Servia and other places help with great courage maintained the fight but the multitude not true valour prevailed Tamerlane giving a fresh charge and his avauntguard knit to him again reenforcing it he with much ado obtained the victory Bajazet wounded and mounted to escape fell into Axalla's hands thinking him Tamerlane who for a space took him for some other great Commander Bajazet's son with divers great Captaines were taken there also with George 〈◊〉 of Servia who yet gained the reputation of a Worthy Captain who afterwards brought to Tamerlane was by him wel-comed but reproved for fighting against him come in favour of the Emperour and other oppressed Princes as himself was Who answered his own safety against his will made him take Bajazet's part to whom all the World seemed to bend Whereupon he gave him leave to depart at pleasure Bajazet being afterwards brought to him aud courteously entertained presumptnously answered him to whatever he demanded Tamerlane moved told him 't was in his power to make him lose his life He answered Do it that losse should be his greatest happinesse Tamerlane demanded why he enterprized to subject so Noble a Prince as the Greek Emperour He answered for glory and soveraignety that moved thee to invade me But wherefore said he art thou so cruel towards the conquered without respect said he for the greater terrour of mine enemies What said Tamerlane wouldst thou have done with me if I had fallen in thine hands I would said he have enclosed thee in a Cage of Iron and in triumph have carried thee up and down my kingdome So said Tamerlane shalt thou be served So being taken out of his presence he said to his followers Behold a proud and cruel man he deserveth to be chastized accordingly c. I acknowledge God hath delivered to me a great enemy this day to whom we must give thanks which he did Next day the dead being to be buried Ciarcan's body was found amongst the dead Janizaries Tamerlane greatly lamenting his Kinsman's death and embalming it conveighed it with 2000 horse and divers prisoners chained c. to Samarchand till his coming The other were honourably buried at Sennas This bloody battle in 1397 was fought from 7 in the morning till 4 in the after-noon Tamerlane's politique tiring of Bajazet's strong forces was the safeguard of his own The number slain is diversly reported the Turks say that Bajazet lost his Son Mustapha with 200000 men Tamerlane not many fewer others that there were 60000 Turks slain of Tamerlane's 20000. It was three daies as they report before Bajazet could be pacified but still seeking and calling for death neither did Tamerlane afterwards courteously use him but as of a proud man made small account of him and shackling him in golden fetters made him be shut up in an iron Cage to be seen on every side so carrying him up and down in Asia to be derided of his own people used him for a footstool when he took horse and at other times sed him like a dog with his crums All which he did not so much for hatred as to shew God's Judgment against the arrogant folly of the proud This great overthrow so feared all Bajazet's Countries in Asia that Axalla sent to prosecute with 40000 horse 100000 foot came unresisted to Prusa whither the armies remainders were retired the Country still yielding as he went Yea the great Bassa with the rest fled over Hellespont to Hadrianople carrying Solyman the eldest Son with them setting him up in his Fathers place Mahomet the younger fled to Amasia Prusa yielding to Axalla without resistance he rifled it taking with other Wives and Concubines fair Despina which doubled Bajazet's grief Emmanuel the Emperor sent his Embassadours to Prusa whom Axalla stayed till Tamerlane's coming who receiving them honourably shewed them his magnificence and order of his Camp to their great admiration By these the Greek Emperour submitted all to Tamerlan as his Vassal bound so to do he said being delivered from the cruellest of Tyrants by the long journey discommodities losse of his People and danger of his person besides his many virtues and accomplishments And therefore he would attend him in his chief City to deliver it with all the Empire into his hands The Embassadours looking for nought but bondage thought Tamerlane's acceptance thereof in friendship was the best bargain that they could make But he mildly beholding them answered He was not come from so far to enlarge his dominions already large enough but rather to win honour And it should appear that he was come to aid him as his ally being requested that his upright meaning was the greatest cause that God by his power had bruised the fiercest enemy of mankind under heaven He desired no more but that his service for the Greek Emperor might be ingraven in the memory of his posterity that they might for ever wish well to him and his Successors Long might the noble Emperour live happily to govern And that he before his returne would so consider that he should not lightly fall into the