Nauie vanquished consisting of a huge number of Shippes of vvarre vvhereof part were sounk at sea part taken by our men together vvith so great prouision of munition and all other things befitting the vvarres deuoured by the deepes besides no small number of vvorthie vvarriours Captaines of famous memory expert Nauigators vvhereof there is great scarcitie euerie vvhere vvhich in that battell perished all of them being such things as by any accident once lost are hardly to be recouered in many yeeres continuance yet such and so great is found the forces and faculties of those Turkes as notwithstanding all these losses vvith indaunted courages forthwith they haue fitted a nother Fleet litle inferiour to the first vvhich prouided and at all points furnished against the beginning of the following Sommer sett sayle to Sea daring to shew them selues in sight of our victorious Fleet vvith semblance not to yeelde one foote to flight so ours hadde bene so aduenturous to haue comd on Of vvhich matters vvhilst often I haue reasoned vvith my selfe and searcht vvhat vvere the causes of so much greatnesse vvhat artes meanes had brought them to so much estimation and how they could attaine such excellent perfection in euery millitarie function Together how it comes to passe that so many of our men should continually reuolt and abiuring all Christian rites becomes affectâ—rs of that impious Mahumetane sect vvhilst on the other part vve finde none or very few of those repayring vnto vs. Of these things I say vvhilst vvith my selfe I often argue vvhat I conceaue may it please you heere to see sett downe First I hould that in both parts this case giues rather cause of pittie then admiration For beholding so manie Nations and People conioyned vvith vs in the indissoluble bondes of Christian Charitie and Religion vvho to our and a number of Christian Princes shames are dayelie borne downe vvith the heauie burthen of captiuitie vvhilst vvee neither vvith care enter into the consideration of these things or harbour the least thought in our hartes to make them succour I say it is to be lamented that so much blindenesse should haue thus possessed our mindes vvhen in deed the miseries of our opprest brothers ought no lesse moue vs to commisseration then if the like daunger vvere discending vpon our owne heads We see this dayly increasing flame catching hould of vvhatsoeuer comes next still to proceed further noâ— that the insatiable desire of dominion in these Turkes canne vvith any riches be content or vvith the gayning of many mightie and vvealthie Kingdomes be so settled but of vvhat is this daye gotten to morrow they build a new ladder vvhereby to clymbe to the obteyning of some newer purchase And vvhich to feare is more fearefull That vvheras euery bondage in it selfe is hatefull and far worse in condicion then Death yet that of the Turkes of all other is most crewell most execrable Who hould it not enough to bring the Prouinces in obedience vnlesse all be vnder vvho either excelled in Witte Fortune vvealth or honour all the Nobilitie slaughtered or commaunded into farre distaunt and remote Countries vvhome beereauing the exercise of euery Noble Science stripping of all necessarie ornaments deformed and mishapte in all basenesse at length be brought to vvhat fulnesse of miserie may bee imagined And for those our brothers vvhich is the second point in our griefe propounded I know not vvhether it vvere better fitting to deplore their condicion then to detest their hatefull Impietie vvho bevvitched with the fayre shoe of a frayle and very smal good renounce the euerlasting and Celestiall riches abiure Christian Religion from Heauen discended and by the sonne of Almightie GOD to vs men deliuered vvhich onely all other meanes shut vpp makes free passage and layes open the path that leades to eternall Blessednesse and the Kingdome of Heauen These things as I first sayde deare friend are to bee pittied and vvherein vve are vvith all endeauour to labour least at any tyme the lyke may happe to vs or vve brought to the same passe then vvhich in miserable miserie there is neither state nor place more abiect Now for this much admired Turkish glorie and so many yeeres succesfull Felicitie vvhereof vvhilst few aright enter into consideration perhaps it may seeme vvith some verie straunge yet in my conceit neither are the things them selues vnvsuall nor the causes thereof obscure vvhich then the better shall appeare if one by one vve compare and examine their fashions lawes counsayles and discipline with those other of vs Christians First then none will deny me I am sure but that amongst these causes vvhich extoll kingdomes common wealths to great wealth much power and high estimation religion before the rest is to bee preferred which religion containeth in it a double function one is most excellent and deuine and the same for which at first religion was by heauenly prouidence enspired into mansminde this as I sayd formerly beeing the onely and most certaine guide conducting to immortall blessednesse then which was neuer greater gift granted to men by Almighty God whose operation is such as in regard thereof it drawes our affections to esteeme all riches all pleasures kingdomes and commandes or what may bee thought precious in this life to bee vilde and of no valew according to that saying what shall it auayle mortality to obtaine the dominion of the world so in the end he make shipwracke of his owne soule A second function of religion is polliticall appertayning to publike gouernment and to contayne people in obedyence and dew obseruation of lawes wherin all antiquetyes beare witnesse that whosoeuer well and wisely haue founded cityes societyes or common wealthes they haue alwayes had this part of religion much respected which as it nothing detracts from the maiesty of religion so doth it make the same to bee holden in higher reuerence whilst the vse and profit thereof extends it selfe in each mans eye to the gouerning of all humane affayres and preseruation of euery well planted state Of that first and excellent part we haue no purpose to speake for it little appertaines to the argument in hand wherein it shall iuffice thus much alone bee said that all the lyse of euery Christian man ought especially to bee spent in giuing thanks to that deuine deity by whose goodnesse we haue our soules illuminated with the bryght beames of true religion all cloudes of erronyous darknesse driuen away wherewith the mindes of such as are ignorant in the same bee hourely blinded whereby wee may finde how much better by infinit degrees the condicion of Christians is rather then that of the Mahumetans who misled by the lyes of that wicked Imposter and following his damned positions diuerting from the eternall path of saluation are carryed headlong in theyr misbeliefe to hell torments and euerlasting damnation but let the vrging of this point be the office of deuines and now againe to my purpose Then let vs come to the poynt
dispoyling multitudes of Princes and high discended families of theyr liues together with theyr crownes and kingdomes and this done in so few yeares space aboue all opinion or what else before was euer executed by the antique world It cannot be but to that which the course of things doth daylie cast vpon them if there be a course in things which is not my purpose further heere to dispute God almightie in his secret iudgements doth hasten their proceedings to chastice the ingratitude of vs Christians for the small thankefulnesse wee shew for so many his gratious benefits liberally though vnworthely bestowed on vs. But my office is not of a diuyne hauing in purpose to make knoweÌ„ onely what they haue euen from the first done and daylie doe rather then the reason of the deede how it is or can be done In which I heere present you and your Worshipfull brothers with three bookes This of their Originall and the seuerall Monarchies discended from them Another of their conquests and the succession of the house of Ottaman whose greatnesse hath in manner drownd all the rest The third of the small gainefull attempt giuen by Soliman great Grandfather to Mahumet the third of that name who now reigneth to the Isle of Malta or Melita defended chiefly by the forces of the great Maister and the valiancy of the worthy brothers of that order By which last booke I wold thus much inferre that since the prowesse of so small a handfull was not onely able to withstand but repell the furie and huge forces of so confident an enemie puffed vp with pride assurance of so many rich spoiles and gayned victories O what then would the forces of Christian Princes vnited doe so we might but once see the glorious beams of that bright shyning day appeare To this I haue annexed likewise an abstract borrowed froÌ„ the Italians of such causes as are saide to giue greatnesse to the Turckish Empire a breuiate onely of a larger worke yet by me vnfinished deuided into three bookes which by gods grace shal come forth shortly shadowed with the fauours of you your brothers names These former in the meane time if it shall please you to respect with that kinde acceptance which from you they seeke though not well deserue I of my paines receiue a large requital who desire nothing more Lastly whereas seuerally I assigne dedications of these books to you your brothers vpon my seuerall reasons in their Epistles set downe it is not of any purpose to deuide you or them from the pleasure of any part which I wish should bee common vnto all but rather to expresse thereby your mutuall natures coÌ„formities for as these books though diuersly directed yet thus together perticipate theyr content to all readers alike if they please whereto the dedication giues no hinderance So you of all liuing brothers with the mightie admiration of men in distinct bodies are sayde to haue in euerie good thing one and the same vnchangeable will minde alwayes resident where meum and tuum the worlde 's sole contentions neuer take place Thus wishing to your Worshippe all content of your desires and therein the full fruition of your health with much affection prayed for by many I take my leaue and to your good opinion commend mee From the midle Temple this 20. of March 1600. Your kinsman in all faithfull seruice at commaund R. Carr. I S To his kinde friend R. C. THe well fed paunch sound sleepes and proud attire From face of men hath banisht vertue quite VVhereby the course of natures free desire Is cleane corrupt by customes foule despite So euerie light is spent which gratious heauen Assignd this lyfe our staggering steppes to stay That now a worthie wonder it shall seeme If any one shall glorious actes assay