Turk Serniswar the Imperials not so much as vouchsafing to relieve it which so afflicted the Noble Mind of the Count Serini that growing Melancholly to divert himself he often used Hunting when one day Chasing a Bore whom he wounded in several places the furious Beast turned upon him and with his Tusk struck him on the Knee which made him fall to the ground when before he could recover himself with a second stroke he was mortally wounded in the head and soon after dyed in the Armes of one of his Pages This was the end of this valiant Captain whom his Enemies could never subdue to the great grief of all worthy Christians and the joy of the Turks whose Mortal Enemy he was a man in dangers most couragious in War valiant and patient in labour in peace courteous and moderate in his pleasure and in fine he was accomplished with all those vertues that renders a man compleat After the death of this Count the Peace between the Empires was concluded when as the Grand Seigniour being at leasure plotted the destruction of his Brothers but at the perswasion of the Muphti altered his Resolution About this time the Grand Visier indeavoured to depose the Tartar Han and place his Son in his stead but the young Tartar though barbarous would not consent thereto but sent his Father secret notice what was intended against him which so inraged the Tartar that he used his utmost indeavour at the Ottoman Court to overthrow the Visier and promote another to that Office in order to which he dealt with the Bassa of Buda promising him his utmost interest at the Port to make him great Visier by which though contrary to his wish he destroyed him for the Visier having notice of what had passed obtained a private Commission from the Grand Seigniour by which he Summoned the Bassa to appear before him when immediately without any process proof or accusation caused his Head to be stricken off Anno Dom. 1665. The Genoese sent the Marquess Durazzo as their Envoy Extraordinary to the Ottoman Court where by gifts and other means he so effectually wrote with the Grand Visier that a peace insued between the Grand Seigniour and that Republick the which was the rather accorded to that the War against Candia might be the better carryed on on which the Turks seemed absolutely bent in order to the Equiping of Gallies and other things necessary the Grand Seigniour came from Adrinople to Constantinople but before his arrival great part of the Seraglio was burnt to the ground fired by some of the women to prevent the discovery of their stealing divers Jewels that garnished the Royal Cradle and upon his arrival he desired of the Earl of Winchelsea Fifteen Sail of English Men of War with the consent of His Majesty of Great Brittain but the Earl excused it saying that though his Majesty of England did always entertain a good affection and zealous disposition towards the affairs of the Ottoman Port yet at present the Wars with Holland and ill understanding with France made his occasions for his own Shipping more urgent then usual and the time most unseasonable to press his Majesty in that particular whereupon the Grand Visier gave order for the building Sixty Gallies against the Spring at what time a great Fleet was in a readyness several English French and Dutch Merchant Men who were at that time found in the prots of Aleppo Smyrna and Alexandria being pressed for the service These proceedings greatly alarumed the Venetians insomuch that they delayed nothing that was requisite for the defence of their important City of Candia the which who ever holds commands the rest of the Island whereupon the Marquess Ghiron Franciseo Villa a brave Souldier was entertained as General of Foot and a Sallary of twelve thousand Crowns per Annum alowed him with a large Commission not to be subject to any command but that of the Captain Generals who with a great train arriving at Venice made an Oration to the people wherein he incouraged them to the utmost to fight against the enemies of their Country and Religion with wearyness and chearfully to provide all necessaries for so honourable a War whereupon they fitted their Fleet with all things necessary and strengthened their Forts both with Horse and Foot drawn out of their Garrisons on the Terra Firma being assisted with Men and Money from other Princes and States The Pope gave them permissions to levy four thousand men out of his Countries the Emperor likewise notwithstanding the peace furnished them with considerable Forces to which were additions made from other parts of Germany and indeed from many of the Christian Princes who were grieved to see an Infidel incroach yet farther into Europe but above all the French King contributed largely though at the same time he sent Mounsier d' Vently his Ambassador to the Port who as the former received many affronts during his residence there The Captain of the Ship that brought him thither likewise was ordered by the Grand Seignior to be Executed for too rudely pressing into his presence which Sentence had been put in Execution had not the Bostangi Bassa interceeded for him yet he nevertheless was imprisoned and put in chains nor could the Ambassador without a great Sum procure his Liberty nor at his Audiences had of the Grand Seignior and Grand Visiâ—r was he received with such respect as became his Character yet he made the best on it boasting to the other Christians Ministers of the ample satisfaction he had received both for his own affronts and the affronts put upon his Predecessors Whilst these things passed the Marquess d' Villa passed into Dalmatia to take a view of the Forts and strong places on that side as fearing whilst the Turks gave out for Candia they might suddenly turn their Forces upon that Frontier Territory of the Venetians but having given such necessary orders as he thought requisite and being certified from Count Lisle the Emperors Ambassador at Constantinople that the Grand Visier early in the Spring would with a puissant Army land on the Island he set over with such Forces as he had to joyn those already there About the beginning of the Year 1666. great troubles had like to have risen in the Ottoman Empire occasioned by one Sabatai Seni a Jew born at Smyrna who impiously pretending himself to be the Messia drew after him a multitude of that unhappy nation declaring that he came to restore them to their temporal Kingdom and to gather the scattered tribes filling their heads with prophesies dreams and false delusions that they every where credited him and laying aside all business prepared for their march to Jerusalem once more to possess the Land of Promise and raise a Glorious Monarchy above what ever their Ancestors could pretend too and to that purpose made themselves Garments according to the Levitical Ordinance several of them affirming that they had seen Elias and that he had expresly
fell and the Sickness in the Army occasioned by the intemperance of the Weather was by Mahomet accorded but it continued not long e're the Carramanian King in the absence of Mahomet a second time invaded his Countries with whom Mahomet fighting routed his Army taking him and his Son Prisoners for whose Ransoms he had delivered into his possession the principal Cities of Carramania and then returning into Europe seized upon Valachia obliging the Prince thereof to become his Vassal About this time two Persons viz. Buriluzes and Bedredin pretending themselves to be great Prophets drew great multitudes after them who spoiled the Country upon notice of which Mahomet sent forces to apprehend them who dispersing their followers hewed the former in pieces and hanged the latter upon a Sign-post and now Mahomet falling sick without any hopes of recovery assembled all his great Captains and charged them to obey his eldest son Amurath whom after his decease he appointed to succeed him in his Kingdom and lest in his absence he being then at his Government of Amass any disturbance should happen that they that were about him if he should chance to die should conceal his Death All which he at that time dying being accordingly observed for when the Janiziries and Pensioners mistrusting him to be dead and demanded to see him the Bassas attiring him in his Royal Robes like as when he was alive brought him forth into a large Gallery placing a Boy under his Gown who as he was Commanded lifted the Kings Arm and moved his head with which those that were below were well contented and by this Stratagem kept his Death Secret 41 days even till Amurath came and took the Scepter the which had they not done the 〈◊〉 and Pensioners would have spoiled the rich Citie wherein they were quartered as ever since has been observed during an Interregnum CHAP. XI The Life of Amurath the Second of that name and Sixth King of the Turks his Wars Victories and Defeats A Murath had no sooner taken possession of his Kingdom and the Death of Mahomet published but divers Princes revolted from him and invaded his Territories as the Prince of Smyrna Mentesia and others and amongst the rest an obscure fellow of Thessalonica feigning himself to be Mustapha the Eldest Son of Bajazet who was slain in the battle against Tamerlane all the Turkish Cities in Europe fell to him whereupon Amurath sent Bajazet Bassa against him with a great Army which was no sooner landed but it revolted to Mustapha leaving the Bassa alone to shift for himself whereupon the Bassa together with his Brother Hamze submitted themselves to this counterfeit Son of Bajazet but being envyed by the rest of the Captains they raised such Jealousies of his being treacherous in Mustapha that he soon after put him to death and afterward prepared for the Invasion of Amurath's Territories in Asia of which he having notice gathered all his forces to oppose him and after asking Council of a Mahometan Priest who assured him he had after two repulses at the hands of the Great Prophet obtained the favor of making him prosperous in his Wars and so coming to the North-side of the River Vlibad he found the Bridge broken down and Mustapha's great Army incamped on the other side where he so dealt with the great Captains of Mustapha's Army that many of them revolted and at length Mustapha being frighted by forged Letters importing that his Army intended to deliver him up fled by night after which his men submitted to Amurath and he in his flight being taken in Europe was hanged The Rebellion being pacified and Amurath informed that all this had happened by the contrivance of the Greek Emperor besieged Constantinople which in vain he often attempted to take by storm but whilst he lay at this siege news was brought that the King of Caramania had set up another Mustapha viz. his younger Brother Son to Mahomet to whom many Countries in the lesser Asia revolted which made Amurath raise his Siege and with all hast March to oppose him and with large gifts to have the sooner done he so corrupted Ilias Beg the young Princes Tutor that he delivered him up together with the City of Nice where he was by Amurath's command Strangled Amurath having appeased these Rebellious Tumults Lessened his Council from 5 to 2 Bassas viz. Ibrahim and Eivazes the latter of which being much envyed by those that were outed they supposing it was done by his perswasion possessed Amurath that he had a design upon his Life and after that to seize his Kingdom and for that purpose went privately armed to prove the truth of which Amurath one day clasping him in his Arms as in token of Friendship found it so indeed and therefore growing more suspitious notwithstanding his many excuses for his so doing caused his Eyes to be put out and soon after had news of the death of the King of Carramania his Mortal Enemy who having lay'd Siege to the City of Attalia in Pamphilia as he was viewing it to see where he might most conveniently make an Assault was shot into the Brest with an Arrow from a Lope-hole at which Amurath greatly rejoyced but his joy was soon allayed by other news of a fierce Invasion of his Territories made by Tzunites Prince of Smyrna but it soon blew over for the Prince being Vanquished by the Vice-Roy of Anatolia was together with his Son taken Prisoner and contrary to Faith plighted Slain after this Amurath Marryed the Daughter of Prince Isflendiar and then on a suddain in revenge of the pretended wrongs done him by the Greeks besieged and took Thessalonica and dispoiled it of all its Riches leading away the Inhabitants into miserable Captivity At this time amongst other distressed Princes John Castriot Prince of Epirus perceiving the Turks ready to invade him and being no ways Capable to withstand so powerful an Army resolved to avoid the Miseries of War by a timely accord with the Turkish Tyrant promising to become his Tributary and for confirmation thereof as Hostages delivered his 4 Sons viz. George Stanisius Reposuis and Constantine Amurath promising well and honourably to intreat them but as soon as they were within his power he caused them to be Circumcised and brought up in the Superstition of the Mahumetan Religion and after the Death of their Father seized upon his Kingdom and Poysoned all but George whom he Named Scanderbeg who afterwards became the Mawl and terror of the Turks as will in the Sequel appear Amurath being busie in Europe the Carramanian King and the other Mahumetan Princes invaded his Dominions in Asia which caused him to pass over to repress that dangerous Enemy which done he returned into Europe and with Fire and Sword fell upon Hungary and turning thence upon the Prince of Servia's refusing to come to his Court seized Servia tho he had Sworn to the contrary The Hungarians being at Variance amongst themselves and likewise at Wars with the
