wonderful effects For the huge pieces of Marble which it threw with an unspeakable violence not only cruish'd to pieces the Work-men upon the Terrasses but in several places broke into their Mines and their cover'd Trenches so that an infinite number of Turks were stifl'd in the Earth and buried in the Ruins of their own works The Rhodians shouted every time the Engin play'd and when they saw the Stones fly they cry'd that was Mahomet's Tribute The Grand Master took the cheerfulness of his Souldiers for a good Omen And though he were not a little troubl'd at the last advance of the Enemy yet by his familiarity with the Souldiery he engag'd them to cleanse the Moat which the Turk had fill'd up and to mine a way under the Walls to get in that they might not expose themselves to the Shot of the Enemy The Souldiers in that good humour cheerfully obey'd the Grand Master they min'd a hole into the Moat and by degrees drew in all the Stones into the City together with the other Rubbish that had fill'd up the Moat the Grand Master being present all this while to encourage the Labourers And finding that part of the Jews Walls where the Enemies Cannon had plaid hottest was ready to fall he terrass'd it with all speed and rais'd a new Wall to support the Earth which was not well settl'd To this part the Grand Master order'd great Fat 's of Flint Stones and old pieces of Iron Sacks of Sulphur and Powder Caldrons of boiling Oil and whatever was proper to stop the fury of the Turks when they gave the assault But besides all this he was desirous to know of the German Engineer what other Invention he could think of to repel the Enemy or what new work was to be rais'd should they force the Defences which were already rais'd The German seem'd surpriz'd to hear himself ask'd so many questions and coldly answer'd that he would consider of it and that for the security of the place it was requisite he should make use of all the Secrets of his Art But as he was already suspected and for that a Battery which he had already rais'd in the presence of the Grand Master had tak'n no effect suspitions began to arise that he did not act Cordially But that which more encreas'd those mistrusts was that the Turks us'd several designs to discredit him in the City They shot in Arrows with Letters fix'd to them where in they wrote that the German Engineer was a person not to be trusted that he was a Villain full of ill designs believing that the hatred which they testifi'd against him would make him the more credited by the Rhodians The Grand Master not questioning but that the advice was as true as the intention of the Turks was that it should be accounted false deliver'd him up to the hands of Justice At length as conscience often urgeth Criminals to speak against themselves he confess'd all he declar'd that he came not into Rhodes but to endeavour how he might deliver the Town up to the Infidels that he came by the express order of Mahomet to observe the condition and estate of the City and to return to him with a full account thereof in case the Turkish Army should be forc'd to raise the Siego He added that this had not been the first City which he had betray'd in this manner and that his conscience accus'd him for the murther of an infinite number of Christians These confessions were enough for his condemnation without any other evidence so that he was hang'd in the publick Market place of the City This execution was soon spread in the Camp of the Turks for the Grand Master inform'd them himself by Arrows shot over the Wall after their example Which he did the rather to let them understand how ill success their Spies had at Rhodes and that he had follow'd the Turks advice It is not to be believ'd how extremely the Basha was afflicted for the death of this Traytor He had almost no other hopes left but in him since his last misfortune for he was half assur'd that the intreagues of a wit so crasty as his could not fail him at last However he would not suffer himself to be altogether dishearten'd though before he resolv'd upon a general assault he was resolv'd to try the most gentle means he could To this purpose after he had shot in several Letters into the City aggravating and extolling the power of the Ottoman Empire he advertiz'd the people that the Grand Signior intended no ill to the Rhodians that he had only made the War to deliver them from an unjust and tyrannical Government that being Greeks they ought naturally to obey the Emperor of the Rhodians and that they would never be at quiet so long as they continu'd enemies to the Ottoman Court He promis'd them if they would surrender not only their lives and liberties but also all sorts of Immunities and Honours At length he declar'd to them that if they refus'd such advantageous proffers they must expect to be all put to the Sword That the Invincible Mahomet was resolv'd to drain his Empire of all its Forces to take Rhodes that he was marching thither with all speed and that there would be no capitulations thought of when his Highness arriv'd This Letter wrought no impression upon their resolutions The wiser sort laugh'd at them the meanest capacities took them only for pieces of craft and falsity They all contemn'd and scorn'd the change which he propos'd and so far they were from dreaming of a submission to the Grand Signior that they made new protestations of fidelity to the Grand Master So that nothing more contributed to retain the Prince in their obedience and to redouble their affection to their lawful Prince then the subtilty which was us'd to corrupt and gain them to a revolt The Basha finding no effect of his Letters to which they would not so much as vouchsafe an answer took another way to obtain an answer A runagate Greek presented himself that night by his order before the Walls of the City and calling to the Centinels with a loud voice he told the Knights that appear'd that the General of the Ottoman Army was desirous to send an Embassador to the Ottoman Army provided he might have the liberty to go and come with safety Answer was return'd to the Renegado that the law of Nations was inviolably observ'd at Rhodes that the Embassadors had no reason to fear any thing and that he might come to the Jews Moat and that he should find in the Bulwark of the Tower a Knight that should return him an answer in the name of the Grand Master An ancient Bey whose name was Solyman appear'd the next morning just against the Bulwark He was a prudent man and besides his experience had excellent natural parts After he had civilly saluted the Knight who was deputed by the Grand Master to give him audience he
he could put on a mild and engaging Aire when he pleas'd His Serraglio follow'd him every where and he gave himself up to his pleasures in the midst of the toyles of war but he was melancholy and cruel in the height of his pleasures killing sometimes with his own hand his Favourites and his Mistresses in the heat of his debauchery so soon he alter'd from love to choler and fury He also committed these cruelties sometimes in cold blood more out of Policy then transportation And it is reported of him that when he reproach'd the Souldiers for effeminacie and slackness in discipline certain among them taking the boldness to hit him in the teeth with a young Grecian whom he passionately lov'd he caus'd her to be brought forth and to be by them beheld at leisure whereupon when the Souldiers dazl'd with her beauty agreed that the Emperors passion was not without good reason Mahomet immediately striking off her dead with his Scimitar laid her head at their feet to let them understand that Pleasure was not his Master and that whatever proneness he had to it he lov'd nothing beyond his duty He was brought up by his Mother in the principles of Christianity instructed by Maximus Patriarch of the Greeks However he only made profession of the Mahometan Religion or ratherhe had no Religion at all laughing at his Prophet and regarding less the Alcaron then the Gospel He freely confess'd that the Christian Law was an admirable Law but he so much abhorr'd the Christians that when he met with one he was alwaies wont to wash his hands and mouth as if the very sight of a Christian had defil'd him He thought all things lawful to obtain his ends and never kept his word but when it stood with the conveniencie of his affairs For he pretended that he ow'd no respect to any one and treated all men like slaves not considering that he ow'd to himself the fulfilling of the word which he had giv'n to others and that the laws of fidelity oblige the Masters as well as the Slaves Yet was he just to his Subjects and administer'd justice equally to all his people He thought much spoke little neglected nothing inform'd himself of all things and disguis'd himself often to see what pass'd in his Serraglio and in his Army He understood several Languages and several Sciences amongst the rest Astrology which he study'd very much He was a lover of learned men and excellent Artists of any Nation whatever Magnificent toward the one and the other Observing no moderation in reward no more then he did in punishment Indefatigable he was in war a contemner of danger resolute in bad fortune insolent or moderate in prosperitie as occasion requir'd cunning to conceal his enterprises and discover those of his enemies Artificial in his management making use of the vilest means to compass his ends but ambitious to excess accounting all his conquests as nothing and still every day proposing new to himself So predominant was the love of honour in him and Alexander the great so much his model that he read his life continually which he caused on purpose to be translated into Arabic and he did him the honour to imitate him even in his vices When Mahomet had taken possession of the Ottoman Empire after the death of Amurath his Father he was presently for an universal Monarchy and first he undertook to subdue the Empire of the Greeks He began his military expeditions with the seige of the Capital notwithstanding the peace which he had made with Constantine Paleologus Emperor of Constantinople or rather it was under the protection of a peace solemnly sworn that the Barbarian turn'd his armes upon that side In regard Constantine had made no provision against an attempt which he did not mistrust and for that the succour which he receiv'd from the King of Arragon the Pope and the Republick of Venice came too late he could not sustain the force of so great an Army so that the City was carri'd by assault by the Infidels notwithstanding the resistance of the Christians Never was seen a more tragical spectacle than that which was then beheld They made a most horrible slaughter every where nothing escap'd the fury of the Souldiers Women Virgins of qualitie were publickly defil'd and afterwards inhumanly massacred The Images reliques of the Saints were cut to pieces The Resemblances of Christ thrown to the dogs and the great Crucifix dragg'd about the streets with most dreadful acclamations and imprecations Constantine rather chose to dye in the defence of his Crown and faith then to fall alive into the hands of the Barbarians His head was carried upon a Lance round about the City and that there might not any footstep remain of the family of the Paleologi Mahomet caus'd the Princes and Princesses of the Blood-Royal to be slain in the midst of a magnificent Banquet whereat he treated the Principal Officers of his Army The taking of Constantinople cast a terror upon all the East and oblig'd the Despote of Servia the King of Cyprus and the Emperour of Trebizond to sue for the friendship of the Turk Which they could not obtain but upon paying a certain Tribute as the Islands of Scio and Meteline did The Knights of Rhodes would not stoop to any such dishonourable condition and though Mahomets Ambassador threatn'd the Knights with all that could be expected from a Potent and Victorious Prince if they refus'd to pay him 2000. Duccats a year the Grand-Master answer'd with a generous Christianity That the Order of Rhodes acknowledg'd none but the Apostolick See which knew not what it was to pay Tribute and that for his part he was resolv'd rather to dye a thousand deaths then to suffer in his time that the Government which he had receiv'd free should become tributary and that if Mahomet made war against the faith of Treaties he hop'd that God who is the revenger of injuries and impieties would defend his own Worship against all the Ottoman Power In regard the Knights were fearful least so fierce an Answer might provoke Mahomet they made it their business to provide against so formidable an enemy But because the Society was then poor and not able to maintain a long war of it self they thought it their best way to engage the Christian Princes to their side especially the King of France upon whom they lookt upon as the best friend of their Order The Commander D'Aubusson was chosen for this Embassage out of all the Commanders of the French Nation Not only because he had a particular knowledge and dexterity in managing affairs but because he was known to the Court of France He departed from Rhodes at the time that James de Milli succeeded John de Lustic Grand-Master of the Order and arriv'd in France a little after the Cardinal d'Avignon whom the Pope had sent thither to encite the French against the Turk The Embassador of Rhodes was entertain'd