The Lawrell wittes reward the Mirtle eloquent Drownd in contempt with faire Philosophie The gayning people hould for time mispent And few folkes feete the strayter path doe trie Yet gentle friend let mee of you require Pursue the prayse due to your harts desire C S To his louing cosen good friend R. C. I Speake no prayse to thee my Cosen kinde 〈…〉 For well of aught I know you seeke no prayse But ioy to see that these our better dayes Shall bee adornd with beauties of thy minde O how I feard thy modest thoughts inclinde To sit in silence musing mourning layse In scorne of fame and all that honor rayse would drowne the parts which heauen to thee assignd I know thy worth and so shall many moe Vnlesse thy selfe and many moe thou wrong And since begoone to set thy selfe in shoe Bring out thy store in darknesse hid too long Nor doubt not aught for if as earst I see That pleaseth others which once pleaseth mee R M To hiis friend R C NO little glorie gaine they I confesse who fitlie foâ—einâ— tongues our language teach Yet he farre more deserues without impeach His owne braines birth who well dyd e'er expresse Then gentle friend make you your selfe not lesse To post vs French and Latine in our speach But broach those quieres of rare conceit and reach Which I haue seene most worthie of the presse Those loue sick Sonets those pleasing Comedies VVhich oft with much attention I haue heard That rich discourse where loue in louing dies And of all wittes those paradoxs preserd O let this age but some of these behold And prayse thy pen writ in a veyne of gold The answere to his friend R M MY dearest friend I willingly confesse That I whose life should other lead teach Am not deuoide of blame and foule impeach VVhich O I would no tongue could ere expresse Now for I haue my selfe in wotth made lesse Too stale a fable to the publick speach Is 't not enough but that I furthther reach To blaze my follies in a printing presse No pardone no both songes and Comedies And what besides pleasing applause hath heard VVithout remorse in their creation dies To byrth and buriall rites at once preserd Too much of these dyd men in me behold O would time past could be regaind with gold FINIS The Preface To the curteous Reader IT is no small wonder vnto me gentle Reader though the worth of the argument contayned in these bookes were lesse why the examples of other nations as in other things should not so much preuayle with our countrey men as to stirre vp some according to the presidents in many other languages wherewith the world in large volumes is fraught to haue written somewhat of these Turkish affayres For if wee regard the greatnesse of their attempts their fortunatenesse in successe their discipline or what else may adde aught to militarie glorie you shall finde them in my conceite not inferior but superior farre in euery thing which hath giuen estimatioÌ„ to former ages of which bookes we see euery hand and studie full whilst these alone are hid from our people for want of some
with the said Mango Cham that the same Cham receiued the holy law of the christian faith was baptized by a Bishop being the chancellor of Armenie with a brother also of his whom Hayton being cosen Germain of the said king of Armenie calleth Haullon and Paul the Venetian Allau This Allau was sent by his brother Mango Cham with the king of Armenie aforesaid accompaned with a mightie armie to make war on the Turkes who passed the riuer of Tygris and tooke the realme of Persia which remayned without gouernour sithens the Corasmins had inioyed the same After which hee inuaded and tooke the countrie of the Assassins whom the Latins doe call Arsacides of which people there is much mention made in the histories of the passage of the famous Godefride de Boillon For which cause it cannot be much from my purpose if I declare partly wher this countrie of the Assassins lieth and what people they be This territorie being no great countrie is situated at the foot of the mountain Libanus towards the Orient as Brocard the Monke affirmeth beyond Antaradus otherwise called Tortosa and frontereth vppon Persia towardes the North which both the said Hayton Paul the venetian doe call Mulete The Lord of this countrie was called Aloadin or Aladin which signifieth Diuine or of God THE Histories of the sayde passage doe name it le viel de la Montaigne as also do Hayton and Paul the Venetian who were then liuing This territorie is as it were a plaine enuironed round about with mountaines into the which was but one onelie entrie passage vpoÌ„ the which Aladin aforesayde caused a great fortresse to be builded named Tigado All the sayd plaine naturally is very fertile and pleasant to the eye by reason of the faire medowes brookes woods groues wherwith the same doth plentifully abound Besides which naturall contents this Aladin had furnished the said plaine euery where with beautifull Gardins vergers rich palaces and houses of pleasure in most sumptuous wise that could be deuised and therewith caused the same to be enhabited with the fayrest young men women of the best faces that any where he could finde For which purpose too he waged certaine soldiors to awaite and watch the getting of such young men and beautifull women Hayton saith that this Aladin cared for no manner of Religion Paul the Venetian sayeth that hee was a Mahemetist When Aladin had thus surprised any young man hee was brought to this castle of Tigado and within a litle time on some faire day when the sunne dyd shine verie cleere one should come and bring this man thus taken a drinke which would enforce him so strongly to sleepe that he should so remaine a very long space without any manner of moouing or feeling as though he were plainly dead Than would he cause him to be borne into this vallie and so thorough his faire palaices and gardens among his beautifull women and withall to be clothed in rich apparell So as whan hee waked hee found himselfe an other man as though comde into a new world In such his galantrie hee was straight wayes enterteygned feasted with the Ladies there and wonderfullie welcommed with the shew of all manner of pastimes and trayned to all kinde of pleasures which youth and lust could desire and this so long as all that day would endure At night after a certain banquet prepared whervpon to repast the like drink as before to make him sleepe againe was giuen him Thus being made to sleepe his sumptuous apparel was taken of his former garments put on so brough againe into the said fortresse from whence he went and into such place as might be much vnlike to that which he had beene before So as vpon his awaking he should soone perceiue himselfe in an obscure euill sented old chamber cleane chaunged from the place where he could not but remember he had beene before When Aladin vpon conference with him would declare that the place where hee had beene was Paradice and that it was in his power to send him thether whan hee would if therefore the young man had minde to continue such blessednesse for euer it was graunted vpon condition that he would take courage and hardinesse to aduenture his life and to die for him in such seruice as vpon occasion hee would commaund To which numbers of young men for recouerie of that felicitie and Paradize whereof before they had tasted would soone giue their consent as not esteeming any aduenture dangerous whereby to atteigne that which hee most desired when Aladin to make these men the more feruent to execute his desires would cause them sundrie times to bee had to these places of pleasure and to tast thereof as beefore And thus serued this pestilent Viel de la Montaigne for sending abroad his wicked Ministers to murder and kill Princes euen in their owne houses who cared not of the losse of their owne liues in executing their dampnable purposes so that they might atteigne their vain Paradize as they expected before hand promised by Aladin Of this pernicious band were those Assassines that had almost killed Richard King of England in his owne Paâ—ilioÌ„ being in the holy land one of which likewise murdered at Sur Conrade the Contee of Montferrat and an other that valiaunt Contee of Tripoly in his owne house whereby I thinke the Italians doe call those to be Assassins which we in our French tongue doe call Brigans that is to say spoylers and cut-throtes The saide Allau therefore besieged the same stronge fortresse of Tigado where before he could get the same hee dyd lye there in siege the space of three yeeres Hayton sayeth hee beesieged it by the space of seauen and twentie yeeres and in the ende for want and lacke of clothes to couer theyr bodyes though they had victualls ynough the Soldiors defendaunts yeelded the castle which afterward was razsed and laide leuell with the earth while the siege thus continued Allau returned into Persia king Hayton into Armenye IN the yeere of our Lord God 1255. Allau with the king of Armenie returned and came against the Caliph of Baudraz where they besieged him in Baudraz which in the ende they tooke with the Caliph also and all his treasure being of an inestimable value Which treasure whan Allau had seene he demaunded of the Caliph why hee dyd not therewith leauie wage soldiors for his owne defence considering his so great meanes Wherevnto the Caliph aunswered that vnto that time hee alwayes supposed his owne subiects had beene sufficient ynough to haue resisted any â—orreine enemie which Allau vnderstanding immediatly caused all that treasure to bee had into a tower and the Caliph there to bee set in the middest of the same treasure prohibiting that any should giue him eyther meate or drinke whereby hee miserably dyed thorough famin in the middle of his riches And thus ended the Empire of the Caliphes of Baudraz
