draw from him more Presents and Weapons sending again the crafty Gomeda to exhort him upon faith given to come unto him but he could obtain nothing of the Drusian but good words onely yet at last Manogli was contented to send another Present to Ebrain on condition that he should cause him to depart out of those quarters and himself not to come to him with any further request so he gave him 50000 Duckats more 480 Harquebusses 1000 Goats 150 Cammels as many Buffs 1000 Oxen 200 Weathers Gomeda came to Ebrain with this rich Present declaring his promise not to molest the Drusian any more who sharply reproving him threatned to make him know what it was to take upon him so dangerous a liberty and in despite of them both would needs have Gomeda return to the Drusian with the same Message but Manogli was so moved at the very sight of Gomeda that he was about to dispatch him with a dart had not more dangerous effects stayd his fury yet he gave him reproachful words and deadly threats notwithstanding Gomeda so wrought with him that he sent four burdens more of Harquebusses 10 Swords and 10 guilt Daggers some silver Belts 10 Packs of Silk and some few pence causing him to protest never to be perswaded to come again to him for if he did he threatned to kill him hap what would Ebrain with exceeding joy received this Present rose with his Army and being conducted by 〈◊〉 Frec burnt Andera and in two dayes burnt and destroyed nine other of Manoglies Towns with fire and sword After all this he sent divers Messengers to Manogli to try if he would yet come but nothing could move him his constancy being rather increased to avoid a most certain death now the Bassa un erstanding by a spie that the Captain of Andera with 350 Souldiers was gone up a Hill for more security he sent Ebne Frec to tell him that since his Lord would not come unto him he should which if he would do he would in despite of Manogli make him a Sanzack of some of those places The 〈◊〉 and unheedy Macademo with his followers went with him causing his men to stay in a Valley two or three miles off but Ebrain would not so much as see him though in respect both of his nimble person and fierce looks he was worthy to be beheld commanding him to be kept apart from Serafadin and in the mean time trained his 350 followers by meanes of Ebne Frec into a Vineyard suddenly setting upon them and killing them every one Then he commanded the Macademo to be brought before him and flaid quick who stourly upbraided Ebrain of his promise and Oath and while they stripped him amongst other speeches he 〈◊〉 one though not seemly yet very reproachful unto Ebrain and to the Executioners he said It was their fortune indeed that with such needless deformity they were now able to take his life whereas none once durst Man to Man to have drawn one drop of blood from him no nor to have indured his countenance But they should proceed to fulfill the cruel Command of their Visier for in the end there would also light upon them the just reward of so villainous a fact So 3 great slashes were made on his back where they began to flea him he the while blaspheming their Religion cursing their King and false Prophet also but the Souldiers made other like gashes upon his breast and stomack and drawing the skin downward before it was brought to his navel he was with the extremity of pain dead after this he caused Serafadins 150 followers to be cruelly 〈◊〉 and most miserably wasting his Countrey and the while sent Post to Sidon where his Galleys lay that 〈◊〉 4000 Souldiers they should sack all those Countries along the Sea-Coast even as far as Caesaria sparing neither Age Sexe nor condition which was done 3000 souls 〈◊〉 away Captives and much rich Marchandize and the whole Countrey of Serafadin and Manogli laid utterly wast But Ebrain thinking what he had hitherto done would be little or nothing accompted of unless he in some sort provided for quieting those people under Turkish obedience nominated Ebne Carfus the richest and most obedient of the three Emirs to be Bassa of all those Regions yet not without a bribe of 100000 Duckats wherefore he apparelled him in Cloth of Gold gave him a 〈◊〉 Mace a Sword all guilt and the Kings Commission to whom he sware faith and obedience and so he returned to Damasco staying 12 dayes and by shameful shifts extorting monie from divers persons at last he turned towards Gazir and Barento places under Mansur's Government finding his Gallies in the Haven of Barento as he had commanded Ebrain had pitched his one Tent onely upon a Hill near the Sea under which base Tent himself onely shrouding he called Ebne Mansur pleasantly telling him 'T was now time to pay the 160000 Duckats which he owed his Lord for the Custom of Tripoli and Bareuto for he was now to return to Constantinople which he knew not how to do 〈◊〉 that was discharged he answered Ere long his Maccademoes would come with his money and then without delay make payment which Ebrain knowing to be but an excuse determined o thrust the debtor into his Gallies for lack of the debt but for fear of some insurrection he being in his own Territories and greatly beloved of Frec and Carsus he thought it better outwardly to shew him all good countenance and secretly and 〈◊〉 to take him prisoner so he told him that since he was next day to make a Road into Manoglies Country he prayed him to be his guid for which end when he should send for him at midnight that he would come to him very secretly because he would depart without any stir onely with 500 men The Drusian believing the matter and withall in hope thereby to find some way to escape his hands went to his Tent when called who presently charging him with many abominable and foul termes sent him into his Gallies with a Chain about his neck and Arms and took the spoil of all his Countrey a prey of Money Clothes of Silk and Gold as was marvellous to behold which being conveighed into his Gallies he sailed to Tripoli where he found Serafadin in the Custody of Veis and Ali and staying there a few dayes committed sundry villanous robberies he pursued Serafadin into the Gallies with all his Wealth and so departed to Constantinople where entring the Channel with 24 Gallies he was received by a great number of his friends and favourites and saluted with an honourable peal of Ordnance out of the Seraglio Minadoi who saw the presents which the ravenous Bassa gave the Turkish King reports the sum thereof to have been a million of Gold besides the yearly Revenue of Caire amounting to 600000 Duckats 60 most beautiful and rich garnished Horses of the Arabian Race a live Elephant 〈◊〉 a Beast like a Cammel
all the lesse Mahometan Princes who brought him great supplies and thinking himself strong enough for his Father in Law certified him That not being inferiour in power he did not fear him yet he could hearken to peace on reasonable tearms but if he had rather have war he should be ready to dare him battel when he came Amurath willed the Embassadour to tell him That he against faith having cruelly invaded him whilst busied against the misbelieving Christians from which he was by him withdrawn against their Prophets Law he would shortly take revenge therefore he was to expect nought but war willing him so to provide as not to be wanting to himself Wherefore Aladin with great perswasions and promises encouraged the Princes to this war who kissing the ground promised with Oaths never to forsake him but to do all that Princes desirous of honor ought to do Chairadin died in this preparation in whose stead Amurath appointed Alis his Son But he stayed in his journey towards Europe by urgent occasions he sent Post for him back again Aladin forecasting likely dangers sent another with reasonable conditions for Peace to Amurath who answered Perhaps he would have accepted them if one month before sent but seeing he had drawn him so far into the field to his infinite charge no end to be but wars chance and whereas he called me A heardsman c. in disgrace if he be not such a one himself let him meet me in the field c. The Embassadour replyed The King offered not this for fear but to save innocent blood which set apart he should find him not inferiour in number of expert Souldiers or other provision c. Amurath commanded him to depart in great rage willing his Master if of such courage to end all in the field not doubting but shortly to chastise him c. Three daies after Alis came to him whom he dearly loved relying much upon his Counsel The Embassadour leaving nothing untold that Amurath had said Aladin said to the Princes Amurath threatneth to take from us Iconium and Larenda but let him take heed we take not from him Prusa The Embassadour deeming him about 20000 strong Aladin rejoycing said Surely he wil not dare give us battel if he do it 's upon great disadvantage his men being fewer and wearied with travel Amurath holding on his way and daily encouraging his Souldiers with perswasions gifts and promises came to the great Plains of Caramania into which Aladin coming encamped within a daies march of him resting that night Amurath next morning put his Army in order appointing Jacup his youngest Son joyned with expert Captains in the right wing Bajazet c. in the left in which were the 1000 Servians himself in the main battel Temurtazes in the Vantguard the Sub-bassae of 〈◊〉 Achmetes in the rear Aladin set his men in like order that in all judgment he was not inferiour to Amurath These great enemies came on couragiously with displayed Ensigns and noise of Trumpets Drums c. very great But the sign given Sanagazes one of the Princes brake Temurtazes his ranks Teberruses also a Tartar and Varsacides another Prince shot arrows like hail upon the Vantguard which Bajazet seeing and leave obtained brake in on the enemy with such violence that he was surnamed Gilderun that is Lightning 〈◊〉 and Hozza with others following him with like courage there was a great space a dreadful and doubtful fight in which many thousands were on 〈◊〉 sides slain At 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Princes overmatched fled which Aladin seeing despairing of victory sped hastily to Iconium Most of the great spoyl Amurath giving to Temurtases and his Souldiers speedily marched to Iconium besieging Aladin and proclaiming no kind of violence to be done to any on pain of death that it might appear he warred against the Mahometan rather to propulse wrong than for soveraignty and spoyl which Lazarus his Christians among others transgressing they were exemplarily punished Aladin without hope of escape sent to his wife Amurath's daughter bewailing his estate and requesting her by all love te her miserable husband to adventure her self to crave pardon for his offence of her angry Father who attired as fittest for her husband's estate came falling down on her knees with wise words and distilling tears and would not be taken up till she had obtained grace who Amurath entirely loving her assured of her Father's promise sent to her husband to come out next day and humbly to acknowledge his fault before her Father who prostrating himself and acknowledging his undutifulnesse obtained for his wives sake pardon of life and restitution to his Kingdom with many great gifts Latin Historys report this was fought against Amurath's Grandfather by the Mother who 〈◊〉 great part of his Kingdom But the Turkish make Amurath Orchanes and Lulufers Son the daughtér of the Captain of Jarchiser Castle This victory was the true beginning of the Othoman Kingdoms greatness in Asia the other Selzuccian Princes submitting themselves to Amurath and after to Bajazet till great Tamerlain taking Bajazet restored the Princes to their old possessions Amurath took Despotopolis in his return in disbanding at Cutai and in triumph coming to Prusa Uaywod with his Servians returning home reported to Lazarus the Despot that wars sucees and in what cruel manner his men were used by Amurath's command With whom said he Thou hast causelesly made a most dishonourable peace by giving faith to such a miscreant sending thy subjects in recompence to be so butchered besides the shameful 〈◊〉 whereas in depth of wisdom thou shalt find thy self nothing inferiour to the Tyrant in warlike force for by our valour but a handful not his he got the victory I know he cannot bring into the field above 50000 fighting men admit 100000 Art not thou able to levie far more and tenfold better provided for all other warlike provision Besides the Christian Princes will send such aid that his Barbarian forces will be no hing to those thou shalt be able to bring into the field c. Lazarus was now so moved he determined to break the servile League and sent to the King of Bosna his neighbour chiefly to crave aid against their common enemy the Turk who answered It had been better that to have been thought of before the foul and disgraceful contract made c. But seeing things done could not be undone he promised to joyn with him And meeting at an appointed place concluded fully all Articles There was a Castle in Bosna's confines called Alexandria whose Christian Captain was the Turks 〈◊〉 He under colour of friendship went to Amurath secretly opening 〈◊〉 Kingdoms state and what the King intended 〈◊〉 him shewing probable means how it might be subjected by a convenient power and offering his own service He casting a rich garment on him a sure token of his favour appointed Lala Schahin to invade Bosna who joyning himself with this 〈◊〉 with 20000 men over-runing one side took