after the Venetians had rais'd the siege of Rhodes in the year 1464 the Grand Master Zacosta considering of what great advantage a Fort built upon those Rocks would be for the defence of the City began that very year to build the Tower of St. Nicholas and that Philip Duke of Burgundy gave twelve thousand Crowns in Gold to finish it which engag'd the Knights to set the Arms of the Duke of Burgundy and the Provinces under his subjection upon the Tower This was the condition of the City of Rhodes when it was besieg'd by the Army of Mahomet The Fleet came to an Anchor just against St. Steven's Mount and mauger all that the Knights could do to hinder their landing the Turks got footing and lodg'd themselves immediately upon the Mount and in the neighbouring plains At the same time they brought a-shore all their Artillery also and their Engines of War The Basha had in his Army which consisted at least of a hunder'd thousand men all the best Squadrons of Anatolia the choice of the Spahi's and Janizaries above four thousand Voluntiers several Beys of Romania and other Governments and lastly several Companies compos'd of the Veteran Bands that had follow'd Mahomet in all his military Expeditions No sooner were they encamp'd but a Troop of Voluntiers came briskly up to the walls of the City to brave the Rhodians whether the first heat with which they landed were not yet allaid or whether they thought that some bold and irregular action could do no harm at the beginning of the Siege But their precipitation cost them dear for a party of the Knights fallying out upon them charg'd them so vigorously that after they had flain a great number of them they put the rest to flight The Knights were no sooner re-enter'd but the Barbarians return'd in better order and far more numerous to observe the condition of the Town The Renegado Demetrius was in the head of them in whom the Basha most confided since the death of Meligale Thereupon the Knights made a second sally commanded by Antony D'Aubusson Vicount of Monteil the Grand Master's Brother He arriv'd at Rhodes but some days before with an Equipage and a Train answerable to his Quality He came to Rhodes not only with an intention to go to Jerusalem and to visit the holy Sepulcher according to the custom of those times but also to assist the Grand Master his Brother and to serve the Church finding himself in a Siege with which the Knights were menac'd every moment He was a person of great Honour and Generosity very skilful in the art of War and one that profoundly understood the world He was made Captain General of the Rhodians upon his arrival the Heads of the Council who knew his worth making choice of him with one consent He had brought along with him several Gentlemen of Marche that were his Tenants or else his Friends not to speak of other Souldiers that accompani'd him of which the chief were Lewis of Chaon of one of the most noble Houses of Anjou William Gomare of Xaintonge Matthew Brangelier of Perigord Claudian Colombe of Bourdeaux Charles le Roy of Dijon and Lewis Sanguin of Paris The Vicount of Monteil staid not till the enemy came up to him but march'd to them with his Sword in his hand and charg'd them vigorously with his Troop The Turks sustain'd the first charge without stirring and Demetrius encourag'd them so by his words and his example that they at length made the Christians give ground They had perhaps put them to disorder if the Vicount of Montel had not impetuously spurr'd his Horse upon the chief of the Barbarians who seem'd to him to be the most resolv'd and couragious The Knights followed the Vicount and behav'd themselves so valiantly that the enemies were presently cut to pieces mauger all the resistance they made Demetrius defended himself with all the courage that honour and fury could inspire into him But his Horse being kill'd under him he was himself thrown to the ground and trampl'd over by the Horses Insomuch that he who had abjur'd the Faith and conspir'd the destruction of Rhodes advanc'd the design of the Infidels no more than his friend Meligalus over whom he had only this advantage to dye with his Arms in his hands and signalizing his valour a death too noble for a Renegado and a Traytor The Rhodians in this encounter only lost the Knight de Murat of the Auvernian Language and one of the bravest persons of the Order He was encompast by a Body of Spahi's being in the pursuit of some that ran away and run through in a thousand places while he was disarming Demetrius The Turks put his head upon the end of a Lance and to comfort themselves for their misfortune carri'd it into their Camp with most hideous yellings and shouts of derision The body was recover'd out of their hands by Knights and the Grand Master caus'd him to be enterr'd with all the pomp and honour that so renown'd an action deserv'd These first attempts not having succeeded with the Infidels the Dutch Engineer advis'd the battering of St. Nicholas Tower believing that if they could master that the City would soon surrender or at least that they should thereby hinder any Vessel from getting into the Port. The Basha believ'd the Engineer and the Turks carri'd three great pieces of Artillery into the Gardens adjoyning to St. Anthony's Church which commanded the Tower They presently cut down the trees and after they had plac'd their Gabions to secure themselves they shot without ceasing The Grand Master immediately rais'd a Counter Battery with three pieces in the Garden of the Auvernian lodgings Now in regard the noise of the Cannon that never lay still all day long alarm'd the inhabitants he walk'd his rounds about the City accompani'd by the principal Knights confirming the courage of the people by his presence He also visited all the Posts the same night encouraging the Souldiers and exhorting them to fight couragiously for the Faith No sooner the day began to peep but the German Engineer appear'd upon the brink of the City Moat humbly desiring the Guards to open the Gates for him but the Souldiers had certainly shot him had not some of the more prudent Knights prevented them Thereupon by the command of the Grand Master he was set in and conducted to the Castle He was a person of a very good presence and tall in stature he had a crafty wit quite contrary to the character of his Nation bold enough and one that knew how to use his tongue He was known at Rhodes and was accompted one of the most skilful Artists of his time Being examin'd what reason had brought him thither he answer'd that he came to defend Rhodes That he could no longer endure the reproaches of his own conscience for having employ'd his art against the faithful that preferring his Salvation before his Fortune he did absolutely renounce the advancement
began to tell him that the Basha Paleologus wonder'd that being so much straiten'd and not receiving any relief they should still so obstinately defend themselves He added that for his part he wonder'd that persons so wise as they should so pertinaciously seek their own ruine That they ought to remember Constantinople Trebisond Negropont Metelin and others far stronger places then Rhodes which could not hold out against Mahomet that Prudence ought to regulate Valour and that it was a folly to pretend to resist the Conqueror of two Empires twelve Kingdoms and three hunder'd Cities True it was that it was an honour for him to defend his Countrey but that it was better for him to preserve it entire by submitting to the stranger then to ruine himself out of a blind and unadvised ingenuity and therefore it was but common prudence for him to agree with Mahomet That his Favourite Misach Paleologus offer'd to manage the accommodation himself and so to order it that they should have no reason to complain and lastly that it was the only means to save their Reputation and Estates He concluded his Harang in a lively and perswasive manner conjuring him to have pitty upon the people and not to be the causes of the massacre of so many poor creatures the dishonour of their Daughters and Wives and the succage of the whole Island The Grand Master being inform'd of Solyman's propositions did no less wonder at the Basha's Embassador then the Basha wonder'd at their refistance That they could not apprehend that he had any compassion or tenderness for them which he endeavour'd to destroy by all means imaginable That Peace was not treated on with sword and poison and that the treasons discover'd made them suspicious of new ones That they very well remember'd that Trebisond Constantinople Negropont and so many other Towns could not resist the power of Mahomet but they remember'd as well that he was a Conqueror that seldom kept his word and that contrary to the publick Faith given he had put to death David Commenius with all his children not to speak of the Princes of Bosnia and Metelin The Knight who spoke in the name of the Grand Master added haughtily that the Soldan of Egypt and Babilon no less potent then the Emperor of the Turks had often attempted Rhodes without getting any thing but shame that the Rhodians hop'd that their entrenchments would prove the tombs of the Ottoman Army and that they would rather perish in the ruines of their own Countrey then then deliver it up to the enemies of the Christian Faith And lastly that neither the threats nor promises of Mahomet were sufficient to force them to any thing which might either be against their profession or blast their honour After this the Knight added that when the Army of the Infidels was return'd to Constantinople the Emperor might send an Embassador to Rhodes and that then the Grand Master would consider what was most honourable and advantageous for the Order but that so long as such an Army remain'd about the City he could not heark'n to Peace That the Ottoman Trroops might do like declar'd Enemies but that for his part he hop'd by the assistance of Heaven to let his General know that the Knights of Rhodes were not so soon conquer'd as other Nations This generous and haughty answer quite disappointed all the Basha's designs Shame Honour Despair Fury rais'd in his Soul those Opposite motions as almost put him besides himself Fury at length got the upper hand and the Barbarian abandoning himself to all the thoughts that rage could inspire after he had excited his Souldiers to punish the pride of those that brav'd the soveraign power of the Ottomans he commanded all the Engines to be set at work and that they should batter the City night and day without ceasing Never were orders better executed for the Turks enliven'd by the fury of the Basha and transported at the same time with a desire of Victory and revenge in a small time made above three thousand five hundred Shot which brought the Towers and Walls almost down to the Ground Yet neither did this affright the Rhodians For the Grand Master went up and down to hearten the Inhabitants and encourage the Souldiers His confidence in God increas'd his natural Constancy and spread in his Countenance a serene Air which prov'd a happy success When he thought the Enemy was ready to give the assault he plac'd at the most dangerous place strong Squadrons of Cavalry under the most skilful Commanders which he chose himself He retain'd near his own person the French Gentlemen who had follow'd the Count of Monteil to Rhodes and plac'd himself with them near the Jews quarter from whence he might relieve all parts as need requir'd But because he repos'd all his hopes in the protection of Heaven he first went and prostrated himself at the feet of the Altars recommending to God the safety of Rhodes and commanding prayers to be continually said in all the Churches of the City In the mean time the Basha encourag'd by the Havock which his Artillery had made after he had flatter'd his men with their Martial vertue and had perswaded them that they had nothing more now to take then Ruines without defence he openly declar'd to them that they should freely have the pillage of the Town He commanded them to put all to the Sword except the young Infants whom he permitted them to preserve either for their own benefit or the Grand Signiors Militia He ordain'd also that all the men that should escape the Sword of the Mussel men should be empal'd to which purpose he set upright a thousand Stakes in the Field The Turks reviv'd anew by this apparent facility of the enterprize and the hope of plunder with impatience expected the hour of assault with their Arms in their hands and Chains about their wasts to bind those that they should not kill Nor could the Basha hardly retain them one day more that he shot continually at the Town to level the Fortifications of the Besieged At length the 27th of July he gave the signal just at break of day by the shooting of a Mortar piece Immediately the Ottoman Army ran furiously on invoking the name of their false Prophet and assail'd the City on every side with most dreadful shouts and yells that made all the Sea-shoar and all the Hills to ring again Nevertheless the main onset was giv'n to the Jews Wall where the Ruines which had fill'd up the Ditch again made the way easy Then an innumerable multitude mounted the Walls and fell on with that fury that the Christians who kept the Walls were quite overlaid with number and almost all slain The Turks puft up with this success drove back the rest and set up seven of their colours upon the walls before the Christians could get up upon a slope made with the Ruins of the Wall on their side The Knights and Souldiers that