like jeopardy Few Princes I suppose would perform such a part but there be but few Tamerlanes in the World One of these joyfull Embassadours being sent to carry this unexpected news filled the Emperour with all Constantinople with exceeding joy and gladnesse who shortly after passed to Prusa to see Tamerlane and in person to give him thanks who being very glad sent Axalla to meet and conduct him to Prusa where these great Princes met with the greatest magnificence spending a whole day together Tamerlane had a desire to see Constantinople yet he would go thither as a private person which by Axalla was accomplished where he was with all possible familiarity received by the Emperour who shewed him all the rare things to be seen all the fair Gardens a league or 2 off along the Sea coast spending 5 or 6 daies with all mirth possible Tamerlane often saying in his private conduct he never saw a fairer City which for its fair and rich scituation was worthy to command all the World He wondring at the costly buildings of the Temples c. said it repented not him of his so long dangerous voyage if it had been but to preserve so noble a City from fire and sword The Emperour gave him 30 of the best horses possible to be gotten richly furnished knowing him above all things to take pleasure in them sending fair presents to all his great Commanders and bountifully delivering all necessaries for the Army So a streight bond of friendship being made by Oath confirmed between them Tamerlane returned to Prusa wasting and spoyling all Bajazet's Dominion in Asia without resistance The year being well spent Tamerlane dispersed his Army into divers provinces of lesser Asia expecting when some of Bajazet's sons or friends should make means to him for his deliverance but none came Whereupon passing by he said unto him I marvail that none of thy Sons or
Hysmael was Majestical Selimus tyrannical Hysmael courteous Selimus churlish in devotion and gravity neither suffered he his Wives to come to Court nor using their Company but for procreation sake and that as was thought without any great countenance for he being more delighted with unnatural pleasure thought a mans minde and body to be not a little weakned with the allurements of Women scoffing also many times at his Father Ba jazet who he said was so drowned in the study of Averroes determining nothing certainly of the souls nature and the Heavens motions that he desired rather the name of a sharp disputer amongst the idle professors of Philosophy than of a renowned Chiefetain amongst his valiant Souldiers A Persian Ambassador finding him pleasant asked him Why he wore not his beard long as Ba jazet and others to seem of greater Majesty who answered He liked not to carry such an unnecessary handful whereby his Bassaes might at pleasure lead him up and down the Court as they did his Father for Selimus followed no advice but his own in what ever he undertook The cause why Hysmael out of so many large Provinces for he had under his Dominion Armenia the greater Sulthania Persia Assyria Mesopotamia Media and Parthia Armenia being the chiefest which yields the Persian his best foot Persia his choyce Horsemen chiefly from Scyras next to them from Assyria whose chief City is Bagdat or Babylon the Medes and Parthians being the best Archers next to the Scythians brought now so small an Army against Selimus was because to win his peoples hearts he had remitted a great part of his Customs and Tributes so that he wanting money could not raise such an Army as otherwise he might out of those populous Countries yielding plentifully all necessaries for mans use But in 1515 Selimus wintring at Amasia raised such a power in Europe and Asia that at first of the Spring he entred again into the Persian Confines with a greater Army and that sooner than either that part of Armenia's cold would suffer or the enemy thought he could have done who thought in any case to be Master of strong Ciamassum standing on the first entrance into Armenia thereby as of some holds thereabouts to open a fair way into his enemies Countrey Hysmael being then gone against the rebellious Hyrcanians Bactrians c. Selimus making a Bridge over Euphrates laid hard siege to Ciamassum before they were well aware driving the Defendants from the Walls with their Harquebusiers and Archers and still bringing on fresh men others then also breaking open the Gates and scaling the walls in divers places the Defendants retired into the Market-place where though spent and wounded they resolutely fought it out to the last man Having taken and ransacked the Town with two small Castles for fear abandoned he thought good to enter no farther till he had chased out Aladeules who fearing his own estate hearing Selimus was come soon raised a great Army for his defence purposing to do as formerly Wherefore Selimus leaving a Garrison at Ciamassum retired to Antitaurus where his enemies were reported to lay Aladeule's people were fierce and warlike