassovia 1263. receives 130000 Florens from the Hussars 1267. 6000 revolt to him 1270. and wins Vacia 1271. propounds Articles of peace to the Emperour 1283 1289. and peace is concluded 1290. he wins Tokay 1291. and dyes at Cassovia 1299. Buda in Hungary is yielded to Solyman 562. is besieged by Ferdinand in vain 666 696. Bator takes the Government of Transilvania 1315. submits to Turkish protection 1330. is discomfited ibid. and kills Nage 1345. C. CAmpson Gaurus invades Syria 487. is chosen Sultan of Egypt 493. his Army is put to fl ght by Selimus and he is 〈◊〉 to death 495. Cambalu 28 miles in compass built by Zingis 63. Caragusa a Turkish Champion conquered by Manessi 285. Carambey the Turks Generall taken prisoner by Huniades 255. ransomed 264. Cassanes the Tartar wins Jerusalem and Damasco 114. Cassan Bassa of Caramania revolts and overthrowes 4. Zanzacks 1128 but is taken and put to death 1129. Cayerbeius Governour of Aleppo revolts to Selymus 493. is made Depury of Egypt 518. Caytheius Sultan of Egypt comforteth Zemes 406. overthrowes Caragoses and Achmetes 413. puts Calibeus to flight 417. Catalonians break into Thessaly 139. take Thebes and Athens 140. Charles the French King invadeth Naples 421. wins Capua 422. Naples 423. and dyes 424. Charles the Emperour besiegeth Florence 575. wins it 576. invades Tunis 617. takes Guletta 621. he rescueth a Captain with his own hands 624. puts Barbarussa to flight 623. wins Tunis 624. besiegeth Algiers 683 684 685. loseth 140 Ships 688. raiseth his siege 689. returns with great loss 690. delivers up his Empire 755. and dyes 756. Conrade Emperour of Germany goes to the Holy War 24. is ill entertained by the Greeks 25. and puts the Turks to flight 26. Constantinople taken by the Latines 71. regain'd by the Greeks 105. won by the Turks 315. is filled with Grashoppers 1336 1345. Constantine Vayvod of Moldavia is expelled 1344. Corcutus crowned Emperor of Turks resigns it to his Father Bajazet 404. 〈◊〉 sent by 〈◊〉 against the Arabians revolts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Axan 8. subdues part of Greece 9. D. DAmiata taken by the Christians 80. again yielded to the Turks 83. regain'd by the Christians 91. Diogenes proclaimed Emperour of Greece wins Hierapolis puts the Turks to flight 6. is taken prisoner by the Turks 7. is set at liberty by Axan and hath his eyes put out whereof he dyes 8. Dyrrachium won by Bajazet II. 429. E. EUdocia Empresse of Constantinople marries Diogenes 6. Edessa taken by the Turks 24. 〈◊〉 made Emperour of Greece 23. is discomfited by the Turks 31. concludes a peace with their Sultan 34. and dyes ibid. Edward son
with a double Wall 460 Towers within it an impregnable Castle at its East-end with a deep Lake on the South side Many a fierce sally during the siege was made by the Turks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 repulsed chiefly at the bridg made by the Christians with boats over the River for passage to and fro But at the beginning of February through the abundance of rain and scarcity of victuals whereby they eat their slain enemies their horses perishing for lack of meat Peter the Hermit author of this war and Bohemud's Nephew among others through these increasing miseries secretly withdrew to steal home who being taken and by Hugh sharply teproved were forced to take a new oath for their fidelity A great part of Arethusa's Garrison being cur off by Bohemud the Countrey was more open for distressed Souldiers relief until a great number of Turks about Aleppo and Damasco came to relieve the besieged who by the Christians were put to flight 2000 being slain taking store of victuals c. and setting the Turks heads on stakes before the City Whereupon Cassianus having lost his eldest Son herein and expecting relief from the Sultan requested a truce for a time which being by the Turks slaying one 〈◊〉 a French-man broken a fresh and more hard siege began The Governour had in 9 months space lost so many that he used one Pirrhus amongst divers Christian Citizens for the guarding of a Tower who by secret intelligence and easy conditions made with Bohemud let his Souldiers by night into the City which was recovered June 1098 about 10000 men women and children were put to the sword amongst whom many Christians by the furious Souldiers many Turks fled into the Castle and the fleeing Governour was slain by Christians in the mountains of Armenia Amongst other Letters speedily certifying this joyful news Bohemud wrote to Roger his Brother Prince of Apulia shewing how it was yielded unto himself by Pyrrhus and how few daies after he was in danger by a wound received at Aretum that was assaulted by them assuring Roger both of the valour and esteem he and the Army had of his Son Tancred The Venetians likewise at the time of the siege with 200 Galleys having the upper hand of the Turks by Sea at the Rhodes set at liberty 5000 souldiers save 30 chief Commanders and sayling into Ionia took Smyrna spoyling Lycia Pamphilia and Cilicia Corbanas also the Persian Sultan's Lievtenant now besteged Edessa intending to relieve Antioch which was defended by Baldwin whereof he had intelligence by the Son of Cassianus after he had raised that siege keeping on his way with a mighty Army resolving to hazard the fortune of a battle The Turks still possessing the Castle Corbanas sent some supplies into it which sallied out on the Earl of Tholouse who was left to keep them into the Castle while Corbanas fought with the Christians in the field so that within and without the City was a dreadfull fight and bloody slaughter but the Turks gave ground and fled above 10000 of them being slain and about 4000 Christians leaving rich prey besides Horses and other beasts the Castle also surrendring the next day June 28. Alexius the Emperour unto whom this City should according to agreement have been delivered guilty of neglect sending the Princes no relief all the siege refused to accept of it so that Bohemud was chosen Prince or King of Antioch At Autumn there was a plague in the Army of which 50000 are said to have dyed which ceasing in November Rugia and Albaria two Cities were by force taken where Raymund envying Bohemud's preferment dissented with him who for the Cause's sake retired to Antioch At Spring Raymund besieging Tripolis from some fortunate roads made on the enemies last Winter insolently maligned Bohemud's proceedings who had besieged Tortosa Bohemud considering 't was enough to divide all Christians rose with his Army and retired to Antioch After which Gabella was taken and Tortosa whither Godfrey and Raymund from Tripolis came after 3 〈◊〉 siege departed spoiling about 〈◊〉 passing by 〈◊〉 and keeping Whitsontide at Casarea marched to and from Rama And upon the first descry of Jerusalem there were piercing and rending shouts for joy some lifting up eys and hands to Heaven calling on Christ others kissing the ground and saluting those so much heard of holy places Every one as at the end of long travel expressing some joy This ancient and famous City being utterly destroyed by Vespatian and his son 〈◊〉 40 years after Christs death lay buried in its ruins till about the year 136 it was by Aelius Adrianus Emperour re-edified who in part changed its scituation enclosing the place of Christs suffering and burial within the City walls and calling it Aelia after his own name giving it first to the Jews who were afterwards for rebellion thrust out and then gave it to the Christians in time also recovering the ancient name Jerusalem who under several idolatrous and persecuting Emperours endured grievous things peace being about 320 given to the afflicted by Constantine the Great Whereby for 300 years they flourished under Greek Emperours till usurping Phocas by killing Maurice and his Children occasioned Cosroes King of Persia to invade Syria taking Jerusalem and killing almost 100000 Christians in revenge of his Father in Law who about 624 was again driven out of it by Heraclius that succeeded Phocas cruelly slain by his Guard Which 〈◊〉 not paying a warlike people of Arabia Deserta that had helped him against Cosroes calling them vile Dogs because they had lately received Mahomet's Doctrine caused them to revolt and joyn to the Caliphs extending 〈◊〉 doctrine and Soveraignty over all Aegypt and Syria taking Jerusalem The Greek Emperours being overcome by the Saracens left Syria in their possession for which they had divers years conflicted who for 370 years oppressed the Christians leaving a 3d part of Jerusalem to them with Christs Sepulchre and mount Zion for profits sake untill the vagrant andcruel Turks start up and aspiring Persia's kingdom subdue Mesopotamia Syria most of the lester Asia and all 〈◊〉 The Saracens Government being but light unto the Christians in respect of their Thraldome under the Turks and had not these Princes who were now come to 〈◊〉 been stirred up for release of these miseries none could have been expected The Princes lay encamped before the North and West of Jerusalem in order Bohemud being at Antioch and Baldwin at Edessa 〈◊〉 with the Germans and Lorrainers lying next the City whose Governour had a very strong Garrison with all necessaries for a long siege on the 5 day they fiercely assaulted it but for want of enough scaling-ladders t was supposed they gave over few daies after they most terribly assaulted it on both sides afresh untill by reason of fervent heat and want of water all the wells expect Siloe being poyfoned they retired into their Trenches A fleet of Genowaies now arriving at Joppa knowing themselves too weak for the Aegyptian Sultans
counterfeit mony to deceive them practising all kind of mischeif to terrifie their posterity from the like expedition and secretly plotting with the Turks how they might be defeated some part thereby being overthrown near Bathis although in Phrygia themselves were greatly slaughtered by the part marching thorough Phrygia which Turks with a great Army to stay the Armies passage at the River Meander and they having neither bridg nor boat to passe over declared it their patience that the Greeks as they passed by were not become their prey Conrade retired his Souldiers out of the shot of the Turks Archers standing on the other banks-side for refreshment arising before day and putting his whole Army in Battalion Both Armies thus in readiness the winding River only betwixt them the Emperour encouraged his men with a Speech to this purpose That we are exposed to dangers pining with hunger c. for Christ's sake and the glory of God But these Barbarians divided from us by this River are the enemie of Christ's Crosse in whose bloud we have vowed to wash our selves calling to remembrance the grievous things and tortures inflicted on our friends and Countrey-men by these uncircumcised let not any terrour daunt us Let them know that we are superiour to them as our Master excells their Prophet and seducer Let us fight in Christ's name with assured hope of an easie victory We are those mighty men standing about the divine Sepulchre as about Solomon's bed let us remove these Agarens as stones of offence Children of the bond-woman I my self will shew you the way over this River I know the water beaten back by our force will as Jordan in ancient times be at a stand This attempt shall to our immortall praise be spoken of in all posterity This said after a signal of battel and devout prayer by every man Conrade first put spurs to his horse the rest closely following with a terrible out-cry passed all over with lesse trouble than was feared the horses even beating back the water towards the fountain then after small resistance the discouraged Turks fled whom the Christians like Lyons pursuing the fields were covered with dead bodies huge heaps of bones long after declaring the fallen multitude to the wonder of travellers many Italians being wounded but few or none slain After this they hardly besieged Iconium in lesser Asia but the Cities strength the valour of the Defendants and the peoples numberlesse dying in the Camp of which the Greeks mingling Lime with the Meal was the chief cause caused the Emperour to raise his long siege and return into his Countrey most referring this his journey into Asia to the year 1146. By this 〈◊〉 so fortunate expedition Baldwin the mean time fortified ruinous Gaza of the Philistins serving as a Bulwark against Egypt and to distresse Ascalon which strong Sea City he besieging by Sea and Land when Noradine was repulsed by the Citizens of 〈◊〉 whom he besieged and the Caliph of Egypt's fleet from Ascalon's relief was with great losse repulsed the Wall 's breach that he had made repaired and the dead Christians hanged in ropes over the Walls at which the Commanders moved returned to the assault and the besieged discouraged with great slaughter yielded the City with its spoyl to the Souldiers departing only with their lives the enemy having now no place in those parts Lewis the eighth of France with other great Princes at or about this Emperours time took on him the like expedition with a puissant Army who landing in Asia found nothing answerable to the feigned courtefie of Emanuel at Constantinople great numbers of Souldiers perishing in desolate Countries by false guides and many straying cut off by the Greeks themselves yet he besieged Noradin's Royal Seat the besieged being brought to extremity and at the point even to yield But some Christian Princes there grudging at the Kings promise of that Cities Government if won to Philip Earl of Flanders a stranger corrupted also as some say with the Turks gold persivaded the King to remove to a stronger part of the City than where he lay from whence after a while for lack of victuals he departed returning into France detesting Emmanuel the Emperours name by whose dealing such an expedition was brought to nought Noradine for some injuries done to the Turks and Arabians dwelling in the Forrest of Libanus straightly besieged Paneda the multitude of Turks after the Christians desperate fally hardly pursuing and entring the City put all to the sword in their way yet most of the Citizens stood upon their guard in the Castle Noradine after spoyl taken and firing the City departed upon Baldwin's coming for relief waiting in the Woods to take the Christians at advantage and set suddenly on the King passing over Jordan accompanied only with his Horsemen and doubting no such thing most of his Nobles were slain or taken himself with a few hardly escaping to Saphet Noradine after this besieged it again whose Walls were again repaired in good hope but though he had made breaches in the Walls rose with his Army upon Baldwins the Prince of Autioch and the Count Tripolis approach This among other hard conflicts of this young King is worth remembrance That he put Noradine to flight loosing most of his Army who besieged the Castle Sueta belonging to his Kingdom and marrying the Greek Emperours Neece he again required one of his kinswomen in marriage and preferring Raymund's Daughter of Antioch before Matilde the Count of Tripolis his Sister the said Count grievously by Sea infested his frontiers While the marriage was solemnized Baldwin abiding at Antioch and fortifying a Castle on Orontes took Physick of Barac a Jew the Count's Physician of Tripolis whereby he was verily supposed to be poysoned and languishing in pain with the Bloudy-flux and Consumption he died at Beritum Febr. 13. 1163. reignning 21 years being solemnly enterred by his Father with a general mourning Noradine himself refusing to invade his Kingdom at his funerals solemnity saying The Christians had lost such a King as the like was hardly to be found To return to the Turks proceedings in lesser Asia 〈◊〉 Sultan Solyman's death Mahumet succeeded him betwixt whom and Masut Sultan of Iconium arose great discord which broke out into open war Comnen the Emperour aiding Masut But the 2 Infidels soon becoming friends joyned and overthrew the Emperour besieging Iconium he hardly 〈◊〉 Masut dying divided the whole Turks Kingdome gotten by him between his 3 sons to 〈◊〉 the eldest he gave Iconium with the Provinces belonging unto Jagupasan Amasia and Ancyra with fruirful Cappadocia and the places adjoyning to Dadune Cesarea and Sebastia with the large Countries thereabouts These brethren soon fell at discord the Sultan and Jagupasan seeking openly each others destruction Emmanuel the Emperour rejoycing thereat aided Jagupasan whereby he obtained many notable victories against the Sultan who weary of the quarrel personally met the Emperour comming out of Syria and accompanyed him to
Tauroscythes he was twice or thrice put back by foul weather the Sea still threatning to devour him Being thus apprehended by those that sought him he was with two iron chains on his neck and gyves on his leggs cast into the Castle of Amena and shortly after presented to Isaac being as he went most shamefully reviled and injuriously used especially by women whose husbands he had murthered or deprived of sight His right hand was afterwards by the peoples fury cut off and he committed to the Castle without meat drink or comfort being after few daies led bare thorow the Market-place with his face towards the tail on a lean Cammel in a short old coat But the baser sort omitted no villany they could devise to him they had honoured extolled and sworn loyalty some thrusting nails into his head c. a drab casting a pot of scalding-water in his face They hanged him up by the heels having thus brought him into the Theater with indignities not to be named he sometimes saying patiently Lord have mercy on me and Why do you break a bruised reed Yet they cut off his privities as he hung one thrusting a sword to the twist thorow his throat two others proving to strike with swords farthest into his buttocks After 2 years reign he thus miserably perished a man of honourable descent and notable vertues c. had he not obscured the same with ambition and cruelty Isaac suffered him not to be buried but he lay a space in a base vault till charitable men removed him into a low vault near a Monastery Isaac the Emperour at first governed with lenity but afterwards besides forreign enemies troubled with an aspiring Nobility that besieged him for repressing of which he was so severe that few daies passed without condemning or executing some great man making no great reckoning of the meaner sort became odious as Andronicus Whereupon his younger brother Alexius whom he had redeemed from the Turks rose up and deprived him of the Empire and sight thrusting him into a Monastery after 9 years 8 moneths reign and not 40 years old Out of the losses and ruin of the Constantinopolitan Empire the Turks greatness for the most part grew Chlizasthlan Sultan of Iconium taking after Emmanuel's death divers strong places in lesser Asia and also a great part of Phrygia the 3 succeeding Emperours opposing him with nothing but intreaty and presents which victorious Sultan dying divided his Kingdom among 4 Sons Masut to whom he bequeathed Amasia c. Coppatine Melytene c. Reucratine Aminsum c. Caichosroes to whom he left Iconium with it Lycaonia c. Reucratine and Masut warred for Coppatin's inheritance who lived not long but Masut as too weak yielded to Reucratine glad to keep his own Reucratine ambitious denounceth war against Caichosroes who fleeing to Alexius Angelus for aid be given to pleasure and reputing their domestick wars part of his safety sent him home without comfort Who was quickly driven out of 〈◊〉 by Reucratine Zebune King of Armenia to whom he fled denying him aid the poor discouraged Sultan as forlorn passed his daies at Constantinoplë The course of time calleth us back to remember the Turk's proceedings then and shortly after in Syria Judea Aegypt c. where these people ceased not til they brought those Kingdomes under obeysance For after Baldwin's death Almericus his younger Brother was by the better liking of Clergy and People than of the envying Nobility chosen King of Jerusalem and Febr. 17. 1163. crowned the Aegyptians first denying to pay their tribute to him Who in revenge overthrew Dargan the Sultan in battle he to stay the Christians further pursuite cut Nilus banks that the King was glad to return to Jerusalem Almericus the next year aided Dargan against Saracon whom Noradine had sent to restore Sanar the expulsed Sultan Dargan being slain and Saracon keeping townes that he had won to himself Sanar being doubtfull joyned with Almericus expulsing Saracon out of Aegypt Noradine the mean time making inroads neer Tripolis was by Gilbert Lacy Master of the Templars and others suddenly set upon most of his followers slain and himself fleeing half naked But shortly after besieging Arethusa 〈◊〉 Prince of Antioch with four other came for relief and eagerly following the Turk that raised his siege they were with great slaughter overthrown in deep fenns all chief Commanders but the Prince of Armenia who fore-casting had retired were taken The Prince of Antioch about a year the Count of Tripolis after eight years being hardly delivered Noradine in few daies after won Arethusa and besieged Paneade which was delivered to him the Citizens departing in safty at pleasure The King returning hanged 12 Templars for Treason from whom Saracon had now taken one Castle in Sidon and another beyond Fordan Sanar in dread of Saracon coming shortly with all his power into Aegypt to subdue it prayed aid of Almericus for 40000 Ducats beside his yearly tribute 〈◊〉 overthrew Saracon at Nilus but the Turks lighting on his carriages in their flight as the Christians had the victory so the Turks the spoil Saracon gathered again his dispersed souldiers being received at Alexandria the King attempted not the City but encamped by the River Nilus Saracon thereby fore-seeing want of victuals departed by night with his Army leaving Saladine his son or Nephew with 1000 horsemen Almericus being perswaded from following Saracon approached the Walls with Engines Wherewith the discouraged Citizens began to consult of turning out their troublesom Guests Saladine certified Saracon thereof requesting speedy relief the Christians having intelligence of all much harder besieged it Saracon perceiving Saladine's request dangerous difficult by means of two noble Christian Prisoners concluded a peace the City was yielded the Turks in safety departing and all Prisoners on both sides freed without ransome Saracon thus disappointed returning to Damasco Almericus Sept. 21. 1167. with glory to Ascalon King Almericus now enflamed with the wealth of Aegypt and 〈◊〉 with the peoples weakness chiefly stirred up by Gerbert Master of the Templars purposed to invade it pretending the Sultan's secret seeking to joyn in league with Noradine He set forward in October and came in ten daies to Pelusium taking the City by force after 3 daies he put all to the sword the rein giving it to the Templars according to promise Gerbert having on that hope with all his wealth and credit furthered the Warr. His Fleet sacking Tapium and he besieging Cair Sanar 〈◊〉 his danger offred Almericus 2000000 Ducats to withdraw deferring the payment of 1900000 purposing to raise all Aegypt and expecting aids by Saracon whom Almericus going to meet him missed Almericus dismayed with the joyning of the two Armies retired to 〈◊〉 returning to Jerusalem having in that expedition laid the foundation of his Kingdom 's ruine by bringing the Turks into Aegypt Sarracon perceiving a fit opportunity offred encamped near Cair betwixt whom and the Sultan passed all tokens of