tak'n had not night come on Thereupon favour'd by the darkness he got into the next wood hoping to rally his Troops and to bring them on again the next day But understanding that the most part of his people were either prisoners or slain he took a sudden resolution to fly for succour to the Soldan of Egypt the King of Cilicia and the Grand Master of Rhodes To this purpose with only forty Horse marching day and night through unknown places at length he got into Syria Being come to Jerusalem he went to visit the Temple of Solomon to which the Mahumetans give a particular veneration and there prostrated at the foot of the Altar he besought the Divine Majesty to favour his just designs after which continuing his journey through the Deserts of Arabia he came to Caire Cairbey receiv'd Zizim not as a Fugitive and despoyl'd Prince but as a great King the Son of a most famous Conqueror and of the most Puissant Emperor that ever the Turks had When he understood that the Prince was at hand he sent before the most considerable Emirs and Mamalukes of his Court. And at the same time he went to receive him at the Gate of his Palace contrary to the custome of the Soldans not were there any sort of honours or caresses with which he did not entertain him Zizim so much the better pleas'd with his entertainment by how much the more he look'd upon the lowness of his condition made his returns to the civilities of the Chirurgeon as shew'd his acknowledgment but testifi'd nothing of weakness or want of courage After he had declar'd to him the reason of his coming he told him withal that he apply'd himself to him as to the most zealous observer of the Mahumetan Law He conjur'd him by the Temple of Solomon and the Sepulcher of the Prophet Mahomet which were both in his Dominions to assist an unfortunate person with his counsels and his forces against the violences of a barbarous Brother who had depriv'd him of the Crown and also sought to take away his life The Soldan mov'd by the discourse of Zizim made him all manner of offers But as Cairbey was a Politick Prince who would not easily engage in dangerous affairs being rather a lover of quiet and repose he promis'd him first to labour an accommodation with Bajazet and to keep his word he dispatch'd away an Emir to Constantinople The Embassy was no way pleasing to Zizim who well knew that such kind of differences were not to be determin'd but by force But the posture of his affairs and the consideration of his wife and children that came after him to Caire enforc'd him to dissemble And the better to conceal his passion he desir'd to go to Mecca to worship the Sepulcher of Mahomet though perhaps more out of discontent than devotion Hardly was the Ottoman Prince return'd but news came from Constantinople Bajazet who in all things follow'd the counsel of Achmat accepted the mediation of Cairbey not so much to reconcile himself with his Brother as to amuse him and ruine him under the pretence of accommodation The Soldan overjoy'd to see himself the Arbitrator of so great a quarrel went about to perswade Zizim that a part of the Empire was better then nothing and upon that score he offer'd him for his share a Province in Asia The Sultan was much displeased at his Proposition and could not forbear from manifesting how high an injury it was to his pride By this he found that mediation did but only make him lose time and therefore not finding Cairbey very readily dispos'd to succour him he resolv'd to implore the assistance of other Princes at what time he receiv'd an Embassy from the Grand Caraman This Monarch whom Mahomet had despoyl'd of the Kingdom of Cilicia now call'd Caramania thought he had now a favourable opportunity to recover the Kingdoms which he had lost and made no question but that by declaring himself against Bajazet he should oblige Zizim should he contribute to put him in possession of the Empire to restore him his own Upon this consideration he rais'd Forces and requested succour from all his friends The Grand Master to whom he particularly address'd himself sent him five Galleys laden with Souldiers and Artillery who were readily willing to go when the Counsel understood that it was done for the interest of Zizim who had been always kind to the Knights and the Vessels of the Order In short when Caraman had rais'd his Army he sent for Sultan Zizim to come and joyn with him The proposition of the King of Caramania was much more acceptable to the Prince then that of the Sultan but that which chiefly made him determine to leave Caire was that several Basha's ill satisfi'd with the new Government had by particular expresses assur'd him of their fidelity and services However as much displeas'd as he was in himself with Cairbey he would not break with a Prince from whom he had receiv'd so-much kindness and who was able to do him as much prejudice So that as a mark of the confidence he repos'd in him he left his wife and children with him The great desire which Zizim had to obtain the Crown which as he pretended belong'd to him and of which he thought himself more worthy than Bajazet made him hasten with all speed to Mount Taurus where the Grand Caraman expected him and the reason which that expell'd King had to hate the Turks made Zizim believe that he should find in him an assur'd and faithful friend After they had sworn to each other an inviolable Amity the two Princes march'd together over vast Plains and encamp'd with their Forces near to Lavanda a City of Cappadocia Achmat who had winter'd in Lycaonia neer Iconium advanc'd with his Army upon the first report of the Confederacy of Caraman and Zizim on the other side also Bajazet whom the desire of ruining his Brother made more bold and valiant every day then other set forth from Constantinople at the head of a hunder'd thousand men and joyn'd with Achmat who had at least as many Whatever resolutions the two Princes had taken they began to be afraid of so great a force and Caraman who knew his Troops to be far weaker then those of the Turks gave Zizim to understand that it would be but meer rashness to give Battel He also endeavour'd to perswade him that it was the part of prudence to retire But the young Prince could not so resolve either honour or despair caus'd him to make a proposal to Bajazet that they might terminate their differences by a single combat in the sight of both Armies Bajazet who was not stout enough and who was in too prosperous a condition to accept such a challenge propos'd to Zizim another way of accommodation and offer'd him any such Province as he should like upon the Frontiers of Turkey with two hunder'd thousand Crowns in Gold every year and a Court becoming
he exhorted him to maintain generously the interest of the holy See to shew himself an example to Christian Princes and at last assur'd him of his favour The Order said the Pope in his Brief of which you are the Chief is more dear to me then ever and if God favour our designs you shall alwaies find me ready to oblige you in whatever concerns yours or the honour of the Order The Grand Master receiv'd this Letter like a true Son of the Church and presently sent his Embassadors to Rome to tender his obedience to the new Pope Edward de Carmandin Bayly of Lango and Will Caoursin Vice Chancellour of the Order were the chief of the Embassy who made their entry into Rome with an extraordinary Pomp and five days after had audience of the Pope in the presence of all the Princes Embassadours and a great number of prelates Caouersin in that renowned assembly made a speech full of piety and eloquence He first acknowledg'd the authority of the holy See and Innocent for the Vicar of Christ and Peters successour Then in particular he declar'd the Grand Master's joy for the election of his Holiness and the hopes which the Rhodians had to see Christnanism flourish under the pontificat of a Pope so zealous for the Christian faith After that he recounted the victories which the Knights had obtain'd against the infidels particularly in the last siege of Rhodes And lastly he offer'd his Holiness the service of the Knigths assuring him that they should esteem themselves happy to spend their blood to the last drop in the defence of the Holy See The Pope return'd an answer himself to Caoursin's speech Wherein after he had in general terms extold the valour and zeal of the Knights he dilated upon the merits of the Grand Master and confess'd that the Church was infinitely oblig'd to him The next week the Embassadours had a particular conference with the Pope at what time they presented to him a precious stone of an extraordinary figure and colour several exquisite perfumes and a rich Vase full of pure Indian Balsom But the Pope who desir'd nothing more then to restore peace to Italy and who sear'd nothing more then an invasion of the Infidels turn'd his discourse upon Zizim and told the Embassadours that for the good of Christendom it seemd very necessary that he should be brought to Rome or to some other City of the Ecclesiastick estate The Embassadours not having any commission in that particular they could return no answer only that they would signify his Holiness's pleasure to the Grand Master However they receiv'd several favours before their departure had the honour to carry his Canopy upon the purification of the Virgin with the Embassadours of Naples Milan and Florence But as a particular grace to the Order he granted to the Prior of the Church of Rhodes a power to remit all sins which are reserv'd to the Holy See to alter vows to absolve from oaths from Irregularity and Simony He gave them liberty also to have a portative Altar to say Mass either by Sea or Land as also before day and in places forbidden by Ecclesiastical censure In the mean time the King of Naples who after the death of Sixtus was terribly afraid lest the Venetians should molest his dominions and that the Turk should come to revenge their quarrel desir'd more earnestly then ever to have Zizim in his possession To which purpose he wrote new Letters to Rhodes which he deliver'd to the Embassadours who pass'd through Naples in their return home But while Innocent and Ferdinand demanded Zizim from the Grand Master the Soldau of Egypt urg'd the same request Caerbei had in relligence that the Great Turk was about to enter Caramania with a powerful Army to punish Caraman So that he was afraid lest the Turks should soon after carry their arms into Syria and he knew no other expedient to stop Bajazet then to oppose Zizim against him But the arrival of the Baily of Lango and the Vice Chancellour of the order drew him out of that perplexity whereinto the Embassadour from Egypt had plung'd him for when he understood the Popes Intentions as to what concern'd Zizim he gave the Soldan's Embassadour to understand that the Soveraign Priest of Christendom having a designe to send for the Ottoman Prince to Rome the Knights could not dispose of