who could profit little by Husbandry yet bred Horses and Cammels in Pasture-bearing places but most of their living stood in hunting and stealing His chief City was Maras which may be thought so called from the fair River Marsias running thorow it out of the Mountain 〈◊〉 who seeing Selimus enter his frontiers brought down about 15000 Horsemen into a large Valley ordering his great store of Foot to keep the Mountains on the right and left there advantagiously expecting his coming Selimus considered the places disadvantage yet presuming on his strength and multitude commanded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch Generall of his European Horse in stead of Casan to charge the enemy afront with a square battel because of the places straightness himself with the Janizaries and Asian Horse following after Aladeule's Souldiers also fought valiantly in the head of the battel and having spent their Arrows stood close keeping the grounds advantage so repulsing the Turks old Souldiers that they seemed little or nought to prevail for they could not enclose them on either side and the Foot grievously wounding the Turks from the sides of the Hills with darts and Arrows Selimus seeing such strong resistance contrary to expectation sent some Harquebusiers to relieve their Fellows and the Janizaries at that instant to mount the Hill The Aladeulians terrified with the shot fled into the Mountains and Woods fast by yet the most slaughter was of the Foot who the Horse being fled and the Janizaries coming up the Hills did with much difficulty by steep and broken wayes clamber up the Mountains as surprized with sudden fear the Turks killed them to the going down of the Sun the swift Horsemen retiring into further and stronger places with little losse Aladeules thinking it now best to protract the Warre as the Turks pursued him burning the Cottages he fled from Mountain to Mountain not offering battel but in advantagious places wherefore Selimus fearing want of Victual or intrapping on the 7th day left off the pursuit and himself conveniently encamping sent Sinan carrying Victuals with him with all speed and policy to hunt after the King himself And the while inquiring of the Captives of Aladeules strength c. found he had taken with him his best Horse and Foot commanding the people to forsake the Villages to leave all desolate and intrenching himself on a strong Rock with store of Provision resolved not to give battel till he had drawn them where their multitude should little avail but to increase their Iosse also they said he feared to be betrayed by Alisbeg General of his Horse who first fled for Aladeules had treacherously murdered his Father upon a suspition of his aspiring the Kingdom Selimus striking off their Irons laded them with gifts and promises and sent them to Alis to perswade him in so fit a time to revenge his Fathers death which if he should perform by some notable exploit he should have both credit with him and the Kingdom these imparting the matter to Sinan he soon wrought with Alis pricked on with desire of a Kingdom and Selimus his rewards that he went over to Sinan with a great part of the best Horsemen whereby the rest for rewards came all by degrees over to the Bassa Aladeules thus unexpectedly circumvented reposed his hope in secret flight but they pursuing him as he fled hiding himself at last drew him out of a Cave betrayed by the Peasants and being brought to Selimus was in few dayes put to death and his head in derision carried about afterwards thorow lesser Asia then sent to the Venetians as a witness of his Victory Selimus reduced all his Kingdom into a Province of 3 parts to every part a Sanzack Alisbeg to be chief over the rest wanting nothing of a King but the name only And leaving Sinan there commanded him after he
Melechsala through compassion yet minding to make his own of 〈◊〉 Kings life began with cheering speeches to talk of 〈◊〉 deliverance and of a good atonement on condition of delivering Damiata and paying for his ransome and the other charges 800 pounds of Gold that both their Prisoners should be frankly set at liberty and so a peace for 10 years The Sultan would have sworn to renounce Mahomet if he performed them not requiring the King to swear a denial of his Christ to be God if he failed which the King detesting he took his word and published their league But whilst they came together to Damiata Melechsala not fearing the mischief hanging over his head was suddenly slain by 2 desperate Mamalukes and one Tarqueminus a Slave of the same order was by the Army created Sultan in his stead and made another league with the King much on the same conditions Which Miscreant after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 paid his ransome went from Damiata to Ptolemais but performed not half that he promised scarce freeing 4000 of 12000 Captives and killing all sick souldiers which he ought to have relieved not suffering any Christian to carry his goods out