fleet at Ascalon for Jerusalem's relief sunk their Ships and marched to the Camp among whom were divers Engineers by whom a great moving Tower was made covered with raw hides to save it from fire which by night being brought to the wall they the next day the winde driving the Turks fire who thought to burn it into their own faces gained the top of the wall which being first footed by Godfrey and his Brother they pressed in like a violent River killing men women and children with a lamentable sight The better sort of Turks retiring into the Temple fought terribly many on both sides falling but the Christians fiercely breaking in the foremost were miserably slain the Turks also 〈◊〉 fighting in the midst of the Temple there were slain heapes both of victors and vanquished the pavement swimming with blood Then the Turks held the top of the Temple And the next day upon Proclamation of mercy to such as laid down weapons they yielded themselves Thus Jerusalem was recovered in 1099 having been in the Infidels hands above 400 years Eight daies after cleansing the City and giving thanks to God and the poor Christians welcomming with joy their victorious Brethren the Princes consulting of their King chose Robert Duke of Normandy who refusing Jerusalem upon news of his Fathers death in England William Rufus being in possession as it were lost both Kingdomes Godfrey of Bulloine a great Souldier being saluted King who said He would not wear a Crown of Gold where Christ wore a Crown of thorns but briefly certified these proceedings to Bohemud shewing Jerusalem's strength and situation and how he first gained part of the wall Baldwin opening the gates for entry of their great conflict in Solomon's Temple and that since he was saluted King of Jerusalem though against his will he would endeavour well to deserve of the universal faith And then joyned a most dreadful battle with the greatest multitude of Turks and Saracens all as one assembled at Ascalon for revenge killing a 100000 of them taking more spoile than in this whole expedition After this Victory some Princes returned to their Charges others with honour to their own Country But shortly after a great Pestilence ensuing Godfrey among the rest died July 18. 1100. Scarce reigning a full year generally lamented and honourably buried on mount Calvary in the Temple of Christ's Sepulchre In whose Room Baldwin of Edessa his brother was Crowned King in 1101. Who aided by Sea and Land took the Sea-City Cesarea-Stratonis overthrowing certain Companies at 〈◊〉 gladly and safely conducting to Jerusalem new westerne aides by Tyre and three other Cities holden by the enemies at which time the Christians were notably overthrown about Rama by the Turks aided by the Arabians and Aegyptians two Stephens Earles of Charters and Burgundy being slain the King hardly escaping who repairing his Army at Joppa speedily so overthrew his secure enemies that they had little cause to rejoyce in their Victory Tancred Prince of Galilee in the mean time taking the City Apamea and with much toyl Laodicea But Baldwin 〈◊〉 Governour of Edessa was at the siege of Carras thatwas upon yielding overthrown by the Persian Sultan Benedict a Bishop and 〈◊〉 his kinsman being taken with him who to the offence of the 2 Sultans after 5 years redeemed themselves from the Turk that took them King Baldwin who after this lived unmolested for a season suddenly raised a full strength and besieged Ptolemais or Acon in Phoenicia and was glad to raise his siege being after a long time brought to his end by a healed-up wound received in a skirmish at his return yet the next year Ptolemais by the encouragement of the Genua fleet was yielded to him on composition after 20 daies Tancred Livetenant Governour of Antioch soon after put to flight the invading Governour of Aleppo and others and the Caliph of Egypt was discomfited by the Christians at land and by tempest at Sea comming against Jerusalem Bohemud returning out of Italy with 40000 foot and 5000 horse as is reported toward Jerusalem spoiled in revenge of Alexius his injuries the Country about Dyrrhachium forcing the Emperour to promise by oath security and kindnesse to all travelling Souldiers and dying shortly at Antioch in 1108. Whose Principality his child Bohemud enjoyed under Tancreds 〈◊〉 Baldwin the King Apr. 23. 1111. wonn the City Berytus 〈◊〉 most to the sword and the same year Decemb. 19. Sidon was yielded to him through the assistance of a Norway fleet Tyre only of all the famous Sea-Cities from Laodicea to Ascalon remaining to the enemies the which Baldwin hardly besieged 4 months in vain Two years after Baldwin and Tancred who Bohemud dying Reigned in Antioch with the rest joyned a cruel battle with the Persian Sultans mighty Army under Mendus their General encamping on the Sea near Tyberias after some companies were by some flying skirmishers entrapped in ambush and rescued by other Christians who were by the Turks far exceeding in number put to flight and hardly followed with great slaughter The Ascalon Turks the mean while besieging Jerusalem weakly manned but news of the Kings coming and of Supplies out of the west made them having burnt store-houses of Corn and spoyled other things to retire home This King after many hard conflicts with Turks and Saracens won Pharamia a strong Sea City in Aegypt taking abundance of fish at the mouth of Nilus wherewith he feasted in the City And after dinner grieved with his old wound died near Laris in his return in 1118 Reigning 18 years and royally Sepulchred near his brother Godfrey Baldwin Brugensis of Edessa his Cousin was chosen and Crowned King of Jerusalem Apr. 2. 1118. a man of great courage tall stature and comely countenance Against whom the Caliph of Aegypt with the King of Aleppo raised a great power the same summer Baldwin also encamping in fight of his enemies both armies for fear of each other after 3 months facing retired without any notable action Alexius the Emperour died this year whose Son Calo Johannes his successour all his Reign worthily defended his territories in lesser Asia But Roger Prince of Antioch with more courage than discretion going forth against a great Army not far from Aleppo was slain with most of his Army the place being called the field of bloud Baldwin Aug. 14 1120 overthrowing the carelesse Turks with a great slaughter joyning Antioch principality to his own which Antiochians Baldwin their protecting Prince being far off were more subject to enemies inroads than before the King of Damasco entring with great power and doing harm thereabouts in 1122 who understanding Baldwins approach with a puissant Army retired out of the Countrey the King taking Garaze a new built strong Castle of the King of Damasco's which he raced to the ground Whilst this King wisely sent Embassadours to divers Christian Princes especially to the Uenetians for relief by Sea Balac the Persian Sultan with a great Army invaded about him
without his privity that he would be glad of their favour and friendship promising to aid them with all things in their wars against the Infidels Dandalus answered he would believe it when young Alexius should assure him of it and intreat for the people which Answer mooved the Tyrant to take him clean out of the way for the mutable people began to repent of what was done against the Emperour saying They must find means to remedy their fault with their troubles with his own hands villanously strangled him in prison bruiting abroad that the Prince despairing had hanged himself And fearing the Latines sword resolved to meet them in the field so arming the Cities whole strength with a cheerful countenance he encouraged his souldiers to defend their Country to have the Walls of the City where they were born before their eyes to pitty their Temples Wives and Children c. graceing his enterprise with a colour of devotion causing the Priests in their Ornaments to march with an Ensigne having in it the Virgin Mary's picture He first charged the Count of Flanders with a fierce and doubtfull battle but new supplyes every way coming in they with a great losse and their superstitious Ensigne were forced to retire into the City The City was besieged 72 daies by Sea and Land with the Latines rare agreement fresh men stil coming to the assault gave the besieged no rest day or night The Venetians on the haven side built a wooden Tower higher then the Walls and Rampiers on 2 fastned Galleys out of which in the assault they fired the City The French likewise on the Land side pressing on with fury and valour over deep ditches high strong Walls and Bulwarks gained the Angels Tower and opened a way for themselves and the rest into the City Alexius despairing of State and Life fled with Euphrosina and Eudocia her daughter whom he married after 1 month 16 daies reign The Tyrant fled and the Latines entring the Priests with their Ornaments Crosses and Banners met them beseeching them with floods of tears falling at their feet that as men Captains and Souldiers they would pity men Captains and Souldiers though not so fortunate as they to abstain from slaughter burning ransaking that they might have much more pleasure and profit in preserving than destroying the City it being their own That the elder Alexius and Marzufle had received a reward being exiled That they would pity a poore people often oppressed by tyrannous Governours That in so doing tbe Lord of Hosts would reward them c. Some of the better sort were moved with this humble submission but the Souldiers fell all to the spoyle without respect of injury to others abstaining from innocent blood every corner of the City being filled with mourning for so great outrages Nobles aged Men and wealthy Citizens being thrust out of all They broke into Pallaces and Temples where all was good prize Some Greek Historians eye witnesses thereof complaining of the Latines insolency to their eternall dishonour Thus Constantinople the famous seat of that Empire fell to the Latines April 12. 1204. or as others 1200. The Princes and great Commanders now considered what was best to do with the gained City and Empire thinking not good to rase a City so ancient important it overlooking Asia and Europe and so commodiously placed to keep under the Christians enemies but to place there a Latine Governour Lawes and Customs uniting it with the Church of Rome Some would have but one Emperour in Christendome and would choose Philip Germane Emperour whose Wife Irene was daughter and Heir of Isaac Angelus But all approved of this opinion as better to choose one among themselvs by whose personall presence which the Greek affaires needed the Latines might be alwaies aided in their wars against the Infidels The chief in this election were 9 Counts with the Marquesse of Montferrat and 5 Gentlemen of Venice to whom were joyned two Bishops of Syria with two of France and an Abbot These assembled in the Apostles Temple after they had craved God to inspire them in choosing a good and just Prince chose Baldwin Count of Flanders and Hainaule about 32 years old crowned by 〈◊〉 a Venetian first Latin Patriarch there May 16. 1204 or 1205. From which time the Greek Church received Rites of the Latines acknowledging Romes supremacy Not long after the Latines dividing their forces took in most part of the Countries on Europe side belonging to the Greek Empire dividing them among themselvs To Baldwin the Emperor was assigned Constantinople and Thracia with a limited Soveraignety over all Provinces gained or to be gained by the Latines The Venetians share was the rich Islands Aegeum Ionium and Candy in lieu whereof Montferrat had Thessalonica with all Thessaly a good part of Peloponesus with a Kingly Title The Venetian State fortified some of those greater Islands the rest were lest to be possessed and deended by Citizens at their private charges the Signiour having a care over all by a fleet suppressing the Genua Pirats aud taking in the strong Towns Modon and Corone which they held a long time Other parts of the Empire as the Dukedom of Athens was given to French Jeffery of Troy in Champaigne being made Prince of Achaia another to the Count of Bloys with divers others to private Persons paying yearly a 4th part of their revenue to their Lord the Emperour Yea the Greeks also sought to share out something every man for himself without regard of the common good from which they were shortly driven by the Latines or their Countreymens greater power Lascaris who fled at the Cities taking to Adrianople and so to Bithynia was with the good liking of the people having taken in the Countryes from the windings of Meander even to the Euxine Sea honoured as their Emperour making Nice his seat The two Comnens Nephews of Andronicus by his son Manuel possessing Pontus Galatia and Cappadocia erected another Empire in Trapezond whose posterity gloriously reigned many years till it with the Constantinopolitans was by Mahomet surverted Thus it was no longer one but many Empires some in Royal dignity many others as petty Kings in their Toparchies as Aldebrandine in Attalia Michael in Epirus c. 〈◊〉 by the help of Dandalus the Venetian and others soon brought under all the Cities of Thrace Adrianople excepted unto which the better sort of discontented Greeks with Lascaris were fled which Baldwin knowing hardly besieged the same Some evil-intreated Greeks were fled into Bulgaria by whose perswasion John that Countries King aided by the Scythians lately come thither and by the Greeks themselves took on him to relieve the City who sent certain Scythian Troops before to fetch in booties of cattle near the Camp giving order that when they were charged they should retire and so draw out the Imperials where the King lay covertly to entrap them The Scythians under Cozus by twice retiring and then returning with a greater