his person not determine any thing without the consent of the Holy See to which the order of St. John was particularly subject In the same manner he excus'd himself to King Ferdinand accompanying his excuse with many civilities not being willing to displease a Prince whom he could not gratisy yet desir'd to serve But in regard he knew the Pope was not able with his forces alone to undertake any considerable enterprize and believing withal that should he send Zizim into the Ecclesiastical state he should put an obstacle to the Holy league through the jealousies which the Christian Princes would be subjest to apprehend he represented to his Holiness withal the earnestness and respect that might be that he could not let go Zizim without exposing Christendom to manifest misfortunes That such a change would give suspition to Bajazet and enforce him perhaps to put to Sea and land in Italy He added also that the Invasion of the Infidels was very much to be fear'd before all Europe was first united against them However that he would submit the affair to his Holiness whose prudence and justice he very well understood It was about this time that the Grand Master did a very eminent piece of service for the Genoeses in protecting for them the Island of Scio which was under their subjection by the gift of Andronicus Paleologus after they had restor'd him to his throne For Francis de Medicis scourd all the Levant Seas with a well arm'd Galliot and had taken considerable prizes from the Turks near the Island of Scio. The parties concern'd complain'd to the Cady of Tire who was a person of great credit in the Ottoman Port and orderd their business so well either by presents or false testimonies that the Mahomet Judge condemn'd the people of the Island to make good all the losses which the Turks had sustain'd as if the Islanders had shar'd with the Galliot because the Captain had taken in fresh provisions in the Island The Grand Signior also confirms the Cadi's sentence But to chastize the Island the more severely which at Constantinople was accompted a Receptacle for Theives and Pirates he laid upon them a most enormous tax and threatn'd the Islanders with ruin if they did not speedily pay it down The inhabitants resolv'd to justify themselves at the Port and to represent humbly to the Grand Signior their inability to pay such great sums But the Barbarian would hearken neither to their reasons not their prayers and commanded his Vassels to go and sack Scio. The Islanders had bin lost without hope if the
the Turkish Army at his own doors And therefore whatever strength the Cairbie had he thought himself but weak without the assistance of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem For that reason to engage them to his Interests he dispatch'd to Rhodes Riccio de Marini a Gentleman of Cyprus and the same person who formerly came to serve Queen Charlotta against the Republick of Venice Marini had Instructions to declare to the Knights that the advantages which they had gain'd in so many encounters against the Turks put the Soldan in hopes of a happy success provided they would embrace his quarrel and that he should think himself invincible if he could but have Prince Zizim at the head of his Troops The Grand Master sensible of the generous proceeding of Cairbei toward Zizim almost forgot the ill usage which the Rhodians had receiv'd at his hands and therefore he very civilly testified to his Embassadour that he was very much troubl'd that the present condition of the Rhodian Affairs would not permit him to assist Egypt That the Knights of Rhodes had made a peace with the Turks and that they alwaies religiously observ'd the faith of Treaties But in regard the Grand Master desir'd nothing more then to see two potent enemies of Christianity destroy one another he added that since the refusal of Zizim's Wife and Children was the only cause of Bajazet's anger it was his advice that the Soldan should go on with the War not doubting but that Heaven would favour so just a Cause as his As for Zizim whom the Soldan requested he told the Emdassadour at length that he could conclude nothing without advice from Rome But that he would write to the Pope and signifie to him that the Soldan had provok'd Bajazet to make War upon him only for detaining and preserving the Wise and Children of Zizim unwilling to sacrifice to his Brothers fury what Zizim had most dear in the world The Grand Master's answer satisfi'd the Egyptians and rais'd their courages which the defeat of the Grand Caraman their neighbour had almost dejected For the Ottoman Army consisting of a hundred thousand men being got by several ways into Caramania and having quarter'd themselves between Pyramus the Sar and Cidnus near the old Castle of Adena and the ruins of the ancient City of Tarsus the Egyptian forces that were not above fifty thousand strong presented themselves in view of the Turks upon the banks of Pyramus after they had cross'd with an extraordinary swiftness the famous streights that separate Syria from Caramania The Souldiers that compos'd the Egyptian Army were call'd Corcassian Mamalucks all Christians that had renounc'd their Religion or else never profess'd any being ravish'd from their Mothers breasts and bred up in war from their Infancy The Eunuch Basha General of the Turkish Army gave them no time to rest but attacqu'd them with fifty thousand Horse before they had time to understand the Ground It was in one of those plaines that extend to the Mountain Aman and where Alexander defeated Darius that the Captain of the Spahi's having pass'd the Pyramus over the Bridg of Adena went on to assail the Mamalukes Wearied as they were they bore with an extraordinary vigour the first brunt and fell on with such fury that the Assailants were forc'd to defend themselves After an obstinate fight which Night parted the Mamalukes remain'd Masters of the Field Above thirty thousand Turks were slain upon the place the rest sav'd themselves in the Mountains or else retir'd to the Castle of Adena which they had fortifi'd a little before though it were taken soon after by the Victors But that which made this victory more compleat was that the same day ten Gallies which Achmat Basha the Grand Signiours Son in Law and Admiral at Sea had sent from the rest of the fleet to wast the Coast of Syria were overtaken by a furious tempest and dash'd against the Rocks This misfortune constrain'd Achmat to return to Constantinople with the rest of the fleet Passing through the Channel of Rhodes in view of the City not content to salute the Knights by discharging all his great Guns he resolv'd to shew their Captain a particular Kindness For having set up a magnificent Pavilion in one of the fairest of his Gallies adorn'd with a great number of rich Pendants and Banners he sent a young Turk his Favourite call'd Osman to visit the Grand Master on his behalf The Gally enter'd the Port with the sound of Trumpets and Drums mix'd with the joyful acclamations of the Turks that attended Osman They were all richly habited nor had they the faces of men that made a shameful retreat When the young Turk came into the Grand Masters presence he saluted him after the Mussulman fashion and presented him a Letter wherein the Basha made him a thousand protestations of friendship and service Afterwards having presented him with several stuffs of great value and several rare pieces of workmanship he told him with a good grace that such a small present was not worth the famous Prince of the Rhodians The Grand Master would not be behind either in civility or liberality toward the Barbarians for besides the Caresses and the entertainment which he gave to Osman he sent one of his most Illustrious Commanders with all sort of refreshments for the fleet and rich presents for himself Scarce was Osman who stai'd not above 3 hour in Rhodes joyn'd with the fleet but the Grand Master had Intelligence of their defeat of which he heard not a word from them the spies which he had in most parts of Caramania and even in the Castle of Adena it self giving him an exact accompt hereof Besides that the Soldan himself well satisfi'd with the advantage he had won with his own forces fail'd not in honour of his dignity to give him a relation himself as the person who had foretold his success But this prospority did not blind Cairbey who knew it was not enough to vanquish unless he made advantage of his victory To this purpose he thought that an Embassie to the Pope might produce good effects and he communicated his thoughts to the Grand Master not daring to enterprise such a thing without his counsel nor hoping to obtain his desires without his intercession In the mean while the Pope who made it his business to unite the Christian Princes against the Turk was every day extraordinarily pressing for the removal of Zizim and he began to talk somewhat like a Commander For how mild and moderate soever Innocent might be in his particular conduct he was jealous of his authority and would make himself to be obeyd when he acted for the publick good The Grand Master who knew what obedience he and the rest of the Knights ow'd to the Pope as head of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem was not desirous to stay for an express command He therefore gave Zizim to understand the intentions of his holiness and finding the
touching an Embassie to Rome But that he might know more exactly what he had to say to the Pope and after what manner he should proceed sent another Ambassador to the Grand Master This Negotiation continued several moneths in which time there were nothing but continual Voyages from Constantinople to Rhodes The Grand Master however put no confidence in these Embassies but expected a Rupture so soon as Bajazet should have an opportunity to display his secret hatred against the Knights and therefore that the Pope might have time to make a League between the Christian Princes he spun out affairs as much as he could either by creating difficulties which perplexed the Grand Seignior or by giving ambiguous Answers which were unsatisfactory While things thus passed between the Knights and the Turks one of the Popes Legates had like to have spoiled all by his imprudence Philip de Canova whom the Pope sent to the Soldan being arrived at Caire publickly declared very idly and without any ground That the Knights of Rhodes had no power in the affair of Zizim He spoke this so openly and upon so many occasions that the report thereof came to the Port. This news cool'd the Grand Seignior as to any further Negotiation with Rhodes now growing jealous that the Knights did but abuse him and it had come to an open War had not the Grand Master dextrously reconcil'd what the Legat had spoil'd He declar'd so loudly the contrary and by the Popes Letters themselves so well over-turn'd the falsity that Canova had averr'd that in a short time he regain'd the former confidence which Bajazet had in him The Negotiation was renew'd and it was on both sides agreed that the Grand Prior Blanchefort who was come to Rhodes to be present at the General Chapter and was to return to Zizim should conduct the Ambassador of the Port that was to go to Rome An act so dextrous and so successful soon made a noise over Europe and very much advanc'd the Reputation of the Grand Master He was the discourse of all the Courts of Europe and his name was so famous in that of Castile that a young Lady of eminent Quality having forsaken the World admiring what she had heard of the prudence and virtue of Cardinal D'Aubusson resolv'd to found a Nunnery according to his Model of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem To which purpose she requested leave of the Cardinal who over-joy'd to see such pious and virtuous inclinations in a young Lady readily condescended Thereupon the Lady whose name was Isabella di Leon descended from one of the most antlent Families in Andalousia founded a House of Religious Virgins of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and the Founder was named Princess by the Grand Master the Nuns are to be all of Noble Race and to be approved as the Knights are and they are particularly to pray for the Knights and as much as in them lies to forward the ruine of Mahumetism and the exaltation of the Faith Isabella Fernandes founded also another House of Nuns in Evora a City of Portugal in the time of Villerius Grand Master But to return to Bajazet Chamisbuerch his Capigi Basha his Ambassador to the Pope arrived at Rome and was presented to his Holiness by the Grand Prior Blanchefort who accompani'd him to the City