whereupon the Princes dispairing to carry it by assault raised the siege The Turks Fleet shut up in the Bay of Modon and as it were besieged by the Christians by this time felt great want which caused a Pestilence to rage so violently amongst the Soldiers and Marriners that many of the Galleys were deserted and the rest so slenderly manned and so unprovided of necessaries that had the Christian Fleet rode it out a moneth longer before the Bay the Enemies fleet had fell into their hands almost without fighting but such was the perverseness of the Spanish General that he would needs return with his Fleet notwithstanding all the pregnant reasons and arguments the Venetian Admiral used to perswade him to the contrary and so resolutely was he therein that he resolved to depart not only without the consent of the Venetians but without their privity he having in order thereto strictly commanded all his Captains and Masters of his Gallies speedily to weigh Anchor and to stand for the Coast of Sicily of which the Venetian Admiral having notice and not a little troubled thereat came on board his Galley and renewed his perswasions for his stay but finding all arguments vain he at least requested him to stay so long till the 2 Gallies fastened together for a floating Battery might be fetched off and not be left there as a prey to which he hardly consented alledging that his victuals fell short and if he should stay longer abroad his Fleet would be oppressed with famine yet promised that if he met with the ships he had sent for out of Sicily loaden with provision he would instantly return but kept not his word though he incountred them upon the Coast of Corcyra so that the half starved Turks upon his departure by degrees got out of the Bay to their no small joy most of them getting in safety to Constantinople For after the departure of the Spaniards to Messina the Venetian and Popes Admiral departed likewise the one to Rome and the other to Venice having done nothing worthy of so great preparations as were set forth by the Christian Princes About this time Amida King of Tunes being driven out of his Kingdom fled to Don John for Aide humbly requesting him that he would restore him to his Kingdom to which the crafty Spaniard seemingly hearkned but having landed his Forces taken possession of Tunis and other strong places he sent Amida together with his wife and children into Sicily there to remain as prisoners at large during their lives and placed Mahomet his brother in his stead who by reason of his Seniority was rightful Heir to the Kingdom But withall taking of him a solemn Oath that he should become and from thenceforth remain a vassal to the Spanish King and alwayes be ready to do whatsoever he commanded and having beaten the Turks and wild Arabs out of the Countrey he built a new Castle in the Middle way between Culetta and Tunes and having put a strong Garrison therein as likewise into Guletta he returned into Sicilia The Venetians sinding no trust to be reposed in the Spaniards and of themselves too weak to deal with the Turks resolved if possible to conclude an honourable peace with Selymus thinking it more for their advantage than to be subject to the insolent humours of the Spanish General and thereupon after much debate in the Senate house it was resolved that Ambassadors should be sent to sound the mind of the Turk who as it afterward appeared was no less desirous of peace then themselves though he a long time dissembled it whereupon the Ambassadors arriving at Constantinople after much debate subscribed the Articles of Peace the substance of which were these First that the Venetians should pay unto Selimus 300000 Ducates 100000 to be paid down and the rest in two equal portions the two succeeding years Secondly That such places of the Venetians as were in the possession of the Turks should still remain in the hands of the Possessors but that such Towns and Places as the Venetians during the war had taken from the Turks should be instantly restored This Peace thus concluded was proclaimed in Constantinople on the twentieth of March Anno 1574 and at Venice the thirteenth of April following to the great amazement of the Confederates when the better to justifie themselves in what they had done the Venetian Senators sent for the Spanish Ambassador and Popes Nuncio into the Senate house to whom the Duke in a Grave Speech addressed himself to this purpose That anger and Hope two evil Counsellors being set aside he had concluded a Peace with the Turk not for that he was desirous of the Turks friendship which what account it was to be made of he right well knew but for the love he bare to the State which was not only with loss but even with death it self to be maintained how he had been spoiled of the Kingdom of Cyprus he further declared that the Venetian State grew weaker and weaker by continual war and therefore before it was reduced to extremity and they not being able to maintain war against so Potent an enemy were to take a surer course for the preservation of what yet of their Signory remained unto them for that the safety of the Venetian State should at all times be a sure Fortress and Defence of the Christian Commonweale against all the furious attempts of the enemy and uncertain events of time This Peace though disliked of other Christian Princes was advantagious to the Venetians for as much as the war had made their Trade to cease both in the Adriatick and Mediterranean Seas which upon the conclusion of Peace with the Turks returned again more then ever by reason few other Christian Merchants had the like liberty This peace was the easier obtained of the Turk for as much as the Spaniard had reduced the Kingdom of Tunis to his obedience and that the Knights of Malta had an eye upon Tripolis and other Sea port Towns holden by the Turks upon the Coast of Barbary that he might be the more at leasure to defend what he possessed and if possible to recover that which his father had lost viz. the Kingdom of Tunis yet declining that enterprize for a time he converted his Forces against John the Vayuod of Valachia who a little before having driven Bogeanus out of Moldavia had possessed himself of that Province but upon his refusing to pay Selymus double the Tribute he agreed for he held him in such distrust that he resolved to take from him both his Principalities and annex them to the Ottoman Empire to prevent which if possible the said John raised a great power calling to his assistance the Cossacks a warlike people of Polonia who living upon the Frontiers secure the kingdom from the incursions of the Tartars and maintain themselves for the most part by spoiles taken from the enemy who now in great number under the leading of Suserceuius their Captain came
that time were governed by valiant Captains so that they prevailed not greatly yet the General confusion made the Emperour desirous of Peace in order to which he sent Sigismund Forgat with full instructions to Kyrpa where the Estates of Hungary were to assemble thither likewise came several Commissioners from Botscay and the Turkish Bassa's of Buda Pesth c. when as in the mean time other Imperial Ministers were sent to Comara to Treat only with the Turks they having so required but the demands of the Turks and Rebels were so unreasonable that many believed they only set that treaty on foot to protract the preparations of the Imperialists so that all hopes of an amicable conclusion vanishing fierce War began to rage more terrible then before all the Countreys round being covered with the smoak of flaming Villages by day and illuminated with shining â—ires by night nor did the Rebels spare to sell the poor Christians like beasts to the merciless Turk by them to be carryed into perpetual slavery nor desisted from comitting such cruelties as even amazed the Infidels to see themselves out done To prevent which outrages the Imperialists drawing together in a body set upon a strong power of the Turks and Rebels who thought to have surprized them in their Camp and after a sharp dispute drove them with great slaughter to the Walls of Canusia and afterwards put strong Garrisons into most of the important towns and Castles which bad success made the Rebels again bethink themselves of a timely peace so that Botscay their Ringleader having received Letters of safe conduct from Matthias the Arch-Duke came with his Wife and Children to Vienna and there by frequent by conferring with the Imperial Commissioners matters were so ordered that peace was concluded between the Emperour and his Rebel Subjects of Hungary according to the Tenour of these Articles Articles of Peace agreed upon Anno 1606. between the Emperor and his discontented Subjects of Hungary 1. That from thenceforth it should be lawful for every man throughout the Kingdom of Hungary to have the free use of his Religion and believe what he would 2. That if the Hungarians so thought good they might chuse a Palatine for their Governor and that in the mean time the Arch-Duke Matthias should no more use the Title of Governour but Vice-Roy 3. That the Crown of Hungary should still be left in the Emperors keeping 4. That the Bishops that were nobly descended in Hungary and had Lands of their own should be forthwith admitted into the Council but the other Bishops not to be so received 5. That Botscay for himself and his heirs male should ever hold Transilvania 6. That the same Countrey of Transilvania should be still subject to the Kingdom of Hungary 7 That for his Arms he should bear three Royal Crowns and three open Helmets 8. That he should not more stile himself Prince but Lord of part of Hungary 9. That they should pay the Heyducks their wages who had leavyed them 10. That the harms done on both sides should for ever be forgotten 11. That Bohemia Moravia Lansnisium and Aâ—stria should not only with their Letters and Seals confirm the Articles but also swear at Vienna to keep the same so far as they conerned them 12. That the Hungarians likewise should send some to Vienna who in their behalfs should with their Letters Seals and Oaths Confirm and Ratifie these Articles 13. That the assembly of the States of Hungary should be referred unto a more convenient time for their meeting 14. That these things being done this Agreement should be publickly confirmed and inrolled in the Records of the Kingdom of Hungary 15. That it should be lawful for the Hungarians by their Ambassadors to invite the Princes of the Empire to the Approving and Confirming of these Articles Peace thus concluded with the Hungarians the Treaty of Peace between the Turkish Sultan and the Emperour went on and with such good success that a Peace was soon after concluded to the joy of all the Emperors Subjects who weary with the continual toils and miseries of War were now desirous of nothing more then to repose themselves in the downy armes of Peace After which Botscay called an assembly of the Estates of Hungary recommending to them the care of preserving inviolable the Articles and the speedy Election of a Palatine and that above all things they would maintain and incourage the Reformed Religion and in the next Assembly labour to have the Articles for burning Hereticks repealed and as much as in them lay to restore the lost Trade of the spoiled Provinces These things done Botscay fell sick which sickness increasing he greatly bewailed his late Rebellion and the blood therein shed wishing nothing more then that before he died he could beg pardon for the same of the whole Roman Empire yet had not his wish but of that sickness died at Cossovia on the 30th of December 1606. perswading in the time