quite backward on his Horse that the Turk thinking him to be slain greatly shouted but Scanderbeg recovering and chafed herewith after a furious fight slew the Turk with his sword Divers Souldiers thrusting the Turks heads on Speares that were already overthrown astonished the Turks and with Scanderbeg charged their main battell fiercer than before Moses with his own valour staied the Victory a while till seeing the ground covered with dead bodyes and that he must flee or die fled in which many of the hindermost were slaine Moses with 4000 escaped by wayes well known the rest about 11000 being slaine not past a 100 Christians were lost and about 80 wounded All the Turks taken were tortured to death in revenge of their cruelty at Belgrade except one ransomed that yielded to Zacharias Scanderbeg not knowing or winking thereat Moses laying still on Epirus borders would perswade his discomfited Army Scanderbeg being departed to follow him into Epirus to surprize the two thousand in Garison at Dibria before they were aware But the Turks now contemning him were about generally to return home Wherefore Moses returned with them with a countenance as heavy as of a condemned man and the Turks now disgraced him as fast as they before admired him speaking all evil of him yea the Tyrant though he could blame but his fortune was so offended that he had put him to a most cruel death had not the Bassaes c. perswaded him that hereby he should alienate others from revolting or attempting any great matter for him So he was pardoned but had little or nothing afterwards allowed him all which though he outwardly seemed to bear yet was inwardly so tormented that he could neither eat or drink The Tyrant's measuring all by the event filled him with indignation and to return to his Prince having so ill deserved he was ashamed Sometimes Scanderbegs clemency c. heartned him to think of return and by and by his foul treason overwhelmed him with despair yet at last he resolved to submit to Scanderbeg's mercy c. And getting secretly one evening out of Constantinople travelling all night and next day not resting he came at last by long Journies to Dibria whom the Garison beholding full of heaviness c. received him with many teares and embracings bringing him to Scanderbeg then not far off who falling at his feet with a girdle about his neck as deserving death craved his gracious pardon which Scanderbeg granting took him up by the hand embraced him and kissed him restoring to him all things of his 〈◊〉 with all promotions as before and openly proclaiming none to speak of Moses his trespasse Mahomet was much grieved and exceedingly fumed at Moses return for that he had trusted him and let him slip out of his hands being perswaded it was all but a deceit of Scanderbeg Shortly after Mahomet allured Amesa to himself Scanderbeg's Nephew promising him to be King of Epirus hereby thinking it easier to draw the people from Scanderbeg to him of the 〈◊〉 bloud than to any stranger Amesa fleeing to clear the Tyrant of suspition carried with him his Wife and Children who though low of stature and not so perfect of feature yet of exceeding haughty courage subtil c. painful courteous and bountiful he could notably dissemble his affections being beloved and honoured of all next to Scanderbeg He at his first comming filled not Mahomet with great promises and vain prayses of himself as had Moses but spake to him that if he should remember the old injuries against his Majesty they might seem to come rather to receive the just guerdon of their deserts then in hope of preferment c. that his Father's Army was betrayed at 〈◊〉 and Epirus by treachery wrested out of his hands the cause of so much calamity and blood-shed But this fear was vain c. especially seeing his then green years c. deceived him He believed his Uncle c. but discretion growing with years he both perceived his slie 〈◊〉 dealing and that his revolt from him was more 〈◊〉 to himself than any other that Scanderbeg not recovering and enlarging the Kingdom without him he long expected he should give him at least some part of his Father's Inheritance But marrying a Wife he begot an Heire assigning unto him a base corner of Epirus c. that he could never digest that injury yet the times iniquity and the mans insolency compelled him to 〈◊〉 his thoughts lest he should entrap him as lately he did his Sisters sonne George Stresie whom charging with fained surmises he hath almost 〈◊〉 of all That he would willingly have fled to his Highness feet c. but the remembrance of old and since many injuries feared him But now following his faith and promise he scarcely had beckoned to him c. but he came with such speed as if he would have flowen that he lingered not c. as did Moses Neither had he left any cause of desiring to return againinto Epirus having brought unto him whatsoever is dear unto him c. pawns as might assure him of the faith of a most doubtful man that if he had had time to have trussed up his substance he should have thought it a kind of 〈◊〉 to bring any part thereof especially to him onely his fidelity he laid down before him c. that he dared not to promise to subdue Epirus with 15000 men c. that in him he should not want diligence or faithfulness that for other things concerning this Warr's event he was not to be advised by him his unskilful vassall This speech seeming free from dissimulation and his Wife and Children confirming it Mahomet with commendation honourably entertained him and upon the Spring 's approach consulted with his Bassaes of invading Epirus Manesaes Counsel herein being best liked And it was concluded Isaac the Bassa of Constantinople should with 50000 men be sent and Amesa with him commanding 5000 Horse Amesa to be proclaimed King of Epirus to perswade the Epirots he invaded it more against Scanderbeg and for Amesa than to take it to himself Fame soon filled Epirus with the report hereof adding much more than truth Wherefore Scanderbeg sending without delay for his Captains c. to 〈◊〉 declared to them that hope and fear were the two greatest things God had left to vex and grieve the mindes of men the first a more comfortable thing c. the other of more discretion and safety c. Hereupon the former chiefetaines have gained greater honour and victories by fearing what was to be 〈◊〉 than other in shew more hardy But that might be more 〈◊〉 called discretion or wholsom policy from whence none can deny but the ancient Discipline of Warre hath risen that this cherisheth hope it self c. that they might perceive his speech tended to know their opinions before determination of the order of this Warre That the Great Bassa flower of Europe c. knocketh at their Gates that he thinketh it
which they found in the Woods so that being come to this Castle they 〈◊〉 abundance of Victuals every one requesting to return unto their Garrisons being scarce able to bear their Arms but 〈◊〉 from little Comara they heard the Turks had shut up the wayes whereby they were to passe home 〈◊〉 Collonitz was so far from being 〈◊〉 that whereas it was reported that the Turks marched near to a 〈◊〉 of the Christians to make head upon a 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 toward the same place on the sudden to encounter the Enemy who thought to have surprized him by cowardize and the Souldiers though weakened with hunger and apprehending the danger gave out and yet upon a good courage were content to follow their Generall any whither resting on his great resolution and their own 〈◊〉 to go further but they being come to the Castle there was no body to be seen yet did those hungry men stay one day in Ambush expecting the comming of the Turks who appeared not giving them time safely to retire every man unto his own Garrison But at such time as Hassan Bassa departed from Constantinople to go to the Conquest of Alba-regalis Mahomet caused to be presented unto him a Sword and a Crown this in reward of his valour if he returned with Victory the other in revenge of his cowardize if he failed thereof promising him indeed his Sister in marriage among other Trophies of his Victory and threatning him with death amongst the griefs of his dishonour but he taking the City and returning to Constantinople was magnificently received of his Prince courteously saluted of all the Nobility and with the greatest reverence honoured of the people His Lord had also caused them to be most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the solemnizing of the marriage and contentment of the Bassa but the solemnization it self being now every day by all men expected 25000 Janizaries Spahi and other Court-Souldiers suddenly and unexpectedly presented themselves in Arms before the Divano or Tribunall holden for the chief administration of Justice in the Turks Pallace the first 4 dayes of every week and setting Guards at the Court-gates demanded audience for certain Spahi and Janizaries whom they had chosen to deliver in their names their grievances to the Bassaes being entred into the Divano at the first demanded to have Hassan Bassa delivered unto them who affraid of his Head passed wan and pale thorow this mutinous multitude to go to the Sultan protesting his own Innocency and calling on his Prophet to discover unto them the truth of all things but they after a 1000 injuries and reproaches heaped on him demanded of him Whence it was that whilst he with a great power was busied in Hungary there was the while no good order taken for repressing the Rebells in Asia who by sufferance now were come within three or four dayes journey of Constantinople with Ensignes displayed Whereto he in fear answered Even his Enemies could witnesse that he had done his duty while in Asia and now of late in Hungary But seeing himself ready to die he yet requested That his guiltless death might be profitable to the State in generall and in discharging of his conscience to declare unto them the causes of this contempt and neglect for the suppressing of this Asian 〈◊〉 saying It proceeded only from the ill Government of the Sultans Mother and from the carelesnesse of the Capi-Aga They hearing him though with much 〈◊〉 so well to excuse himself gave him leave to go to 〈◊〉 Sultan to request him that they might speak with him and to deal with him that they might have the heads of those who had bin the cause of this dishonourable service or had cowardly behaved themselves in Asia threatning him if he performed not his charge he should feel the heavy effects of their just fury and heavy charge but he must now so do or else die So he comming to the Sultan almost as fearfull as himself he partly cut of Justice partly from Prudence in such an extraordinary case perswaded him to give way to their request who thus perswaded as also to appear in his 〈◊〉 unto his discontented Subjects One part of their desire necessity so requiring presented himself in his Imperial Seat unto them accompanied with the Mufci and a few other Doctors of their Law who by Mahomct commanded to sit down and the Bassaes standing up the chief of the seditious stepping forth 〈◊〉 leave to speak for himself and the rest which granted he boldly said That they his obedient slaves full of grief and discontent to see a great part of his Empire endangered desired to know of him Why his Greatnesse did not employ the means God had given him for remedy thereof That they supposed the Rebells courses in Asia were unknown unto him since they were so hardy as to come without resistance so near to his Imperial City That they desired to know if he had known all this and whether he would take upon himself the care of his great Monarchy or no which through the negligence and ill Government of some put in trust was like a great and well proportioned Body but of little or no strength Or else that he could be content that all should be dismembred and every man take what he could lay hand of as the Rebells did However Mahomet was moved with so insolent a Speech yet being 〈◊〉 with such a furious and armed multitude whom he had no meanes to withstand 〈◊〉 wisely dissémbled his choler and with the best and calmest words he could devise sought to appease them imputing the disorder and ill success of his affaires to the unfaithfulness of his Ministers and the concealing of the Truth thereof from him and saying That he had resolved before to reform these matters and to take from them all occasion of discontent or of any Speech not beseeming them whose Obedience and loyall respect to him their Soveraign should have been an example to all the rest of his Subjects Hereupon they fiercely demanded of Hassan Why he gave not his Majesty an account of the Rebells proceeding in Asia Who answered He had never failed of his Duty therein but that the Capi-Aga alwayes said It was not needfull to trouble their Soveraign therewith having committed these matters to others c. And further That the cause of all these Disorders proceeded from his Mother the Capi-Aga a few others to whom he had commended the managing of those affairs The mutiniers now more moved furiously said They were assembled to demand the Heads of such offendours being resolved to take another course if he should refuse to grant it them meaning to make a new Emperor Howbeit Mahomet answered It was no reason neither would he for their humours put those whom they demanded innocently to death but willed them to be contented till they might by order of justice be tryed and then he would give them even his own Son if he were found culpable But they replyed He had not
Constantinople who rejoyced to be sued unto by such a Prince as the Sultan was being honourably received in triumph For the solemnizing of which a great number of People were assembled at the report of an active Turk who had promised to fly a furlong from the top of an high Tower in the Tilt-yard who hovering a great while girt with a long white garment of many pleats and foldings and the Beholders crying Fly Turk fly at length finding the wind as he thought fit committed himself to the air breaking his neck armes c. whereby the Sultan's attendants could not walk the streets underided the common people crying Fly Turk fly whose insolency the smiling Emperour in favour of the grieved Sultan restrained The Emperour after the triumph which was obscured by an earth-quake gave the Sultan many rich presents with a masse of treasure who in requitall termed himself his son promising him Sebastia with its territories thrusting Dadune out of Sebastia taking from him 〈◊〉 Caesarea and Amasia but kept all to himself Jagupasan's dominions likewise falling into his hands by his death on whom he had also bent his forces And now the Sultan swelling with pride took Laodicea from the Emperour killing and carrying the people captive as he went whereupon the 〈◊〉 passing with a great army into Asia maugre the Turks most strongly fortifyed Dorileū carrying the first basket of stones on his own shoulders as also Sybleum Yet the Turks ceased not their inroads though not with such successe as before The Emperour now expostulated with the Sultan as an unthankfull man who again upbraided him with breach of promise thus open war was daily expected the Sultan managing his by expert Captaines whereas the Emperour commonly in great expeditions adventured in 〈◊〉 who in revenge of his subjects so many wrongs raised his whole power in Europe and Asia passing into Asia with his most puissant Army well appointed of all necessaries orderly marching thorow Phrygia and other places and by the old ruinous Castlc of Myriocephalon Ominous by its name Though he were circumspect yet by reason of his many Carriages c. he made but small speed the Turks destroying the Country before them and in many places poysoning the water whereof the Christians especially of the flux died The Sultan though aided by the Persian loath to adventure all on battel 's fortune made to the Emperour once and again for peace on honorable conditions who pricked forward by his Court-Gallants proudly dismissed the Embassadours willing them to tell their Master he would give him an answer under the walls of Iconium which caused the Sultan to take the Straits of Zibrica enclosed with high mountains whose vallies opening and growing straiter and straiter with superimpendent rocks on both sides almost touching each gave to the Army of necessity passing thereby from Myriocephalon a difficult passage The Emperour though he were told that the enemy had strongly possessed the streights and mountains not providing for his safety desperately entred herein John and Andronicus with others conducting the Vant-guard the drudges and carters c. following then the Emperour with the maine battle and Andronicus Contostephanus in the rear After no far entry the Turks shot as thick as hail down upon them Yet the Vant-guard casting themselvs into a three square battle and closely covering their heads with their Targets like a pent-house caused their enemies by lusty shot to retire into the mountaines and passing those streights with little or no losse encamped on the top of a commodious hill But the rest of the army not passing with such order and courage and troubled with their carriages in those rough and streight places were miserably overwhelmed by the Turks arrows falling like a shoure to their great dismaying disordering The Turks now incouraged came downe from the mountains to handy blowes on plain ground overthrowing the right wing where Baldwin breaking into the thickest of the enemy with a valiant troop to stay their fury was slain with all his followers and most of that wing Then the Turks with all their power stopped all the Christians waies who by reason of the places streightnesse could neither retire or goe forward to relieve one another their many carriages hurting themselvs were the cause of their own and others destruction the valleys full of dead bodies and the rivers running with the blood of men and beasts in an unexpressible manner and if the Christians shewed any spark of valour it was but lost the Turks shewing the head of Andronicus Bataza the Emperour's nephew who coming against the Turks of Amasia was overthrown The Emperour was now so troubled that he was at his wits end doubtful which way to turn who having often attempted to open a way for passage but in vain 〈◊〉 the same danger in staying as in going forward with a few of his best souldiers resolving to dy by many blowes given and received himself having many wounds and could not lift up his Helmet being beaten close to his head about thirty arrows sticking in his Target brake through and escaped those streights Infinite numbers of the other legions seeking to follow were slain besides many troden to death by their own companions Those that escaped one streight this passage having 7 Valleys were slain in the next the sand also raised by men and horses and by a violent wind carried both armies being as it were in darkness killed both friend and foe so that those Valleys seemed to be a burying place of Turks and Christians the most being Christians and those not all of the meanest sort The wind allaying and the day clearing wounded and whole living men were seen middle neck deep among dead carcases not able with strugling to get out with rufull voyces crying to passengers for help whom every man through fear without compassion left living as to be numbred among the dead The Emperor standing alone under a wild Pear-tree to breathe himself a common souldier came and helped him to buckle up his armour but a Turk came and took his horse by the bridle from whom the Emperour cleared himself by striking him to the ground with the truncheon of his broken lance other stragglers likewise came presently ready to seiz on him one whereof he slew with the said staff struck off anothers head with his sword keeping them off till 10 relieved him and departing toward the Vant-guard he was troubled with other Turks and heaps of dead bodies 〈◊〉 John 〈◊〉 that married his neece fighting alone encompassed slain The Turks seeing him followed him as a rich prey whom he with his 〈◊〉 company notably repulsed comming at length after much labour and more danger long looked for and most welcome unto the legions Who in his way to them ready to faint for thirst and drinking some infected water of a river with a deep sigh said Oh how unfortunatly have I tasted Christian blood whereunto an envious souldier replyed that he had
oft long since been drunk with Christian blood by vexing and devouring his Subjects with most grievous exactions the Emperour putting it up in silence answered no more to this rayling companion than Good words Souldier Then animating his souldiers to rescue his treasures and take it for their labour the same souldier said It should before have been given to thy souldiers rather then now when 't is to be recovered with great danger and blood-shed and therefore if thou be a man of valour valiantly charge the Turks thy self recover thine ill gotten goods Andronicus Contostephanus came shortly after having escaped the Turks fury to the Vant-guard The Turks cryed all the night to increase the oppressed Christians fear that all their countrey-men that had abjured their Religion or taken part with the Imperialists if they staid till morning should be lost men The Emperour hereupon declared his resolution to his chief Commanders secretly to flee and leave every man to shift Which base determination a souldier without the Tent over-hearing cryed in detestation with a loud voice What meanes the Emperor turning to him said Art not thou he that hast thrust us into this desolate and streight way casting us headlong into destruction What had we to do with this vale of mourning What can we particularly complain of these Barbarians Was it not Thou that broughtest us hither And wilt thou thy self betray us c. Which reprehension though nought remained but death and despair changed his determination And in this extremity it pleased the Almighty so to touch the Sultan's heart that by perswasion of the chief men about him that in peace had wont to receive great gifts from the Emperour he voluntarily offered him peace on the very conditions of former leagues The Turks ignorant of the Sultan's resolution in the morning assaulting the Camp slew divers of the Christians in their own Trenches but by the command of one Gabras the Turkish Embassadour who with reverence to the ground presented the Emperour with a goodly Horse with silver furniture and a two edged Sword by enchanting words concerning peace appeasing his heaviness they ceased to assault them the Emperor giving Gebras his rich yellow Robe upon a pleasant conceit by him uttered told him 't was not fit for war portending ill luck and then signed the peace this being one condition that Dorileum and Sybleum should be rased The Emperour purposed to returne home another way yet by his guides was led back the same way to behold those miserable spectacles of the slain all that passed by calling with grief upon their lost friends The Emperour placed his best souldiers in the rear to repulse the Turks who in the rail of the army slew many the Sultan as is said repenting giving leave to persue them He rased Sybleū but not 〈◊〉 answering the complaining Sultan he greatly forced not to perform what by necessity he was enforced to promise Who in revenge straitly charged Atapack with 24000 chosen souldiers to waste and destroy all his provinces to the Sea side not sparing man woman or child and to bring Sea-water an Oar and Sea-sand as a token who did so to Phrygia returning with a rich prey But passing 〈◊〉 he was by John Bataza and Duc as Constantine slain with all his army and all the booty recovered After many hard conflicts Emmanuell died having governed 38 years being in a Monks habit a little before his death as jealous of the Christians in the West as of the Turks in the East in warr altogether laborious and in peace given over to pleasure The Sultan afterwards took Sozopolis joyning more and more of the Emperour's provinces to his own without resistance For Alexius called 〈◊〉 genitus being but 12 years of age succeeding followed his pleasure his Mother and Father's kinsemen and friends neglecting his education followed their delights Some courted the young Empresse Others filling their coffers with the common treasures and others aiming at the Empire it self Amongst whom was Emmanuel's Cousin who for his aspiring was by him confined to live at Oenū who thought it now a fit time in such disorder of state to aspire unto the long looked-for Empire He doubted not but he was generaly beloved yea of some of the Nobility wanting nothing more than some fair colour to shadow his purpose He took first occasion to work on a clause in the Oath of obedience which he took That if he should see hear or understand anything dangerous or hurtfull to the Honour Empire or Persons of Emmanuel or his son Alexius he should bewray it and to his utmost power withstand it Thereupon he wrote divers Letters to the young Emperour the Patriarch and others wherein he seemed to complain of the immoderate power of Alexius President of the Councel who ruled all things at his pleasure that his care of the young Emperour's safety mooved him to complaine wishing so great power of Alexius to be abridged aggravating the report of Alexius's too much familiarity with the Empresse the reformation of which he as bound in conscience most earnestly desired Wherefore travailing towards Constantinople he gave out what he would for his Oaths sake do unto whom men desirous of a change of the State flockt in great numbers Thus honourably coming to Paphlagenia as a deliverer of his Countrey divers Nobles also joyned with him especially Mary the Emperours sister by the Father with Caesar her husband who had raised a great tumult in the City against Alexius the hated Empress her step-Mother not appeased without much bloodshed pricked forward by secret Messengers and Letters Andronicus to hasten his coming and take the government on him who being daily encouraged came to Heraclea winning the peoples hearts with words and tears saying all that he did was for the common good of the Emperour Passing by 〈◊〉 and Nicomedia out of which he was shut he was 〈◊〉 by Andronicus Angelus sent with a great power by the President Alexius who spending most of the night in rioting and the day in his bed left nothing undone for the assuring of his estate working the mat er so by the rare beauty of the Empresse by gifts and sums of mony that none of account went to 〈◊〉 Who neverthelesse joyning battle with Angelus overthrew and put him to flight whom Alexius in great displeasure calling to account for the mony of that war his misfortune being taken as if he had betrayed the Army of purpose by the counsel of his 6 sons first he 〈◊〉 with them to his own house and presently after to Andronicus Who being encouraged with the coming of these noble kinsmen encamped almost right over against Constantinople causing many great fires to be made in his army to make it seem greater than it was some Citizens running to the Sea side some to the tops of hills and towers willing to have drawn him by their lookes into the City Alexius not able to encounter Andronicus by land
for some that could not go over on foot were in heart with him others taking part with neither commanded all the Emperour's Galleys to be strongly put to Sea to hinder Andronicus passage over Propontis and Bosphorus Contostephanus challenging the Generalship over this Fleet as his due unto whom he was without dispute glad to commit the charge thereof Then he sent one George Xiphiline as from the Emperour with Letters and instructions to Andronicus commanding him forthwith to return in peace promising him the Emperor's favour with many honours c. otherwise it might turn to his destruction Xiphiline as it is reported secretly advised Andronicus to proceed in his purpose wherewith encouraged he willed the Messenger to tell them that proud Alexius should be first displaced and called to an account that the Empresse should be shut up as a 〈◊〉 to learn amendment of life and that the Emperour should take the Government on himself not be overtopt by others c. Contostephanus few daies after carried all the Galleys to Andronicus casting Alexius into the bottom of despair Andronicus his friends openly flocked together and some scossing at Alexius passed the Strait to him returning home 〈◊〉 and joyfull filling the City with his praises After that John and Manuell sons of Andronicus were set at liberty and others laid fast in their rooms Alexius himself with all his faction were committed to the guard But Alexius by a wonderful change was about midnight conveigned to the Patriarch's house and kept with a strong guard complaining of nothing more than his keepers not suffering him to sleep whose misery the Patriarch undeservedly pitying perswaded him not to provoke his keepers by speeches to use him evilly Within few daies he was brought on a little jade with a ragged 〈◊〉 on the top of a reed in derision to the Sea-side and so to Andronicus whose eys were for his evil Government by a general consent put out Theodosius the Patriarch approaching the last of Nobles that came to Andronicus he fell down at his horses feet and rising kissed his foot calling him the Emperour's Saviour the defender of truth comparing him with John Chrysostom c. But the Pataiarch marking his stern countenance subtil nature c. quippingly said Hitherto I have heard but now I have also seen and plainly known adjoyning with a deep sigh that saying As we have heard so have we seen remembring also Emmanuel's words wherewith he had lively represented Andronicus never seen before many times to his view Andronicus all things in the City being to his mind departing from Damalum crossed the strait oftentimes singing that saying Return my soul to thy rest c. Coming to the Emperour's Countrey-house near Philopatium he most humbly prostrated himself before the Emperour with deceitful tears kissing his feet saluting his mother Xene as it were but for fashion sake staying a good while with the Emperour he desired to go to Constantinople to see his Cosen Emmanuel's grave where coming he wept bitterly and roared as it were out divers ignorant standers by saying Oh what a wonderful thing is this c. He would not be removed by his kinsman pulling him from the Tomb and secretly said something as if he had prayed some saying it was a charm Others and more truly that he triumphed over the dead Emperour with these or the like words I have thee now fast my cruel persecutor c. And now I will be revenged of thy posterity and satisfie my self as a Lion with a fat prey c. He afterwards disposing of all matters at his pleasure allowed the Emperor hunting and other delights watching him by Keepers that none should talk of any important matter with him He took all the Government to himself to drive away the contrary faction that had born sway The state of that time by his rewarding bountifully the Souldiers that helped him bestowing Offices on his children or other favourites shortly driving divers Nobles to exile depriving some of their sight casting others into prison for something or other that grieved him began to be most miserable Some accusing their nearest kinsmen for deriding Andronicus his proceedings or that without regard of him they more favoured the Emperour Yea many accusing charging others with treason were themselves charged by the accused and both clapt up together You might have seen not only his enemies but some of his best friends the same day to be crowned and beheaded graced and disgraced the wiser deeming his praises bounty and kindnesse the beginning of a mans disgrace undoing and death Emmanuel's daughter who above all others wished for his coming was first cunningly poysoned by Pterigionites a corrupted Eunuch her husband supposed also to be poysoned with the same cup. He made as if he would depart if the fair Empress Xene were not removed from her Son the incensed vulgar people flocking unto and ready to tear the Patriarch out of his cloaths if he consented not thereunto So in a Councel of his favourites she was after many false things accused of treason as to solicite Bela King of Hungary her Brother in Law by Letters to invade Branisoba and Belligrade belonging to the Empire for which she was condemned and cast into a most filthy prison Four of this Counsel being asked their opinion of her said They would know whether it was called by the Emperours consent Whereupon Andronicus in great rage starting up 〈◊〉 Lay hands on them his guard shaking their weapons at them and the people catching and pulling them were so fierce that they had much ado to escape with life The Empress now hourly expected the deadly blow Andronicus demanding of the assembled former Councel What punishment there was for betrayers of any Town or Province The answer being in writing that it was death he brake out in choller as if she had done it By and by a writing was subscribed by the Emperour labhor to write it unworthily condemning his Mother to dye Manuel his eldest son and George Augustus his kinsman saying plainly They would not see her innocent body dismembred never consenting to her death At which troubled Andronicus plucking himself by the hoary beard c. sighed at his own most miserable tyrannical estate c. Yet few daies after he commanded her to be strangled by Pterigionites and another which was done accordingly her lately adorned body was secretly raked up in the sand by the Sea-side Andronicus all being covered under pretence of common good and safety to manifest his loyalty to his cosen the Emperour perswaded the Nobility to have him solemnly Crowned who for his tender age was not yet his own shoulders at the time supporting him to and from the great Church with Crocodiles tears as if it had been for joy many accounting the young Emperour thrice happy in him So cunningly under pietie's vail shaddowed he his most execrable treachery For having got into his power both Emperour and Empire he called a Councel