The Grand Master when he counselled the Embassie advised the Grand Seignior to make a Present to the Pope and above all things to send him the Head of the Lance that pierced the side of Christ which Mahumet laid up in in his Treasury among the rich Spoils which he found in the Churches of Constantinople The Relick was suspected at first but upon the testimony of the Grand Master the Infidels were believed who testifi'd that he had had it from very credible persons that the Venetians had offered Mahomet 15000 Crowns in Gold to retrieve it out of his hands after the taking of Constantinople But in regard it was the intention of the Grand Seignior wholly to gain the Pope he added to his Present very obliging Letters wherein after he had given him an account of an Expedition which he had made against the Rebels of Macedonia he swore an inviolable friendship with him and besought him that his Brother Zizim might always remain under the Guard of the Knights of Rhodes according to the Articles he had made with them These submissions of Bajazet very much pleased the Pope and were no small honour to the Grand Master He had a thousand Applauses in Italy and received the Complements of all the Christian Princes But an unhappy accident did not long permit him quietly to enjoy this Honour for a young Gentleman of a good House who was then in the service of the Knight Puis Bayliff of the Morea and Captain of the Castle of St. Peter stealing away from his Masters House and having renounced his Religion in Turkey the Peace was just upon the point of being broken between the Christians and the Turks For the Bayliff of the Morea touched to the quick at what had befall'n his Page took a strange resolution to recover him he Sallies out of the Castle with some Soldiers and entring into Lycia he takes by way of Reprisal two young Turks Sons of the most considerable person in the Countrey notwithstanding the resistance made by their Father whom he slew with his own hand So violent an act seemed to the Barbarians a visible breach of the Peace They take Arms and march directly to the Castle of St. Peter whether the Bayliff of the Morea was retired with his Prey The Sultan Zalabi the Grand Seignior's Son and Governour of Lycia sent an Agent to Rhodes to complain of the Attempt made by the Knights of the Castle of St. Peter The Bayliff's act was neither prudent nor just so that the Grand Master could not but with sorrow very much resent it and he had not stuck a moment to have delivered both the Children back again but that one of them testified an inclination to turn Christian But the young Turk declaring that he was resolved to continue a Mussulman and hated the very thought of Christianity the Governour of Lycia was satisfied with the restoration of the two Prisoners Thus was the Tranquility of the Province re-setled nor had the Subjects any thing more to fear but onely the Rapines of certain Pirats that infested their Coasts the most famous was Don Diego Ordonna a Spaniard by Nation a person bold and daring of a savage humour and a bestial valour more barbarous than the Infidels cruising all Coasts with an Armed Caravel and acknowledging no Right but Force nor any God but Interest He had taken a little before certain Merchants Vessels within sight of Rhodes and his power at Sea was grown so formidable that the Ships of the Order durst hardly venture out of the Port. The Grand Master could not brook the Insolencies and Robberies of this Castilian Pirate And knowing
that Ferdinand and Isabel who were then subduing the Moors did not allow a Castilian Pirate to be so vexatious to the Christians he sent against him the Knight Raymond Thivian with his Galley and another Man of War with a Crew of stout Knights who coming up with this Pirate pli'd him so warmly that he was constrained to yield after a vigorous resistance he was brought to Rhodes chain'd hand and foot and afterwards broken alive upon the Wheel his Goods that were Confiscated to the Grand Master were by his order distributed to the Merchants that he rob'd The Island of Lango was about this time afflicted with several calamities together a horrible and sudden Earthquake that lasted for several days threw down most part of the houses in the Countrey of Naranga and what was more lamentable this calamity happen'd in a time that a dreadful Contagion over-spread the Island It is not to be imagin'd how much the Grand Master was afflicted for the miseries of these poor people nor how great his cares were for their relief He sent two great Vessels laden with all necessaries for their support and caused the Lake of Naranga to be speedily cleansed and the Tyde to be let into it to carry away the noisome Vapours that might corrupt the air And so well his pains succeeded that the Contagion ceas'd so soon as the Lake was cleansed But these employments at home did not make the Grand Master forget his affairs abroad He continually sollicited the Pope to pacifie Italy and he besought him still to conclude with all the speed that might be a League between the Christian Princes But all these sollicitations and prayers took no effect Innocent died of a sudden and all those hopes that all good men had conceived died with him The advancement of Roderic Borgia by the name of Alexander the Sixth little avail'd to comfort the Grand Master for the loss which the Church had received The humour of the new Pope promised little good to Christendom for there was little good to be expected from a person who had purchased the Suffrages of the Cardinals to enjoy a place of which he knew himself unworthy He had been Protector of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem while he was Cardinal and by a Brief which he sent to the Grand Master he declar'd That the Knights of Rhodes should still be in his most favourable thoughts But the Effects were no way answerable to his words Alexander first shewed his Pontifical Authority by taking into his own possession the Person of Prince Zizim contrary to the Agreement made between Innocent and the Knights He shut up the Sultan the Castle of St. Angelo and dismissing the Knights who had always been about him put him into the possession of his Nephews of which one was a Knight of Rhodes His pretence was that a life so pretious as that of the Prince would be less exposed to the Ambuscado's of his Enemies in a strong place and that one Knight of Rhodes being near him the rest were needless in a place that did defend it self and these Excuses he sent by an Express to the Grand Master But the true motive that induc'd the Pope to this act was because that understanding the King of France was preparing for an Expedition into Italy he would have wherewithall to cross or promote his designs as he should judge most proper for his Interests For Charles the VIII did not onely intend the Conquest of Naples for Fame every where reported that he was resolved to have carried his Arms into Greece Whether this design were onely in thought or actually intended I will not dispute but certain it is that he communicated it to the Grand Prior Blanchefort whom the Affairs of the Order enforced to travel out of Italy into France and he testifi'd several times the earnest desire he had to see the Grand Master that he might consult with him about a Voyage beyond the Seas Zizim was extremely displeas'd to see himself in the hands of Alexander and under the Guard of his Nephews being always accustom'd to the Knights who had accompani'd him both in France and Italy As they had always great respect for him and in serving him had always sought to make his condition more pleasant he lov'd them tenderly and could not chuse but shed tears when he took his leave of them He did for them all that lay in the power of his Fortune he wrote to the Grand Master in their behalf representing to him the value of their services and assuring him that what ever favours he bestowed upon them he would put upon his own account as done to himself He besought him likewise not to abandon an unfortunate person who ow'd his life to him and from whom he could only hope for a change of his condition In the mean while Charles the 8th pass'd the Mountains at the head of all the Gallantry and Stoutness in his Kingdom and having cross'd like a Victor the half of Italy he march'd on and presented himself before Rome The Pope of whom he only demanded passage through his Countrey was afraid lest under that pretence he should make himself Master of the City but the presence of so great an Army would not permit him to listen to his fear he granted what he could not refuse And though the King by a publick Manifesto declar'd that he only came to Rome to accomplish a Vow that he had made and that he only went to Naples in his way to Constantinople yet he gave no credit to his words For Alexander who had no kindness at all for the French and had disoblig'd them upon several occasions easily imagin'd according to his Principles that they would not lose so fair an opportunity to revenge themselves But as he had a nimble craft he sought always to give them satisfaction and condescended to what-ever they desir'd He gave the young Conquerour the Investiture of both Sicilies and Crown'd him Emperour of Constantinople Besides that he deliver'd into his hands Sultan Zizim whom the King had chiefly requested out of a design to pursue his Conquests into the East after he had master'd Naples The Ottoman Prince was surrender'd to the French by a solemn Act and with a publick Ceremony where Alexander and Charles were present He saluted Charles after such a manner as neither bespake him a Barbarian nor a Prisoner After he had kiss'd his Shoulder and his Hand with a lofty Air he told the King That he hop'd the French would in his person consider the Ottoman Race and added that when they should cross over into Greece he should find a way to acknowledge their Civilities Charles was ravish'd with admiration of the Great Soul which he saw in the Sultan and treated him with so much Courtesie and Generosity that Zizim testifi'd his joy for being fall'n into the hands of so generous a Monarch They departed from Rome for Naples both together but the poor Prince who
prepar'd himself to assist the Enterprise of the French and who was in hopes to raise his own Fortune by following theirs felt himself struck by the way with an unknown distemper that carri'd him off in a few days His death surpriz'd all men and there was great enquiry made into the cause They that were of the Popes's party reported that he gave himself too much over to his Pleasures the first days of his liberty and that he kill'd himself with excess of Debauchery Others say that the Venetians corrupted with money by the Turks and alarm'd at the French Expedition had secretly given him poison But most accuse the Pope to have deliver'd him poison'd to Charles the 8th to the end that France should get no advantage by him and the report ran that Alexander receiv'd a good sum of money to perform that wicked act Thus ended the life of Zizim an unfortunate Prince and yet more illustrious by his Misfortunes then by his Birth Some think he dy'd a Christian and that he was Baptiz'd at Rome before the death of Innocent the 8th But those Authors who have spoken most of this Prince say nothing of his Conversion which makes me believe that to aggravate his misfortunes he dy'd a Mahumetan THE HISTORY OF Peter D'Aubusson Grand Master of RHODES Book Sixth THe Grand Master who took very heavily the news of Zizim's Captivity could not receive the news of his death without indignation and horrour and he found himself laden with all the grief that a man could have for the death of a person so extremely dear to him But when the Interest of Christianity intermix'd with that tenderness all his Fortitude was little enough to support him from being wholly deprest by an accident so Tragical He ador'd the profound wisdom of God that would not suffer the Christians to reap any advantage from the person of the Ottoman Prince and permitted them who had most interest to preserve him to be his destroyers But he admired as well the conduct of Providence that would not give the Infidel liberty to gain any benefit by his death but to unhinge all their designs gave Victory to the Triumphant Arms of France in Italy Ferdinand King of Naples being dead of an Apoplexy after Matthias Corvin King of Hungary and Pope Innocent the Eighth who both died of the same disease Alfonso a wicked Prince hated by the Nobility and People succeeded his Father but terrifi'd by the rapid march of the French and fearing besides the dire