of his sickness such as had been his followers to adhere to the Emperours interest yet his Counsel was not so well observed but that after his death notwithstanding Matthias the Arch-Duke had caused himself to be Crowned King of Hungary including the Principality of Transivania there wanted not some who aspired to the Title of Prince which caused new discontents but with relinquishing of that Title they vanished Achmat having made Peace with the Emperour resolved to turn his arms against the Persian King and Asian Rebels against whom Anno 16â—7 early in the Spring he sent the Vizar Bassa who by Policy more then strength appeased the latter when upon notice that the Bassa of Aleppo had overthrown the Bassa's of Tripolis and Daucasco and that at the request of the Sultan he refused to lay down his arms he marched against him with One Hundred Thirty Thousand men which puissant Army the Bassa of Aleppo incountered with Fourty Thousand and in three Battles remained victor but upon notice that the Bassa's of Damasco and Tripolis were coming to the Aid of the Vizar Bassa with great Forces and he by reason of the loss he had sustained not able to withstand their united power fled with most of his Friends to the Mountains Yet at the intercession of the Vizar Bassa but more for fear he should revolt t the Persian he was afterwards pardoned and received into favour upon which the King of Persia wrote to the King of Spain intreating him to joyn Forces with him against the common Enemy but more especially to send his Ships of War into the Gulf and the rather to induce him so to do he sent him several rich presents Whilst these things passed the Turkish Garrisons who for the most part lived by spoiles impatient of Peace with the Christians committed some outrages and secretly incouraged the Heyducks to commit more of which Achmat having notice sent strictly to charge the Bassa of Buda not upon pain of his head to infringe the Capitulation whereupon Six
and so marching against the Enemy a dreadful Fight began the Turks charging with great Courage putting the Right-wing to flight and disordering their main Battalion So that Victory began to declare her self in favour of them when one of the Sultans chief Commanders out of some former grudge fell with the Squadron of Persian Horse under his Command to the Enemy and by that means turned the Scale of War so that the Turks who even now were Conquerors fled for their Lives nor durst the Sultan stay in his own Country but fled to Constantinople where of the Emperor he was kindly received and aided with what Force he could spare under the leading of an experienced Captain for which kindness he gave the Emperor the City of Laodicea Not long after this was Palelogus received into Favour and restored to his Dignity upon his solemnly swearing to be true and Loyal to him and his Sons which had not long been done â—'r the Emperor fell sick and dyed Reigning only three years and in his stend was Crowned his Son John a Child of six years old who was by the Emperors last Will bequeathed to the Tutorage of Arsenius the Patriarch and George Muzâ—la the letter of which being of mean Birth having raised for his Vertues and good parts by the departed Emperor which caused him to be greatly envyed by the Courtiers whereupon he assembling together desired to be rid of his Charge but every one seeming unwilling to undertake it he still continued with much Integrity but several having conspired against him of which Paleologus was Chief they during the Obsequies of the defunct Emperor slew him and several that they supposed Favoured him even at the Altar and in a short time Paleologus usurped the Empire not in the least regarding his former Oath About this time Mango the great Cham of Tartary stirred thereto by Amonius the Armenian King of whom he had received the Christian Religion Sent his Brother Haalon with a powerful Army against the Turks and Sarazens in Syria and the Land of Palestine who in the space of six Months over-run all Persia with the Countries adjoyning and came at length into Syria and took the great City Babylon at that time commanded by the Caliph putting all the Inhabitants to the Sword inriching his Soldiers with the spoil and passing from thence through Mesopotamia took the City of Rhoais and there being supplyed with fifty two Horse and Foot entering Syria he rased Aleppo and other strong Towns and soon after won Damasco when as the Sultan with his Wife and Children came and fell before him desiring him to spare his Country but in vain for he wasted all before him but being about to pass on to Jerusalem News was brought him of his Brothers death upon which he returned home yet at his departure for the good Will he bore the Christians he left his Son Abiga with 20000 Horse to aid them in Wars but Abiga hearing of his Fathers Troubles about his Establishment in the Empire departed with 10000 of the 20000 leaving the rest under the Command of Guirboca a valiant Captain who by some affronts put upon him by the Christians became their mortal Enemy yet letted not give battle to the Sultans Army of ten times to the number and not being aided by the Christians was overthrown wherein himself fighting couragiously with greater part of his small Army were slain and thereupon Antioch and most of the Towns holden by the Christians were taken by the Sultan Bandocador By this time the Tartars warring in the lesser Asia had driven Jathanites out of all his Dominions whereupon he fled to the Greek Emperor for aid or Refuge but ingrateful as he was not regarding the Kindness he had received at his Hands when he fled from Theodorus the Emperor he committed him Prisoner at large to the City of Aenus in Thrace appointing several to watch him so narrowly that he should not escape When Paleologus had Reigned at Nice two years he sent Alexus Stregopulus against the Despot of Epirus who raised Tumults in the West this man in his passage with a small Army by the Treachery of the Greeks dwelling in Constantinople found means to surprize that City and again annex it to the Greek Empire After it had been in the hands of the Latines fifty eight years for which service Alexus triumphed in Purple Robes wearing a Crown of Gold commanded that for one year following his Name next to his should be mentioned in all publick Prayer Psalms and Hymns But now the Son of Theodorius whose Right this Emperor had usurped coming to years of Discretion it bred much jealousie in him that lest any discontented Person espousing his Quarrel should pluck the Crown from off his Head and place it where it ought to rest Whereupon to render him unfit for Government he like a barbarous Wretch deprived him of his sight which his Aunt Queen of Bulgaria no sooner understood but with many Arguments stirred up her Husband to make War upon the Usurper and at the same time being solicited by the Sultan Jathanites to deliver him from his Confinement he with a great Power of Scythians his own Subjects entered the Empire wasting all before him with Fire and Sword hoping to surprize the Emperor in his return from his Expedition against the Despot of Servia but failing of him he turned to Aenus and took thence the Sultan the Citizens gladly delivering him to save their Lives and contenting himself with the spoil of Thracia he passed over Ister and returned into his own Country Jathanites the Sultan being set at Liberty by the King of Bulgaria for Grief of his great loss dyed not leaving any Dominions to his Children Yet not long after Gazan the great Cham of Tartary as his Vassals two of his Kinsmen of the Zelzuccian Family viz. Mesot and Rei-Cubades they in acknowledgment thereof paying him a yearly Tribute placed them in part of his Dominions and thus fell the Turkish Empire in the lesser Asia being Rent in pieces by the Tartars who afterward seized upon a great part of the Greek Empire they and the Fugitive Turks together possessing themselves of the Countries from Pontus and Galatia unto the Lyeian and Carian Seas and the River Eurymedon Anno 1270. King Lewis of France aided by Henry the Third of England and divers others resolved upon a second Expedition into the Holy-Land the years Truce being exspired he set out from the Haven of Marseilles with a great Fleet of Ships and coming before Carthage he found in the Port a great number of the Enemies Ships which he seized and after some light Skirmishes with those that kept the shoar Landed his Men and laid close Siege to the City which after many desperate though unsuccessful Sallies of the besieged sarrendered upon Condition to depart Carthage being won the King laid Siege to Tums to relieve which the King of Fez with a great Army of the Moors came down but
a second Expedition having recruited his huge Army for that purpose But what Man willeth God disposeth whilst he was intent upon the matter falling sick of a Feaver or Ague after three sits he dyed Death Conquering him who in a short space Conquered fifty intire Kingdoms This mighty Tartar being Dead his great Kingdom divided amongst his Sons by their jarring and discontent of the Nobility was soon after rent into pieces most of it falling into the hands of the Turks who at this day possess it And now Mahomet winning all the Dominions his Father held in the greater Asia from the Tartars resolved to recover the rest which his three Brothers Isa Solyman and Mnsa had seized on in Europe and the lesser Asia whereupon assembling all his Forces he marched to Lâ—pacllum near to which Isa being incamped he sent to offer him Caramania and several other Kingdoms in the lesser Asia though indeed they were not his to give being possessed by their rightful Princes whom Tamerlain had re-possessed them off which offer refused from a younger Brother whereupon a bloody Battle insued in which Isa was overthrown and for the preservation of his Life forced to fly to Emanuel the Greek Emperor In this Battle were blain the two famous Basas Eine and Tenurtases of which overthrow Mahomet sent to certifie his Brother Solâ—â—â—â—n then in Constantinople after which he marched with his Army to Prrsa and received under his Protection all the Countries adjoyning and now growing strong he â—eselved to brook no Rival in his Fathers Kingdoms when on the other hand Solyman his Elder Brother hearing what he had done and knowing him to be of an aspiring Temper thought it not Convenient to suffer him longer so Triumphantly to proceed whereupon by the advice of his Grave Counsellors he sent for his Brother Isa then at Constantinople and making him general of his Army gave him Orders to pass over into Asia and curb the Pride of his aspiring Brother Isa glad of this opportunity to revenge his own Injuries sustained in loosing his Dominions obeying his Brother Solyman's Commands entered Mahomet's Dominions and there with Fire and Sword began his Progress which Mahomet understanding came against him and having overthrown his Forces put him to a second flight into Carramania where in obscurity of the Wounds he received in Battle and grief for his foul defeat he dyed Solyman hearing of the defeat prepared a great Army to invade Asia which made Mahomet retire into the Country of Amasa as doubting the affections of his People by reason the Kingdoms of Bajazet of Right appertained to Solyman as Flder This retireing gave Solyman opportunity to advance to the Walls of Prusâ—s which City he besieged and had it presently yielded except the Castle which upon the Interceptions of Mahomet's Letters was likewise surrendered but upon the approach of Mahomet with a great Power doubtful to keep what he had got he with all his People retired to the Straights of Neapolis where he defended himself right valiantly against the assaults of his Brother who by reason of the Intemperance of the Weather and a Letter framed by Alis-Bassa that there was a Conspiracy amongst his Captains to deliver him up to Solyman he retired Whilst these things were acting Musa being set at Liberty by the Tartars came to Mahomet's Camp was of him joyfully received when after some Discourse it was greed that Musa with an Army should pass over the Euxin Sea into Europe and whilst Solyman was busie in Asia seize upon his Country which Expedition he undertaking and making Isfender Prince of Castomonia his Friend and afterward the Prince of Valachia by marrying his Daughter he soon prevailed with the Governours of the chief Cities to Revolt from Solyman when entering Hadrianople he caused himself to be invested with Royal Robes and as King of the Country sent forth his Decrees which Solyman hearing of as he lay at Ancira in Asia passed the Straights of Bosphorus with all the