others in dignitie So hath the Soldain foure Emir Quibir surmounting the rest in honour next vnto the Soldain For this word Emir betokeneth an Admerall and Quibir signifieth great So as this woord Emir Quibir is as much to say a great Admerall Besides they had in their society a great constable called in their tongue Derdard Quibir whom Paulus Iouius calleth the great Diadaro The Soldain being but a Mammaluch is chosen to that dignitie by the rest of the brothers as they doe elect the great Maister of the Rhodes and most often hee is of one of their Emirs Who being thus elected to be Soldain giueth to euery of the other Mammaluchs by way of reward a hundred Duckets for his welcome All which Mammaluchs were Christians Renies or sonnes of Christians as are the Ianizaries who in no case would receiue any Turke Moore or Iewe to be of their societie being all Liuerous for so the Turkes doe name them This Liuerous were aunciently named Hiberi and Circassi whom they call Cercaz among whom the Colchi Georgii Albani and others Christians who were Iacobits and Nestorians remaining about the riuer of Phaso otherwise called Phasis were accounted This Circassi beeing young whan the Tartarians dyd surprise and take them were carryed by troopes and solde to the saide Emirs with whom they were brought vp in the exercise of armes but chiefely on horsback who beecomming very valyaunt were made Mammaluchs obseruing the Mahumeticall law This order of the Mammaluchs beganne at such time as the king saint Lois was taken prisoner before Damyate which some cal Heliopolis among whom the first Soldain was named Melechsalem whom they dyd kill and was the cause that the sayd saint Loys was the more easily deliuered But to returne to Bazait this ouerthrow that the Turkes thus receiued nigh to the Golfe of Layasse by the Mammaluchs was the greatest calamitie that euer came to the Turckes whereof Bazait hauing receiued intelligence and perceiuing that his affaires had small good successe on that side retired his force into Sclauonye and there tooke the towne of Durazo aunciently called Dirrachium and Epidamnus perteigning to the familie of the Carlouichs who affirmed themselues to haue descended out of the house of the kings of Fraunce That is to say from Charles of Durazo surnamed de le Faix sonne of Peter Duke of Grauyn sonne of Charles second king of Naples and of Hungary in the right of his wife The which Charles was sonne of Charles D'aniou king of Naples brother to the said king saint Loys IN the yeere of our Lord God 1493. Bazait sent eight thousand horsemen vnder the leading of Cadum Bacha to ouer runne the Countries lying betweene Hungarie and Sclauonie against whom certaine of the Nobility of Hungary Croace and Sclauony dyd assemble themselues and encountered the Turckes nigh vnto the Riuer of Moraua auncientlie called Moschus where the Christians were ouerthrowen Fiue yeeres after Haly Bacha the Albaneze and Enuch with a great armie by sea made towardes the towne of Iara or Iadera situated on the shore of the Golfe of Venice in the coast of Sclauony And albeit that the forces of the Venetians which was very mightie on the sea pursued the Turkes yet durst they not charge thē which Haly Bacha perceiuing tooke at their noses the towne of Lepantho aunciently called Naupactum IN the yeere of our Lord God 1500. Bazait came in person to Modon that somtime was called Methones in Moree and tooke the same And after when Lewes the twelfth the French King ioyned in aliaunce with the Venetians against Ludouic Sforza the vsurper of the Duchie of Milayn Bazait at the request of Sforza caused tenne thousand horsemen to inuade the territorie of Friol insomuch as they approched euen to the towne of Triuiso in the view of the Citie of Venice For which the Venetians prepared immediatly a great armie on the sea against the Turkes with whom the Gallies of Fraunce vnder the charge of Seigneur Rauestaing as also the Gallies of the king of Aragon vnder the leding of the famous Don Ferrando Consaluo ioyned with which armie they dyd win from the Turks the Islands of Cephalonia and saint Mauro But vpon certaine conclusions of peace traicted by the meanes of Messire Andreas Gritti who afterwardes was Duke of Venice betwixt the Venetians the Turkes were againe surrendered yet the Gallies of Fraunce passed forwardes to the Isle of Lesbos otherwise called Metheline hopeing to haue subdued the same but not able to bring their enterprise to passe they returned home againe About this time beeganne the fame and renowne of Siach Ismael the king of Persia by surname called the Sophie according to the name of his father who was sonne to the Daughter of Vssuncassan and of one Seich Ayder that is to say the good Religioux for he was reputed among the Persians to bee a very good and holy man and a Prophet called Sophi of that sect new begunne among the Mahumetists which they call Sophi or Sophilar of the which I dyd speake beefore according to the which hee lyued Some holde opinion that hee was called Sophi of the Countrey of Sophena which was vnder his dominion But neyther the Turkes nor yet the Persians know what Countrey Sophena is The sayde Seich Ayder after the death of Vsuncassam was shamefully slayne by the commandement of Iacopbeg his brother in law doubtting that the people of Persia who meruailously were affected owardes Seich would haue deposed the sayd Iacopbeg and made Seich to haue beene theyr King For which Seich Ismaell hearing of his fathers death beeing than not passing eyght yeeres of age fledde to the towne of Leziam situated vppon the Sea of Abacuth commonly called Caspium where hee remayned vntill hee came to mans age and than returned into Persia where finding meanes to assemble but three hundered men thorough theyr help hee tooke the towne of Sumach and after increasing his number hee wanne the Citie of Taurys in Armeny with the towne of Syras where the good Armours are made Hee afterwardes vanquished and slew in fight Aluant sonne of Iacopbeg who made him-selfe King after the death of his father who was sonne to Vsuncassan Vncle to the sayde Ismaell and entered in league with the Prince Aladulad or Anaudule and the Soldain of Egypt by whome hee was drawne to mooue warre against Bazait against whom he obtayned sundry victories About this time Selym the youngest sonne of Bazait departed from Trebisconde whereof he was gouernour and without the knowledge of his father married with the daughter of the Cham of Tartarie Prezecopie Thorough whose aide and a great number of Horsemen which his brother in law called of the Turkes Chamogly or Canogly brought to accompany him hauing already gained the hearts of his fathers Iannizaries Hee enforced Bazait his father to leaue to him his Empire Which Bazait purposing to draw himselfe to the cost of the sea Maior otherwise named Pontus Euxinus and there to leade
to bee so desprate in fight the one to win the fortresse the other to defend the same that it appeared that day would haue giuen end to those wars fiue houres it was furiously fought so that in the end the Turks through the worthinesse of our christians were repulsed howbeit the Turks the night following rested not but still beat at the fortresse with their great artillery that therwith the curtaines being so torne rent our christians had much a doe to stop the enimie from scaling aâ—â—oâ—â— thâ— which our christians had meruailous prouid 〈…〉 In this terrible conflict were slaine of the side of the christians two hundred of the Turks part an innumerable sort among whom the famous Pirat Dorguta while he executed no lesse the part of a prudent captaine then also the function of a worthy souldior through the stroke vpon his head with a great stone at this assalt was wounded to death and so within two daies after died and his dead body from â—â—â—nâ—e honourablie was transported to Tripolis in Barbaria But with this worthie Constancie and valiaunt acts of our Christians the Captaines of the Turkes beeing made more furious and raging then beefore they were collected all their Nauie into one place and commaunded that the fortresse on euery side both by land sea should be assalted and that euer fresh souldiers should continually be sent vntill the fortresse were wonne by assault Therfore the Turks immediatlie caused both bridges ladders ingins weapon other necessaries meet for the assault to be with all diligence put in readines which when Mounsier Valet being then in the castle of Saint Angelo perceiued fearing as reason was that the fortresse was not able to abide beare the furious charge that was in preparing against the â—â—me therefore about two daies before this last assault hee called together the counsaile of the order of the Ioannits shewing them that they all did perceiue so well as hee in what meruailous daunger those rested that were defenders of the fortresse nor he doubted but that euery of them for the pietie Godly harts in them remaining had no little compassion of the perill of the rest of their bretheren and other worthie souldiours there yet remaining no lessâ— then if the cases of the defenders were their owne and therefore required to shew their best aduise what were requisit for the safegard of such valiant persons The matter being throughly considered the counsell gaue immediate resolution that forsomuch as the fortresse no longer could bee kept that the liues of the defenders should be saued and that for the bringing awaie of the defenders twelue foists should be sent For which cause there was elected three knights of the order that they in the night following should passe ouer to the fortresse and not onely to declare to the defenders the determination of the great Maister and counsell but also to suruey in what state euery thing in the fortresse were after so many cruell assaults suffered and that if there were cause to forsake the fortresse then the waters ther to be poisoned and the whole artillerie to be cloied vp with nailes For executing of which embassade foorth with departed Medina a spaniard Rocca a frenchman Constantino Castriota an Italian not without meruailous danger of their persons considering the Turks espying theÌ„ charged at them sundry shot of the harquebuze after their ariuall in the fortresse they expressed to the defenders the pleasure determinacioÌ„ of the great maister counsell of the order The defenders vnderstanding the great care thought that the great Maister counsell had for their safetie most humbly gaue thanks to them all for the same Then so much as concerned the estate of the fortres if the straitnes therof the small number of the defenders the great number of the enimie should be considered truely the fortresse were in meruailous daunger chiefely in that the enimie was purposed to giue of new another desperate assalt howbeit insomuch as hetherto they had tasted of the mercifull aide of almightie God that vnto that time had defended them from the rabious furie of so terrible an enemie in that the place as they thought was defensable with munition inough there yet remaining and that chiefely they had required of the great Maister the honour of the charge in defending of the peece or place if they knew all to loose their liues they intended to defend the fortresse to the death perhaps such occasion of most honourable defence neuer would come to them againe therefore they were vtterly determined to spend their liues for the glory of almightie God and his holie religion The race and cource of this britle life is but short but the glory of eternall life is perpetuall And considering that to each one there