without his privity that he would be glad of their favour and friendship promising to aid them with all things in their wars against the Infidels Dandalus answered he would believe it when young Alexius should assure him of it and intreat for the people which Answer mooved the Tyrant to take him clean out of the way for the mutable people began to repent of what was done against the Emperour saying They must find means to remedy their fault with their troubles with his own hands villanously strangled him in prison bruiting abroad that the Prince despairing had hanged himself And fearing the Latines sword resolved to meet them in the field so arming the Cities whole strength with a cheerful countenance he encouraged his souldiers to defend their Country to have the Walls of the City where they were born before their eyes to pitty their Temples Wives and Children c. graceing his enterprise with a colour of devotion causing the Priests in their Ornaments to march with an Ensigne having in it the Virgin Mary's picture He first charged the Count of Flanders with a fierce and doubtfull battle but new supplyes every way coming in they with a great losse and their superstitious Ensigne were forced to retire into the City The City was besieged 72 daies by Sea and Land with the Latines rare agreement fresh men stil coming to the assault gave the besieged no rest day or night The Venetians on the haven side built a wooden Tower higher then the Walls and Rampiers on 2 fastned Galleys out of which in the assault they fired the City The French likewise on the Land side pressing on with fury and valour over deep ditches high strong Walls and Bulwarks gained the Angels Tower and opened a way for themselves and the rest into the City Alexius despairing of State and Life fled with Euphrosina and Eudocia her daughter whom he married after 1 month 16 daies reign The Tyrant fled and the Latines entring the Priests with their Ornaments Crosses and Banners met them beseeching them with floods of tears falling at their feet that as men Captains and Souldiers they would pity men Captains and Souldiers though not so fortunate as they to abstain from slaughter burning ransaking that they might have much more pleasure and profit in preserving than destroying the City it being their own That the elder Alexius and Marzufle had received a reward being exiled That they would pity a poore people often oppressed by tyrannous Governours That in so doing tbe Lord of Hosts would reward them c. Some of the better sort were moved with this humble submission but the Souldiers fell all to the spoyle without respect of injury to others abstaining from innocent blood every corner of the City being filled with mourning for so great outrages Nobles aged Men and wealthy Citizens being thrust out of all They broke into Pallaces and Temples where all was good prize Some Greek Historians eye witnesses thereof complaining of the Latines insolency to their eternall dishonour Thus Constantinople the famous seat of that Empire fell to the Latines April 12. 1204. or as others 1200. The Princes and great Commanders now considered what was best to do with the gained City and Empire thinking not good to rase a City so ancient important it overlooking Asia and Europe and so commodiously placed to keep under the Christians enemies but to place there a Latine Governour Lawes and Customs uniting it with the Church of Rome Some would have but one Emperour in Christendome and would choose Philip Germane Emperour whose Wife Irene was daughter and Heir of Isaac Angelus But all approved of this opinion as better to choose one among themselvs by whose personall presence which the Greek affaires needed the Latines might be alwaies aided in their wars against the Infidels The chief in this election were 9 Counts with the Marquesse of Montferrat and 5 Gentlemen of Venice to whom were joyned two Bishops of Syria with two of France and an Abbot These assembled in the Apostles Temple after they had craved God to inspire them in choosing a good and just Prince chose Baldwin Count of Flanders and Hainaule about 32 years old crowned by 〈◊〉 a Venetian first Latin Patriarch there May 16. 1204 or 1205. From which time the Greek Church received Rites of the Latines acknowledging Romes supremacy Not long after the Latines dividing their forces took in most part of the Countries on Europe side belonging to the Greek Empire dividing them among themselvs To Baldwin the Emperor was assigned Constantinople and Thracia with a limited Soveraignety over all Provinces gained or to be gained by the Latines The Venetians share was the rich Islands Aegeum Ionium and Candy in lieu whereof Montferrat had Thessalonica with all Thessaly a good part of Peloponesus with a Kingly Title The Venetian State fortified some of those greater Islands the rest were lest to be possessed and deended by Citizens at their private charges the Signiour having a care over all by a fleet suppressing the Genua Pirats aud taking in the strong Towns Modon and Corone which they held a long time Other parts of the Empire as the Dukedom of Athens was given to French Jeffery of Troy in Champaigne being made Prince of Achaia another to the Count of Bloys with divers others to private Persons paying yearly a 4th part of their revenue to their Lord the Emperour Yea the Greeks also sought to share out something every man for himself without regard of the common good from which they were shortly driven by the Latines or their Countreymens greater power Lascaris who fled at the Cities taking to Adrianople and so to Bithynia was with the good liking of the people having taken in the Countryes from the windings of Meander even to the Euxine Sea honoured as their Emperour making Nice his seat The two Comnens Nephews of Andronicus by his son Manuel possessing Pontus Galatia and Cappadocia erected another Empire in Trapezond whose posterity gloriously reigned many years till it with the Constantinopolitans was by Mahomet surverted Thus it was no longer one but many Empires some in Royal dignity many others as petty Kings in their Toparchies as Aldebrandine in Attalia Michael in Epirus c. 〈◊〉 by the help of Dandalus the Venetian and others soon brought under all the Cities of Thrace Adrianople excepted unto which the better sort of discontented Greeks with Lascaris were fled which Baldwin knowing hardly besieged the same Some evil-intreated Greeks were fled into Bulgaria by whose perswasion John that Countries King aided by the Scythians lately come thither and by the Greeks themselves took on him to relieve the City who sent certain Scythian Troops before to fetch in booties of cattle near the Camp giving order that when they were charged they should retire and so draw out the Imperials where the King lay covertly to entrap them The Scythians under Cozus by twice retiring and then returning with a greater
themselves yield resolving to begin the war at the City Damiata the first and commodiousest Port by whose taking they should enter Nile and command the Country thereabouts This rich and ancient City stood about a mile from the Sea somewhat distant from Nile environed with a navigable cut like an Island and compassed with 3 strong stone-Walls a strong watch Tower at the Cut's mouth a number of fair houses about it entrenched the Cut also was barred with a great strong iron chain The Christians by great strength coming with their Fleet brake the chain but they 〈◊〉 a greater stay at the Watch-Tower which strongly built and well stored the Souldiers overwhelmed them with shot fire stones c. The Christians had built high woodden Towers on Vessels for assault in the approach the Marriners and Souldiers hindred each other by crying they should draw nigher the Tower others 〈◊〉 cast 〈◊〉 the bridges for entry the enemy also with clamour encouraging one another In this hurly-burly the higest Tower over-charged with men fell with an exceeding noise crushing some to death the timber oppressing others being hurt and crying for help others hurt leapt for fear some into Nile some aboard ships crying out of arm leg head other part discomfiting the rest and giving over the assault King John the Armies General appeasing the tumult giving those that were hurt to Surgions and burying the dead bodies chearfully perswaded the Souldiers not to be discouraged this Towers fall being through wars chance not their cowardise or the enemies valour Meledine encamped in sight of Damiata to fill the besieged with hopes of relief often sending then by the River whatsoever they wanted skirmishes passing daily betwixt both The Christians had still the victory but could neither be drawn to battel nor kept from victnals it being conveighed out of upper Aegypt by Nile whereas the same River dividing into many arms c. gave our men a 1000 inconveniences therefore they resolved to besiege the Tower again framing a strong Tower on 2 fastned Vessels and bringing it near their Tower the rest of the Fleet following for assault others standing in battel range at Land to discourage the besieged and that the Sultan should not help them without hazzarding battel They of the subburbs valiantly defended a fierce and cruel assault for it being a publick Mart-City there 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 not only Aegyptians but Arabians Indians c. who fought for defence of lives and goods our men being animated also as in religious quarrels so with the spoil of those rich Nations The Christians drew as near with their ships as they could to Land that they might fight hand to hand But the Barbarians soughr by shot c. to keep them from landing The enemy boarding by chance a ship running a ground and making a cruel slaughter a Souldier made a great hole under the hatches and drowned a great number of Aegyptians with the Christians which most feard them The high Tower also now mating the Watch-tower dismaied the Defendants as with a miracle forsaking the Tower and fleeing which thus taken the discouraged in the Suburbs fleeing many were wounded from the Watch-tower by the Christians Other ships then landing the Souldiers put all they found to the sword There was abundance of victuals but far more riehes Now they 〈◊〉 the strong Town Damiata but gaining nothing but hard blows and wounds they retired yet they lodged in the Suburbs lying betwixt the Sultan and the City that no supply should be brought the enemy being to their great losse oft hindered both from entring or sallying forth But now Nile swelling with an Eastern wind most of the Christians victuals were spoiled who through the Pope's Legat fasting and praying for 3 daies the wind falling and the River decreasing on the fourth day they prayed more earnestly thinking as the Almighty had feared so he had comforted them again Victual growing scant in the Sultan's Camp he sent away half his Army about Caire at which time 〈◊〉 sent Embassadours to the Princes of the Christian Army in his own and the Aegyptian Sultan his brothers behalf suing for peace and promising to restore whatever his Father Saladine had taken from them most liking that well saying They had taken up 〈◊〉 for recovery of that had been before gotten that all these things being restored there rested no further occasion of war c. Yet Pelagins the Popes Legat for the other 〈◊〉 dead King John Master of the Hospitallers and Templers Duke of Austria and the Germans were contrary in opinion alleading this sacred war was undertaken against the Infidels and Mahometan Superstition and they ought to impugn Aegypt as its chief seat whereby the Sultans large offers were rejected Whereupon Coradine fearing forthwith raced the Walls of Jerusalem 〈◊〉 down most of the stately buildings yet sparing David's Tower and Christ's Sepulchre at the humble intercession as is said of the Christians of divers Countreys The Plague arising in the Christians Camp at Damiata the great Commanders so many dying who would have 〈◊〉 the Sultans large proffers began to repent they had so much hearkened to the Legat. The Christians weary of a now 6 moneths siege and the Sultan but only the choice of his men having sent away the rest stood not so carefully on their guard as before whereupon the Sultan in the night hoped to send supplies to the besieged The formost Companies were already entred but the Christians perceiving them so assailed the hindermost that the enemy fearing they should enter in with them shut the gates where they were all cut to pieces The Christians hereby encouraged next day part of the Army presented themselves to give the Sultan battel who would not be drawn out of his trenches they especially the French-men attempted their rampiers but not with answerable successe The Aegyptians enforcing their small number to retire Gualter with others being lost the King also assailing the Camp lost many his face burnt hardly escaping with life After which they thought of nothing but the siege and the City now more streightly besieged and brought to extream 〈◊〉 assembled themselves to consult what to do one or other secretly fleeing to the Camp Had not the chief Commanders mured up the gates and commanded none to come on the Walls or Rampiers the City had been by the most yielded who searching especially Shops and Ware-houses divided the small store of Wheat among themselves the people eating whatsoever came to hand prolonged life with what they could find These not able to endure famins extremities were greatly slaughtered with the plague which so encreased that men were wanting not only to succour c. the sick but to bury the dead The dead bodies gave a horrible stink with infectious air they choosing rather to die than submit themselves to their enemies The Christians knew of the famine but not of the raging Plague among them They cast up Trenches and Baricadoes to keep in such
after surprized by night the Castle Chalce putting all the Christians to the sword The Christians adjoyning much grieved complained to the Captain of Carachizar that these Turks who were of pity received into that Country began now to lay hands on the Christians possessions which if suffered they would in short time drive both them and all the rest out of their native Countries c. The Captain being mooved speedily sent a strong company under his Brother Calanus to joyn with the Christian forces at Einegiol Whereof Othoman understanding marched to Opsicium in Phrygia where was fought a sharp battel Sarugatin his Brother with many Souldiers being lost Calanus was also slain whose intrails Othoman pulled out naming his burying place Mesari Repec that is The Dog-Grave His Brother he honourably buried at Suguta Aladin was very sorry for Othoman's losse gave him the City Paleapolis with the Territories belonging with leave to besiege Carachizar sending him Souldiers and Munition who streightly besieging it won it and slew all the Christians cruelly executing the Captain giving his souldiers the spoyl except the 5th part to the Sultan This was in 1290. This with other Castles was either in Phrygia the greater or in Bythinia and the confines of Mysia where the Christians lived mingled with the Turks at continuall jars till by them they were extinguished Othoman thus inconraged and by the Sultan supported cousulted with his Brother Iundus of the best way to subject the Christians Iundus advised him to urge his fortune with all speed and to invade them discouraged with Carachifar's loss But Othoman said The Castles c. must be kept with strong Garrisons elle they will be again recovered which Garrisons cannot be maintained if we dispeople the adjoyning Countreys I think better that we make a league with the Christians about us which we will keep or break as shall serve our purpose And he made a peace with all chiefly with Michael Cossi who became also a Mahometan This he did the rather for the envy of Germean Ogli a Salzuccian who as others sought by all means to hinder his greatnesse Who to strengthen his new Common-weal built a fair Temple in Carachizar for Mahometan Religion appointing Markets and granting priviledges to all that resorted to his great Towns using great Justice so that all sorts furnished Towns and Countreys with all necessaries but his aspiring mind had alwaies a greater care to enlarge his Territories whom Michael Cossi so politickly directed in his inroad into Bythinia that he returned with great spoil and more honour The Christians thereabouts were now loath to give him any offence lest he should spoyl them About his time the Captains of Belizuga Cuprichisar falling at odds he of Cupriehisar first invaded him of Belizuga who praying Othoman's aid he presently came with companyes of lusty Souldiers whereby he of Belizuga set upon his enemy and by Othoman's help the other fled to his own Castle divers being on both sides slain when Othoman besieging him took his Castle and slow him He of Belizuga was so proud of the victory though most gained by the Turks providing a great feast for him and his followers that giving Garments of great price to Othoman in token of his favour rewarding also his souldiers but all with a presumptuous grace he offered the Turk's common Souldiers his hand to kisse wherewith Othoman was so offended that he could scarce hold his hands from him yet he secretly imparted the disgrace to his Cousin Dunder inquiring of him how the Captain was to be corrected for it who being the Captain 's Lievtenant told him That seeing Germean Ogli was their enemy on one side and all the Christians would be in his neck if he offered him any wrong nothing was then to be attempted Othoman hereby perceiving his Cousin's affection to him and lest the mischief should by him be revealed or hindered slew him suddenly with his bow Michael Cossi not long after concluding a Marriage between a Gentleman and his daughter invited all the Christian Captains thereabouts thereto and the rather to grow in acquaintance with Othoman hoping that at that merry meeting all being made friends every one might possesse his own without fear of Othoman whose gifts exceeded all the other Guests giving also to the new married folks flocks of Sheep and Cattle so that the Captains saying Othoman's wealth portended some great matter c. they thought best secretly to compasse his death theexecution whereof they referred to him of Belizuga whose ill disposition though Othoman long perceived yet he in shew honoured him and debased himself in comparison But the Captain told Othoman that he intended to marry the Captain of Jarchiser's daughter requesting him to honour it with his presence c. a colour to bring Othoman into danger who neer the time sent thither fat Oxen and Sheep in Iundus his name certifying him Othoman himself would be present with such presents as his poor ability could afford The Captain now surely hoped his devised treachery would take effect and therefore requested Michael Cossi to bring Othoman to the marriage which he knew Cossi might easily do sending him by Cossi a present of gilt plate Cossi found him very willing to go but being moved with compassion he discovered the Captain 's Conspiracy against him willing him to take heed to himself for which Othoman greatly thanked him rewarded c. At thy return saith he tell him I am bound to him for many courtesies chiefly for protecting my goods and cattell within his Castle which I request may be continued for a year longer by reason of my wars with Gormean Ogli wherefore I will presently send to his Castle things I most reckon of and tell him further my Wife and her Mother desire to be acquainted with the Lady his Mother whom if he please I will bring with me to the Marriage When the Captain understood his request by Cossi he sent him back to hasten his coming and to bring what Guests he pleased Because the Castle was too little for the expected multitude there was another place appointed about 3 miles distant Othoman had accustomed to send his best things in packs to Belizuga Castle but now instead of houshold-stuff c. he thrust in armed men chargeing the carriages to come thither before twi-light Then he apparelled some of his best Souldiers in Womens apparel as his Wife and Mother in Law with their Women So contriving it that they and the packs might at one instant meet at the Castle The Captain thought his late coming was because the Turkish Women shun the sight of Christian men Othoman being come unto the marriage place requested the Captain that his Gentlewomen might lodge conveniently in his Castle apart according to their homely fashion lest the presence of such Gallants might put them out of countenance which the Captain granted saluting them afar off The packs and the disguised Souldiers came 〈◊〉 at a time where when they were
and Grandfather he greatly inlarged his territories in Asia by sword marriage and purchase and by the Greeks discord and cowardise he subdued the Romania in 〈◊〉 with its Territories leaving the Constantinopolitan Emperour little or nothing there but the City it self He won much of Bulgaria entred Servia Bosua and Macedonia he was liberal and severe beloved and feared of his Subjects of few words deeply 〈◊〉 slain being 68 years old reigning 31 in 1390. He was royally buried at Prusa c. There is a Castle and Tomb in remembrance of him in Cassova's Plains where he was 〈◊〉 and his entrails buried The Life of Bajazet I. the 4th and most unfortunate King of the Turks BAjazet succeeding his Father the first year of his Reign besieged the City Cratova in Servia whereto the silver Mines not that wars least cause belonged yielded to him on condition that the Inhabitants might with life and liberty depart who no sooner gone but they were all slain by his men sent for that purpose Then also he wone 〈◊〉 with divers Castles near Cratova Young Sigismund King of Hungary advertized by the Servians of Bajazet's proceedings requested him by Embassadours as he was just and wished to live in quiet with his own to desist from such open wrong c. Whom he answered not till be over-ran a great part of the 〈◊〉 Countrey Then calling them into a Town filled with his Souldiers said They might see his right good enough to that Town and the rest taken seeing the walls acknowledged it willing them so to tell their Master Which 〈◊〉 answer 〈◊〉 the King as if open war had been 〈◊〉 to him yet not being well settled in his Kingdom and doubting of a contrary faction he was glad then to put it up Next year he by Forises Beg taking Vidina in Servia returned to Hadrianople But the Caramanian King invading his frontiers in Asia the while though then not 〈◊〉 leisure yet afterwards he fully revenged it Eurenoses then took the City Sitros in Thessaly and Ferises passed over 〈◊〉 grievously spoiling Valachia returning loaden with prey Now also Jegides Bassa entred 〈◊〉 carrying a number of Captives to Hadrianople where Bajazet wintred Next spring Bajazet passing to Prusa built a fair Temple a Colledge and 〈◊〉 house and returning into Europe a Monastery at Hadrianople In Asia he besieged Philadelphia the onely City in lesser Asia holden by the Christians At first he straightly commanded not to spoile or 〈◊〉 any thing belonging to the Citizens hoping to make them more willing to yield But finding them resolved to the last he commanded not to spare any thing which was by his Souldiers done The Citizens after long siege not able to endure and no hope of relief yielded their City Some write it was not besieged without the Emperour's consent and the Greeks envying its holding out helped to win it At the siege Aiden Ogli Prince of Caria came to Bajazet yielding himself his Vassal to whom he restored places taken from him a little before on this condition not to coyn money in his own name or publiquely to be prayed for as before but all to be done in Bajazet's name 〈◊〉 he led his Army into Saruchania subduing it on like conditions Then passing farther to Mentesia in Caria the Prince left it to his pleasure fleeing to 〈◊〉 Prince And in revenge of the King of Caramania's former invasion he entred it taking Cesaria and otherplaces the King glad to be content making peace as he pleased As he was making this expedition Prince Germian's son with a chief Counsellour coming to him were sent prisoners over the Straite to Ipsala Castle laying in durance many years Thus he oppressing most of Aladin's successours returned to Prusa in triumph Aiden fled had incited the Prince of Castamona to invade the bordering side of Bajazets Kingdome At which time the Vayvod of Valachia passed over 〈◊〉 into the parts of Servia and Bulgaria possessed by the 〈◊〉 spoyling the Country and slaying them by heaps and carrying back many prisoners Bajazet deferring his purpose against the other turned his forces against the 〈◊〉 Wherefore passing to Hadrianople thence to Nicopolis and so over Danubius he entred Valachia spoyling and burning whom he Vaywod giving battle was overthrown and many slain at last he obtained peace by submission and a yearly tribute News being brought the while that the Christian Galleys greatly hurt along the Coasts of Asia he entred into Thessalie destroying all to 〈◊〉 and taking Neapolis in Greece and Joannina in Aetolia he wintred in Asia Next spring he with great power passed the 〈◊〉 of Callipolis to invade Hungary But intercepting a 〈◊〉 with Letters from the Greek Emperour giving that King warning thereof and understanding of another Messenger before sent 〈◊〉 perswaded him to desist and besiege Constantinople which was he said surrounded with Turkish Provinces bringing Philadelphia for example Bajazet returning besieged it first by Land then by Sea which most report continued 8 years in which Emmanuel the Emperour left the City to crave aid of the German Emperour French King and others The Citizens at length had happily yielded if the Hungarian King assisted with French aud other Voluntiers with a 130000 under John Count of Nivers had not passed into his Dominions recovering Vidina c. in Bulgaria and besieging Nicopolis Who 't is reported should proudly say in his jollity through his Armies greatnesse What need we fear the Turks who need not fear the Heavens fall if they should we were able to hold them up with our Speares and Halberts Bajazet commanding the ladders c. for assault to be burnt marched from the siege with a puissant Army to Nicopolis sending Eurenoses before to intercept some Christians to learn their Armies state But he returned without any prisoner taken which troubled Bajazet fearing a wary enemy Sigismund eaving sufficient for the siege went to meet his proud proud enemies who within sight shewed but half his Army keeping close in ambush not far off with the other The Christians deeming they were far 〈◊〉 in number divided also their Army to inclose the Turks The French disiring to give the first Charge began the battle the Hungarians c. not yet in order where was so many thousands slain Bajazet ere long arising with the other half and coming on as became his name Gilderum so hardly charged the French that they stood at first as dismayed but seeing no remedy and hoping of relief from the rest fought till they were almost all slain or taken divers French horse-men as their manner was fought on foot which horses running on the Hungarians made them doubt they were quite overthrown wherewith dismaied they fled in great haste the Turks pursuing made great slaughter many being also drowned in Danubius They took so many 't was thought every Turk had his prisoner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like got over Danubius in a little boat and fearing the Hungarians violence for the battle's losse fled by Sea to