forward against the Tartars who at first sight of strange Ensignes and Souldiers were much dismaied Yet they had with them a most bloody conflict wherein that part standing against Paleologus being worsted 〈◊〉 about to flee but the Sultan's Kinsman bearing him a grudge revolting with his Regiment to the Tartars the battle was quite altered the Tartars fighting like Lyons and the Victors were glad to flee a great number of them being slain Paleologus and the Generall were hardly chased glad to stand fighting often for their lives with much adoe after many daies recovered a Castle of the Generalls The Tartars hazarding hereby the Turk's Kingdome forraged all his Countries 〈◊〉 so that the discouraged Sultan fled to Theodorus for aid who comforted him with such small aid as he thought good sending them home with him for his safety under Isaac 〈◊〉 Murzufle who gave him Laodicea in recompence yet ere long it fell again into the Turks hands as not to be holden by the Christians The Sultan too weak to withstand the Tartars made a league with them for paying them a yearly tribute They are accounted from this time as their 〈◊〉 and Vassals Not long after Paleologus was called home by the Emperour's Letters with his faith for security who before his return was bound by Oath to be loyal never to seek after the Empire or cause new suspect of matters before charged but yield dutifull obedience to the Emperour or his Successours Whereupon he was again Great Constable living afterwards in great honour with him Who reigning 3 years died leaving John his Son but six years old to succeed him and commended him to Arsemus the Patriarch and George Muzalo as trusty Tutors together with the Empire Muzalo though of mean Parentage was brought up in the Court as the Emperor's play-fellow still ready to say or do what might please him And the elder they grew they increased in mutual affection and he as in greatest favour was promoted to the greatest honours and married to the Emperour 's nigh Kinswoman An Oath of obedience unto the young Prince and them as Tutors was exacted of all sorts whatsoever both before and after the Emperour's death for many Nobles murmured at Muzalo's sudden fortune many thinking themselvs to have better right thereto as of nearer Kin to the Emperour and fitter for such a charge than Muzalo who not honourably born and having been Theodore's minister of wrath against some Nobles was to be hated and contemned and if be should now affect the Empire he would spare no villany to effect his inordinate desire Muzalo's wits being awakened with these dangers he called all the Nobility into the Court courteously offering to yield up both the Empires administration and the tuition to any one whom they thought fittest for such a charge which all refused saying He was to be preferred to whom the Lord of both had committed both Muzalo 〈◊〉 requested the contrary for fear chiefly of danger to ensue But would he or not he must take the charge on him Now were all sworn with greater solemnity the third time than before wishing a shameful end to them and theirs if they failed to perform their obedience c. Yet 9 daies were not fully past but some of the chief Nobility conspired the unworthy death of Muzalo which was on the Emperour's funerall day in his Abbey at Maguesia where while the Hymns were singing c. the Souldiers before instructed by the Conspirator breaking into the Temple with drawn swords slew Muzalo at the Altar for refuge with Andronicus and Theodore his Brethren and divers others The mourning Matrons thronging out fled as fast as they could but the Priests and Monks thinking to do the like were by the Soulders forced into the Temple and on the Pavement slippery with blood ended in fear those bloody Obsequies Arsemius the onely Tutor was much troubled for though for learning and integrity not inferiour yet in state matters he was far to seek and of no great reach yet wishing all well he consulted with the Nobility what were best to be done for government of the Emperour and Empire now Muzalo was dead Which not being grounded on wise fore-sight was more dangerous to the young Emperour than the murthering swords Michael 〈◊〉 was also called to the counsell descended of the Comnen's house a man very courteous and liberall winning all mens hearts thereby especially the Commanders of the Army of whose aspiring many Rumours had formerly passed yea the Patriarch on speciall favour committed to his trust the Keys of the common Treasury when mony was to be paid out upon great occasions of State the readiest way to effect what he had long plotted for he powred out the Masse of treasure amongst the Nobility and Martiall men with others and many of the Clergy also The Patriarch was by his favourites who had many meetings sollicited though generally to take order for the States good Government which as a ship without a Master was in danger to perish Paleologus was then in every man's mouth as onely fit to take the charge on him till the Emperour came to Age. Unto which the Patriarch gave consent and so with a general contentment made him a Governour and Tutor This was the first step whereby he mounted to the Empire Not many 〈◊〉 after it was alleadged by his favourites in Counsel It was not seemly for a Tutor and Governour of State who was to hear forreign Embassadours to want the honour next to an Emperour whereupon he was honoured with the title of Despot Shortly after he was by certain great favourites near Magnesia with great applause saluted Emperour Arsemius being much troubled therewith fearing what would become of the young child He thought it better by Oath to bind the Emperour and his makers not to seek his life nor to go about to deprive him than to excommunicate them which was done Within a moneth the Patriarch perswaded set the Imperial Crown on this Usurpers head not as still to enjoy the Empire but according to present necessity till the child came of age to whom he was then to resign All being confirmed by oath good news was brought him of a victory obtained by his brother John against Michael Despot of Aetolia and Epirus who hearing of the Emperour's death his Father in Law with troubles in Asia being aided by 2 others entred Macedonia and Thracia burning and spoiling the Countrey and thinking to take most to himself The news he received when Crowned the great Commanders shortly bringing the Prince of Peloponesus and Achaia prisoners who gave to Paleologus for ransome three of the best Cities of Peloponesus wherein he put strong Garrisons and gained at length most of Peloponesus from the Latins shortly after purposing to besiege Constantinople with a great Army but as too difficult he left that and besieged the Castle of Pera on tother side the haven hoping by winning that to master the Town but he
〈◊〉 now they must fight for their lives liberty c. That Amurath's first pastage would be this way that the first fruits of this war is theirs that if they bear couragious hearts they might beat down the haughty enemies strength and discourage his high conceits who will not lay long here except the way-ward old man will foolishly gage all his forces for such is the scituation and strength of this City that it may easily set at naught an angry enemy Therefore to resolve with themselves c. That it seldom chanceth fortune to fail sound advice or vertue and they had all things which politick care could provide sor their safety that they might be encouraged with the very sight one of another and himself would not be far off a silent beholder and encourager of their vertue where though he might not try this wars fortun in plain field yet he would trouble the enemies designs with many a hot skirmish that he will first feed their hardiness with his base Souldiers blood the easier to entrap and oppresse their rashness but his crafty devices are by great policy and consideration to be frustrated For that victory should be to him lamentable bought with Souldiers blood c. That if they suffered not themselves to be conquered of the Sultan he would praise and honour his subjects as conquerours Having thus encouraged their minds he visited other Cities returning to his Army near Croia Amurath the mean time his Army of 150000 was assembled at Hadrianople whereof many were pioniers c. He sending 40000 Light-horsmen before him to encamp before the City Scanderbeg with 4000 horse 1000 foot took his way towards Sfetigrade strongly encamping within 7 miles thereof whence with Moses and Tanusius he went by blind waies till from the top of a hill he might discover how the enemy lay encamped returning back he the night following drawing as near the Turks as he could placed his Army in the Woods and Valleys unperceived Then he sent Moses and Musache with 30 of the best horsemen as if but common Souldiers driving horses laden with Corne by a by-way and secretly to 〈◊〉 into the City Being discovered and set upon they fled on purpose but Moses seeing themselves 〈◊〉 but with a like number returning back he slew five chasing the rest to the Campe whose Genetall sending 〈◊〉 horse to pursue them they soon recovered sight of them Moses of purpose slowly hastening the Turks drawing nigh Moses leaving the Horses fled yet drawing them on till brought where the Army lay in 〈◊〉 by whom being with great slaughter put to flight 2000 were slain and 1000 Horses taken but 22 Christians being lost Amurath came 8 dayes after the beginning of May 1449. and encamping his baser 〈◊〉 at the foot of the Hill himself lay with his 〈◊〉 c. farther off After one day he towards evening sent a Meslenger to the City to speak with the Governour whom he requested the Souldiers might goe further off having something to say to him in 〈◊〉 Perlat merrily answering said He had not learned to hear any message from his Enemy by night not at any time else out of the Garrisons hearing tomorrow if thy Master please I will heare thee at large commanding him to depart from the Walls Amurath more hoping to gaine the City by large offers than by great force dissembled his wrath sending that Messenger with a grave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Epirus who with 5 men being received into the City and brought into Maries Temple where after insinuating eloquence he augmented the terrour of Amurath's power exhorting them to yield the City promising the Citizens to live in all respects as under Scanderbeg before that Perlat should have most honourable preferments with many rich gifts the Souldiers safely to depart whither they would and 300000 〈◊〉 among them But the Governour replied That 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had not been delivered to resolute men it might 〈◊〉 have wrought some effect c. But since no ill 〈◊〉 of Scanderbeg's nor good desert of Amuraths 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Stranger before their naturall Prince had passed c. his Master should first proceed in his action 〈◊〉 down their Walls make havock of their men c. But it were almost to be laughed at if they should cowardly accept of these conditions before any assault given c. that Amurath had better get back to Hadrianople to spend his old years in quiet and not provoke them his fatall enemies c that he would never forget his faith given to the last drop of blood 't was reward enough to him if living to defend the City or loosing life to leave his guiltlesse soule at liberty c. Then 〈◊〉 the Bassa he led him thorow the City on purpose to shew him the store of Victualls So sending him away much discontented to his Master who exceeding wroth 〈◊〉 the City three dayes together and making a small breach he gave a most terrible assault by his common Souldiers the Asapi thereby to give easier Victory to his Janizaries and better Souldiers whilst these are slaine by 〈◊〉 at the breach the Janizaries attempted the Wall in another place who first difficultly crawling up the steep Rock then mounting their Scaling ladders they were with huge stones c. 〈◊〉 down to the bottom and miserably slain Many with their Scaling ladders were thrust from the Wall carrying others behind them with them Some taking hold of the Battlements lost fingers hands most their lives Many farther off were wounded also with 〈◊〉 The Turks discouraged began to withdraw but the Captains by exhorting and threatning some and beating others the assault was renewed not with such courage yet no lesse slaughter the defendants shouting from the Walls Amurath sent Feri Bassa with 3000 chosen Souldiers to renew the fight who without regard of danger brought them to the Walls whom the defendants overwhelmed with Stones Timber Wild-fire c. Yet Feri Bassa slew divers and had not the Governour with a fresh company speedily come to the place had entered Amurath seeing the great slaughter and no hope retired into his Campe Yet not ceasing to give the like vaine attempt The Captaine of the Janizaries perceiving a part of the City seeming impregnable to be commonly but slenderly manned told Amurath he would assay it secretly by night wherewith the King pleased it was silently put in execution The Governour advertised hereof by the watch repaired thither with a great Company beholding the Turks climbing and helping up each other by that desperate way But being come to the top of the Rock they were suddenly overwhelmed and violently forced downe most being crushed to death and many of the rest slaine with shot wherewith Amurath was exceedingly grieved Scanderbeg still removing as best served his purpose brake sometimes into one quarter of their Campe sometimes into another and was straight way gone againe Being the latter end of June come within 8 miles he sent Moses like a
and other Ports for rigging up a great Fleet which caused the Italians Venetians and them of Rhodes to look about them About which time Philip Villers wise and conragious was in his absence at the French Court chosen Great Master by the Knights of the Rhodes who safely arrived there from Marselles after a dangerous Voyage hardly layed for by Cortug-ogli a famous Turksish Pirate Solyman knowing it whole two Brethren the Knights had surprized at Sea and slain keeping the third in prison Pyrrhus by whose advice Solyman was directed consulting with the other Bassaes what great exploit was first to be attempted differed in opinion about Rhodes Pyrrhus disswading as too full of difficulty and danger producing Mahomet the Great for an example But Mustapha next to Pyrrhus extolling Solyman said Their 〈◊〉 was not to be included within his Predecessor's attempts as appeared by Belgrade who should likewise prevail against the Rhodes being able to 〈◊〉 more men before it than there were stones in the walls presumptuously 〈◊〉 that upon the first landing of Solymans great Army they would presently yield themselves and City into his hands Solyman desirous of Cortug-oglies Opinion before the undertaking of so great a matter Mustapha and Ferhates ushering him in after reverence and command to speak said Thy great desarts most mighty Emperour makes me now frankly speak what I think may be for thy Majesties and Empires glory I daily hear the pittiful lamentation of those of Mitylene 〈◊〉 Peloponesus Achaia Caria Lycia c. for the spoil of their Countries 〈◊〉 their Cities carrying away Cattle and people c. which they suffer by the Rhodian Pirates none withstanding them Often have they instantly requested me to be a mean to thy Majesty whereby they might be protected from these cruel rovers wherefore I beseech thee by the most reverent 〈◊〉 Mahomet 〈◊〉 by thy 〈◊〉 heroicalness to deliver thy afflicted subjects from their most cruel enemies c. It rending not so much to their hurt in private as to the 〈◊〉 of thy imperial Dignity which if any other 〈◊〉 Prince should offer I know thou wouldest not suffer unrevenged Who 〈◊〉 passe to Tripolis Damasco c. without manifest danger What have we heard every Spring this many years but that they have taken one Port or other 〈◊〉 and that under thy nose in the heart of thy Empire We thy loyal Subjects ought not for the increase of our Religion and enlarging thy Empire 〈◊〉 to adventure the hazard of all If thou likewise be carried with love of Glory and Renown c. in what canst thou easier gain the same or better imploy us than in subduing this reputed Bulwark of Christendom which onely keeps us from