is an appointed death it is to be desired of euery good man that this life of ours beeing subiect to casualties might rather be emploied about the seruice of Almightie God and his common wealth than to be reserued to the extremitie of olde age And if their chaÌ„ce should be that there were none other way but to dye they hoped to leaue such victory to the enemie that the ioy and pleasure which they would gaine therby should cost them the best blood that remained in the worthiest Soldiours that the Turks than had And therfore they required the messengers to shew to the great Maister what they had vowed and to continue his good opinion in them as pertained to haue in worthie Seruitures chiefely of such as had giuen themselues to that order of Knighthood The three Messengers hauing thus receaued the defenders answere containing greater courage than good hap returned to the great Maister who calling again the Counsail togethers hearing the valiant answer of the defendours was likewise desirous to heare the opinioÌ„s of the messengers Castriota was of opinion that insomuch as the defendours were yet Maisters of the dikes the fortres might be kept that he Castriota if he were commaÌ„ded would take the defeÌ„ce of the Fortres in charge and that rather he would lose his life than to forsake the place But Rocca the French man was of contrary minde saying that he verely beleeued the Fortres was not able to be kept if Iulius Caesar were on liue had the defence therof saw to what extremities the place was brought vnto that euery Bulwark ther for the most part rent in sunder by the enimies artillery hurled downe compassed with such number of desperate enemies he would neuer suffer that the liues of so many worthie soldiours should through inconsidered partinacitie haue end but rather to forsake the place and to reserue the liues of so many valiant Seruitures for other places of greatet importance It is a valiant worthie mans part to doe that which a man may doe and not to stretch beyond that which a man cannot doe And that to
enter Whereby the knights of the order resting at Messana could not tell how to send safely the two Gallies away to Malta Notwithstanding considering that the great Maister so earnestly vvrote to haue them that they thought Vbirerum agitur summa vnius particulae periculum minus esse metuendum Where the vvhole affaires rest in daunger the perill and losse but of a part particle thereof for the conseruacion of the rest ought the lesse to be regarded and feared they determined vvith themselues to commit the two Gallies to the guiding of Fortune alwaies aforeseeing that all those knights of the order should not passe in that hazard but onely fortie of them ioyned vvith a good number of soldiours that furnished vp the two Gallies With these passed Captain Salazar an Hispaniard in a bote towed by the Gallies into the Iland of Goza vvho after from thence passed into Malta to espie both the state of the Citie and the Turks Armie The meane tyme the Turks not forgetting the great ouerthrow and repulse that they receaued at their late assalt at Saint Michaels and not a litle desirous to reuenge the same therefore they began vvith terrible sury theyr batterie againe against the Fortres of Saint Michaell in such sort as that so much as the defendours repaired vp in the night the Turks by day by their Artillery ouerthrew and brake While the enemies Artillerie dyd their feate the Turks deuised theyr bridge vvhich they finished and dyd sett ouer the dyke before the Sunne rysing the twentith of Iuly vvhereby they might come to hand strokes vvith our Christians Which being perceaued by the defendours and considered vvhat detriment the bridge vvould import if the same vvere suffered Immediately seignior Parisoto the great Maisters Neuew and Agleria knights of the Order vvith a good company of other soldiours issued forth of entent to haue burned the bridge Who in such sort vvere receaued by the Turks that vvithout executing the matter they came for all those that issued together vvith Parisoto and Agleria vvere vtterly slaine The Turks this space seased not to continue the sury of their Artillery in battering the walls vntill the xxviij day of Iuly So as that afternone they couragiously assalted the For tres on sundry parts thereof and thrise did send fresh men to supply the roomes of their soldiours that were either vvery in the fight or ouerthrowen in the assalt so manfully the Turks stood to their mark that they doubted not to gaine the Fortres that day But our Christians on their part with no lesse valyant courage resisted them with very force what by Gunshot arrowes wildefire handstrokes at last they compelled the Turks to retire from the assalt with incredible losse With this victory the harts of the defenders in such manner encreased that they cared nothing for the malice of the enemie And because there was not so often skirmishing on our side as was wont and that the artillery of the Christian side began to stay from shoting the Turks supposed that there was few souldiours left on liue in the fortres that their furniture of pouder shot and other things were spent Which stay from skirmishing shooting was rather done of purpose by the counsaile and deuise of the Prince Valet then for any want of those matters in the fortres for a good cause considering that he heard of no maner of certaine aide at that time that euery day more more the enemies fury malice did grow the greater hee thought it not requisit to consume his garrisons other furnitures idely to no purpose But the Turks perceyuing that by these often assalts of theirs theyr pretences toke litle effect they determined with themselues to prooue what they could by myning and one mine they had in maner brought to passe beefore our Christians did perceiue the same to the end they might blinde the eyes of the defenders they caused two gallyes towards the water to aproch the wals of the towne of Saint Michael to beate at the same with theyr artillery supposing by the same that the garrison to haue forsaken their charge to haue aided the rest would haue neglected the custody of the wals of the castle so by this mine to haue entred into the fortres But the defenders vnderstanding the subtile pollicies of the Turks by the meanes prudence aswell of certaine of the garrison as chiefely of one of the ensignebearers ther brought vtterly to naught the mine of the enimy by a contermine For the ensigne bearer first entring the mine of the enemy with a lanterne in hand casting certain arteficial fire among the enemies in the mine that whether the enemy would or no hee draue them out of the mine For which good seruice done the great master rewarded this worthy ensigne bearer with the gift of a chaine of gold wayeng fiue pounds because that Virtus virtutem parit eaque in arduo sita est one vertuous act allureth another to do the like though the same be very difficult to attaine vnto The next day after which was the first of August certaine of the garrison of the fortres issued forth with pouder burnt to peeces the bridge which the Turks before had deuised layed ouer the dike which worthy deed so done turned to the whole fortres a wonderfull commodity For the next day after at the Sun setting the Turks assalted agayne the fortresse vpon that part which was garded by Carolo Roffo where by the space of three houres it was valiauntly foughten on each side but in the ende the Christians repulsed the Turkes leauing beehinde them three hundred slaine And on the Christian part remayned dead Roffo himselfe with one Bareso and certaine other souldiours This while during the assalt the Turks in such sort exercised their great artillery with continuall shot that none of the defenders durst scarce shew his head to looke into the dike but immediatly he was dispatched but for all that where occasion of any worthy seruice was at that instant to be shewed the souldiours of the fortresse would not spare his life to execute the same As well appeared in Calderonio the Hispaniard who when hee doubted that the enimy was breaking that part of the wall of bulwarke called the bulwarke of Castile hee issued immediatly to espy and know the same but in a moment hee was slaine with the bullet of an arquebuse Whose infortunity as to some it would haue beene a terrour and feare so was the same not the lesse an encouragement of the rest to endeauour to doe the like seruice For when they perceiued that the enemy did what they could to fill vp the dike of the fortresse they of the garrison determined rather to ende their liues with honour then to come into the handes of a most cruell enemy and therfore concluded togethers to issue forth that night vpon the enemy and to enbar them of their purpose
Saint Michael agayne so to proue if they could win the same a few dayes before the comming of the Christian nauy had begun to packe and gather together their necessaries but vnderstanding of the arriuall of the Christian fleet and landing of the Christians army immediately some sounded the alarme some crying to remoue and so meruaylous fearefull euery one seeking for the couÌ„sell that was thought best some began to fly away some to take weapon in hand but the most part of the Turks marching to the trenches retired theyr artillery and did set fire in the forty fications that could bee burnt and so with as much expedytion as they could they drew their artillery and the rest of their baggage into their ships Which when the garrison of Borgo perceyued they manfully issued out and gaue charge vpon certayne bands of Turkes that were at a place called Bâ—rmola garding a great and mighty peece of artillery The Turks hauing no lust to fight fled away a pace leauing the great peece in the possession of the Christians which the Christians with force drew into Borgo and if at that time the new supply of the Christians had beene there in a readynesse and to haue giuen charge on the backe of the enemyes while they were thus in hasting to theyr shippes either they had opened to themselues a manifest path way of victory ouer the Turks or else to haue spoyled them of the most part of their great artillerie But I thinke if the new supply had bene there present perhaps they would rather haue followed the ancient opinion of famous men of warre saying Hosti abeunti viam sternendam esse pontemque vel argenteum faciendum giue way to a flying enemie yea and if you make for him a bridge of siluer Albeit the garrisons of Borgo and Saint Michael by reason of their fresh victuall other necessaries appertayning to further besieging if neede were which through the vnequallitie of the wayes lacke of horses was verie difficultlie and