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
rich garment with some other gift telling them he inrended to recover his Fathers Kingdom in Europe or there to end his daies said The prey shall be theirs that win it a Horse Sword and Mace shall content my self So coming to Bosphorus Strait the Emperour transported his Army into Europe and feasted him in a Country Pallace who though he excused to joyn through age with him in that war yet assisted him with some Christian Companies who stood the Turks in grear stead marching to the River Wyzen where Eurenoses by the way advising him to march very circumspectly and not too much to hasten joyning battel counselled him also if by any means to allure Jegides 〈◊〉 Barac Beg and Siman Beg to follow him promising in good time to come himself He shortly marching to Hadrianople Cara Calile began to shew himself and presently put to flight by Michael Ogli besieging Hadrianople the Citizens sent to certifie him they could not through Musa's Garrison then deliver him the City but if by trying it in the field he should carry the victory they should be ready to yield themselves City and all to his pleasure Mahomet content raised the siege marching towards Zagora Musa is reported to come secretly into Mahomet's Camp disguised but perceiving himself too weak withdrew 〈◊〉 woods and strong places from thence to Philopopolis 〈◊〉 along the River Meritze where Jegides with two of Musa's Captains setting on 〈◊〉 rear were by Michael repulsed Mahomet 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 as he 〈◊〉 Muse shewed his Army from the Mountains not daring to come down to battel Mahomet marching to 〈◊〉 Jegides Barac and Siman perswaded by Eurenoses 〈◊〉 to him We are three young men having 3000 〈◊〉 Souldiers of incomparable valour c. Draw near 〈◊〉 with what speed thou canst and thou shalt find us 〈◊〉 to come to thee He marching all next night came to the River Morava where the 3 Captains joyned unto him Old Eurenoses also with a great company of expert Souldiers Mark of Servia sent him aid also He began to march farther to Cossova his forces still increasing by the revolt of his Brothers Musa seeing none almost left but the Souldiers of the Court his best and faithfullest men thought best to attempt something before left alone seeking with 7000 to take his brother at advantage But Mahomet had a vigilant eye unto him At last he suddenly set upon his brothers Army but oppressed with multitude after a bloudy fight was put to the worst which he seeing sought death among the thickest of his enemies But Bajazet Bassa desirous to take him alive he was be-set and breaking from the midst of them fled But his horse falling into a muddy ditch or as some hoxed by his owu servant and himself wounded overthrew him and was there taken by Bajazet 〈◊〉 and Barac hardly persuing him Being brought hand-bound through the Army which grieved many most were glad hoping this long Civil war would now end Shortly after came Balta Ogli sent as they thought from Mahomet who after a bitter reproof for his cruelty to Solyman caus'd him to be strangled with a Bow-string Mahomet shed a few Crocodiles tears over his dead body He lyeth buried at Prusa by Solyman reigning 3 years 7 months Mahomet now taking on him the sole Government in Europe and Asia 〈◊〉 Turkish histories here begin his reign accounting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 time to Musa's death as a vacancy But 〈◊〉 Mahomet held all or most in Asia during this 〈◊〉 in the end the other part in Europe also I reckon 〈◊〉 Bajazet's Successour including all that intestine Tragedy wherein he was chief actor Mahomet busied against Musa in Europe the King of Caramania invaded his Kingdom joyning upon him in Asia burning and spoyling all before him Eivases his Lievtenant not able to withstand him and fearing his coming to Prusa made the Citizens bring most of their wealth into the Castle receiving so many of them as he could willing the rest to shift for themselves The King shortly came to Prusa not yet fully fortified burning it to the ground the second time and besieging the Castle gave it great assaults for 30 daies but was repulsed by Eivases comforting his Souldiers that Mahomet overcomming in Europe would come in few daies for relief Musa's dead body was then conveighing to Prusa with much people The Caramanian fearing it was Mahomet with his power speedily departed the Turks long jested saying If the Caramanian run for fear of the Othoman Kings dead body What would hâ—â— had he come against them alive Solyman's Son a boy departed from Constantinople for the League made between the Emperour and Mahomet to go into Valachia by the way great numbers of voluntary Turks offered to spend their lives in his quarrel Mahomet marching hastily to suppress them they dispersed fled Orchanes being betrayed by his Tu or Zaganes Mahomet put out his Eys allowing him gâ—eat Revenues at Prusa c. This is he who some reckon among the Turkish Kings betrayed to his Uncle Moses etring I suppose in succession and name Now Mahomet assembled a great Army to revenge himself of the Caramanian King Isfendiar sending his Son Casumes for aid and commanding Germian Ogli to provide for victualling as he passed by he entred Caramania taking three Cities and besieging Iconium but through the rain then falling he made peace with the Caramanian News was brought him into Pontus that he renouncing his League was again in Arms. Wherefore returning to Iconium he overthrew the King taking him and his Son prisoners who redeeming themselves by many Cities and Castles concluded a peace receiving of him an Ensign as a token of Vassâ—lship Then passing over Danubius iu Europe he forraged Valachia Transal pina whose Prince sent him what tribute he demanded and his Son to serve in his Court. Then about happenned a great earth-quake in Prusa c. great troubles ensuing in Asia Yet Mahomet going thither kept all in quiet Isfendiar disinheriting his Son for that he would not return to him from Mahomet's Court and wars reserving Castamona with a little more gave Mahomet the rest who in lieu gave Cassumes other great possessions in his own Kingdom He sent Bedredin Musa's Cadelcher to Nice as exiled yet allowing him a great pension Bedredin having in his house one Burgluzes they laid their heads how to trouble Mahomet's peaceable Government Wherefore Burgluzes going into Aidinia pretending great zeal broached divers strange opinions by which he was shortly reputed a famous learned and devout man and had many followers c. Bedredin fled to Isfendiars Country from thence into Valachia and in a Forrest as some devout man allured to him a number of Out-laws and theives there living whom instructed he sent in religious habit into Zagora and other Mahomet's frontiers as his Disciples who published his doctrine c. and that he was by God appointed King of justice and Commander of the world set forth by Burgluluses and received in Asia
would have had all the Rebels put to the sword but by Eivases they were generally pardoned Amurath coming to Boga hanged the Captain and intending to pursue him hired by chance a Genoway ship to transport his Army into Europe for Mustapha caused the shipping to be brought to the other side He now fleeing to Hadrianople fearing to be betrayed speeded thence coming to an obscure place in the Country whence the pursuers brought him bound to Amurath at Hadrianople where he was hanged from the battlements of a high Tower Some Writers report him indeed to be Bajazet's Son but the Turkish Histories reporting as before call him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha c. 〈◊〉 of the common Souldiers apparelled and armed like Janizaries sell into the true Janizaries hands Amurath's guard who used them with all possible indignities A Janizary being hungry brought 2 of these to a Cooks shop to sell them for a little victuals who refusing to give him as having no use of such the Janizary swore to cut off their heads and give them him for nought if he would not redeem them for a thing of nought The Cook moved with pity offered him a Sheeps head which he took swearing he had given more than they were worth which disgrace is yet often objected by the insolent Janizaries telling these Asapi in their rage two of them are not worth a sodden Sheeps head Amurath was not a little grieved to think that this dangerous rebellion was first plotted by the Greeks and then 〈◊〉 by the Emperour of whom 〈◊〉 to be revenged he sent Michael Ogli with his Europeans to 〈◊〉 about Constantinople following in person with the Janizaries and Asians filling the Land's neck before the City from Sea to Sea and beginning furiously to batter the walls but they stronger than he supposed and the Defendants still repairing he ceasing his battery desperately assaulted it but they were notably repulsed some losing their hands some their armes but most their lives no shott falling from the walls in vain Which Amurath beholding sounded a retreat and shortly in great rage departed To whom the Emperour sending about peace he would not hear but threatned ere long to be revenged Wherefore the Emperour to keep him busied devised with the Caramanian King countenancing another Amurath's younger Brother to his no small trouble Mahomet had 5 Sons and 7 Daughters Mustapha surnamed the little was the second who being but 13 years old was set up by Caramanian and other Mahometan and Christian Princes to impeach Amurath's greatnesse who strengthened with their forces besieged Nice at length yielded to him But Amurath corrupting by great gifts and promises Ilias Beg the Princes Tutor he in 9 dayes came to Nice entring with small resistance Mustapha being presented by the Tutor to him who because he would not spill a drop of Sacred Othoman blood strangled him with a bow-string buried at Prusa Amurath now fearing no Competitour removed the 3 Bassaes into honourable places retaining onely Eivases and Ibrahim of his Council Eivases being shortly accused that he sought to aspire the Kingdome usually wearing a privy Coat the Tyrant jealous cast his arme about him as in kindnesse as he rod with him finding him secretly armed would know the cause who answered for fear of some enemies in Court but he forthwith apprehended had his eyes burnt out with a hot steel glasse Mahumethes the while Caramanian King besieged Attalia 6 months Valiantly 〈◊〉 d by Amurath's Lievtenant the King being slain with a great shot as he viewed the City Ibrahim succeeeding brake up the siege to bury his Father Then also Dracula of Valachia passing Danubius did much hurt about Silistra but afterwards was forced to become Amuraths tributary Tzunites then about pretending an interest of descent in the Seignory of Aidinia by all meanes vexed Jaxis Beg the Lievtenant secretly favoured of the Country what they durst Amurath Commanded Anatolia's Viceroy with all power to war on him who invaded the Princes Country who meeting him well provided gave him battle Hasan the Prince's son with a part put part of the Turks to flight and too furiously pursuing left his Father hard beset by the Viceroy glad to flee to Hipsily Castle Hasan returning ignorant of the hap was overcome and taken The Viceroy presently besieging the Castle after a while the Prince in extremity yielded to him without Violence to him or his son to be sent prisoners to Amurath the Viceroy promising it by Oath Iaxis whose brother the Prince by chance before taking put to death attending Hamze to his tent and Hasan as the Turks manner 〈◊〉 sitting on the ground drawing him by the Coller to his fa hers feet struck off his head and in the same rage the aged Prince's also to the great dishonour or the Viceroy Their heads set on 2 Launces in the Castles sight the defendants yielded After Zunites his death all this territory was united to the Othoman Kingdome After all this Amurath married Isfendiars Daughter He now thought high time to 〈◊〉 revenge of the Greek Princes that aided the Rebels aforesaid wherefore ranging with a great Army thorow Macedonia to Thessalonica he surprized divers places belonging to the Emperour by the way This famous City sometime for beauty and wealth not inferiour to any in Greece Amurath hardly besieged with 〈◊〉 battery corrupting secretly some Citizens to have let him in by a secret Mine which being by the Venetian Governours perceived the plotters 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 fled to the Turks Amurath promising his Souldiers all its spoyle if they wan it so inflamed them especially the Janizaries that by a most terrible assault they entred the City The Venetians fleeing to their Galleys got to Sea but no tongue or pen describe the miseries the Christian Citizens endured heartily wishing to die and could 〈◊〉 The furious enemy devoured all Sexes and Ages but those who for strength or comelinesse were reserved to labour and lust afterwards dispersed into most miserable slavery The infinite riches became a spoile the houses desolate given for a habitation to such Turks as at pleasure repaired thither and at this day possessed by them This happened in 1432 〈◊〉 returning to Hadrianople sent Caratze with most of his Army into Aetolia whose Prince Charles dying a little before divided Acharnania amongst his 3 Base sons leaving the rest to his Brothers Son Charles Shortly after Amurath sending aid to one of the brethen falling at discord in fine subjected all Aetolia to himself The Princes of Athens Phocis Boetia and all Greece unto Corinths strait terryfied hereby became tribularies to the Tyrant living long under his slavery Thus the Greeks lost their liberty c. and 〈◊〉 now so degenerate that whereas they accounted all Nations 〈◊〉 in comparison themselves are 〈◊〉 no lesse 〈◊〉 John Castriott who reigned in Epirus seeing how the Turk 〈◊〉 against his Neighbour-Princes for peace delivered his 4 Sons Szanstius Reposius Constantine and George Hostages to Amurath promising well
to intreat them But having gotten them he circumcised and instructed them in Turkish superstition to their 〈◊〉 great grief and the Father dying he poysoned the 3 Elder seizing on Croia his chief City and all his Territories as if by right devolved to him But George named Scanderbeg or Lord Alexander for his feature and wit he loved some thought more passionately than he should a boy 〈◊〉 him to be instructed in all activity c. wherein he excelling all his equals came very young to be a great Sanzack and being often General of his Armies he got the love of all increasing in credit with Amurath Who shortly turning into Servia the Prince to procure his favour 〈◊〉 him a yearly tribute and to do what he reasonably demanded He beside the tribute required Mary his fair Daughter in marriage the Hungarians not to passe through his Country to invade him and not to deny his Army passage when he would invade Bosna All which the Prince was glad to agree to Now about Josephus and Amurath's 〈◊〉 and Solyman's son c. died of the plague at Prusa While he thus in Europe the Caramanian King invaded him in Asia for 't was agreed between the Christians of Europe and Mahometans of Asia to invade him when in Europe in Asia and when in Asia in Europe Amurath seizing on Saruchania Mentesia c. before but his tributaries entred Caramania forcing the King to yield to his own conditions and send his Son to wait at his Court and made Isfendiar his tributary and to send his son also Thus becoming terrible to all the Mahometan Princes Returning to Hadrianople he sent Ali's Bassa to invade Hungary in revenge of their incursions in his absence which he performing for a month returned with rich booty Ere long he personally inroaded in to Hungary the Prince of Servia giving his Army passage and Dracula of Valachia aiding him more for fear than good will So returning his Souldiers enriched he wintred at Hadrianople Who to spoyle the secret suspected confederacy between the Hungarians and the King of Caramania doubting the Servian his Father in-law was chief Author sent for him to Hadrianople who doubting some tragedy pretended greatly he could not come and fearing fortified all his strong places chiefly the City Semendre leaving Gregory or George his son Governour for Stephen was at Court with his Sister and went into Hungary to procure some aid and having there certain Territories exchanged of Sigismund for the City Belgrade Not long after Amurath forgetting affinity and league entred Servia destroying and hardly besieging Semendre where after long siege the Princes son doubting sudden assault yielded himself and City so that Sophia Novomont with all the rest yielded to Amurath After which hearing the Servian and Hungarian were making head and that Gregory and Stephen had intelligence with his Father he cast them into prison at Didymoticum burnt out their eyes 〈◊〉 a red 〈◊〉 brasse bason Albert Duke of Austria marrying Sigismund the Emperour's onely Daughter and succeeding him died in the 2d year of his Reign in preparation against Amurath who driving George of Servia out of his Dominions had extended his Kingdome even to Hungarian's borders Albert leaving his wife with child the Hungarians the Turks come so nigh thought needful not to rest on the peoples devotion towards the Queen and expectation of her issue but to choose some great Prince the better to 〈◊〉 the Kingdome against their enemies Whereupon they sent Embassage to Uladislaus young King of Polonia to offer him the Queen in marriage and with her the Kingdome also So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 Court of the inequality of the 〈◊〉 the King being in his prime and the Queen well stept in years nought was offered herein but wars that the Hungarians sought to defend themselves by Polonian force Others said the 〈◊〉 of these 2 Kingdomes would be great good to both to the Kings great honour c. that it were greater policy to keep the Turk out of Hungary than leaving it a prey to be forced to fight with him in Polonia and for inequality of years it was not so great a matter for Princes regard more the virtues of their choice with their honours increase c. than the Summer fruit of youth which doth shortly perish c. Uladislaus answered the Embassadours he would accept of their offers But the Queen being delivered of a son whom she named 〈◊〉 she began to repent of calling in the Polonian King to her sons prejudice And animated by some Nobles hoping to grow great themselves determined by all means to exclude the Polonian but most considering the most expedience and that they could neither with honour or safety flye from what was concluded Hungary was divided into 2 Factions and grew to civil Wars The Queen the more to gain the people caused herson but 3 Months old to be solemnly Crowned at Albaregalis But the Polonian entring Hungary with an Army and joyning with his friends most which followed the Queen revolted to him So that she committing her sons tuition with the Crown to Frederick the Emperour yet ceased not to stir up wars against 〈◊〉 at home and abroad till by her death her quarrel ended 〈◊〉 in these civil Wars thought a fair opportunity for Hungaria's conquest Wherefore with a great Army marching to the strong City Belgrade which invironed on the East with 〈◊〉 on the South with the river Saus and on the other sides with strong walls and deep large ditches was then accounted the gate into Hungary First gave 2 terrible 〈◊〉 in good hope but was Valiantly repulsed with great slaughter Wherefore he raising mounts and high woodden Towers furiously battered the walls causing also galleys c. in great number to be brought into both rivers to assault the City and keep the Citizens from succours Yet it was still defended under Uranus a Florentine Governour who with Sallies and shot slew great numbers The Turk knowing that Uladislaus was at this time troubled by the Queens Faction continued his siege though famine began much to increase in his Campe hoping the defendants despairing of help would shortly yield Uladislaus assayed to raise the siege by sending 3 Polonian Nobles Embassadours to Amurath declaring for as much as he had offered to joyn with him in league before he came out of Polonia if he would desist from invading Hungary whereof he was now chosen King and raise his siege then they should easily agree upon the desired peace c. but if he had rather proceed in Armes he would do his best to make him know he was of power sufficient to withstand his greatest forces and revenge his wrongs Amurath appointing the Embassadours to withdraw to Synderovia of Servia not far off till he might better consider their demands and pretending their safety so soon as they were departed he first assaied the Citizens and Souldiers with magnifical promises c. if they would yield the City
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
to Croia who leaving 2000 Souldiers upon the borders for defence they so kept in the 〈◊〉 at Sfetigrade that they could not look out but were intercepted and slain and within sew dayes besieging Sfetigrade a month was repulsed in two great assaults losing 500 men Amurath sending with speed to recall his dispersed Armie Scanderbeg returned to Croia Winter approaching wherein he put 2000 of his best Souldiers under famous Uranocontes storing the City with a year's Victuall greatly helped therein by the Venetians and others The like care he had of the rest being advertised by secret friends in Court of the Turks great preparation against him at beginning of the Spring who by the latter end of March had ready an Army of 160000 men of which he sent 40000 under politique 〈◊〉 into Epirus in beginning of April 1450. who with great speed and without let comming to Croia strongly encamped neere the pleasant plaine Tyranna and keeping close attended that no new supply should be conveyed into the City for he was expresly forbidden to attempt any thing against Scanderbeg himself After 20 dayes Amurath through age oft marching but 5 miles a day came thither with his Army filling the Country round about And after 4 dayes setling his Camp he sent two Messengers offering the Governour if he would yield to depart with his Souldiers with bag and baggage 200000 aspers to himself with an honourable place among his great Bassaes and the Citizens to enjoy all their former liberties promising greater They being commanded to deliver their message without the Gates he scornfully rejected their offers and the Souldiers shamefully 〈◊〉 them Amurath more offended at this than the refusall commanded ten great Artillery pieces to be cast for by reason of the high Mountaines he brought none ready made but store of mettall in masse This work being in 15 〈◊〉 perfected 6 he 〈◊〉 against the East side toward the plaine 4 against the Gate in which places onely Croia was subject to battery In 4 dayes Amurath had in both places beaten downe halfe the Wall and sore shaken the rest The Turks encouraged with great cheerfullnesse made ready for assault striving who should shew himself most foreward And Mahomet besides his Fathers rewards promised a 100000 Aspers to him that first set an Ensigne upon the Walls The Garrison nothing dismaied comforted and encouraged each other to endure all manner of perill especially Uranocontes who shaking some Souldiers by the hand said These were the fortresses of their City c. What honour triumph should they hope for if these Walls standing whole they should shroud under their defence and not they defended by them So can Cowards defend and Sheep not feare the Wolves rage c. That men of worth shun such things which being kept or lost yield like praise that things ready to fall need shoaring and there appeareth valour Therefore their valiant right hands should instead of dead Walls oppose their 〈◊〉 armed bodyes against the enemies force That he in the thickest should view and judge of every mans courage Yet that their former hopes were little or nothing by these breaches diminished For that the rising of the hill though not so high as in other places doth serve them at great advantage to charge their enemies That this breach will encourage the Barbarians to climbe up c whereof so many shall be easily slaine as they shall but aime at 〈◊〉 that onely those 2 places can be assaulted How will so many valiant Souldiers bestow themselves in so little roome Yet let them play the men and in one conflict weaken the Tyrants strength and burst his proud heart c. Uranocontes setting all thiugs in order and repairing the breaches as well as possible they rested that night In the morning the Turks cheerfully assaulted both breaches but it being well begun Scanderbeg had suddenly broke in on the Turks Campe with 5000 slaying 600 Turks and was spoyling their Tents which rumour made them with lesse courage to assault Amurath for more suretie sent 〈◊〉 with 4000 into the Camp saying Nothing could be too sure against that wild beast Mahomet also hasted thither against his Father's will But Moses knowing himself too weak had before retired into the Mountaines having done great harme losing but ten men Scanderbeg here forgetting himself so engaged that being on every side enclosed yet valiantly breaking thorow he escaped the great danger recovering the Mountaines This was the greatest oversight of Scanderbeg in all his Wars When all was quieted Amurath brought all his forces to the Walls with multitude of Archers and small shot labouring to drive away the defendants Then likewise other common Souldiers brought Scaling ladders c. The 〈◊〉 and others following ready to mount them But the Garrison Souldiers made such slaughter that had not the Captaines spared neither stripes nor wounds they would presently have retired Hereby the Ladders were with great slaughter set up and the Turks came to handie blowes at the breaches who being with their Ladders tumbled down the Mountaine with horrible slaughter and discomfiture that none would set one foot forward again though fierce young Mahomet caused them that returned to be slain These common Souldiers are most miserable Christians now under the Turks slavery of whom the Turks draw great multitudes in their Wars commonly unarmed because 〈◊〉 daring well to trust them they carry all the baggage fetch wood and water serve for Pioneers when 〈◊〉 is in field they with weapons are thrust into the fore-front to blunt their enemies swords if a City be to be besieged serving to fill ditches with their dead bodies and if they shrinke more cruelly used by their commanders than enemies Amurath stood in doubt whether he had better retrait but being enraged he gave a fresh assault with divers of his better companies But Uranocontes placing 〈◊〉 men in the breaches they repulsed the Turks with a double slaughter till the King not able longer to behold it sounded a retraite having lost 8000 men without any notable harme to the defendants Mahomet burning with 〈◊〉 drew most of the best Souldiers into that quarter neerest Scanderbeg intrenching on the Mountaine of Tumenist that if he should againe there assail the Campe he might hardly do great harme or himself escape Whereupon Scanderbeg left Moses with 500 where he lay ordering him in the night 〈◊〉 assail the quarter where Mahomet lay and speedily retire to the Mountaine Himself with about 8000 fetching a compasse by secret waies came to Mountecle the farther side of the Turks Armie Moses at the hour assailed the Campe with the tumult of some great Armie Scanderbeg at the instant breaking into the other side there made such a slaughter that Croia's losse was forgot in comparison of this Moses doing little harme safely retired and Scanderbeg making great spoil timely returned scarce losing one man Amurath 〈◊〉 this withdrew most of his small Ordinance into his trenches against Scanderbegs sudden