Forces he could raise upon whose Departure Mahomet recovered what ever he had won in Asia Solyman being come into Europe Musa prepared to oppose him and both Armies coming in sight of each other Musa so dealt with Solyman's Captains that they revolted which he perceiving fled accompanied only with Caratze-Beg Cara Muchil and one Country Turk whom they took with them as their Guide whose persidiousness brought them to Destruction for pretending to lead them through the by-ways all Night he misnaming places brought them in the Morning near to Musa's Camp when giving Notice to the Rusticks they set upon them and having killed the two Captains took Solyman and delivered him to Musa who immediately caused him to be strangled whose Body by his Command was carried to Prusa and there buryed by his Ancestors Solyman being Dead Musa took upon him the Goernment of the Turkish Kingdom in Europe as had been agreed between him and his Brother Mahomet but e'r he was settled he began to Tyrannize beyond measure over his Subjects which caused many of his great Captains to leave him and amongst the rest Eurenosie feigning himself Blind found means to depart to Constantinople from whence he wrote to Mahomet then in Asia giving him an Account of his Brothers proceedings and soliciting him to pass over with his Army whose Council Mahomet taking making first a League with Emanuel the Greek Emperor he entered Europe with his Army But by the over eager pursuit of his Army after the Vaunt Couriers of Musa's Army his Orders being broken he was put to flight and forced to repass the Seas into Asia leaving behind him a great part of his Army who were spoiled by the Enemy Mahomet thus foiled and desirous of Revenge resolved once more to try his Fortune and thereupon drawing to his Assistance Dulgader Ogly who sent his Son with great Forces to serve him in his War he repassed the Euxin and by the Council of Eurenosis having procured the revolt of Jegides-Bassa Barack-Beg and Sinon-Beg 3 of Musa's great Captains who came over to him with 3000 valiant Turks he resolved to give his Brother battle the which being joyned Musa by the revolt of other Commanders during the heat of fight was overthrown taken and by the Command of Mahomet strangled receiving therein the same measure he had dealt to his Brother Solyman After this overthrow of Musa Mahomet proceeded to take possession of his Kingdom the which whilst he was doing news came that the Carramanian King spoiled his Countries in Asia and had burnt his great City of prusa which being a frontier City was still exposed to the miseries of War whereupon Mahomet setling his Affairs in Europe as necessity would permit passed into Asia and falling like a tempest upon the Country of Carramama took Aspropolis Despoâ—opolis and Hierapolis laying hard Siege to Iconium which caused the Carramanian to send his Embâ—â—â—dors to treat a Peace the which by reason of the great â—oods of Rain that
Bohemia King John by the means aforesaid thrust of his Kingdom grew extreme impatient and often consulted with Sigismond King of Polonia to re-in-throne him in his Kingdom offering to bear the Charge of the War but the Pole being already in League with Ferdinand would not seem unless underhand to favour John but wished him to take counsel with Hieronymus Lascus a great Politician what was best to be done in his Affairs the which Lascus advised him to crave Aid of Solyman now at Leasure to assist him and urged so many Reasons for it that he was content to send him his Ambassador to Constantinople who there with Treasure and fair Speeches so allured the Bassas of the Court to second him in his Request that Solyman promised again to enter Hungaria with a puissant Army and by the Insinuation of this sly Councellor that when King Ferdinand sent Ambassadors to him to make out his Title by which he laid Claim to the Kingdom he would scarcely give them Audience and when he did instead of an Answer to their Ambassy he Herauld-like denounced against their King all the Calamities that attend on War and so commanded speedily to depart the City all which upon their Arrival at Vienna they made known to the Kings Lieutenant who was so far from believing them that he looked upon them as vain and idle Tale-bearers which they perceiving hasted to the King at Spires who then was Labouring to get himself chosen King of the Romans and declared to him all they had in Charge Whereupon he well knowing that the Turk desirous of Glory and the inlarging of his Dominions seldom broke his Word on such occasions he put all his Forces in a readiness earnestly both in Person and by his Ambassadours craved Aid of the German Princes for the Defence of his Kingdom of Hungary against the common Enemy but his Brother Charles having his hands full of his Wars in Italy and he wanting Money to raise a sufficient Army to fight so powerful an Enemy was forced to suffer him without Controul to enter Hungaria for fear of whom the Citizens of Buda mostly fled to Strigonium Alba-Regalis and Possonium So that marching from Belgrade where King John came to wait upon him and received a Confirmation of the Promise he had made to Lascus of restoring him to the Kingdom of Hungary he came before it and had it yeilded with little or no Resistance as likewise the strong Castle though contrary to the Will of the Captain yet contrary to his Promise he caused all that were found in the latter to be put to the Sword except the Captain whom the Soldiers had cast in Bonds for refusing to joyn with them in their treacherous delivery of that strong Piece Buda taken most of the other Cities of Hungary surrendred whereupon he resolved to invade Austria a part of King Ferdinands other Dominions in Order to which he sent Achometes Bassa with the voluntary Horsemen who running through the Heart of Hungary entring into Austria with Fire and Sword passed by Vienna miserably burning and destroying the Country before them even as far as Lyntz driving the Country People like Sheep deflowring Vigins riping up Women alive dashing Infants against the Rocks with all other imaginable Cruelties after whom Solyman followed with the gross of his Army consisting of 500000 Horse and Foot as many Writers affirm who by the way having taken the Castle of Altenbury and in vain assaulted Neapolis he came before the great City of Vienna and incamped about it in five places covering the Ground with his Tents and the multitude of his People 8 miles in Circumference So that Fredrick Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria General of King Ferdinand's Forces not being able to get into the City with his Army sent for that purpose was forced to stay at Chremse yet was his Nephew Philip the Palsgrave a little before the coming of Solyman to the great joy of the Citizens entered with several Troops of valiant Horsemen as likewise Nicholas Count of Salma the Lord William Regendorf Steward of the Kings houshold Johannes Cazzianer Nicholaus Turianus Johannes Hardecus Leonardus Velsâ—â—s Hector Ramsack with divers others all men of great Experience and Valour and daring Resolution yet was the City but badly defended with a Brick Wall without Grafts or Flankers the Ditch altogether dry and although at that time there were found 400 Pieces of Ordnance yet they could find means to mount no more then a 100 notwithstanding the Citizens and Soldiers used all diligence in raising Rampires and Barocading the Gates unless those they reserved to Sally at and by the Command of the Governour every man was assigned his Quarter keeping strict Watch upon the Walls to prevent the Enemies approach for that the Bulwarks were not of Considerable strength The Count of Salma and the Lord Regendorf walking hourly from one place to another to see all things put in a posture of defence the Citizens laboured continually in strengthening the Fortifications and raising Batteries whereon to plant such Pieces as lay useless for want of where to mount them they made likewise divers Fire-works and continually kept Coppers of Tar Pitch Rosin Oyl and scalding Water in a readiness to pour upon the Enemy by that means to prevent their Scaling the Walls every one from the greatest to the least expressing a Cheerfulness for the defence of this place the Metropolis of Austria and chief Hope of the German Empire which the Turks conceived so Considerable that they doubted not but it won all Austria Stiria and Corinthia would be soon at their Devotion The City by this time strengthened and provided of many necessary for a strenuous Defence Messengeres were sent to Count Fredrick to draw near with his Army the more to terrifie and amaze the Enemy whose numerous Camp could not long subsist if supplies of Provision were cut off upon the Arrival of the Messenger the Count highly approved of the Resolution of the besieged and declared he would be always at hand and omit no Indeavours to succour them admonishing the Messenger to remember him to his fellow Soldiers and in his Name intreat them to play the Men for the defence of the Christian Religion and Glory of the German Nation whose Ruin the Infidels sought and so with several presents he dismissed the Messenger who returning related what he had in Charge Whereupon the Lord Regendorf assembled all the chief Commanders and principal Citizens and with an undaunted Courage made this short Oration Christians and fellow Soldiers the time is now come wherein we are to fight under the Banner of our Lord Jesus Christ whom these barbarous Nations have defied let us then shew forth our Courage to the utmost even in the Mouth of Slaughter let not Death nor Danger terrifie us since we fight in a good Cause even for our Religion our Lives our Wives Children and all that we hold dear for what it can
of the Christians in this bloody fight died about seven thousand five hundred sixty six the chief of which were John and Bernardinus of the Honourable family of Cordona in Spain Horatio Caraffa and Ferantes Bisballus Virginius and Horatius Noble Romans of the Venetian Nobility were flain Augustinus Barbadicus Benedictus Superantius Vincentius Quirinus Johanes Lauritanus Marinus Contarenus Catharinus Malepetra Georgius Andreas Barbadicus Marcus Antonius Laudus Franciscus Bonus Hieronimus Contarenus Antonius Paschaligus and Hieron Venerius all of the Order of the Senators besides divers other Honourable Gentlemen well deserving to be inrolled in the Records of Fame There were likewise many of note wounded and amongst the rest Venerius the Venetian Admiral by a small shot that passed through his foot This great and welcom victory published in the City of Venice caused such a General joy as the like was never till that time nor only did the Venetians alone rejoyce but likewise all Christian Nations for in this fight the Turks lost so many substantial Gallyes able Commanders Seamen that to this day that loss hath been a weakning to that so mighty Empire and such was the Griefe conceived by Selymus thereat that he retired himself for certain days not permitting any to speak with him and then in his fury passed a Decree for Massacring all the Christians within his Dominions which bloody and barbarous Edict had been put in Execution had not Muhamat the chief Bassa by many perswasions averted his wicked purpose yet that his loss might seem the less he dissembled it as well as he could giving strict orders for the speedy building of new Gallies to supply the place of those that were lost which he had the more leasure to do by reason that after this so signal a victory the Christian Fleet separated with a resolution to meet again the next spring at Coreyra yet the Venetians not satisfied for the loss of Cyprus spoiled the Turks Frontiers winning strong holds and amongst the rest the strong Town of Suppoto formerly taken from them which caused Selimus to put to Sea all the Gallies he had appointing Vluzales a Renegado Christian but now turned Turk Admiral in the room of Haly Bassa slain in the battel of Lepanto of which the Venetian Admiral having notice sent to Don John to come to his Aid but he bearing a grudge against the Venetians for hanging up one of his Mutinous Captains stood a long time in doubt whether he should send any of his Gallies to his assistance or not but at length being by his Captains perswaded that his honour would suffer if through his neglect the Christan cause should be prejudiced he sent Lilly of Andradu with twenty two Galleys to joyn with the Venetian Fleet then lying before Corcyra nor was the Pope slow in sending his Galleys insomuch that the whole Fleet consisted of 155 Galleys 6 Galliasses and twenty ships of war nor was the Turks inferiour in