with much labour on foote brought to them from the citie thought not requisit to trouble the flying enemie with further skirmishes Wherby the Turks shipped their carriage artillery and the most part of their army without great let or impediment So the xi of September the Turkish nauy departed from Porto Musetto when a fugitiue a Genoua born came to the prince Valet saying that 10000 Turks were landed againe marching towards the citie of Malta to fight with the armie of the Christians which were comming towards Borgo Which when the great Maister heard immediatly hee sent certaine bands to seaze the sortresse of Saint Hermes and there to fixe the ensigne of the sacred order Who accordingly forthwith departing tooke the possession of the Fortres vvherein they found foure and twentie peeces of Artillerie great small vvhich the Turkes hauing no further leasure could not take away vvith them The Nauie of the Turks this vvhile departing from Porto Musetto passed vnto the Port of Sainct Paule and there dyd set on land seuen thousand Turkes vnder the leading of Mustapha their Generall by land Who had intelligence giuen him that the vvhole Armie of the Christians vvhich newly vvere come exceeded not the number of three thousand soldiours And therefore being the more bold to fight by reason of the litle number vvhich he supposed that vve vvere of he marched on proudly towards the Citie of Malta and in his vvay thetherward Mustapha discouered the Armie of the Christians Who espyeng the Turks and ready to fight marched forward couragiously against them and encountering vpon a hill the Christians valiantly gaue charge vpon the Turkes at vvhich first encounter few vvere slaine of either side But in the ende by reason that our number vvas both greater and our force therwith the more the Turks gaue back and fled the Christians followed killing and ouerthrowing them vnto such tyme the rest vvere driuen to their shippes but vvhilst each one clustered to get to their nauy through to much hast there perished in the sea about foure hundred Turkes and a thousand and eight hundreth slaine on the land So as if our Christians had bene expert of the places and knowne the land there needed not one of the Turkes to haue escaped away on liue The Turks beeing thus beaten into theyr ships stayed still with their Nauy in the port of Saint Paule all the next day following a great part of the next night then before day in shoting of a warning peece being a signe of their departure they set sayle and departed towards Grecia leauing the Iland of Malta shamefully wasted and enpouerished Thus the Turks beeing driuen out of Malta to their notable calamitie and ouerthrow the Prince Valet made victorious with immortall glory caused generall processions and prayers to bee made to almightie God for his infinit benefits to them shewed in this carefull time ascrybing the chiefest cause of this victory to his inexpressable goodnes then Valet distributed to the worthy seruitures that honorably had behaued themselues al this while condigne rewards in praysing openly euery one according to his demerits with continuall thankes to them all for their great paines and trauayles passed Vnto the wounded and sicke he had such tender regard for the restitution of their health as though it had ben to himselfe Hee lamented much the destruction wasting of the country of Malta and earnestly deuised for the repayring thereof againe Amongst all these things he did not forget to learne which way or whether the enemy this while passed what he pretended which many in the middes of theyr victory letteth passe for which cause euery one hath giuen this worthy Valet the name of a most prudent valiaunt and courteous prince and as one prepared of God to remaine on the earth to the defence of his sacred religion that during his life euery thing vnder his charge cannot but remaine fortunate and prosperous About this time Soliman sent a mightie Armie to inuade Hungarie vvhich the Spring time after he himselfe in person followed thorough vvhose comming vvhole Germany as it had good cause vvas meruailously afraied and gathered themselues together The Germans of auncient tyme haue vvith other nacions rather for glory than their owne safegarde made warres But vvith the Turks rather for their owne safetie they haue alwaies foughten than for any glory that they haue sought thereby Howbeit Maximilian the Emperour gathering together a great Army against Soliman proceded and layed seege to a place â—â—â—led Vespeâ—â—â— and dyd by assalt vvinne the same from the Turks But Soliman vpon an other part vvanâ—â—â—om the Emperour Segest and Iula being two places of no litle importance Whan as the fifth of September Anno 1566. Soliman the Emperour in the course and rase of his victories ended his lyfe in the famous Citie of Quinque Ecclesie vvhich of fiue Churches in the same is so called To vvhome his sonne Silimus succeeded in his Empire and
dominsons vvho if he were like in condicions either to his father Soliman or to his grand father Selymus and Germany to continue in his Intestine and inward contencions and diuisions as it still doth it is to be much fâ—aâ—ed but that it vvould happen to Germany â—vvhich alredy â—ath chaunced to the infortunate countries of Thracia Dacia Maesia and the most part of their vvofull and miserable neighbour the Kingdom of Hungary For it is an assured and very true sayeng that Nulla tam magna tamque firma potentia est quam discordia non comminuat et perdat There is no Kingdome or Power be it neuer so great and mightie vvhich discord and ciuill discencion in it selfe doth not distroy and bring to confusion The end of the third Booke ¶ To the three worshipfull brothers worthy Patrons of vertue and all good Arts Robert Carr William Carr and Edward Carr in the Countie of Lincolne Esquiers Raffe Carr their most affectionate kinsman wisheth all content HAuing Right worthy Gentlemen formerly made knowne to euery of you by such simple remembrances as my power could aford how much I desire dayly studie in perticuler to serue honor you I thought it now not amisse treating of one argument comd of the same kindred deriued from the general obseruations which euery where with profit in these three first bookes are to be gathered thus ioyntly to you all to perticipate this common good For if the vse which euery one ought arightly to make in the reading of Histories be grounded chiefely in the election of taking or leauing the better or worse of such things as by examples are faithfully propounded which vpon occasion should be applied either to the well gouerning of a priuate life or to the inabling of our vnderstanding for counsell in our countries seruice In either part I say I know none of many who haue had these Turkish affaires with the perpetuall felicitie in consideration to whome with more credit a man may giue beleefe then to Hubert Folieta the Genuoys whilst with much wisedome grauitie and discreation he handleth though briefely the causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire to his deere friend the famous Captaine Marcus Antonius Columna A treatise I suppose to euery conceauing man or such whome the care of a common good doth possesse very acceptably This same therfore for the former alleged reasoÌ„s haue I heere annexed so faithfully as I could persuade the nice Italian tongue to speake our proper language To which I haue further added that the occasion of this discourse might the better be apparant the narration of the war of Ciprus held betwixt the Turk and Venetians some xxx yeeres agoe In which their wars the VenetiaÌ„s being excedingly ouerborne notwithstanding that notable victorie obtained by them and their confederates in the Gulfe of Corinth made priuely their peace without knowledge giuen therof either to the Pope or king of spaine who in these wars had ben their associats whilst Marcus Antonius Columna Pope Pius quintus general alwaies in opinion against the same persuaded to his power the contrary that so worthy an occasion of further victory should not so vnworthely be relinquished Of which matter imparting his mynde to his friend Folieta it became the subiect of this ensuing discourse wherin Folieta not intermedling with what the Venetians had done onely layes downe in general such causes as by great reason may be thought of those fortunate successes which hourely attend the Turkish Ensignes To which I had rather remit you then longer to deteine with the harshnes of an ill pleasing Epistle And now hauing for the present done that due obseruance to you all of me long both determined and desired I most earnestly beseech you to take my boldnesse in good part void of all saucie presumption my meaning as it is clothed in a sincere will alwaies to serue honor you my request as I shall deserue for euer to be preserued in your good opinion Wherwith if you shall so much grace me I protest there can no one thing giue more fulnesse to much of that happinesse which in this world I affect wherof nothing distrusting though meanely deseruing I take my leaue and rest Your most bounden for euer Raffe Carr. ¶ THE NARRATION of the warres of Cyprus held betwixt the Venetians and the Turks â— during the yeeres 1570. and 1571. CYprus so called by reason of the rich Copper Mynes therein conteined plentiefull and abounding in excellent Wynes Wheate Oyle Suger being in deed that true Mecarian Isle vnder xxxv degrees of the Poles eleuation standeth in the Gulfe Issicus distant twentie German myles from Syria conteining in length fiftie miles of the sayd German measure but in breadth ten or twelue at the most and in diuers places lesse Salamis the Citie of Cyprus built by Teucer Aeaâ—ide held for their Kings for many discents the same Teucrians of vvhich race Euagoras and Nicocles vvere men celebrated and made famous by Isocrates Orations To these Teucrians succeded the Ptolomees to them the Romans vnder vvhose gouernment although much and grieuously vexed by the Saracines they coÌ„tinued firme and constant vnto the time of Andronicus Commenus and Henry the sixt Emperors For about the yeere 1190 Richard the sonne of Henry the second King of England sayling towards Palestine and put from landing in that Island by Isaac Commenus then the gouernour tooke the same by force vvhich afterwards he gaue to Guy of Lusignan sonne in law of King Almerick vvho had lost the Citie of Hierusalem in exchange for the bare tytle and name to him and his posteritie of the sayd Crowne of Hierusalem The issue and lyne of vvhich Guy enioyed the sayd Kingdome of Cyprus 250. yeeres vntill the tyme that Peter reigned vvho vvas taken prisoner by the Souldan of Aegipt but afterward vpon Tributarie condicions restored to vvhich Peter succeded Peter the sonne vvho at the death of his Father being very young vvas afterward married to Haelena Paleologa and by hir had issue Carlotta married first to Iohn King of Portugall But lastly to Lewes Duke of Sauoy vvhich Lewes for a small time reigned King of Cyprus This second Peter â—ad likewise a bastard issue called Iames vvho by the help of the Souldan of Egipt expelled from the kingdome of Cyprus the sayd Lewes of Sauoy Iames tooke to vvyfe Katherin the daughter of Marcus Cornelius adopted by the state of Venice vvho being vvith childe by hir husband and he before hir deliuerie dyeng in the yeere 1470. The said Common vvealth tooke to their charge both the mother child and Kingdome But shortly after the enfant dyed supposed to haue bene poisoned by the practise of that state vvho solely thereby possessing themselues of the kingdome reduced the same into the forme of a Prouince Katherin the mother being brought back to Venice vvho liued to the yeere 1510. Now Selymus the first Emperour of the Turks after the vtter oppressing