by Scanderbeg encountered hand to hand and slain Wherewith the Army discouraged fled Moses and Musachius killing more in 〈◊〉 than was in battell 4120 Turks were slain and some taken but few or no Christians so that Scanderbeg accounted it a Victory given All spoile and prisoners were equally divided among the Souldiers Moses had Debrias his horse and Armour Musachius a Prisoner seeming of some account given them whose prisoner drawing 200 Duckats out of a little bag about him for his agreed-ransome Musachius told him he must provide another seeing that money was taken with his person The Turk alleadged the agreement already made which controversie Scanderbeg hearing and smiling said They contended for what was by right his for said he I gave thee Musachius the prisoner which I knew but not the mońey which I knew not of And to the Turk the concealement makes it not thine who by law of Armes hast lost thy self with all about thee Thus he brirging them both in doubt awarded Musachius the money and to the Turk his liberty who departing with his horse and Armes spake honourably of so noble a Conquerour After this Scanderbeg triumphantly returned to Croia Mahomet being very melancholly with this newes seeing the many Souldiers that returned he could not endure the sight of them The Captaines generally envied Debreas his hardinesse or hated his insolency Amesa was glad his proud successour took part of his ill fortune The men of war offered to spend their lives in that service to their revengefull King which he seeming not to refuse had yet plotted another manner of revenge whereby his Father had brought great matters to passe He hoped to find some Chiefetain in Epirus whom wealth or promotion might allure against Scanderbegs life or state Moses of Dibria accounted the next best Captain to Scanderbeg and most inward with him he most desired to alienate from him because he commonly lay in Dibria on the very frontiers Wherefore he commanded the Governour of Sfetigrade to devise by all meanes to withdraw and allure Moses promising him also great preferment if he could win him Who at last thinking upon a shrewd-headed Christian in Sfetigrade whom therefore he might use unsuspected and winning him by great gifts and promises to undertake it sent him away fully instructed who obtaining to speak with Moses in private after some discourse began to utter his poyson shewing him as from the Governour that the Turks Emperour could not but honour him though his enemie for his valour and prowesse and marvelling he could be commanded by Scanderbeg whose state was by him chiefely upholden wherèas if he would follow Mahomet he should soon find entertainment to be preferred before Scanderbegs state or if Epirus its soveraigntie better pleased him he might easily be advanced thereto by joyning to Mahomet's great power Moses praises and favour with the Turk well pleased him But the hope of Epirus Kingdome moved him more than all Yet he made no semblance of liking or disliking which the wily messenger taking for a secret consent and departing promised shortly to returne to him againe After this many troubled thoughts arising in Moses c he in short time seemed to the wiser altogether metamorphosed Some asking the cause of the Messenger ' s comming he answered to receive intelligence from him concerning the good of the State which was holden for true The Messenger comming againe brought presents secretly beseeming the Great Turk with his message better 〈◊〉 Moses is reported to have received nought but the Treason it self answering he could not but accept the Turks favours and for the rest he should not thenceforth find him any great enemy commanding the Messenger no more to repaire to him for feare of suspition Scanderbeg comming into Dibria to see how things stood and to consult about besieging of Sfetigrade Moses to avert him therefrom told him he lately understood by a Messenger thence that the City was so well stored of all things that it were but lost labour to attempt it advising him rather to besiege Belgrade not on Danubius but in the confines of Epirus distant from Sfetigrade about 140 miles Which Scanderbeg resolving on and his Souldiers not so fit for besieging of Townes he sent two Embassadours to pray aide out of Italy from his old friend Alphonsus King of Naples with presents and letters declaring that his Souldiers knew not how to deale with Walls that the Italians had skill in that service that there were certaine Townes of their enemies in Epirus which eye-sore he long desired to take out of his sight c. Therefore Alphonsus should lend him Harquebusiers and Canoneers for of other Souldiers he had plenty That he did so lovingly embrace his former kindnesse c that he could sometimes wish him that fortune which as the common saying is proveth but getteth not friends that he might more certainely prove how much he was to him devoted Scanderbeg purposing also to use Moses his service in the siege he found many excuses to stay at Dibria alleadging it was to be thought the Turk would invade some part of Epirus to withdraw them from Belgrade that no part lay neerer and in more danger than Dibria that he could not do better service than to see to that Country's safety in which 〈◊〉 most of his living lay These Treasonable excuses were thought reasonable and he commended for his care authorized also to augment the Garrison upon occasion Scanderbeg finishing his preparation the Embassadours returned from Alphonsus with much more aide than was requested for he reckoned Epirus but 60 miles from his dominions the strongest Walls of Apulia as it afterwards appeared when the Turks took Otranto He wrote 〈◊〉 loving letters to Scanderbeg c and to make bold 〈◊〉 all things as his own merrily writing that his Italian Souldiers could fight better with women then men and walls therefore the Epirots were best take heed c. Scanderbeg now furnished encamped before Belgrade with 14000 good Souldiers which he soone so 〈◊〉 that the Turks promised to deliver it up if not relieved before 16 dayes truce During which time Scanderbeg encamped on a hill neere the Towne with 3000 〈◊〉 and 1000 foot appointing Musachius and Tanusius to remove into a Plain farther off for more fresh aire in that hot season also he ordered 25 Scouts to watch continually on the highest Mountain to give warning of the Enemies comming by making a fire Mahomet now ready to passe into Asia against the Emperour of Trapezond and grieving to lose Belgrade holding on his intended journey 〈◊〉 sent Sebalias a Bassa with 40000 Horse to relieve it promising him great rewards for Scanderbeg dead or alive This Bassa alwayes accounted more politique than forward came on so fast by great journeys that he prevented the same of his comming intercepting or corrupting the Watch on the Mountaines that no expected signe was given So that those in the plaines had not leisure to bridle their horses
into the City Yet they with their shot from the Walls exceedingly annoyed the Enemy July 11 mounting another like the former they the same day battered the Walls with 178 of those shot and having now beaten down a great part of the Wall which the defendants had onely repaired with Timber and Earth between Mahomet sent some Janizaries and others to assault the breaches so either to enter or burn the defendants fortifications but the Turks approaching many were on both sides slaine especially of the assailants Which Mahomet perceiving sounded a retreat renewed his battery shaking the Wall every day with 160 or 180 terrible great shot and one day with 194. Then he caused a fresh assault to be given rather with worse successe than before being forced againe to retire with shame though two Italian Captaines and some of the better Citizens were slaine with great shot 193 being that day discharged Yet he continuing his battery the third day after gave a more furious attempt than before So that they comming to handy stroakes made a most deadly fight many of the Christians falling chiefely by the great Ordinance but of the Turks most the Enemy had so prevailed as ready to enter But all seeming almost forlorne a new supply of lusty Souldiers comming to the breach drove him downe again forcing him to retire with great losse Wherewith Mahomet grieved discharging 173 great shot into the City sent for his Bassaes and other principall men and said to them that none were ignorant that it was the third month since Scodra was straitly besieged c and the Walls and Bulworks as good as razed having much vexed them with assaults c Wherefore the morrow at day dawning they should enclose the City round and give them a terrible assault before the worn out Enemy could recover his strength and repaire his breaches that he would now prove and know them that were worthy of his pay c that they were few but the Turks almost innumerable far passing them in Artillery wherewith many should perish in defending the breaches that his minde gave him the morrow before that time they should win the City asking them if the very name of Scodra were not hatefull unto them remembring their Parents Brethren Friends or Companions slain under those Walls that it was not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 years since so many thousands of his people fell that very hill and the stones seeming yet sprinkled with their blood therefore they should glut themselves with Christian blood as their lawes did so much exhort them doing what they might that not one of those of Scodra might be left alive saying all things were ready it was easie for a strong man to overcome the weak as they were Hereupon it was proclaimed every man to be ready against the time on pain of death the Commanders also viewing the City on the Bassaes hill consulted how 〈◊〉 to assault it the Defendants alwayes expecting their hovering enemies left nothing undone for defence Mahomet July 22. entring the royal Pavilion on the top of the Bassaes Mount plainly to behold all the assault on a 〈◊〉 given they suddenly ran to the breaches thick 〈◊〉 to take the Christians at some advantage wherein they were deceived so there was begun a most mortall 〈◊〉 especially towards the Gate where the Cannon had made the walls most assaultable There fighting hand to hand a Turks Ensign was set upon the rampier's top Mahomet rejoycing thought the City as good as taken 〈◊〉 the Christians speedily repairing thither with new supplies beat them from the rampiers also they casting down timber stores c. on them that were comming up no shot likewise falling in vain they stood so thick their Ensign was pluckt down and they forced to retire Wherefore Mahomet in a great rage commanded his Ordnance to be discharged into the breach with greater 〈◊〉 commanding the two Bassaes standing by him to go and force the Souldiers to return to the assault Who 〈◊〉 the hill where perswasion would not with their drawn Swords forced the Souldiers who striving might and main to win the rampiers the walls having been there shaken with 2539. shot the Christians with invincible courage opposed them so that a more desperate fight was hardly to be seen c. In which dreadful fight many of the Defendants were slain but of the Turks 20 to one the Christians with murthering shot making lanes out of the loupes nigh the Gate 〈◊〉 the ditch yet the Bassaes and great Captains forcing them foreward if any turned back 〈◊〉 him so that the Turks seeing the danger in retiring pressing on and others stepping into the rooms of the slain they again recovered the rampiers advancing their Ensigns Mahomet beginning to lift up his head but the Companies ready in the Market-place for all events speedily comming before the Turks had taken good footing slew a great number forcing the rest from the rampiers plucking down their Ensigns and setting up their own Wherewith the Turks dismayed without a sign retreated in spight of their Commanders hastily to the Camp Mahomet returning into his Pavilion two dayes tormented himself not admitting any one to his presence The Christians having taken their spoil set dead Turks Heads on poles round the City 12000 of them being slain in the assault besides wounded 400 Christians were lost none that came to the breach escaping without some wound After two dayes Mahomet resolved with his two Bassaes to gage his whole forces on another assault for they thought the defendants wasted and weakened could not hold out another Whereupon every man being straitly commanded to be ready great rewards were promised to those who performed any special service Mahomet the mean time spared not the walls c. omitting his Cannon and the Christians with restless labour c. omitting nought that could be devised for defence The new Moon beginning to shew her self the Turks Priests gave the Souldiers knowledge thereof by singing a Song like a procession the Army answering with a short but wonderful noise bowed to the Moon with great superstition Then beginning to draw nigh the City a mile round was thick covered with them The Christians were ready to repulse them chiefly at the great Gate where Moneta and his Brother Moncinus undertook to receive the first assault commonly the terriblest of the three which they give Mahomet going to the top of the Mount before day and the Signall given by 11 Cannons and 12 lesser Pieces the Turks assailing the City round with a most hideous outcry and nimbleness had in a trice set up an Ensign on the Gate 's rampiers which was pluckt down by Moneta and the Turks driven down with great slaughter the assault thus continuing till day Moneta received divers wounds being twice beaten down yet still recovered himself c. Mahomet discharging his great Ordnance on the Christians standing thick in the breach many were rent in pieces and the rest dismayed wherefore the Turks comming on again
forced to enter to the uttermost but Moneta maintained the place till new Supplies came not departing nor suffering others till the assault was ended whom nothing so much troubled as the great Ordnance when the Turks were driven back almost clearing the breach but others stepping in their room manfully repulsed the Turks Mahomet now commanded all his forces to be drawn to the Gate there to renew the assault Whereupon the greatest part being brought to the place they so furiously assaulted the breach that soon slaying most of the defendants they had advanced divers Ensignes but new supplies comming to the place of danger drave them back clearing the breach and overthrowing the Ensigns which turning Mahomet's joy into choler he discharging all his great Artillery at once into the breach many of his own were slain with the defendants The great Captains being in the eye of their Master forced the Souldiers forward with their swords adventuring also themselves whereby the fight was more fierce than before Many Turks were slain but the Defendants being oppressed with multitude and overwhelmed with shot were scarce able to maintain the place Wherefore a great cry running through the City that every man should repair to the breach a multitude of all sorts meeting there together so valiantly encountred the Turks upon the Rampiers that they began again to shrink back which Mahomet perceiving commanded the Ordnance to be discharged into the breach not regarding his own men and threatning his Captains with horrible death if they returned without victory wherefore the assault was 〈◊〉 newed but the Ordnance slew many Turks as well as Christians the shot falling thrice among the Turks themselves rent many a sunder to the others discouragement yet they maintained a long and terrible fight at which time with one onely shot 18 Defendants were slain Arrows fleeing and lying so thick that for a month after they burnt nothing but Turks Arrows nothing was to be heard but the terrour of the ears nothing but death and its instruments to be seen a fearful cry running through the City that without present help all would be lost whereupon not only the whole but the sick and wounded chearing themselves ran with speed to the place so that the Turks were slain in great numbers yet fresh ones still coming up the deadly fight was still maintained many falling on both sides the Turks one while seeming to have the better and streightway the worse which doubtful fight continued most part of the day and most on both sides alive being wounded or hurt the assault began to asswage Mahomet now despairing of victory sounded a retreat which the Turks hearing ran as men affrighted to their 〈◊〉 The Christians joy of this victory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with much sorrow for such men as were slain many of whose bodies they gathering up by peace-male buried with the rest of the slain Then also repairing their breaches they made ready for a fresh assault Mahomet much grieved with this losse and dishonour wished he had never heard of Scodra's name saying of God It were enough for him to care for heavenly matters and not crosse him in his worldly actions and tormenting himself again in his Tent two dayes not to be spoke withall On the third day calling a general Councel said He determined to give a fresh assault hoping for an easie victory over those so weakened but they all with one voice cryed out to the contrary his best Souldiers being already slain and most of those left sore wounded or weakned c. And Achmetes Bassa the Turks great champion standing up with pleasing speech calmed Mahomets fury and with grounded reasons perswaded him to desist and to take a surer course who having set forch the greatness of his valour praises and conquests who had gained from the Christians 20 Provinces and 200 great Cities saying Caesar Scipio Pyrrhus and Hannibal c. were all inferiour to him in victories and Countries subdued said In his opinion Scodra which should not so much grieve him worldly things often deceiving their expectation was not again to be assaulted for he searching every Tent found no place without groaning sighing c. he having also lot above 30000 of his best Souldiers in the last assault they being all now afraid and discouraged whom himself he said asking how so great a fear was come upon them they answered It was the very look of the men of Scodra whose eyes seemed to sparkle with fire that struck that terrour into them wherefore setting forth Scodra's strength and how himself had subjected to Mahomet the long desired City of Croia he concluded that if he would win Scodra he must block it up build strong Forts round about it and make a 〈◊〉 over Boliana with a strong Castle on each side to stop the passage then to besiege other weaker Cities of the Venetians and subdue the Country round about which would not be hard he being Master of the field so Scodra said he must needs yield at last as lately did Croia by famine This Counsel so pleased Mahomet and the rest that the assault being laid aside the Bassa of Constantinople was sent to Zabiache a City in Dalmatia's borders which in few daies was yielded to him who thrusting out the Inhabitants and leaving therein a Turkish Garrison returned to Scodra Then also the Bassa of Asia was sent against Drivasto whither Mahomet coming after 16 daies siege next day he took it without much resistance putting those on the walls to the sword and cruelly slaying the rest being 300 before Scodra to terrifie the Defendants Next day he sending the Bassa of Constantinople to Lyssa 30 miles from Scodra he finding the Citizens fled for fear fired the City where also the Turks dig'd up Scanderbeg's bones as aforesaid Mahomet committing all touching Scodra's siege unto Achmetes himself departed about Sept. 7. with 40000 to Constantinople cursing banning by the way Epirus and all that was therein especially Scodra After which the two Bassaes built a Bridge over Boliana with a Castle on either side to hinder Scodra's relief which being furnished with all necessaries they returning left Achmetes with 40000 to continue the siege who so ordering that no relief could be brought the Christians at length were fain to eat all loathsome things c. a Mouse being sold at an 〈◊〉 price as also puddings made of Dogs guts The Venetians now weary of 16 years chargeable war to their great losse and not able to relieve distressed Scodra sent 〈◊〉 an experienced Senator to Mahomet who at length concluded a Peace Mahomet to have Scodra Lemnos and the Castle of Tenarus in Peloponesus delivered to him with 8000 Duckats yearly And that they might freely traffique in all parts of his Dominions and for those of Scodra they might live still under the Turks Government or depart with goods whither they pleased whereof the Governour being certified declared to the Citizens how things stood After a thorow debate they concluded
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