number lying about Maluasia in the entrance of the Bay called Sinus Argolicus of which the Venetian Admiral having notice resolved to give them battle what ever happened but the wary Pirate Vluzales could not be drawnthereto having before to his cost tryed the courage of the Christians lying still in the bay hoping thereby to gain some advantage without which he resolved not to fight but finding the Christians every day ready to charge him as he lay he for his better security found means to sail to Corona upon which the Christian Fleet retired to Cerigo not finding any opportunity of giving the enemy battle Whilst matters went thus Don John sent a Frigate to advertise the Venetian Admiral that he was arrived at Corcyra commanding him to meet him at Zacynthus there to consult about the carrying on the war but when they came thither the General not regarding his word delayed to meet them which did not a little trouble the Venetians but not staying there they sailed to Cocyra where joyning the ships newly sent to their Aid by several Christian Princes they resolved to seek out the Enemy and if possible to oblige him to fight whereupon they loosed Anchor and for the most part sailed by night thinking by that means to oppress the Enemy e'r he was provided to defend himself but this purpose being discovered by some of the Turks Scouts the Christians were prevented in their undertaking yet so resolute was the Venetian Admiral that he pressed the other Generals to enter the Bay and give them Battle even in the mouth of the Harbour but this his resolution though it had past doubt proved successful had it been put in execution was opposed by the Spanish General and Columnius the Popes Admiral as not seasonable but altogether dangerous even to the hazarding the Christian Fleet which as they alledge was the Bullwark of Christendom yet lying before Nauarinum they resolved to besiege the Castle of Modon both by Sea and Land which Castle lying in mouth of the Bay defended the Turks Fleet whereupon Sailing before it they landed seven thousand of their most resolute Soldiers and at the same time appointed several of the Galleasses and Gallies to batter it with their Great Ordnance the which more advantagiously to effect they joyned two Galleys together with Masts Ropes and other tackling in the nature of a floating battery on which they planted Baskets of Earth and several Pieces of Great Ordnance but being overcharged with too great a weight they became useless by reason of the abundance of water that entred them and at the same time having notice that a considerable number of Turkish horsemen had entered by night into the Castle they thought good to give over the siege which made the Turks so adventurous as to send several of their Galleys out of the Bay to seize upon a great ship of the Venetians that was coming from Zacynthus with provision for the Fleet but they were soon obliged to retire which all of them did in safety except Mahomet Nephew to Barbarussa the famous Pirate who to get him a name stayed on purpose to dare the Christians but being Grapled by the Marquess of St. Crux after a fierce Engagement he with almost all his men were slain and the Galley taken in the sight of the Turks Fleet they not daring to come to his assistance after which the Christians besieged the strong Castle of Nauariâ—â—m antiently called Pylus the charge of which was by General consent of the great Commanders committed to Alexander Farnesius Prince of Parma whom the Venetians furnished with Munition and Victuals for the better performance of that service which he no sooner received but landing 2000 Italians 1000 Spaniards and five hundred Germans with twelve Pieces of Ordnance did batter the Castles incessantly but not encompassing it as he ought in the night time a Great number of Turks having made their way through a pathless Forrest entered at an unsuspected Port whilst those of the Garrison were skirmishing with the besiegers
and St. Martins with such fury that within a short time they fell into his hands the Imperialists at so great an odds not thinking it convenient to hazard a Battle to relief their besieged Friends and after doing other mischief in their Territories layed siege to the City of Rab scituate on the Southside of Danubius where the River dividing it self makes a most fertile Island called Schut about twelve German miles from Vienna in which Island lay the Christian Camp This City was defended by a Garrison of Five Thousand Men under the Command of Count Hardeck a more valiant then at this time faithful Friend for when every one supposed the City impregnable and that the Turks for many dayes had without intermission battered it with Sixty pieces of Cannon and made several unsuccessful assaults with the loss of Fourteen Thousand of their men the said Count contrary to the minds of his Commanders and Souldiers capitulated with the Bassa and in consideration of his departing with all his Treasure delivered that strong piece in his hands For which upon his arrival at Vienna he by the judgement of Sixty of his Peers had his Head and his right Hand stricken off it being proved against him that he in leiw of the surrender had of the Bassa received two bags of Ducats During the siege of Rab the Christians in the Island of Schut received a great loss for Ten Thousand Turks and Tartars getting over in Boats or swimming upon their Horses came so suddainly upon their Camp that having slain Two Thousand of them and put the rest into a great consternation they entered their Trenches and carryed thence a booty valued at Five Hundred Thousand Ducats which loss for a while after sore weakned the Christians Nor were the Turks onely busie in spoiling Hungary but Italy also for with a great Fleet under the leading of Ciala Bassa Amuraths Admiral they surprized Rhegium in Calabria and utterly razed it after which they spoiled all the Countrey about it as likewise the Sea Coasts of Italy in many other places taking several Ships richly laden in the sight of the Garrison of Messina and carrying away a great number of poor people into miserable Captivity Sinan Bassa having by this time received new supplies and repaired Rab putting therein a strong Garrison marched to Comara before which he incamped but upon the approach of Matthias the Arch-Duke with a puissant Army of Germans Bohemians and Hungarians to relieve it he raised his siege not thinking it safe at that time to hazard a Battle and by a Bridge of Boats Transported his Army over Danubius to Dolis where he the following day dismissed them upon which the Arch-Duke without any hinderance coming to Comara caused the breaches to be Repaired and then leaving it to the protection of the Governour viz. The Lord Bruun who had faithfully defended it he departed to take a view of the other Cities About this time Sigismund Prince of Transilvania weary of the grievous exaction and injuries they sustained at the hands of the Turks resolved to cast off their servile yoak which being known to certain of the Nobility pensioners to Amurath they secretly advertized him of the Princes purpose promising to send him in Chains to Constantinople and with the Turks good liking to set up one Balthazor Bator the Princes nigh Kinsman in his stend but the Treason being discovered most of the Traitors were taken and executed upon which the Tarâ—ars to the number of Forty Thousand brake into Transilvania burning and destroying all before them in a fearful manner which obliged the Prince to raise the whole power of his Countrey and to crave aid of the Rascians and other his Neighbours giving freely to his Subjects and Confederates what ever they could take from the Turks who in their first interprize were so successful that they surprized seven of the Turks Gallies laden with Provision Rich Merchandize and store of Treasure and missed but narrowly of the eighth which was the Admiral which loss was so great to the Turks Sinan Bassa upon notice of what had happened is reported to have said that if those Gallies had come to him in safety he could with the Treasure have bought Vienna as he had done Raâ—b after which the Transilvanians hightened with this success marched towards Temeswar but hearing that the Tartars were about to return they retired for the defence of their own Countrey yet by this time headed by their Prince they took many strong Holds from the Turks and still following their returning Army in the rear cut many Thousands of them short and by his example soon after the Valachians and Moldavians rose up in Armes against Amurath and Confederated themselves with the Transilvanian Prince who with one consent sent to Rodolphus the Emperour to make a League with him against the common Enemy which was accordingly concluded very Honourable to the Confederates which made Amurath begin to doubt his safety even in Constantinople and much more when they with their victorious Armies overrun his Countries on every side for grief of which and the disorderly tumults he found amongst his Janizaries and his other Souldiers of the Court he fell Sick when greatly afflicted with the Stone and Falling Sickness his wonted Disease as a man both in Soul and Body tormented he with great Impatiency and Agony of mind gave up the Ghost departing this Life on the Eighteenth of January Anno Domini 1595. When he had lived One and Fifty years or as some say Two and Fifty years and thereof Reigned Nineteen years At the time of whose Death arose so Terrible a Tempest at Constantinople that many thought the world should have presently been dissolved his dead Body within a while after was with all Funeral Solemnities used amongst the Turks buryed by the Body of Mahomet his Eldest Son in the Moschie which himself had builded near unto his Palace CHAP. XVII The Life of Mahomet Third of that Name seventh Emperor of the Turks A Murath being dead his death to prevent tumults was kept secret till such time that Mahomet his Eldest Son then living came from Amasia to Constantinople where contrary to the mind of the Janizaries who generally affected Amurath his younger brother he was saluted Exmperour when by a wile getting his Ten Brethren into his power he caused them to be strangled nay so far extended his barbarity that at his Commandement ten of his Fathers Wives and Concubines whom he suspected to be with Child were drowned in the Sea one of which number as some affirm was his own Mother These violent proceedings made the great Commanders envy him and the better to wreck their spleen secretly to stir up the Janizaries who committed for the space of several days such disorders that the like in no Interregnum had happened and great had the disorder been even to outraging the Emperour himself had not the Bassa Governour of the City causedall the great Ordinance to be bent