effects of publick Rage he left his Crown to his Son Ferdinand and retir'd into Sicily The new King also follow'd the example of Alfonso and after he had awhile disputed with the French the Avenues of the Kingdom abandon'd it quite so that the King of France made himself Master of the Capital Cities without striking one stroke All Turky trembled at the progress of the French Army and the terrour was so great at Constantinople that the Priests of the Mahumetan Religion publickly cri'd out That the Turkish Empire was lost without redemption Now before the Forces appointed for the Expedition of Italy set out of France Charles the 8th had sent to Rhodes the Grand Prior Blanchefort to desire the Grand Master to meet him at Rome He also dispatch'd away to him the Commander of Anger 's with very urgent Letters so soon as he had cross'd the Mountains More then this as he earnestly desir'd this Enterview though whether to be truly instructed as to the design he had upon the Levant or to dazle the World that it should not be known which way he bended is uncertain he desir'd the Pope to write to the Grand Master and wrote to him also with his own hand And indeed his Letter was the most civil and engaging in the world For after that he had declar'd that he could not live without his counsel nor enterprize any thing upon the Levant but under his Conduct he conjur'd him to hasten his Voyage for the reasons which he had declar'd to the Grand Prior Blanchefort his Nephew to whom he had open'd his mind as to a Knight of great prudence and of absolute experience This Letter coming to Rhodes before the Grand Prior whom stress of weather had beaten off from the Island the Grand Master who believ'd such flattering expressions could not be sincere and who saw but small foundations for a design that France made such a stir about return'd for answer to the King That he could not but highly applaud his Majesty's Zeal That it was too much honour for him to fight under his Banners or to contribute any thing to the Glory of his Atchievments But in regard the Grand Prior Blanchefort had order to declare to him the whole secrets of the Affair he daily expected to obey his Majesty's Orders The King out of his impatience to see the Grand Master in Italy wrote him a second Letter so soon as he was enter'd Naples He also desir'd Cardinal Briconnet and Cardinal de Garce who accompani'd him and to whom the Pope had given Caps at his instance to write both of them to the same effect The first only exhorted him in general terms not to deny that which was requested of him with so much ardenoy The second who had more zeal went more home to the business and after he had given him an account of all that had pass'd in the Kingdom of Naples desir'd him that he would condescend to be a Tutor to a young Conquerour who was wholly intent upon the delivery of Greece and whose hopes depended upon the Counsels of a Captain so experienc'd and so formidable to the Enemies of the Faith He added That in that little time that so glorious an Enterprise was delay'd the opportunity was in danger to be lost That it was to be fear'd lest the debaucheries that usually attend upon great Conquests might corrupt the Courages of the French Soldiers That the sins of Victors might draw upon them the malediction of Heaven That the Enemies of France sow'd jealousies in the minds of the Princes of Italy to engage them to cross the designs of Charles and that all preparations were making to form a League against him That several under the pretence of the good of his Kingdom advis'd him to return into France before he enter'd upon the Holy War The Cardinal at last concluded That the sole presence of the Grand Master was enough to stay the King and to ascertain the Expedition into the Levant But the Letters of the Cardinals did not work that effect which they expected The Grand Master was confirm'd by their own reasons that the Expedition which they projected against the Turks was not an Enterprise that had any solid ground he was a little distrustful of the inconstancy of the French and the Youth of the Conqueror Besides he understood that the League against France was almost come to a period and that the Pope the the Venetians the Emperor and
which would be in two days at farthest with his good leave The Letter from Pesaro was larger and more rational the effect whereof was That whereas Ravestein had undertaken the Siege without advising with the Venetians he had also rais'd it of his own head That it was no wonder that an Enterprise so ill manag'd should have no better success That the French preparing for home there was no likelihood that the Venetians should stay at Meteline That they were making to Scio and that if it were his pleasure they should joyn with the Knights they were ready to do what he should think best for the good of Christendom Pesaro added that there was no heed to be given to the Popes Promise for that his Fifteen Gallies were onely in Idea That the Spanish Fleet was about Taranto and that the Portugal Fleet having gain'd Corfu was return'd home notwithstanding all the intreaties of the Venetians pretending they could not stay long out in bad weather in those Seas The Grand Master was more perplex'd at the ill success of the Enterprize of Meteline then surpriz'd at it But believing that the return of the French Fleet would do more harm to the Affairs of the League then the raising of the Siege he dispatch'd away a Foist to Naxi by which the French were to pass desiring Ravestein not to return till they had discours'd together He sent another to Scio to desire the Venetians to meet him at Naxi and to let them know that he had made great Preparations for their assistance that he had left Rhodes in a bad Season and almost contrary to the advice of his Council That the misfortune of Meteline was not past recovery and that they might return to the Siege with more success provided the French had not lost their courage He desired Pesaro to stay Ravenstein at what rate soever if they were yet together or earnestly to write to him if they were parted The Rhodian Fleet set sail from Lango presently after the Foists and in spight of contrary Winds arriv'd at length before Naxi But Ravensteins impatience to quit the Levant would not permit him to stay for the Knights He set sail precisely two days after he had wrote to the Grand Master according to the purport of his Letter the Prayers of the Venetians the Honour of France nor his own being able to stop him The Grand Master had not been so well appeas'd at the departure of the French had he not met the Venetians in sight of the Island After mutual Salutes of both Fleets Pesaro came aboard the Grand Master where after some deliberation upon the present state of Affairs they concluded together to write to all the Princes of the Croisade to engage them to let their Fleets be ready against the Spring They also agreed that the true way to ruine the Turk was not to make any attempts upon the Islands of the Archipelago the loss of which would do him but little harm but to force the Dardanels and besiege Gallipoli with a potent Army then to make up directly to Constantinople and fire the Fleet that usually rode in the Sea of Marmora which the Grand Master would undertake to do provided that Ladislaus perform'd his part upon Hungary side This being the condition of Affairs at that time the Grand Master took his leave of Pesaro and set sail for Rhodes three of the Venetian Galleys attending him out of respect The Rhodians who did not expect his Return so soon were pleasingly surpriz'd at it yet easily brookt the misfortune that restor'd them their Grand Master No sooner was he arriv'd but he had intelligence that several Turky Merchants Ships very richly laden were in the Seas of Syria and Egypt homeward bound The Council was of opinion that such a Booty was not to be let slip but that they should take this opportunity absolutely to break with the Port. Thereupon the Grand Master commanded out seven Gallies and some Boats to way-lay them The Knight Diomede de Villaragut Castellan of Emposta was nam'd Admiral of the Squadron He put to Sea and took the Ships so that the Prize almost recompenc'd the Expences which the Knights had been at But for all this small success the Master was not a little troubled at the slowness of the Princes He was sensibly afflicted to see the League half-broken and therefore to renew it again he sent Ambassadors to all the Christian Courts Who were no sooner departed but Ambassadors arriv'd from Ladislaus King of Hungary who after they had congratulated the Grand Master as General of the League assur'd him that the Hungarian Army was in readiness and therefore desir'd him to engage the Grand Caraman the Soldan of Egypt but above all the King of Persia to take up Arms against the Turk The Resolutions of Ladislaus extremely rejoyc'd the Grand Master but the Revolutions then hapning in Persia somewhat qualifi'd his joy Jacup the Son of Vssum Cassan succeeding his Father in the Kingdom of Persia was affraid lest Arduel his Cousin should one day usurp the Crown and his fear was upon good grounds Arduel publickly gave out that Ali was the true Interpreter of the Law and thereby he almost overthrew Mahumetism The People who are always dispos'd to receive Novelties and are easily govern'd by them that know how to tickle their fancies with Religion declar'd themselves for the Doctrine of Arduel Thereupon Jacup thought the favour of the People to be a sufficient crime for which to put him to death and rid himself of him without any noise And a little while after he gave the same order for Ishmael the Son of Arduel That order of the King of Persia was not so secret but Ishmael had notice of it Upon which he fled towards the Caspian Sea to a Prince that was one of his Friends and there immediately made a publick Profession of what his Father had taught him His comely Presence and his Eloquence soon begat him a high esteem among those Barbarous Nations even to be regarded as a kind of Deity for which reason they gave him the name of Sophi or Wise He dextrously kept up so fair a Reputation and believing it lawful for him to do any thing to obtain a Crown he got the King of Persia to be put to death by the very means of the Queen her self who hated her Husband and lov'd Ishmael After the death of Jacup Ishmael return'd into Persia with a great number of his followers who lookt upon him as a Prophet sent by God The most part of the Persians took his part so that having got together a good Army he march'd against Alvant who had tak'n possession of the Throne as being the eldest Son of Jacup The new King was driv'n first from his City then defeated in a great Battel and slain by Ishmael's own hand This fatal news quite dampt the courage of Alvant's Brother whose name was Maracatam and lay at Babylon with a numerous Army