the wall at the firing of the Mine in which assault the Tower fell with part of the wall opening a fair breach The Turks forthwith in a Parley yielded the City July 12 1191 and were to restore the holy Crosse 2000 Captives 200 horsemen of those they required being in Saladin's power 200000 Ducats to be given to the 2 Kings for their cost the City Turks being to remain hostages for performance and to be at the Kings mercy if all were 〈◊〉 performed in 40 daies The Austrians as the only men first at entry advanced their Ensigns on the walls top which Richard especially not brooking caused their Dukes Ensigns to be soyled under foot to his after repentance The 2 Kings dividing the spoyl not regarding the other Christians they withdrew and sent them word except they they were partaker of the gains as of the pains they would forsake them many the Kings delaying their promisés departing for poverty discontented into their Countries But ere long envy and distrust ministred new matter of greater discontentments between the 2 Kings King Richard requested the French King to bind himself with him by oath to stay 3 years for regaining Syria and Palestine but he estranged before from Richard plotting matters nearer home would not be perswaded so to do but in a colour fell very sick sending for Richard and others to whom in few words he declared his purpose That seeing he could not indure the hot air's intemperature and that the life of one absent might more profit Christian Religion c. than the death of him present he must depart but would leave 5000 horse and 10000 foot choise men under Odo Duke of Burgundy giving them pay and supply of all things King Richard said his return was to invade Guien and Normandy now disfurnished of Garrisons which point he so urged that Philip bound himself to him by Oath no way to attempt any thing until 50 daies after Richard's return home And embarquing the rest of his Army he Aug. 1. departed to Tyre thence to Rome visiting the Pope and so safely arrived in France having performed nothing to what the world expected Leopold of Austria followed and shortly the Venetians Pisans and Genoans Whereupon Saladine refused to pay the promised mony or restore the prisoners threatning to chop off all Captives heads if extremity were used to the pledges Richard refused Saladin's request and presents for longer sparing his pledges whereupon he beheaded the Christian Captives and Richard Aug. 20 in sight of Saladin's Army executed 2500 or as some write 7000 Turks prisoners Saladine as it commonly happens in a great Commanders ill successe much impaired his reputation by the losse of Prolemais wherefore with a headlong despair he sacked ruined and overthrew the walls of Porphyria Casaria Joppa Ascalon Gaza and Elam with divers other places like to stand the Christians in stead most part whereof were fortified and re-peopled by Richard and the Templers though Saladine endeavoured to let them But nothing more hindred the Christian Princes proceedings then discord among themselves for besides the strife of the Kings of France and England no lesse was between King Guy and Conrade of Montferrat about the lost Kingdom 's title Richard with othesr taking Guy's part and the French King with others taking part with Conrade who being shortly slain by two Assassines or 〈◊〉 suborned by the Prince of Torone for taking from him Isabel his espoused wife Richard perswaded Isabel his Widow to marry his Nephew the Earl of Campaine giving him Tyre Guy exclaiming as of a wrong unto himself But shortly after he perswaded Guy to resign his small title in the Kingdom to him and gave him Cyprus in lieu thereof Richard becoming hereby King of Jerusalem Guy lived not long in the Kingdom of Cyprus yet 't was about 283 years in the Lusignan family until it fell into Uenetian hands who held it nigh 100 years till Selymus 2 Turkish Emperor took it from them in 1571. King Richard was now more desirous of Jerusalem than before And thereupon set forward himself in the Vantguard Otho following him and Jaques with his Flemings c. in the rear being come to Arsua Saladine with ambuscadoes charged the rear-ward on whom Jaques turning endured the charge till the rest came to their succoúr The French English and Low-countrey-men strove honourably in that notable battel especially the Turks part their only hopes depending on Jerusalem it continued from noon till the Suns going down Richard some write was wounded with an arrow 〈◊〉 was slain leaving the victory to the Christians more Turks are said to be slain than in any battel in mans memory the Christians lost no great number They removed the next 〈◊〉 to Bethlehem but the King through Winters approach c. returned with most to Ascalon which that Winter he fortified Otho wintred at Tyre many departed then from the Camp however at Spring Richard took the field and came to Bethlehem taking by the way very many loaded Camels sent to furnish Jerusalem but Otho who knew the French Kings mind perswaded the Frenchmen that the glory would redound to Richard as present through whose unwillingnesse to the siege Richard to his grief returned to Ptolemais News also was then brought that Philip of France forgetting his promise had invaded Normandy stirring up Richard's brother to take on him Englands Kingdom Richard fearing he might lose his Kingdom at home thought best to make 〈◊〉 good end with Saladine and so return But the politick Sultan to weaken the Christians forces and discourage others from coming thither afterwards offered no other conditions than that the Christians should restore all they had won in the 3 years Ptolemais excepted and that the Turks for 5 years should not molest them which the King was willing to accept of whereby the labour c. of these two Kings and others were frustrated the Christians having only Antioch Tyre and Ptolemais left in Syria Richard leaving those affairs to Henry Earl of Champain shipped most of his men with his Wife for England they arriving safely there but himself from Sicily following was by extremity of weather driven on the coast of Histria and travelling homeward in a Templars habit was by Leopold of Austria taken prisoner who sold him to the Emperour for 40000 pounds and after 1 year 3 months was ransomed for 100000 li. The great Sultan Saladine about this time dyed who commanded no solemnity to be used at his burial but his shirt carried on a Lance point as an Ensign a plain Priest crying before his dead body Saladine Conquerour of the East of all the greatness and riches he had in his life carrieth nothing with him after death more than his shirt He reigned about 16 years leaving 9 Sons all except Saphradine Sultan of Aleppo murthered by Saphradine their Uncle from whom discended Meledin Sultan of Aegypt and Coradin of Damaseo and Jerusalem Pope Celestine was now in hope that Jerusalem might in
number drew the Emperour with his Army among the woods and mountaines where the King with his Army lay in waite where they being wearied and beset were overthrown with a great slaughter Baldwin himself taken and sent in bonds to Ternova where by the barbarous King his hands and seet were cut off lying 3 dayes in a deep valley where he was cast breathing he dyed no man burying him He perished in 1206 not having reigned a full year The barbarous King with his savage Souldiers tasting the Latins wealth over-ran all Thracia rifling and racing the City of Serrae with 9 more putting all to the sword except a few carried away prisoners Of all Provinces Thrace was most miserable first spoiled by the Latins now desolated by Bulgarians and Scythians Didimothicum and Adrionople valiantly defended escaped their fury The Latins made choice of Baldwin's brother to succeed him who aided by the King of Thessaly recovered all places taken by the Barbarians driving them quite out the Countrey But to come nearer to our purpose Alexius Angelus fled into Thessaly from the Latins and so to Leo Sturus who tyrannizing at Nauplus was grown greater by surprizal of Argos and Corinth by whom he entrapped Murzuffle for a secret grudg and put out his eyes himself an exile a deadly foe to other exiled who being shortly taken by the Latins was brought to Constantinople where for murdering young Alexius he was cast headlong from a high Tower and crushed to pieces miserably dying Not long after Alexius himself was wandring in Thraciae by Montferrat going against Scurus stript of all and sent away naked wandring as a beggar in Achaia and Peloponesus who hearing that Lascaris his Son in Law reigned as an Emperour in Asia inwardly grieved thereat came secretly to Jathathines the Turks Sultan lying at Attalia declaring his heavy state requesting he might be restored especially in that part of his Empire detained from him by Lascaris Jathathines not forgetful of his own troubles or of the kindness he had received from Alexius at Constantinople when fleeing from Azatines his eldest brother he was honourably entertained by him received after Azatin's death for the Turks Sultan and hoping to share of what he got threatned Lascaris with all extremities except he gave place to his Father in Law to whom those Countries of right appertained Lascaris fearing both the Sultan's power and the peoples inclination yet finding them ready and well-affected towards him set forward with 2000 choise horsemen with the Sultan's Embassadour to Philadelphia the Sultan with Alexius then besieging Antioch on the banks of Meander with 20000 Turks Lascaris understanding the gaining that strong City would hazzard his whole Empire resolved to do what he might with those few to relieve it And following the Embassadour at the heels who coming unto the Sultan and telling him of his approach and at length prrswaded of the truth thereof put his Army in the best order he could on such a sudden and the places straitness The Emperour had 800 resolute Italians who brake thorough the Sultans Army disordering them the Greeks following but being divided from the rest in coming back were by the disordered Turks all together 〈◊〉 having made an hard to be believed slanghter of the Turks The Greeks were now upon the point to flee but the Sultan singling out the Greek Emperour at the first encounter gave him such a blow on the head with his 〈◊〉 that he fell down astonished who quickly recovering his feet hoxed the hinder leggs of the Sultans tall Mare with which she faltred and the Sultan tumbled down whose head the Emperour cut off the sight of which so dismaied the Turks that they presently fled who for his small number pursued not but in the City gave thanks to God The Turks sent shortly concluding a Peace on his own conditions who carrying Alexius taken in this battel to Nice used him well notwithstanding his ill deserts Whilst the Latins spent their forces against the Greeks and Lascaris was troubled with the Turks the Christians affairs in Syria grew worse and worse whereof the Knights Hospitallers and Templers blamed Almericus King of Cyprus who being so near and marrying Isabel heir of Jerusalem's Kingdom given to pleasure did nothing to relieve the Christians for though the Turks were yet in League with them and at some mutual discord yet building new Castles c. they cut them short upon occasion The Knights requested Pope Inocent for remedy certifying him there was one Mary daughter of Montferrat whom they had brought up and were ready to bestow her on whom he should think worthy with her right to the Kingdom Innocent discharging Almericus gave it to John Count of Brenne a Frenchman of fame then in Arms with the Latin Princes who commending his Earldom to his brother came with what forces he could to Uenice and Constantinople and thence with rejoycing was received as King at Ptolemais arriving Sept. 5. and marrying Mary the last day was with her crowned at Tyre in 1209 Almericus soon dying for grief Some envying his promotion called him in derision a King Sans Ville that is without a Town The 10 years peace betwixt the Turks and Christians was almost expired 9 years discord having continned between Noradine and Saphadin for Soveraignty was ended by Saphadin's death Noradine contented with Aleppo Coradin and Saphadin's Sons one had Damasco the other Aegypt all enemies to the Christians Not long after Pope Innocent summoned a Councel at Lateran to which not only a multitude of Bishops but most Christian Princes Embassadours repaired the danger of the 〈◊〉 in Syria and their relief by the Western Princes was propounded To which all consented and some were appointed to publish their Decree in every Province for relief to stir up the people for undertaking the same The German Bishops of Ments Cullen Trivers were special furtherers of this whose example moved many Henry Count of Nivers and one Gualter with a great and gallant number were sent from France a Fleet of 200 sail meeting at the Adriatique Ports who arrived prosperously at Ptolemais Andrew King of Hungary before bound hereto followed with the Duke of Bavaria and Leopold of Austria to all which John of Jerusalem joyned There was great hope of some great matter to be done they the first day marched into Galilee easily overthrowing some met-Companies of the Turks The King of Hungary bathing in Jordan as discharged of his vow returned with all his power home all the rest crying out the contrary From Jordan they came to Tabor But Winter coming on and the Cattel dying by cold and want of meat they wintred at Ptolemais and Tyre John and the Austrian troubling the Barbarians that Winter by taking a Castle between Caesaria and 〈◊〉 The Army met at Spring they thought best to attempt the conquest of Aegypt which standing upright they should do no great matter in Syria and it being subdued Jerusalem and Palestine would of
Melechsala through compassion yet minding to make his own of 〈◊〉 Kings life began with cheering speeches to talk of 〈◊〉 deliverance and of a good atonement on condition of delivering Damiata and paying for his ransome and the other charges 800 pounds of Gold that both their Prisoners should be frankly set at liberty and so a peace for 10 years The Sultan would have sworn to renounce Mahomet if he performed them not requiring the King to swear a denial of his Christ to be God if he failed which the King detesting he took his word and published their league But whilst they came together to Damiata Melechsala not fearing the mischief hanging over his head was suddenly slain by 2 desperate Mamalukes and one Tarqueminus a Slave of the same order was by the Army created Sultan in his stead and made another league with the King much on the same conditions Which Miscreant after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 paid his ransome went from Damiata to Ptolemais but performed not half that he promised scarce freeing 4000 of 12000 Captives and killing all sick souldiers which he ought to have relieved not suffering any Christian to carry his goods out of Aegypt The King at Ptolemais by the intreaty of the Master of the Templars c. staied almost 4 years repairing Caesarea and Joppa and fortifying many strong places So sending his Brethren before himself arrived in France the 6th year after his departure thence Some write that 80000 Christians were lost in this expedition the French Chronicles say that 6000 of 32000 returned into France Damiata was shortly after delivery rased by the Sultan to the ground The Aegyptian Sultans having no great assurance in the effeminate Aegyptians had bought an infinite number of Slaves especially of the Circassians near Colchis and the Euxine Sea transported out of those bare cold Countries by Merchants out of which the Sultans culled those of likeliest Spirit and ability delivering them to most skilful Teachers who taught them to run shoot ride handle all sorts of weapons c. who so instructed were introlled in pay as his choise Horsemen and called Mamalukes In whose service finding great use they daily erected new stored Nurseries Whose Order now wonderfull strong hereby managed their greatest affairs especially in wars gaining by valour many fair victories and defending their Coun ry But proud of their preferment traiterously slew Melechsala their chief Fonnder setting up the Slave Tarqueminus of great Spirit Valor The Turk's power in Egypt with Melechsala the last of Sáladine's Stock took end For the Mamalukes now commanded as Lords over the rest not suffering them to use Horse or Armour or sway the Common-wealth but preferring their own swarming Slaves the people kept under with heavy impositions dared not to meddle but with Merchandise Husbandry c. the greatest profit whereof still came to them choosing a Sultan still from among themselves none of his Children to succeed least proud of their parentage they should reckon them their Slaves providing also that though the Mamalukes sons might enjoy their Fathers lands c. after death yet none should take on them the name of a Mamaluke that the Government might still rest with the Mamalukes Neither might any Mahometan or Jew be admitted into that Order but onely Christians become Slaves instructed in that superstition or that had abjured Christian Religion Many of these poor Slaves thus exalted proved most renowned Princes dreadfull to the greatest Monarchs This servile Empire flourishing 267 years was by victorious Selymus with Syria and Palestine united to the Turkish Empire being overthrown by him in 1517. But leaving the Turks and Mamalukes let us return into lesser Asia and Constantinople The Greek Empire all this while flourished under John Batazes the Latines power declining as fast under Baldwin II. at Constantinople The Turks had in the mean time more than enough to do to withstand the Tartars John Ducas at length died about 60 years old happily reigning 33 years by whom the Greek Empire not onely in Asia but a little in Europe also began to gather strength This Emperour after long lamenting Irene his first Wives death married Ann the King of Sicily's Sister among whose honourable Dames sent to accompany her was one Marcesina a rare Parragon of Nature with sugred words and eyes as Nets to entangle the amorous the Emperour fed his eyes on this fair Object till he became her Subject seeming little to regard the young Empresse in respect of her suffering her to be 〈◊〉 and honoured as the Empresse herself She thus triumphing would go with most of the Court-Gallants and some of the Guard to visit the Monastery and Temple which noble Blemmides had of his own cost lately built where he with his Monks as weary of the World lived a solitary and 〈◊〉 life who chosen afterward for his upright life and learning Patriarch of Constantinople refused it Marcesina coming thither in great Pomp to enter the Temple had the doors shut against her commanded so by Blemmides to her great disgrace For he deemed it impiety for that wicked Woman against whom he had spoke and written to tread upon the sacred 〈◊〉 She being enraged and pricked forward by her followers returning grievously complained thereof to the Emperour stirring him up by all means and his own disgrace to be revenged her pick thanks not sparing as it were to put Oyl to the fire who struck with remorse not with wrath deeply sighing with tears in his eyes said Why provoke ye me to punish so devout and just a man 〈◊〉 if my self had lived without Infamy I had kept my Imperiall 〈◊〉 unpolluted But since I have caused my own and the Empire 's disgrace I may thank my deserts if I reap the harvest of such ill seed I have sown Theodorus his son about 33 years old was saluted Emperour in his stead who in the beginning renewed his Father's League with Jathathines the Sultan And with a puissant Army passed over into Europe to appease the troubles raised in 〈◊〉 and Thracia by the King of Bulgaria and Michael Angelus Despot of Thessaly who in hope to joyn those Countries to their own 〈◊〉 to spoyl them by whose coming they were glad to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace But being advertised from Nice that Michail Paleologus his Governour there was secretly fled to the Turks he was not a little troubled Paleologus gave out that being brought by his enemies into disgrace and the Emperour so filled with cunning complaints not easily in short time to be refelled was the cause and so willingly exiled himself fearing his heavy displeasure to save his life from their malice who at Iconium found Jathatines making great preparation against the Tartars who running still on spoyled much of the Turk's Territories in lesser Asia lying now at Axara The Sultan now welcommed Baleologus commending to his charge some Bands of Greeks which he had retained as also other Latines under the conduct of Boniface a Venetian so he set
Sultans men fighting now with 〈◊〉 courage they fled after which The Sultan honourably welcomed Ertogrul and gave him and his Turks a Village called Suguta in greater Phrygia in which they might live in Winter and feed their cattle on the mountaines 〈◊〉 and Ormenius in Summer he also committed to his protection his Kingdomes Frontiers where he dwelt by whose care and prowess the before infested Country was well secured Ertogrul become a petty Lord of a Country Village thus living certain years it fortuned that the Christians of Carachisur Castle fell out with him evilly intreating him and his people of which their ingratitude and wrongs he so complained to the Sultan that he in person with a great Army besieged the Castle But the Tartars entering and spoyling Caria and taking Heraclea he rofe with his Army yet leaving sufficiency for the siege under Ertogrul Beg. The Sultan overthrew the Tartars at Baga whilst Ertogrul took the Castle sending the 5th of the spoile for a present to the Sultan with the Captaine of the Castle who was again restored to his Castle paying a yearly tribute but the Sultan after 2 years dying he revolted 〈◊〉 dying at Iconium Azatinus his eldest Son succeeded after him Iathatines his younger who slain by Lascaris Iathatines Azatines son succeeded who was expulsed and subdued by the Tartars after which the Selzuccian Family scarce retained the shadow of their 〈◊〉 Majesty In which confusion Ertogrul kept close in Suguta keeping peace on every side sweetly passing over the troublesome times of Mescot and 〈◊〉 till the 2d Aladin the last heir of the Iconian Kingdome and contenting himself with a little bare himself kindly towards all who with his 3 Sons were greatly beloved of their Neighbours and favoured by Aladin then Sultan his sons visiting him often with one present 〈◊〉 another In Othoman was greater courage and spirit to be seen than in the other two brethren and was especially of the youthful and warlique sort most regarded who when he hawked or hunted c. resorted unto 〈◊〉 and called by them Osman the Warlique Aladin had in this frontier Countty divers governours of his strong holds unto whom Othoman for friendship-sake resorted especially to the Captaine of Mungi to him very welcome On a time as Othoman was going to Eskichisar Castle to make merry at Itburne he saw a fair Maiden called Malhatun to whom he sent a secret friend to intreat of marriage who answered there was great inequality of birth betwixt her and Othoman c. but one cause of this answer was because some had put in her head that Othoman meant under that colour to obtain a few daies pleasure with her and afterward to cast her off which was far from his thoughts And going again to Eskichisar chanced to fall in speech of his love commending her beauty c. and not dissembling the repulse received at her hands which the governour hearing said she was by divine providence appointed for him only But secretly inflamed he began to grow amorous of her himself whom he had not seen Othoman by conjectures and tokens perceiving the same who yet dissembling the matter secretly sent a trusty servant to some of the Maidens friends to send her farther off least she were taken from them by a great man more amorous of her person than respectuous of her honour by and by betaking himself to the Captaine of Mungi his dear friend But whilst he there stayed passing the time in disports the governour of Eskichisar sent one to see 〈◊〉 and how things went who certifying his master that by Othomans advertisement she was conveyed afar off being exceedingly grieved and fretted he sent to the Captaine of Mungi to command him forthwith to deliver Othoman unto him But he could not be perswaded so to do Wherefore the Governour came with the greatest power he could to the Castle requiring him After much consultation it was resolved by the Captaine and Souldiers that he should be defended who could not without their great infamy be delivered But Othoman terrified with the diversity of opinions at the first deeply conceired by a sudden sally to make way thorow them And with 〈◊〉 and his few followers brake thorow by plain force notably repulsing his pursuers towards Suguta But being come into his Fathers Territory such as loved him well presently came to his rescue slaying and putting to flight the Governours Souldiers Among those taken was Michael Cossi a Christian Captain of a little Castle called Hirmencaia whom Othoman pardoned Who ever after took part with him and did him great service whose posterity even till this Age is next to the Othoman Family most honourable among the Turks Ertogrul shortly died in 1289 living 93 years and governing the Oguzian Family 52 whole body was honourably buried at Suguta After his death they doubted whom to make choice of for their Governour yet thinking it better to chose Othoman's Uncle for his gravity and experience than Othoman who for gifts of body and mind was to be preferred before his Brethren for his young Age suspected But Dunder foreseeing what danger the Oguzian State stood in through the hatred of the Greeks and not surely backt by the Iconium Sultan's growing weaker and weaker said those inconveniences required the help of a wise vigilant and valiant man such as they knew Othoman was Thus he in private declated his mind and at the generall assembly by his example to encourage others saluted him their great Lord promising him all loyalty whereunto ensued the great applause of the people as to a Governor sent them by God Thus Othoman was great Governour of the Oguzian Turks and named Osman Beg or Lord Osman Yet this honour was included in a small plain and homely circuit Amongst which rude Heardsmen 〈◊〉 not far exceeding the rest in Civility commanded much like Romulus of whom the Turks report many things as the Romans do of him Othoman fell first at odds with Hagio Nicholaus Captain of Einegiol Castle for molesting these Oguzians in passing with their Cattell by his Castle Wherefore he requested the Captain of Belizuga Castle that his people might take refuge in his Castle with their goods and Cartell upon occasion who with this proviso That none should come in but the women onely easily granted it which courtesy Othoman refused not The women usually presented the Captain with one Countrey present or other which afterwards was the losse of the Castle Yet Othoman purposing to be revenged on the other Captain chose 70 most able men secretly to passe Ormenius and if possible to surprize or fire Eigeniol Castle The wary Captain laid a strong ambush upon the mountain to cut them off Othoman no lesse wary with an augmented number marched to the place where they lay where many were on both sides slain Othoman's Nephew being one Yet Othoman having the victory his people fed their Cattell in summer in more safety quietly passing to and fro Othoman shortly