like Antiochus the Aetolians and Vitellians all whose courage consisted in words c. but Victory was gained by exposing themselves to danger Though the multitude with these and the like 〈◊〉 moved desired to fight as not wanting Weapons courage or hands to slaughter their enemies yet the graver sort thought not good to adventure any great part of forces afterwards to be wanted for defence of the City The Turkish General deceived of his expectation withdrew 12 miles off to Villanova where landing his men he burnt all the corn thereabouts the people being all retired either into the Rhodes or Castles in other places of the Islands Villerius careful to reserve his Souldiers for more expected dangers commanded troops sent to skirmish with them to return and during the Siege he would often eat his meat with his Souldiers watching himself and walking up and down he would rest on some homely seat as it chanced being more adventurous in time of assault than was wished yet more allowing Counsel grounded on Reason than prosperous actions commended but by events he carried alwayes among so many cares such a grace in his chearful countenance as made him to be reverenced and loved bestowing all the time he could spare in praying c. and that oftentimes most of the night in the Temple alone his Armour laying by him so that it was commonly said His Devotion and Care would make the City invincible July 26. Early news came from Stevens watch-Tower about a mile off 〈◊〉 a huge Fleet reported above 200 sayl was making thitherwards along the West of Lycia whereupon all places were full of tumult and a pittiful cry as is usual in such cases publike prayers were made throughout the City 〈◊〉 ended the gates were shut up people of all ages and sexes going forth to gaze upon that dreadful Fleet the formost being the Admiral of Callipolis who was to assail the City by Sea Cara Mahometes was Rear-Admiral with a great squadron of Galleys and a fair wind striking before the mouth of the Haven began to row towards the City but many hasting unto that Bulwark defending the left side of the Haven more subject to danger than the other the Turk fearing to be sunk got him to the rest of the Fleet the Rhodians deriding him with out-cryes for his folly The Fleet passing on came to the Promontorie of Bo about 3 miles Eastward which Harbour being too small many Galleys riding it out at Sea were by shot often forced to get further off Whilst the enemy was landing and transporting all things and men also viewing the City and choosing a fit place for his Camp the Rhodians sunk many soundding the Walls to discover the enemies Mines and fortified their Bulwarks with bigger Rampires The Master sent also one Knight into Spain to Charls the Emperour and another to Rome thence into France craving ayd by Letters for relief by Sea and Land but they grudging against each other or respecting only themselves returned them with good words without relief Then also Preianes forementioned comparable with any Captain of that age c. having hid himself 2 or 3 dayes in the Rocks at Sea for fear of the Turks came by night in a Pinnace to the Rhodes whereat they wondrously rejoyced whom Villerius in any great exploit trusted above any and who in the Siege chearfully endured such labours as others accounted extream miseries Also Mariningus a most skilful Engineer coming out of Creet defeated by Counter-mines 55 Mines which the Turks made with exceeding charge and labour The City is 〈◊〉 on a Plain every way to be besieged except Northward for its goodly Haven thence laying all Westward 〈◊〉 it and the Hill's about it is a stony Plain longer than broader the Hills being full of planted Orchards but it was compassed with a most strong double Wall deep Trenches having 13 sure and stately Towers with 5 mighty Bulwarks divers fair gates with most exact Warlike Discipline from the French Tower seeming to mate the skie stood the French with the Lillies in their Ensignes under Abimus a Knight of the Order thence to George's gate lay the Germans with the Eagle then the French Avergnois with the Spaniards the Ditches being there not so deep or broad as elswhere Fiftly the English whom the Master himself commanded then they of Narbona lastly the Italians under Balimus and Morgutus In every Station were divers valiant Knights of the Order A Turkish woman-slave conspired with some others when the Turks gave the first assault to fire the Houses wherein they dwelt in divers places that the defendants drawn to quench it the Turks might more easily enter but the Treason was revealed and they executed The Turks had not placed their Battery when as they took a Hill whereon stood Cosmus and Domianus Temple right against the English Station with little hurt so far off shooting thence into the City Then having with them 5000 pioneers whom they forced to labour day and night with incredible speed wayes were cut through the stony Rocks Plaines rais'd to Mountains with earth brought two miles off and Mountains levelled yet were they sadly rent in sunder with the Town-Ordnance the Rhodians also sallying out fiercely pursued and slew great numbers of them and of others defending them and when many others thought to relieve their fellows the Ordnance from the Walls so thundered among them that the ground was covered with Weapons and Carcasses After three such salleys the Turks wrought most by night keeping most strong watch and doubling it by day bending their Ordnance against the Rhodians sallying places which kept them not so much in as the fear of weakening themselves Amongst others certain Marriners having the Turks 〈◊〉 by leave disguising themselves as Turks came forth by night in a small Boat laden with Apples Pears Plums c. to the place where the passage is out of the maine There as if come from the main the Turks bought their fruit greedily which they having sold and now ready to depart certain Turks disliking the hard beginning of the Siege earnestly requested to be taken with them into the maine who with much ado in shew were entreated to take in 7 or 8 whom they could master bringing them prisoners to the Rhodes Where being brought up by Preianes to the top a Tower where they might descry all the Turks Camp discovered unto him all he demanded and confessing that the Souldiers discontented with the Siege were ready to mutiny hardly to be commanded forth saying all was but lost labour c. Wherefore if they were wise they should in time depart which appeared afterwards true for Pyrrhus Bassa gladder to please the Souldiers than to punish wrote to Solyman if he would have the Siege go forward he should speedily come in person to the Camp they refusing to be commanded The Turkish Captains heard the while by some fugitives that the high steeple of St. Johns served as a watch-Tower Wherefore and
sounds made in the Earth and so met withall by countermines that most were frustrated and 8000 Turks slain or buried quick therein Solyman that they might not so perfectly discover his Mines appointed his Army divided into four parts in order to give the Defendants a continual Alarum whereby his works went forward with all possible speed and one Mine was suddenly blown up shaking and overthrowing much of the wall nigh the Gate leading towards Carinthia whereat the Turks greatly shouting pressed in on all sides by the ruines of the wall charging the Defendants with shot and Arrowes very thick who resolutely standing in the face of the breach so received them with shot and push of Pike that they began to retire whereupon Solyman sent in new supplies but these also receiving a great overthrow retired without any sign of retreat The ground nigh the Town lay covered and the ditches filled with dead Turks Ere long the wall was blown up in two other places by which breach not very great they sought so desperately to enter that they thrust one another upon the point of their enemies Weapons who slew them without number being mostly without Armour enforcing them again disorderly to retire filling the breaches with their dead Carkasses Three dayes after another piece of the Wall not farre from the first breach was so suddenly overthrown that for eagerness on both sides throwing away Guns and Bowes they came to handy-blowes in midst of the breach the Turks with Scimitars the Germanes with long Swords as their Captains encouraged them with chearful perswasions so the Turks Captains forced them forward with words and wounds t was thought a more fierce and deadly fight was never seen for many Turks Horsemen thrust in on foot amongst the rest and fought most desperately At the last after three houres furious fight the Turks seeing no hope retired to their Camp many of their best Captains and Souldiers lying dead by heaps It were tedious to recount every assault in particular yet Lord Rogendorff is not to be forgotten who one day sallyed out with some Troops upon many stragling Turks with such violence that overthrowing them at first on-set and chasing them scarce 140 of 5300 escaped after which his name was terrible to the Turks Solyman exceedingly grieved with his vain assaults purposed to prove the utmost of his forces and calling his chief Commanders at first sharply reproved them as of no courage who had turned their backs in the breaches half won wherefore he counting it a great dishonour to forsake the siege they should resolve next day as Conquerors to take the City or as cowards to end their dayes Next day Octob. 15. they with all their sorces assailed the City thrusting their men by heaps into the breaches as if they would with very multitude have overborn the Christians being at handy blowes the fight was most terrible the Christians still repulsing them whose Ordnance also fitly mounted made such slaughter among the thickest of them that they shrunk back and chose rather to be slain of their own Captains as some were then to be rent in sunder by the murthering shot so that the Captains seeing no remedy retired leaving many thousands dead in the Town-ditches Next day Solyman despairing and fearing Ferdinand and the Count Palatine their coming winter also coming fast on determined to raise the siege to colour which dishonour he sent certain chief prisoners richly appareld and full of money to tell them of the City he came not intending to besiege or take Vienna but to revenge wrongs done him by Ferdinand and to fight with him for the Hungarian Kingdom whom since he could not draw to Vienna he would remove to seek for him wherefore they should yield promising not to enter their City but to receive them all into his protection reserving them their lives goods and freedom which they scornfully refused as proceeding of desperation Next night he slew all the prisoners in his Army which pittiful outcries they heard into the City not knowing what it should be till after his departure they found men women and Children wallowed in their own blood Solyman causing Abraham to shew himself in order as if to give a fresh assault rose himself the while with the rest returningin such 〈◊〉 that he neither garrison'd or demanded tribute of any places taken Abraham following him a dayes journey behind he arrived at Buda in five dayes 32 Germane miles from Vienna He is reported to have lost 80000 men his Lieutenant of Asia being one and many forward Captains Few or none of name of the defendants were lost but of the country above 60000 were thought to be slain and carried captive all about Vienna being miserably spoiled Solyman restored Buda to King John who by writing acknowledged himself his Vassall to whom he joyned Grittus as his legat to help him in providing for that Kingdoms defence While Solyman lay at Buda he was one day earnest with King John to receive the Bishop of Strigonium and Perenus who had taken part with Ferdinand into his former favour who shewing himself unwilling to be intreated said their mutable mindes would never contain themselves within the bounds of loyalty but find occasion to commit some fowler treason whereto Solyman straining his voice a little as somewhat moved replyed Can any thing happen better to thee in this life than for thy enemies by thy kindness to be accounted by all ungrateful c. when as in thee the commendation of a courteous Prince shall for ever remain So fearing the cold of approaching Winter he set forward to Belgrade thence to Constantinople All this while Charls the Emperour lately reconciled to Pope Clement 7th besieged Florence by Davalus labouring to bring them again under the subjection of the Medici's whereof Clement was chief which with much adoe he bringing to passe invested Alexander the Popes Nephew in 〈◊〉 Dukedom And giving him his 〈◊〉 Daughter in marriage forgetting his Brother Ferdinand the 〈◊〉 and Austria 〈◊〉 with Vienna endangered Next year 1520 Solyman with great solemnity circumcised his Sons Mustapha Mahomet and Selimus at Constantinople And hardly digesting the dishonour at Vienna and solicited by John against Ferdinand who with greater stomack still 〈◊〉 him but mostly from an exceeding unsatiable desire of enlarging his Empire he raised an Army purposing chiefly to conquer all Ferdinands Dominions and so all Germany prefining to himself but three years for accomplishment It was reported that he would oft say what belonged to the Roman Empire was of right his he being possessed of the Seat and Scepter of Constantine the great wherefore when he mentioned Charls he would as in disdain terme him King of Spain but never Emperour Christian Princes discord and great troubles then in Germany about Religion not a little encouraged him to his expedition Ferdinand sent him three Embassadors whereof Noble Negarola skilled in divers Languages was chief with rich presents and reasonable offers for
Religion secretly encouraging the chief Captives with whom they were acquainted to lay hold on their liberty two of whom Francis a Spaniard and Caterus a Dalmatian Eunuch adventured to open the prison-doors giving Instruments to the poor prisoners who boldly brake off their chains and Gyves and so about 6000 Christians armed with what came first to hand chiefly with stones brake forth suddenly upon the Turks in the Castle Ramadas the runagate Captain stirred up with the terrible noise with a few Souldiers ran to the gate where a lusty Cicilian prisoner had with a bar thereof struck down one or two of the Warders and bolted the Gate Ramadas 〈◊〉 him went forth with his few followers carrying news to Barbarussa the Christians now loosed slaying divers Turks possessed all the Castle and breaking open the Armory gave signs from a Turret to the Christian Army by smoak and false fires of Gunpowder Lastly displaying Sarmentus his Ensign taken by Tabacches as aforesaid they were too far off well to perceive these signes yet by fugitives comming oft out of Tunis Charls and Muleasses were perswaded some great tumult was risen wherefore 2 Captains with their Companies were sent to discover the matter Barbarussa the while in his fury blaspheming his gods and bitterly curling the Jew came to the Castle-gate with tears in his eyes requesting the late-captives forthwith to let him in faithfully promising them liberty with a general pardon but they 〈◊〉 stones at him with many opprobrions words rejected him So that he enraged shot at them himse f betaking himself to flight 7000 Turks following him intending to flee to the Citty Hippona now Bona for there had Barbarussa left 14 Galleys against any mischance having laid up their furniture in the Garrison'd Castle fast by the Lake Charls hearing of his flight came to the gates the Magistrates being ready to submit only requesting that his Sculdiers might encamp without the City and not seek the utter ruine thereof promising they should want nothing there to be had Muleasses also earnestly entreating him in the Citizens behalf but he doubting not without cause the Moors fidelity they also delaying the Souldiers promised wages expecting the utmost of Barbarussa he could not be perswaded to promise them certain safety moved also by the Souldiers discontenred speeches Whilst the Emperour stood thus in doubt Vastius came with a few to the Castle gate and was joyfully received in by the Captives but whilst he viewed the wealth and provision a Ligurian-captive discovered to him a Well wherein Barbarussa had cast 30000 Duckats in bags which he easily obtained of Charls as well deserving them The Captives taking the Castle 's spoyl the Army would enter the City running after the spoyl the Citizens in vain calling upon the faith of Muleasses They slew many at first entrance the Spaniards and Italians seeking most after spoyl but the Germans filled all places with dead Mahometans not regarding sex or age their Temples swimming with the blood of those fled into them which continued till Charls through Muleasse's pittiful request proclaimed None on pain of death to hurt any Citizen or take prisoners For all that many young men and women were by the Marriners carried away to the Fleet many of whom Muleasses redeemed for a little money one of his Wives the dearest being ransomed for two Duckats The Emperour entring the Castle commended the captives giving them money promising them shipping and provision to bring every man to his own Countrey unto the manumissed servants he gave money and apparel learning of them of Barbarussas's purposes and secret disposition In the Castle 's spoyl Muleasses chiefly lamented the loss of the old Arabian books containing the interpretation of Mahomet's Law and his Predecessours Acts which losse he said he would most gladly if possible have redeemed with the price of a City then the pretious oyntments and perfumes with the great store of Ambetgreece Musk and Civet Lastly the rare and rich Colours for painting trodden under foot Here were divers Head-pieces and other Armour of the French laid up in memory of the Moors Victorie who with King Lewis had besieged it about 300 years before Barbarussa easily passed over the River Bagrada or Maior-dech though pursued by certain Namidian horse raised by Muleasses who dared not come near him for his Harquebusiers and Archers in the rear and so came to Hippona yet he lost Haiden of Smyrna in that passage who died on the bank with drinking so much resting his men two dayes He called them together comforting them with good words and perswading them c. for he determined he said to go with the Fleet he had to Algiers where he would being recruited undertake some Attempt answerable to their desires and his own credit It 's reported Never was vanquished Captain answered with a more cheerful acclamation than he then was Wherefore he most speedily weighed up those sunk Galleys furnishing them against all assayes casting upon the Lake's-brink a Mount with Artillary for defence of the Harbour not vainly conjecturing that the Christian Fleet would come to impeach his going out And indeed Adam a German Captain of no great skil yet the Admiral 's Kinsman was appointed with some Gallions and 14 Galleys to set forward towards Hippona hoping to purchase great honour of the unproviced enemy but being come near Hippona he was advertised what Barbarussa had done Whereat he greatly troubled upon good advice returned to the Fleet for more aid Barbarussa a while doubting whether to pursue them more in number than his own Galleys or to persist in his former purpose unto which opinion the Captains inclining he letting slip a fair occasion leaving a small Garrison in the Castle sayled to Algiers Adam being returned many great ones were exceedingly offended that by some's negligence and others unrulinesse going ashear without leave so fair an occasion was neglected for had those Galleys been sunk or taken Barbarussa could not have escaped it being verily thought the Numidians the Turks deadly enemies would in advantagious places have cut off him and his followers in his long and painful travail by land to Algiers Auria angry both with himself those entrusted yet not out of hope went to Hippona but Barbarussa gone he took the City overthrowing its walls but taking the Castle by force he placed Gometius with a Garrison and so returned This Gometius though valiant became so infamous for avarice towards enemy and friend that for fear how to answer such things he executed himself the Castle being afterwards razed as not without marvellous charge to be kept after which a Council being held touching Muleasses Charls placed him in his Kingdom to pay him yearly as tribute 2 Faulcons and 2 Numid an 〈◊〉 also ever to honour the Emperour and be a friend to all Christians and an utter enemy to the Turks and to defray the charges of above 1000 Spaniards left in Guletta whereby he as it were kept the Keys
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
Charls's great good when the Venetians spent with long and chargable wars should be stripped by force or wrung by necessity from Lands and Territories Solyman grieved determined to besiege Newcastle again by sea and land caufing also Nauplium and Epidaurus in Peloponnesus Venetian Cities to be besieged yet he took singular pleasure that Barbarussa the worst fu nished had driven the great Christian Fleet out of the sea Wherefore at Spring 1539. Barbarussa repaired his Fleet notably furnishing it and manning his Galleys most with select Souldiers and Summer well come on He came to Rizonicus Bay when Ulames Governour of Bosna appeared with his Forces on the Mountains as he had in charge Barbarussa sent before him Dragut and Corsetus with 30 Galliots who landing their men at Castronovum or Newcastle were encountred by Sarmentus and forced to their Galliots many being slain and taken After which came Barbarussa with 60 Galleys and 3 tall ships which carried all warlike provisions spending 3 dayes in landing his Ordnance and casting up Trenches done but by night for the Town-shot which slew in that space about 1000 Turks Agis Hariadexus as it were a King at Taiorea in Africa being one to Barbarussas's great grief who gave a fourth part of his 54 battering pieces to Ulames on the North side himself bat ering the East side in 3 places and Salec from sea battering another part Sarmentus thus assayled did what he could to repair the breaches the Turks the while taking a Tower whence having displayed their Ensignes they sore troubled the Spaniards Ulames also had made a breach and was ready to enter Whereupon Sarmentus commanded the hurt Souldiers to get into the Castle below and the rest with him to take the Market-place where the Turks breaking in made a most bloudy fight the Spaniards being almost every man slain Sarmentus wounded in the face with 3 arrows and wearied seeing Fria a Captain ready to flee sharply reproving him caught him by the hand making him tarry till both slain many valiant Captains were there lost Arius with the wounded Soldiers in the Castle now yielded whose lives Barbarussa as he promised spared but carried them into captivity and desirous to send Sarmentus's Head to Solyman he offered money and liberty for his body but it could not be known among so many dead heaps Barbarussa proud of this Victory wrote threats to Bembus a Venetian Senatour Governour of Cattarus in the bottom of that Bay to deliver the City else he would assault it Bembus answered in so doing he should violate the late League and that he should find him ready to repel his Forces He displeased sent some Galleys discharging great pieces at Cattarus as if come to besiege it Bembus discharging as many more at them shewed his men on the Walls whereupon Barbarussa returned to Castronovum and appeased with Presents from Bembus he departed out of the Bay The long wars between the Emperour and French King were now well pacified and such shew of Friendship betwixt them that most men thought they would as one go against the Turk which opinion not wholly believed by the wiser sort this also confirmed that Vastius and Hanebald 2 of their most famous Captains were sent Embassadours to draw the Venetians into the confederation of that War who gallantly coming to Venice were by Duke Laudus and the State magnificently received the people flocking together to behold them especially Vastius with his tall and comely person They having audience in the Senate Vastius arising from the Dukes side made an oration shewing That by Gods great Providence two of the mightiest Kings of Europe having had long mortal wars were being touched with zeal of Religion become great friends to revenge so many calamities received from the Infidel that they were sent to kindle in them the like zeal who being of such power at sea were wished for of all other as their Confederates in that sacred war and hoped Victory As for Land Forces unto those lately brought into the field at Vienna should be joined all the horse Infantry of France all the forces of Sigismund King of Polonia Wherefore the Victorious Emperour and most Christian King Francis did most instantly request them to enter into the like godly cogitations c. For it might worthily seem a most shameful thing unto them to have renewed their League c. Neither did it beseem that most wealthy State to be terrified with any charges from what was good and right for by the profit of one sea or land-Victory they should to their incomparable praise recompence all former losses The Duke answered in the name of the State Never any thing happened to them more honourable or more desirable than the hope of such a peace wholsome to the endangered Venetian State and wondrously to be desired of all Christian Princes if those two most mighty would sincerely religiously and unitedly resolve upon that sacred War for then would the Venetians not be wanting c. but end their League with the Turk wherefore it was to be requested of the Almighty God that they would speedily and seriously fulfil that hope of Peace which they had in shew promised Few dayes after some select Senatours sitting in Council calling the Embassadours asked them if they knew any thing of the Capitulation of that League and whether they thought Charls in regard thereof would give Francis his son the Dukedome of Millane as was reported Hanebald was silent Vastius said He knew no more but that they had agreed betwixt themselves and that the Emperour 's desired peace to help the afflicted c. could not be effected without yielding in many things to the requests of the French King c. The Nobility and Authority of this Embassage more moved the Senate than he former Embassadours Mendoza a Spaniard and Pellicerius a French-man then present yet they much suspected it because containing no certain resolution c. yet all seemed to rest in this point that the Venetians in hope of this League should neglect the renewing of last-years League with Solyman now almost expired On which uncertainty the grave Senatours thought it too dangerous to depend yet the Senate was wonderfully divided Some inveighed against the renewing of that shameful League with the Infidels urging with many reasons the Christian Confederation Others of deeper reach considering their exceeding harms by falling out with the Turk and suspecting the Emperours drift with the great dearth then in the City not to be relieved but out of Macedonia and Greece Charls having then imposed a Custome on all Corn coming out of Sicily amounting to the price of the Corn and fraight which mischiefs they said were to be prevented by renewing of the league They speut almost whole Winter-nights in the Court consulting what best to do but all there said or decreed was made known not only to the Embassadours but in Provinces far off never before in that State known Foscarus an old Senatour