Christian Ministers residing at the Port and salve up the wounds his honour received by the disgrace The Emperor of Germany resolving on a War with the Turks after great preparation was obstructed and obliged to come to a dishonourable treaty by reason of an accident that happened at Rome occasioning a wide breach between the Pope and the French King to the indangering of Christendom which was thus the French Ambassadors Coach passing the streets of Rome was assaulted by the Corsi Natives of the Island of Corsica which are retained as the Popes guard the page killed in the boot and the Ambassadors Lady wounded but upon what instigation remains doubtful yet the King took it so heinously that he resolved to War upon the Popes Territories in Italy which discord did not a little rejoyce the Turks who imputed it the merit of â—â—eir Prayers as indeed they do all other divisions amongst the Christians The Treaty of Peace by reason of the divisions aforesaid having continued between the two Empires without coming to any result about the beginning of the year 1663 great forces were levyed on either side and all hopes of peace vanished insomuch that the Turks squaring out the platform of the War on their part resolved to recover the places they sometimes held in Hungary but more especially Rab and Komora and thereupon with a great Army passed the Danube over a Bridg of Boats upon whom the Governour of Newheusel sallied with eight thousand men though contrary to the advice of his Council with which in the night he entered their Camp and made a great slaughter but the gross of the Army having passed the River and taken the alarum Cressent-wise closing the horns at the back of the Christians made of them a miserable slaughter who notwithstanding sold their lives at a dear rate falling upon heaps of the Enemy till at last tired with slaughter those that remained alive yielded themselves Prisoners and were notwithstanding contrary to the Law of Arms by the Visiers command barbarously murthered In this disaster the Governour hardly escaped and in his return was but coldly received for that he by his rashness had exposed the lives of so many brave Soldiers to the cruel Swords of their barbarous Enemies but this cruelty was soon after revenged upon the Turks in like manner by Count Serini This fatal loss sounded harsh in the Emperours ears and obliged Forcatz Governour of Newheusel to send to Monticuculi Governour of Rab to advise him of his evil success and that if a re-inforcement was not speedily sent the place must of necessity fall into the hands of the Enemy whereupon one thousand select Souldiers were drawn out of Rab and sent thither but scarcely were they entered before the Turk set down before it and summoned the Governour to surrender but upon his refusing on the 14th of August they prepared for a General storm In order to which about break of day Faggots and Rubbish were brought to fill up the ditch and scaling Ladders to ascend the Walls but although they were many in number and the assault made with all imaginable vigor yet they were received by the defendants with that courage and gallantry that the Trenches were filled with their Carkasses and at length obliged to retreat with the loss of six thousand of their men The siege still continuing the Turks angry and inflamed with the disgrace of their late foil endeavoured to redeem their honour by a second attempt filling up the Ditches as before and furiously attacked the outworks but was so miserably rent with the Flankers that they were forced to fall of with more loss and confusion then before which so incensed the Visier that drawing and part of his Army to which he joyned some Companies of Tartars he sent them over the River Waag to Forage the Countries of Austria and Moravia which they did after having defeated the German foâ—… that few in number were appointed to guard the frontires in such a manner as the like desolation had never happened in those parts running even to the Walls of Vienna with Fire and Sword which put that City into a great consternation and caused the Emperour to remove to Lintz yet for all this imminent danger the Diet brought nothing to perfection in order to the inabling the Emperour to raise more Forces but rather spent the time in cavilling at little niceties during which Newheusel upon their Magazine of Powder accidentally taking Fire surrendred upon Articles honourable to the besieged The Turks heightened with their success layed siege to Levents which after many threats and fair promises was put into their possession by the Inhabitants which so overjoyed the Turks that feasted they for several dayes and then marched to Schinta the Magazine of the Emperours Arms and Artillery which they assaulted but with great loss were beaten off and forced to raise their siege yet passing on they took Novigrode a strong Castle scituate upon a Rock and Garrisoned with six hundred Souldiers provided with all necessaries that might have incouraged them to a resolute defence and not upon such easie terms have surrendered a place of such strength Winter approaching the Grand Visier with part of his Army marched back to Belgrade there to qâ—arter till the Spring ordering a flying Army of 〈◊〉 thousand Turks and Tartars under the leading of the Bassa of Temeswar to pass into Stira and Crotia the Countries of Count Serini who was about that time returned out of Hungary and there to sill all places with desolation of which the heroick Count having notice resolved they should not want a welcome and therefore raising such Forces which were not above six hundred and with this handful betook himself to the banks of the River Muer to give a stop if possible to the passage of the Enemy placing Centinels in all places where the River was fordable yet two thousand Turks passed undiscerned upon whom he set with such undaunted courage that he soon put them to flight who in seeking to repass the River and missing the place they passed at and pressed by the Count they threw themselves headlong into the depths and there mostly perished which the Turks on the further bank perceiving were so amazed at the stupendious valour of Serini that their courage failing them they desisted from any further attempt upon his Countries Yet the Count not satisfied raised against the Spring viz. 1664. a considerable power and marched into the Turks Territories destroying all before him taking many important places and burning a bridge made over the Fenns six or seven miles in length which cost the Turks six hundred thousand Dollars in building and six years labour he likewise took Quinque Ecclesiae and following the course of his victory taking in many small Towns and Castles in his way he came before Sigeth a Fortress of the Turks consisting of the new and old Town joyned by a bridge cross a famous marsh and fell into the hands of the
the Christian cause who in order thereto raised seven or eight thousand foot under the command of the Duke of Beaufort near Kinsman to the King the Duke of Navailles the Marescaâ—s Lambert and Colebert with many others of note who were desirous to signalize their vallour in the Field of Fame who imbarquing on the Ships for that purpose prepared at Toulon arrived before the City of Candia on the 19th of July where fourteen Venetian carnals laden with horse attended their coming on which they were mounted and now began the hopes of the besieâ—â—â— to rise high and the Turks although within thâ— City in a manner to despair nor were the French slow in entering the City for the night of the same day they arrived the Duke of Navailles with the Regiment of old Souldiers Mounted the guard on the Fort of St. Andrea the place of greatest danger and the next day a council of War was called wherein it was concluded that the Town was not Tenable or to be long maintained without some extraordinary Enterprize attempted on the Enemy and by some furious sally performed with resolution and stratagems of War in order unto which it was resolved that the 27th should be the day for sally both with Horse and Foot an the Fleet not to lose their part in this action but should play their great Guns on that side next St. Andrea making as it were a Wing to the Army The Sally agreed on the Army was drawn up in four Battalions the first called the Admirals commanded by the Sieurs Martel Vander and Grauier the second was the Vice-Admirals commanded by the Sieurs deâ—la-Mothe and Planta the third was the Rear-Admirals under the command of the Chevaliers Bovillion Gabaret and Dailly the fourth was the Battalion of the Sieur d' Almeras commanded under him by the Siâ—urs Panetire de la-Rogne Fontier Bitault and the Chevalier de Nemond On the Left hand of these â—â—re the Guards of the Duke of Beaufort himself though thereto perswaded by all the Nobility not refraâ—ing to make one in the Enterprize who after he had given order for the Fleet to accoast the shoar on the side of St. Andrea as near as coâ—iâ—sted with their security and from thence with their great Guns to play upon their Enemies Camp he resolved to fight at the head of the Forlorn hope consisting of Four Hundred Men preceded by Fifty Granadeers flanked with Three Troops of Horse Commanded by Count Dampire and the Regiment of Guards with Four Troops of Horse for their Wing flanked with Three Regiments of Foot The reference consisted of the Regiments of Harcourt Conti Lignieâ—es Rosan Mont-Pesat and Vendosme flanked with Four Troops of Horse under the Command of Count Choiseul which placed themselves on a rising-ground to hinder all communications between the Visier whose Camp was before St. Andrea and the Janizaries Aga who was Incamped before Sabiâ—â—era between the first and second Line were placed Fifty of the Kings Musquentiers to be assistant on occasion and the other Troops of Horse were to take the left hand along the Trenches leading to the Sabionera The Regiment of â—â—oâ—peyrâ—â—x was appointed to mount the Guard of St. Demetrius to second the retreat if occasion required it in like manner Five Hundred Pioneers were ordered to level the Trenches of the Enemy on the quarter of St. Andrea whilst the Body of the Turks Army was imployed in repulsing the violence of the Sally All things being in a readiness the French about Two hours before day in the secretest manner imaginable sallied at St. Georges Gate the Signal to fall on being the springing of the Royal Mine which through the Dampness of the Powder or the timerousness of the Enginiere took not effect the General impatient of delay not staying for the onset of the forlorn-hope which lay within half Musquet shot of the Enemy assaulted two redoubts took them and put all he found in them to the Sword with the like courage the other Regiments entered the Line and after much blood and slaughter made themselves Masters of the Trenches storming a Fort on which was a Battery directed against St. Demetrio possessed themselves of it 〈…〉 up all the Cannon found therein at what time day appearing discovered the bloody Scene which caused the Turks to hasten from the Hills near New Candia in great number to regain their Trenches whereupon the Duke D' Navailles perceiving his forlorn hardly beset came in with Two Troops of Horse and two Regiments of Foot who with great slaughter beat the Turks out of their Trenches following the Execution even to the heart of their Camp but whilst fortune seemed thus to favour the Christians an unhappy accident fell out which quite turned the scale of Victory for a Magazine of Powder containing One Hundred Thirty Four Kintals being won from the Turks and possessed by the Christians accidentally or as some suppose by lighted Matches purposely dropped into it upon its surrender blew up with such a terrible noise that it not only destroyed most of the Battalian of Guards but terrified the rest of the Army by making the Earth as with a violent Earthquake tremble under them that they verily believing a great number of Mines were springing under them opened in great confusion to the right and left and in the end notwithstanding the endeavours of the Commanders to restrain them the Souldiers betook themselves to open and shameful Flight nor could they be perswaded to rallie or once more face the Enemy but in great disorder re-entered the City The Duke of Beaufort is said to have laboured much in resisting the shameful flight of his Men and ventering his Person into danger from whence he resolved never ingloriously to retreat was oppressed by Numbers and fighting couragiously amongst the thickest of his Enemies expired on the heaps but by reason his Body though much sought after could not be found many conjectured him to have perished by the fatal blow of Powder which so frighted and disordered the Christian Army nor had the French Fleet much better success for being driven from shoar by a strong Wind they little or nothing indamaged the Turks but received considerable dammage for a great Ship of Sixty Brass Guns blew up in which Two Hundred Ninety Two perished and her shot passing through the Admiral killed several on board and indamaged other Ships by the fall of her Timber and Splinters The Loss the Turks sustained is uncertain but however according to their own report Eight Thousand are said to fall in the Trenches Forts and Redoubts the loss amongst the French consisted mostly in their Nobility and Officers of note a fate incident to that Nation the chief of which were the Duke of Beaufort Count Rosan the Marquess D' Fabert the Chevalier Villereceaux and the Chevalier D' Quelas with about Twenty others all Commanders and a Thousand common Souldiers many of note were likewise wounded the Prisoners taken exceeded not Seven or Eight