which the generall of the Venetians did not deny him Whom Hieronimus Zanius himselfe within few daies followed leauing behinde him with the charge of the army chiefe command Sebastian Venerio but the said Zanius ariuing at Corcira the senate of Venice with much contempt did there abrogate his authority and from thence sent him to Venice prisoner So this yeere thus vnprofitably spent and with infinit charge wastfully cast away this Christian fleet furnished of euery thing requisit as souldiours captaines munityon mony victualls and in deede what not who had in admirable expectation of some worthy exployt drawen the eyes of all Europe most by their variable different and deldying counsells partly by tempests the pestilence which in short time had consumed many numbers of gallie slaues and marriners became vtterly frustrate When Pialis Bassa who by spyes had vnderstoode of the departure of Auria and the Venetians from Creet passing by Rhodes and after by the 〈…〉 Ilands returned to Constantinople But Mustapha Bassa that had taken Nicosia and now enforcing the course of his victory had besieged Famagosta hee I say leauing in the harborough and other parts of the Iland sufficient strength against incursions drew the residue of his forces to winter in other garrisons Now the Venetians hauing theyr Nauy thus returned vvithout aught vvorthelie executed created a triumuitate Capitall for the finding forth and punishing of all such as arightly might be sayd to haue bene faultie in that fleet vvhereby that expedition had no better successe their vvars prouision to so small purpose spent and so great an ouerthrow vvith derogation to the honor and reputation of the Venetian name had happened They likewise laboured to compounde a Peace vvith the Turks for vvhich cause they sent to Constantinople Iacobus Ragazonus to deale vvith Mahomet Bassa vvhom they vvell hoped to haue found fauorable and better inclining thervnto then the rest But all this in vaine therefore vvith great care and industrie they procure the contract of a league or confederacie betwixt themselues the Pope Pius Quintus Phillip king of Spaine by sundrie extraordinarie meanes they leuie hugeâ—summes of monie and repaire vvith larger prouision their vveather beaten and vnarmed Gallies of Corcyra Committing the vvhole charge and commaund of these affaires to Sebastian Venerio then Gouernour of Creet vvhilst in the meane time Pertai Bassa made by Silimus high Admirall of all the Turkish forces by Sea landith in Cyprus a new power and Mustapha Bassa chiefe Generall of all the Armie by land vvith much extremitie as hardly beseeged the Citie of Famagosta vvhan the vvorthie Captaines Marcus Antonius Bragadenus Astor Beleonius Lodouicus Martinigus and Laurencius Tenpolus most valiantlie for the said Venetians defended The Citie Famagosta is seated in the East part of that Isle towards the Syrian sea not farre from Constantiâ— famous for that vvorthy Bushop Epephanius vvhich is supposed to be the same Salamis antiently inhabited of those kings of Teucria This Citie of Famagosta vvas built and enlarged by Henry of the Famely of Lusignana King of Cyprus about the yeere of Christ 1295. at vvhat tyme Ptolemais vvas lost vvhich vvhilst it was possessed of the Christians vvas that famous Staple vvherein the trafficke of all commodities comming either from the East or West continents vvas exercised But Famagosta although both by Nature and Art strongely fortefied beeing beefeiged and assalted by this huge Armie of the Turkes with all meanes which open vvarre or secret pollicie could deuise at length after eleauen monthes defence vveakened vvith extremities and voyde of all hope or ayde vvas brought to those difficulties as they vvere enforced to render the same to Mustapha vppon composition that so their liues goods and the vse of Religion to those Christians that would remaine ther should be free to the rest not willing passage might be had safe coÌ„duct to depart But the perfedious Turke litle regarding his faith or Soldiours assurance formerly giuen vvhen the said Captains and Magistrats accompanied vvith a trayne of their valiant vvarlike companions to whom by name he had giuen their safe conducts approched his tent gaue order all should be kild Anthonius Bragadenus onely excepted to whom after three seuerall coÌ„mands in his presence to haue his head cut of yet changing his purpose for the greater ignomenie permitted his nose onely eares to be lopt away And vvheras three hundreth besids of the Christians vvere come forth into the Camp vpon securitie of the peace these as the rest he bid should be pittifully slain And for such as were gone abord the ships in hope to haue sailed for Creet he caused them besids the dispoiling of their goods to be made all Gally slaues After which Mustapha the next day entring the Citie Teupolus by his command was strangled And Anthonius Bragadenus the cities gouernor thus deformed dismeÌ„bred in his nose and eares after he had by way of mockery carried in show about the most special famous parts of the citie reuiling him with all kinde of villanies caused his skin whilst he was yet quick to be fleane of the which torment Bragadenus with great constancie endured calling God for witnesse reuenge of so monstrous crueltie and perfedious brech of faith These things thus executed in Cyprus the Turkish nauie on purpose to vvith-hould the Venetians from attempting aught for the regayning of the sayd Isâ—e entred the Gulfe of Venice persecuting all such Cities on the coast of Dalmatia both by sea and land as vvere vnder the obedience of the sayd Venetians Whilst in the meane tyme the confederate Nauie of the Christian Princes verie leasurely vvere assembled at Sicilta The Generall whereof vvas Don Iohn de Austria the base begot sonne of Charles the fith and brother to Phillip King of Spaine vvho enbarking at Barcilona brought vvith him along to Genua Rodolph and Ernestus the sonnes of Maximilian the second then Emperour From whence goeing to Naples and thence sailing to Messana in Sicilia he there expects the rest of the associate leaguers vvhich vvere one hundreth and eight Gallies of the Venetians from Creet and elsewhere thirtie from Naples twelue from Panormos twelue from Genua vnder the conduct of Andreas Auria twelue from the Pope vvhose Captaine vvas Marcus Antonius Columna foure from Malta vvith some others out of Spaine which all of them should ther meete together Where now though late being assembled vpon the fourth of September they vveyed their Ancors in Messana Port and coasting the Salentine and Lacinian promontorie they passed the Ilands of Corcyra and Cephalenia and came to the Gulfe of Corinth vvhere they vnderstood that the Turkish fleete at the Ilands Echinadas vvere then remayning In this Turkish Nauie vvere chiefe of commande Hali Bassa the Admirall Pertai Bassa Lusalis King of Algier Hamsam sonne of Barbarussa the Sirâ—ch of Alexandria vvith others to vvhome the great Seignior had giuen command that in any case the Christian fleete should not
alone be fought vvith but ouercome Where ioyning in Battell vvith the Christians in the sayde Gulfe of Corinth vpon the Nones of October GOD giueing vs the victorie the Turkes vvere vvhollie discomfited and enforced to flye Their great Admirall shippe taken Haly Bassa slaine and some thousands of Captiue Christians vvho wer slaues in the Turkish Fleet sett at libertie For vvhich Victorie generallie thorough Europe there vvas thanks publickly giuen to God vvith other spectacles shewes of ioy â—et for all that those worthy captaines left no sooting of any other memorable exploit or trophe puld from the empire of the Turkish tyâ—ant as was well supposed they might who notwithstanding the same held noâ— onely the whole Isle of Ciprus but many townes besides in Dalmatia before taken amongst which Vlcinium and Docleum wonne by force were not the least In the yeere 1571 then next following the Venetians both feeling and fearing the forces of that mightie enemy wherwith they were well nigh opprest made preparation againe for all things needefull to these wars But vvhilst nevv stirs in the lovv countryes and borders of France did seeme to encomber king Philip the succours from the confederates long in comming Don Iohn de Austria about the Calends of September repayred to the place of appointment and the associates vvith their fleet scarce shewing themselues to the Turkes at Peloponesus without ought else worthie of that preparation had retired to their places of vvintering The Venetians I say supposing themselues forsaken and left to themselues without the priuity of any other their confederates priuely made peace with Selymus Of vvhich vvhile diuers men diuersly did dispute according as affection or fancy led them Marcus Antonius Columna Admirall of the Popes nauie who in this expedicion vvas a companion and associate to Iohn de Austria the chiefe generall amongst others was in opinion cleere against and improuing the same peace condoling the deed and constantly affirming so noble a victory thus got against the Turks vvas to haue beene prosecuted with all might and mayne which not onely in his publike and familier conferences hee had osten protested but likewise had affirmed by his letters writ to his auncient friend Hubert Folieta of Genua wherevnto whilst hee the said Folieta returnes aunswere and his opininion withall hee further takes occasion therevpon to touch some causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire with their perpetuall felicitie and good successe in those their