Turks Captains great presents receiving the like Lastly his Letters seeming to promise some Hungarian Captains greater entertainment than agreed with his estate all which Ferdinand hardly conceiving ill of the Germans but any thing of Strangers soon believed Perenus being come near the Gate of Vienna hearing Torniellus with other brave ones were come to meet the Admiral requested he might speak to them out of the close Coach being opened wherein he rode which was easily granted he seeming to those who had charge of him unworthy of such suspition he made a lamentable speech unto them concerning his being apprehended saying As for the Kingdom of Hungary he might well have affected it and easily have deserved it of Solyman when Ferdinand John being dead was preparing for that war at which time his friends followers with the Hungarians love toward him might have ministred no unreasonable or unseasonable hope to have drawn a man into courses not wholly beseeming a Christian wherefore saith he I have and will while I live fight against the Turks if King Ferdinand shall shew himself an indifferent Judge in this accusation falsely surmised by the malice of mine enemies The Admirall Medices perswaded him to hope well in the most just King's clemency and soon after he and Torniellus entreated the King while hunting to deal favourably with him Yet Perenus could not obtain an open hearing but was committed to perpetual imprisonment either for surprision of new Treason or for his old inconstancy This end had the Warres undertaken by general consent of the Germans against the Turks in 1542. Ferdinand 〈◊〉 spent in vain a masse of Treasure and lost the opinion before conceived of the strength of Germany Polinus in 1543. ceased not by all meanes to solicit Solyman to ayd his Master against Charls in Italy Sicily and Spain but he was so crossed by Solyman then Visier that he almost despaired for the 〈◊〉 being a great Seaman envied the honour of Barbarussa protesting in Councel he saw no cause why Solyman 〈◊〉 send out such a Fleet but to serve Barbarussa's own turn but Solyman decreed according to his promise to send his Fleet to the French King by Barbarussa two dayes after which Polinus was 〈◊〉 by Rustan Bassa and Solyman the Eunuch for it was their Master's pleasure both joying of him for the friendship confirmed betwixt the two Princes So after divers 〈◊〉 bestowed on him and his chief followers Solyman at his departure gave him great charge of his Navy after the service done to be again returned delivering him Letters to King Francis to the like purpose telling him all things should 〈◊〉 out according to both their desires if he took heed that Charls did not again deceive him with the motion of a deceitful peace Polinus returned from Hadrianople where Solyman then lay to Constantinople finding Barbarussa ready to put to Sea with 110 Gallies and 40 Galliots so setting forward April 28. 1543 he arrived first at Caristius in Euboea thence to Malea and cast by contrary winds into Lacedemon Bay staying nine dayes ere he could double the Cape Metapanium Then from Methone he came to the Strait of Messana where in sight of Rhegium they began to land their men wherefore they of the City fled forth for fear but the Castle was kept by Gaietane a Spaniard who refusing parley slew certain of the Turks with shot wherewith the rest enraged fired the desolate City sore against Polinus and Barbarussa's will who sought for the Authours to punish them Ordnance being planted against the Castle a few shot so terrified the Captain troubled with his Wives outcry that he yielded it with all therein to the enemy to whom with his Wife and Children he granted life and liberty 〈◊〉 up the rest and giving the spoil to his Souldiers there was about 70 Spaniards and many more Citizens all carried away prisoners Old Barbarussa becoming amorous of one of the Captains very beautiful Daughters entring her into Mahometanism made of her as his Wife bountifully entertaining the Captain as his Father in Law who came to see her at Hercules Port in Tuscany Barbarussa came to Ostia in the mouth of Tiber so frighting them of Rome that they were ready to forsake the City had not Polinus by his Letters to Rodolph Pope Paul's Legate in the City in part stayed the sudden tumult The Bishop was then at Buxetum travelling in shew with 〈◊〉 Emperour to make peace betwixt him and the French but secretly labouring to buy of him the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 for Octavius his Kinsman Charls's Son in Law As Polinus comforted up Rodolph the Cardinall so also them of 〈◊〉 and Ostia so that they brought the Turks all manner of Victuall and sometimes four Sheep or two Oxen redeemed a Prisoner of Naples yet many of the weaker sort fled out of the City by night though the Magistrates did what they could to stay them Barbarussa laying there three dayes and watring passed along Etruria and Liguria without doing harm and so sailed to Marselles where we leave him for a while Solyman came with a great Army into Hungary for the more assured possession of that Kingdom sending Amurathes and Ulames to besiege Walpo strong and scituate upon Dravus not far from Exek after whom followed Achomates with his European Horse This Town Perenus's possession was by his Wife and her friends worthily defended three moneths at last delivered to the enemy by the Souldiers who when they could not perswade their General to consent to a yielding took him perforce delivering him with the Town to the Turks who received him with all courtesie but the traiterous Souldiers were all put to the Sword the other Citizens being well used the Bishop and chief men of Quinque-Ecclesiae not far off now fled for fear the meaner sort willingly yielding it to the Turks Next strong Town was Soclosia belonging also to Perenus which divers Gentlemen encouraging the Citizens to stand on their defence held out a while but after much harm on both sides they retired into the Castle hoping to save themselves by yielding but Amurathes was so offended that promising them onely to come forth at their pleasure as they came out slew them all to terrifie others Solyman giving those Towns to Amurathes departed from Buda to besiege Strigonium kept by Liscanus and 〈◊〉 two Spaniards with 〈◊〉 Souldiers Paul the Bishop got away betimes despairing of mercy who by Solyman's interposing had been reconciled to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 again revolted to Ferdinand The Castle stood on a high Hill overlooking Danubius underneath it the Walls were built after the old manner before Guns were invented wherefore Vitellius and Torniellus sent the year before to view the place thought the City could hardly be defended if besieged by a strong enemy being also subject to a Hill not far off so that the old Garrison cast up new Bulwarks and Fortifications and making great boast seemed to wish for Solyman's coming but when he had with his
with greater slaughter they gave over the 5 hours assault Wherein Valetta armed with a 〈◊〉 was still valiantly fighting in the face of the Breach so encouraging even the boyes and women to fight yet part of the Turks stood still in the Town-ditch having cast up a defence of earth faggots c. to save themselves in approaching to undermine the wall but the besieged bending their Artillery upon it slew many 〈◊〉 what was left Next day the assault was renewed at the same places first battering both Towns all day and the Moon rising about mid night with a horrible cry began a most terrible assault yet the Christians at first much troubled with weapons and fire-works made the enemy after 3 hours fight to retire ill-intreated on which day a Mine was perceived at the Castle-bulwark wherein 100 Turks were almost all slain and the Mine destroyed yet next 〈◊〉 did the enemy give 7 assaults using fire-works also Bobinsegna losing one of his eyes therewith The Turks also mightily laboured to enter the Castle at the Spur but Centius a 〈◊〉 with a pike thrust them down 〈◊〉 were climbing up the Rampire thrusting one thorow but himself shot in the arm who withdrawing to have his 〈◊〉 bound up returned to the Rampire never departing till as a Conquerour he had preserved the place So the Turks with great slaughter left the Christians Victors of whom almost 100 were slain one Knight at St. Angelo and divers at St. Michaels where the Turks also having wrought a Mine it was destroyed Certain Knights fearing lest that so often attempted by the enemy should at length be effected told Valetta they thought it meet and needful to remove all the Records Pictures reliques of Saints c. into the Castle of S. Angelo a place of more strength He exceeding moved though he knew they spake it of a good mind answered So to do were but to discourage the Malteses and also the mercenary Souldiers Wherefore he would keep all or lose all And because none should hope in the strength of that Castle he would bring forth all the Garrison into the Town leaving nothing but Gunners in it to shoot at the enemy as need required But with the dawning of this day the Turks assayled the same places with the greatest fury chiefly at the ruines of the Castle where Romanus an Avergnois lost his transitory life and at Michaels divers Knight were grievously wounded for the enemy suddenly retiring mightily thundred into the breaches with great and small shot Valetta thorowly wearied had withdrawn himself but a little when a Priest came roaring out that all was lost 3 or 4 Ensigns being by the Castle breach broken into the Town whereupon he clapt on his Helmet and with pike in hand uttered a brief comfortable speech to those about him concluding Wherefore follow me valiant hearts and so hastened to the place of most danger with Souldiers Citizens men and women old and young yea the very Children There was a most dreadful and dangerous battel within without all was covered with Darts Weapons dead bodies and blood Valetta being every where present commending exhorting directing as occasion required At length the Turks with sun-setting retired above 2000 were slain besides every one of them who were entred Valetta losing in this fight above 200 men 〈◊〉 the Viceroy Aug. 20. with 72 Galleys set forward ftom Messana to Syracusa with 1000 select Souldiers above 200 being Knights of St. John and about 40 of the order of St. Steven instituted by Cosmus Medices Duke of Florence in 1561 and residing in Cosmopolis a new-built City in the Island of Elba There were also divers noble and valiant men The Viceroy sent Auria from Syracusa to land a man to know of Paccius what news or what he had seen who said there was but one Galliot seen at sea which Aug. 21 made towards Gaulos and the same day 16 Galleys came to water at Saline but the nights coming on hindred a further deserying of them The besieged had notably repaired the breach at the Castle-bulwark placing Ordnance in divers places to flanker the Ditches and beat the Mount cast up by the enemy to annoy the Castle with small shot who at once to assault both Towns as before brought an Engine to cover 30 men under the breach at Michaels so that the Defendants could not without danger there appear Wherefore sallying out they put them to slight under it burning the Engine So also they did at the new City and next night some issuing out of the Castle destroyed the Engines prepared slew the keepers thereof and safely returned but the enemies 〈◊〉 not but repairing things laboured to beat the Ch 〈◊〉 from the walls in both places and were by valour and industry frustrated The besieged made a Mine at the Castle-breach to blow up the enemy if he should again assault it but the Turks there working a Mine also lighted on theirs spoiling it carrying away the powder Mustapha considering the summer to be far spent determined with all his power once more to assault Michaels Castle Wherefore displaying of his Emperours stately Standard he commanded his men to enter the Breach where was made a most terrible and doubtful fight but the Turks having been twice beaten down Mustapha came himself to the places praying and exhorting his Souldiers faintly fighting not to be discouraged but to confirm their former labours and Victories and not suffer their vanquished enemies to triumph over them c. promising Money Honour and Preferment threatning and requesting Who moved gave a fresh and fierce assault yet the Turks were again forced to retire for the Defendants with 2 Field peeces from a Rampire at first shot struck in sunder their strongest wooden-Engine covered with raw Hides with 40 Souldiers under it and they in the other Town sallying forth destroyed all their defences and though but 25 of them they drave almost 300 Turks from a Mount The Defendants had made another Mine at the Castle-bulwark but seeing it in danger to be found they fired it 60 Turks within danger being slain Garzias the while departed from Syracusa to Pachinum overtaking a tall ship driven thither by Tempest who was carrying shot and powder to the Turks which he sent to Syracusa A Tempest arising from the East drave the Christian Fleet to the Island Aegusa 220 miles west of Malta whence Valetta had Letters Sept 1. that the Viceroy would shortly come and relieve him on which day a Christian captive fled to St. Angelo reporting that the Turks had few men able to fight and that great numbers died daily yet that they determined to besiege Melita and had already mounted 5 great peeces for battery Having taken first 12 then 14 Horsmen of the Garrison The Fleet coming from Aegusa to Drepranum thence toward Gaulos 2 Malta Galleys by the way took 2 Turks Galliots The Viceroy perceiving not the appointed signes returned from Gaulos to Pozalo but Auria following and
City offering them large entertainment concluding they should never find so much offered grace afterward The Bassa did this doubting the coming of the Christian Fleet and his Army being exceedingly troubled with diseases but the Souldiers answered they yet doubted not of their own strength being ready to endure any thing rather than prefer the uncertain friendship of an unknown prince before the favour of such worthy Princes as they had so good experience of The Bassa grieved and enraged made ready for the assault promising great things to those who should first or second mount the Walls encouraging them with the small number and feeblenesse of their enemies the approach of hoped rewards and end of their labours c. Some he reproved in that general assault some mindful of promises others of disgrace with their thick shot and Ordnance suffered none to stand safely on the walls by whose ruines and in other places they attempted with scaling-Ladders to enter which they maintained for divers dayes without intermission fresh men still coming on yet the Defendants performed what was possible for so few to do still in hope that relief might come by the approach of the Christian Fleet. At length when the Turks were in great hope to gain the walls and Mustapha guessed the Christians to be weary and sore weakened which was also confirmed by some fugitives yet he sounded a retreat laying still all next day The Defendants thinking he had given over because of some ayd coming to them upon that vain Hope became more carelesse But the Bassa choosing out about 200 of his best valiant and 〈◊〉 Captains and Souldiers sent them early next day to try if they could without noise set up Ladders and get into those 4 Bulwarks before-shaken These getting up others followed so taking the Bulwarks and presently other Companies standing ready in divers places with Ladders recovered the top of the Walls In every Bulwark was 140 Italians and Epirots who part asleep as fearing no danger and part laying on the ground were surprized and slain other-some awaked with the noise leapt down out of the Bulwarks at places next to them some running unawares into the midst of their Enemies Upon the Alarm some Captains came speedily with their Companies to the Walls as Eugenius who crying out to some he met not so cowardly to flee and staying others was slain with a small shot Other Captains also in other places labouring in vain to stay the fleeing Souldiers The Defendants now gathered into the Market place but the Citizens stood in the entrance of their Houses fearfully expecting their own and their Countries destruction The Governour of Aleppo the while scoured the Walls round putting all to the sword they met a Company of the Italians at the Bulwark Earbarus fighting desperately a while but were at last overthrown and slain After this he came down into the City and seeing those in the Market-place fight as desperate men in a Ring he bent murdering-pieces upon them Whereupon they laid down their Weapons yielding to mercy By and by all the Gates were strongly guarded that none should go in or out Dandulus with the Bishop of Paphos and the other Nobles and better sort of Citizens stood on their guard in the Town-Hall to 〈◊〉 Mustapha sent word he would take them all to mercy if they without more resistance would yield but while Messengers ran to and fro the Turks breaking in slew them every man after which they spared none and slaying those in the streets brake into the Houses making havock of all things Babes were taken from their mothers Virgins ravished women before their Husbands faces abused Temples spoiled and all places filled with mourning and dead bodies for in the City was slain that day 14866 persons It s reported the prey there taken amounted to 20000 millions of Duckats 200 of the most goodly youths were chosen to be sent a present to Selimus 250 pieces of Ordnance were taken some being carried away the rest left for defence Thus famous Nicosia fell into the Turks Hands Septemb. 9. 1570. Mustapha with the terrour of his Name rather than by force brought most of the Towns under his obedience and by promise of good usage brought back the Countrey people who had fled into the Mountains with all they had to their dwellings to till and sow as they were wont He sent a Sanzack to summon the City Syrene strongly scituate and well furnished for a long siege but Palacius the Governour no sooner saw the enemy but he delivered it up to him only to depart thence with all his Garrison which was easily granted Ere long Mustapha leaving a strong Garrison in Nicosia marched to besiege Famagusta for terrours-sake sending to them by a Country fellow in a Basket Dandulus's Head sending before him divers Horsmen who upon their staves carried the Heads of many slain Nobles so riding in triumph about the Walls but they of Famagusta not terrified thereby to yield he encamped about 3 miles off and casting up divers Mounts he placed battery against the Tower defending the Haven Himself the while battering the Gate leading to Amathus But perceiving by their desperate salleys he was like to have much more here to do than at Nicosia and Winter drawing fast on it being reported also the Christian Fleet was at hand he rose with his Army further off billeting his Souldiers in the Villages round for that Winter Haly and Piall in doubt of the Fleets coming then at Creet sent out 6 Galliots to discover the Christians doings who returning with some prisoners taken in Creet declared what they heard and that the Christian Fleet was on their way to Cyprus Whereupon the Bassaes set forward from before Famagusta towards Limisso to meet them who were coming between the Isles Caprathos and Rhodes but there hearing that Nicosia was lost and that the Turks were come to besiege Famagusta they called a Council to consult what best to do Columnus then chief Commander and Zanius thought it best to hold on and relieve Famagusta because it was like that the Turks proud of Victory for desire of prey had left their Fleet but slenderly manned alledging also the Senates express decree to give The Turks battel but Auria thinking of the matter as it was said He marvelled how the Venetian Senatours sitting at ease in Counsel before knowledge of their own and enemies strength the nature of the Countrey and purpose of their foes could determine what were fit for martial men to do to whose actions no certain Rule could be prescribed and besides divers difficulties and wants alleadged he said he had express command from the King of Spain to return to Messana before Winter Wherefore when the month was out he would depart Zanius urged Auria to proceed saying So great ayd was not sent from the Pope and King only for reliefe of Nicosia but to deliver the whole Island from the danger of the Turk Divers great Captains were of
appointment of the Governour of Rab took at advantage the Turks Treasurers in Hungary who commanded 5000 Turks as he was mustering and paying some of his Countries slaying him with divers of his men and putting the rest to flight and so with the spoyl and a few prisoners returned with the dead Treasurer Sinan being come to Buda with his Army resolved to begin with the siege of Vesprivium so compassing the City round he continually thundred against this City with his Battery the Christians perceiving the City was not long to be holden against so great a power placed divers barrels of gunpowder in Mines they had made under the walls and bulwarks with traines to take fire at a certain time then they departed secretly out of the City in the dead of the night yet were they by the Turks descried and most of them slain Samaria the Governour having a while defended himself was taken alive together with Hors-kirk a German Captain The Turks strivingly entered the City October 26. as greedy of prey but the powder taking fire blew up the very Foundations slaying a number of Turks and also wonderously defacing the City The Bassa removing to Palotta summoned the Castle but receiving no pleasing answer he besieged it with all his power which at first Ornan the Captain cheerfully received but being afterwards discouraged though the Castle was yet but little shaken but one man slain and the Souldiers ready to spend their lives in defence he offered to yield the Castle to the Bassa so they might safely depart with bag and baggage who granted his request but they being come forth and ready to depart the faithless Turk slew them all except the Captain and 2 others after which without much labour he took in all the Country thereabouts near the Lake Balaton Now at last about the middle of Octob. the Christians mustered their Army of above 18000 of good and expert Souldiers With which passing over Danubius at the first encounter with the Turks they slew a great number rescuing a number of Captives about the end of which Month Count Hardeth Governour of Rab and Generall in that part came from Camara and besieged Alba regalis which he soon made saultable with his Artilery but in the assault was notably repulsed by the Turks so perceiving no good could be done without a long siege for which he was not then provided after consultation had he raised his siege Novemb. the second removing that day but half a mile but being about to remove next day newes was brought that the Enemies power was almost in sight the Bassa of Buda by the command of Sinan was come forth with 13 Zanzacks twenty thousand Souldiers 30 Field-pieces and 500 Waggons laden with Victuals and other provision to relieve the City Whereupon the Count assisted by Serinus and other valiant and experienced Captains with great speed put his Army in order and couragiously set forward the Bassa seeing them marching towards him took the upper ground thence discharging his Field-pieces upon them which mounted too high did litle or no harm at all The Christians for all that calling on the name of the Almighty mounted the Hill and by plain force constrained the Turks to flye about 5000 of whom were foot 〈◊〉 being Janizaries who making often stands wounded many yet were almost all slain with many others among whom were 3 great Zanzacks 7 Chiaus with many others of the valiantest Captains of the Turks Borderers The Turks lost in this Battel were deemed to be at least 8000 few prisoners were saved Whereupon Sinan sware by Mahomet never to spare any Christian All their Waggons and Artillery became a prey many Ensigns being found and Weapons of great value The Count with great joy brought back his Army to Alba Regalis encamping near the Bulwark Stopaseh where the 〈◊〉 most feared the assault Palfi Nudasty and others earnestly perswaded the Count not to depart before he had won the City but he considering the hard time of the year the Cities strength which was full of Souldiers by reason of them that fled in thither with the want of things necessary for a longer siege and fearing at last of being forced to leave it called a Council resolving to raise his siege afterwards imputed to him for more then an oversight So firing the Suburbs he departed towards Rab Novem. 5th Ere long the Lord Teuffingbath the Lieutenant in the upper Hungary removed from Casovia with 14000 suldiers and laid siege to Sabatzka out of which Castle the Turks did usually much harm Teuffingbath battering it in three places made it Saultable taking it by force Novemb. 19th and put to the sword all the Turks therein about 250. leaving a strong Garrison of his own whereby the Country thereabouts was in great quiet Thence the Generall removed with all speed to Fileck a strong City of upper Hungary and planting his battery terribly without ceasing thundred against the walls and gates the Zanzack-Governour thereof got out by night with a few to acquaint his neighbour Zanzacks with the Christians coming and their number also to consult how the City might be relieved The Bassa of Tenesware with 4 other Zanzacks undertook the matter Whereupon the Bassa sent for 800 Janizaries left by Sinan at Buda and Albaregalis who flatly 〈◊〉 to go saying They would not be led as beasts to the slaughter as were their fellows at Albaregalis yet they forced the Armenians brought thither to go But from Buda Alba and Scamboth were sent only 1500 common Souldiers for all that the Bassa with the Zanzacks being firm in their resolutions raised an Army of 18000 with many Field-pieces and by night came within two Miles of Fileck but the Gene rall with Stephen Bathor and others with 7000 choyse Souldiers went out against them and Novemb. the 21 assailing their Tents put them all to flight fiercely pursuing them with a terrible 〈◊〉 In the fight and flight were slain 6000 but few or none taken The Bassa with the Zanzack of Fileck with many other great ones were found slain This Victory gained with little or no loss yielded to the Christians a rich prey all which they carried into the Camp more straitly besieging the City then before on which day the Lord Palfy and Lasla came to the Camp with 6000 and forthwith they sent to the besieged That if they would forthwith yield they should depart with life and goods though the Turks had lately broken their faith at Palotta otherwise they denounced unto them all extremities yet the Turks refused to yield Whereupon the battery began more terribly then before so that though the City was most strongly fortified yet in 3 dayes a fair breach was made whereby they entred without any notable loss Nov. 24. ransacked the City and burnt a great part thereof On which day they took the utmost Castle wherein was the Zanzacks Pallace It stands upon a very High Hill strengthened by Art and Nature and had in it a