their Countries Thy happy fortune hath subjected Belgrade farre more strong than in times past and dost thou then despair of Rhodes If thy captivated subjects built it for the Christians cannot they now at liberty c. destroy the same If thou please thou shalt see a divine occasion procured by Mahomet presented unto 〈◊〉 The Western Christians being at discord and mortal Warres among themselves Thy Majesty is not ignorant that in managing of Warres the opportunity is especially to be followed c. Solyman ambitious and pricked forward by Cortug and others hereby seeking 〈◊〉 chiefly by Mustapha resolved to go in person against the Rhodes And first to prove what spirit and courage Villers was of he sent him a cold friendly Letter thus directed Solyman by God's Grace King of Kings c. To the Reverend Father Viller us Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes and Legate of Asia Greeting I Am glad of thy coming an new promotion which I wish thou mayst long and happily enjoy since I hope thou wilt exceed all before thee from whom as my Auncestors have withdrawn so I joyn with thee in friendship joy thou therefore my friend rejoycing also in my Victory c. For last Summer passing Danubius I expected the Hungarian to give battel taking his strongest City Belgrade with othea Holds and destroying much people with fire and sword captivating many more and in triumph breaking up my Army am returning to Constantinople whence farewel Villerius considering these Letters perceived Peace was offered in shew but Warre in meaning wherefore rewarding the Messenger he sent with him another of his own a private person for they seldom sent any honourable Embassadors to each other Viâ—lerius Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes to the Turk I Well understand thy Letters Thy friendship is as pleasing to me as displeasing to Cortug-Ogli who would suddenly have intercepted me but that failing he tryed to rob some Merchants Ships in the Rhodian Sea bound from Joppa to Venice but sending my Fleet I forced the Pirate to leave behind him the Prizes taken from the Merchants of Creet Farewell from the Rhodes Hereby Solyman perceived he should not so easily carry the Rhodes as he had Belgrade yet resolving to try he thus opened his determination to certain chief Commanders Though I doubt not ye are of the same minde as ever in the invading other Nations yet I thought good in matters tending to all our good to use your general advice Since my Father left this World we have made Warre with divers Nations having our forces shut up within the compass of the mighty Sophi of Persia his Dominions yet my minde greater in conceit than my Empire and the blood of Oâ—homan findes no content in these Victories all ye have done though great seeming but little to your worth This I have above all desired to root out the very name of the Rhodian Souldiers and how oft have I heard you crying out The Rhodes the Rhodes Never a greater opportunity much of the Cities Walls lying level Coin wanting the Castle Garrison but small their French ayd far off which will come too late or I believe never that King being at Warres with the Germane Emperour and Lord of Italy c. Nor do ye believe the Spaniard's distressed at home will easily come out of Sicily and Campania with supplies and I have prevented the danger to be feared from the Venetian Fleet. Wherefore couragious Souldiers chearfully follow your Soveraign against those most cruel enemies Admit their Valour did gain Victory in one unluckie assault my Great Grandfather unfortunately calling home Mesithes Paleologus will you therefore alwayes suffer these piratical excursions c So help me Mahomet it shall not be so I vow in despight of Christ and John shortly to set up my Ensigns with the Moon in the midst of their Market-place not seeking my self more than the honour thereof the profit reported to be great I give you my Fellow-Souldiers wherefore let us now set forward with all our force and courage This his purpose being with one accord liked Pyrrhus at first disswading the Warre now said I cannot but admire the great Wisdom and Vertues of our young Emperour who hath declared all deep Counsels of a
subdued Belgrade he rested in great hope those fierce and obstinate Christians should not be able long to defend themselves in their Dens and lurking places The Captains making known the Emperours pleasure proclaimed the spoil of that rich City to the 〈◊〉 s a prey Solyman layd him down on his Pallet to take rest but Villerius all night in Arms viewed all the City encouraging his Souldiers to remember they watched for Countrey life and liberty A Christian serving a Turk secretly warning the Watchmen of a general assault next day Villerius calling his Knights to prevent rashness and fearfulness said He was glad the time was come when in one battel they might be justly accounted the defenders of the Christian Commonwealth the Turks presumed upon their multitude but if they measured valour not by number but courage a few resolute would overcome a multitude of cowards that they knew their manner of fight c. Wherefore remembring their birth and what opinion the Christian Common-wealth hath had of them they should furiously fight as if their slaves bore Arms against them necessity as well as wrong enforcing them for they were in an Island whence was no escape and in a City whose rent walls defended them not so much as their Weapons therefore to morrow should give them a joyful Victory or a most honourable death The enemies approach made him cease every one hastening to his charge they with a horrible cry fiercely assailed 5 stations 10000 Turks being appointed to a Place Mustapha calling on Mahomet and promising his men the spoil assailed the English whence he had been thrice repulsed Pyrrhus 〈◊〉 ed the Italian a cruel and deadly fight was in both places also Women Children and aged men bringing stones burning-Pitch-Barrels hoops with wild-fire scalding Oyl and boyling Pitch on whomsoever it fell so scalded them that 〈◊〉 down their weapons to tear off their Cloaths many rent off the skin and flesh besides the deadly shot which fell never in vain Villerius having well relieved the Italians station at first hardly distressed left Monterollus a Knight with company convenient and went to the English hardly laid to by Mustapha but having well relieved that place a cry ran that the Spanish Bulwark was possessed by the enemy at which heavy newes he leaving Gombaulus with a choyse Company hasted thither with his Guard which he found taken for some Turks at the first hiding for fear at the Bulwarks foot among the stones beaten down by battery Achimetes hotly charging the Spaniards on the right hand not medling with the Bulwark it self those in the Bulwark seeing their fellowes distressed fast by left the Bulwark and went to that place The hidden Turks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 silent over them secretly crawling up the battered walls got in 〈◊〉 before discovered suddenly slaying a few 〈◊〉 Souldier in removing a great piece and overthrowing the Christiań Ensigns which the Turks 〈◊〉 seeing made great hast thorow the Town-Ditch to get into the Bulwark but were so cut off by shot from the flankers that few got up Villerius nothing fearing resolutely scaled the same and Caponus a Spaniard with Menotius a Frenchman breaking in by a Gate not yet bolted whom they 〈◊〉 not they forced to mischief themselves for 〈◊〉 over the walls It was two 〈◊〉 in the enemies possession Villerius leaving there a sufficient number went with the rest where the Spaeniards sore charged by Achimetes had much adoe to hold out who encouraged with his sight valiantly repulsed their enemies It were long to tell the hard fight and adventures at the Avergnoys and Narbonenses stations but the Turks laying slain by heaps Solyman beholding it from his standing made of high Masts and no hope of Victory caused a retreat welcom to both sides to be sounded divers Knights with 150 common Souldiers were slain in this six houres assault and 2000 Turks Solyman was so much offended hereat that falling into a rage especially against Mustapha as an unfaithful Counsellour and chief perswader of that unlucky Warre commanded him to be put forthwith to death in his presence which sudden dreadful doom on so light occasion upon such a man struck such terrour in all present that none durst so much as sigh in pittying his case The Executioner ready Pyrrhus presuming of his great favour 〈◊〉 forth earnestly requested him to spare his life wherewith Solyman was so wrathful and for sending for him to Constantinople that he commanded him to be executed also All the rest seeing the danger fell down at the Tyrants feet craving pardon saying The enemies ground had already drunk too much Turkish blood c. Solyman at this general intercession pausing a little granted them their lives Pyrrhus for his age and wisdom and Mustapha for his Wife 's Solymans Sisters sake once Bostanges his Wife The Turks great Fleet all the while lay before the Haven not doing any thing for the Admiral no man of Warre seeing all fortified durst not try to enter or besiege the Castles suffering also Victual and Ammunition to be conveighed into the City 〈◊〉 though by Achimetes mediation Solyman spared him from a most cruel death yet on the poupe of the Admiral Galley he receiving an 100 stripes with a cudgel was thrust out of office The remembrance of so many unfortunate assaults c. so grieved Solyman that being ready to raise the siege he also lay 〈◊〉 speechless with fainting and a great while alter would not be spoken withall till Abraham his minion recomforted him and perswaded him to continue the siege time working that which the Sword could not suddenly subdue Solyman building a Castle upon Mount Philermus in sight of the City Letters were shot in the while revealing many of Solymans secretest Counsels and promising a great mans revolt which the Rhodians gathered to be Mustapha not forgetting the late injury but tyding coming that Cayerbeius was dead Solyman sent Mustapha to be Governour of Aegypt thereby pleasing him no letters coming into the City after that It now seemed that the Turks purposed by long siege rather than assault to take the Town yet the watchers in their Trenches would sometimes offer the Souldiers on the walls great rewards to yield sometimes threats and would politickly say Solyman desiring onely revenge upon the Latines meant no harm to the Greeks October was now begun Rain Thunder c. and mighty Tempests fell so abundantly that the wearied Turks were now discouraged the Admiral being forced for the Seas roughness to slip his Anchors and run his Gallies on ground In these troubles Achimetes one of his valiantest Captains comforted Solyman promising if he would continue shortly to make open way into the City who thereupon assembling his fainting-Souldiers 〈◊〉 his Pavilion thus 〈◊〉 that he knew what great things they had endured for his honour c. that the threatenings of the Heavens did perswade him to give them leave to lay down Arms but they were first to consider whether it were not a
for the Conquest of Cyprus short before they had well tasted the pleasure thereof and all the Captains left nothing unsaid that might hearten their men on or undone that might further the Victory The Turks also though it was fallen out much contrary to their expectation encouraged with former Victories with a fair gale came orderly and gallantly on in form of a half-Moon their fortunate Ensigne yet the Sun shining full in their faces so dazled their eyes that they could not well see to direct their galleys to their most advantage They had 250 galleys 50 galliots 20 Brigandines and other small Vessels the middle battel was conducted by Haly and Partau attended on by many of great account and place and for experience at sea the chief strength of the Turkish Empire Mahomet Bey commanded the right wing with 56 galleys and Uluzales Viceroy of Algiers an old Arch-Pirate the left with 95 galleys In the rear came Dragut with 30 galleys other small vessels The middle battels and wings came directly against each other whose signal given by discharging some great pieces the Turks coming on with a hideous cry first lighted on the 6 galleasses which in their passing by so plagued them with their broad-sides of murthering shot that with great loss and divers galleys sunk they were forced to break their order and fall further off which great Carts and unserviceable Ships as the Turks accounted them they supposed to have carried little or no great Ordnance on their sides yet were they to the Turks great trouble of greatest importance for gaining of the Victory The wind also which all that day had favoured the Turks now was come about to the West pleasantly carrying the smoak in time of fight upon them The fierce enemy 〈◊〉 passing by these galleasses soon made good their disordered squadrons and with all their force assailed the Christian Fleet. The Instruments of War had scarce well sounded but all shook with confused cries noise flames of fire thundering of Artillery many being so astonied that on a sudden they almost lost the use of sight and hearing even showers of Arrowes and Darts being mixt with shot the Masts broken Sail-yards struck down Tackle rent and all confused with horrour and fear Haly ran upon the Admiral-galley with such violence as if he would have presently stemmed her but being with like force opposed they met so violently that both their beakes fell into the sea with the feaze In the Admiral-galley of the Christians were 400 select men most Captains and Antients who forcing the furious enemies to shrink back entred their galley even to the main-Mast who by new supply repulsed the Spaniards clearing their galley again many on both sides being wounded and slain Don John sending in new supply the other more lustily than before charged the Turks who with like hope and 〈◊〉 encountred them being thrice driven even to the main-Mast and by new supplies with great slaughter repulsing the Christians back again Venerius seeing the danger of the General was about to have assailed the poupe of Halyes galley but Partau opposed himself against him with his galleys so speedily that shewing as if he would charge a Front set upon his side which at first much troubled the Christians but afterwards they notably defended themselves Venerius being above 77 years old performing all the parts of a brave youthful Commander by entreating threatning and fighting in the midst of his men much moved their