of Aegypt The King at Ptolemais by the intreaty of the Master of the Templars c. staied almost 4 years repairing Caesarea and Joppa and fortifying many strong places So sending his Brethren before himself arrived in France the 6th year after his departure thence Some write that 80000 Christians were lost in this expedition the French Chronicles say that 6000 of 32000 returned into France Damiata was shortly after delivery rased by the Sultan to the ground The Aegyptian Sultans having no great assurance in the effeminate Aegyptians had bought an infinite number of Slaves especially of the Circassians near Colchis and the Euxine Sea transported out of those bare cold Countries by Merchants out of which the Sultans culled those of likeliest Spirit and ability delivering them to most skilful Teachers who taught them to run shoot ride handle all sorts of weapons c. who so instructed were introlled in pay as his choise Horsemen and called Mamalukes In whose service finding great use they daily erected new stored Nurseries Whose Order now wonderfull strong hereby managed their greatest affairs especially in wars gaining by valour many fair victories and defending their Coun ry But proud of their preferment traiterously slew Melechsala their chief Fonnder setting up the Slave Tarqueminus of great Spirit Valor The Turk's power in Egypt with Melechsala the last of Sáladine's Stock took end For the Mamalukes now commanded as Lords over the rest not suffering them to use Horse or Armour or sway the Common-wealth but preferring their own swarming Slaves the people kept under with heavy impositions dared not to meddle but with Merchandise Husbandry c. the greatest profit whereof still came to them choosing a Sultan still from among themselves none of his Children to succeed least proud of their parentage they should reckon them their Slaves providing also that though the Mamalukes sons might enjoy their Fathers lands c. after death yet none should take on them the name of a Mamaluke that the Government might still rest with the Mamalukes Neither might any Mahometan or Jew be admitted into that Order but onely Christians become Slaves instructed in that superstition or that had abjured Christian Religion Many of these poor Slaves thus exalted proved most renowned Princes dreadfull to the greatest Monarchs This servile Empire flourishing 267 years was by victorious Selymus with Syria and Palestine united to the Turkish Empire being overthrown by him in 1517. But leaving the Turks and Mamalukes let us return into lesser Asia and Constantinople The Greek Empire all this while flourished under John Batazes the Latines power declining as fast under Baldwin II. at Constantinople The Turks had in the mean time more than enough to do to withstand the Tartars John Ducas at length died about 60 years old happily reigning 33 years by whom the Greek Empire not onely in Asia but a little in Europe also began to gather strength This Emperour after long lamenting Irene his first Wives death married Ann the King of Sicily's Sister among whose honourable Dames sent to accompany her was one Marcesina a rare Parragon of Nature with sugred words and eyes as Nets to entangle the amorous the Emperour fed his eyes on this fair Object till he became her Subject seeming little to regard the young Empresse in respect of her suffering her to be 〈◊〉 and honoured as the Empresse herself She thus triumphing would go with most of the Court-Gallants and some of the Guard to visit the Monastery and Temple which noble Blemmides had of his own cost lately built where he with his Monks as weary of the World lived a solitary and 〈◊〉 life who chosen afterward for his upright life and learning Patriarch of Constantinople refused it Marcesina coming thither in great Pomp to enter the Temple had the doors shut against her commanded so by Blemmides to her great disgrace For he deemed it impiety for that wicked Woman against whom he had spoke and written to tread upon the sacred 〈◊〉 She being enraged and pricked forward by her followers returning grievously complained thereof to the Emperour stirring him up by all means and his own disgrace to be revenged her pick thanks not sparing as it were to put Oyl to the fire who struck with remorse not with wrath deeply sighing with tears in his eyes said Why provoke ye me to punish so devout and just a man 〈◊〉 if my self had lived without Infamy I had kept my Imperiall 〈◊〉 unpolluted But since I have caused my own and the Empire 's disgrace I may thank my deserts if I reap the harvest of such ill seed I have sown Theodorus his son about 33 years old was saluted Emperour in his stead who in the beginning renewed his Father's League with Jathathines the Sultan And with a puissant Army passed over into Europe to appease the troubles raised in 〈◊〉 and Thracia by the King of Bulgaria and Michael Angelus Despot of Thessaly who in hope to joyn those Countries to their own 〈◊〉 to spoyl them by whose coming they were