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
credit c. All this while the Aga spake not one word but declared by silent sighing and grinding his teeth his indignation and grief In the mid way between Strigonium and Buda is the small Island viz. where many rich Clothiers dwelt this the Heidons spoyling in their return took 24 Wagons laden with Corn going to Buda with 28 prisoners bringing all to the Camp The lower Town made saultable the Christians assaulted it Aug. 13. in three places at once The Bavarians who gave the first charge being notably repulsed began to faint but seconded by them of Retinaw and Suevia they pluckt down a great Palisado filled the Ditches removed all in their way and fought so long with the Turks that the Marquess of Burgaw coming with six fresh Companies they so prevailed that they all entred the Town The Marquess himself cheering them up in this dangerous fight There was a miserable cry throughout the City for the Christains slew all in their way not sparing Women great with Child nor Children hanging at their Mothers breasts yet some more attended the spoil especially the Hungarians to whom the very hinges of Doors and Windows were good booty whereby many escaped into the Castle and upper Town with the Bassa and Alis the Governour within not many houres divers fires brake out in the lower Town which at last was found to have been caused by the deceitful Turks who had left Gunpowder which by burning Matches should at a certain time set all on fire by which most horrible fires scarce quenched in a day or two many goodly Buildings and things were consumed But Count Mansfelt saw not this so joyful a Victory for he fell sick of a Feaver a few dayes 〈◊〉 through drinking too much cold drink in his heat with immoderate 〈◊〉 in the late Battel and so falling into a great flux was by counsel of his Physitians removed to Komara having sent for the arch-Duke to come into the Camp and for Blankmier into Bavaria to supply his room but his Disease encreasing the Physitians now despaired of his health yet he almost every houre enquired how the Army did and whether the City were yet taken and 〈◊〉 hope there was to take it but being told a little before death that the lower Town was won he 〈◊〉 rejoyced and next day Aug. 14. towards night departed this life to the exceeding grief of the whole Army All the time of 〈◊〉 siege he would scarce lay down upon his bed for two or three nights together that little he did eat was most standing or walking yea sometimes on Horseback His bowels were solemnly buried at Komara but his body was carried to Luxenburgh to be honourably enterred among his Ancestors About which time the great Duke of Muscovy sent two Embassadors with Letters and Presents to the Emperour who coming to Prague Aug. 16th with 250 Horse were honourably entertained and having audience first delivered the Letters of Credence from their Duke It was not commonly known what particulars they were sent about but it s said one thing was to request the Emperour to send an Embassador to the Persian to draw him into league with them against the Turk who should passe thorow Muscovia into Persia. The great Duke's Presents were 150000 Florens of gold great store of most rich Furs and perfumes deemed of an exceeding value two white Faulcons and three live Leopards Iwanowitze the Embassador of himself presented rich Turkie Persian and Babylonian Hangings and Carpets Timbers of Sables with other Furs no lesse precious as many as eight Porters could scarce carry These Embassadors Decemb. 27. returned with the Emperour's answer But at Strigonium the Christians now from the lower Town bent their battery upon the higher where Aug. 14th old Alis while he was walking to and fro to see 〈◊〉 most danger was had his Arm struck off of which he presently died being of great gravity about 80 years old much about which time the Aga of the Janizaries being before mortally wounded died also The Souldiers made choice of the Bassa of Natolia for their Governour who heavily undertook the forlorn charge The Christians not ignorant of the deaths of these two well hoped that the rest would the more readily hearken to some good Composition wherefore they sent to demand if they would yield while there was some mercy left yet their answer was They would hold it out to the last man both in respect of the straight charge of the Bassa of Buda and counting the City holy as won by Solyman whom the Turks yet have in a devout remembrance Next day came the arch-Duke into the Camp who after well viewing it and the manner of siege he called into his Tent the Marquess of Burgaw John de Medices the Florentine and Palfi the Hungarian to consult with them what further to do Shortly after he commanded an assault to be given in two places at once which the Walloons and Germans couragiously performed but such was the valour of the Defendents that they were glad at last with losse to retire about which time the Duke of Mantua with three Counts his Brethren came to the siege And now the Turks b gan to draw together again near Buda for relief of Strigonium whereupon the archDuke sent forth 8000 chosen Souldiers who setting upon the Turks before Sun-rising made great slaughter and took some prisoners of whom the Sanzack of Copan was one of which overthrow the besieged Turks hearing began now to faint Wherefore the Bassa and Captains overcome with difficulties and outcry of the fearfull people resolved to come to a parley so a Flag of Truce set up and a parley granted 9 Turks attended the arch-Dukes coming in the lower Town Who required with safe convoy and bag and baggage to depart which he would in no case grant At length with much entreaty they obtained to depart as the Christians did at Rab with Scimitars by their sides and what goods they could beare 〈◊〉 Ships appointed to carry them to Buda So Hostages being on both sides given next day Septemb 2d they came forth more than either prisoners taken had confessed or the Christians thought 30. Ships not sufficing to carr them many tarried in the City till next day and then the Bassa with the sick and wounded sailed to Buda Strigonium had 52 years groaned under Turkish thraldom which the Christians forthwith repaired and new fortified and about the middle of this moneth 18000 being 〈◊〉 to besiege Vicegrade a strong Castle between Strigonium and Buda they took it whereat those of Buda were so terrified that the Bassa to flay the flight of many of the better sort commanded the Gates to be shut upon them This good success caused great rejoycing in most parts of Christendom All this while the Transilvanian Prince did the Turks exceeding harm so that they began to dread his name The same day that Count Mansfelt died Sigismund with great solemnity married Maria Christina Charls the arch-Duke
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
in divers parts so that shortly after all Transilvania swore Obedience unto the Emperour most of the Nobles being slain and put to death by the Vayuod among whom were 5 who corrupted by the Cardinall had undertaken to kill him Novemb. 14. After divers reports of the Cardinals escape his Head was presented to the Vayuod which being for a while set up in Alba Julia was afterwards sent for a Present to the Emperour and the Arch-Duke his body being honourably buried in a Monastery there in the same Tomb he made for his Brother beheaded by his Cousin Sigismund His Treasure also fell into the Vayuods hands said to be 3 millions of Gold Transilvania being thus again restored to the Christian Empire the Cardinall not having possessed his Princely Honours full 8 months Sigismund who almost all this while had stayed in Borussia hearing news of the Cardinals overthrow secretly got him into Polonia to seek new Fortunes Swartzenburg then uniting his Forces in lower Hungary with those of Stiria took in above 200 Villages for the Emperour but thinking to surprize Capisuar-Castle and approaching the Gates by night with a Petard not taking the expected effect he was discovered repulsed and forced to retire with the loss of above a 100 and divers wounded all of good account who in revenge sent out divers Troops which scouring as far as Zigeth burnt it and returned with a great booty Ibraim Bassa much troubled with this overthrow sent news hereof in Post to Constantinople which brought a fear upon the whole City so that the Sultan gave him Commission to come to some honourable Peace with the Emperour and to bring it with him who was shortly to return to Constantinople his Army besides the cold season greatly wanting bread and many of his best Souldiers dying of the plague besides abundance of their cattel also so that the Souldiers fell to robbing one another and at length into mutiny wherein divers being slain most of the rest by divers wayes returned home not well trusting each other So that nothing more was now done with the Turks great preparation neither for relief of those evils did Ibraim bring at his return any conclusion of peace unto his Lord. Besides these troubles Cusahin or Cassan the Son of a Sultaness brought up in the Seraglio and having served in the Wars of Persia and Hungary and at length made Bassa of Caramania a man of great spirit upon the report of the ill success in Hungary and the desire he saw in the Persians to recover their lost Fortress and grieved also with some particular wrongs to himself resolved to take up Arms laying before his Souldiers the Deformities of the present State and Gallantly perswading them What an easie thing it were to chase Mahomet out of Asia And so having won to him 3000 Harquebusiers and 5000 Horsmen he took the field News whereof comming in post to Court 4 Zanzacks nearest unto him were commissioned for suppressing that Rebellion but even then arising who going against Cusahin with 10000 Horse and Foot he went to meet them overthrowing them with a great slaughter taking their baggage with 6 pieces of Ordnance Then he seized upon all the Castles thereabouts giving whatever he found therein to his Souldiers who also much enriched themselves with the spoil of the Jewes never resting till he had made almost all Caramania his own After which he besieging Cogna a City in the confines of Natolia it was yielded unto him He also openly proclaimed that for reformation of the disordered State he would ere long go to besiege Constantinople Wherefore those that would follow him should be well entreated by him threatni ng to the rest most cruell destruction Mahomet then disporting himself at his Gardens of pleasure in the Country hearing hereof hasted with all speed to Constantinople dispatching Mehemet Bassa Sinan's Son with all the Forces he could make to go against him who passing into Asia yet fearing to come to a Battel with him who was desperate and favoured of his own Souldiers so wrought by large promises that Cusahin's foot were ready to forsake him Whereupon he fled into Arabia with his Horsmen and those of Sinan the Georgian purposing at Spring by help of the Arabians and Persians to appear with greater Forces Mehemet following him came to Aleppo there to Winter and to expect the Rebels return This dangerous Rebellion with the troubles of Transilvania Valachia caused the Sultan to be readier to encline to peace whereto the Emperour was not hasty to hearken but on honourable conditions as knowing the Turks end in requiring the same His Janizaries also and other men of War in this his so weak Government being hardly to be commanded threatning in their discontent to depose both his chief Officers and Himself and to banish the Sultaness his mother saying She had bewitched him that she her self might rule But Casahin grown strong was come into the field and even ready to give the Bassa battel who thought it best again to prove if his followers might by fair means be drawn from him and so comming nigh him proclaimed a generall pardon to all who should forthwith forsake the Rebell and return home which thing was the ruin of Cusahin for most of them enriched with great booties upon this free pardon returned unto their own Countries to live of their ill-gotten goods leaving Cusahin with some few others so that in few dayes he was taken and brought to Constantinople where he was with most exquisite torments tortured to death The Emperour with the beginning of the next year 1600 called A dyet of the Princes of the Empire to consider with him of such helps as were to be given against next Spring who all promised to send their Souldiers with their pay and sufficient contribution to maintain that defensive War Pope Clement also this Year of Jubilie sent such ayd of men and mony as he had promised At first of the Spring the Turks began to stir who although Ibraim Bassa was then in some speech with the Emperour about a peace yet ceased they not with their scattering Companies to do what harm they could upon the Emperour's Frontiers the cause why he the more speedily called on his Friends for ayd He also made Duke Mercurie who had drawn a great number of Horse and Foot out of France his Generall sending Ferrent Gonzaga whom he had sent for to Mantua Governour in upper Hungary So the Souldiers daily resorting into Austria were thence sent to repress the Turks incursions as they did for 8000 Turks going suddenly to surprize Pappa were by that Garrison overthrown And while Ferdinand the Arch-Duke was assembling his people in Croatia for defence of that Country 6000 Turks entring as far as Baccari burning the Villages as they went and taking many prisoners with much cattell were in their return set upon by Serinus in strait and troublesome passages where they least feared any such thing being overthrown and put
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
if they themselves had been Victors and not vanquished The Tartars at the foot of the breach pressing now on without any great resistance entred the same and in a trice thirty thousand of them surprized the Christians at once loaded with prey fear and despair after whom the Turks entred also to partake of the spoil who besides their own booty quarrelled with the Tartars for some part of theirs but when there was no more pillage to be had the perfidious wretches fell to massacring the Christians so that all the City flowed with blood till by the coming in of the Bassa the slaughter was stayed whereby Count Isolan with some other Captains and Souldiers were saved three thousand Souldiers were slain besides not a few Citizens Isalan and the other Captains being led prisoners to Constantinople Howbeir he plainly shewed they were unjustly detained as taken contrary to the publick Faith to them before given and out of the actions of Warre Whereto it was answered that the Town when he was taken was yet still in his power that if he would by yielding challenge his liberty according to the Articles he ought then to have delivered it and not suffered it to have been taken by force c. that every Town which during the Treaty is 〈◊〉 force taken followeth the course of the latter condition to wit Death or Captivity and not of the former to wit Liberty for a man is not to expect of his mortall Enemy any other courtesie than what necessity caused him to promise which he may for his own good again violate c. With such quirks the Count deluded say what he could was carried away prisoner So the Bassa causing the breaches to be repaired and the City to be well furnished and leaving therein 6000 Souldiers over-ran all the Countrey as far as Strigonium and so retired to Buda where as he was making a Bridge betwixt Buda and Pesth and about to have gone to the Siege of Strigonium a Command came that he should speedily return to Constantinople for that Mahomet was for his valour now minded to employ him in his Wars against his Rebels in Natolia Whereupon the Bassa gave leave to all that had any charge to return to their places of Government appointing some others with 30000 Souldiers to go with Zachiel Moises into 〈◊〉 who was come 〈◊〉 Hassan offering with this ayd and the help of others in Transilvania to chase 〈◊〉 with his Germanes out from thence and reduce it again unto the devotion of the Othoman Emperors So the Bassa hasted with the rest towards Constantinople which he was thought the more willingly to do because the Sultan had put him in good hope to marry one of his Aunts a Woman of great Wealth and Honour if by the winning of Alba Regalis he should make himself worthy thereof But ere long the Imperials assembled at Comara to the number of about 30000 with twelve Nassadies and two Galleys some by water some by Land went down to Strigonium where they were all embarqued in twenty other Ships and conducted by Rusworme and others to Buda whose coming was so sudden and unlooked for that the Turks had no time to take any more help or provision into the City The Turks had lately built a Bridge upon Boats over 〈◊〉 for passage and carriage of things from Buda to Pesth which Bridge the Imperials thinking necessary first to break the more easily to besiege the one or other City by a strange device built a Ship which by force of the stream carried down and resting upon the Bridge should break the same which Ship the Turks seeing coming with the rest of the 〈◊〉 ran by heaps to the Bridge for defence thereof in the mean time Count Sultze on the Land side with a Petard blew up one of the Gates of the lower City and so entring and killing whom he lighted on came upon the backs of the Turks at the Bridge slaying some driving others into the River the rest fleeing into the City where both Souldiers and Citizens the Christians following them for fear took a speedy resuge into the upper City much stronger than the lower the Bridge being then also broken upon the River and because they of Pesth might with their Ordnance much annoy them in besieging the upper City and Castle of Buda they began with it first So Russworme with his Fleet making a great shew as if he would have entred on the Rivers side had drawn most of the Garrison unto that side of the City and the while Sultze and another Governour suddenly scaled the Walls on the Land side and gained them whereupon began a great out-cry the Turks especially now feeling the Christians Weapons before they knew they were gotten into the City In this so great amazement some fled into Towers others hid themselves in Cellars and the most secret corners out of which they were drawn and slain They also in the strong places of the City seeing the Ordnance bent upon them offered to yield so they might with Wives Children and life depart promising for that favour to perswade them of Buda to yield also Whereupon Nadasti with some other Captains were 〈◊〉 with some of these Citizens to Buda who coming thither with Wives and Children most earnestly requested them to yield as not to expect any further help and that by their obstinacy they should cause the death of them their friends Wives and Children unto whom also Nadasti promised that they should all except a few Commanders in safety depart howbeit they would not hearken In Pesth the Christians found great store of Wealth with one thousand serviceable Horses and much Warlike provision This done they returned to besiege the upper City and Castle of Buda undermining and battering the same and had planted some of their Ordnance so high that they could at pleasure shoot into the streets they thundered also at the same time with other batteries in divers places of the Walls both of Castle and City and hearing that the Turks Garrisons were coming for their relief they sent out their Horse and some Foot against them who gave them a great overthrow and so returned unto the siege where while the Christians lay in hope and had Octob. 12th planted certain notable Pieces near the Walls purposing next day with all their power to assault the City Hassan hearing as he was going toward Constantinople of what had hapned returned and unlooked for came and sate down before Pesth with but about five and twenty thousand men yet most of them expert Souldiers divers brave attempts being in both places made both on the one side and the other The besieged in Pesth one day under the Conduct of their brave Captains sallied out and coming with the Turks to the Sword disordered and forced them to flee pursuing them even to their Trenches whence a great Squadron issuing out constrained the Imperials to retire Count Martinengo doing what he might to have stayed the disordered 〈◊〉
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