entred the Souldiers suddenly leapt out of the packs and with the help of the disguised slew the Warders for most were gone to the marriage place of the Castle possessing the same Othoman the Captain taking his chamber took horse with Cossi and his followers to Belizuga whom the Captain presently pursued with his train most being drunk whom Othoman in the conflict slew putting the rest to flight Early in the morning also he surprised Jarchiser Castle with the Captain and his daughter which was to have been married the next day with all her friends whom he shortly married to his Son Orchanes who had by her Amurath I. and Solyman Bassa He presently sent one Durgut Alpes of great valour to besiege Einegiol Castle who used such speed that he invironed it that none could passe in or out till Othoman setting all in order at Belizuga came with the rest to Einegiol which he presently took by force cutting the Captain his enemy in small pieces for they had used the like tyranny against the Turks Now began Othoman to execute the Justice of good Lawes to all both Christians and Turks his Subjects and to protect them from the spoyl of others whereby those who forsook their Countrey through troubles repayred to their 〈◊〉 dwellings also many strangers whereby the wasted Country soon grew populous Then he besieged Isnica called Nice in Bythinia this City by placeing his men on every passage in forts that nothing could be brought in for relief he greatly distressed the Citizens in extremity certifyed the Emperour of Constantinople that they must except present relief came famish or yield The Emperour embarqued certain companies for relief of whose landing Othoman understanding lay in ambush with most of his forces near the place and slew most of them driving the rest into the Sea where they perished Othoman returning most streightly besieged it whose Citizens now despairing yielded that great and rich City to him with whose spoyl he enriched his men Of whose good successe Aladin hearing sent him a fair Ensigne Drums c. saying that all should be his own that he took from the Christians and publique prayers to be said for Othoman's health c. the Sultan's proprieties This made many think that the Sultan intended having no Children to adopt him his successor who 〈◊〉 to Aladin the 5th part of 〈◊〉 spoyl but during his life used not his princely honours intending 〈◊〉 to visit the Sultan But being about to 〈◊〉 forward he was informed of Aladin's death and that Sahib had taken on him his dignity which news much discontented him being in hope to succeed him or share in most part of his Kingdome Yet he thought it now fit to take the princely honours granted him by the Sultan in his life wherefore he made Dursu Fakiche Bishop of Carachisar who first by his command made publique prayers for Othoman as was went to be for the Sultan coyning also mony in his own name and taking all the honours of a Sultan which was about ten years after 〈◊〉 's death in 1300 to which time the Turkish Empire under Othoman is to be referred Then he made his Son Orchanes princely Governour of Carachisar and his chief followers Governours of Castles He chose Neapolis to be his regall seat calling it Despotopolis that is The City of the Lord yet he 〈◊〉 not to augment his Kingdom but accompanied with Orchanes surprized adjoyning places serving best for its enlargement The Christian bordering Princes fearing Othoman's greatnes might shortly be their confusion jointly invaded his Kingdom with fire and sword who meeting them in the confines of Phrygia and Bythinia fought with them a great battle many on both sides being 〈◊〉 and obtained a bloody Victory Castaleanus one of the greatest Christians was slain another called Tokensis he chased to Ulubad Castle not far off who for fear was delivered him by the Captain and afterwards cut in pieces in view of his chief Castle which with the Country thereabouts Othoman subdued The other Princes fled into holds farther off The Prince of Bithynia fled into Prusa now Burusa which Othoman hoped to win but finding it impossible he in one year built 2 strong Castles on the chief passages of the City placeing two couragious Captains therein thus blocking up Prusa he subdued Bythinia and so returned home honourably rewarding his Souldiers and establishing such Government that people resorted from far into his Dominions which in few years became very populous and he most famous So living in great quietnesse certain years now being old and troubled with the Gout his old Souldiers came to him with one request To take some war in hand for enlarging his Kingdom offering to spend their lives in his service c. For which he thanked them promising he would not be long unmindfull of their request But to make all safe at home first he calls to him Michael Cossi the onely Christian Captain he suffered to live in quiet to perswade him to follow Mahomet which if he refused he would war on him as his utter enemy Cossi not thinking of what ensued came with such Souldiers as he thought to use in his intended service but hearing the cause and seeing the danger 〈◊〉 Othoman's hand he requested him to enter him in Mahomet's principles which he promised ever after to embrace so saying certain words after Othoman he turned Turk Whereupon Othoman 〈◊〉 him an Ensigne and rich Robe and assured Token of his favour Who after this to content his souldiers took many bordering Castles 〈◊〉 all unto the Euxine Sea and being now aged and diseased as aforesaid he often sent Orchanes against his enemies who atchieved many great enterprizes his Father yet living The Reader may happily marvail why Paleologus and afterward his Son Andronicus suffered the Turks not Othoman but the sharers of Aladin's Kingdome to take spoyl kill and encroach especially in Bythinia as it were under their noses But let him here consider the trouble of that declining Empire and he shall plainly fee the causes of its decay 〈◊〉 Paleologus by trechery obtaining the Empire and 〈◊〉 Constantinople from Baldwin 〈◊〉 is declared fearing the Western Princes especially the King of Sicily whom Baldwin sollicited for his restitution and to marry his daughter to his Son to intangle Charls with troubles nearer home he offered to Geregory X. Bishop of Rome to conform the Greek Church to the Latine and that it should be 〈◊〉 to appeal to Romes Court as to the higher of which the Pope gladly accepted promising to keep Charls otherwise busied But when this alteration in the Greek Church should be nade the 〈◊〉 gave up his place retiring to a Monastery where he spent the remainder of his life The other Clergy 〈◊〉 their Sermons inveighed against it perswading the people not to receive it c. So that all the City and 〈◊〉 was in an uproar for many of the chief 〈◊〉 also abhorred these proceedings Whereby Paleologus leaving
not proud of thy fortune but consider the uncertainty of worldly things taking by me example c. Young Andronicus moved herewith entred the pallace humbly saluting embracing and comforting his Grand-father Straight way carrying away the Patriarch Esaius kept in the Monastery in a Chariot restoring him to his Dignity who spared not fully to revenge himself of the old Emperour's friends One might have seen all the Nobles wealth that took his part carried away and their houses overthrown especially of Metochita whose wealth not onely in his house but layd up with friends by notes in his study was a prey to the people and the rest confiscate being brought with wife and children to extream beggery in one day many to increase his grief saying All that treasure was the blood and tears of the poor subjects brought to him by them he made rulers of provinces c. that he might stop them cruelly dealt with by them from complaining to the old Emperour and that the Revenger's eye was now awaked c. He was confined to Didymoticum whence after a while he was sent back to Constantinople where having nothing to relieve him he went to the Monastery of Chora repaired by him in his prosperity therein shrowding himself and not long after dying But Niphon sometime Patriarch meeting the young Emperour the same day asked How they would deal with his Grand-father Who answering Emperour-like was by him inflamed for Niphon bare a special grudge against the old man for that he being by the Clergy outed of his Patriarchship for his shameful extortion was not defended as he looked for and dreaming his taking out of the way was a step to the same Dignity Wherefore he said If thou desirest to Reign without fear c. cast haire cloath on him and clap him in prison or exile him to which ungracious counsel other Nobles consenting much changed the young Emperour's minde that he could not endure his Grand-father a Companion in the Empire Whereupon it was decreed the old man should retain the name and ornaments but meddle with nothing nor come abroad with 10000 duckets yearly for his maintenance Of which shameful decree 〈◊〉 the Patriarch was a furtherer rejoycingly wresting this Scripture The just shall rejoyce when he seeth the Vengeance But the old Emperour thus shut up humours distilling through grief first lost one eye and shortly the other being often mocked not by his guarding enemies onely but by his own servants The young Emperour not long after falling very sick Catacuzene and the rest yet doubtful of the old blind man put him to choice either to put on him the habit of a Monk or to take dear exile or perpetual imprisonment At which hard choice he oppressed with woes lay on bed a great while speechlesse for being encompassed with barbarous Souldiers none was left to direct him where to go or stand But would he or not they shaving and polling him cast a Monks habite on him changing after the manner his name to Anthony the Monk of which Esaeias was glad as now no hope to recover the Empire nor cause for himself to fear Yet seeming to be very sorry but indeed deriding him he sent two Bishops to know of him how he would be remembred in Church-prayers To which fetching a great sigh he answered As in poor Lazarus appeared a double miracle that dead he rose and bound walked so in me in a contrary manner who alive am dead and loose bound my tongue also wherewith I might at least bewaile my woes and wrongs to the Aire c. But shame hath closed my mouth my brethren abhorre me and the light of mine eyes is not with me c. As for him that sent you I chose and preferred him to the Patriarchship before many worthy men never before preferred or famous c. But in my Calamity he joyned with mine enemies more cruel than any other feigning him to be much like the Crocodile of Nile ignorant and sorry for me But if I should answer to his catching question to be remembred in the Church as an Emperour I shall forthwith be slain If I say as Anthony the Monk it will be taken that of mine own free will I put on this habite which was never in my thought Thus he sent them away and sitting down said My soul return to thy rest c. neither spake he one word more in declaring his grief and so against his will passing over his sorrow in silence as astonished before the humorus gathered into the brain could be difsolved into tears But the Patriarch decreed he should be remembred before his Nephew in Church prayers as the most Religious and Zealous Monk Anthony the better to colour the matter as if weary of the world he voluntary took it on him Yet in four daies Synadenus understanding the people secretly to mutter at the hard dealing with him Ecclesiastical Laws enforcing none against will to enter Religious orders sent to exact an oath of him in writing that he should never seek after accept of or substitute any other in the Empire and to fear him of his life upon refusal setting barbarous Souldiers over him so yielding he signed the Oath with a red and black crosse another guiding his hand Thus living two years on Feb. 12th towards night a day dedicated to St. Anthonies Vigil certain friends had accesse to him amongst whom was the Prince of Servia's widow his daughter and Nicephor as Gregoras Authour of this History with whom he entred discourse till past mid-night then bidding them farewell pleasantly saying To morrow they would end their discourse no signe of sicknesse appearing They gone he eat of a shell-fish after which as his manner was when he felt inward heat he drank cold water then feeling a great pain in his Stomach and afterwards very sick fell into a loosenesse and going often to a house of Office in an inner Chamber not able to recover his own bed and none to help him he dyed before day sitting on a homely bed fast by having Reigned 43 years whose death was by strange signs and accidents foretold a great Eclipse of the Sun just 43 daies before and after of the Moon an earthquake the day before the Sea rising above the bounds made breaches in the Citie-Walls c. Many Crosses and Pinacles with a great Pillar before the Church of the 40 Martyrs he having wished to live so long as it stood were overthrown He was honourably buried in the Monastery of Libe whose Obsequies 9 daies yearly were solemnly kept Thus the Reader may see the Greek Emperour's were not at leasure to look over into Asia At which time Othoman on one side in Phrygia and Bithynia and Aladin's Successours along Meander encroached as fast till the Greeks were thrust quite out But Othoman's 2 Garrisons built before Prusa having continued certain years brought the City to such 〈◊〉 that many Citizens and others died of famine The rest out of hope to
being converted into most bi ter 〈◊〉 Solyman's strength thus encreasing he spoyled almost to Callipolis about 22 miles off whose Governour perceiving the Turk began to long for the City went out against him with what power he 〈◊〉 all the other Greeks lying still but he was overthrown and fled into his City the Turks following spoyled the Countrey and returning took both City and Castle in 1358. The Constantinopolitans making small account of its losse commonly said jesting The Turks had took from them but a pottle of Wine But they got in few years so far into Thracia that Amarah placed his Seat in Hadrianople and Bajaxet his Son laid hard siege some years to the Imperial City and had not Tamerlain's expedition to him fatal then happened he had carried it But Solyman certified his Father what he had done and that it was expedient speedily to send him a great supply for keeping what he had got as for further invasion Orchanes welcoming this Message commanded the Saracens likewise who were come into Caracina to possess their dwellings who were gone into Europe to passe over which they did Solyman omitted not to win small Holds and people them with Turks they of Caracina also placing themselves as in a new world For which and to extend the Turkish Dominions and Religion they refused no pains Not far from Callipolis was the little Castle 〈◊〉 whose valiant Captain Calo Joannes molested the Turks on that side under Ezesbeg slaying and taking many at advantage Solyman much argred learning when he was gone out for some exploit beset the Castle placing others in by waies lest he should any waies escape The Captain ignorant thinking to return with a Turk prisoner was pursued by Fazilbeg and hasting fell into the Turks ambush where all his men slain and he taken his head was struck off before his own Castle which forthwith surrendred and Chazi Ilibeg placed therein who thence troubled the Country to Didymothicum as 〈◊〉 from Callipolis who gave divers places taken thus in one year in Europe to his Captains and Souldiers as by the Tombs of Ezes and Fazil-beg there appeareth Solyman hawking in Bolare fields on Europe side was overthrown in a ditch and with the fall shortly died whose Father Orchanes then laying sick justly sorrowing within two moneths died about 1359 80 years old reigning 31. Some report otherwise of his death and time wherein he lived But John Leunclave in his History of the Turks Chronicles reporteth as before He was wise courteous and bountiful c. very zealous in his superstition appointing Pensions to the sayers of Mahomet's Law by heart in the Temple and competent maintenance for all Judges that for reward they should not pervert justice living and dying a mortal enemy to the Christians The Life of Amurath I. third King of Turks and the great augmenter of their Kingdom AMurath the younger Son succeeded 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having wondrous 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 zeal more than any for Mahometan Religion Purposing at first to invade Thracia he 〈◊〉 Army from all parts to Prusa But the Mahometan Asian Princes combining he must turn his forces upon them prevailing and returning with victory and next year prosecuting his intended war in Europe wherefore with a strong Army he passed to Callipolis with Lala Schahin his Tutor whose counsel he most followed in weighty affairs Then Benutum Castle was yielded him on composition and the Town Tzurulus he won after sharp encounter with the Christians taking divers small places in Romania now called Rumilia in Thracia razing some and garrisoning others Then also the valiant ones Chasi Ilbeg and Eurenoses took some Forts on the River 〈◊〉 much troubling the Inhabitants there abouts wherefore Didymothicum's Caprain gathered his Souldiers to intercept Chasi Ilbeg losing most and himself taken for whose ransome c. the Citizens yielded Didymothicum Amurath soon after sent Lala Schahin to besiege Hadrianople the Christians encountred him on the way many being lost on both sides but in the end worsted they retired to the City Schahin sending news of this victory to Amurath with some Christians heads Chasis and Eurenoses going before himself followed to the siege which the Governour hearing fled by night to Aenus The 〈◊〉 seeing this yielded to Amurath in 1362. Some Turks Histories otherwise report especially the taking these 2 Cities which because `t is not disagreeing from their subtil dealing I thought good to set down Amurath at first of his reign concluded a Peace with the 〈◊〉 Christians during which the Governour of 〈◊〉 entertained all workmen more to fortifie his City Amurath caused 200 Iusty men to come our of Asia to offer him their service who gladly used their help some of the wiser wishing him to beware of those Asians But he through the peace and they no Souldiers had the lesse care yet lodging them without the walls every night 〈◊〉 they entertained requested 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to go with 30 good Souldiers 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 and to espy any opportunity to surprize 〈◊〉 City 〈◊〉 coming accordingly they found 〈◊〉 carlying stones mortar c. shewlng diligence he vigilantly awaiting for a surprizal Night come and the 〈◊〉 workmen going into the Suburbs to lodge Chasis secretly 〈◊〉 shewed Amurath how one gate of the City might suddenly be taken if he would place a 〈◊〉 ambush near to joyn with the labourers upon occasion which resolved on and Chasis returning instructed what workmen he thought meet what was to be done Next day at dinner time these 〈◊〉 at fained words and blows among themselves suddenly running to the gate appointed and laying hands on the Warders weapons as to defend themselves and so 〈◊〉 them 〈◊〉 opening the gate 〈◊〉 in the Turks laying in wait who presently took the City and put the chiefest to the sword 〈◊〉 also was in this peace by sudden assault of Eurenoses by night taken The Christians charging 〈◊〉 with this breach of League turned it to his Captains threatning them severely feigning himself 〈◊〉 in a colour all the while 〈◊〉 but he refused to restore these Cities saying 'T was against Mahomet's Law to deliver that wherein his Religion had been openly taught Whereupon fresh wars very tedious to both arose Amurath therefore made peace with them of Selybria Constantinople and Hadrianople yet this he desiring heartily to take causing Chasis Ilibeg as discontented to flee from his Master to Hadrianople from whence issuing out with other dissembling fugitives he often skirmished with the Turks and growing into the Governours favour thereby Many others also under like 〈◊〉 resorting to him he wrote secretly to Amurath If he would send him succour against the time he would deliver a gate unto him Chasis with ten followers at day dawn as going to hunt came to the gate which opened they furiously slew the Warders and aided by the other fugitives possessed the gate till Amurath's near ambush hearing the alarm speedily came and entred where was a cruel fight all day but the Turks
Commanders commending his Fathers quiet life c. protesting he was heartily grieved thereat The 〈◊〉 discouraged sent for peace which was concluded on such conditions as he pleased The great Cham of Tartary now growing old sent to him divers presents offered him his onely daughter and with her to proclaim him heir apparant of his Empire as in right he was being his Brothers son Which Tamerlane gladly accepting was afterwards done being supported by his Father in-law while he lived and succeding him after his death Yet the while he wanted not envious Competitours who now onwards of his way against the King of China Calix of great power in the great Chams Court with a puissant Army seized on great Cambalu the Citizens also disdaining to be governed by the Zagataian Tartar Tamerlane returning with most of his Army met the Rebel who had 80000 horse and 100000 foot and above 50000 being on both sides slain overthrew him himself being beaten to the ground took him and beheaded him His state newly confirmed by his Victory he proceeded in war against China breaking down their strong wall of 400 Leagues long and entred their Country overcoming the King leading 350000 with the slaughter of 50000 of his men took him and yet wisely moderating his Fortune shortly freed him yet as having taken half his kingdome leaving Ormar his Lievtenant and imposing other conditions with 300000 Crowns yearly tribute So returning in triumph to the old Emperour at 〈◊〉 glad to see him and his daughter who had still accompanied him The War against Bajazet resolved on he sent Axalla to Sachetay or Zagati to begin assembling of forces that at first of the spring he might set foreward He procured from his Father in-law a 100000 foot and 80000 horse hoping to have as many from Sachetay besides 50000 from the Lords that would accompany him and divers other supplies expected also he would oft say he was appointed by God to abate the Othoman pride So departing towards Samarchand his Empires seat he left the great Emperours forces to come to Ozara the place of general meeting The Moscovite requested sent him 15000 horse with a sum of money and to passe thorow his necessary Territories Axalla the Livetenant general had the while assembled all the Army at Ozara whom Tamerlane sent for to Samarchand to conferre about setting forward for by his advice he did all things without him nothing who wanted not the envy of the Court but his virtues 〈◊〉 and worthy services supported him against malice who having largely discoursed with him about the Armies estate and order they shortly departed to Ozara where Tamerlane consulted with his most expert Captaines whether to lead his Army towards Capha by the Moscovites Coasts or on tother side the Caspian Sea by Persia's skirts It was in the end resolved to passe though the longer way by the Moscovite so to the Georgians and Therizonda thence into the Othoman Kings Country From Ozara he came to Maranis staying 3 daies for Odmars forces from China receiving news thereof paying and generally mustring his Army He conveighed Victual's and most of his Furniture by the Caspian Sea a great ease to his Army to passe some 20 Leagues thorow places without victuals and water His Army extended 20 Leagues At the river Edel he stayed at 〈◊〉 while his Army passed over at Mechet and 2 bridges made for that purpose The Circassians and Georgians now offered him all assistance they could he passing that way The Georgians being Christians a great and warlique 〈◊〉 long tributaries to the Greek Emperours tributaries and sometimes confederates to the Persians but the Turks enemies Axalla drew great number of them to his Princes service whom being tall beautiful strong couragious and expert he not a little esteemed who had 〈◊〉 resisted the Othoman Power by their rough Countries advantage Tamerlane was by these with all necessaries relieved In marching thorow whose Countries he so severely ordered his Souldiers that if any had taken injurionsly but an Apple or the like he died for it 'T is reported a woman complaining of a little milk taken from her he ript up the Souldiers stomach where it lately drunk being found he sent her away contenting her who otherwise had surely died Which severity of many accounted extreame cruelty was the preservation of his Army 〈◊〉 Camp now as a well governed City was stored with all things Artificers and Merchants from far and Country people receiving present money and safely departing Then coming to Bachichich and staying 8 dayes to refresh he 〈◊〉 400000 horse and 600000 foot or as some present affirme 300000 horse and 500000 foot whom he generally paide orating what orders and military discipline whereof he was curious he would have kept Then also every Common Souldier might more boldly behold him than on other dayes Who passing the Georgians and comming to Buysabuich Axalla who led the head of the Army came to him with news that Bajazet raysing Constantinople siege was resolved to come to battle in Asia trusting more to the experience than multitude of his Souldiers whom Tamerlane could hardly be perswaded would adventure out of Europe but rather there protract time to weary him at which he not insolently rejoycing said a small number well conducted did oft carry the victory from a confused multitude staying 3 dayes his Souldiers still marching passed over Euphrates the rather to maintain his Army on the enemies spoile All Cities yielding he favourably received those refusing he used with all extremity 〈◊〉 strong Sebastia where some of his fore-runners were cut off and the gates in contempt set open Tamerlaxe offended sent certain horsemen upon his displeasure so to bear themselves that he might find the City taken or the gates shut for nothing was more dreadful to his men than his displeasure if any in hunting gave way to the Lyon or Bear for fear and slew him not he was sure to dye and to turn his back on the enemy was to run on his own death The garrison Turks seeing these Tartarians not many issued out to meet them who were so charged by them that retiring for haste they shut out part their own lest the enemy following should have entred of with them who were slain by the Tartarians Shortly after came Tamerlane and sitting down before it lay still 7 daies the defendants thinking he intended to distresse it by long siege But about the 8th day the walls c. in many places undermined were suddenly overthrown leaving large breaches to enter The Turks forthwith yielded in hope of their lives but he as the Turks report commanding deep pits to be digged buried quick all the people of the City and utterly rased it Then he bid 〈◊〉 the Governour spared onely for that purpose to go tell his Master what he had there seen which tragedy he relating Bajazet demanded of him wch Army he thought the bigger he answered Tamerlane had the greater number Bajazet in great Choler replyed
〈◊〉 with Amessa and other friends he closely followed but getting the 〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉 followers in place convenient he slew all the Turks carrying away the Secretary bound and with threats 〈◊〉 him to write letters as from the Bassa to the Governour of Croia 〈◊〉 in Amurath's name to deliver to Scanderbeg the charge of the City and Garrison cunningly enterlacing other things c. And then 〈◊〉 the Secretary and many Turks coming in his way that his doings might be the longer kept from Amurath's knowledge Who having with him 300 Epirot Souldiers that followed him out of the battle came with incredible celerity into Dibria about 70 miles from Croia where staying but a day he chose a few to waite on him to Croia as if his houshould servants the rest with other 300 come out of Dibria he appointed secretly to be led thorow woods and mountains till come so nigh Croia as possible unperceived When he drew near the City he sent Amessa before as his Secretary to certifie the Governour of his coming who framing his countenance and attire as a natural Turk he delivered his Message with so good grace and words that all was verily believed But Scanderbeg himself coming and delivered the great Commanders letters the Governour delivering him the Government of the City departing next day with his houshold towards Hardrianople Scanderbeg thus gaining the chief City of Epirus in the dead of the night received in the Souldiers come from Dibria placing most in convenient places he with the rest flew the Watch and afterwards many in their beds the Christian Citizens also helping in a few hours there was none of the Turks Garrison left except some few who were content to forsake their superstition many chose rather to die and as is reported to kill themselves than so to save their lives Seanderbeg now sending speedy messengers into all parts of Epirus to disperse the news and 〈◊〉 up the people for recovery of their liberty flying fame had already prevented the Messengers and the oppressed Epirots were in armes in every place greatly desiring leaders yet running by heaps they slew most Turks 〈◊〉 in the Country abroad No Turk could stir but he was slain c. the Governour of Croia with his retinue was by the way slain by the Country people and his goods a prey Scanderbeg commanded those he appointed Captaines speedily to repaire to Croia with all power they could possibly make divers Nobles also resorting to him with their followers in few days he had 12000 well appointed wherein marching to Petrella 25 miles from Croia and 〈◊〉 on a steep rocky mountain as the rest of the Cities be he sent a wise Souldier to offer the Souldiers of Petrella that if they would yield it they should choose to continue in Scanderbeg's service with bountiful entertainement or depart with bag and baggage with honourable reward The subtile Messenger declared to them That Amurath lately vanquished by the Hungarians and looking daily to be set on by Christian Princes had no leisure to look to Epirus willing them to consider the dreadful misery that befell the Garrison at Croia c. The Governour considering the matter gave up the City onely upon departure with such things as they had because it should not be said he sold the City Scanderbeg giving them both meat and money sent them out of Epirus safely with a Convoy Petrella thus gained he placed therein a convenient Garrison presently marching towards Petra Alba in great hast It is a City in Aemathia 3 miles from Petrella Scanderbeg scarce well encamped but the Governour terryfied offered to deliver the City on the same conditions granted at Petrella which Scanderbeg faithfully performed All things were there set in order he came without delay to Stellusa a strong City 50 miles from Croia where 〈◊〉 next morning he sent a messenger to the City with like conditions accepted of at Petra Alba which most of the Souldiers would accept of but the Governour 〈◊〉 with a few earnestly withstood But the greater part when they could not perswade him with those few to yield they delivered him and them bound to Scanderbeg and so yielded up the City Wherefore fearing to return to Amurath some remained with Scanderbeg others provided for or rewarded departed whither they would All other weaker places in short time yielded themselves on like condition onely Sfetigrade in Epirus frontiers placed as it were an Eagles nest remained in the Turks possession Scanderbeg coming hither began to assay it by composition causing his Embassadours to declare all that happened at Croia Petrella c. how courteously he used the Garrison of Stellusa which yielded to him and having the Governour with his partakers in bonds whom they should see executed if they forthwith delivered it not This troubled the Garrison chiefly the Governour seeing thereby what might happen to himself Wherefore first entertaining the Embassadovrs honourably he said to the Citizens and Souldiers Worthy and faithful men what is your pleasure we shall answer to our enemies demands A rough and bold spirited Souldier drawing his sword and shaking it on high answered Most Valiant Governour this and the like shall answer for us Nothing was to lesse purpose than to seek to terrifie Valiant minds with the fortune of Croia and Stellusa c. we prescribe them of Petrella or Stellusa no laws neither let them us brave mindes disdain to imitate others in honest actions much lesse in cowardise Let Scanderbeg kill the Governour and our fellow Souldiers before our faces do ye therefore think we shall die in their bodies c. But oh happy bodies 〈◊〉 c. which in defence of their liberty and faith have contemned Gold Silver Death and 〈◊〉 Wherefore carry back this answer from a common Souldier If thy Master seek to impose these conditions on us let him once more bare his Arme which men of courage fear not so much as he thinketh Yet Scanderbeg is not the 〈◊〉 we have heard him reported to be sor why holding the Governour of Stellusa in bonds doth he threaten him with death not deserving the same c Then the Suoldiers thronging about him beating their swords and targets gave a shout as approving his speech So the Governour returning the common Souliders answer appointed every man to his charge ordering all things for defence of the City Scanderbeg smiling at the common Souldiers answer said He is a Valiant Souldier if his deeds be answerable to his speeches but if my force fail 〈◊〉 I will make him happy among the happy Ghosts of Stellusa and commanding the Governour to be brought with the other some forsaking Mahometism were baptized 〈◊〉 with the rest were put to death in sight of the Garrison Souldiers shouting from the wall and railing on the Christians Winter now grown on he left 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 3000 Souldiers to keep in the Turks at 〈◊〉 and defend Epirus borders till a more convenient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Croia when in a