warring affayres the which for that it is most worthy to be read as well for the excellent wit therein contayned as for the great profit and pleasure which thereby may be conceyued I thought it not vnbeefitting heereunto to haue it annexed ¶ The causes of the greatnesse of the Turkish Empire vvritten by Hubert Folieta of Genua to the famous Captaine Mircus Antonius Columna YOV write most worthy Columna what great griefe you conceiue in considering this peace thus concluded betwixt the Turks and Venetians being ashamed as you say of the condicion of vs Christians that notwithstanding the memorable sea victory gotten against them by the confederate princes wherein your selfe with that most fortunate prince Don Iohn de Austria was both a counsellor and companion in command then which since the suppression of the Romain empyre there was neuer seene or heard any more famous yet notwithstanding the great ioy thereon conceiued is sodaynely setled the hopes from so happy beginnings which had enflamed good mens mindes in short time vanished and the preparations of so high and excellent counsells comd to naught For my owne part sir I am in opinion that not onely the griefe but the shame is to all noble mindes as to your selfe in common What the determination of the Venetians was therein as I doe not well know so if I did it is not needefull that I should detect it For there are some as it is well knowen to you vvho mightely disalovv of vvhat is done and are much discontent that they through pusilnanimity and sodaine dispaire should so giue vp their friends who for theyr sakes alone had thrust themselues in the dangers and charge of those wars to which opinion I perceiue you specially inclining Others thinking otherwise and excusing them doe aunswere that the Venetians perceiuing it lay not in their power alone to manage these warres with sufficient might and seeing few other of Christian prouinces and princes ought prouoked by so worthie and good beginnings or happy successe whereby to take part either in paynes or charge or to lay hould with the said confederates of so sayre an occasion to conioyne the forces and to reuenge so many iniuryes in all former times receaued now especially when it was suppoled that the Turkes were vtterly dispolyed and left naked both of friends ships or sea forces and thereby had opportunitie to expell them from forth whole Europe But chiefely the Germaine princes fayling whom the many attempts of the Turks against their state hath continually with offensâ—ue armes vexed afflicted with infinite losses and nearest of all others to the danger had beene in these affayres for theyr owne safetie to haue giuen them furtherance All which motiues to others smally auayling the said Venetians and therefore destitute vtterly of hope nor daring to support themselues in the succours of their confederates knowing what enemy they had in hand they were compelled to prefer wholesome commodious counsell rather then plausible and so without obstinacy to their destruction as was supposed to prouide for theyr piuate affayres Thus these thinges in both parts diuersly disputed according as euery man his affection or passion perswades him thervnto My selfe vvill leaue of vncertaine estimation indifferent to euerie mans ovvne peculier Iudgement vvithout interposing myne especiallie when the matters handled are to small purpose the deede done not to be vndone and that euerie expostulation is friuolus vvhich is vvithout fruit But rather lett mee communicate with you my honorable friend in that whereof your Letters giue good occasion and which may perhaps bring with it to vs both some profit detecting such my cogitacions as often and long haue encombred my secret thoughts and manifesting therein my opinion which without some gaine I hope shall not retourne againe For if what my conceit is herein shal be allowed by you a man of so great estimation for wisedome and accustomed to the managing of high affaires then shall I think my selfe assuredly protected from the caluminations of all maligners or if not allowed yet shall I giue occasion by my writing wherby you may remoue the errour which for long hath taken possession in my minde and so in both these parts it shall draw mee aduantage The effect whereof is that as I haue alwaies houlden these Turkish affayres to be both fearefull and preiudiciall to the good estate of all Christian Prouinces yet now more then at any time am I driuen into a vvondefull admiration of the same vvho hauing so great a
is a most holy true Christian opinion which as euerie man ought constantlie beleeue so must we eschew all causes that seeme to impech the credit thereof And therfore vve are to consider least by the contrarie perswasions of any philosophie vve may be missed especiallie by that of the Peripatikes whose opinions are now a daies in high estimation The great part of whom doe so dispute of the deuine nature as though it had no humane affaires nor could haue anie in consideration being a most damned doctrine vnworthie the maiestie of heauen for so with one stroke they vtterlie cut of all religion For in vaine then should we praie vow sacrifice or by anie other act of grace besech the goodnesse of almightie God craue his assistance or desire he shuld behold vs in mercy whē vve are assured before hand that none of all these he either doth or can regard which impediment is bereaued the Turkes whilst they are quite forbidden the studie of Philosophie though I am not ignorant how that wicked seducer Mahomet had therin a further meaning viz least by the knowledge therof the great vanitie smal groūd in the promulgatiō of his lawes might apeare so greatly hath this ignorance proued profitable to the Turkes for the maintenance of their opinion in Religion But whether the studie of Philosophie bringeth more good or hurt it is not my purpose here to dispute reseruing it for a longer argumēt more oportune time place Now this opinion thus planted in the mindes of the Turks makes them fearful of the deuine maiestie and inflames thē with a reuerēd regard of religion By which it comes to passe that though this their seruing of God be full of error yet shall wee finde euery where many excellent signes of their blynd deuosion commending their diligence to the furtherāce of the same For none thē they doth with greater reuerēce repaire to their temples prostrate with al humility crauing pardō of their sins by the asistance of Gods spirit holding all holy things in high veneration wherein omitting other they so much respect not onely theyr owne Priestes and religions but euen those of ours as they accounted it in the highest degree of sin to iniury any one of them any way which hath ben approued by infinit examples of pirates of whom a number as often it hath fallen out hauing taken any Priest of ours haue presently set him at liberty least by retayning the seruant of God they might therby importune the same God to reuenge his wrong Another thing to their great cōmendation is that none then they more carefully looke to the conseruation of their lawes none punishing the publike breach thereof in whosoeuer more seuerely For which there is neuer heard with them any blasphemy agaynst God any adultryes committed or ought else wherin ther is offence either in the violation or negligent obseruation of the same And yet for all this I am not Ignorant that by the same impious execrable law more haynous sins are permitted but that it may appeare how strickt euen the mightiest are in preseruing their saide lawes wee haue in this age a memorable president testyfied in the person of the great Emperour Solyman which I will heere recount This Solyman amongst those number of excellent chosen women who are kept specially for the kings concubines for it is permitted by the law of Mahumet that euery Turke may hould so many concubynes as he is able to mayntayne calling one among the rest more often then any other she perceyuing therby how the Emperour was mightely possest with hir loue by a cunning drift so much effected with him as shee obteyned hir freedome for it is to be noted that as well boyes as girles so shut vp in the Seraglio are his slaues after which beeing by Coatch sent for as at other times to come accompany the said Emperour made answere how she much admired what reason the great Signeor had who beeing a prince of so much maiestie doubted nothing publikely to enfringe the holy law of Mahumet by which it was prouided in playne words that no man in such sort should accompany free women therby so grieuously to offend euen in the view of his people whose eyes were all cast vpon him Now the Emperour much moued with this answere as likewise brideling for the present the heate of his desire demanded the next day of the learned in theyr lawes whether by law it might be admitted any man to keepe free women for theyr concubines whervnto when he had receaued answere that it was not lawfull and not enduring the want of that wench whom he loued entitely the sayd Solyman for that reason married hir Now I neede not on the contrary part to recount how Christions carry themselues in the like cases least I further exulcerate those wounds by handling which I am sure by admonishing will not be cured The next place to religion whether establing any common wealth or inlarging a dominion is worthely attributed to discipline wherein beetwixt vs and the Turkes the very truth is in my opinion that there is admitted no comparison whilst discipline is a thing with them of high estimation but with vs of little or no account that this is so it appeares cleerely in this that euery yeere the great Emperour at certaine seasons sends his inquisitors abroad through all parts of his territories to make election of the choise children to be found of an assigned age which inquisitors where they come calling together all the sayd children of the same place select from amongst them such whose towardnesse and inclination sheweth itselfe either by the disposition of the members or countenaunce fit for their purpose those they take whom bringing to the court there by especiall maisters prouided be they instructed in all manner of martiall discipline by which through much exercise their bodies and mindes are confirmed to endure euery labour nor is there any one entertayned in their warfare but such as by much exercise are invred to this discipline whereas on the other side it is hourely seene that our armyes for the most part doe stand of men both rude and vnexperienced in all martiall demeanours or discipline This aboue named discipline hath in it a triple vse wherof the first is the true knowledge of things appertayning to the warres this drawing with it an inabling of the bodies forces by which it falles out as we haue often seene theyr strength approued that an arrow shot from a Turkish bow hath clouen the shanke of a gallie oare where the wood hath beene nine inches thicke so as the head of the same arrow hath shewed it selfe on the other side whereas such souldiours as wee put in pay without consideration are chosen in companies ignorant of all things appertayning then for the most part learning the vse and art of theyr weapons when there is more need valyantly to manage them Another commoditie of discipline