to take Belgiosa with a purpose to have used him most hardly The Visier Bassa to grace that little he had done this year in Hungary borrowed of Botscay the rest of the Ensigns with Petsie and the other Noble Captives and confidently afterwards had them presented to Sultan Achmat as taken by himself in recompence whereof he left three thousand Turks and Tartars with Botscay to ayd him Basta having set all things in order at Strigonium marched with 14000 men toward Cassovia with purpose to suppress the rebellion in upper Hungary ere it should spread further yet the Rebels being very much increased had took in most of the strong places there the people almost generally favouring their quarrel carrying the face of Religion with suppressing of the Germane Government and hearing that Belgiosa was fled into 〈◊〉 Castle they demanded him of Turson the Captain to be deservedly punished promising to do Turson no harm so he would take part with them which if he should refuse yet safely to conduct him whither he would out of his Castle so he would forthwith resolve but otherwise they threatned to spoil his Countrey kill his people raise his Castle and make himself an example howbeit he refused to deliver Belgiosa or accept of any of their offers Wherefore they laboriously repairing the broken way betwixt Cassovia and the Castle brought thence great Ordnance and straitly besieged it whom Turson with his thundring shot so welcomed that receiving great harm they with the greatest part of their Army resolved to go to Presburg to reform it and some other places by the way being perswaded that this Captain so shut up would at length yield of himself But while they lay at this siege some of them went to spoil a religious House there by but they returned almost empty-handed the Priests having for fear of them carried with them all their best substance into the Castle also upon the report of their coming to Presburg almost all the Priests and Jesuites there and thereabouts fled with their substance to VIENNA where they scarce thought themselves safe till six hundred men as a supply were put into that strong City Basta coming and encamping about three miles from Filek followed the Rebels toward Budnock who upon his coming retired from besieging divers strong places who also leaving Budnoc Castle gathered together in great number near Ramosambat intending to fight with Basta who by a Herauld courteously advised them to change their mindes and return to their former allegiance but finding them obstinate he marched forward forcibly charging certain Companies of them who kept the passage of Filek they at first valiantly defended it till oppressed with number and four hundred being slain they were worsted and fled Nemet their Captain being among others taken in flight whom Basta hanging up by the heels a while with the Ensigns he took set up about him had him taken down and beheaded 50 of Basta his men were slain also many more hurt among whom was Collonitz being hurt in his shoulder and foot Basta marching on met with other Companies of Haiducks with whom he had many a hot skirmish for three dayes together so that burning many of his Carriages Tents c. He was very careful how to get out of their hands yet he couragiously both endured their fierce and increasing assaults and also Novemb. 28. charged them again in order of Battel who 〈◊〉 a thick mist being not able to perceive their Enemies attempts and how to turn themselves were as dismayd easily put to flight whom Basta fiercely pursuing in lesse than three houres one thousand five hundred of them were slain with a few of Basta's men also Frederick Earl of Solmes being one and the Count of Erback wounded Hereupon the Rebels at the siege of Zipse Castle forthwith retired to Leusta but Basta going and recovering St. Andrewes and gartisoning it somewhat daunted and repressed the Haiducks in those quarters and through the unseasonable time of the year wrote to reclaim the Cassovians to their allegiance offering pardon for all past 〈◊〉 they would acknowledge their fault and admit of an Imperial Garrison So also he wrote to those of Eperia hoping by gaining those strong Towns safely to winter in them with his Army but the Cassovians having 6000 in Garrison and not fearing then to be besieged Botscay being also reported 40000 strong utterly refused Basta's motion wherefore he came nearer to the City seeking rather by fair meanes to perswade them than by force to constrain them but they obstinate and with their Ordnance troubling his Camp sending Count Hohenloh and Rotvitz before to Eperia to command them to receive in the Emperours Souldiers and relieve them what they could Decemb. 5th himself followed with the rest of his Army and after much talk with the chief of the City it was unexpectedly agreed that Basta assuring them of the free exercise of their Religion the good behaviour of his Souldiers and to defend them from the injury of their Enemies they should open their Gates to and relieve the Imperials and continue their allegiance as before a thing most welcom to the almost dead and starved Souldiers Leusta Barbeld and Zebena following the Example of Eperia Thither with great danger 〈◊〉 Sigefride Collonitz of great Authority in those parts to confer with Basta about appe sing these troubles who by Letters to the States and Nobility of Hungary in vain perswaded them to lay down Arms and return to the Emperours obedience For remedy of great wants in the Imperial Camp 30 Wagons loaded with money and Cloth had been sent from Vienna under the Conduct of Count Solmes and others to whom Tanhusar joyned 1500 Hussars for fear of the Haiducks but the Convoy being come into a thick Wood about two miles from Filek 〈◊〉 Hussars set upon the Wagoners and made great slaughter of those that were about to resist them so that Solmes had much adoe to get away so they drave away the Wagons to Botscay's Camp Tanhusar with such Hussars as had no hand in so foul a treachery pursuing them but recovered onely 10 Wagons of Cloth which the Traitors had left whose Horses they had put into the Wagons with the money reported 130000 Florens to make the more haste Botscay having received so great and unexpected sum divided it among his Souldiers for their further encouragement This newes at first filled the Emperours Souldiers with grief and disdain against the Hussars but afterwards with wrath against their own Commanders as deeming it a devised report to deceive them So that they were ready all to mutinie and forsake the service to the utter perill of their Captains and of the whole Province wherefore Basta strove by fair words and promises to appease them which not serving he with some thousands of Duckats and Wagons of Cloth taken up at Leusta and other Towns wisely contented them the old Souldiers being before half naked Shortly after the Imperials surprizing a Castle thereabouts
carried away many Hungarian Gentlemen prisoners to learn what they could of the Rebels proceedings and designs the Haiducks the while after many assaults took Sendra Castle putting all the Garrison to the sword and then departing rifled and burnt Filek They took also in upper Hungary besides six other Castles the strong Castle of Cabragetia whither those of Hatwan for fear of the Turks when they besieged Strigonium had carried their great Ordnance after all which the chief Captains of the Rebels exacted contribution of the Minerall Towns so called chiefly of Newsoli forcing them to sweare obedience to Botscay and take his part threatning fire and Sword to those that should refuse the like and going out to meet Collonitz who was coming thither to encourage or defend them they belaying all passages forced him to retire to his Castle of Lebentsia where he laying in great danger with his Wife then in Child-bed having 〈◊〉 50 Germanes with him for he durst not trust his Hungarian Cossacks he sent in Post to Vienna most humbly requesting a new supply of Germanes for his relief and furtherance of the Emperours service c. While Basta lay at Eperia and thereabouts he daily received great harm from the Haiducks who slew his Souldiers fetching in Wood and other necessaries yea they oft troubled his Camp assailing his Souldiers in his Trenches and about the end of December they by night breaking into Charls Collonitz Copell and Pettinger their quarters slew Copell with almost all his Souldiers burnt Pettinger in his Tent Collonitz being hardly beset also till he by true valour forced them at last to retire 〈◊〉 the Woods whence they came having slain 14 with his own hand about which time a spie being taken one of Botscay's chief men discovered by one that knew him Basta after his Examination and Confession upon torture had him hanged and quartered to the terrour of others Cicala Bassa the Turks Generall against the Persians was this year by that King overthrown and put to flight and Babylon now Bagdat taken which newes being reported at Prague Octob. 22. by the Vayuod of Valachia's Secretary sent in Embassage to the Emperour was afterward confirmed by the Persian Embassador himself who having audience told the Emperour that his Master was not ignorant of his great and difficult War for many years against the Turk against whom he had taken up Arms so to avert some part thereof from his Majesty even upon himself and that he had already obtained many notable Victories and Conquests recovering a great Territory wrongfully taken from his predecessors by the Turkish Sultans and now he was very desirous to joyn in a perpetual League and Amity with him never to be dissevered or ever to make peace with the Turk without each others consent and that he was minded never to give over the Warre till he had driven him even into Constantinople so his Majesty would do the like it being impossible for him to hold out against them both requesting him withall to send back with him some grave Embassador with sufficient instructions for the more easie concluding of the said Confederation Unto these forrain Warres were joyned the Turks own 〈◊〉 and civil Warres also the Rebels being yet up in lesser Asia and the two great Bassaes of Aleppo and Damasco of late up in-Arms against each other so that he of Aleppo being in a great and bloudy Battel overcome was pursued by him of Damasco to his own City and so straitly besieged by him with 30000 men 〈◊〉 through extream Famine then in the City and a number 〈◊〉 his men slain whom he secretly sent out to seek for 〈◊〉 he was glad to yield to whatever the other Bassa demanded of him whereat the Court-Bassaes were much troubled young Achmat himself being the 〈◊〉 delighted with the pleasures of the Court and much rejoycing at the birth of his first Sonne The troubles of HUNGARY and Transilvania in one thousand six hundred and five yet more and more increased whose Natural Inhabitants divided both in 〈◊〉 and affection did themselves and Countrey more harm in a short time than had the Turks in many years before of which Belgiosa left by Basta as his Lievetenant was reported the first and chief Authour for whereas the Assembly of the Clergy at Possonium had without the knowledge of the States of Hungary published a Decree for the burning or perpetual banishing of those of the reformed Religion in Hungary against which those States solemnly protesting under the Seal of the Lord Palatine affirmed by Arms to defend themselves if they should be troubled for their Religion repeating the same Protestation at Galset yet Belgiosa cunningly seizing upon the reformed Churches at Cassovia would not suffer those Citizens either to have Sermons in their private Houses or to read in the Bible taking also to himself all their Lands and Goods and not suffering them to bury their dead within the City near the Monasteries and because Botscay denied to lend him some thousands of Crowns he caused his Souldiers to ransack two of his Castles and spoil him of all Wealth and Treasure therein Botscay hereat enraged proclaimed to give every Haiduck that would serve him four Crowns a moneth pay with all the booty they could get whereupon 6000 revolted from Belgiosa to Botscay encreasing daily but when Pallas Lipa had to this pay joyned also the defence of the reformed Religion the Haiducks resorted to him by heaps and all people where he came were ready to joyn with him against the Imperialls the Turks and Tartars also furthering him with men and money which he refused not Basta not able by force to remedy so great increasing troubles by Letters oft times advised Botscay to change his minde lay down Arms and to perswade with the rest of his followers to return to their wonted obedience who at length answered if himself alone might govern in Transilvania if a natural Hungarian might be still Lievt Gen. in Hungary if none but Hungarians should command all Garrisons in Hungary if the 〈◊〉 and French Souldiers might be shut out of Hungary if naturall Hungarians might thenceforth be regarded and provided of pay if every man might have free exercise of his Religion if the Authours of these troubles might be delivered to the HUNGARIANS for punishment if the Emperour should be personally present at the PARLIAMENT at Presburg if the GERMANE Garrison-Souldiers should make no excursions into places near them and not hurt the poor Countreymen he could be content so to have peace But Basta not liking thereof sent back the two Messengers without concluding any thing In the mean time some Haiducks and a number of Tartars in seeking booty surprized Gokara over against Strigonium where 〈◊〉 some Germane Souldiers and rifling the Town as they were about to fire it the Governour of Strigonium with his Garrison forced them to depart but Captain Bathian the Imperiall requited this losse by taking of Palantwar after a long and
Tents covered the places round about and brought a 〈◊〉 Fleet up the River every man began to doubt of his own safety This fear was encreased by Messengers from Solyman who hearing of what Nations the Garrison consisted sent three Renegates of his Guard a Spaniard Italian and German to speak to their Countreymen in their own Language They offered great rewards and 〈◊〉 to such as would yield in time denouncing all torture and extremities to those who endured the Summons of a Cannon It was answered by the Captains those faithful and valiant Souldiers were not to be won with Gifts nor terrified with threats The same day the Ordnance was planted on the Hill before the Gate and all the weakest 〈◊〉 of the Walls so well pickt out to be assaulted that it s to be thought the Christians wanted faith among themselves Salamanca d strusting the Suburb's Fortifications retired into the City contrary to what he had boasted Achomates 〈◊〉 that part next the Bishop's Gardens Ulames the Towre next the Gate toward Buda the Asapi were brought on to dig Trenches and cast up Mounts the 〈◊〉 was so discharged without 〈◊〉 that the Towre with much of the Wall near it fell down as if shaken with a terrible Earth-quake the 〈◊〉 Janizaries also fetching off any man that stood on the Walls many further off being grievously wounded with Arrowes falling from high and the 〈◊〉 broken with the great shot killed or maimed the Souldiers near hand wherefore they forsook the uttermost Wall casting up new Fortifications within The enemy also thrice desperately assailed the breach but still with losse repulsed Bultazes Sanzack of Selymeria a man of great account being lost Many the while who came up the River with necessaries for the Army went ashoare and lay in the Suburbs with great security wherefore they in the City suddenly sallying out slew many before they could arm driving the rest to their Fleet so that there was about 200 slain Zymar the Persian Admiral in rescuing them being slain with a small shot While the Turks did with greater force daily assail the City and the 〈◊〉 despairing of relief more and more discouraged an old Calabrian Engineer fled out to the Turks who satisfied them in all their questions directing them in planting their batteries in the most convenient places It fortuned that a gilt Brazen Crosse on the Steeple of the Cathedrall was by the Turk 's shooting thereat at length beaten down wherefore Solyman is reported taking it as a token of good luck presently to cry out Strigonium is won Liscanus and Salamanca secretly conferring together resolved to give up the Town for Liscanus was no great Souldier yet by spoil exceeding rich and therefore thought it folly to buy the name of resolute Captain with the losse of life and wealth the like feeling was also in Salamanca This secret purpose was noised among the Souldiers a third part being slain or weak with wounds or sickness yet they thought generally they were able still to 〈◊〉 the Town but the under-Captains c. flatteringly liked the motion rather to yield on reasonable termes than to expose themselves to most certain death and not better Ferdinands cause Ere long an Auncient was by night let down over the Wall and receiving the Turk's faith called forth Salamanca who coming out went to Achomates commanding before he went them who defended the Water-Towre of great danger for safety of their lives to get into the City who hastily retiring the vigilant Turks suddenly breaking in slew such as were not gone possessing the Castle but Salamanca when he had stood upon many nice termes with the Bassaes obtained onely without delay to yield and put themselves wholly on Solyman's mercy so being there stayed he wrote to Liscanus how he sped wishing him if he loved his safety to yield the City without further termes Liscanus hereupon declared to the Souldiers the necessity of yielding up and what hope of life and liberty but whilest the angry Souldiers stood as in a doubt Halis Commander of the Janizaries came not sternly requiring the Gate to be opened to him according to Salamanca's agreement which was done and the keys delivered to him they entring peaceably possessed themselves of the Walls and fortresses chusing all the beardless youths out of the Souldiers commanding the rest to cast down their Weapons in a place appointedw hich they did expecting nothing but some cruel execution which fear was the more increased by a strange accident for while with their Harquebusses they cast their flasks of powder also one of them suddenly took fire of a match which firing the rest blew abroad that heap of Weapons among the Janizaries whereupon they slew divers Christians till Halis perswaded 't was rather by chance than malice commanded them to stay their fury Then he proclaimed that all Christians who would serve Solyman should have places answerable with large entertainment yet were there but seventy which accepted the offer for fear of their lives whom Halis sent down the River with the culled out youths to Buda the other helped the Turks to cleanse the Castle but Liscanus was glad to give Halis the Chain of Gold he took from Perenus he requiring it as of military courtesie a strange Ornament with the Turks hoping thereby to save his other Coyn but when the covetous Coward was about to depart with his Horses of service and Saddles cunningly stuffed full of Gold the Turk laughing at him took them also so furnished saying He who was to go by water needed no Horses The rest were conveighed over Danubius travelling to Possonium where Count Salma by Ferdinand's Command committed Liscanus and Salamanca and some others to custody to answer their cowardly yielding up the City which Solyman entred Aug. 10. 1543 and turning the Christian Temples into Mahometane first sacrificed for his Victory as before at Buda and speedily so fortified it as if to take away all hope of recovery thereof deriding the Germans negligence who keeping it 14 years had not fortified it Solyman leaving Ossainus Governour there sent his Tartarian Horse to spoil the Countrey as farre as Alba Regalis going himself to besiege Tatta Castle 〈◊〉 terrified Souldiers upon the first Summons yielded and quietly departed the Castle the Turks keeping their Provinces under by few but very strong holds being presently rased to the ground Torniellus causing Hanniball the Captain to lose his head for his cowardly yielding up his charge thereby to admonish others Solyman marched thence to 〈◊〉 Regalis which stands more into the Land than Buda and Strigonium strongly seated in midst of a Lake but not so wholsomly especially in Summer From the City thorow the Lake lay three broad and high Causies built with fair Houses and Gardens on each side at the end of every Causey toward the Land were strong Bulwarks which the Citizens used not to watch but in dangerous times of Warre the City thus standing and compassed about with a
strong Wall with a deep ditch alwayes full of water was hardly to be besieged wherefore a great number of people fled into it with their Cartel as into a most sure hold There was two German Companies and 200 Horsemen with 500 Hungarian Horsemen who living by robbing are infamously called Usarous Tornicllus the Italian sent in four Companies of Italians the most forward in that service Then came Borcocius Captain of the King's Guard with a Company of Horse as Generall who no sooner come but news was brought of Solyman's approach wherefore he convened the Captains with Birrous the Mayor and other chief Citizens what was best to be done but chiefly whether the Suburbs were to be destroyed or not that the City might with lesse labour and danger be defended This question was seriously debated and great reasons alledged on both sides at last the Citizens cryed out with one voice against the matter of which opinion was Serofactus an Italian Captain saying both City and Suburbs might with like danger be defended since both were equally fortified with the Marish and at the worst the Defendants might safely retire into the City at last standing up he said 〈◊〉 Gentlemen what shew will you give of your valour c. If you shall defend so famous a City by deforming it your selves c. before the danger Verily ye shall do nothing c. un ess this City if God please be of you whole and sound valiantly defended Hereupon they all rose the wiser yielding to the 〈◊〉 of the simple Barcocius also setting a good coun enance on that which liked him not declared to the Souldiers the reasons thereof exhorting them with the like valour to answer that honourable 〈◊〉 promising to provide all necessaries for a Victory and 〈◊〉 those deserving of great rewards The Suburbs were quickly fortified the Ordnance conveniently planted and Watch and Ward kept by turns day and night The Turks bent their forces onely against the Suburbs of the Gate towards Buda because the Lake was there driest and the ground sandy more unfit for Fortifications Barcocius drew all the Italians and Germans into the Suburbs of that Gate leaving the Countrey people in their places At first they sallying out made light skirmishes for three dayes without any great harm on either side but Solyman himself being come and besetting the City far and near with his Tents they shut up the Gates and sallyed no more out wherefore the Hungarian Usarons that they might not be coupt up as they termed it asking-leave for fashion sake by night departed though entreated to stay escaping thorow the Woods from the enemy The Turks the while being come with Winding Trenches within shot so scoured the top of the Bulwark that none could appear but he was wounded the Ordnance also soon battered asunder the Planks and Timber which kept in the sandy mould and the shot flying quite thorow slew and wounded many far off the Asapi the while in 12 dayes making a way to passe over to the Bulwark and Suburbs with Earth and Wood brought thereby in 600 Wagons thought impossible to have bin done The Ditches 〈◊〉 filled up the Turks sought by force to enter the Bulwark first the Asapi then the Horsemen now on foot covering the Janizaries who on their knees with Harquebusses sore gauled the Defendants they fought above 3 houres with equal hope but the Turks still 〈◊〉 afresh gained the uttermost Bulwark yet the Italian Fort was valiantly defended the Women and religious helping and a tall Hungarian Woman thrusting in upon the top of 〈◊〉 Fort struck off two Turks Heads with a Sithe at one blow This assault was Aug. 29. on which day they took Belgrade and slew King Lewis hoping to take the City then as on a fortunate day but they were forced to retire Solyman 〈◊〉 sharply reproved Abraham Achomates and Halis because the Bulwark being won they had not more couragiously prosecuted the Victory c. sternly commanding them to prepare for a fresh assault within 3 dayes uever to return to him without winning the City who answered They would in short time accomplish his desire and encouraging the Souldiers they terribly assayled the Rampires and through a thick mist they got up to the top thereof with great silence coming to handy blows ere they were well discovered The fight was for the time terrible but the Janizaries at length put the Germans then the Italians to a hasty flight which 〈◊〉 availed seeing they were to passe thorow a little narrow Gate and they in the City without regard of them that fled had plucked up the draw-Bridge over the Ditch so the Turks pursuing them all along those Suburbs many notable men some fighting some fleeing were slain Serosactus being one Barcocius fleeing to the little gate not to be passed thorow on Hors-back and crying in vain to have the great Gate opened was by the Janizaries slain whose Head and right-hand full of Rings was carried about in derision on a Launce The rest finding the little gate shut up with dead bodies and the Bridge drawn up threw themselves into the Ditch where some taken hold of by others that could not swim were drowned together Some hardly crawling over were shotwith arrows others sticking in the mud were shot to death also some few got over were saved The General of the German-Horse and Uscasades an Italian gathering the remainder placedthem on the Walls but Birrous the Aldermen and others were now so overcome with despair that they thought of no hope but in the mercy of Solyman wherfore Birrous spake from the Wall safely to send to Solyman to treat upon reasonable conditions of surrender which Achomates easily granted The General of the German Horse and Rufus an Italian the most valiant men in all the assaults went with the Embassadours who requested upon yielding for their lives and Liberties who so answered as that it seemed all should not be pardoned Rufus easily obtained the Italians to depart with bag and baggage to Vienna so did the German General for his Rufus refusing to serve Solyman as bound by oath to Ferdinand Solyman Bassa gave him a rich Cloak in Honour of his Valour The Embassadours returning and telling their successe freed the Citizens of a great fear The City yielded Achomates openly proclaimed the Italians and Germans to be ready to depart next day and to beware that no Hungarian went with them the Citizens also to keep their Houses till they were departed whom Homares faithfully defended against the roaming Tartars losing nothing but their dags carried at the Germans saddle-bow The Turks delighting to see them shot off with a Fire-lock as a Novelty but they after Homares departure had hot skirmishes with the Hungarians in their passage being rescued from danger by the Kings Garrisons which remainder came to Vienna more like ghosts than men Solyman entring the City and visiting the King's Sepulchres proclaimed the Hungarians should not fear for he came not to