exceeding harm Returning home he relieved many Hungarians and 〈◊〉 escaped from the slaughter and repairing to him providing to Ragusa thence to return into their Countries Thus was Scanderbeg by the Despot's treachery stayed from being at the bloudy battel of Varna to the unspeakable losse of the Christian 〈◊〉 Of the two Huniades was accounted the better Commander and the more politick for his greater years which was well countrevailed by Scanderbeg's good fortune and by experience afterwards gotten Amurath was exceedingly moved at Scanderbeg's proceedings and his great harms in Macedonia c. yet still dreading the Hungarians himself through years desirous of rest and the young years of his Son Mahomet with Scanderbeg's fortune and Huniades his malice he proved by Letters mixt with threats and feigned courtesies to draw him into some peace for a time to be the better revenged at leasure shewing that he never wanted preferments to 〈◊〉 on him most unkind Scanderbeg 〈◊〉 now he had so highly offended him he knew not what 〈◊〉 words to use unto him c. that it grieved him to rehearse his manifold and horrible treasons c. if his mind would suffer them to be covered with silence yet he thought good to advertize him lest his heat when he had lost himself should overthrow him with his unlucky Kingdom Did he think his late outrages should escape his revenging hands that he gracelesse man should amend and not farther expect whether his indignation will break out that the allurements of his good fortune should not so puff up his foolish desires c. that his misery afterwards may move even his greatest enemies or himself to compassion that he should remember his courtesies and make him no longer sorry that he so ill bestowed the same That letting passe his souls health which he esteemed as nothing and 〈◊〉 Laws by him despised What had he ever wanted at his hands of all things most delighting mens desires c. For all these benefits that he shewed himself but a very 〈◊〉 brought up in his own bosome But the love of his Countrey moved him which if he had asked would he have denied him which he often proffered unto him but he had rather gain it by treachery than receive it from him by 〈◊〉 That he now pardoned him all chiefly for that the time he faithfully served him was longer than the time of offending him That his Fathers Kingdom he gives unto him on condition of restoring him the other Towns of Epirus by himself honourably won That restoring all taken from the Prince of Servia and recompencing him for other harms and never violating any his friends or aiding his enemies he should eyer stand in his favour as before That he knew his strength and had before his eyes the Hungarian fortune That he might conferr with Airadin his trusty Messenger to understand more to write at large what he intended to do Scanderbeg knowing the old Fox wrought nothing simply of good meaning he called 〈◊〉 unto him and after many publick and private discourses to sound his meaning c. he shewed him the strength of his Camp that the crafty Messenger might not think he was afraid of his Master Then complaining of Amurath's dealing against his Father Brethren and himself he sent him away with such a writing That as Amurath had exceeded him in many courtesies so he would now exceed him in temperate speech that his Letters and Messenger gave him more occasion of smile than choller whilst at first accusing him of ingratitude and treason he presently seemed 〈◊〉 of his souls health himself being a defender of a most damnable errour and as a conquerour to a vanquished enemy propounding many conditions which he scorned to hear That he imputed his rayling to his great age way ward nature and conceived grief c. Yet wherefore did he so exclaim against him Did he call his needful departing a treachery his native Countrys recovering a villany That if Amurath's kindnesse toward him were compared with his miseries his good deserts would be overwhelmed with his greater tyrannies That he took away his Fathers Kingdom murdered his brethren vowed him to death when he little feared it c. How long did he think he would endure his insolent bondage which yet he many years endured not refusing his commands c. That simply believing his words and deeds to be void of fraud when his cankered malice began apparently to shew it self he also glosed with him till he found occasion ro recover his liberty yet these are but trifles to what he had laid up in hope and resolution therefore ceasing his threats he shou'd not tell him of the Hungarian fortune c. Amurath herewith and conferring with Airadin was filled with wrath yet to give no token of fear stroking often his beard as when thoroughly angry chearfully dissembling he said Thou desirest wicked man some honourable death We will give it thee Wee will be present at the burial of our 〈◊〉 child c. Thou shalt not complain thou diedst an obscure death And because of many then great occurrents he sent Ferises with 9000 choise horsmen to keep Scanderbeg in doing and spoyl his Countrey what he could For all whose haste Scanderbeg hearing thereof placed 1500 footmen in ambush on the mountains leading into the valley of Novea and 2000 horsemen as he thought most fit Ferizes descending those woody and bushy mountains by broken and stony waies was set upon by the foot suddenly arising 760 Turks were in this conflict taken a number slain and Ferises with the rest fleeing cryed still out Better some saved than all lost Scanderbeg pursuing him into Macedonia rewarded his Souldiers with its spoyl Amurath grieved presently sent Mustapha with a supply of 6000 to take Ferises charge in no case to enter far but to burn and spoyl Epirus frontiers accounting it good service if but the trees and fruits had felt his anger Mustapha by continual Scouts warily entred the Valley of Novea entrenching upon the rising of a hill placing espialls on the mountains tops to give notice of the enemy by signs reserving 4000 horse in his Camp he sent about 9000 to forrage and spoil charging every one on pain of death to retire thither upon sign given The Turkish Army making havock of all that fire and sword could destroy Scanderbeg drawing near the Valley was advertized by a wounded Epirot Souldier of all the enemies doings who considering Mustapha's wary proceedings resolved by force suddenly to afsault him in his trenches before his Souldiers could return to the Camp and speedily entring the Valley was discovered by the espialls giving a sign to the Camp whence it was given to the dispersed Souldiers most of whom being strayed and busied in spoyl heard or saw it not Scanderbeg's Souldiers following those that heard it and terrifying them with his name many were slain in entring the Camp with their booties and the Turks trenches presently assaulted and they beaten from
could content his mind or revive his Spirits so that oppressed with melanchollyconceits he became sick for griefe Whereupon by some's Counsell he sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace for 10000 duckats yearly tribute thinking hereby well to save his honour which being utterly refused greatly increased his sicknesse Scanderbeg to grieve him the more c daily assailed the Campe which he often suspected by alarums and tumults languishing with the griefe thereof Feeling he could not longer live g ievously complained that all his former life was so blemished who repressing the Hungarians fury and almost nullifying the Grecians pride and name was enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle and in sight of his contemptible enemie Then he gave his Son Mahomet many grave advertisements commending him to the faithfullnesse of his Bassaes weaknesse and teares oft upon sight of him interrupting his speech Yet forcing himself he warned him of what now most grieved him That his example be a warning to him not to contemne his never so weak enemy c whereby he had purchased this calamity and for ever blemished the honour of the Othoman Kings c. That this Trait or should then have been suppressed when first he recovered his wicked Kingdome c. Ali Bassa nor the other Generalls should not have been sent against him c That they entered into 〈◊〉 160000 strong c but now how many tents stand empty c. That the destinies had vowed his Spirits to Epirus as to him fatall But why did he impute these impediments and chances to himself for this mischievous seed first began when the Hungarians with others rose up against him So whilst he could not take order for all important affaires at once this enemy grew great That fortune never deceived his endeavours more than in this Therefore he charged his Son that for so great and stately a patrimony as he should receive not to leave his death unrevenged of this enemy Shortly after becomming speechlesse c he breathed out his Ghost to the Christians great joy in Autumne 1450 85 years old as most write reigning 28 or as some 30 about 5 months after Croia's siege Thus 〈◊〉 great Amurath dead almost in despaire Who had fought greater battels who gained greater Victories or obtained more glorious Triumphs than he c. But oh how far was he now changed from the man he then was how far did his last speeches differ from his forepassed life full of base passionate complaints beseeming some vile 〈◊〉 overtaken with despaire and yet afraide to die He lyeth now dead a gastly stinking Carcale c and of such infinite riches such stately honours c his fraile body enjoyeth nothing The Turks say he died miraculously forewarned of his death at Hadrianople others that he died in Asia with an Apoplexie surfeiting of immoderate Wine But Marinus Barlesius who lived in his time in Scodra fast by Epirus sets it downe as aforesaid Mahomet fearing some innovation at home presently returning to Hadrianople buryed his body with great solemnity on the West of Prusa lying in a Chappel without a roofe his grave not differing from the common Turks which they say he so commanded that Gods blessing might come to him by the Sun and Moones shining and raine and dewes falling on his grave He mightily enlarged the Turkish Kingdome for the better establishing whereof in his owne house he in the beginning of his reigne by manifold favours began to bind to himself men of forreigne Coùntryes his Servants And whereas the Othoman Kings had mostly or altogether raised their Janizaries and other Court Souldiers of Christians Children taken in War he seeing how serviceable they were plotted how to make an Armie of such his own Creatures c wherefore taking from the Christians every 5th Child he placed the fairest and aptest in his own Seraglio the rest in other like places where being instructed in Mahometane Religion then in all seats of Armes of these he made Horsemen c to guard his person naming he better sort Spahi-Oglani 〈◊〉 is his Sons the Knights Of these he made Bassaes Generals and Governours with all great Officers dispersing the rest and greatest part into every Country of his Dominion in Asia to be brought up in hardnesse and painefull labour out of whom he choosing the most lusty and able they were taught to handle all manner of weapons added to the other upon occasion calling them his Sons binding them of all sorts so fast to him by continual pay c. that he might account so many Sons as Souldiers A great policy from a deep judgment to weaken the Christians by taking their Children of greatest hope and to keep in awe his own natural Subjects also Amurath's successours keeping and increasing this Custome have not only kept the Empire in their Family but so maintained their State that they are feared obeyed and honoured as Gods c. Hence it comes to passe that the better of them called Turks but indeed Christians children desire to be called Musulmans that is right believers holding it a reproach to be called Turks For they knowing there is not one natural Turk among all in authority c. but he is borne a Christian either of father or Grandfather avouch those only to be Turks living in Natolia all Merchants Mechanicks or poor labourers c. Yea many of the Grand-Signiors had Christian Mothers accounting it in the greatest part of their Nobility 〈◊〉 great King was wonderfully beloved and noless after death lamented more faithful of his word than any before or after him melancholick rather politick than valiant yet both a great dissembler painful in travel exceeding wayward and testy many imputing it to his age He had 6 Sons Achmetes Aladin Mahomet Hasan or Chasan Urchan and Achmetes the younger three of whom died before him The Life of Mahomet II. 7th King and first Emperour of Turks for his many victories surnamed the Great IT was thought that Mahomet who being about 21 years old succeeded his Father in 1450 and the supposed Son of the Prince of Servia's Daughter a Christian would have embraced the Christian Religion but embracing in shew the Mahometan abhorring the Christian he greatly reckoned not of either and worshipping no God but Fortune he derided such as thought God had any care of worldly men so that he kept no League Promise or Oath longer than stood with his profit and pleasure The Bassaes and others of great Authority to whom Amurath's Government was never grievous inwardly lamented his death doubting Mahomet's fierce nature c. But the Court gallants in hope of preferment were glad to see him on his Fathers Seat and the vulgar exceedingly rejoyced in him Then also the Janizaries as their 〈◊〉 is spoyling the Christians and Jews easily obtained pardon whereupon he was by them and other Court Souldiers triumphantly saluted King which approbation is a greater assurance of their Kingdom than to be
or put on their Armour Musachius armed c as the Enemyes approach would permit doubting whether to fight or flee but seeing alike danger in both he resolutely received the Enemy's charge At length seeing his men slaine by heapes he fiercely attempted to break thorow to Scanderbegs Mountain but no way being to be made he fought till he and all with him were slaine Tanusius also after divers vaine attempts to rescue his Cousin Musachius exhorted all left to 〈◊〉 in which many were slaine for the Enemy filled all places and eagerly pursued Scanderbeg was about many times to descend the hill to help them or have died with them 〈◊〉 his Captaines earnestly requesting him not to thrust himself and them into perill of assured death Sebalias following Tanusius with most of his Army ' except few and such as rifled the dead Scanderbeg comming downe with his 4000 slew all Turks in his way and cut off a great number afterwards in the rear So that Sebalias leaving the chase turned upon his pursuing Enemy and 〈◊〉 a sharp skirmish begun sounded a 〈◊〉 to call together his dispersed Souldiers the better to encounter his dangerous Enemy Scanderbeg assembling his remainder and valiantly encountering the Turks thinking now to end these Wars 〈◊〉 with his own hand Achmat and Barach two valiant Turks who had sworne to Mahomet Scanderbegs death if they met him Many Turks were here slaine Night drawing on Sebalias retired to a Mountaine nigh the City and Scanderbeg to another almost two miles off and in dead of the night returned into Epirus leaving strong Garrisons on all strait passages 〈◊〉 the Bassa should break into Epirus This was the onely and greatest overthrow Scanderbeg hitherto received losing 2000 Horse and 3000 Foot most of whom were the Italians with his Tents and great Artillery and about 80taken 3000 Turks were slain also Next day Sebalias buried the bodyes of the slain Turks but left the yet-breathing-Christians cutting off their hands and feet among the dead Musachius his head and others thought of the better sort were cut off and because of the heat of the weather being flayed and stuffed Sebalias carried them as Tropheys to Constantinople Repairing Belgrades Walls and adding 700 fresh Souldiers to the old Garrison he returned causing as he entred the City the Christian Captives to be led in Chaines before him after whom were the taken Ensignes with the heads on Launces then all the spoil Himself with 〈◊〉 Sou diers were received with such applause as Conquering some great Kingdome Sebalias praises was in every mans month he onely they said shewing Scanderbeg was to be overcome No preferment or reward was thought too great to countervaile his desert Most of the Captives being sold the rest were thrust alive on sharpe stakes hang'd on iron hooks and otherwise tortured to death Moses after Scanderbegs losse thought it a most fit time now to revolt but he thought good if possible to allure some others into his Treason both to diminish his own infamy and to appear with more credit before the Turks Wherefore at first seeming very pensive for Scanderbeg and Epirus with many words he set forth to his utmost Mahomets power but to those more inward with him he discovered Mahomets great favour and offered 〈◊〉 c. assuring them of the like also if they would conforme yet he found none but a few of the baser sort which hearkened to or followed him Wherefore he fearing now to be discovered fled by night to Sfet'grade with those base ones thence by the Governours passe to Constantinople where arriving a little before Sebalias Mahomet joyfully received him c At the first report whereof Scanderbeg as astonied stood speechlesse but pawsing a while said no more but that he could easily excuse Moses he being carried away with that which might alienate a constant man commanding divers aggravating his 〈◊〉 to hold their peace wishing all Treason and ill fortune were gone with Moses Scanderbeg went into Dibria diligently enquiring if any of his partakers 〈◊〉 be found But finding none he much rejoyced and things being set in order 〈◊〉 to Croia Moses solicited Mahomet to proceed in his Warrs against Scanderbeg promising to spend his life therein But he delaying him till next Spring diligently observed the while Moses talke and behaviour and oft discoursed with him about that Warr's management and finding undoubted signes of a minde for his service he at Spring committed 15000 Horse to him for invading Epirus for a greater number he required not These Souldiers through the opinion of their new Generall and hope by his meanes of friends there to joyne with them were the willinger to goe So Moses furnished 〈◊〉 an Army of his own choosing c. marching thorow Thrace and Macedonia came and entred into Dibria Whom Scanderbeg stood not to encounter upon policy he being privy to his stratagems but with true valour Both Armies standing ranged in order a Messenger came to Scanderbeg to know if any one durst fight hand to hand with one of the Turks whose name was Ahemaze 〈◊〉 the generall battell Upon his challenge Zacharias Groppe hastily stepping forth requested Scanderbeg he might be the man who embracing commending and wishing him good fortune gave him leave Whom as he was Arming his companions wished onely the fortune of Manessi He put upon his Armour many rich Jewells c. The Turkish Champion no sooner was come forth in great bravery but Zacharias bravely mounted was as ready to charge him to whom Ahemaze said It was time enough to hasten his death requesting to talke with him So propounding the conditions before to Manessi Zacharias in no better sort accepted them Thus agreed and withdrawing a good distance from each other they ran together with such force they they brake their Launces and were both horse and man overthrowne who nimbly recovering assailed each other on foot with their 〈◊〉 After many sturdy stroakes without hurt being so strongly Armed and their swords being beaten out of their hands they grapled with their hands After long strugling Zacharias overthrowing the Turk thrust him into the throat with his dagger and slew him then cutting off his head with a sword whereat the Christians shouting discomfited the Turks Zacharias returning with spoil and presenting to Scanderbeg the Turks head was by him afterwards honourably rewarded Into this place came Moses and aloud challenged Scanderbeg hand to hand but seeing him ready to come forth he with shame returned into his Armie Presently after both Armies joyned battell where at first onset the Turks vanguard gave ground whom Moses relieved with supplies here and there with his presence restoring the battell Yet the Epirots still prevailing with great slaughter came to the strength of their battaile Moses his best Souldiers and last refuge here the Turks fought very couragiously and Moses warily observing Scanderbeg directed his forces if possible to slay him one of whose couragious Souldiers with his Horsemans staffe bare him
they digging up his bones those who could get never so little thereof set it in silver or gold hanging it about their necks or otherwise wearing thinking thereby to have such good hap as Scanderbeg had while he lived The Hungarians and Venetians most time of these Wars busied the Turks for Matthias entring Bosna overthrew the Turks frontier forts and driving them out till he came to Jaziga or Jaitze the chiefe City at length took it wresting all that Kingdome out of their hands whereupon Mahomet hardly besieging Jaziga it was valiantly defended till Mathias comming to its reliefe so troubled the Turks Campe on one sice and the besieged with salleys on the other that the Turk stealing away with his Armie by night into Servia left his Tents and great Ordinance for haste which the Turks Histories report he cast into the River whom Mathias following into Servia and taking part thereof united it with 〈◊〉 to Hungarie After which Mahomet had no great stomack to provoke the Hungarians Mathias being now as dreadfull to the Turks as the name of his Father Huniades Then also the Venetians scouring the Seas did great harme to the Turk by landing in severall places amongst others Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus comming into Salonichi Bay burnt divers Townes and Villages by the Sea side Then returning into Pelopouesus he in despire of all the Turks could do fortified 〈◊〉 where leaving a strong Garrison he returned into Euboea and soon after sayling along Macedonia and Thracia surprized Aenus upon the River Meritza's mouth taking its spoile and carrying away 2000 Captives into Euboea Then likewise the Venetians ayding Duchaine against his Brother Alexius striving for Zadrima's principality greatly overthrew the Turks neer Drine River in Epirus who came in Alexius quarrel Mahomet perceiving that Euboea Island now Nigropont 10 miles long abounded with Corne Wine Oyle Fruit and Wood for shipping and separated from 〈◊〉 with à narrow strait of the Sea was for its commodious 〈◊〉 and strength the chiefe place whence the Venetians wrought him all these wrongs resolved to imploy all his forces both by Sea and land for the gayning thereof wherefore assembling a mighty A rmie and sending Mahomet Bassa with 300 Galleys and other small Vessels well furnished into Euboea himself marched through Achaiae till he came over against Chalcis The Venetian Admirall finding himself too weak for the Turks Fleet returned towards Seiros But the Bassa comming out of Hellspontus Straits came without let to Euboea where taking and razing Stora and Basilicon he went directly to Chaleis of whose smaller Vessels Mahomet making a bridge over the Strait passed to the City Chaleis Rich Populous and very strong besieging it round by Sea and land where with his battery faire breaches by the chiefe Cannoneers giving the Turks by signes knowledge where the Walls were weakest being the sooner made the Traitour it being perceived was executed Yet what he beate downe by day they repaired by night Thus for 30 dayes the City being defended to the Turks great losse in their sharpe assaults the Venetian Admirall comming in view of the City shewed as if he would give the Turks battell Wherefore Mahomet it s reported was about to goe over into the maine with his Armie lest the Venetians breaking the bridge should have shut him in which its thought he might have done if he would have adventured as his Capraines earnestly requested But comming to an Anchor he moved not which the Turk perceiving brought on his men to the Wal's breaches promising them the Cityes spoile c whereof himself said he would be aneye witnesse Whereupon the Turks furiously assaulting the defendants made such slaughter of them that the ditches were filled and the breaches made up with their dead bodys but Mahomet still sending in fresh supplies this dreadfull assault was maintained a day and a night without ceasing who twice winning the breaches were beaten out againe At length the defendants being most flain or wounded and the rest wearied retiring into the Market place sold their lives deare to the Turks among whom were found many dead women who chose rather to die in defence than to fall into the Turks hands Mahomet although Lord of the City yet losing 40000 in the siege put all men there alive to most cruel death especially the Italians with exquisite torments Ericus the Governour fleeing with a few into the Castle on promise of safe departure delivered up the same but having them in his power the Tyrant cruelly murthered them Erigus's Daughter being presented to Mahomet as the mirrour of beauty when he could not prevaile on her by flattering words c to consent unto his desire threatned her with death torture c But the constant Virgin resolutely denying he commanded her forthwith to be slaine And the horrible cruelty committed by the Turks at the taking of Chalcis passeth credit the rest of the Island without resistance yielding to the Turkish slavety This happened in 1470. Caualis the City being lost fearing to be set on by the Turks dishonourably returning to Venice he was by the Senate imprisoned and afterwards with his family banished to Utinum Mahomet and his Fleet soone after returning the Venetians attempted a sudden surprize of Chalois but the Garrison there left was so strong that retiring to their Galleys they forsook Euboea Petrus Mocenicus being chofen Admirall instead of Canalis the Venetians solicited Pope Sixtus the 4th the King of Naples the King of Cyprus and the Master of Rhodes to joyne with them against the common Enemy which they promised They sent also Zenus to Usun Cassanes King of Persia to incite him against the Turk who next year taking up Arms had with him mortall Warres who not ignorant of these things and knowing how he had offended Christian Princes by his cruelty at Chalsis lay a while still at Constantinople as if desirous to live in peace whereby as he wisht nought worth speaking was that year attempted against him who also requested the Persian King if it were onely but for community of the Mahometan Religion to withdraw taking up Arms in the Christians Cause though otherwise he regarded not Religion but Zenus so wrought wi h Usun Cassanes that he told the Turks Ambassadors he neither could nor would longer endure the Turkish Kings injury and that having made a league with the Christian Princes he would to his power perform whatever he had promised so dismissing them discontented as were the Persian Ambassadors before from the Turkish Court touching the Emperour of Trapezond The yeare following 1472. Mocenicus arriving in Lesbos did great harm and passing into the lesser Asia sore spoiled about Pergamus Then landing again at Cnidus he took a great booty so returning having exceedingly hurt all along the Sea-Coast laden with spoil to Peloponesus on whose Coast he met with Richiensis with seventeen Gallies from King Ferdinand of Naples who joyning their Fleets in one landed at Modon in Peloponesus
in the Avant with many Acanzij before he was aware was so fiercely charged that losing most of his men the rest fleeing he with his two Sons were taken Michael the eldest being bound was slaine by one whose Brother he had there slaine whose head Aladenles sending to Ishender to grieve him the more he bid the Messenger not shew it him but to bid his Master eat it if he would wherewith Aladenles exceedingly moved yet pitying the old man set the younger soon at Liberty sending Ishender Prisoner to Carie where he remained 5 years Caragoses discouraged retired into Cilicia and was commanded by Bajazet to Constantinople as unfit for such an enterprize Next Spring 1488 Bajazet sent Achmetes Bassa with a far greater Army against the Sultan who being come to the farthest of Cilicia was at Tzugar Ova overthrown by the Aegyptians and Arabians himself fighting valiantly lost two fingers and was sent Prisoner to Caire Bajazet rather incensed herewith made the greatest preparation in 1489 by Sea and Land against the Sultan sending Alis Bassa or Calibeus with Cherseogles his Son in Law with a great Army by land requesting of the Venetians in league with him to refresh his Fleet upon occasion in Cyprus which the Senate denying yet sent their Admirall with 30 Galleys for defence of Cyprus who considering how secret and sudden the Turks designes were he sent sundry Companyes out of Creete into Cyprus for its better defence but understanding all their Fleet to be met and set forward he hois'd saile for Cyprus the Turkish Fleet keeping on their course met the land-Army neere Mount Taurus Caytheius having sent Usbeg with a strong Army of Mamalukes and others to be in readinesse He though far inferiour to his Enemyes expected not their comming into Syria but met them not far from Tarsus of Cilicia who so soon as come together cheerfully joyned battell which terrible fight was maintained all day with doubtfull Victory and exceeding slaughter The Generalls with fresh supplyes relieving their distressed Night approaching both Armyes chiefly the Turks wearied and weakened retired to their Camps But the Aegyptians finding all their Carriages Victualls c gone which some say the robberous borderers had done to please the Turks others that those in charge terrified with the Turks number and battell 's doubtfullnesse fled along the Sea-side and were spoiled by the Turks out of the Galleys were foretroubled fearing great extremities Wherefore early in the morning they braved their Enemyes which the Turks disdayning set foreward with displayed Ensignes there beginning such a desperately resolved fight that one might have said the former was but a play in comparison none being seen to give ground or look back the Janizaryes and Mamalukes Foot to Foot spending their utmost force upon each other Usbeg the while freshly charged the Turks with 15000 valiant Horse as a reserve so that they began to give ground which being made good againe by others brought on by the Bassaes till the Sun 's going downe the battell was fiercer than before then retiring to their Camps not knowing yet who had the better The Bassaes finding scarce a third part of 100000 men left and most of them hurt doubting to be set upon againe fled away the same Night leaving all behind them The Aegyptians also losing halfe of 70000 and wanting provision were retired into Mount Taurus not knowing of the Turks flight Some passing into Syria reported the Sultans Army was overthrown so uncertaine was the event of that battell But Aladeuses certifying them of their flight and the espialls confirming the same Usbeg presently comming downe entred the Turks Camp finding plenty of all necessaryes for refreshment Aladeuses with his Varsacides robbed and slew many Turks in their returne so stopping the passages that the Mamalukes overtaking them few remained alive to carry news home Calibeus and Cherseogles being both taken and presented to Caytheius with 18 Sanzacks Ensignes Bajazets Navy also riding at Orontes mouth was by tempest put from Anchor and swallowed up of the Sea or beaten in pieces upon the maine Wherefore with much adoe he concluded a Peace with the Sultan restoring all places taken from him the Sultan delivering him Calibeius Cherseogles Achmetes and Ishander with a number of other Prisoners Shortly after Calibeius died having worthily governed Aegypt with all Africk unto Cirene Westward and unto Euphrates Eastward who through Dultibe his Wife's importunity had joyned his Son Mahomethes in the fellowship of the Kingdome the better to enjoy it after his death contrary to the Mamaluk's custome who grudging to be defrauded of their wonted choice slew Mahomethes and soon after four more who aspired the Kingdome setting up a Sultan of their own choyce About the time of the Peace concluded Charls the French King greatly preparing against Alphonsus King of Naples gave out that after its recovery he would invade Greece induced hereto chiefly by Sfortia Duke of Millane his solicitation whereby Italy was sore shaken and Sfartia himself at last dyed a Prisoner in France Alphonsus doubting the French Kings greatnesse entred a confederacy with some States of Italy chiefly with Pope Alexander the 6th giving his base Daughter in Marriage to Godfry Borgia the Bishops Son making him Prince of Carinula entertayning his other Son Francis in great pay in his Wars And by Camillus his Embassadour acquainted Bajazet what the French King purposed against them both requesting him to aide him with 1 2000 Horse and Foot Alexander also sending George Buc ciarde to Bajazet to declare with what power after the French King had dispatched his Wars in Italy he intended to passe into Greece Wherefore he had been earnest with him for Zemes yet he distrusting the French and carefull for the State of Italy had entred a league with Alphonsus wanting nothing more than money by which Bajazet he said might provide for the safety of Greece Rome and Naples being the surest Walls of that side the Othoman Empire c. Bajazet knowing this to be true thanked the Bishop for his timely admonition c willing Bucciarde to returne to his Master with one Dautius his Ambassadour who should carry money and other secret resolves writing a Greek Epistle cunningly to perswade the Bishop to Poyson Zemes promising him for this 200000 Duckats and never to take up Armes against the Christians But George and Dautius being about to land at Ancona were boarded by John Rovereus pretending a great sum due to him for his service done in Pope Innocent's time quit of their Treasure and whatever else aboard which the Bishop much troubled could never recover though seeking recompence from the Venetians who were to save the Turks harmless in those Seas for Rovereus bearing upon the French set at naught the Bishops curses and threats Dautius being set on shoare went to Ancona and thence to Gonzaga Duke of Mantua and was by him for auncient-friendship with Bajazet courteously entertained and furnished with money and Apparel so returning