minds The enemy having slain many pressing on more furiously and fighting close together entred the prow of Venerius's galley now bared of Defendants who had been overcome had not Lauretanus and Malipetra speedily come to their relief whereby they which fiercely assailed the Venetian galleys were now glad to defend their own but in process of this indifferent battel these 2 worthy Captains were slain with small shot which rather enraged than discouraged their Souldiers so that they desperately pressed in upon the Turks the terrour of the batrel being turned upon the Victours 2 of their galleys being taken after their great slaughter and Partau in a Long boat escaping out of the battel Columnius also hardly assailed other Turks galleys and made great slaughter taking one and disordering the other Lignius also in the thickest of his enemies made a notable fight many an enemy falling about Fernesius Rueres Ursinus Cornea and Justinian most couragiously fighting Chiroche or Mahomet Bey coming forward against the Christian's left-wing was ere aware beaten with the Ordnance from the 〈◊〉 many being slain and divers of his galleys sunk and torn they standing so thick divers being also burnt with pots of wild-fire from the Galleasses to avoid whose danger and shun the dangerous shelf which the River of Achelous there falling into the sea maketh he sent a great part of his galleys under Alis to come aloof upon the back of Barbadicus who forthwith turning his 〈◊〉 received his first onset and divers galleys fast grapled together they encountred each other not only with missive weapons but with swords 6 Turks galleys fell upon Ciconia's galley and 5 upon Barbadicus's yet did they most valiantly endure that most dangerous fight Barbadicus whilst encouraging his men and fighting where most danger was was struck into the brain with an Arrow thorow the left eye being taken up for dead yet living till 3 dayes after The Turks now as Conquerers Iustily boarded the Galley and the Venetians as discouraged gave way the galley had been lost if Nanius and Porcia had not speedily come for relief and not onely clearing her but divers Turks galleys were boarded also some taken and great 〈◊〉 made Silvius was here grievously wounded in his thigh and right side Barbadicus is reported the battel ended Epaminondas-like to ask which part had got the Victory and being told the Turks Fleet was most taken the rest sunk or burnt He with eyes lifted-up gave unto God immortal thanks and ere long joyfully departed this life Ciconia as was said hardly beset was sore burnt with wild-fire and hurt in the face and was now even at the point to have been lost but was saved by sudden relief who encouraged with his weary and wounded Souldiers charged a fresh taking a principal Turkish Galley and Ensign In the same wing Contarenus doing exceeding much harm with his great 〈◊〉 Chiroche enraged ran so fiercely upon the side of his galley that with his beak he had well nigh stemmed her and grapling fast with her was like to board her whom yet the Christians repulsed with greater slaughter than was thought possible for so small a number to make the enemies being also embrewed with their bloud But after a long doubtful bartel many Turks being slain or wounded and both parties seeing Chiroche slain and the enemy destitute of fresh supplies the galley also in danger to sink through great shot they reposed their trust in 〈◊〉 nearness of the Main but turning about toward the shoare the
content to yield on reasonable conditions 〈◊〉 the great Commanders of the Turks would seven times 〈◊〉 swear to perform them they willed him to set them down which were that the Cossacks might safely depart with Horses and Armour that they should send him alive and in good safety to Selimus to 〈◊〉 his own cause covenanting nothing for the Moldavians whose injury he said tended to the hurt of the Emperour himself and of him that should be Vayuod these 〈◊〉 being seven times confirmed by Oath accordingly the Vayuod brought all his Army out of their Trenches taking with heavy heart his last leave of them to their 〈◊〉 dividing his money and Jewels among them and disarming himself went onely with one Polonian like a Suppliant to the Turk's Camp talking four houres with the great Commanders till at last Capucius Bassa with his Scimitar struck him a great blow acrosse the face and another acrosse the belly whom yet but half dead the Janizaries took and cut off his Head which was set on a Lance for all to behold they tearing his body to pieces having bound his feet to two Cammels and happy was he that could get any little piece thereof or embrew his Sword in the least drop of his blood The Turks forthwith set upon the Moldavians and slew them down-right whereupon the Cossacks thrusting in among the thickest of the Turks and valiantly fighting were all slain except a few of the better sort Suiercevius being one who were afterwards for great sums redeemed when they could by no meanes be perswaded to turn Turks The Turks over-running all Moldavia put all the Nobility with many Countrey people to the Sword sending great numbers in Colonies into the farthest parts of the Turkish Empire and placing strong Garrisons in the Towns and Castles Thus all Valachia was by Selimus joyned to the Turkish Empire in 1574 opening also thereby a fair and easie way for his Successors to enter into Podolia or Russiayea and into Poland it self Selimus not a little grieved with the losse of the Kingdom of Tunis cast in his minde how to recover the same and thrust the Spaniards out of Guletta Castle of no small moment which with Malta served as two most sure Bulwarks against the Turks and Moores adventures by whose meanes they many times came short home wherefore Selimus having made great preparation commanded Sinan Piall and Uluzales speedily to passe over with his Fleet into Africk to besiege Tunis and Guletta before which they came with 300 Galleys July 13. Other Turks men of Warre from Alexandria Algiers c. 〈◊〉 unto them At first they besieged the water-Tower wherein were 800 Souldiers well provided who maintained the place till most were slain by often assaults the rest retiring by Command into the Castle the Turks losing 3000 men in taking of it Then besieging the Castle of Guletta they from divers Mounts most terribly battered it whence the deadly shot was sent again among them not sparingly but after many surious assaults and much harm done on both sides the Turks took the Channel of the Lake of Tunis and to hinder the 〈◊〉 relief assaulted them day and night without ceasing yet some Companies sent from the New 〈◊〉 got in after which the besieged sallying out Aug. 20 repulsed them with an exceeding slaughter but the Bassaes without ceasing still bringing on fresh Souldiers after a most terrible assault all day about two houres before Sun-set they took the Castle Aug. 23. scarce 200 Souldiers being alive therein who with the other weak people were cut in pieces whatever other wealth the Turks there found they had great store of Victualls Armour Ammunition and 400 Pieces of Ordnance They forthwith laid siege to the new Castle betwixt Guletta and Tunis not yet wholly finished wherein Serbellio and Salazar lay with 4000 good Souldiers Serbellio answering the Bassaes first summons Aug. 24 that he had promised the King his Master to give him a better account of the place and being also very old could not endure the Turks yoak but would hold it out to the last man which by sallies and repulses they truly persormed But the Turks little feeling or regarding the losse of men to gain the place at length Septemb 13th after six houres furious assault with all their force slaying most of the Defendants took it Serbellio shot with two Bullets would have 〈◊〉 in the midst of the Turks but by Piall's hasty coming in both he and Salazar were taken alive all the rest were put to the Sword The Bassa in his rage struck Serbellio causing his Son to be murdered in his sight yet the Turks lost above 30000 men in lesse than three moneths space Then they marching to Tunis easily took it overthrowing its Fortifications because it should no more rebel Mahomet the young King being sent with Carrera Captain of Guletta in bonds to Constantinople The Bassaes departing thence came with 400 Sail Octob. 4th within sight of Malta nevertheless they turned aside sailing directly to Constantinople Shortly after Selimns spent with Wine and Women died Decemb. 9th 1574 51 years old reigning eight buried at Hadrianople of a mean Stature heavy disposition his face swollen much like a Drunkard of least valour of the Othoman Kings leaving his Empire to Amurath his eldest Sonne more temperate but not much greater in courage The Life of Amurath the third Sixth Emperour of the Turks SElimus's Death was for fear of the Janizaries concealed by the Bassaes till Amurath speedily advertized thereof arrived at Constantinople out of Asia about 12 dayes after taking possession of the Empire in the Seraglio Decemb. 25 being about 30 or as some 27 years old of a manly Stature pale and corpulent his beard thin and long not of so fierce a countenance as the Othoman Princes being of a peaceable disposition loving justice and in his superstition very zealous reforming the riot and excesse grown by his Fathers ill example by his own and the severe punishment of notorious Drunkards yet he is reported to drink oft plentifully of Wormwood-Wine much subject to the Falling-sickness and sore troubled with the Stone and yielding more to the counsel of his Mother Wife and Sister than of his great Bassaes which many imputed to him for simplicity To appease the murmuring of the Janizaries disappointed of the spoil of the Christians and Jewes he besides the usual largesse augmented their wages and granted their Sons at 20 years old to be enrolled among the younger Janizaries and partake of their immunities whereby he won their favours exceedingly And to rid himself of all competitors he caused his five Brethren Mustapha Solyman Abdulla Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Solyman's Mother overcome with sorrow struck her self to the heart with a Dagger at which Amurath is reported to shed some teares as not delighting in such cruelty but that his State and Government so required At first he
established divers wholsom Lawes altered the Coyn and relieved the poor and because he would not seem to degenerate from his Progenitors he prosecuted his Fathers Warres by the Tartars Praecopenses in Octob. 1575 entring Russia of the Polonian Kingdom burning and destroying two hundred Noblemens Houses with a multitude of Towns and Villages making great slaughter of the people and carrying away great numbers of Cattel and prisoners bound in thongs of raw Hides but whilest they divided the spoil with Peter Vayuod of Valachia who had promised to give the Tartars no passage that way the Cossacks brake into their Countrey requiting them with like harm and bringing back a number of old Captives At this time the Polonians were at variance about the Election of their King Henry Valois after Charls his Brothers death stealing away from them into France to take on him the Kingdom some making choyce of 〈◊〉 the Emperour others no lesse inclining to the Duke of Muscovie and some unto others Amurath loath that either of those two great Princes should be strengthened with so great a Kingdom so near to him in the beginning of his Reign wrote to the Polonians to that purpose commending to them Stephen Bator Vayuod of 〈◊〉 for their King and threatning if they did otherwise to give all their Wealth and Goods Wives and Children for a prey to his Souldiers with the chief men of their Cities of Cracovia and Leptis which Letters so prevailed with them that both Maximilian and the Muscovite being passed over Anne of the Jagellonian House was chosen Queen of Poland yet so as to marry Stephen the said Vayuod who afterwards elected King worthily governed that Kingdom all his life and enlarging it with Territories by force of Arms gotten from his Neighbours especially the Muscovite Amurath would often boast and say he had given the Polonians their King The year following 1576 great and sore shaking troubles arising in Persia Amurath took opportunity to invade the same to the long quiet of the Christian Commonwealth Old Tamas the Persian King after above 50 years glorious Reign died May 11th 1576 leaving 11 Sons Mahomet the eldest of an infirmity in his eyes surnamed Codabanda being of a peaceable disposition was most delighted with a contented life Ismael the second Son was of a more fierce and troublesom nature whom his Father outwardly seeming to mislike of his youthful pranks aforesaid tending to the breach of the league betwixt him and the Turk sent to the Castle of Cahaca where he remained at the time of his death Aidere the third Son was as ambitious as Ismahel but not so valorous Tamas had by his last will appointed Ismahel to succeed him as of all his Sons the fittest for so great a charge which Mahomet seemed not much to dislike as contented with the honours bestowed on him by his Father Ismahel being sent for by the Sultans to take on him the Kingdom at Casbin there arose a great tumult in the City and Pallace for Aidere who in his Fathers sight when he lay drawing toward his end had presumptuously set the Crown on his head for which he was reproved now supported by Zalchan and other mighty favourites had so dealt with Periaconcona his eldest Sister and the other Sultans Counsellors of State that the succession could not be any longer kept from him but by some fine deceit Wherefore this Lady Periaconcona of great Spirit and deep conceit left in trust by her Father with the Sultans resolved with them upon a thorow-debate that Aidere in Royal Apparel in the great Gallery should attend the acclamation of the people and be there openly Enthronized as the very elected King which done she by their advice ordered the Gates of the Pallace to be presently locked and surely guarded with Souldiers wholly devoted to Tamas and Ismahel to suffer every man to enter in at the open Wicket save the known Friends of Aidere who is now in conceit a King but perceiving the prohibition of his best friends and moved with the great stir of Zalcan who discovered the deceit and crying upon King Aidere threatened the Lady the Sultans and the rest that waited on the feigned succession through fear and sorrow withdrew closely among certain Women of the Court hoping to find some way to escape In the meantime the cries and threatnings of