Officers intimated to Sir John Finch His Majesty of Great Britains Embassador that he might if he pleased receive Audience of the Visier but upon notice what had happened to the French Embassador he excused his going on pretence of an indisposition of body But however Venetian Dutch and Genoan Residents were content the better to curry favour with the Visier to be admitted to Audience on those terms which the Visier would vouchsafe to allow them for though during the time he was Chimacam as is aforesaid he was meek and humble yet being placed in the highest dignity next the Sultan the unexpected Exaltation made him so far forget himself that his pride knew no bounds These things happening and no hopes of accomodation with Poles who by this time had Elected Sobieski for their King great preparations were made for the carrying on that War The Tartar Han in order thereto receiving express command to take the Field which early in the Spring he did and entering Lithuania committed many outrages but being incountered by Sixteen Thousand Poles and Cossacks his Army was put to the rout and in great confusion obliged to repass the Neister leaving behind him all the booty which consisted mostly of People and Cattle during which the Bassa of Kemenitz with a great Body of Horse made an Inroad even to the Walls of Leopolis which caused the King to send his Queen and Children to Cracow resolving to give the Turks Battle and in order to strengthning his Forces summoned all the Polish Nobility to repair to his Standard putting himself and such Troops as he had between the City and the Enemy the better to alienate the fears of the people who upon the approach of the Turks who burnt up all before them had fled and left the City desolate had not the Gates been closed upon them The Turks perceiving the great preparations that were making against them thought fit with such booty as they had gotten to retire into Vckrania but in their retreat were charged by the King with such bravery that Seven Thousand of them were killed and a great number of Captives rescued to their unspeakable joy They finding the Turks were resolutely bent to carry on the War and that the Kingdom was greatly weakned by the Provinces they had already rent from it the better to strengthen himself by Alliance by the Advice of the Senate sent his Embassador to the Court of the Czar of Moscovy to solicite Aid against the common Enemy who upon his arrival was received with great expression of Joy and due Ceremony being dayly heightened with fair promises to expect great matters but in the end nothing worth mention came on it yet it so wrought upon the Turks that for the better preservation of what they had already required the Visier began to be intent on peace but his propositions were so unreasonable that the Poles generously refused them and early in the Spring prepared to take the Field with a puissant Army yet could not so soon draw them together but that the Tartars living on the Frontires joyning with some revolted Cossacks committed divers out-rages burning about Two Hundred Villages carrying away a great number of Christians into miserable captivity whilst Podolia groaned under the oppression of the Turks who now turned their clemency into rigour killing and carrying away great numbers of these distressed people burning their Houses and robbing them of the small matter they had left in such a manner that that fruitful Countrey was layd almost desolate to oppose which Torrent the King drew out his Forces and by fair promises and large gifts procured Threâ— Thousand Cossacks to joyn him when passing thâ— Neister and falling upon the Straglers as they at pleasure were ravaging the Countrey expecting no such matter and killed Five Thousand amongst whom fell One Bassa and Two Sanziacks but upon notice the Tartars in great number was entered the heart of Poland leaving some of his Troops under the Command of Witnowitzki his Lieutenant General he posted to oppose them but upon notice they were Forty Thousand lead by Expert Turkish Commanders he drew near to Leopolis to encourage that City which otherwise terrified at the approach of so great an Army might have been deserted when finding the Tartars made divers halts having put a Garrison into the City and given such necessary orders as he thought convenient he marched towards them and having notice by his Scouts that they approached he commanded his Army to extend large in Front and the Wings of Horse to lie off that they might seem more in number than they were he resolutely descended from a small Hill into the Plain and after having thrice proclaimed the Name of Jesus at the Head of his Troop fell like an unexpected Tempest upon the Infidels insomuch that the Front of their Army was overthrown before the Rear could come up to their assistance which putting them into a great confusion when perceiving the reserves advance to charge them in the flank and supposing the whole power of the Kingdom at hand by reason of great shout from the Hills made by the Rustick set there for that purpose they first gave back and in the end betook themselves to plain flight casting away many of their Arms and Baggage to make the swifter retreat upon whom the Polonian Horsemen followed hard making great slaughter of them for the space of Twelve Miles but night coming on to prevent the pursuers from falling into any ambush that might for that purpose be layed the King caused the retreat to be sounded and returning to the City Victorious he was received with all expressions of joy and the next day commanded a publick Thanksgiving for the Victory so miraculously obtained In this Battle Ninety Thousand Tartars Turks Moldavians and Valachians were slain Seven Hundred taken Prisoners and a great booty recovered of the Poles fell only Seven Hundred their whole Force not exceeding Six Thousand The reasons were gathered from some of the Prisoners why the Tartars c. were so suddenly discouraged were two first for that about ten in the Morning of the same day making a Halt abundance of Snow and Hail fell upon their Army and round about them none was seen to fall which they took as a bad Omen Secondly that when they perceived the large Front of the Polish Army which extended near a Mile they verily believed it to be the fore-runner of the Forces of the whole Kingdom which they had heard were in Arms and therefore having so far advanced into the Countrey and left many Enemies at their backs they feared to be inclosed which occasioned their hasty and disorderly retreat These reiterated Losses and the desire the Grand Signior had to possess himself of the rest of Hungary whose divisions gave him a prospect of reducing it to his Obedience made him more willingly hearken to the proposals of the Polish Embassador so that in the end upon much the same Articles as those
to demolish it which was accordingly done During these Transactions his Imperial Majesties Embassador at the Port was flattered with a promise of renewing the League between the two Empires and conducted to his Audience with the usual Ceremonies which was only to protract time till the Turks had possessed themselves of such strong places as might render them formidable and give them hopes of annexing all Hungary to the Ottoman Empire but the German Princes perceiving their drift sent several of their own Troops to reinforce the Imperial Army under the Command of Count Caprara with whom the Count Strosoldo refusing to joyn in order to give the Turks Battle near Lewentz fell into the Emperors high displeasure being sent for to Vienna and for a while is suspended but upon his submission was again restored to favour Winter approaching Count Teckely sent Four Hussars to Count Caprara to procure of him a pasport for the safe passage of such Deputies as he intended to send to the Emperor to treat of a Truce which Hussars were by the Counts express Command Imprisoned till such time his Imperial Majesties pleasure was known therein but in the end they were released and the Deputies permitted to pass uncontrouled when after many debates a Truce was concluded for two Moneths whereupon Count Teokley by reason of the Difference between him and the Prince of Transylvania retired with the greatest part of his Troop to a strong place which together with some others in dowrie with the Princess Ragotski whom this year he had married The Turks for the most part Wintered in Temeswar Buda and New Hausel and the Imperialists on the Frontires of Austria and so ended the Campaign for this year Anno 1683. Early in the Spring the Imperialists and Turks taking the Field and several skirmishes happening between parties with various success The Count Wallastain his Imperial Majesties Minister residing in the Polonian Court dealt so effectually with that King that he resolving no longer to sit still and see the Infidels and Rebels insult over his Neighbouring Countries on the second of April pursuant to a treaty on foot signed an alliance with the Emperor by which he obliges himself to take the Field with between Thirty and Forty Thousand Horse and Foot to act offensively against the Turks and defensively against all other enemies to the German Empire in consideration of which the Emperor binds himself to have an Army of Sixty Thousand Men in readyness upon all occasions immediately to pay Twelve Hundred Thousand Florins and that himself and the Queen Dowager of Poland disclaim all Pretensions to the Crown of Poland and that neither Potentate enter into a treaty with the Turks tending to Peace but with a joynt approbation And that both Armies act separate unless Cracow or Vienna be besieged and then with United Forces to fall upon the Enemy into which Alliance it is expected the Czar of Muscovy will shortly enter to revenge the outrages done him by the Turks and Tartars who since the late Divisions have made divers incursions into his Countries This Alliance made known to the Grand Seigniour greatly perplexed him insomuch that he sent orders to all the Bassa's Begs or Sanzacks of Europe to raise what Forces they could to attend him in the Field himself resolving instantly to march to Belgrade whither the Great Visier with an Army of 60000 Horse and Foot marched before to joyn with the Tartars under the leading of Tartar Han or Cham and then to cover such places as Count Teckely who now seems jealous of the Turks shall besiege The better to take measures for the carrying on the War his Imperial Majesty on the 8th of April called a Council of War at Vienna where it was concluded that the Duke of Lorrain should be Generalissimus of all the Forces on that side and the measures concluded on were these that the Imperial Army the third of May should muster near Presburg to the number of 40000 men That General Schutz shall with 7000 men joyn with 6000 Polish Horse already on their march under the command of the Prince Lubomerski and that the Hungarian troops in conjunction with those making a body of 25000 men act in the upper Hungary and another body of 6000 Incamp near Leopaâ—stadt on the Waag and in case they find the Turks have a design upon that place to put themselves into it and besides these 10 or 12000 men to be posted on the confines of Moravia and Silesia to secure those Countries against the incursion of the Enemy This being the state of the Imperial Army designed against the Turks and Hungarian Rebels Count Teckâ—ey the better to secure himself and reinforce his Army sent out summons to the Nobility once more to be in Armes and as occasion served to oppose the Imperalists but most of them seemed unwilling to comply therein as abhorring to bear Armes against their Lawful Soveraign Whilst matters were thus carryed on that side the King of Sweeden has obliged himself to assist the Emperour with seven thousand Horse and Foot four thousand of which he intends to raise in Germany and the rest in his own Countries nor will the Elector of Bavaria who is in all likelihood shortly to marry the Emperors Daughter be wanting to send his Forces against the common Enemy The King of Poland the better to compleat the Quota he intends to summon the Arrearban of that Kingdom all the Nobility shewing a ready compliance to attend in the Wars his Army to the number of thirty thousand mustering near Leopol he advanced against the Turks who made divers incursions into his Territories on the Vkrain a party of whom advancing too far he cut off killing three hundred and taking a like number of Prisoners and following the success of his Arms he is preparing to besiege Caminieck a strong Fortress taken from the Poles by the Turks some years before and sent an Express to Count Teckley to inform him of the Alliance made with the Emperor and to let him know that unless he does immediately make Peace with his Imperial Majesty he shall be obliged to treat him as an Enemy These Menaces caused Teckley to draw up his Troops with great diligence and send immediately to the Visier of Buda for such Forces as by the Grand Signeours appointment were to joyn him that he might the better be able to defend himself till the gross of the Ottoman Army reported to consist of one hundred and fifty thousand men could arrive and immediately dispatched his Secretary to the Emperors Court to crave a truce but the proposals were so insignificant that he nothing prevailed For the Emperor in person having been at the Randezvous near Presburg in Hungaria was so well satisfied with the order of his men that he altogether contemned the Forces of the Enemy Yet to appear like himself he caused a general Pardon a third time to be published indemnifying all Hungarians and Germans that have been actually in