had set all things in good order to winter in Iconium himself with a few returning to Constantinople for he heard the Hungarians had made incursions into Servia and spoiled it Wherefore least he should lose Samandria reputed the Bulwark of Servia and Thrace he sent Jonuses Bassa of Bosnia with 8000 Horse into Croatia as far as Catinum transporting another Army over Dannbius into Hungary that the Hungarians at once doubly beset might fear their estate and to shew the World of what power the Othomur Emperors were c. Having thus pressed the Hungarians he at Hadrianople and Constantinople the following winter more prepared for Warre than ever as being advertized that Maximilian the Emperour with the Germ Princes Uladislaus of Hungary and Sigismund of Poland had combined to war on him but learning by his intelligencers sent into all parts of Europe that their meetings proved but great words and Banquets he turned himself with all his preparations again toward the East to the great quiet of Christendom Yet he strengthned his frontiers with most strong Garisons leaving his Son to Solyman at Hadrianople and Pyrrhus Bassa his Tutor which was strange a native Turk at Constantinople then he sent Cherseogles whom he was most trusted with his Army into Bythinia making Zafferus an Eunuch Admiral of his Navy lately built and with wondrous charge rigged forth and staying a little at Constantinople to see the young Souldiers then choosing Janizaries he departed to his Army at Iconium intending again to invade the Persian Being come thither he heard that Campson Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt was come into Syria with a great Army giving out he wou'd ayd the Persian King his Confederate entring into Cilicia with all Hostility if Selimus proceeded to invade him he perplexed and fearing if he should passe Euphrates Campson should break in by Mount Amanus and indanger that part of his Dominion stayed at Iconium sending the Cadalescher who wrote the Commentaries of this Warre and Jachis a great Captain with great presents to pacifie him if possible not to hinder or disturb Selimus from warring upon Hysmael who had so invaded his Dominions in Asia and by a new form of superstition had corrupted and altered the most sure grounds of Mahometanism and if Campson would by no conditions be removed then diligently to learn his strength and designs and speedily to return Campson though spent with age and living in worldly blisse yet for sundry causes thought this expedition good and needful for he hated Selimus for his cruelty and would never renew the League with him made with Bajazet desiring also to represse and abate his insolency grown by success beyond reasons bounds c. especially fearing the losse of Syria and so of all his Kingdom for Aegypt Judea and Syria intollerably oppressed with the Mamalukes were in danger to revolt if the Persians should chance to be vanquished with whom he h dmade a firm League also moved with Aladin's misery he was perswaded Selimus might by his and Hysmael's forces be thrust out of all for Aladin living three years in his Court had by all means possible incited the Mamalukes to revenge Likewise Aladules eldest Son fleeing into Aegypt had filled so the minds of all with detestation of Selimus his cruelty that the chief of the Mamalukes humbly besought Campson to take on him so just a war if through years he thought himself unable yet to give them leave of themselves to take it in hand These Mamalukes far excelled the Turks both in strength skilful riding goodly armour and also in courage and wealth Many Christians of loose life or condemned for notorious offences fleeing to Aegypt and abjuring their Religion being circumcised and meet for the wars grew by degrees to great honour as did Tangarihardinus the Son of a Spanish Marriner by whose advice in Campson's time almost all things were done and was by him sent Ambassadour to Bajazet and to the State of Venice about matters of great importance yet at length by envy he was brought into disgrace thrust out of his place cast into prison and miserably died loaded with cold irons For appeasing the mischief arising in that servile Monarchy for 4 years by civil wars about the succession of a Sultan after Caytheius his death to the sore weakening of the Mamalukes estate the great Courtiers and chief men amongst them offered the Kingdom to Campson Gaurus or as the Turks Casaves Gauris a man of great integrity and courage and free from ambition who earnestly at first refused it excusing himself as unfit for so high a place and with tears standing in his eys besought other great Lords to forbear to thrust him content with his private life into that place subject to so many dangers c. for he was terrified with the example of so many Kings slain in a short time by other proud competitors They perswaded him not upon a foolish obstinacy or vain modesty to refuse his good fortune but couragiously to take on him the government of the State sore shaken with civil discord together with the regal dignity promising by solemn Oath with all their power policy and wealth to maintain and defend the Majesty of his State and that the men of war should not demand their wonted largesse till it might be raised out of his Customs and other Crown-Revenues whereby he suffered himself to be salured Sultan and having given 10 millions of Ducars to the men of War as a largess and by his moderate Government had caused men generally to admire his prowesse and wisdom he so reformed the shaken State of that Kingdom taking away by poyson and other secret devices the chief Authors of that Sedition that for 16 years neither tumult or noise of war was heard in all Syria and Aegypt Undoubtedly worthy the name of a most excellent and fortunate Prince if in the winding up of his life he had not rashly thrust himself into the dangerous quarrels of other Princes Campson encamping at the River Orontes now Farfar entertained Selimus his Embassadours with more bounty than courtesie who most temperately and calmly delivering their Embassage in his Pavilion he answered The Aegyptian Sultans holding the chief place in their Religion used to keep with all care other Mahometans in concord whereof he was ever desirous and was come into Syria only to perswade 〈◊〉 to peace who if he would proceed against Hysmael his confederate he would not long suffer all to go to rack for the pleasure and fury of one insolent and ambitious man saying He had long seen into Selimus his insatiable fierce and troublesome disposition who procuring the death of his Father slaying his Brethren Nephews with many other his best friends and faithful Counsellors could make no end of his ambitious tyranny therefore to tell him the only condion of peace should be If he desisted from invading Hysmael and restored to Aladeules's Son his Father's Kingdom long under the Aegyptian Sultan's protection
into Comagena then destitute of sufficient Garrisons and that Selimus then in Judea's 〈◊〉 might easily be inclosed by them both and vanquished or distressed for want and the rather for that there was no Turkish Fleet on that Coast c. Sinan the while Selimus his forerunner having 〈◊〉 divers Companies of theevish Arabians was come to Gaza the 〈◊〉 though in heart the Mamalukes yielded him their City on composition and relieved him giving him great dissembled thanks that by his meanes they were 〈◊〉 from the Mamalukes bondage ever promised to remain faithfull for so great a benefit Sinan commending their good will lodged his Army nigh the Walls within defence of the Gardens there to expect Selimus his coming And the while 〈◊〉 sought to get knowledge of that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Country chiefly of the nature of the great sanos winning by rewards the Inhabitants thereabout to procure the chief Arabians favour by large offers and to spie what the Mamalukes did at Caire c. and give him knowledge The Gazians on tother side advertized Tomombeius of Sinan's coming and that he might be oppressed before Selimus came if a strong power were sent thither and if the Mamalukes would at an appointed time set by night upon them they then sallying out would do them what harm they could with fire and sword Tomombeius presently sent Gazelles with 6000 choise Horsemen and many Arabians who having shewn himself a politique and valiant Chiefetain all held a great opinion of his valour and direction But Sinan was instantly advertised by his Intelligencers that they were coming suddenly to oppress him and would be with him within two dayes being on the 〈◊〉 But Sinan though he knew nothing yet providently suspecting the Gazians treachery silently betwixt 10 and 12 at night 〈◊〉 his Army marched about 15 miles toward Aegypt nigh which was a small Village wherein Travellers lodged for a plentious Spring 〈◊〉 rise h Sinan and Gazelles both purposed to stay there both whose fore runners brought newes that the enemy was at hand Gazelles not a little troubled and unable to fight in plain battel especially his Horses 〈◊〉 sore wearied was inforced on a new resolution yet not 〈◊〉 he chearfully exhorted his Souldiers to make ready and perform that by force which they could not by policy Sinan having somewhat sooner set his men in order as taking order before with long hopeful perswasions encouraged his to play the men not to think of flight for the wayes would be shut up chiefly to be perswaded no one could perish but whom the immortal God had appointed to die that valiant men found life in the midst of their enemies as cowards death in their safest flight Sinan placed his Harquebusiers in the wings in thin Ranks the easier to use their pieces and enclose the enemy Gazelles sent before the Arabian light Troops to trouble the enemies wings charging their middle battel with a square battel The battel was long terrible and doubtful for the Turks being glad to give ground and disordered by the Mamalukes breaking in began to look which way to flee but the Harquebusiers having repulsed the Arabians wheeling about enclosed the enemies battel whereby men and Horse were a far off slain true valour helping them not for the Mamalukes pressing forward the Turks retired labouring only to gaul them with shot Gazelles his Horses being spent the Arabians beginning to fall off and many of his valiantest men slain or wounded himself also wounded in the neck making his way thorow losing divers Ensigns fled back to Caire having lost the Governours of Alexandria and Caire with 1000 more and a great number of Arabians Sinan lost above 2000 of his best Horsemen some being noted Commanders The Turks not able to pursue there encamped near the Fountain and next day gathering the spoil fastned their enemies heads known by their long beards upon date Trees in witness of their labour and to feed the eyes of fierce Selimus shortly to passe that way They of Gaza supposing Sinan on some knowledge of the Mamalukes coming had retired early setting upon many left in the Camp most being sick and weak slew them and presently spoyled 2000 Horsemen of their Carriages putting them to flight who were sent from Selimus to Sinan who fearing he had been lost with his Army in fear retiring were slain by the Arabians neither had one escaped if Juleb sent from Selimus to Sinan with Graecian Horsemen at Rama had not repressed their fury yet they calling for more and more dwelling in the Mountains were a great Army overtaking the Turks at the Village Carasbara forcing them to fight in a place of great disadvantage for having taken straits closing in the passage of a large Valley they were before behind and on both sides at once They skilfully used Bows and Arrows with long Speares armed at both ends upon their swift Horses so that the Turks keeping close hardly defended themselves in number few Juleb opening the way by 4 pieces of Artillery speedily brought his men thorow those straits then marching more safely he skirmished a far off with them discharging his Field-pieces where he saw the thickest of those wild people yet they were still hovering in their rear slaying such as could not follow and not suffering them to refresh or take rest so that many through thirst wounds and labour died but a great number of other Turks met them unlooked for being even at last cast for Selimus having left Imbrahor Bassa upon Persia's borders and sent for supplies from Constantinople by Sea to be transported had removed from Damasco and the better to provide for Victuals and forrage every day sent before great Companies of his Army Juleb next day meeting with Selimus told him all that had hapned and what they conjectured of Sinan Bassa He now exceeding melancholy thought good to go no further before he knew how it stood with Sinan in whose fortune he had put the hope of his good success But suddenly came the Syrian Spies declaring what Sinan had done turning that melancholy into joy seeing by that Victory Aegypt laid open to him c. Next day removing to Rama he burnt by the way the dwellings Wives and Children of those Arabians who had done so much harm to his men and sending his Foot to Sinan at Gaza himself turned on the left hand to Jerusalem to visit that ancient and famous City then unpeopled desolate and defaced not inhabited by Jews but mostly by a few poor Christians who payed a wondrous yearly tribute to the Sultan of Aegypt for the possession of the holy Grave reverently worshiping the Monuments of the Prophets and having done special sacrifice to Mahomet he gave to the Christian Priests keepers thereof as to devout men money to maintain them for six moneths and afrer one nights stay marched in four dayes to Gaza having skirmishes day and night with the Arabians who where the Turks were forced for the wayes straightness
and turn to the enemy I account it shameful cowardise and treachery Solyman marvelled at the courage of the old Prince in such extremity Sent him into the City with his own guard till come into his Pallace every Knight atttending him having a rich Garment in token of his favour and few dayes after coming into the City he went to visit Villerius busie in packing up his things who falling on his knees to worship Solyman he would not suffer him but putting aside his Vail of Majesty a reverence given only to God and Mahomet took him up saluting him by the name of Father to whom the great Master spake Since the fatal Destinies would needs overthrow the Rhodian State he was glad he was the man before all other c. the least of whose prayses that should not be that he vanquished the Rhodes and shewed mercy Wherefore he doubted not but he would keep the Conventions of peace inviolate which his Clemency perswaded him to grant and their necessity forced them to take saying He should be an Example of the Turkish Emperour's Clemency and Vertue more than if he had at first yielded Solyman answered by his Interpreter It was a great pleasure to him that God had at any time put it into his mind to chuse Peace before War which if he had liked from the beginning he had now received more good from him than hurt which that he did not for hatred but desire of Soveraignty he might gather because he suffered them to depart at liberty with all their substance for he warred not to heap up wealth but for Honour Fame and an enlagement of his Empire c. But it was commonly bruited he had ordered a Ship and Galleys to transport the Master Knights to Constantinople but if he had so purposed who should have let him Joulus reports he heard Lilladamus say that when Solyman entred Rhodes with 30000 men there was not any man heard to speak a word and when he came to ask Solyman leave to depart he turning to Abraham Bassa said Truly I cannot but grieve to see this unfortunate old man driven out of his dwelling to depart so heavily Lilladamus embarquing himself with his Knights and such as were willing to depart departed on New-years-day at night landing after long and dangerous travels at Messana in Sicily thence he went to Rome where he was honourably received by Pope Adrian 6 a Hollander who if he had been so forward to relieve the Rhodes as to maintain Charls his quarrel against the French King its like it had been relieved Thus Solyman while Christian Princes were at discord entred the Rhodes Decemb. 25. 1522. after 214 years valiant defence against the Turks from whom the Knights took it in 1308. It was 6 moneths besieged by Solyman who lost a great part of his Army 30000 dying of the flux besides those slain Alis Beg who betrayed his Uncle Aladeules being made chief Governour by Selimus as aforesaid Solyman jealous of his honour all Aladeules children being dead especially if they should joyn in friendship with the Persian sent Ferhates Bassa with a great Army to take him out of the way who marching along the confines of his Country as if but to look to those marches of the Empire whereof he was Governour faigning himself very sick sent to Alis requesting him to come to him at the point of death to whom he had things of importance from Solyman to impart and would leave with him his charge if he died till Solyman should dispose thereof Alis alwayes faithful and mistrusting no harm came to him with his four sons whom with their Father he presently put to death and reducing that Country into a Province under Solyman came to him with 20000 men about the time of the yielding of Rhodes where all things being disposed of Solyman returning to Constantinople brake up his Army and for 3 years after followed his pleasure in which time and many years after Italy was miserably afflicted and rent by Charls the 5th Emperour and Francis the French King This envying of his glory and Charls seeking to make himself Lord of all Italy most of other Christian Princes and States being drawn into fellowship of the War Whereupon Solyman thought it now a fit time to set foot into Hungaria Belgrade being already taken for he knew Lewis that King was but young unacquainted with War rather over-ruled by his Subjects than commanding them hoping also that other Christian Princes near him either regarding their own estate would not or being by League bound to him could not greatly ayd him So setting forward from Constantinople he was come so far as Sophia with 200000 men before the Hungarians so blind and secure was that State knew of his coming The young King was wondrously dismaied at this fame yet he sent to his neighbour Princes with all speed requesting their aid but in vain He the while summoned the Assembly of his Councel for the Wars Thither his stipendary Prelares bound to appear came with ill-appointed Horsmen the Troops not half full delivering in far lass 〈◊〉 of money than they ought And the Nobility as fresh-water Souldiers never seeing the Turk in his strength vaunted That though they were but few they would easily overthrow their great numbers if they came to handy-stroaks but above all Tomoreus Arch Bishop of Colossa who had been in som light skir-mishes with the Turks so did confidently brag of the Victory that in his Sermons to the Souldiers and talk with the Nobility he seemed himself sufficient to vanquish the Turks Army but a general muster being taken there was scarce 25000 Horse and Foot So the fool hardinesse of Tomoreus and others was of most wise men disliked the old Souldiers saying 'T was meer madness to give Battel with such a handful of men Wherefore amongst others Verbetius a noble Captain counselled that King 〈◊〉 should be kept out of danger in the strong Castle of Buda but the unruly Souldiers said unless the King led them they would not fight Of which opinion was Tomoreus perswading them speedily to give the enemy Battel * c. The King ruled by this unlucky Counsel set forward with his Army came to Mohatchor Mugace a Village not far from Danubius the mid way between Buda and Belgrade Balybeus with 20000 Turks fore-runners was at hand and then the Hungarians consulted whither 〈◊〉 to encamp along Danubius within their waggons to expect Sepussius Uayuod of Transilvanias's coming with his Horsmen or to march forward and give Battel But Tomoreus knowing upon Sepusius his coming he was to give place would not hear of delay and by his frantick perswasions drew the young King into most apparant danger for Balybeus making 4 Battels skirmished with the Kings Army without ceasing day or night keeping them in so straight that none could water his Horse at Danubius without danger or once stir forth but must dig Water pits where they lay so that Tomoreus
perfected by the most cunning Astronomers for Maximilian the Emperour They at their landing were first received by Cason and brought into a rich Tent the ground being covered with rich Carpets to whom Rustan Bassa sent such chear as the Camp afforded especially most excellent Wine Next day the Bassaes feasted them not sitting with their legs under them on the ground as their manner was but in Chairs at a Table only Mahometes of Belgrade an extraordinary guest sat down upon a Cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their chear was but Rice and Mutton as if noting thereby the Christians excesse and the Bassaes drink fair water out of Danubius After dinner they were brought in to Solyman each of them led betwixt 2 Bassaes holding them fast by the arms so to kiss his hand yet hath the Turkish Emperour sitting in his Throne for fear of violence laying by him a Target Scimitar Iron Mace with Bow and Arrows The great Globe being brought in filled Solyman and his Bassaes with Admiration for Solyman had curionsly studied Astronomy and especially Cosmography as his leasure served The Embassadours desired him to give the Kingdom of Hungary to Ferdinand almost on the same conditions that Lascus had required it for him paying him such Tribute as John had done promising to draw Charls into the same League so that he might then at pleasure turn his Forces upon the Persian and urging Ferdinand's League with John and so excusing him of the late war they concluded Nothing could be to him more commendable profitable or Honourable than to call such a King as Ferdinand and also Emperour Elect and brother of the great Emperour his Tributary Solyman 2 dayes after answered by Rustan that this was his resolute condition of peace If Ferdinand would restore all places before belonging to King Lewis and for ever abstain from Hungary and for his often provocations great travel and charges he could be content to impose an easie Tribute upon Austria But if those conditions seemed too heavy he would cause by continual War that such things as were taken from Hungary should be requited with the destruion of Austria Though the Embassadours were much moved at the latter demand yet they to win some time required a truce till Ferdinand and the Emperour might be made acquainted with the matter which the Turk winter coming fast on would in no case grant And being rewarded and sent away Solyman commanded Mahometes of Belgrade to spoyl the borders of Austria all along Danubius Cason also General of Acanzii he sent into Moravia but neither did any great harm the Rivers rising and abundance of Rain falling Solyman made one Solyman a Mahometan Hungarian Governour of Buda who by justice and courtesie with Verbetius the Chancellour should endeavour to put the people in hope of long peace which done after about 20 dayes stay because of the rain and cold and fearing to be shut in with the rising of the great Rivers he determined to return setting Lascus in prison at Belgrade at liberty who soon dyed of the Flux in Polonia supposed to be poysoned by the Turks whose death the King himself much lamented Solyman being come to the River Dravus it was told him that Maylat was taken by the cunning of Peter of Moldavia and that Transilvania was well pacified yielding to his obedience whereof he was passing glad for he hated Maylat for Grittus and the Turks by him slain and knew that the Transilvanians an invincible people was by him stirred up This Peter uniting with Achomates against Maylat they were 50000 Horse besides Foot which after the manner of those Countries were not many Maylat finding himself too weak and despairing of ayd from Ferdinand fled again into Fogaras where as in a most strong place he had laid up his greatest substance and warlique provision especially the rich spoyl taken from Grittus Acho mates coming and perceiving it was not to be taken but with much labour and time craftily sent a Messenger to him perswading him to yield to Solyman choosing rather to be called his Friend than his Enemy c. promising he would labour for him as his Friend that he might still enjoy the Government of Transilvania paying him some small yearly Tribute as he had before requested c. saying Solyman was coming with his Victorious Army who would with assured death revenge his vain hope of holding out Maylat foreseeing it better to make a certain peace than to endure an uncertain War answered He could be content to conclude a peace so it were not on any hard conditions c. Wherefore he demanded Achomates's valiant son in Hostage for his coming into the Camp Achomates said he had given him to Solyman and so had over him no power but he promised him 4 of his best Captains which Maylat accepting came with a gallant retinue and was honourably received The Parley was deferred till next day that the Moldavian might take him whom he invited to a Banquet about mid-dinner Maylat of a very proud and cholerick nature was by some insolent speech of purpose so fretted that with his hand on his sword he in a rage flung from the Table the other guests starting up also took him fuming and crying out he was shamefully betrayed his followers being stript of all Incame Achomates the while with deep dissimulation sharply reproving the Moldavian whereto he scornfully as if in contempt answered He had upon good cause taken Maylat prisoner and would safely keep him for Solyman to whom it only belonged to judge Ere long Fogaras was delivered with the Hostages through fear or corruption This Town surrendred almost all Transilvania was by Solyman given to the young King to whom all the people most willingly submitted swearing obedience his Father having almost thirty yeares with justice and quietnesse Governed that Province honouring him the Queen and his two Tutours laying in Leppa with many Presents At the same time Charls the Emperour at the importunity of his Subjects of Spain greatly prepared for conquering of Algiers whose Pirates so insested all the Coast from Gades to the Pyrenean Mountains that all Merchandize set apart they were glad to keep continual watch and ward wherefore though he knew how hardly he was spoken of for leaving his brother so hardly bestead yet he departed out of Germany into Italy where nigh Verona he was met by Farnesius his son in law Vastius and the Venetian Embassadours and brought to Millane where he was with great solemnity joyfully received and under a Canopy of Gold brought to the Pallace in a plain black Cloak and Cap mourning-wise when as the vulgar expected him in his Royal Robes and the Imperial Crown on his Head his heavy countenance presaging the wofull overthrow the day before at Buda not yet known in Italy Thence departing to Genua he was advertised thereof from Ferdinand and of Solyman's coming Whereupon Vastius and Auria perswaded him to defer his African expedition till Spring and
dangerous a case who answered to do what the Emperour advised and commanded Which was without delay to get him out of his sight and Camp which he said he could not do conveniently being disfurnished of all necessaries Solyman sent answer again He were best to be gone for fear of further harm Whereupon the guilty Bassa but with 8 Friends posted to Constantinople where with Roxalana and other contrivers against Mustapha he in great great fear expected the event Mustapha was generally beloved for his Vertues but of the Souldiers most for his Martial disposition and readiness to shed Christian-bloud When in private or publike actions they fail of any great hope They use to say Gietti Sultan Mustava Sultan Mustapha is dead When Achomates Bassa received the 〈◊〉 from Solyman he told him as he did frankly bestow it on him 〈◊〉 he would to his disgrace take it from him who sware to him not to displace him so long as he lived yet Solyman falling in dislike with him and willing to promote Rustan to that the greatest Honour to save his Oath he resolved to put Achomates to death whereof he ignorant came as he was wont into the Divano receiving word from Solyman he must presently die the Hangman being ready to strangle him whom he thrusting away with his hand shewing no more trouble than if it had not concerned him looking round at last espyed an honest man whom he had often pleasured He earnestly requested him to strangle him as the greatest good turn he could devise detesting to die by the Executioners hand which he at last undertaking Achomates willed him not at one twitch to do it but slacking the string agaiu to let him once breathe and then dispatch him being it seems desirous first to taste of death and not to die all at once Rustan was presently restored to the Visiership which he enjoying about 6 years died of the Dropsie Solyman is reported to say 'T was better for Achomates once to die than to die 1000 times in seeing his Honour bestowed on another The Turks Galleys brought by the French into the Tuscane-sea did much hurt in 1554 and divers years after Then did Contarenus the Venetian Admiral chance to meet with the Bassa of Calipolis who the year before had rifled certain of their Merchants and having greatly spoiled them he ransacked Dyrrachium a Turkish Port in Dalmatia Next year 1555 that Bassa recruited surprizing the Isles Plumbis and Elba subject to the Duke of Florence and perswading Solyman to take Arms against the Venetians who had broken the League Then also did Haly by policy surprize Baboza-Castle in Hungarie hoping to do the like to Zigeth Town and Castle but his purpose failing he in 1556 encamped before it with a great Army June 13 wherein was valiant Horwath and a notable Garrison During his terrible battery they sallying forth slew many yet June 20. they won the uttermost wall hoping at the 6th assault to win the Castle also but the Christians sallying out slew 800 of them driving the rest from the wall yet the Turks with abundance of Carts laboured to fill up the Marsh and Ditches about the Town which they also 〈◊〉 The Bassa now perswaded them to yield on composition but failing therein He beginning July 12. assaulted the City 5 dayes together without ceasing still sending in fresh men yet was the City notably defended so raising his siege July 21. He in 6 dayes after returned from Quinqe 〈◊〉 assaulting it afresh but at last was glad to be gone losing above 2000 his best Souldiers but 120 of the Defendants being slain He had battered the Town and Castle with 10000 shot found The Turks the while did what harm they could in the Tuscane-sea miserably again spoiling Corsica for withstanding of whom the Pope exacted of his people a great subsidy stripping the Jews of their money and seizing on their rich Merchandize at whose earnest suit Solyman wrote to him briefly requesting him having called him most mighty Lord of the professours of the Messias Jesu to restore them their goods that they might pay him his tribute which if he should do he should feel his favour Haly Bassa grieved besieged Zigeth again next year when as Ferdinand sent Polwiler and Count Serinus with a power to recover Baboza Castle Wherefore Haly rose from Zigeth and met with them not fat from Baboza who after a sharp fight put him to flight Upon 〈◊〉 Victory and young Ferdinands coming with new supplies the Turks for fear forsook Baboza Samartin San-Lawrence and divers other small Castles 〈◊〉 to Quinque Ecclesiae the Governour of Zigeth slaying many in their flight overthrew a Troop and taking the money they were bringing for 〈◊〉 Then also the Governour of Rab or 〈◊〉 burning the Suburbs of Alba Regalis and driving away 1000 of Cattel and at Sian overthrew 500 Turks and as many fugitive Christians so with little or no loss returning Henry the French King troubled with the overthrow of his Army by Philip of Spain not far from St. Quintins Duke Montmomence the General with his son and divers Nobles being taken solicited Solyman by 〈◊〉 to invade Naples and Sicily by sea to withdraw the Spanish out of France which he offended with the Embassadours insolence refused yet commanding his adventurer's along Africk to do what harm they could so that the Viceroy of Silily was fain for defence of those Countries to lay with his Galleys in the Port of Caletta and Naples The Grand Prior of St. John's Knights in France brother of the Duke of Guise General of the French in Italy who upon the overthrow at St. Quintins called rhence soon after took Calis went Eastward with 4 Malta Galleys to wait for the Turks meeting with 2 great ships of Merchandize which he took and by and by had a great fight with 4 Turks Galleys sinking one burning another and taking the rest but in his return 4 other great Galleys met with him in revenge setting upon him who seeing no remedy encountred them but before losing some men and 72 Knights laying sore wounded he re urned towards Malta one of his Galley's with 52 Knights being taken by the way yet he brought away the prizes staying that Winter at Malta then sayling into France to partake of long troubles shortly beginning Solyman had now only remaining alive Selimus and Bajazet his younger brother both men grown but very much differing from each other both in feature and disposition Selimus most like his mother was secretly determined Heir of the Empire by his Father Bajazet much resembling his Father was strongly supported by the 〈◊〉 love of his Mother whom she would have preferred before Selimus if it had layen in her power Bajazet not ignorant of his Fathers resolution towards Selimus being comforted by his mother Roxalana and Rustan Bassa resolved rather to end his dayes by proving his Fortune than upon the death of his aged Father to be but jeered by his Brother