wealth with large lands and stately erected monasteries wherwith the plentisul couÌ„tries of Europe are euery vvhere pestered to vvhom a great part both of Christendomes reuenues coÌ„modities be comd This I doe not disalow but much commend the pietie wisedome of our ancestors who haue bene so bouÌ„tiful in bestowing to holy vses so liberal towards the maintenance of Gods seruice releueing the necessitie of the poore and both nourishing cherishing the studies of Arts euery good literature Another thing with vs is that our seates of Iustice prolong the deciding of causes with many quiddetyes delayes which is the sole reason that we see so many lawiers Iudges so many attorneys solicitors clarks notaries aduocates proctors to whom so great rewards large fees are assigned as this practise of the law lyke to that other hath drawen with it no litle part of the welth of Christendom Againe the Scholes of good learning are by vs vvith great charge mainteined to which many repaire perceauing the accompt that learned men daily liue in doe spend either all or the greatest part of their life in that profession Lastly good god what cost is bestowed in euery handi craft thing what huge foundations hourly laid what state abundaÌ„ce of publike priuate buildings what superfluety in ensignes of honor picturs haÌ„gings plate what delicacy in euery houshold prouisioÌ„ What riot in feastings what pride expeÌ„ce in apparell vvith how great stipends are the masters in these Artes maintained all which as they greatly beutifie our Christian countries maligne the Turks in regard of vs to appeare rude vnpolisht so are they vtterly ill fitting for martiall affaires or enlarging of an Empire vvhilst they consume wast a great part of that wealth which were better bestowed in the wars Now vvith the Turkes all these things are in proportion ether small or none Their Preists Religious are very few their lyuing litle supplyed with things onely necessary Their law determinations want demurs and delatory plees receauing sentence at the first or second hearing vvithout tossing so many volumes of the ciuill Canon Codices with their comments so many yeere bookes of the common lawes course wherby so great store of counsells aduocates such quantitie of clarks and notaries are in small request Ther is amongst them no orders of Monks Freeers no Pyles of stately builded Palaces no sumptuousnesse in their dayly port but thrifty cariage spare dyet vvherein the hands of cunning cookes haue no medling the Turkes neither caring or crauing these things but spending vvhat they haue in theyr needfull preparations for the vvars vvhere vvealth and rewards are peculiarly appropriate to the valiant No marueill therfore that so many as I haue sayd of vvorthy Christian seruitours leaue the displayed Banners of IESVS vvhere small and for the most part no consideration is allotted their merits repairing thether wher they finde riches and estimation the guerdon of well dooing Now since the one and onely meanes of the Turkish glory doth proceede from the warlike designes it is no wonder that all their endeauours should wholy bee bent to that which thus alone drawes with it honor riches power wherby we see how they excell all other nations in martiall estimatyon execution of high exployts what great numbers of valiant souldiours they continually keepe in pay how huge forces of horse and foote they maintaine so as to all people their name is now becomd fearefull that alwaies they returne victors from euery war once vndertaken for inlarging their dominion our mens mindes on the other part by multiplicitie of knowledges and imployments being so distraught as few can spare any time to follow such seruice through as I said the innumerable sorts of handy crafts studyeng of arts professing of religion things indeed that haue diuerted the thoughts of the greater part of able Christian bodies froÌ„ the affectation of armes for it is the condicion of man with greater content to follow that course of life which is easie safe lesse paynefull free from danger then that other of the wars prosessed enemy to rest quietnesse especially when this first with pleasure brings neuerthelesse the commodityes of estimatyon riches manifesting the apparant reason that thus we see all our cities so replenished with marchants craftsmen inholders vinteners such like euery place reporting the disputations different opinions of Philosophers deuines with continuall canuassing of law cases All which things as they mightely I say adorne our peaceable part of the world so doe they wholy disable all martiall credyt for which wee finde vpon euery occasion how weake our forces are for cause of the small number who follow the wars In which this further I dare affirme from sound iudgment that of that age whose bodies through Christendome are fit for the wars seruice the hundreth person scarce doth apply him to that profession whereas on the contrary with the Turks the greater part alwaies doe wholy deuote themselues to the practise of armes But now let vs come to the inflicting of punishment due to offenders the feare wherof of equall conteines men in compasse both to the ciuell and martiall discipline wholesome lawes being with vs as well as with the Turks to that end established Yet the vigor force of good lawes should not consist in a positiue decree but in a and sacred inviolable obseruation of the same the rigor whereof we Christians for the most auoide by the cunning distinctions of lawyers mitigate by the fauour of great personages or breake through by our owne power Where with the Turkes these thinges are otherwise there being left no meanes to obtaine pardon of any offence no hope of escaping punishment so as we see with vs all thinges to be corrupt dissolute liberty for each one to doe what he list Our souldiours licentious freed from feare of punishment with carelesse cariage executing what euer is committed to their charge still mutinous sedicious respectlesse of command great doers in words litle indeed in skirmish making courtsie who should first begin or rangd to fight running away the first squadrons scarcely chargd or before any honest hasard of fortune were attempted although we haue as cannot be denied diuers worthy captaines who are not impechable of any these crimes yet what shall those few excellent men affect in reâ—orming the generall corrupt conditions of time in faith little whose vertues are to feeble to encounter the outgrown vices of this age Againe it is well knowen that many great commanders ther are who casting away their priuate counsels consideratioÌ„s prefer the publike good yet euen these haue such for inferiour leaders who are no lesse if not more faulty then the ordinary souldiour the greater part of whom follow the seruice for gaine and make a traficke of the warres Who when a muster of men is to passe and pay to bee made beelie their number either borrowing or subborning base fellowes to fill vp such roomes as are fayling whereby it fals out that the payes bee euer strong but the companies weake Now none of all these defaults bee conuersant in the Turkish campe where the souldiour is euer seruiceable and at commaund executing what they haue in charge carefully reseruing their heat of courage to encounter the enemy which with high resolution they both vndertake and maintayne nothing dismayed with a first ouerthrow nor discouraged with the enemies second good successe whereby to leaue the field but valiauntly fighting conteyned more by the force of their lawes the punishment therof then by feare of the enemy keepe theyr assigned ranckes expecting the best and enduring the vtmost of good or bad fortunes chances who alwaies bearing in mind the fearefull spectacles of those theyr barbarous chastisements as ther may be caused etermine either to depart the field as victors or if fortune enuie theyr valour rather there to receiue an honest death from the edge of the enemies weapon then at home to be strangled or haue his throat cut by a hangman Againe whilst the valour of the leader striues with the obedience of the souldyour who neuer haue their priuate counsels deriued from the publike good we find them to performe most excellent offices in theyr seuerall places both towards their king and country These are such obseruations true honoured Columna as formerly I sayde haue long possest my minde touching the greatnesse of this Turkish Empire which if you allow I shall the better like if otherwise conceale them to your selfe I pray least they may chance into such mens hands as may detract from the estimation of my iudgement FINIS As the Latin word Imperator at the first was no name of Regall power and authoritie VVhence â— family of Mendoza in Spaine had their beginning Ptolemais Opp nunc Acre Laodicea Opp nunc Licquee Berythus Opp nunc Baruth Gamela Opp nunc Hames Geth nunc Ybelim Tyberias Opp nunc Tabaria By what tiâ— the kings of Spaine chalenge the right of the crowne of I rusalem Arsacides Tigado Despot what it meaneth Bulgariâ— ila Mammaluch Emir Quibir Vt sit et bene et semper The woor Solyman his Nobili The sheweth counsaiâ— of the of Malâ— woords let the mastar to â—annâ—ts The Letter froÌ„ the great maister of Malta to Pope Pius the fourth of that name 1565. The 22 of March the Turks nauy vnlosed from Constantinople The 180 Maâ—â— the Nauie of the Turks ariued at Malta descriptâ— Malta Ad Eurotiotum The Turkes landing in Malta Azorbar Consultation of the Turkes Vallum exâ—â—uunt Pa. 40. A fugitiue Decem Bâ—emes The first assalt Spachâ— qui seruent auec trois ou quatre cheualls chascun et aut 200 ducats per An et sont tous Azamoglan et esclaux dudict grand Turc A Bridge of mastes The death of Medrano and Baragamo The bridge of Masts burnt The famous pirat Dorguta wounded to death The counsell of the Ioannits The sentence of the counsâ—â—â—l Thâ— answere of the worthie defenders The last assalt giuen by the Turks to the castle of Saint Hermes The Fort of Saint Hermes wonne The letter of the great Maister to Mesquito Philip a Turke a noble man reuolted and came to the Christians Pluteum