glad to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peace But being advertised from Nice that Michail Paleologus his Governour there was secretly fled to the Turks he was not a little troubled Paleologus gave out that being brought by his enemies into disgrace and the Emperour so filled with cunning complaints not easily in short time to be refelled was the cause and so willingly exiled himself fearing his heavy displeasure to save his life from their malice who at Iconium found Jathatines making great preparation against the Tartars who running still on spoyled much of the Turk's Territories in lesser Asia lying now at Axara The Sultan now welcommed Baleologus commending to his charge some Bands of Greeks which he had retained as also other Latines under the conduct of Boniface a Venetian so he set
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
Families and serve him against the Turks grievously wasting in Asia But when they were to be furnished with all things especially with Horses Armour and Pay the Subjects were hardly charged houses searched who murmured to have their Armes taken from them and given to strangers and when they were to contribute to their pay they openly cursed them Yet at length they were shipped over into Asia under Michael the Emperours Son and companion in Empire who came and encamped about Magnesia were the Turks at first retired into Mountains and Woods that protracting time they might learn what strength they were of and what discipline they kept and pèrceiving them often to roave disorderly after prey for as Mercenaries they spoiled their friends as if they were enemies they came down at first adventuring but little but afterward came further on with greater confidence wherewith they being discouraged retired the Turks following them who were thinking one thing to be two blinded with their own fear neither were they like to do any great good who setting forth carried with them the bitter curses of their friends Michael seeing the Messagets flee retired into the Castle of Magnesia But the Messagets spoiling the Countrey as they went passed over into Europe Michael returning not many daies after to Constantinople the Turks came down and subdued all unto the Coast of Lesbos Not long after one Ronzerius sometime a notable Pirate with four tall Galleys manned with Catalonians Narbonensiaus c in the Mediterranean Sea and I slands but then a famous Captain having stood Theodore King of Sicily in great stead against Charls King of Navarre with 2000 expert Souldiers and through peace concluded betwixt them now to seek for new entertainment he offered his service to the Greek Emperour whereof he gladly accepting he came to him with 2000 good Souldiers called by the name of Catalonians He honoured Ronzerius with the name of Great Captain and gave him his 〈◊〉 Mary in marriage But one Tenza another Catalonian coming a while after with more aid he named Ronzerius Caesar Tenza Great Captain But when they were to be transported into Asia they did unspeakeable harm to the People for which they had many a bitter Curse The next spring they valiantly raised the siege of Philadelphia which was hardly bestead without and within to these Catalonians great numbers of the best Grecian Souldiers and all the Messagets were joyned so that had not the Emperour before commanded not to pursue the Turks too far 't was thought they might have soon recovered all they had taken This service done the Greeks returned home and Messagets also But the Catalonians turned their forces on them that they were sent to relieve alledging they had not their pay c. Poor people were every where spoiled wives and daughters ravished Priests and aged men tortured to confesse their store yea many that had nothing lay by the high waies begging having hands or feet c. cut off upon their greedy imagination The Emperour was much grieved but his Coffers were not able to redresse any thing Ronzerius thus spoyling Asia passed over into Europe and leaving his Army at Calipolis he went to Michael then at Orestias with 200 to demand or with threats to extort his pay with whose insolency he now more offended his Souldiers present compassing him in slew him with some others the rest fleeing to Calipolis Neither was the Catalonians pride abated by Ronzerius his death but was cause of greater evills for they first slew all the Citizens of Calipolis making it their refuge then manning 8 Galleys under the leading of Tenza they robbed and spoyled the Merchants ships passing to and from Constantinople the rest the mean time forraging the Countrey But Tenza was overthrown shortly after by a Genoway Fleet himself being taken yet afterwards redeemed Now the Catalonians somewhat discouraged kept themselvs certain daies within their wals not knowing well what to do for they feared both the Messagets and Thracians for outrages upon whom they despaired of the Emperouur's favour But the expectation of Michael's coming to assault them