patience endure and since the place was no longer to be kept c. They should valiantly break into the utter Castle there to die and live with God for ever saying He would go out first they to follow like men So with Sword and Targuet calling thrice on the Name of Jesus he issued out of the Gate with the rest where valiantly fighting on the Bridge slaying some Janizaries he fell down dead with a shot in the Head being first wounded twice with small shot the Turks crying for joy Alla the rest fleeing back were all slain but a few whom some Janizaries for their valour by putting their Caps on their Head saved from the others fury The Turks reported they lost 7000 Janizaries 28000 others beside Volunteers not enrolled and three Bassaes. Serinus Head was cut off and next day with the other Heads set upon a pole then by Muhamet sent tothe Bassa of Buda who sent it to Count Salma in the Camp at Rab covered with a fair linnen-cloath with a few quipping words in a Letter Whose death was much lamented of all the Army and his Head honourably buried with many tears by his son among his Ancestours Solyman purposed before his return to Conquer both the remainder of Hungary and to attempt Vienna again To which end he sent Parthau Bassa with 40000 Turks to help the Bassa of Temesware and the Tartars besiege strong Giula in the Vayuods behalf not far from whence Swendi in Aug. before had slain 10000 〈◊〉 called in by Solyman to ayd the Vayuod He then also sent Mustapha of Bosna and Carambeius with a great power who with the Bassa of Buda should busie the Emperour whilst he besieged Zigeth Parthau was still notably repulsed by Keretschen the Governour before Giula having some of his Ordnance taken from him and the rest cloyed but this brave Captain was at last perswaded by his Kinsman Bebicus from whom Swendi had taken some Castles for revolting to the Vayuod for a great summe to deliver up the Town the Souldiers all to depart with bag and baggage who were not gone past a mile but they were all slain by the Turks but a few who crept into the Reeds in a Marsh. Keretschen himself being carried in Bonds to Constantinople where upon complaint how hardly he had used some Turks taken he was by Selimus's command rolled up and down in a closed Hogshead stuck full of Nails with the points inward till he died with this inscription Here Receive the reward of thy avarice and Treason Giula thou soldest for Gold If thou be not faithful to Maximilian thy Lord neither wilt thou be to me Many hot skirmishes passing between the Emperours Camp at Rab and the Bassa of Buda and Bosna at Alba Regalis Septemb. 5. The Turks came in great number out of the Camp lighting on a few Forragers slaying some the rest fleeing and raising an Allarm whereupon some issuing out pursued the Turks and slew divers Thuriger descrying the Governour of Alba Regalis never left him till he took him and presenting him to the Emperour he was Knighted and rewarded with a Chain of Gold When a Spaniard charged the prisoner before the Emperour that he heard him say openly at Constantinople He with his power only could vanquish the Germane King as the Turks term the Emperour The Turk answered him such is the chance of War Thou seest me now a prisoner and able to do nothing Muhamet Bassa repairing strongly Garrisoning and placing a Governour in Zigeth call'd back the dispersed Forces and retired towards Belgrade carrying Solymans body sitting upright in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he having been many yeares so carried whose fortunate presence though he could do nothing the Janizaries still desired The Life of Selimus the Second fifth Emperour of the Turks SElimus hasting from Cutai in Gallatia was from Scutari conducted over the Strait to Constantinople by Bostanges Bassa where he was conveighed into the Pallace Septemb. 23. 1566 and by the Janizaries saluted Emperour a man unconstant hasty wholly given to wantonness and excess never going to Warres himself contrary to his Grandfather's charge to Solyman of which he was alwayes mindful Next day he came abroad in his Majesty causing prayers and Sacrifices to be made for his Father in the Temple of Sophia then giving 100000 Sultanies to the Janizaries with promise to augment their wages and setting forward Septemb. 27. he met the Army a little from Belgrade Octob. 20. gallantly coming from Sigeth with Solyman's dead body whom the Souldiers supposed to be alive Selimus coming in mourning attire to the Horse-litter looked upon and kissed the dead body weeping over it as did the other great Bassaes and to make known his death the Ensignes were trailed on the ground a dead march sounded and a heavy silence commanded Shortly after Selimus was with great applause proclaimed Emperour his Ensigns advanced and all the great Commanders admitted to 〈◊〉 his hand So returning to Constantinople Novemb. 22 and thinking to enter the Pallace or Seraglio he was by the discontented Janizaries demanding a greater Donative and the confirmation of all their priviledges prohibited against which presumption the Visier Bassaes and Aga opposing and seeking to 〈◊〉 them were fowly intreated and well rapped about the pates with the Stocks of their Collivars chiefly Muhamet and Partau as chief Authours that their Lord dealt no more liberally with them Selimus not a little troubled demanded of the Aga the cause of that mutiny who with teares told him 't was for money which he promising them with the confirmation of their liberties and the Aga with fair words and heavy countenance entreating them and assuring them to content them to the full of their desires all was 〈◊〉 and Selimus into the Seraglio received yet Muhamet chief Visier kept himself close for certain dayes for fear of greater mischief Selimus now buried his Father with all royal solemnity in a most stately Chappel which he had in his life-time built with a Colledge and an Hospitall for maintenance whereof the Revenues arising about Sigeth were given Fast by Solymans side is the Tombe of Roxalana and certain of his murthered Children and by him hangeth his Scimitar in token he died in the Warres That great Army withdrawn by Solyman's death somewhat asswaged but not wholly appeased the troubles of Hungary Maximilian on the one side and the Vayuod with the Turk's Captains on the other renting it in pieces The Vayuod hardly besieged 〈◊〉 Castle in his Frontiers lately taken from him by Swendi and brought it to great 〈◊〉 though notably defended by Raminger but the Tartars whom he had called in to his ayd burning and destroying his Countrey so that the people were glad to take up Arms against them he left the Siege and after much bloud-shed overcame them with much adoe ridding himself of them Swendi the while had taken the Castle of Zackmar and had Muncatz Castle yielded unto him then besieging Husth so that the Vayuod craved
ayd of Selimus who sent Partau Bassa his Lievtenant in Romania with his forces into Transilvania but Embassadors being coming from Maximilian he recalled him till he had heard the effect of that embassage The Bassa of Buda also sent Presents to the Emperour requesting him to remove some Captains from the Frontiers lest they should interrupt the Treaty of peace purposed promising to put to death all Turks as should raise any new troubles he wrote also to Count Salma marvelling why Maximilian was about to treat with his Lord of peace whilest Swendi raged in Transilvania then under his protection saying If he proceeded Selimus would turn all his forces that way requesting him to perswade the Emperour to take some easier course promising he would travel with his Master better to like of peace than Warre wishing him to do the like Which the Emperour hearing of commanded Swendi from the siege of Husth and to be quiet till he might understand what the Turk proposed Both Maximilian and Selimus were secretly desirous of peace for Maximilian wanted money and Selymus beside other troubles was to appease a great and dangerous Rebellion in Arabia faelix where the people having slain the Bassaes and Zanzacks were ready to cast off the Turkish obedience the Persians being reported ready to warre on him neither could he send any 〈◊〉 Army into Hungary for want of many necessary 〈◊〉 in a Countrey so impoverished So it was at last concluded by Messengers sent up and down to Constantinople that if Maximilian would send Embassadors with the Tribute yet behind for Hungary and a large Commission for a Treaty Selimus should give them his safe Conduct with liberty to return in case of Peace or Warre which agreed to Selymus set at liberty L. Albert de Vuis Embassadour Lieger six years in Constantinople who had been so closely imprisoned in his own House that beside Watch and Ward there kept his Windows were boorded up that neither he nor any of his Houshold should look out any whither but into the Court onely Maximilian for the bringing so weighty matter about chose Lord Verantius of Agria of his Counsel for Hungary his Embassador who being 63 years old besides his great learning had the experience of 27 Embassages alwayes contenting his Prince and now returning from Selimus with good success was by Maximilian created a Prince of the Empire and Bishop of Agria to whom he joyned Teusenbatch a most honourable Baron one of his Counsellors also for the Warres who with full instructions taking leave of the Emperour then holding a Parliament at Presburg set forward with a great and honourable Retinue July 1. 1567 and came to Comara but a League from the Turks Frontiers and being met by an Aga of the Turks with a Chiaus in some Galleys with Turkish Souldiers they sailed to Strigonium by whose Governour they were denyed landing for which he was 〈◊〉 rebuked by the Bassa of Buda Next day they with five Leagues-sailing came to Buda in whose Castle layeth a Captain with 500 Souldiers or not so many who loseth his Head if he stir from his charge having also Commission to deny the Bassa himself entrance unless he come very slightly accompanied and next morning after 〈◊〉 the Bassa with two great gilt Cups a Clock all curiously wrought in Gold and one thousand Dollars they delivered a Speech in the Italian Tongue after the Emperours Letters and greetings that for the common benefit of their Subjects in Hungary the Emperour requested him to continue his dealing for peace and to give safe conduct unto them till come to the Turk's Court and so having stayed two dayes at Buda the Bassa sent with them his Chechai the Steward of his House and Becram the aforesaid Chiaus with a Guard and some Janizaries who were also to provide all necessaries for them and their Horses at the Turk's charges so they came down the River to Belgrade July 18. thence 〈◊〉 their Coaches they gathered fast upon Constantinople Aug. 22. where many Spabies and Chiausais of the Court with a number of Janizaries and other Souldiers came to meet them conducting them to their Lodgings about the midst of the City where Lord De Vuis having long looked for their coming most joyfully received them who Aug. 28. went all three to visit Muhamet or Mehemet the chief Visier giving him Presents and besides the Contents of the Emperours Letters declared to him the cause of their coming c. turning the blame of the late Warres upon others Neither was the Bassa to seek of good words That day also they saluted Partau and Ferat Bassaes giving them Presents and next day visited Acomat Piall and Muhamet the other three Visier Bassaes with Presents Then to set their 〈◊〉 on foot they Septemb. 4th closed with Mehemet who had the especial ordering of State-matters yet because they must first do Selimus Reverence and deliver him the presents with the Emperour's Letters for few dayes there was no point of their business handled but Selimus returning from hunting Septemb. 21. they were appointed to have audience 〈◊〉 Court chusing but 12 persons out of their followers to attend them for they to whom this charge was committed said they might bring no more before so great a Prince The Presents were 15 Cups all of silver and guilt two exceeding pretious Clocks and 45000 Dollars for the Tribute behind They were honourably conducted to the Court and thorow two Gates of the Pallace before they entred the third Gate Which leadeth into the privy Pallace of the Turkish Emperour into which none entreth but the Capitzi Bassa or chief Porter who keeps this Gate and the Cesigniers that serve in his meat with the Bassaes and some few great men and that onely when they have some great business or sent for by the Sultan who himself with his Eunuchs and the young Pages his Minions in the Eunuch's Custody have here continual abiding Being entred in the Capitzi caused them to stay setting them about five paces asunder in a little room passing delicate between the Gate and the more inward Lodgings on both sides whereof certain little Birds onely were heard to warble out their sweet notes and flicker up and down the green Trees of the Gardens Selymus was in great Majesty set in an under-Chamber adjoyning to the Room where in the Embassadours followers attended whereinto he might look thorow a little Window The Embassadors entring in were led one after another to make their Reverence 〈◊〉 him and the while certain of the Capitzi with the Presents in their hands fetching a compass before the Window mustered them in his sight all this while not the least sound being raised Their followers were fetcht in one by one and having done their Reverence were sent out another way into the Court the Capitzi Bassa and the Odda Bassa taking them by the Arms and Neck leading them apace and by the way softly feeling their wrists and hands lest they might have
opposed each other upon occasion At last Sinan taking this occasion of so many complaints against Mustapha caused a great number to supplicate Amurath which himself did most malignantly exaggerate against him accusing him that this second year he had most manifestly shewed he went not to the Wars as a worthy Generall desirous of noble enterprizes but as one that would make Merchandize of bloud his Souldiers Pages Corn and Money c. These and the like complaints with the hard opinion conceived against him by Amurath occasioned his resolution Besides he deemed it not so much for his honour still to employ one man as to shew that he had choice of Subjects worthy of so great a Charge Wherefore he sent the chief of his Gentlemen Porters with fifteen others to bring him with his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court to give accompt of money received and of their whole Office he delivered three Letters to this Messenger which he should warily shew One was so written that Mustapha in receiving it might by them be strangled In the second was their warrant to do what they were commanded The third contained that Mustapha should forthwith send his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court by them Mustapha by divers means especially guilt suspecting his life was by those Messengers sought after When the Captain-Porter came to the Camp put him off with delayes and would not be spoken withall but when he would endure no longer delay he was admitted to his presence having a Circle appointed him out of which he and his Companions might not stir the Bassa being guarded round about Whereupon the Porter plucked forth the third Letter about the sending of his Chancellour and Treasurer which the Bassa found many excuses to delay but being hardly pressed he delivered them both agreeing with the Messenger to have their lives spared who at Constantinople were clapped into the Tower Jadicula to have been severely examined of all the Bassaes doings but Mustapha comming at length to Constantinople April 9. through the potent mediation of divers great Ladies and other friends was again at length received into Amuraths favour without any further proceeding his Chancellour and Treasurer being afterwards also enlarged While Mustapha lay at Erzirum Muhamet the Visier was slain at Constantinople after whom shortly after died also Achmet Bassa who succeeded in his place the death of Muhamet is worthy to be registred as a mirrour for all that administer Justice in so great a place he had for some leight causes deprived a Souldier of Constantinople of his yearly pension bestowing it upon another so that the other poor soul remained in misery who not guilty to himself of any fault worthy of so great punishment determined to bereave him of life who had bereft him of living which because he could not fitly do by reason of the Guard of slaves that keep the Person of the Vissier he taking upon him the Habit of those Religious called Dervisâ—ars and after their manner with a kind of folly and lightness of mind to present himself every morning in the Divano before the Vissier by his appointment with others to say his prayers and in singing prayses to their Prophet to intreat God for his salvation and so to ask his Alms At last the crafty Hypocrite with a very sharp Dagger in one of his sleeves being admitted into the Divano according to his Custom where Muhamet set in his House to give publique audience sate right against him as he was wont powring out those vain devotions which finished while the Vissier reacheth him his wonted Alms he once or twice stabd him in the breast the standers by astonied ran in but lo the hoary Vissier lay breathing forth his last gasp The murderer being bound fast the Emperour suspecting that some other great Bassa desiring that high Dignity had provoked him to do this would needs understand what had moved him so treacherously to kill his Vissier who answered he did it to free the City from the tyranny of him by whom he was undeservedly deprived of his Pension when he could get no other answer he delivered him to the Vissiers slaves who with most exquisite torments put him to death Achmet Bassa succeeding him and shortly after dying Mustapha being the third Bassa in order should have succeeded in his room but he could by no meanes finde so much grace in Amuraths sight as to have it under seal though all State-matters were brought to him as chief Visier but the Seal was sent to Sinan now Generall for the Persian Watres which not a little discontented Mustapha fearing some other strange Accident soon to befall him Sinan being nominated Generall against the Persians and full power given him in 1580 determined to build a Fort at Tomanis to assure the passage thither from Chars and by all meanes to induce the Persian King to send Embassadors for peace with conditions acceptable to Amurath Of these changes and alterations the Persian King being advertised and being perswaded by Leventogli the Georgian and Miriz Salmas he dispatched Maxut Chan or Maxudes his Embassador to demand peace of Amurath and by Letters to him to labour for pacifying all those troubles Maxut in any case to conclude a peace so Amurath would be content with Chars and Teflis He coming to Erzirium was thence conducted towards Amasia but at Sivas he found Sinan there collecting his Army for execution of his designs Of this Embassador's coming newes was in Post joyfully sent to the Court Maxut informing Sinan of all he had to treat with Amurath on behalf of the King declaring unto him that since both Nations were conjoyned under the Law of Mahomet though there seemed some small difference not worth those troubles it were very inconvenient for them to seek the utter destruction 〈◊〉 of another wherefore he was in good hope to obtain of Amurath this desired peace if he had no other cause for which he was agrieved as in truth he had not wherefore he besought him safely to conduct him to Amurath that if it were possible those bloody Warres might end Sinan thinking the very fame of his valour to have wrought this demand of peace granted him a safe Convoy writing to Amurath what he thought was fit to be demanded and what great matters might now be obtained but he advised the Embassador not to go without resolution to yield to Amurath all that Country which he had before conquered for he knew his mind very well Maxut hereupon doubted whether to proceed on his Journey or return back into Persia but hoping to receive more reasonable conditions from Amurath himself he gave Sinan large words and so departing from Sirvas arrived at Constantinople Aug. 4th The Persian King the while stirred up with a report of the Turks preparations commanded all his Chans and Governours to meet him and the Prince with all their forces at Tauris and after many consultations there he resolved to send Souldiers towards Teflis whither
succours must needs be sent by the Turks determining also to go himself to Carrach with his Army a place commodiously scituated between Tauris and Sirvan and there to expect Sinan's remove who he doubted to surmount Mustapha would attempt some great enterprize but into Georgia he sent such as had best experience of those Countries and were nearest unto him with whom he sent Tocomach also and others whose service he had before used that they joyning their forces with Sinan if the Enemy should bend to Tauris they should follow him that so they might joyn together with him and so incounter the Enemy the forces that these lead were 10000 men which with them of Georgia made 13000 who arriving at Genge gave Simon knowledge of their coming and that in his behalf they were ready to do great matters The Persian Embassador was honourably received at Constantinople and honourably entertained by the great Bassaes but chiefly by Mustapha who two dayes after suddenly died surfetting of immoderate eating of Musk-millions and drinking of Zurbet a pleasant drink made of water and Sugar but most thought he poysoned himself as 〈◊〉 new complaints of the 〈◊〉 against him for suppressing Embassages in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sent from the Persian King 〈◊〉 his death it was commonly reported that if he had longer lived he should have been undoubtedly strangled and i deed his 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the Kings Treasure only a sma l portion left to his Nephews a most certain token of Amurath s indignation Maxut 〈◊〉 audience Aug. 7th with 〈◊〉 lively reasons and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Turk to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Warre began as 〈◊〉 to the will and pleasure of their Prophet Mahomet as also to the Peace 〈◊〉 and largely concluded between Tamas and Soliman not to have been broken but upon some great injury 〈◊〉 which the Persians 〈◊〉 never offered but had declared by an 〈◊〉 sent by Sultan 〈◊〉 that they had 〈◊〉 wished him all happiness and though there was some 〈◊〉 that Ismahel in his short Raign would go to Babylon c. yet he had received due punishment for that you 〈◊〉 part and abuse of his liberty after long and straight imprisonment but their present King did above all others imbrace amity with him and therefore did most earnestly desire him to emper his anger conceived against him so much his friend and of the same Religion Amurath onely 〈◊〉 order that he should communicate whatsoever he had to say with his Visier who required all those Cities and Countries which the Turk had 〈◊〉 that time conquered or whereon his Generals Horse 〈◊〉 trod to be yielded again unto him which the 〈◊〉 had no warrant to do whereupon he 〈◊〉 to be evil 〈◊〉 as suspected for a Spie wherewith he was too plainly charged by he Visier's Speech And perceiving himself strained to grant these demands and receiving also some threatnings he gave the Visier good hope he should perswade his King to yield up so much as Amurath did demand hereupon he was in friendly manner sent from Constantinople to Chars where Sinan was Commissioned speedily and faithfully to have the Embassador conducted to Van thence into Persia wheresoever he did desire But Sinan the General who from Erzirum was now come to Chars dispatched thence the Embassador much discontented that no other conclusion for peace could be wrought Maxut arriving at Court reported to the King all that had happened in this his Embassage who for the present was well satisfied with what he had done giving him in reward the name of Chamberlain of Tauris of which great Office he took small pleasure for that Emir Chan his ancient Enemy was chief Governour of that City wherefore leaving a Deputy to execute his Office himself withdrew to Cassanggith a place of his own till the King should otherwise dispose of him but Emir Chan certified the King that Maxut had in contempt of his rewards abandoned Tauris substituting a most base person to represent his Majesty and mannage his Treasure and that he had no doubt withdrawn himself into the Confines of Turkey either to yield himself to them or have intelligence with them and was likely enough to be guilty to himself of his great errour in promising so large conditions to the Turk whereby as a Traitor to his own King he had obtained such a safe Convoy wherefore it were good to try his inclination c. whereupon the suspicious King commanded Emir secretly to apprehend him and bring him to Court and if he could not by other meanes then by torture to wrest from him the truth of all glad was Emir hereof but Maxut having some inckling when 15 tall Fellows were sent to him from Emir in the Kings name to summon him to Court he in shew courteously entertained them with great Cheere but when sleep had overcome them by reason of excess he had them straightly bound and with long Cords hanged down into a deep Well which he secretly covered then withall his most precious things he fled with all his Family in the Evening and was next day friendly entertained by the Turkish Bassa at Salmas so also at Van whence he was sent to Sinan honourably accompanied who very glad sent him with all diligence to Amurath Sinan after eight dayes stay at Chars went to Tomanis there to build a Fort but he could not perform it for the immoderate Rain which for eight dayes space continually fell besides he greatly feared least the Enemy taking the opportunity of the rain and building suddenly should assault his Army and greatly endammage it wherefore he removed thence to carry succours to Teflis but as soon as he was past the straight 〈◊〉 Capta n of the Janizaries of Damasco and Homar a Sanzack secretly hearing that a 〈◊〉 out of the way was good store of Corn and Cattel with 2000 Souldiers went to 〈◊〉 in that 〈◊〉 Now Simon and the Persians had divided their Souldiers into all places where there was any thing to allure the Turks to scatter from the Camp who suddenly fell upon these 〈◊〉 Turks being 〈◊〉 so that of that 2000 all were slain except Ta-logli who escaped Sinan coming to 〈◊〉 in two 〈◊〉 in reproach of Mustapha who falsely had informed Amurath that Teflis was as great and 〈◊〉 as Damasco called a Councel of his chief Captains ordering every man to depose upon Oath the 〈◊〉 touching the greatness thereof then dividing the Treasure and suckers brought amongst the Souldiers of the Fortress he cheared 〈◊〉 with good words and great promises and 〈◊〉 they greatly complained against their Bassa he caused a 〈◊〉 to be framed against him and 〈◊〉 he had converted pay to his own use he condemned him to restitution and placed Guisuf Beg a Georgian in his room who for the ancient enmity between him and Simon had most welcomly yielded himself to the Turks Sinan departing thence and passing the straight of Toman's Mustafzad Bassa declared unto him that not far off was great store