assisted them For the Italian Knights being inform'd that he conferr'd every day Commanderies in Italy to their detriment complain'd to the Council of Rhodes and desir'd leave that they might go altogether to Rome to make their complaints to his Holiness which Liberty considering the State of Affairs was at that time deny'd them Thus was the Pope the Occasion of an unseasonable disorder For upon this the Italians openly complain'd of the Grand Master while the Chancellor Amarall secretly blew the bellows of dissention and carry'd it so far as to deny their service to the Order and to obey the Commands of the Grand Master Thereupon the Grand Master depriv'd of their habit three of the Principal Ring-leaders Gabriel Solier James Palavicino and Lewis Moroso And to justifie himself he referr'd the whole to the consideration and examination of the Council who made their report that the Grand Master had done nothing but what was just prudent and rational However some of the Knights fearing the mischief of Commotion and Alteration at such a conjuncture made it their business to pacifie the Italians laying before them that the world would think and could not judge otherwise but that they sought for a pretence to go to Rome not so much for the sake of their Commanderies as to escape the danger of the approaching Siege Whereby the perswaders wrought so far that the Mutineers laid aside their anger made their excuses and return'd to the Obedience of the Grand Master who as kindly embrac'd and pardon'd them This bustle being over there arriv'd at Rhodes an Agent from Peri Basha who deliver'd a Letter to the Grand Master wherein the Basha invited him to a Treaty of Peace with the Grand Signior assuring him that if he sought it he should be well receiv'd and advising him withall to send for that purpose persons of Quality to the Port. The Embassador also deliver'd other Letters from the Grand Signior himself much to the same effect Most part of the Council considering the Age of Peri who was ancient and his known prudence and moderation had a good opinion of the Truth of the Embassie insomuch that they resolv'd to send to Constantinople the Chevalier Marquet Cataline and with him a Rhodian named Castrophylaca a person of great judgment and well skill'd in the Turkish Language to conclude a Peace in the same manner as it had been concluded in the time of D'Aubusson But when they were consulting about their Instructions some better considering of the business began to be of opinion that Peri was only a dissembler and observ'd that Solymans Letter gave no credence to that of Peri and that it was not practicable to send an Embassadour without a safe conduct in ample manner from the Grand Signiour While they were in these doubts the Grand Master was advertiz'd that Peri's Embassadour wandred about the City and with a diligent eye observ'd the Fortifications and made enquiries after the Quantity of Provisions the number of Souldiers and what relief was expected This open'd the eyes of the Council and gave them to understand that they were abus'd and that the Embassadour was only come as a spie Thereupon they presently sent him away ordering a Greek of mean Quality to go along with him to whom they gave two Letters one to Solyman the other to the Basha where in a few words the Grand Master declar'd that he had intelligence of every thing and that he had neither any thought or fear of the Grand Signiour or of his forces Nevertheless he desir'd a safe conduct for an Embassadour and offer'd to restrain the Incursions of those of the Order The Embassadour being arriv'd at Port Fisco found Horses there ready for him and went Post to Constantinople leaving the Greek behind who being unwilling to travel alone through an Enemies Country so far a journey return'd to Rhodes in the same Vessel that carry'd him By which miscarriage every one was then ascertain'd that the Embassie was but only a deceit and that the Town would suddainly be besiedg'd The City was well provided of Flesh pulse and wheat of which there was enough all the time of the siege as for warlike munitions it was thought there had bin enough though the Siege had lasted a whole year But they found it otherwise for they spent a great quantity to hinder the approaches of the Enemies Trenches besides the continual wast of powder and shot day night against so many thousands of busy Enemies Thereupon the Chevalier Antonie Bosio a person of a quick Capacity and one who did many services for the Order while he liv'd was sent into Candy for wine and to make a Levy of Archers but the Candiots afraid of the Turk forbid him to raise any men However under pretence of a convoy for his freight he brought away four hundred Archers which did eminent service all the time of the Siege The same Bosio met also upon the Sea with a Venetian whose name was Anthony Bonaldi coming from Alexandria in a great Vessel laden with Wine and bound for Constantinople But Bosio perswaded him to alter his Course and bring his Cargo to Rhodes where after he had sold his Wine he put himself and his men into the service of the Order and behav'd himself during the siege like a person of great valor And now intelligence came from all parts especially from the Duke of Nixia that the Galleys were lanching and that the whole fleet would depart at the Latter end of May. Thereupon the Grand Master caus'd a General Muster to be made as well of the Knights as of the other Souldiers As to those of the Habit there appear'd one and fifty of the Language of Province 26 of that of Auvergne Sixty two of France Forty seven of Italy Fifty one of Arragon Catalogne and Navar Eleven of England Six of Germany Fifty seven of Castile besides 13 others more that kept guard in the Castle of St. Nicholas The whole Garrison consisted of about 5000 men After the muster was thus made the Grand Master appointed to every Commander his particular duty what Posts what Bastions to keep or relieve as necessity requir'd and what Knights to be continually about his own person Particularly William Watson commanded the English Post Nicholas Hussey the English Bastion and Thomas Sheffeild was Captain of St. Anthonies Gate The City was in this posture when there was a signal made by fire from Fisco that there were some persons there which desir'd to parley Thereupon the Grand Master sent the Knigh Boniface D' Alluys a Provençal thither with his Gally When he came neer the place where the fire was certain horsemen that stood upon the shore gave the Knight to understand that they had a Letter to deliver from the Grand Signiour and invited him a shoar But the Knight too well understanding the humour of the Turks told them he had but a short time to stay and therefore if they had any thing
the former combats Not long after Mustapha covetous to repair his honour and to regain the favour of the Grand Signiour resolv'd to give a third assault to the Bastion of England He imparted his resolution to the Achmat who agreed with him at the same time to assail the Bastions of Spain and Auvergne Upon the 3d. of September Mustapha unexpectedly fell upon the Bastion mounted the Ruins and fix'd their Ensigns neer the Rhodian Entrenchments and at the same time endeavour'd to make their way forward The fight was terrible and doubtful neither was Mustapha wanting in any part of a judicious and couragious Captain Achmat also at the same time play'd two Mines one in the Auvergnian the other in the Spanish Post The Auvergnian Mine prov'd in effectual the Spanish Mine brought down a considerable part of the wall of the Barbacan of the said Bastion And yet for these dreadful Ruins the Christians so well behav'd themselves in every place that the Turks having lost above 3000 men were forc'd to retreat with shame to their Trenches Two dayes after the Jewish Physitian often spok'n of before was discover'd shooting an Arrow into the Turkish Camp with a Letter fasten'd to the end of it Thereupon he was apprehended and upon his examination confess'd that he was a Spy for the Turks that he had sent them five Letters that he had given them several advices and had encourag'd them to continue the Siege For which He was condemn'd to be quarter'd After these Repulses and the giving fire to three other Mines soon after that did little or no harm the Basha's consulted together and resolv'd to give a general assault upon fore several places of the City all at a time Solyman approv'd their Resolution assembl'd his Captains together encourag'd and chear'd them up and assur'd them of Victory and by publick Proclamation gave the common Souldiers the whole Plunder of the City Thus the whole Army resum'd their wonted courage and full of Hopes prepar'd themselves for a general Assault As a preparation to which the Basha's order the English Bulwark the Posts of Spain and Auvergne and the Italian Platform to be batter'd for two dayes together on purpose to widen and enlarge the Breaches The Grand Master observing this universal motion of the Enemy and their continual Batteries for 2 days together with an extraordinary diligence prepar'd for his defence Day and night he visited all the Posts earnestly besought every one to be watchful and ready and having taken a little repose in his armes by break of day he rang'd the Souldiers in their several Posts and that there might remain no fear or astonishment among them he made them a short speech Declaring to them the glorious opportunity which offer'd it self for them to signalize their Zeal for the honour of God their fidelity to their Order and the welfare of Christendom and their affection to a people that had liv'd under their Dominion for above 200 years He gave them to understand how often they had prov'd their own valour and the timidity of the Enemy That though their number were great yet that there was yet a sufficient number left of brave and valiant men to defend a just cause and repel the force of Ambition and perfidious impiety That they were to consider their Enemies were a sort of ignorant people forc'd on by their Basha's for fear of encurring the displeasure of their Master to whom they had represented the enterprize so easy that they themselves were persons of honour dedicated from their Infancy to the service of God And therefore he besought and conjur'd them to do their duties The Turks by break of day discharg'd all their Artilleriy at once that they might pass the Moat under the covert of the smoak and that don they boldly fell on in all places at once The Grand Master posted himself in the English Bulwark as being the weakest place Nor was the Spanish Artillery a little favourable to the English flanking the Turks and making a great slaughter among them insomuch that they were almost ready to recoyle when Mustapha's Lieutenant throwing himself among them pray'd entreated threaten'd promis'd and heading them himself brought them on again though to his cost being the first man slain with a Canon Bullet as he was mounting the Ruins The Turks enrag'd by his fall discharg'd their small shot and arrows like hail upon the Rhodians And Mustapha observing their Metall sent them continually fresh supplies and with fair words and promises exhorted them to their Duties Yet could they not force the besieg'd to stir a foot who in the view of the Grand Master with an invincible courage sustain'd all that Impetuosity and at the same time fought with equal valour and obstinacy in all the other Quarters The very women were not unserviceable while some carry'd Bread Wine and other refreshments to the Souldiers others threw stones others pour'd down boyling Oyle and water upon the Enemy But the greatest danger of the Combat was in the Spanish Post where the Aga General of the Janissaries having pick'd out the choicest of his men march'd himself to the Assault at the head of them who follow'd him with such a Resoluton that they cover'd all the Breach gain'd the platform above and planted forty of their Ensigns upon it with the same violence rushing on to the Barricado's not minding the prodigious slaughter of their own that fell on every side Thereupon the Knights and Souldiers in the Spanish Bulwark seeing the distress of those in the Post ran to the assistance of their friends leaving only some few for a guard behind Which certain of the Turks that lay conceal'd behind the rubbish perceiving presently mounted the Bulwark and made themselves Masters of it pull'd down the Ensigns of the Christians and setting up their own cry'd out in their own Language Victory and invited their Companions to assist them Upon which Achmats Regiment advanc'd but the Auvergnian Spanish Artillery soon stopp'd their Career So that the Grand Master being advertiz'd of this new accident left the English and entring the Spanish Post charg'd the Enemy so vigorously that he put them absolutely to flight Then seeing the Spanish Bastion master'd by the Turks he sent the Commander of Bourbon with a Company of stout Souldiers with order to enter the Mine and Casemat and to mount the Bastion Which he did so effectually that in a short time he wholly regain'd it Notwithstanding all this the Aga with fresh forces return'd to the assault of the Spanish Post and the Grand Master having left a sufficient Guard in the Bastion return'd to the defence of the same and sending for two hundred fresh men from St. Nicholas Tower after a bloody fight of six hours forc'd the Turks to abandon their Colours and to retreat to their trenches after the loss of above 15000 men Solyman was so highly incens'd against Mustapha upon this defeat that he condemn'd him to be shot to