Poland with his own Troops and such Imperial Auxiliaries as seconded him having broken and quite disordered the left wing pierced even to the flank of the right which the Visier perceiving and finding his Forces two weak longer to maintain the field fled with the formost whilst the Confederate Princes followed making great slaughter having the execution of the enemy even till night came on at what time they prudently weighing that the Turks as their custom is might Rally returned to charge the Turkish Camp in which were left almost all the Janizaries but the King of Poland breaking in with great fury after a hot encounter possessed himself of it putting such as he found there to the sword whilst the like success had the Margrave of Baden who perceiving the Turks Army in rout entred the Trenches and Works of which assisted by the besieged who at the same time sallyed he soon became Master cutting in pieces the Turks that were left to continue the siege and possessed himself of all the Cannon Mortars Powder and Granado shells entering the same evening the almost ruined City which was by sixty dayes close siege brought to such distress that the most couragious doubted to defend it against another assault which the enemy was about to make had they not been prevented for in it at the time it was delivered no more then four thousand five hundred fighting men were found and all the works so ruined that it was left in a manner open to the approaches of the enemy the Cannon spoiled the powder spent and the store of Provision brought to its ultimate Crisis This so great and memorable victory obtained over the daring Infidels on the eleventh of October and the City Vienna intirely lest at liberty all that night the Christian Army stood in Battalia in the enemies Camp to prevent any surprize and the next morning the King of Poland to whom the greatest share of plunder fell found besides the Tent-Moveables and horse of Caera Mustapha the Prime Visier the value of a Million of Crowns the greatest part thereof being in ready money nor did any souldier want to furnish himself with something there were likewise found 80 pieces of Cannon besides those on the Batteries three thousand Quintals of Powder and Provision sufficient for the subsistance of the Turkish Army for three moneths and immediately thereupon the Polish horse were sent out to pursue the flying enemy who upon their return brought into the Camp many prisoners some Camels laden with Tents and Provision and two great pieces of Cannon the one drawn by sixty the other by eighty yoak of Oxen having likewise cut off a considerable number of such as Marched in the Rear and pursued them almost as far as Alba-Regalis so that in this Battle the Turks lost ten or eleven thousand of their best men and by the bloody flux and fire of the besieged thrice the number The City of Vienna thus freed with the loss of not above three hundred Christians on the twelfth of October his Imperial Majesty who had resided at Passaw to give necessary Orders in all great and weighty affairs came to Cuisier-Newburg whither the Count Staremberg and the chief Officers of the Garrison went to pay their duty and were received with great respect when on the fourteenth the Emperor came up the Danube in his Barge and arriving at the Port Royal was received at his landing by the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony attended by their Guards By the Count d' Staremberg most of the great Commanders Magistrates c. the Garrison Souldiers being posted on the Bastion as they were during the Siege the Burghers in Arms and all the Cannon round the Town thrice discharged where his Imperial Majesty passing on took a view of the Bastion and other works ruined during the Siege and the several Retrenchments the besieged had made within the Town and so went to St. Stephens Church where Te Deum was sung after which he went to the Arch Dukes Pallace his own being so much indamaged by the enemies Cannon that it was not capable of receiving him where he gave Publick Audience and in the evening the Duke of Loraine arrived and was by the Emperor received in a most obliging manner and had a long Conference with him relating to the present war at what time the King of Poland sent his under Chancelor in his name to congratulate his Arrival and presented him with the Ottoman Imperial Standard richly Imbroidered and set with precious Stones to a great value the which together with two horse-tailes the usual signals of war amongst the Turks he found in the Visiers Tent as likewise the original Copy of a Letter signed by divers Hungarian Lords wherein they congratulate the Visier upon the successeful progresse of his Arms and encouraged him to undertake the Siege of Vienna and withal the Vice-Chancelor had it in charge to invite his Imperial Majesty into his masters Camp The day following the Emperor left the City and went to visit the Army which was encamped about 2 miles from thence the two wings reaching towards Ebersdorf and Laxemborough when coming first to the Bavarian Troops the Elector at the head of them saluted him with his sword and having performed his complements accompanied him to the Polish Camp where the King had drawn up his Army in Battalia at the head of which attended by the Great Marshal and divers Senators of Poland he advanced to meet the Emperor each approached the other on horseback expressing all possible demonstration of Reciprocal love and friendship and after a short interview the Emperor took a view of the Polish Army and then returned to Vienna whereupon the King of Poland decamped and marched to Wischa and was followed by the Imperial Troops under the Leading of the Duke of Loraine accompanied with the Electors of Bavaria Saxony c. resolving to strip the Turk out of his Garrisons in Hungary and now the Emperor as a signal of his love and respect to Count Staremberg made him great master d' Camp and the Magistrates of Vienna attributing their preservation next Heaven to his courage and conduct in recompence of so great service made him a present of two thousand Ducates and by a Publick act under their seal freed his house for ever of all Taxations or other duties to the payment of which it before was lyable The Grand Visier by this time having considered and well weighed the greatnesse of his loss and the excessive expence his master had been at in Levying and maintaining so vast an Army the conduct of which himself had undertaken ' promising at his setting out no less then the subversion of Austria Croatia Silesia and Moravia and now defeated without acquiring any thing memorable he greatly fearing his head must pay the price of his presumption the better to cast the blame upon another and thereby frame a plausible excuse he in a great rage sent to strangle the Bassa of
Buda which was performed in his Tent the Visier laying to his charge that he had basely and Cowardly suffered the overthrow of those Forces he was conducting to the Camp and had not afterwards taken timely care to recrait his Forces nor send provision and other necessaries to the Camp This Bassa thus made away one Hamet Chellif was made Bassa in his stead but long enjoyed not his honour for at the fight at Barkan he with divers other Bassas was slain as in the sequel of this History will appear The Visier having notice that the Christian Army had entred Hungary with a resolution to set down before some important place and that the Generals had eye upon Gran and New-Hassel he collected his scattered Forces to the number of twenty five thousand encamping near the walls of Stoel-Weissenburg but not thinking himself safe there retired before the Christian Army which marched with all diligence to find him out but the King and Duke having notice that the lower Hungary was intirely ruined and left desolate they repassed the Danube near Comora with a resolution to possesse themselves of Barkan 〈◊〉 Garison of the Turks covering the Bridg of 〈◊〉 and Pest over against Buda the better to secure their winter Quarters in the upper Hungary which the Visier mistrusting had posted there a body of ten or twelve thousand Janizaries and Spahies or Timarii whilst himself marched to Alba-Regalis to be at hand to joyn them in case they should be attacked and caused another small body drawn out of the Garrisons to possess the banks of the River Gran to hinder the Christians passing over But this letted not the progress of their Arms for the King of Poland by swift marches advancing a German mile and a half before the Imperial Army coming near Barkan the Turks came out in small parties to skirmish with whom and to attack the Garrison the King caused his Dragoons to alight who after some dispute caused the enemy to retire but their retreat proved only a design to draw the Poles into their Ambush for whilst the King furiously pursued six thousand Janizaries passing undiscovered behind a hill charged the Kings Battle so strongly in the Flank that piercing the Array they put it into some disorder the horse notwithstanding the King was present breaking rank and giving ground yet wheeling off he soon brought them to recover their order and continued the fight bloody and doubtful when being seconded by foot the Turks were slain in great numbers and about to fly had they not been reinforced by two thousand horse brought on by the Bassa of Buda who in the first charge was himself flain yet they obstinately maintained the fight which making the King doubt that the Visier with a greater power was at hand as having no certain intelligence of his march he sent an express to the Duke of Loraine to let him know he was engaged and to desire him to advance with all convenient speed which he did but not with such celerity as was expected by reason he had a long defile to pass but upon the first approach of his Troops the Poles retired to avoid the confusion they were falling into but being reinforced by six Regiments of Imperial Dragoons they again returned in good order and every where put the Turks to the rout following the execution to the Bridge of Barkan over which a few made their escape but the Bridge once broken and all hope of flight cut off they resolutely threw themselves into the River and their perished so that of the whole body a very small number escaped the sword and drowning unless eight hundred that were taken Prisoners amongst whom was the Bassa of Silestria and the Bassas of Buda and Aleppo fell amongst the slain which were not computed less then ten thousand upon which defeat the Garrison surrendred upon discretion in which was found a rich booty containing part of the spoils of Austria Croatia and Moravia In this Battle fought on the 9 of October thirteen hundred Poles and one hundred Imperialists fell the King himself was much indangered by the enemies shot and Prince Alexander his son had his horse shot under him none of note being killed on the part of the Christians but Kirotski a Polish Palatine This second overthrow greatly discouraged the Visier who was advancing to joyne this body but upon the news of the defeat he in great perplexity retired to Belgrade there to expect new supplyes whilst the King and Duke after thanks for this unexpected Victory returned to Almighty God kept on their way to Gran beating the stragling partyes appointed to let their passage and on the 18 of October coming near the City sent out a commanded party to burn the Suburbs the which after a hot dispute which such Turks as sallyed to prevent it in part they performed and thereupon prepared formally to besiege that important Garrison which no doubt will fall into their hands And now Tekely finding the ottoman sword too feeble to maintain his usurped Title and support him in his Rebellion sent his deputies to the King of Poland earnestly to implore his mediation with the Emperor to pardon his past offences and accept of his future obedience but that king not finding him real in his intentions refused to meddle in that affair And thus much Reader have I thought fit for your satisfaction impartially to recount and conclude with my hearty prayers to Almighty God that as the Christian Arms have been of late successful so may they continue till the haughty Infidels by sad experience know that the crucified God whom they impiously contemn blaspheme and revile is not only able to deliver his people from their merciless cruelties but in his just displeasure to break in pieces their aspiring Monarchy with a Rod of Iron FINIS