draw from him more Presents and Weapons sending again the crafty Gomeda to exhort him upon faith given to come unto him but he could obtain nothing of the Drusian but good words onely yet at last Manogli was contented to send another Present to Ebrain on condition that he should cause him to depart out of those quarters and himself not to come to him with any further request so he gave him 50000 Duckats more 480 Harquebusses 1000 Goats 150 Cammels as many Buffs 1000 Oxen 200 Weathers Gomeda came to Ebrain with this rich Present declaring his promise not to molest the Drusian any more who sharply reproving him threatned to make him know what it was to take upon him so dangerous a liberty and in despite of them both would needs have Gomeda return to the Drusian with the same Message but Manogli was so moved at the very sight of Gomeda that he was about to dispatch him with a dart had not more dangerous effects stayd his fury yet he gave him reproachful words and deadly threats notwithstanding Gomeda so wrought with him that he sent four burdens more of Harquebusses 10 Swords and 10 guilt Daggers some silver Belts 10 Packs of Silk and some few pence causing him to protest never to be perswaded to come again to him for if he did he threatned to kill him hap what would Ebrain with exceeding joy received this Present rose with his Army and being conducted by 〈◊〉 Frec burnt Andera and in two dayes burnt and destroyed nine other of Manoglies Towns with fire and sword After all this he sent divers Messengers to Manogli to try if he would yet come but nothing could move him his constancy being rather increased to avoid a most certain death now the Bassa un erstanding by a spie that the Captain of Andera with 350 Souldiers was gone up a Hill for more security he sent Ebne Frec to tell him that since his Lord would not come unto him he should which if he would do he would in despite of Manogli make him a Sanzack of some of those places The 〈◊〉 and unheedy Macademo with his followers went with him causing his men to stay in a Valley two or three miles off but Ebrain would not so much as see him though in respect both of his nimble person and fierce looks he was worthy to be beheld commanding him to be kept apart from Serafadin and in the mean time trained his 350 followers by meanes of Ebne Frec into a Vineyard suddenly setting upon them and killing them every one Then he commanded the Macademo to be brought before him and flaid quick who stourly upbraided Ebrain of his promise and Oath and while they stripped him amongst other speeches he 〈◊〉 one though not seemly yet very reproachful unto Ebrain and to the Executioners he said It was their fortune indeed that with such needless deformity they were now able to take his life whereas none once durst Man to Man to have drawn one drop of blood from him no nor to have indured his countenance But they should proceed to fulfill the cruel Command of their Visier for in the end there would also light upon them the just reward of so villainous a fact So 3 great slashes were made on his back where they began to flea him he the while blaspheming their Religion cursing their King and false Prophet also but the Souldiers made other like gashes upon his breast and stomack and drawing the skin downward before it was brought to his navel he was with the extremity of pain dead after this he caused Serafadins 150 followers to be cruelly 〈◊〉 and most miserably wasting his Countrey and the while sent Post to Sidon where his Galleys lay that 〈◊〉 4000 Souldiers they should sack all those Countries along the Sea-Coast even as far as Caesaria sparing neither Age Sexe nor condition which was done 3000 souls 〈◊〉 away Captives and much rich Marchandize and the whole Countrey of Serafadin and Manogli laid utterly wast But Ebrain thinking what he had hitherto done would be little or nothing accompted of unless he in some sort provided for quieting those people under Turkish obedience nominated Ebne Carfus the richest and most obedient of the three Emirs to be Bassa of all those Regions yet not without a bribe of 100000 Duckats wherefore he apparelled him in Cloth of Gold gave him a 〈◊〉 Mace a Sword all guilt and the Kings Commission to whom he sware faith and obedience and so he returned to Damasco staying 12 dayes and by shameful shifts extorting monie from divers persons at last he turned towards Gazir and Barento places under Mansur's Government finding his Gallies in the Haven of Barento as he had commanded Ebrain had pitched his one Tent onely upon a Hill near the Sea under which base Tent himself onely shrouding he called Ebne Mansur pleasantly telling him 'T was now time to pay the 160000 Duckats which he owed his Lord for the Custom of Tripoli and Bareuto for he was now to return to Constantinople which he knew not how to do 〈◊〉 that was discharged he answered Ere long his Maccademoes would come with his money and then without delay make payment which Ebrain knowing to be but an excuse determined o thrust the debtor into his Gallies for lack of the debt but for fear of some insurrection he being in his own Territories and greatly beloved of Frec and Carsus he thought it better outwardly to shew him all good countenance and secretly and 〈◊〉 to take him prisoner so he told him that since he was next day to make a Road into Manoglies Country he prayed him to be his guid for which end when he should send for him at midnight that he would come to him very secretly because he would depart without any stir onely with 500 men The Drusian believing the matter and withall in hope thereby to find some way to escape his hands went to his Tent when called who presently charging him with many abominable and foul termes sent him into his Gallies with a Chain about his neck and Arms and took the spoil of all his Countrey a prey of Money Clothes of Silk and Gold as was marvellous to behold which being conveighed into his Gallies he sailed to Tripoli where he found Serafadin in the Custody of Veis and Ali and staying there a few dayes committed sundry villanous robberies he pursued Serafadin into the Gallies with all his Wealth and so departed to Constantinople where entring the Channel with 24 Gallies he was received by a great number of his friends and favourites and saluted with an honourable peal of Ordnance out of the Seraglio Minadoi who saw the presents which the ravenous Bassa gave the Turkish King reports the sum thereof to have been a million of Gold besides the yearly Revenue of Caire amounting to 600000 Duckats 60 most beautiful and rich garnished Horses of the Arabian Race a live Elephant 〈◊〉 a Beast like a Cammel
he had already done in Persia having as he boasted by his Servants there performed more than his Predecessors could do in person wherefore he resolved to turn his forces against the Christian Emperour for first it grieved him to see the honour of the House of Austria and that he durst make head against him besides it would be farre lesse difficult to make Warre upon a Countrey so near him then upon Persia where his Armies were still to be led through his own Countries whence they were to be at all times plentifully relieved Sinan confirming him also in this Opinion who having vainly perswaded him to Warre against the Venetians now furthered this hoping thereby to recover his credit impaired by the little he did in 〈◊〉 as also by the discord betwixt him and Ferat commonly called the black Serpent as also to increase his Wealth who was shortly after made Generall by Amurath for those Warres but above all Hassan Bassa of Bosna furthered this matter in hope to gain great Riches with the greatest honours of the Field as he was vainly perswaded by his bold Prophets wherefore he daily certified Amurath of the burnings spoylings and robbings of the Uschocci and other the arch-Dukes Subjects upon his Frontiers inciting him to begin his Warre in Croatia and continue the same either against the Emperour or Venetians or that way to break into Italy as had sometimes before been done by which his importunity he got leave to begin those stirs in the Frontiers of the Empire yet unto this leave was this condition annexed that he should not seem to do it by Amurath's Command but of himself under colour to restrain the Uschocci who both by Land 〈◊〉 Sea as he pretended spoyled both the Christians and Turks whom the Princes of Austria had small care to chasten neither was it any great matter for Hassan so to do for disturbing of the peace the Turks Leagues with their Neighbours being seldom so but that their Souldiers in Garrisons and adventurers by Sea might to keep themselves doing upon a Military insolency as they terme it now then make incursions for booty by Sea and Land so that the Venetians wronged at Sea by their Embassadors complained at Constantinople of injuries done them by Turkish Pirates 〈◊〉 to have them called home and justice done upon them The Emperour also seeing many things both this year one thousand five hundred ninety one and the next attempted by Hassan in Croatia and the other Turks in Hungary by his Embassador then laying at Constantinople complained of these outrages desiring to know whether they were done by Amuraths consent and knowledge if not then that order may be taken for restraining thereof which was accordingly done for a while Amurath making shew as if the League of eight years should not on his part be in any wise infringed at which time the Persian King's sonne dyed in the Turks Court where he lay in Hostage whose dead body Amurath honourably sent home to his Father with an Apology of a suspicion of some that 〈◊〉 should be the cause of his untimely death still urging withall the confirmation of the League which by the death of the Prince had like enough been broken whereof Amurath was the more desirous because perswaded to make Warres with the Emperour he hoped thereby to add the Reliques of Hungary to his Empire with a good part of the Territories of the House of Austria and so open a way into the heart of Germany wherefore he raised a strong Army putting a great Fleet of Gallies into the Achipelago for the safety of his Islands there So the Bassa of Bosna in 1592 entred Croatia with 50000 Men burning destroying and sparing nothing that came in his way and also besieged Wihitz the Metropolis of that Country strongly scituated as incompassed about with the River Una which he 〈◊〉 soare battered and twice assaulted was by the distressed Defendants yielded on Composition that the Germans in Garrison might depart with Bagg and 〈◊〉 and that such Citizens as would might still remain there without hurt in body or goods the Bassa faithfully and safely conveighed the 400 Souldiers into their own Territory but exercised afterwards all Turkish Tyranny upon the Citizens the Emperour upon this unexpected invasion sent the Lord Petzen to pray ayd of the German Princes against the common Enemy who largely promised their help first Ernestus Arch Duke of Austria his Brother with five thousand Souldiers came to Grâ—ys the chief City of Stiria to whom more daily repaired out of Carinthia the Turks Army the while daily increasing inclosed six thousand Foot and five hundred Horse of the Christians who had taken the Woods Mountains and strait-passages and so that few of them escaped with life amongst whom many valiant Captains and expert Souldiers were slain the Bassa to make his Victory more famous lading six Waggons with the Heads of the slain the Turks thus raging in Croatia brought a fear upon all Hungary and divers Provinces of the Empire whereupon the Emperour assembling the States of Silesia and Moldavia declared unto them the eminent danger perswading them to joyn their forces with the rest for repulsing the Enemy After long delay Ernest the Arch-Duke August the tenth came to the Emperour his Brother with the Embassador of Hungary and the seventh day after were called together the Embassadors of the Kingdoms and Provinces of the Empire thorowly debating How the Turks were to be resisted and from whence forces money c were to be raised for now longer delay did seem dangerous and the rather for that the Beglerbegge of Greece with 60000 select Souldiers was ere long expected for preventing of which so great and manifest dangers they sate daily at Prague yea even from morning to night for the Hungarians especially the Lord Nadasty instantly urged to have succours sent into Hungary for if the Turk should get into his hands the rest of the Towns and Castles there 't was to be feared lest he should soon after indanger all Germany whose strength the Turk lesse feared than the reliques of Hungary others were as careful of Croatia and Stiria as more proper to themselves the Enemy now there raging the Hungarians with the other distressed crying to the Emperour for help and he also calling upon the Princes of the Empire divers Assemblies were had in divers places and Embassadors sent to the Emperor from almost all the German Princes all was full of consultation but help came in slowly yet that which was was sent into Croatia to defend the Fortresses against the furious Enemy September the 18th the Turks on a sudden by night assaulted Toccay Castle in upper Hungary hoping to surprize it but finding it a more difficult matter then they imagined they departed attempting the lesser Comara which standing in a Marsh-ground was easily defended then also the Bassa of Buda entred the Christians Frontiers but upon viewing the strong Holds thereof finding nothing for
to the going down thereof Then in his Pallace he made to his great men a royall Feast but while they were in their mirth all the City was in an uproar so that 't was thought scarce one would have escaped alive from the Banquet had not the chief Bassa by gravity wisdom and labour timely appeased them and caused all the Ordnance to be brought into the streets and discharged among them In the mean time divers fortunate inroades and skirmishes were made by the late Confederate Princes in the Turks Frontiers The City Weitze was in the beginning of Aug. 1595. again recovered and the Christians about Scuthia being about 4000 carried out of the Turks Frontiers an exceeding rich prey with divers notable captives so did also the Christians of Vivaria when also the Garrison-souldiers of Altenburg inroading about Rab encountred 4000 Turks slaying 200 and taking certain prisoners And Sinan Bassa returning towards Constantinople with much Treasure scraped together in the Warrers in Hungary was stript of all by the Valachians not far from Belgrade himself hardly escaping with a few Those Valachians with the Transilvanians under the conduct of Gestius Ferens 〈◊〉 further on the Turks took from them divers Towns and Castles and meeting with 12000 Tartars slew many and put the rest to flight The Turk being highly offended with the insolency of the Valachians sent one Bogdanus a Valachian of the Palatines House with a great power to expulse Michael and take his place as his Tributary who came into Valachia yet thought best to expect the comming of the Tartars left in Hungary by Sinan but the Valachians Transilvanians 〈◊〉 them slew 8000 of them putting the rest to flight and so returned unto whom presently after Sigismund sent 14000 more to ayd them Bogdanus hearing of the Tartars overthrow and of this new supply kept himself still within his 〈◊〉 Ere long Han the Crim Tartar with a great power of Horse entred Moldavia by fire and sword to reduce it to the Turks Obedience but Aaron the Vayuod ayded by his Neighbour Michael so belayed him that in 3 〈◊〉 having slain 12000 Tartars he forced the rest to retire out of his Country and presently after took Bendar and divers other strong Holds of the Turks near Danubius furnishing them with his own Garrisons also the Inhabitants of the rich Country Bograga willingly submitted unto him as weary of the Turkish 〈◊〉 He likewise ayded by the Cossacks overthrew Janicula the Son of Bogdanus once Vayuod of Moldavia sent by Mahomet with a great power to recover that Country at Scarpetra a Mile from Danubius in plain battel slaying 8000 Turks putting him to flight and taking the whole spoyl and marching presently to Nester Alba he much frightned the Turks then burning the Suburbs he retired Sinan Bassa brought Krecowitz the Emperors Embassadour aforesaid with him when he came into Hungary who having suffered many indignities upon the way and at Belgrade there died 5 of whose servants he kept in strait prison as guilty of their Master's death to avert the infamy thereof from himself but upon the coming thither of a new Treasurer from Court he caused those five to be brought before him charging them with his death saying They should answer it before God and their Emperour and that his end of bringing him with him was only to use his help in concluding a peace so to have set him and his at liberty but he being dead he would send them to the Emperour to be examined and to tell him he was sent from the Great Sultan who was not but by God to be withstood to besiege Vienna which he could easier have taken last year than he had done Rab Wherefore he had best seek for peace before so great a power had taken the field sending them with the Treasurer to the Bassa of Buda his Son for further Instructions Who being brought before him as also the late Embassadour's Secretary after he had said something of the hard dealing with them he declared He alwayes disliked the same and oft entreated his Father for their liberty which he put them in hope shortly to have one of them the while to go to the Emperours Court and speak with one of his Secretaries whom he had advised to bethink of peace writing to him afterwards on what conditions he thought peace might be obtained viz. If all strong Holds taken by the Emperours Forces in these wars with their Territories should be restored Siseg surrendred If the Emperor should leave the Transilvanians Moldavians and Valachians to the Sultan to be chastized as Rebels and If he would send the Turk at once his tribute for the years past and so yearly afterwards so could he be content by his Fathers mediation to further the treaty of Peace This the Secretary wrote sending it by the young Lord Perling yet on condition That if Perling returned not with answer in 25 dayes all the rest should lose their heads A subtile and deceitfull device of the Father and the Son only to see what confidence the Christians had and to break the Confederacy between the Emperout and the Transilvanians c. and that other Princes hearing of a rumour of peace might defer to send their promised ayd For Transilvania Moldavia and Valachia brought 1000000 Duckats yearly into the Sultans Treasury and these were also the fittest to intercept all manner of provision brought either to or from Constantinople by land Sinan for all this motion diligently prepared for war at Belgrade making three Bridges over Danubius in divers places for transporting his Army sending for the Garrisons round about and others billetted in the Country Perling came within the limited time with an answer to the Letters That it was alwayes the Emperour's mind and his endeavour for a firm Peace between him and the Sultan on reasonable conditions c. That he had sent his double tribute which lay long at Komara till Amuraths mind were known c. But whereas Sinan and his son were of opinion that the Emperour was brought so low that he must be glad to accept of most hard and dishonour able conditions of peace propounded by them they much deceived themselves for by the power of God they should shortly by experience know the contrary c. Yet forgetting all injuries he was more enclined to an honourable peace than to protract the war with the unspeakable harm of the subjects on both sides But Sinan must above all things know All strong Holds taken by the Turks in this war must be restored beginning at Whitz in Croatia even to the last subject carried into captivity and that the Transilvanians Moldavians and Valachians many Ages united as inseparable members to Hungary and by the late treacherous practice of certain rebellious seperated from it were henceforth to be left under the protection and Government of the Emperour and never more to be impugned by the Turks which things being done and order taken that
youth a few Crowns commanding him to carry them to the Bassa and bring him his answer promising to reward him bountifully The Bassa returned answer he would be with him at the time appointed willing him the while to be mindful of his wonted valour telling him all circumstances how he would relieve him whereupon the Count provided for welcoming of the Bassa Also within a day after a Turkish Cannonier fearing the City would be lost 〈◊〉 forth into the Camp who besides declaring the Cities state and wants of the besieged did good service during the siege The Turks had often sallied out to their great losse yet they adventured out again on the 29 day of this moneth 80 being left behind them slaying but five Christians The Turks in great wants at length news was brought into the Camp that the Bassa was coming with 20000 men who came Aug. 2d encamping within 4 miles of the Christians some Turkish Horse seeking after booty out of the Pastures even under their noses carried away some few Horses some German and Hungarian Troops issuing out had a hot skirmish with them but the Turk retiring as if overcharged had at length drawn them where divers Troops of Turks lay in ambush who hardly charged them The Hungarians acquainted with such dangerous skirmishes fled the Germans a while valiantly encountring them but oppressed with multitude at last fled about 100 being in all lost and much wounded The Turks now encouraged came all on next day resolved by force to open a way into the City The Count had strongly belayed all wayes thereinto yet the Enemy coming on between St. Thomas and St. Georges Hills nigh the Suburbs called the Rascian City put themselves in order of Battel as did the Christians letting them come even to 〈◊〉 Trenches Palfi the while with his Hungarian Horsemen fetching a compasse on one side of the Hill and Lord Swartzenburgh on the other the Turks could not without much danger retire The Signall given the Turks having discharged seventeen Field-pieces without any great harm came on with a most hideous cry and at first onset darkened the Skie with with their Arrowes but the German and Walloon Horse lent their shot as thick as hail amongst them again and the men at Arms taught the Turks to their cost how unfit their half-naked light Horsemen were in a set battel to meet with them in a trice but with great slaughter the battel was brought to the Sword The noises of Warlike Instruments neighing of Horses crying of the wounded and groans of the dying making deaf the eates of the hearers c. The Battel had scarce endured half an houre but many thousands of Turks lay dead on the ground the rest fleeing and leaving behind them their Ordnance and whatever they brought for relief of the besieged whom so fleeing Palfi and Swartzenburgh so received them that of those who came that way few escaped The Bassa who stood on the Hill fled also himself the Bassa of Natolia with about 100 Turks more got into Strigonium some say 14000 Turks were 〈◊〉 in this Battel and some fewer Many were also taken some being of great name and place also 27 Ensigns with a multitude of Beasts laden with money shot powder and other provision for relief of the besieged In heat of the Battel the besieged sallying out entred a Fort on the River side but were presently forced with losse to retire After this the Count sent some Companies with 500 Wagons to the Enemie's Camp 〈◊〉 farre off in the Mountains who found it forsaken but well stored with all kinde of provision which they brought away with 600 rich Tents The Bassaes Tent taken by a Horse Colonel was given by him to the Count with the 〈◊〉 and Money there found all which he divided among the Souldiers according to their 〈◊〉 they found also some Heads of Christians with the dead body of Lord Blandestine slain the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which were honourably buried in the Christian Camp The rest of the Turks hiding in the Mountains and Woods by night shifted for themselves The Bassa came to Buda but with 20 Horse every man there 〈◊〉 his lost friends The Hungarian Heidons best 〈◊〉 with the Countrey for certain dayes brought into the Camp such prisoners as they took or the Heads of those Turks they slew The Count certified the arch-Duke at Vienna speedily of this notable Victory who rewarded the Messenger with a Chain worth 500 Duckats causing Thanksgiving to be sung first at Augustine Fryars then in all Temples of the City The Count also sent to the Emperour by his Nephew two chief prisoners with 4 Horsemens Guidons cunningly made of Horse hairs such as use to be carried before the greatest Turkish Commanders and 14 other Ensigns with 14 most goodly Turkish Horses for a Present Next day after this Battel the Count sent Lord Palfi with an Interpreter to the City to demand it who declared the danger they were in their expected help to be quite overthrown new relief could not but in long time be sent them wherefore they were best bethink themselves betime lest perhaps when they would yield the City it would not be accepted promising to entreat with the General that they might safely depart and be conveyed to places convenient The Turks answered they had layen 5 weeks at the siege and must lay 5 weeks longer and whereas some few friends had lately failed to relieve them yet 100000 more were to come who if they could not perform what they came for yet would they not leave the City till ready to be drawn out by the heels and then also take 3 dayes to resolve The Christians had sore beaten both the Towns maintaining their battery with greater fury than ever before and the besieged had nothing now to live on but a little Wheat and Barley with some 〈◊〉 to whom Lord Palfi by the Count's Command Aug. 9th sent two Gentlemen to the 〈◊〉 to do a Message from him to the Governour who being very aged and courteous came with the Aga to the Walls to hear what they had to say one of whom briefly said that his Lord Palfi knowing him to be both valiant and wise and who had ever courteously used those fallen into his hands had compassion of his obstinacy wherefore he advised and exhorted him if he would save him and his from most eminent and undoubted death and utter confusion without delay to deliver up the City To whom Alis answered He should tell Lord Palfi he could not pleasure him with the least stone in that City that he had one foot already in grave and would with honour carry his gray hairs thereinto yet had he an undoubted hope that his most dread Soveraign and his Lord Sinan would not forsake him and if they should write they could not relieve him yet would he at leasure consider whether 't were fit for him to deliver up that City since on its defence depended all his honour and
credit c. All this while the Aga spake not one word but declared by silent sighing and grinding his teeth his indignation and grief In the mid way between Strigonium and Buda is the small Island viz. where many rich Clothiers dwelt this the Heidons spoyling in their return took 24 Wagons laden with Corn going to Buda with 28 prisoners bringing all to the Camp The lower Town made saultable the Christians assaulted it Aug. 13. in three places at once The Bavarians who gave the first charge being notably repulsed began to faint but seconded by them of Retinaw and Suevia they pluckt down a great Palisado filled the Ditches removed all in their way and fought so long with the Turks that the Marquess of Burgaw coming with six fresh Companies they so prevailed that they all entred the Town The Marquess himself cheering them up in this dangerous fight There was a miserable cry throughout the City for the Christains slew all in their way not sparing Women great with Child nor Children hanging at their Mothers breasts yet some more attended the spoil especially the Hungarians to whom the very hinges of Doors and Windows were good booty whereby many escaped into the Castle and upper Town with the Bassa and Alis the Governour within not many houres divers fires brake out in the lower Town which at last was found to have been caused by the deceitful Turks who had left Gunpowder which by burning Matches should at a certain time set all on fire by which most horrible fires scarce quenched in a day or two many goodly Buildings and things were consumed But Count Mansfelt saw not this so joyful a Victory for he fell sick of a Feaver a few dayes 〈◊〉 through drinking too much cold drink in his heat with immoderate 〈◊〉 in the late Battel and so falling into a great flux was by counsel of his Physitians removed to Komara having sent for the arch-Duke to come into the Camp and for Blankmier into Bavaria to supply his room but his Disease encreasing the Physitians now despaired of his health yet he almost every houre enquired how the Army did and whether the City were yet taken and 〈◊〉 hope there was to take it but being told a little before death that the lower Town was won he 〈◊〉 rejoyced and next day Aug. 14. towards night departed this life to the exceeding grief of the whole Army All the time of 〈◊〉 siege he would scarce lay down upon his bed for two or three nights together that little he did eat was most standing or walking yea sometimes on Horseback His bowels were solemnly buried at Komara but his body was carried to Luxenburgh to be honourably enterred among his Ancestors About which time the great Duke of Muscovy sent two Embassadors with Letters and Presents to the Emperour who coming to Prague Aug. 16th with 250 Horse were honourably entertained and having audience first delivered the Letters of Credence from their Duke It was not commonly known what particulars they were sent about but it s said one thing was to request the Emperour to send an Embassador to the Persian to draw him into league with them against the Turk who should passe thorow Muscovia into Persia. The great Duke's Presents were 150000 Florens of gold great store of most rich Furs and perfumes deemed of an exceeding value two white Faulcons and three live Leopards Iwanowitze the Embassador of himself presented rich Turkie Persian and Babylonian Hangings and Carpets Timbers of Sables with other Furs no lesse precious as many as eight Porters could scarce carry These Embassadors Decemb. 27. returned with the Emperour's answer But at Strigonium the Christians now from the lower Town bent their battery upon the higher where Aug. 14th old Alis while he was walking to and fro to see 〈◊〉 most danger was had his Arm struck off of which he presently died being of great gravity about 80 years old much about which time the Aga of the Janizaries being before mortally wounded died also The Souldiers made choice of the Bassa of Natolia for their Governour who heavily undertook the forlorn charge The Christians not ignorant of the deaths of these two well hoped that the rest would the more readily hearken to some good Composition wherefore they sent to demand if they would yield while there was some mercy left yet their answer was They would hold it out to the last man both in respect of the straight charge of the Bassa of Buda and counting the City holy as won by Solyman whom the Turks yet have in a devout remembrance Next day came the arch-Duke into the Camp who after well viewing it and the manner of siege he called into his Tent the Marquess of Burgaw John de Medices the Florentine and Palfi the Hungarian to consult with them what further to do Shortly after he commanded an assault to be given in two places at once which the Walloons and Germans couragiously performed but such was the valour of the Defendents that they were glad at last with losse to retire about which time the Duke of Mantua with three Counts his Brethren came to the siege And now the Turks b gan to draw together again near Buda for relief of Strigonium whereupon the archDuke sent forth 8000 chosen Souldiers who setting upon the Turks before Sun-rising made great slaughter and took some prisoners of whom the Sanzack of Copan was one of which overthrow the besieged Turks hearing began now to faint Wherefore the Bassa and Captains overcome with difficulties and outcry of the fearfull people resolved to come to a parley so a Flag of Truce set up and a parley granted 9 Turks attended the arch-Dukes coming in the lower Town Who required with safe convoy and bag and baggage to depart which he would in no case grant At length with much entreaty they obtained to depart as the Christians did at Rab with Scimitars by their sides and what goods they could beare 〈◊〉 Ships appointed to carry them to Buda So Hostages being on both sides given next day Septemb 2d they came forth more than either prisoners taken had confessed or the Christians thought 30. Ships not sufficing to carr them many tarried in the City till next day and then the Bassa with the sick and wounded sailed to Buda Strigonium had 52 years groaned under Turkish thraldom which the Christians forthwith repaired and new fortified and about the middle of this moneth 18000 being 〈◊〉 to besiege Vicegrade a strong Castle between Strigonium and Buda they took it whereat those of Buda were so terrified that the Bassa to flay the flight of many of the better sort commanded the Gates to be shut upon them This good success caused great rejoycing in most parts of Christendom All this while the Transilvanian Prince did the Turks exceeding harm so that they began to dread his name The same day that Count Mansfelt died Sigismund with great solemnity married Maria Christina Charls the arch-Duke