death with arrows Peri Basha upon the presumption of his Age his merits and his Authority coming to intercede for Mustapha was sentenc'd to the same death And both had suffer'd had not Achmat Basha and all the rest of the Principal Commanders prostrate at Solymans feet implor'd their pardon Solyman seeing all his attempts upon the City of Rhodes so vain and fruitless fell into such a deep melancholy that he shut himself up in his Pavilion for several dayes and would not be seen resolving to raise the siege and to be gone The great Commanders whose hopes lay all in the Mines finding their expectations frustrate resolv'd to raise the Camp Nay several had carry'd their baggage to the Sea side and several Companies had quitted the Trenches When an Albanese Souldier slipping out of the Town gave intelligence to the Turks that the greatest part of the Knights and Souldiers were either kill'd or wounded in the last General Assault Other Traytours wrought the same adviz'd them to stay assuring them that the City could not hold out two Assaults more And it was afterwards known that the Chevalier D'Amaral wrought to the same purpose and encourag'd the continuance of the siege Upon this Intelligence the Captains chang'd their Resolutions divulg'd the news through the Army and began to batter the City more furiously then before Solyman also to let the Souldiers understand his Resolution and to encourage them began to build him a pleasure-house upon Palermos Hill Mustapha also though he had orders to repair to his Government ventur'd to give three Assaults successively upon the English Bastion with the Mamalucks who were so ill entertain'd the greatest part of them being kill'd or wounded that the rest retir'd to their Quarters resolving to return no more Peri secretly undermind the Italian Bastion the Mine indeed made a terrible noise and shaking but took vent on the Camp side and kill'd a great many of the Turks Mustapha having such ill success thought it not convenient to stay any longer so that upon his departure Achmat was made General He continu'd the siege with the same violence so that there was not a day pass'd wherein he did not both batter Assault and undermine the defences of the City However the Grand Master remitted nothing of his wonted care and diligence fighting and hazarding his person every where where need requir'd beyond what was reasonable for a person of his degree and Importance And now when it was almost too late those conspiracies and treasons were discover'd which were the loss of the Island For in the first place Lucio Custrophilaca a Rhodian and a person of great wealth reputation and alliances who had the charge of the fortifications the bread and ammunition was perceiv'd at a time and in a place very much to be suspected to have shot an arrow into the Turkish Camp who was thereupon lay hold on examin'd and put upon the wrack but would confess nothing to the purpose Next to him Blas Diez Servant to the Chancellour D'Amaral was taken in the same fact and being put to the Torture confess'd his Masters Treason declaring how he had wrote to the Basha's to contiuue the Siege for that both men and provisions fail'd in the City Thereupon the Grand Master caus'd the Chancellour to be apprehended who being examin'd and tortur'd would confess nothing himself but being convicted by sufficient testimonies confirm'd to his face by his Servant his Servant was hang'd and he beheaded dying without any sign of repentance or Christian devotion In the mean time the Canons of the Enemy thunder'd against the Bastion of Italy where they ruin'd all the defences and Barricado's that Martinengo had rais'd by which means they advanc'd their Trenches to the very foot of the Breach The Bastion of England was also beaten down to the Ground and the most part of the Barricado's and entrenchments ruin'd so that some advis'd the quitting and blowing it up But because that signifi'd little in regard of the vast numbers of the Turks the Grand Master resolv'd to hold it out to the utmost and to that end gave the command of it to the Chevalier John de Bin who kept it to the last At this time arriv'd the Chevalier de Rocque Martin with twelve Knights a hundred Souldiers and some Ammunition But notwithstanding this small relief the Grand Master observing the desperate condition of the City for now in some places there were no other defences but beames and boards between the Enemy and him beside that they had set up three Pravilions within the City neer the Rhodian entrenchments sent away to Candy for Souldiers Ammunition and victuals which the Duke of Candy had provided as also to Naples to hasten the succours which the winter season hinder'd from coming In the mean while the Turks gave too desperate Assaults upon the Italian and Spanish platforms but were still repuls'd with the loss of above 3000 men Insomuch that Achmat finding it impossible to take the City by force resolv'd to give no more Assaults but rather chose to preserve his men who were grown quite weary of the Christian valour nevertheless he continu'd his batteries and advanc'd his Trenches thinking to creep by degrees into the City Solyman also thinking to make short work caus'd several Letters to be shot into the City inviting the Inhabitants to surrender offering them all the Immunities they could desire and threatning on the other side in case of obstinacy all the severity imaginable Peri also suborn'd a Genoese who having liberty to speak to the Knights adviz'd them as Christians to consider the deplorable condition of the City and told them withal that if they were so dispos'd he could put them in a way to make an honourable composition but they believing him to be some impostor sent under hand by Solyman or his Basha's gave little credit to his words Two dayes after he came to the same place pretending he had a Letter from the Grand Signiour but then they bid him retire and to force him the sooner so to do they shot at him Some while after came the Albanian Souldier before mention'd pretending Letters also from Solyman to the Grand Master But then the Grand Master forbid any farther Parlying However these offers were divulg'd abroad in the City which begat in many a desire to heark'n to propositions of peace as more regarding their wives and Children then their honour And it was carry'd so far that some of the Citizens went and declar'd their desires to the Metropolitan and some of the Grand Cross requesting them to declare their grievances to the Grand Master But he severely check'd them telling them that it was not a request to be mention'd that they should rather resolve to die for the common liberty and the Honour of the Order The next day they came and besought him again to provide for the Common safety for that they were assur'd that the Citizens would yeild to a treaty rather
particularly they made a violent onset upon the Spanish Barbacan from which though they were at first repuls'd yet returning with such vast numbers the Rhodians were overwhilm'd and oppress'd by multitude and forc'd to retire into the City The Turks having gain'd the Barbacan presently came to the foot of the English wall and by the Ruins of the Barbacan got to the top of it and there planted several of their Colours The Citizens beholding the Extream danger they were in confess'd their folly and besought the Grand Master as the common Father to provide for their safety who gave them liberty to constitute Deputies of their own to attend Solyman and to procure particular security from him for themselves and order'd them to go along with the Chevalier Grollee The Grand Master however having some hopes of relief to the end he might temporize for a while sent Perucci first to shew to Solyman a Letter of Bajazet his Grandfather wherein he bequeath'd his malediction to those of his successours that should make war against Rhodes Perucci address'd himself to Achmat who desirous to see the Letter took it and having torn it to pieces threw it under his feet in great disdain Having so done he sent Perucci back to the Grand Master to tell him that if he did not suddenly return Solyman an answer he must expect to be miserable However the Grand Master had one more delay which was to offer to Solyman by the proposal of the Chevalier de Grollee otherwise call'd Passim the expences and charges of the whole siege if he would rise from before it But Achmat would not suffer any such word to be deliver'd to Solyman saying that Solyman had more regard to his honour and his Reputation then to all the Riches in the World At length the Grand Master finding no way to avoyd an agreement and that delay would be the Loss of all vanquish'd his own courage and overwhelm'd with grief and vexation gave his word to surrender the Town upon the conditions propos'd To which purpose he sent away the Chevalier Passim the Deputies of the Town who were presented to his Majesty to whom the Knights declar'd that the Grand Master was now resolv'd to surrender the City upon the conditions propos'd to him upon a full assurance in the faith and promises of his Majesty and humbly entreated him to favour the Inhabitants in the petition which they had to present to him for their peace and safety The Inhabitants besought him to remove his Army a little farther off that they might not receive any Injury either in their persons or goods and that those that would be gone might depart in safety Solyman accepted the offer of the Grand Master and promis'd to observe inviolably every article of the Capitulation That the Churches should not be profan'd that none of the Children should be carry'd away as Tribute Children to make Janissaries That the Christians should have the free exercise of their Religion That the Inhabitants should be exempt from all duties for five years That they that would might depart in three years with their Estates unmolested That Solyman should furnish the Order with Ships sufficient to carry them and their Subjects to Candy That they should carry off as many of their great Guns as they could Load That the Castles of St. Peter Lango and the other Islands and Fortresses belonging to the Order shall be surrender'd to Solyman After that Achmat sent into the City 400 Janisaries with an Aga to take possession and the Grand Master sent into the Camp for Hostages 25 Knights and as many Citizens who were by Achmat curteously entertain'd In the mean time Achmat came to visit the Grand Master in the Moat of the Spanish Post where after some discourse between them he gave the Grand Master Notice that Solyman was desirous to see him and therefore adviz'd him as his best course to go and wait upon him The Grand Master unwilling to provoke Solyman and to give him any occasion to break his word by being severe either to the Knights or the Rhodians resolv'd to follow Achmats advice The next morning therefore he went in a plain habit accompani'd with several of the Knights and after he had attended for some time before Solymans Tent he was presented with a noble Vest that Solyman gave him which so soon as he had put on he was introduc'd into the Grand Signiours Pavilion and kiss'd his hand Solyman receiv'd him curteously chear'd him up and told him by his interpreter that it was a common thing to loose or gain Cities and Signiories through the Instability of Fortune exhorted him to take his loss patiently and assur'd him of a most punctual performance of all his promises Then turning to his own people I cannot but pity said he this brave Man whom in his Old Age Necessity thus compels to abandon the Seat of his own Dominion The Grand Master return'd him thanks besought him to remember what he had promis'd and so taking his leave retir'd Solyman caus'd him to be guarded into the City and gave habits of honour to all the Knights that attended him Three days after Solyman himself rode to view the Trenches the Batteries the Breaches and the Tower of St. Nicholas Upon his return he enter'd the Palace attended only by Achmat and Ibrahim then a Page but highly belov'd by him and ask'd for the Grand Master When he saw him he made a kind of offer to raise his Turbant from his head with his hand out of respect not permitting the Grand Master to make any obeysance to him below his dignity Bidding him fear nothing and telling him withall if he had not time enough he would allow him more The Grand Master return'd him thanks but desir'd nothing more of him then to be mindful of his promise Thereupon Solyman remounted and having view'd the Church of St. John return'd to his Pavilion Upon New-years day the Grand Master having taken his leave of Solyman and embark'd as many of the choicest great Guns as the time would permit attended by all the Knights and as many of the best of the Citizens who rather chose to follow his fortunes then submit to the Tyranny of the Turks went aboard the Galleys appointed to carry the disconsolate Traine and the best of their goods and steer'd away for Candy Thus did The Order of St. John loose Rhodes after they had held and maintain'd it with so much constancy so much Expence of treasure and loss of blood against the whole power of the Barbarous Mahometans for the space of two hun-and thirty years FINIS Reynald Annal Ecclesiae An. 1495. * Fast fourty days and be whipt twice a week before the High Altar Anno 1503. Sept. 11. 1421.