Aidere's Friends so encreased that the Counsellours with the Ladie 's consent were enforced to take order that Aidere should be deprived of life Whereupon Sahamal his Uncle by the mothers-side after long search found him hidden amongst the Women who taking him by the Locks struck off his head and among the thickest press where Zalchan and the rest stood crying and threatning flung the Head all bloudy crying aloud unto them Behold there your King enjoy him at your pleasure Whereat every man burned in rage and anger and many vainly threatened most cruel revenge but at last perceiving Ismahel's succession inevitable and Aidere's death irrevocable every man departed scattering themselves as they thought best for their own safety Shortly after Ismahel arrived at Casbin where he was joyfully received and saluted King whose power being answerable to his desires he beheaded his eight younger Brethren and bereaved not onely those rear him in blood and affinity but all the favourites of Aidere of their lives so that Casbin was defiled with blood and filled with mourning and complaints which unexpected cruelty so altered the mindes of his Subjects that their hopes were turned into new feares and their joy into mourning but much greater did the miseries grow when 't was given out that he would change the Religion of the Persians into the superstition of the Turks for hereby and by force of an edict by him published many of his Priests and Governours of his friendly and subject-Cities were some exiled some imprisoned some as the Caliph of Casbin had their eyes pluckt out and not a few sundry wayes slain yea many Ladies and divers others of Ismahel's Kinsfolks endured sundry torments and strange calamities There went abroad withall a general rumour even as far as Constantinople that Ismahel with a puissant Army of such as favoured this new proclaimed vanity determined to go to Babylon there to receive the Crown of the Empire from him who should be the Successor of their great Caliph as Solyman the Turk and the Persian Kings had of old done The fear of further miseries incresing rather than otherwise he was by the help of the aforesaid Periaconcona whether through poyson strangling or otherwise taken out of this World November 24 1577 to the exceeding joy of all those Nations having reigned one year seven moneths and six dayes The Lady forthwith perswaded the Sultans that as they had for the good of all Persia contrived the death of Ismahel so they would take on them that Kingdom 's Protection till 't were known who should worthily succeed Emir Chan was in hope by meanes of a match with a
manner and others in Janizaries habit to the terror of the 〈◊〉 they had proceeded to further outrages yet Amurath soon recovering to appease the rumor of his death upon their Sabbath which is Friday rode to the Temple of Sophia from his Palace his countenance yet all pale and discoloured This year also hapned such a chance as had like to raise new Warres betwixt the Turks and Venetians The Widow of Rimadan Bassa Governour of Tripolis in Barbary with her Sonne Hamili and a great number of slaves being about to depart from thence to Constantinople rigged up a fair Galley 〈◊〉 to be worth 800000 〈◊〉 joyning two others for her more safety and sailing by Corfu she was by tempest driven into the Adriatick Gulf at which time one Emus a Venetian 〈◊〉 had charge to keep that Sea against Pirates and all other Enemies who without delay set upon the Turks and took them all exercising most barbarous cruelty for having slain 250 men and Ramadans Sonne in her lap he caused the Women being first ravished to be cast overboard being about 40. Emus his Brother was most earnestly intreated by a beautiful Virgin to spare her Honour and the rather because she said she was a Christian taken in Cyprus about 12 years before since which time she had lived in most miserable Captivity and being now fallen into the hands of a noble Venetian was in good hope to be set at liberty inviolated which she most humbly 〈◊〉 him for the love of God to do and not imbrew his hands with her guiltless blood but the cruel and unbridled youth after he had abused her cast her with the rest into the Sea It s thought that Emus suffered this so great an outrage to be done that none should be left alive to betray the great booty or villany committed which yet was revealed by a Turk who saved by a Surgion of 〈◊〉 that knew him 〈◊〉 declared it at Canstantinople whereat the Turks were so inraged that in every corner of the City they threatned unto the Venetians most cruel revenge yea they could scarce hold their hands from Mowro 〈◊〉 the Bilo or Governour of their Marchants or forbear to 〈◊〉 in his face as he went in the street who hearing that Amurath in his rage was about to send one of his great Gentlemen whom they call Zansi the Turks usuall Embassadors found meanes that another of lesse Authority was sent to the Senate to Venice about it and to require the offendor to be punished and the Gallie slaves and goods to be restored so should their mutuall League continue firm otherwise he should be constrained by force to revenge the wrongs done to his Subjects the Senators after diligent examination of the matter answered that the Widow with her Family was honourably entertained at Zant an Island of theirs and had courteous Presents but coming to Sefalenia another of their Islands her people running on Land spared neither Man nor Beast the Providitor making after them found them in Arms within the Gulf whom they neither saluted nor struck any Top-sail to shew that the command of that Sea belonged to the Venetians which by the League they ought to have done for which out-rages and contempt he took so sharp a revenge yet they promised in that case to do what 〈◊〉 them in reason and Justice wherewith Amurath seemed to be well contented but indeed loath to intangle himself with Warres against that mighty State at Sea because of his Warres against the Persians yet shortly after Emus was worthily beheaded and the Galleys with all the goods and slaves restored This great Woman had therein four hundred Christian slaves which were set at liberty for whom the Venetians restored as many Turks Ramadan Bassa himself having Warres with a King of the Moores went out against him with all his forces wherein was certain Companies of Janizaries sent from Constantinople Ramadan entring the great and sandy Desarts of that Countrey was unprovided both of Victualls and skilful Guides so that at length he could neither go forward nor without losse of his men return yet he got home but with the losse of some men and the manifest danger of his whole Army for which his imprudence the Janizaries in a rage fell upon him and slew him Let no man marvel that Amurath winked at their insolency for those martiall men are now not as in former times grown proud and insolent by living in continual pay doing whatsoever seemeth them best though never so foul or unreasonable Not many years before the Janizaries in Cyprus flew Achmetes Bassa the Governour pretending he had defrauded them of their pay and intolerably exacted upon the Countrey Amurath highly offended at their killing their Generall whom they never before complained of for his own Majesties sake and the repressing of the like insolencies in others sent a new Governour into Cyprus with such a number of Souldiers as might seise upon the chief offendors who dissembling his Commission by certain trusty men gave it out amongst the Janizaries that Amurath was so far from being angry for the death of Achmetes that he thought him to be worthily slain this was to put the Janizaries in security hereupon they chearfully and with all due reverence received their new Governour but shortly after by an unexpected guil they compassed in all the new-come Souldiers and slew them every one seizing also upon the Gallies that brought them by which second outrage though Amurath saw his Majesty contemned yet was he content to passe it over being loath to add domestical troubles to the great Warres he had with the Persian To end this matter with the opinion of Rustan Bassa concerning these masterful men Whilest 〈◊〉 the Emperour's Embassador lay in the Turks Camp when Solyman went in person into Asia to countenance Selimus against Bajazet upon a light quarrel though heavily taken between his followers and some Janizaries washing themselves at the Sea side the Embassador for quieting thereof was glad to use the help of Rustan who understanding the matter by a Messenger sent on purpose advised him to cut off all occasion of contention with those most naughty fellows asking him further If he knew not that it was now the time of Warre in which time they so raigned that Solyman himself was not able to rule them but stood in fear of them But let us return again unto the Warres of Persia According to the Commands gone out through all the Cities of the Empire the Souldiers began to flock together and all that were 〈◊〉 to be established in their former places or sought to be now promoted repaired to Osman as unto a King presenting him with very large gifts whereby he collected a huge heap of Treasure and so entertaining them with courtesie and promising rewards and honour to such as would follow him he levied a wonderful number of men and monies and notwithstanding the great dearth that commonly raigned in those quarters yet to Erzirum
even within the mark of their Artillery which the Persians perceiving hardly began to assail their main body into the midst whereof the Prince entring dispatched every man that came in his way and singling out the Bassa of Careamit who sustained Osman's place smote off his head gave it one of his followers to carry upon the 〈◊〉 of his Lance which brought a great terrour upon the Turks and exceedingly 〈◊〉 the Persians who intermingled themselves more and more amongst them made of them a most confused and general slaughter there dying also the Bassa of Trabszonda and 6 Zanzacks with 20000 Turks more as was commonly reported the Bassa of Caramania being also taken with divers other common Souldiers but night comming on and the Persians come somewhat too nigh to the Turkish Artillery they withdrew themselves back to the King Camp The Fortress of Tauris being fully finished the Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople wearied to see their fellows thus 〈◊〉 and having laid up the prey and booty gotten in Tauris Winter also comming fast on by 〈◊〉 trusty friends about Osman who was in despair of life represented 〈◊〉 him the 〈◊〉 of their return and after many reverend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto him that if he would needs 〈◊〉 dallying out time in those dangerous places where no need was they should be forced to forsake him Osman promised to satisfie their request by departing the next morning So he made Giaffor the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis a crafty and cruel man Governor of the new-built Fortress whom to encourage to undertake that charge he gave him for 3 whole years the Office and Revenues of the Bassa of Careamit 〈◊〉 slain Honouring him also with the Title of Bassa of the 〈◊〉 so that after his 3 yeares Office of Careamit he was to sit amongst the Soveraign seats of the Bassaes of the Porta The Bassa hereupon dispatching his Lieutenant for Careamit 〈◊〉 a 100 of his own followers setled himself in the said Fort with 12000 Souldiers furnished with all necessaries till the next Spring so the General departed the same morning being the 87th day after his departure from Erzirum came to Sancazan 7 miles from Tauris The Tauris being now ready confusedly to encamp There was heard the neighing of Horses and noise of Drums and Trumpets which when the whole Camp understood they ran disorderly to rescue on that side where those noises were heard but whilst the Turks intentively expected the Enemies comming on that side the Prince with 28000 Horsmen was ready upon them on the other side and with a safe Convoy had taken 18000 Camels and Mules well loaden with Booty and Victuall which he sending away with 6000 Souldiers Himself 〈◊〉 22000 Persians entred into the Turks Army who now on that side also had made a Head against him In a moment the Tents and Pavillions were turned upside-down and replenished with dead Carcasses and bloud and so generall a slaughter made that the Turks themselves marvelled at and do to this day with great admiration recount the Valour of the Persians but they doubting lest the enemy should have entred the Lodgings of the sick Visier now at the last 〈◊〉 He that commanded in his Name ordered the Artillery to be forthwith unbarred and discharged which in that medly overthrew both friends and foes did perhaps most harm to the Turks For the Prince with his followers at the noise thereof speedily retired so that the Turks left behind were more annoyed then the Persians the Turks made shew as if they would gladly have overtaken them but night coming on they feared to proceed any further In this Battel were slain 20000 Turks 〈◊〉 any notable loss of the Persians Osman the General also here at Sancazan died through the violence of an ague a flux of bloud which was kept secret from the whole Army because the Charriots wherein he lay were stil kept close And in his name Cicala Bassa for so he had appointed gave out commands to the Army yet 3 young men who had the charge of Osmans Jewels Treasure fleeing to the Persians with the best therof and the fairest of his Horses disclosed to them the death of the Generall who were thereby encouraged to attempt the utter overthrow of the Turkish remnant whereupon the Prince with 14000 followed the Turks who were removed to a certain River of salt water not far from Sancazan where he pitched a few Tents about 4 or 5 miles distant from the Turks camp the said brook running betwixt the 2 Armies Now the Prince purposed to assail the Turks in the morning while they were loading their Carriages which his design was revealed to the Turks by one of his Spies which they caught wherefore they neither rose so early as their manner was nor loaded their stuff till they were all ready to receive their Enemies yet the Persian considering they should find no other good opportunity to annoy them before next Spring resolved to venture the assault and observing the Enemies Artillery to be on the right side they began to enter on the left but the Turks presently so turned their Artillery against them that it was to their great loss danger yet were they so nimble to shroud themselves under the Enemies Army that being now come very near them they must needs joyn Battel they had purposed as soon as they saw the Turks begin to stir to retire so to draw them on into a filthy and deep Marsh which being then dry was not doubted but onely by those that were well acquainted therewith or born thereabouts which policy Maxut and Dant-chan perceiving gave notice thereof to Cicala Who caused a great compassing-wing to be made and to charge the Persians home which they did so that their fore-front opened with very large corners upon the Prince who by and by perceiving that his purpose was discovered without stay began to retire which could not so readily be done but that 3000 Persians were over-trodden and 〈◊〉 in the mire with very little loss to the Turks This onely Battel of 5 that were fought in those Quarters being least hurtful to the Turks The Prince returned to his Fathers Camp recounting unto him the whole action and the Enemies departure The Turk came to Salmas where Osman's death was published thence they went to Van where surveying their Army they missed about 85000 persons or more at Van they were all dismissed whence Sicala gave notice to Amurath of all that had happened First was published Osman's death at Constantinople with many signes of great sorrow also the bloudy and mortal actions that were performed in that Expedition the whole City seemed much discomforted and in many places were much secret railings on the King many curses of these wars and of those manifold mischiefs after which was dispersed the great fame of the 〈◊〉 at Tauris with all the losse that had happened to the City an Edict published that through all the Cities of the Empire they