most terrifyed them for fear of whom they cast a deep ditch about the City with a strong Counterlcarp But the Emperour delaying his coming they maliciously craved aid of the Turks dwelling in Asia on the other side of the Streight who sent them 500 good Souldiets other fugitives following with whom themselves being 3000 they forraged the Country and brought great heards of Cattell with their Keepers into the City This was the first coming of the Turks into Europe that I read of and the beginning of those miseries wherewith the Christian Commonweal hath been ever since most grievously afflicted and in great part overwhelmed These now lying about Cypsella and Apri Michael with his Souldiers with the Messagets and Turcopuli encamped at Apri These Turcopuli were about a 1000 Turks which Jathathiues left behind him when he was delivered from the Emperour by the Tartars who had become Christians The Emperour advertised of the enemies approach put his Army in order whose Captains divided their battle as their enemies into 3 parts The Emperour riding from place to place encouraged his men The Sun rising the enemies much inferiour in number began to come on But the Messagets whether by a fore-agreement or on a sudden treason withdrew as idle beholders as did also the Turcopuli the Greeks being hereby discouraged in the very battles joyning The Emperour intreated the Captains by name not to be so suddenly discouraged but they still shrinking he turned himself to his few foot that were left saying Now worthy men is death better then life c. Valiantly charging the enemies his horse was slain but one of his followers remonted him on his own horse with the loss of his life The Emperour fleeing to his Father to Dydimoticum was joyfully received but sharply reproved for adventuring so far The enemies pursuing slew some and took others next day divided the spoyl forraging the Country at pleasure The Turcopuli revolting were enrolled in Chalel's Regiment who was a Turk Shortly after the Catalonians mutinied Tenza and Pharenza disdained to be commanded by Recafort their Generall Tenza was slain Pharenza glad to flee to Andronicus who honourably entertained him The Messagets were now also having done the Greeks more harm then the Turks about to return with Wives Children and wealth beyond Ister for whom the Turcopuli and Catalonians laid wait as they passed the streights of Mount Hemus where they slew almost all of them recompencing themselves with their spoyl for the wrongs received by them before in dividing the Greeks spoyl And being proud of their Victory at Apri spoyled all along the Sea coast and the inland Country also Forraging Thracia they brake into Macedonia and wintred about Cassandria à City then desolate At spring they removed purposing to spoyl especially Thessalonica wherein they were by the Emperour's foresight prevented and finding a forsaken Countrey
not proud of thy fortune but consider the uncertainty of worldly things taking by me example c. Young Andronicus moved herewith entred the pallace humbly saluting embracing and comforting his Grand-father Straight way carrying away the Patriarch Esaius kept in the Monastery in a Chariot restoring him to his Dignity who spared not fully to revenge himself of the old Emperour's friends One might have seen all the Nobles wealth that took his part carried away and their houses overthrown especially of Metochita whose wealth not onely in his house but layd up with friends by notes in his study was a prey to the people and the rest confiscate being brought with wife and children to extream beggery in one day many to increase his grief saying All that treasure was the blood and tears of the poor subjects brought to him by them he made rulers of provinces c. that he might stop them cruelly dealt with by them from complaining to the old Emperour and that the Revenger's eye was now awaked c. He was confined to Didymoticum whence after a while he was sent back to Constantinople where having nothing to relieve him he went to the Monastery of Chora repaired by him in his prosperity therein shrowding himself and not long after dying But Niphon sometime Patriarch meeting the young Emperour the same day asked How they would deal with his Grand-father Who answering Emperour-like was by him inflamed for Niphon bare a special grudge against the old man for that he being by the Clergy outed of his Patriarchship for his shameful extortion was not defended as he looked for and dreaming his taking out of the way was a step to the same Dignity Wherefore he said If thou desirest to Reign without fear c. cast haire cloath on him and clap him in prison or exile him to which ungracious counsel other Nobles consenting much changed the young Emperour's minde that he could not endure his Grand-father a Companion in the Empire Whereupon it was decreed the old man should retain the name and ornaments but meddle with nothing nor come abroad with 10000 duckets yearly for his maintenance