Presents were indeed but like those of Hector and Ajax tending rather to Warre than Peace At this time died Lord Nadasti of a naturall death about 54 years old another ill presage of the bad success of this Treaty who was the first Christian Chieftain that made head against the Turks when Amurath invaded Hungary who being by their sudden coming in almost surprized yet performed great and worthy exploits and service against them he being dead the Countrey of Hungaries good fortune died also even at the giving up the Ghost he yet breathed Warres against those Enemies of the Christian Faith his death being much lamented of many chiefly of his own Tenants whom he had always preserved in safety and peace the Turks not daring to assail them nor enter their Territory in which never was Turk buried through his wisdom and valour no more than were the Barbarians upon the banks of the River Eurotas He was another Epaminondas who made his Town both free from their Enemies invasions and also dreadful to their Forces while he lived The Turks rejoycing came now into his rich and plentiful Countrey to take its spoil but they were no sooner entered therein but valiant Collonitz a new Nadasti holding that for his own which his honoured Fellow in Armes had left encountred and so overthrew them that for a good while after they durst not attempt the like But about the time of his Death the valiant Vayuod of Valachia collecting his Troops and other small forces whereof the Turks little accounted and therefore without order ransacked his Countrey on a sudden cut many in pieces and took a number more chasing the rest with such fear out of his Countrey that for a great while they delighted not to look thereinto The Bassa of Buda now sent divers Currours to the Turkish Captains and Governours especially to him of Agria to abstain from their ordinary incursions into the Christians Territories and from all other acts of hostility till by him otherwise commanded which little respite greatly contented the poor people with Warres almost exhausted and spent During this Truce both Turks as well as Christian Souldiers ran to the places of encamping and mingled together delved and searched to finde such things as the Armies rising in haste had haply left there buried without any injury to each other by word or deed in which mad labour they spent many dayes They of Pesth also went into the victualling-Houses of the Turks at Buda and walked up and down the Town at pleasure So did the Turks of Buda at Pesth but while these mutuall and unwonted courtesies thus passed 〈◊〉 them and most mens mindes were filled with expectation of a sudden peace Sultan Mahomet died which newes being brought by a Currour in the evening to Buda the Bassa sent a Captain to Geisberg at 〈◊〉 to assure him thereof and of his young Son Achmat his succession in his Empire by which Messenger he also wrote to Althem to certifie him both of Mahomet's death the succession of his Sonne and also that he was by him commanded to continne the negotiation of the peace and if he could to conclude the same which Letters although they were too friendly from an Enemy to have any good meaning for peace yet did they 〈◊〉 assure the Colonel of the Sultan's Death and Succession of his Sonne Achmat. Mahomet departed this life about the end of Jan. 1604 about 44 years old reigning 8. He was of no great spirit yet exceeding proud wherefore he was both the lesse beloved and feared of his Subjects the Janizaries and other Souldiers not onely rebelling but 〈◊〉 in their rages about to depose him He was wholly given to sensuality and pleasure the marks whereof were a Foul swoln and over-grown body whose idleness pleasure and excess were no small meanes for shortning his dayes which he ended with obloquie unregarded of his Subjects and of few or none lamented He had 4 Sonnes 3 Daughters married to 3 of the great Bassaes. Mahomet his eldest Sonne he had strangled as aforesaid in his own sight but finding him afterwards guiltless he buried him in his own Sepulchre his second Sonnedied very young Achmat was the third Sonne The fourth being kept in the Seraglio with such a strait Guard that his name was not to be searned by one who laying above 3 moneths at Constantinople most curiously enquired after the same He was reported to have been murthered yet he was a good while after that alive but looking every day to be strangled by his Brothers Command Mahomets dead Body lieth buried in a fair Chappel of white Marble nigh the Temple of Sophia built by himself for that onely purpose about 50 foot square with four high small round Towers about which are certain small round Galleries of Stone from which the Turkish Priests c. use to call the people daily to publick devotion for they use no Bells themselves nor will they 〈◊〉 the Christians to use any The Turks bury none within their Temples or City-Walls but the Emperours with Wives and Children about them and some few other of their great Bassaes and those in Chappels built on purpose with their adjoyning stately Alms-houses not much inferior to those of the great Sultans All other Turks are buried in the Fields some in Tombs of Marble the rest with stones laid upon them or two great stones at head and foot most being white Marble brought from the Isle Marmora They burie none where another hath been buried accounting it great impiety to dig up another mans bones whereby all the best ground about the City is covered with an infinite number of such great Stones Neither Christian or Turk may enter into any Turkish Temple or Chappel 〈◊〉 he must put off his shooes But let us now 〈◊〉 the course of our History The Life of Achmat the first Eighth Emperour of the Turks AChmat to take from the Court-Souldiers all occasions of discontentment by the Counsel of the great Bassaes before he took on him the Government distributed two millions and a half of money among them the Spahi and Silictars Horsemen having ten Crowns a man with five aspers a day more pay and the Janizaries 30 Crowns a man and one asper a day more they of his Court tasting of his bounty also Then all men contented he in a most stately Chariot was in great Majesty carried through all the chief Streets of Constantinople the people gazing and acclaiming some wishing that he but young about 15 years old might as another Solyman begin his Reign with the Conquest of Malta as he had of the Rhodes others that with glorious Conquests he might be like Mahomet the great whom he was reported much to resemble So he with all solemnities openly crowned every man wishing him a long and happy Reign in whose Authority and Name there were many good Orders for relief of his oppressed Subjects during his Fathers loose Reign He removed also his most proud and rich
cause them to recompence the wrongs done 7. All strong Holds to be unattempted any way by either party and also the Goods and Families of their Subjects Botscay holding all granted him by the Treaty of 〈◊〉 8. All prisoners taken to be freed chiefly those taken in places which they sought to defend others by exchange or ransom as should be most expedient 9. All Controversies be hither and beyond Danubius to be ended by the Governour of Rab the Bassa of Buda the Governour of Sclavonia and those else-where but if for their importance they could not compose them to be decided by the 2 Emperours also that both parties might restore ruined places but not build new ones prejudicial to either 10. Amurath the Visier to send Presents to the arch-Duke Matthias and the Emperour to send 200000 Duckats to the Sultan and the Sultan also to send great and rich Presents to the Emperour 11. This peace to begin in 1607 and remain for 20 years and every third year the Emperours to send one another honourable and rich Presents according to their pleasure and power 12. The Emperours and Sultan's Successors with all their Kinsmen Allies c. to be included in this agreement as also those of the Kingdom of Hungary 13. The Christians to have Vacia which they should fortifie at pleasure but Strigonium with all Villages belonging to remain to the Sultan yet none to pay any new Tribute and those who had been free so to remain 14. The Turks not to exact their Tributes by the Sword but by Justice except it should be presumptuously denied or too long deferred from payment and then both sides might use what meanes they thought good to obtain the same For these Articles of peace all the Towns of Hungary made great joy and triumph The Commissioners also in token of joy magnificently feasted one another which the Turks began giving unto nine of the Emperours Commissioners couragious Horses gallantly furnished and to the rest very rich Garments and Tapstry-hangings And Alla Bassa to declare his great pleasure received by the sallies and vollies of shot given by Mansfield's Troop at the time of the Feast sent the Captain 200 Duckats which he refused requesting instead thereof a Captain then a prisoner with the Turks whom the Bassa delivering sent back also those Duckats for the Souldiers which yet Mansfield sent back again Every man going home well pleased the Bassa of Buda forthwith sent to Constantinople to certifie the Sultan of the peace made who with many Janizaries and others went to the Temple to give his Mahomet thanks spending next day with great sport and pleasure purposing thenceforth to turn all his force against the Rebels in Asia and the Persian Now for all the aforesaid peace at Vienna divers stirs were raised by the Haiducks in upper Hungary so that the Inhabitants of Bocotsie were forced to fight with them a number being slain on both sides and three Villages burnt about the end of November Decemb. 13th Botscay assembling the States of Hungary propounded to their consideration 1. That the late revolt with all the troubles thereupon had been onely for defence of their Religion and ancient liberty then whereas they had chose him for their Prince who had hitherto done nothing without their consent and that now by their consent he was ready to depart from the Castles and free Cities of upper Hungary and had sent to Matthias to send his Deputies to receive them whether he should relinquish the Title of Prince or not and for avoiding further troubles he would a Decree to be made that all injuries should be forgiven and forgotten and every man still to hold all such goods during the late Warre wishing them also in the next generall Assembly with all their power to urge the repealing of the Article about burning of Hereticks and all other Articles against their Religion and not to remit any thing about the choyce of their Palatine as formerly nor to neglect any thing seeming to concern their priviledges and liberty wherefore they should be careful to send thither men as should not be easily overcome with the clamours of the contrary part also how a sincere confederation might be made betwixt Hungary and Transilvania that a safe Commerce might be used Which done 〈◊〉 sickness increasing he died at Cassovia Decemb. 30. 1606 to the great grief of all in general who had him in great regard Before his death he perswaded 〈◊〉 not to raise new stirs or in what he could suffer any to be raised yet some presently after his death were about to raise new forces to seize upon Transilvania wherefore Matthias sent forthwith to the States of upper Hungary advising them that considering the great miseries there lately endured c. thenceforth to give themselves to quietness and not again to prescribe the Emperour what to do or how to dispose of Transilvania assuring them he would forthwith turn all his power to the utter destruction and rooting out such rebellious and seditious persons by which warning some else ready enough to disturb kept themselves quiet Many marvelled that the Emperour would make peace with the Sultan he being so troubled with his own Rebels and the Persian King in Asia indeed time then well served for the Emperour not onely to have holden his owne which he did not in Hungary but also to recover some good part of his losses there received but what availeth opportunity without power for the revolted Hungarians then taking part with the Turks and they with them and he with his own power not able to hold the Field against them or well to maintain a defensive Warre and his friends and Allies then at his most need failing him also what should he in such a case do but as he did Now Botscay was no sooner dead but some other Hungarian and Transilvanian Nobles began divers ways to aspire to that Principality under hand as not fearing the arch-Dukes great words wherefore some of the Nobility of Transilvania assembling at Claudianople Feb. 12th 1607 chose Sigismund Ragotsie for their Prince binding themselves unto him by the Oath of their allegiance and then sent Messengers to the arch-Duke to excuse themselves thereof who at Presburg March 12th openly protested Ragotsies Election was not because they were about to rebel for they would always acknowledge the Emperour for their Soveraign but so many Nobles gaping after that Principality necessitating the same yet Ragotsie doubting of his ability without great trouble and danger besides the Emperours displeasure to hold it about a year after giving it up got away to Sarentum and straight way Gabriel Bathor was about to step up in his place to whom the States sent word by two Noblemen that the free choice of the Prince belonged to them wherefore he should not seek to intrude by force but quietly to come to the Election with not above 1000 Horse and 500 Foot About which time Newhuse was again delivered to
with Sand and then he entred in great pomp into Constantinople with a great number of Horsemen and some Companies of Foot the Cadis or men of justice of the City all the Talumans or those of Mahomets Law then the Visiers and Bassaes after whom followed the Sultan with his Houshold many being most fair Pages chosen among the Infants of the Tribute for the unnatural pleasures of their Master Divers Beglerbegs also attended him and with their Companies and Nassuff's five hundred attendants richly armed c. The number of all sorts of Attendants was esteemed forty thousand persons The Persian Embassador that he might carry into his Countrey a pattern of the Ottoman State and greatness cast out as the Sultan passed by his Lodging one hundred pieces of Silk which were gathered up by the Archers of his Guard There was other pomp celebrated this year in France Spain Naples and Germany for the Marriages of Lewis the 13th of France with Anne Infanta of Spain and of the Prince of Spain with Lewis's eldest Sister for the Crowning of the Empress and the Emperours entrance into Nuremberg Four dayes after the Persian Embassador had audience kissing the Sultans hand and presenting unto him in his Masters behalf four hundred Balls of Silk a Bezoar-stone as big as a mans fist and others lesse nine Bags full of Turquoises a Foot and a half long and above four fingers broad many Tapestries of Wooll Silk Cloth of Gold and Silver with many other precious and rare things Then beginning to treat seriously after some difficulties a peace was concluded the Persian King to pay two hundred Camels Loads of Silk yearly Tribute to the Turk the Persian's Sonne to be called Bassa of Tauris and the Cadi thereof to be sent from Constantinople The Embassador now returned leaving most of his Train dead of the Plague at Constantinople whose Head his King cut off for this dishonourable and burthensom peace sending back the Chiaux comn from Constantinople to see him sweare the peace Some write he did him some indignities which made the Turk and him return to Arms. Nassuf to shew his Authority procured to have the Chimacham deprived of his Bassa's-place and sent over to Scudaret pretending to prefer him to a Government nigh Trebizond but intending to deprive him of his head whereupon his many and great friends in Court procured of the Sultan to have him sent for back again for he was old and might live at home in quiet and for his former services had one thousand aspers a day allowed him which much discontented Nassuf Matthias the Emperour sent Negroni his Embassador to the Sultan to complain of the daily enterprises upon Transilvania which he said belonged to him as a dependant on Hungary Negroni kissed the Sultans hand but his Presents being of lesse value than the Persians were little esteemed His demands of Transilvania were grounded upon an Article of the peace between the Emperour and Botscay which was that Botscay dying without issue-male Transilvania should be at the Emperours disposall this being read the Mufti answered it was against their Law so those demands were rejected since Botscay said the Visier had no power from the 〈◊〉 to treat and give to the Emperor Transilvania after death Negroni grounded Botscay's gift upon the 8th Article of peace betwixt the Turk and Emperour concluded in the Isle of Danubius to wit That all granted in Botscays Treaty at Vienna should be faithfully observed Nassuf replyed Amurath then Visier might err in Signing those Articles shewing some other Articles where that was not inserted saying The Sultan would perform only those pressing Negroni to sign them which he refused so as Nassuf used some threats but he replyed In this case he had rather die gloriously for the good of his Masters affairs than having signed those to die with infamy at his return yet promising to acquaint his Emperour and certifie them of his pleasure Achmat after this went to lay at Hadrianople where his Janizrries began to mutiny spurning at their daily Bread and Rice and being asked the reason answered No Emperour before him had so carried out his men in the depth of Winter This much incensed Nassuf who was in such credit with the Sultan that while he stayed there he came 3 times privately to visit him and obtained a priviledge none privately to speak with him but himself Returning to Constantinople there was a great fire 500 Houses being burnt Nassuf finding some Janizaries readier to break open Locks rifle Shops than to quench the fire struck out the brains of one with his Mace and brake anothers arm It was an old custom there that the whole Family where the fire began should die for neglect but the Seraill in Achmats Fathers time happening on fire Cicala petitioned him this custom to be abolished as unjust that others should die and not so in the Emperour's House whereto he yielded Soon after there was another great fire where Nassuf hanged many Janizaries finding them too busie in rifling going up and down with his Scimitar in one hand and a Janizaries head he had cut off in the other The G. Seignior sent him Holy-water wherein he had dipt a piece of 〈◊〉 Garment which poured into the fire the Turks said It ceased presently yet many Eye-witnesses say It burned 4 hours after This Visier was a cruell Enemy to the Janizaries sending 16000 into Asia suffering no more to be made but only Saphies and over such as remained he made his own servants to be Churbagies and Agaes of fifties and hundreds fortifying himself by all means he could to prevent his sudden ruin Let us pass into Africk The Family of the Xeriffs of Fez and Morrocco began some 104 years since from Mahomet Xerif born at Tigumedet in Dara a Province of Morrocco he was Alfaqui or Preacher of Mahomet's Law who seeing the divisions betwixt those Soveraign Princes and that the Portugals had seized on the chief Forts of Morrocco began with 3 of his Sons Abdalla Hamet and Mahomet to lay the Foundation of a new Monarchy by a cóvnterfeit Piety on a godly pretence of warring against the Portugals and upon a desire to retire the Moors who were in their pay the more easily to chase them out of Morroeco The King of Fez seeing but the out-side of his Designes let his son's display their Standard against the Portugals in Morrocco who being at first followed by a great number vanquished in many encounters the bruit whereof retired the Moors from their service whom with Barriga their Leader they soon after defeated yet Abdalla lost his life in this Combat but seized upon Tarradent in Sus and in a manner the whole Country betwixt Morrocco and Mount Atlas setling their Principality in Tarradent their Father being called Governour of the Province of Sus. The King of Morrocco fearing their present greatness yet assured of some fit occasion to bring them under let them enter into Morrocco but they
a colour of going against the Infidels Wherefore at first all Merchants Turks Jews or Turkish Subjects though Christians if they entred the gulph to Traffique or furnish Venice they took them dividing their goods and must pay a great ransom or die miserably all the Ports of the Venetian State whence they had Victuals these Pirates soon after shut up the Turks now traffiquing no more they began to set upon the Venetian ships forcing the Merchants by torments to say the goods belonged to the Turks though their chief booty came from Christians And having drawn many to them they ere long out of covetousness and for the more pretence that they might be supported in Princes Courts entred with all violence into the Turks Country thorow the Venetian's to whom they were as hurtful as to them from whom they carried rich spoils and many prisoners If they came nigh the Maritime coasts by Sea all rich and good things were subject to their greediness whence grew the aforesaid complaint and threatning of the Venetian which afterwards bred a cruell War betwixt that State and the Arch. Duke Ferdinand of Grets and then Emperour who seemed to support them to engage the Venetian against the Turk Novemb. 15. 1617. Sultan Achmat 30 years old and Raigning 15 died being of a good constitution and complexion enclining to be fat strong and active exceeding any of his Court in casting a Horsmans Mace of 9 or 10 li there being 2 pillars set up in a Court of the Seraglio in memory of his dexterity he was ambitious and proud which some hold befitting his 〈◊〉 not so cruell as many of his Predecessors much given to sensuality entertaining 3000 Concubines and Virgins the fairest Daughters of Christians he kept for hawking in Greece and Natolia 40000 Faulkoners with good yearly pensions his Huntsmen being as many and chargeable Mahomet his Father according to their Law once a day to practise some manual Trade made Arrows and Achmat Horn-rings used in drawing of Bowes This is in the morning after their prayers but 't is but for form for the Sultans scarce make one of these in a year The Raign of Mustapha the first ninth Emperour of the Turks ALthough the Custom of the Turkish Emperors was to have neither Brother or Nephew alive unless saving themselves by flight yet the Court Officers concluded it was not fit Mustapha Achmats younger Brother should die for that their Emperour being but 15 years old they feared that dying in his nonage without children able to Govern the Empire might fall into combustion and ruin through civil Wars so Mustapha's life was preserved yet so as to remain still a prisoner in some of the Chambers of the Seraglio and before Achmat had children no cruel Decree was made against him but he continued his contemplation without any liberty but when Achmat had issue he oft propounded the putting Mustapha to death which was often concluded It 's written his death was one evening agreed on and to be executed next day but Achmat was so frighted in the night with Apparitions and fearfull dreams that he said Since that resolution alone had so terrified him he believed his torments would much encrease if put in execution Wherefore he commanded his Brother should live Another time Achmat out of a Window beheld Mustapha whom he had permitted to walk in the Gardens with his Guard and one near him to 〈◊〉 him told him 't was dangerous to suffer his so great liberty Whereupon in a rage he took his Bow and Arrow being a very expert Archer as the Turks generally are ayming to kill his Brother but at that instant he felt such pain in his arm and shoulder as not able to let loose his Arrow saying aloud Mahomet would not have Mustapha to die He had 3 Chambers for Contemplation whose whole delight was to read the Arabian Books of their Doctors in divers Sciences Achmat let him sometimes take the ayr of his Gardens calling him to consult with him of State-affairs taking his advice knowing him of a sound judgement But Achmat falling grievously sick his Bassaes and Counsellors perswaded him to take some good course for the succession His young children were not capable to govern and besides the Sultana their Mother was dead but Mustapha's Mother was yet living who lest her Honour should be Ecclipsed by Government of the Bassaes during the Childrens minority perswaded dying Achmat to make Mustapha his Successour So on his dying day he calling sor Mustapha entreated him to take the Government upon him presently after his death who amazed answered in much fear and humility He might not accept of that Honour since the Empire of right belonged to his eldest Son Achmat disabled his Son for so great a Government both for his age and capacity recommending the Sultanaes children unto him entreating him to use them as he had him leaving the other children to his discretion soon after which words he died and Mustapha 25 years old Osman Achmats eldest son being but 12 was proclaimed Sultan Cham who at first thought he had been in a dream causing the Persian Embassadour to be set at liberty whom Achmat had restrained contrary to the publike Faith then he sent speedily to the Bassa of Buda to entertain the Treaty of peace made with the Emperour inviolably yet during his short Raign he behaved himself insolently and cruelly for he ill entreating the Baron of Mole or Sancie French Embassadour set Guards upon him as a prisoner imprisoning and torturing his people and that upon this occasion Prince Coreskie being brought to Constantinople the G. Seignior was exceedingly pleased for his very Enemies held him for one of the most valiant and redoubted Princes of Christendom Wherefore he was confined to the Towers of the black-Sea five miles from Constantinople appointed for prisoners of great Quality and Importance being shut up with Rigaut a French Captain in a small Chamber on the top of a Tower wherein was a Window for a man to passe thorow yet without Barrs as being so high Coreski was much solicited by the Turk to turn Renegado but he wovld rather die in tedious Captivity than do such an act against God and his Conscience which made the King of Poland write to the French Embassadour to be a meanes that he might be freed from Captivity at any Ransom which the Embassadour durst not undertake though much desiring it as having no charge from his King The Emperour's Embassadour did what possibly he could but the Turk would by no means release him so as his Friends despaired of his liberty But there had been a Lady taken out of Podolia with her fair young Daughter and a maid servant by the Tartars who selling them to a Turk he brought them to Constantinople to make profit This Lady a Christian not hearing of her Husband in nine months went with her Daughter to the French Embassadour's House at Pera to crave his assistance where his Secretary Martin
to Hen. 3d. of England comes to Tunis and wins Nazareth 109. he narrowly escapes murther and is crowned at his return 110. 〈◊〉 comes into lesser Asia 120. 〈◊〉 a Castle 121. and dies 122. F. FErat 〈◊〉 made Generall by Amurath III 941. fortifies Castles at Lori 945. is threatned by the Janizaries 948 949. is discharged of that Office 950. regains it 986. takes Genge 994. is made General in Sinan's place 1060. is discomfited 1062. is fent for home and strangled 1079. Ferdinand King of Bohemia claims Hungary and comes to Buda 565. subdues Transylvania 566. breaks his League with Solyman 637. besiegeth Exek in vain for want of Victuals 640. suffers 〈◊〉 642. to 645. takes Vicegrade 663. besiegeth Buda 666. is discomsited by the Turks 673 674. besiegeth it again 696. but shamefully departs 699. Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria besiegeth Canisia 1175. but is forced by cold to depart 1160. Frederick German Emperour wins Iconium and is drowned 55. Frederick his son is made General 16. overthrowes the Turks and dies at the siege of Tyre 56. Frederick the Emperour King of Sicily hath all Palestine yielded to him and is crowned King of Jerusalem 87. Fulk King of Jerusalem overthrown by Sanguin the Turk dies by a fall off his horse 23. G. GOdfrey goes to the Holy War 11. besiegeth Jerusalem 17. taketh it is made King thereof and dies of the Plague 18. Guy crowned King of Jerusalem 52. is made King of Cyprus 60. Gazelles an Egyptian Champion yieldeth to the Turks 510. but rebells 526. and is 〈◊〉 527. H. HAssan Bassa besiegeth Alba-Regalis 1167. and wins it 1169. comes to relieve Buda in vain 1173. 〈◊〉 slain in a Battle against the 〈◊〉 in Asia 1176. Baldwin's Brother crowned Emperour of Greece 73. and dies 84. Henry King of France obtains a Fleet of Solyman 729. Horruccius becomes King of Algiers 598. coming to Ora is put to flight and slain 599. Hungary imbroyled in Civill Wars 239. Huniades puts the Turks to flight 243. is in danger 244. overthrowes Mesites 245. discomfits the Turks 250. slayes 30000 Turks 253. conquers Carambey 255. after three dayes fight flies 282. puts the Turks to flight 283. repulseth them at Belgrade 326. and dies 327. Hysmael 〈◊〉 's son flies after his Father's death 433. embraceth his Superstition 434. takes Tauris 435. puts Elvan the Persian King to flight 436. subdues Mesopotamia 437. fights with Selimus 477 478. and retires 479. pursues him and takes his Ordnance 480. I. JAcaia second Son to Mahomet is sent into Morea joyns with the Rebels in Asia and is wounded 1374. Janizaries their first rise 173. make a Tumult in Constantinople 1185 1277 1428 1429. Ibraim I. chosen Emperour of Turks strangles his Admiral 1425. hath various events against the Venetians 1426. is deposed 1427. Jerusalem taken by the Christians 18. is won by Cassanes the Tartar and given to the Christians 114. is retaken by the Turks 115. John the Greek Emperor takes Tarsus and dies 23. John King of Jerusalem bebesiegeth Damiata 78. and takes it 80. John Ducas succeeds Lascaris in the Empire at Nice 85. and dyes 96. John Castriot delivers his sons for Hostages to Amurath 236. John Vayuod of Transylvania chosen King of Hungary 564. is deposed 566. re-installed at Buda by Solyman 575. besiegeth Strigonium 577. and dyes 659. John made Vayuod of Valachia by Selimus II. 876. overthrowes Peter Vayuod of Transylvania 870. takes Teina discomfits the Turks 872. is vanquished by the Turks 874. Jonūses Bassa is sent to Damasco 406. wounded in Selimus's sight 509. is executed 520. he slew his wife 522. Isaac Comnenus taken prisoner by Axan 8. Isaac saluted Emperour of Greece 42 43. is deprived of sight and Empire 44. is restored to his Crown 67. and dies 68. 〈◊〉 saluted King of Persia for his cruelty is killed 893. L. LAdislaus chosen King of Hungary 278. Lascaris crowned Emperour of Greece at Nice 72. and dies 85. Leopold of Austria crowned Emperor of the Romans 1436. denyes aid to Ragotzi 1138. concludes a peace with the Turk 1444. takes Ragotzi into his protection 1447. Lepanto besieged in vain by Solyman Bassa 384. yielded to the Turks 427. Lewis 8th of France makes a vain Expedition into Palestine 27. Lewis 9th of France takes Damiata 91. wins Carthage besiegeth Tunis and dies 108. Lewis King of Hungary is over-ruled by his Nobles 560. is drown'd 562. M. MAhomet I. invested King of Turks 212. overthrowes Cara 214. puts his Brother Isa to flight 217 219. sends Musa into Europe where he is made King 222. is put to flight by Musa 224. takes Musa prisoner and strangles him 226. takes the Caramanion King prisoner 227. and dies 229. Mahomet II. crowned Emperor of Turks 306. subdues Caria 308. besiegeth Constantinople 309. wins it 315. beheads Irene 321. conquers 〈◊〉 and Athens 322. 〈◊〉 Servia assaulteth Belgrade 325. is wounded and departeth 326. befiegeth Rhodes with losse 327. wins 〈◊〉 328. and 〈◊〉 329. takes Mytelene and its Prince 333. subverts Bosna and sends Amesa into Epirus 334. besiegeth Croia 370. again besiegeth Croia but returns with loss 372. takes it 387. takes the Island Euboea 375. subdues Mysia 378. and 〈◊〉 380. besiegeth 〈◊〉 in vain 382. loseth an Army in Valachia 383. surpriseth the Venetians 385. after infinite losse wins Scodra 395. invades Transylvania with losse 396. besiegeth Rhodes 397. but leaves it 401. and dies 402. Mahomet made King of Persia is hated 895. is invaded by the Turks 898. sends his son against them 910. who regains Sumachia 911. Mahomet III. saluted Emperor of Turks 1055. suffers losse 1056. proclaims War against the Emperour 1092. invades Transylvania 1097. besigeth Agria 1100. wins it 1102. is discomfited 1104. invades Hungary 1114. suffers losse 1119. besiegeth Canisia 1149. wins it 1151. Ibrahim Bassa being dead he appoints Hassan General 1154. appeaseth Rebels in Asia 1190. puts his eldest Son Mahomet to death 1191. invades Hungary 1205. is sorely troubled by Rebels 1214. and at Sea 1215. he suffers loss 1224 1225. and dies 1230. 〈◊〉 besieged by Solyman 767. who takes Elm-Castle 773. but returns with losse 790. its Knights suffer losse by Sea 〈◊〉 takes the Castle Lango 1333. Manucchiar Prince of the Georgians joyns with the Turks 900. and is circumcised 914. but revolts 943. 〈◊〉 an Engineer in Rhodes defeated 55. Turkish Mines 541. Masut divides the Turks Kingdome 29. Matthias King of Hungary spoyls Servia 364. wins the Kingdom of Bosna 373. Count Mantsfield is made General of Upper Germany 1061. besiegeth Dotis 1066. and Strigonium 1067. discomfits the Bassa of Buda 1072. takes the Lower Town of Strigonium 1074. and dies 1075. Matthias made Arch-Duke of Austria 1022. wins Novigrade 1023 besiegeth Strigonium 1026. but raiseth the siege 1033. is made General of Lower Hungary 1061. wins 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 1077. takes Ali Bassa prisoner 1167. is crowned King of Hungary 1317. makes an agreement between Papists and Protestants 1319. makes Illeshachius Palatine 1317. who dyes 1320. is crowned