Castles thereabouts without mercy though the poor Inhabitants offered them large contribution Hereupon also Swartzenburg determined with all his Forces to come again to the siege of Buda sending for some great Ordnance to Vienna Col. Rodoler of St. Andrews in upper Hungary also upon this overthrow shewed himself with 500 Horse and 600 Foot before Agria yet leaving most of his Forces a little way off in Ambush The Bassa hereupon sallying out began a hot skirmish but those in Ambush started out and couragiously assayling the Turks put them to flight pursuing them even to the gates of the City and had there bin more Footmen 't was thought that the dismayed and confounded Turks had abandoned the place Nevertheless the Christians with small loss retired having slain a great number and carrying away 100 prisoners with 500 Horse and much Cattell The free Haiducks also receiving new supplies had done great harm in the Country about Buda without opposition Wherefore the poor Christians which yet dwelt there ŕose up against the Turks promising Obedience to the Emperour and that they might be no more molested by the Imperials offered to do their utmost themselves to hinder the Turks passage by Land and Water These Haiducks also brake down all Bridges which the Turks had made between Buda and Alba-regalis for the commodious bringing of Victuals and munition to each other and Palfi Nadasti hearing that the Tartars in 3 companies had over-run much of the Country and were retiring towards Buda with great booty went out and forced them to fight who better inured to filch lost all their lives with what they had stollen Then with their Forces they took 2 of the Turks Castles with much rich spoyl which they sacked and burnt with the great Town of Zolna breaking down the bridge upon the river Trava The Turks at Buda now having no Governour and also pinched with great want doubting some sudden attempt retired into the Castle leaving the City to the Imperials then ready to have besieged it but the Avantguard of the Turks great Army being come to Moattesh where Sartes Bassa was also looked for and there being a report that the Turks having relieved Buda would besiege Canisia or Strigonium they as in doubt went no farther So some Commanders with their Souldiers were sent to fortifie some passages whereby the Enemy was to pass the rest retiring for that he began to approach they knew also what desire Ibraim had to recover Strigonium The Imperials the while encamping near 〈◊〉 and Zolnock cut off 500 Turks going towards Buda to vctual it taking a Chiaus prisoner who was sent from Ibraim to Agria to put them in hope of speedy relief Then also they approaching the 〈◊〉 of Zolnock with certain Petards being discovered by the watch were ensorced to retire 40 being left slain and many more carried away wounded in revenge whereof the rest destroyed the Villages intercepting much Munition and Victuals going to Buda and Agria Ibraim Bassa in the beginning of September came to Buda with an Army of 130000 Whence in his Masters Name he gave the Emperour to understand That to save the further effusion of innocent bloud and not for any distrust of his own strength he could be content to hearken to some reasonable Conditions of peace whereunto both these Princes having well wearied themselves and exhausted their Treasures seemed not now unwilling the rather because the old Sultanness who through the greatest weakness of her Sons Government did bear most 〈◊〉 seemed in what she might to further the same Wherefore about the end of this month a parley was agreed on in an Island of Danubius beneath Strigonium Swartzenburg Nadasti Palfi and the Bishop of Vacia being for the Emperour and the Bassa of Buda with the Lievr Gen. of the Tartars and some others for the Sultan The Turks at first demanded Rab Strigonium with all other Towns and Castles taken from them in 5 years before with a yearly Tribute to be paid at Constantinople the Emperour also to have his Embassadour Leiger alway attending upon the Turks Court for which they would deliver the City of Agria only All which Demands being by the Emperour's Commissioners rejected they offered to leave unto the Emperour Rab and Agria onely for Strigonium exchanging as it were Strigonium for Agria which when it could not be obtaied the Treaty was broken off the wars again continued But in the mean time Michael of Valachia certainly informed his life to be sought after in the Turks Court by the ambitious Cardinall Bator his envious Neighbour by command from the Emperour with an Army of 60000 men entred Transilvania most horribly burning the Country and killing the people as he went Where while the Cardinall was making head against him he had the City Corona or Brasso with the strong Castle of Focaras yielded unto him whence marching towards Alba Julia with all his Army Octob. 26 before divided into 3 parts he came into the Plaines near 〈◊〉 where assured that his Lievtenant corrupted by Ibraim had promised to kill him with his own hands presently cut his throat By and by after came unto him the Popes-Nuntio sent from the Cardinall with another Embassadour telling him the Embassadour had Commission from the Emperour to will him forthwith to desist from Arms and depart out of Transilvania Which seeming to the Vayuod almost impossible he desired to see that Commission the Nuntio answered He had left it with the Cardinall himself But I said the Vayuod have one here present of another Purport which I purpose fully to execute yet was he for that day entreated by the Nuncio to stay his Army and in the mean time the Vayuod would know of the Nuntio Why the Cardinall so troubled the Country by intruding himself to the great prejudice of them to whom it more justly belonged not attending to the Government of the Church better beseeming his calling but he had no answer So Octob. 28. these Messengers were sent back to the Cardinall who presently returned them with rew Instructions to the Vayuod then busie with his yong Son in setting his men in Array who answered them only He was resolved to come to the tryall of a battel with him so the 2 Armies encamped near each other the same day joyned a most cruell battell for 5 hours space with desperate obstinacy fought till the Cardinalls men at length overcome were utterly overthrown 30000 of them being Turks and Tartars sent from Ibraim The Vayuod now Master of the field sent out some Troops to pursue the Cardinall divers wayes himself with the rest came to his Camp quite forsaken 45 pieces of Ordnance great store of Coyn and Wealth a great number of Tents and Horses becomming to him a prey Then marching to Alba-Julia he was joyfully received of his Friends for there were divers who still favoured the Emperour After that the Vayuod sent his Lievt to Claudiopolis which willingly yielded with many other places
of gold the Embassador giving 100 of the Vayuod's followers each of them a good Suit in requitall with whom also was the Polonian Embassador who 't was 〈◊〉 did what they could to draw him with Transilvania and Valachia from the Emperour to the Turk but 〈◊〉 seldom or never spake with them but he 〈◊〉 either before or after with the Emperours Commissioners about their requests protesting not to yield to any thing without his good liking whereof Mahomet advertized gave the Vayuod to understand that he was in some speech with the Emperour touching peace which if it took effect all should be well if not it should be good for him timely to consider of his estate and submit to him who was able to defend him rather than to adventure himself with all he had to most certain destruction promising for his loyalty onely to give him Transilvania Valachia and Moldavia for ever and to furnish him at his need with Men and money and offering to make him a great Commander in Hungary and the Bassa of Temeswar to be 〈◊〉 ready to assist him against the Emperour with 50000 Horse and Foot reserving to himself whatever he should more win from him All 〈◊〉 large offers the Vayuod declaring to the Commissioners still protested never to start from the 〈◊〉 yet he hereby took occasion to request Transilvania of the Emperour to him and his Son in Inheritance for ever with such Frontier-Towns as formerly 〈◊〉 thereunto also that all dignities and preferments formerly granted to Sigismund might be bestowed on himself and for his service done to have money to pay his Souldiers and that what he should win from the Turks might be his and his Sonnes and that the Emperour and Princes should assure him to ransom him if taken but if he were driven out by the Turks then to have some fit place in upper Hungary to live in with 100000 Dollars yearly for all which he the Emperour to do so much this year against the Turk as had not been done in 100 years before vaunting that if he had had the employment of the money which was spent in this Warre he would not have doubted to have brought all from the 〈◊〉 to Buda Alba Regalis and Zolnock under the Emperour's obedience Sigismund the while supported by the Polonians and ayded by the Turks Tartars and Moldavians was ready to enter 〈◊〉 yea the forerunning Tartars had already carried away some booty out of the Frontiers thereof wherefore the Vayuod in great haste assembled his Forces out of all places the Countrey people and resolute free Haiducks in great number resorting unto him So April 24 he removed to Cronstat with 8000 〈◊〉 and 200 pieces of Ordnance and all his Forces almost 50000 Horse and Foot being assembled at Nessen he speedily passed the rough and high Mountains into Moldavia yet his Souldiers by the way were glad sometimes to eat leaves of Trees the Enemy having carried away whatsoever sustenance he could Of whose speedy coming and great strengrh Sigismund and Jeremiah of Moldavia hearing retired into the Frontiers of 〈◊〉 to gather more strength and so to meet him for Jeremiah had not yet received the promised Forces from the Turks 〈◊〉 his Enemies thus fled with fire and sword entring Moldavia took-in most part thereof the fearful people yielding to him as he went and the rather because Jeremiah their Vayuod had laid upon every man a Duckat a moneths Tribute for which they 〈◊〉 hated one of the trusty Servants of the Commissioners in Transilvania who might report unto them all his proceedings stayed not long in Moldavia but made towards Sigismund and Jeremiah and May 18th found them by Othune Castle nigh the River Nester being 30000 strong where a most cruel battel from about 10 in the morning was with great courage and obstinacy maintained till the Evening when as at last the Valachian his Enemies fled 8000 being slain besides many drowned in the River the Valachian losing but two thousand Sigismund and Jeremiah though some said they were slain and some drowned yet they both escaped by flight Michael after this caused all Moldavia to sweare obedience to the Emperour himself and Sonne to the great offence of the Polonians especially of the great Chancellor an old enemy to the House of Austria whereof ensued greater troubles than before to the further effusion of Christian bloud Now the Vayuod notwithstanding this great Victory considering he could hardly keep Moldavia against the power of the Turk as also against the Polonians as desirous to restore Jeremiah into Moldavia as Sigismund into Transilvania of himself by Embassadors offered the Soveraignty of those three Countries to the Emperour on condition that he should be perpetual Governour thereof under him The Emperour also heard that Mahomet had sent unto him a Chiaus commanding him to restore Transilvania to Sigismund to whom by the King of Poland's mediation he had been reconciled else threatning with fire and sword to destroy Valachia and deprive him of Transilvania and his life together Wherefore he yielded to all that his Embassadors requested conditioning he should be bound to serve with his people against the Turk as need should be and that in Transilvania should be alwayes near him resident the Emperours superintendent over the whole Countrey which was Dr. Petzen sent thither with 6000 Souldiers and much money to pay the Vayuods Souldiers and so to take of them an Oath thenceforth to be his Majesties faithful Servants The superintendent the Vayuod received with great honour yet being returned into Transilvania ere long without regard of him he began to oppress the people with new exactions and in a sort to tyrannize over them using great severity against divers Nobles also chiefly those whom he knew had taken part with the Cardinal or lately with Sigismund or any way to have favoured his quarrel which was contrary to his promise no more to imbrue his hands in the blood of those Nobility without the knowledge or consent of the Emperour or his superintendent which yet if he had not done he could not have kept those disdainful ones under obedience Nevertheless the Transilvanians taking these things in ill part rose all up in Arms against him so that he finding himself to weak for them retired with all that would follow him into the Mountains whence he presently sent for ayd to Lord Basta for subduing and reducing them who by Letters from Matthias commanded so to do with about 6000 Horse and Foot and 8 Field-pieces removed from Cassovia Septemb 4th where by the way came to him Embassadors from the Confederate Transilvanians requesting also his ayd pretending themselves to be the Emperours most loyall Subjects but not under the Government of such a Tyrant as was the Vayuod exaggerating many his most cruel actions c. Basta sent back the Embassadors comforting them to expect his arrival in Transilvania yet convenanting with all that they should first conceive in writing the Oath
Princes Lievtenant not able to endure or hear that the Province should again fall into the hands of the Germans went upon a sudden to assail Basta But he an old and xpert Commander perceiving even his first moving with great speed put his Army in order joyning Battel with him and with the losse of some 500 men overthrew Moyses with his Transilvanians Turks and Tartars slaying above 3000 and putting the rest to flight but Sigismund hearing what his Lievetenant had done went into the Camp to Basta excusing himself as done without his privity and against his will offering to perform whatever was by him to be performed according to the agreement and presently calling forth his Garrisons out of all strong places yet by him holden he surrendred them to Basta and so put himself on his way towards the Emperour after whose departure all that Province without more adoe yielded to Basta as to the Emperour's Lievtenant who calling an Assembly of all the Nobility took of them an Oath for their obedience and Loyalty to the Emperour But the mean while the Valachians not able longer to endure the great insolency of the Turks who after the death of Michael had made one Jeremiah Vayuod there took up Arms and proclaiming one Radoll the Emperours favourite Vayuod chased Jeremiah quite out of the Countrey who fleeing to Simon Palatine of Moldavia by his and the Turks help drave out Radoll again who now being with Basta with about 10000 Valachians earnestly requested him to help him for the recovery of Valachia who considering how much it concerned the quiet of Transilvania to have so near a Province a Friend gave him a great Regiment of approved Souldiers with whom at his entrance into Valachia the Moldavian meeting with a great power of his own and Turks there was fought a most bloudy Battel Radoll carrying away the Victory two Turks Bassaes being slain with a great number of others after which Radoll recovered his Government Shortly after with the same ayd cutting in pieces a great power of Tartars coming to ayd the Moldavians In Hungary the mean while passed many a hot skirmish for the Garrisons of Buda and other places attempting to surprize Alba Regalis were with great slaughter enforced to retire Then also Count 〈◊〉 suddenly setting upon 200 Turkish Wagons going to Canisia with Ammunition and Victualls slew and put to flight the Convoy and carried away the laden Wagons And shortly after the free 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 going in a great party towards Buda for booty returning homeward with sixty prisoners and hearing that Ali Governour of Pesth was coming but with a small retinue down the River to Belgrade there to meet the 〈◊〉 Bassa they slew all the prisoners and with two small Boats lay in wait for him who coming down accordingly they slew 14 of his 30 followers himself also being shot in two places was taken with a great booty whom they brought to Comara presenting him shortly after to Matthias at Vienna who certainly informing him that Hassan Bassa was coming with a great Army to besiege Alba Regalis presently sent thither Count Isolan the Governour who with much adoe getting into the City the Turks having already taken all passages and being a good Engineer caused all in the City to labour on the Rampiers so that it was soon so fortified that it seemed almost impregnable Ali was sometime the great Turks Butler but after the taking of Agria made Bassa of Buda being after 3 moneths by the envy and ambition of some displaced and made Governour of 〈◊〉 who offered for his ransom to the Haiducks 300000 Sultanines and had with him when taken 70000 Duckats Hassan Bassa by the Command of Sultan Mahomet coming to Buda by the way of Belgrade with 150000 men from thence came and encamped before Alba Regalis Aug. 12th where having well entrenched himself and planted his Battery he most terribly and furiously battered the same and because the Moorish and deep Ditches much letted his men from coming to the assault he had them filled up by the number of his Pioniers and so assaulted the Counterscarfe which Isolan had made before the City which assault though it cost him much blood yet the great number of the Turks prevailing the Christians were forced to retire into the City but they soon sallying out slew most of 〈◊〉 Turks in the Counterscarfe and forced the other out again whereupon multitudes of Turks came running thither and without regard of their lives desperately still pressing on fell twice as many as before so that the Christians weary and overwhelmed with their shot not without great losse abandoned the place with which skirmishes and divers others he Defendants were greatly diminished to keep a weak City as yet shewing the ruines of the late siege against so puissant an Enemy yet valiant Isolan the Italian not discouraged wrote to Matthias how things stood in the City requesting speedy relief or else it would be endangered many Souldiers being already slain and divers Hungarians daily fleeing to the Turks howbeit promising to do his utmost Whereupon the Arch-Duke ordered Lord Russworm to go to Comara and with such forces as were come thither to go and try if by any meanes they might put into Alba Regalis some fresh Souldiers who accordingly took the Field without delay with 12000 men but whilest by discord betwixt him and the other Colonels about the manner of relieving it the matter was too long delayed the Bassa Aug. 28. continued a general assault all that day and next night with some part of the day following without ceasing so that the Defendants much weakened and they that were left so wearied or wounded as that they could make no longer resistance and the Count himself being carried away dangerously shot in the thigh there was a sign of parley given to the Enemy which being granted some of the chief Commanders going to the Governour put him in minde of the weakness of the place the Enemies force and want of Defendants perswading him they not being relieved by divers reasons to yield the City wherewith he moved came to a parley with the Bassa who was right glad thereof wherein it was soon agreed that the COUNT should yield up the Town to the Bassa with all Warlike Ammunition therein himself with his Garrison with Bag Baggage and Arms safely to be convoyed half way to Rab. Upon the first bruit of this composition whilest the Merchants were seeking for Wagons to carry their Merchandize and the Souldiers for Horses to carry their Baggage the scarceness thereof bred a confusion and stir among the people so whilest some were quarrelling about these things and others were opening the Gates to be gone others were as busie in robbing and pilfering the Baggages of their Captains and Companions which encouraged the rest of the Souldiers to fall to pillage all also which the Souldiers keeping the breaches seeing left their charge and thrust themselves in among these pilferers as
to mercy nor any living thing spared Much rich spoyl becomming a prey for it was a place much frequented and had enjoyed long peace which John razed to the ground not daring to adventure upon the Castle being well fortified and furnished While he was busied in the spoyl of Brailovia newes came of 15000 Turks comming to relieve the Castle Who forthwith sent Suiercevius with his Cossacks and other 8000 Horse against them who suddenly comming upon them slew almost fourteen thousand chasing the rest unto Teina Castle Whereof Suiercevius certified John and of another great Turkish power comming which might easily be overthrown if he leaving the siege would without delay come and joyn Forces who went accordingly to Suiercevius and upon conference besieged Teina which City taken without much labour he left not one alive therein and by the service of Suiercevius overthrew the Turks coming towards Brailovia Selimus much troubled and doubting to be thrust quite out of Valachia prepared new Forces appointing general supplications to be made to Mahomet for his better successe the undoubted sign of his fear John now purposing for a while to break up his great Army called to him Czarnieviche his old Friend to whom he with a kind speech committed part of his Army to wit thirteen thousand of his choise Souldiers to lay upon the side of Danubius to keep the Turks from passing again over charging him to let him from time to time understand with all expedition of every motion of the Enemy and taking his leave of him with a kisse gave leave to most of his Souldiers to depart yet to be alwayes ready upon occasion Czarnieviche promising the utmost of his Faithfull devoire went towards Danubius most carefully there keeping the passages Ere long great numbers of Turks were come and coming down to the other side yet none adventured the River because of Czarnieviche Wheresore the Bassa sent with the Army dispatch to him some pickt-out men to sound if he might be drawn over in secret to talk with him sending him besides his safe conduct 〈◊〉 thousand Hungarian Duckats for a present who shortly after secretly passing the River had conference 〈◊〉 Peter the Palatines Brother To whom he declaring in how great danger the Vayuod stood and how highly Selimus was offended with him cunningly from divers Motives perswaded him to give the Turks passage over Danubius Czarnieviche overcome with his Golden Promises withdrew his Forces further off from the River as if it had been for his more safety two hundred thousand Turks well appointed of all necessaries passing quietly over Then he posted to and certified John that the Turks trusting to their multitude had passed the River against whom he could not make Head Wherefore he should speedily go against them with what Forces he had ready which joyned to his might easily overthrow them The Vayuod glad demanded what strength they might be of Not above 12000 said he already come over but are still comming and will before thy comming be above 15000. John raising his siege from before Teina Castle in four dayes came and encamped within three miles off the Enemy sending Suiercevius with his Cossacks and Jeremias with six thousand Horse to view their Camp and understand what might be of their designes who lighting on about six thousand Turkish 〈◊〉 after a light skirmish put them to flight and taking one who felt himself wounded to death he told them the Turks were not many but the Cossacks conjecturing by so great a number of Scouts the untruth of that report soon certifyed the Vayuod thereof wishing him in time to provide for safety and not too much to trust Czarnieviche whom they had a good while suspected but he answered only He knew whom he trusted 〈◊〉 that it was not now time to doubt or be affraid c. So fortifying his Camp near a Lake for more convenient watring of his Army he set forward with all his power against the Enemy and coming to a Hill whence he thought to have descried his enemies number and laying he could descry but four Companies of Scouts who withdrew also on purpose out of sight to the Army which lay in a low Valley behind a Hill John suspecting the enemy to be at hand divided his 30000 Horse into 30 Companies placing Field pieces before each of them and placing his many rude and homely but most faithfull Foot by themselves So marching on from another Hill he might easily descry the Turks huge Army and how Czatnieviche's treason had deceived him whereupon he sending for him he sent back word he could not then come the Enemy being so nigh but he should forthwith see him in field as forward as the forwardest against the Enemy but upon the signal of Battel given on both sides he first setting forward as if to have given the onset caused his Ensign to be let fall and his men with their Caps on the points of their speares and swords to bow down whom the Turks with speares and Lances on High joyfully received The rest of the Army almost discouraged hastily retired to the Vayuod crying out All was lost all was lost but he nothing discouraged willed them couragiously to follow him They in all things exceeding the Enemy except in number which alwayes gave not the Victory The Turks upon joyning of 〈◊〉 thrust the revolting Moldavians shrinking back perforce into the front slaying them that hung back on whom John most furiously discharged his Field-pieces most of them being 〈◊〉 over whose dead bodies the Turks coming on were at first notably encountred begining to retire but indeed on purpose to draw the Moldavians within danger of their Ordnance Ambushes covertly placed which Suiercevius perceiving with 〈◊〉 ado stayed their further pursuit The Turks comming on again with no lesse fury than at first the Christians made with them a most cruel Battel many falling on both sides but after long fight the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with multitude gave ground and then betook 〈◊〉 to flight most of them being 〈◊〉 in a hard 〈◊〉 and but 250 Cossacks left The Vayuod with 20000 〈◊〉 and such 〈◊〉 as had joyned to them after the 〈◊〉 retired and fortified himself in the ruines of a Town which he but a little before razed the Turks the same night so besetting his Camp with a multitude of men that no man could go in or out Next day June 11th the Turks shooting divers great shot into his Camp to small purpose and considering the danger of 〈◊〉 him in his strength sent to him to perswade him without delay to yield himself and repose more trust in the mercy of the Turks than in his own broken forces 〈◊〉 being so beset c. Who answered he knew into what danger he was brought rather by treason than the 〈◊〉 valour yet had he a strong power of most valiant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men who would sell their lives dear to the Turks however to avoid the further shedding of blood he could be