Of which shameful decree 〈◊〉 the Patriarch was a furtherer rejoycingly wresting this Scripture The just shall rejoyce when he seeth the Vengeance But the old Emperour thus shut up humours distilling through grief first lost one eye and shortly the other being often mocked not by his guarding enemies onely but by his own servants The young Emperour not long after falling very sick Catacuzene and the rest yet doubtful of the old blind man put him to choice either to put on him the habit of a Monk or to take dear exile or perpetual imprisonment At which hard choice he oppressed with woes lay on bed a great while speechlesse for being encompassed with barbarous Souldiers none was left to direct him where to go or stand But would he or not they shaving and polling him cast a Monks habite on him changing after the manner his name to Anthony the Monk of which Esaeias was glad as now no hope to recover the Empire nor cause for himself to fear Yet seeming to be very sorry but indeed deriding him he sent two Bishops to know of him how he would be remembred in Church-prayers To which fetching a great sigh he answered As in poor Lazarus appeared a double miracle that dead he rose and bound walked so in me in a contrary manner who alive am dead and loose bound my tongue also wherewith I might at least bewaile my woes and wrongs to the Aire c. But shame hath closed my mouth my brethren abhorre me and the light of mine eyes is not with me c. As for him that sent you I chose and preferred him to the Patriarchship before many worthy men never before preferred or famous c. But in my Calamity he joyned with mine enemies more cruel than any other feigning him to be much like the Crocodile of Nile ignorant and sorry for me But if I should answer to his catching question to be remembred in the Church as an Emperour I shall forthwith be slain If I say as Anthony the Monk it will be taken that of mine own free will I put on this habite which was never in my thought Thus he sent them away and sitting down said My soul return to thy rest c. neither spake he one word more in declaring his grief and so against his will passing over his sorrow in silence as astonished before the humorus gathered into the brain could be difsolved into tears But the Patriarch decreed he should be remembred before his Nephew in Church prayers as the most Religious and Zealous Monk Anthony the better to colour the matter as if weary of the world he voluntary took it on him Yet in four daies Synadenus understanding the people secretly to mutter at the hard dealing with him Ecclesiastical Laws enforcing none against will to enter Religious orders sent to exact an oath of him in writing that he should never seek after accept of or substitute any other in the Empire and to fear him of his life upon refusal setting barbarous Souldiers over him so yielding he signed the Oath with a red and black crosse another guiding his hand Thus living two years on Feb. 12th towards night a day dedicated to St. Anthonies Vigil certain friends had accesse to him amongst whom was the Prince of Servia's widow his daughter and Nicephor as Gregoras Authour of this History with whom he entred discourse till past mid-night then bidding them farewell pleasantly saying To morrow they would end their discourse no signe of sicknesse appearing They gone he eat of a shell-fish after which as his manner was when he felt inward heat he drank cold water then feeling a great pain in his Stomach and afterwards very sick fell into a loosenesse and going often to a house of Office in an inner Chamber not able to recover his own bed and none to help him he dyed before day sitting on a homely bed fast by having Reigned 43 years whose death was by strange signs and accidents foretold a great Eclipse of the Sun just 43 daies before and after of the Moon an earthquake the day before the Sea rising above the bounds made breaches in the Citie-Walls c. Many Crosses and Pinacles with a great Pillar before the Church of the 40 Martyrs he having wished to live so long as it stood were overthrown He was honourably buried in the Monastery of Libe whose Obsequies 9 daies yearly were solemnly kept Thus the Reader may see the Greek Emperour's were not at leasure to look over into Asia At which time Othoman on one side in Phrygia and Bithynia and Aladin's Successours along Meander encroached as fast till the Greeks were thrust quite out But Othoman's 2 Garrisons built before Prusa having continued certain years brought the City to such 〈◊〉 that many Citizens and others died of famine The rest out of hope to
prevailing have possessed it to this day These Cities thus or as aforesaid taken Amurath seated his Court at Hadrianople as the most fit place for enlarging his Kingdom from whence a world of woe hath overflowed great part of Christendom drowning many Kingdoms in Europe the Greeks of all other most miserable The proud Sultan now presently sent Lala Scahin to invade about Philopolis with the Country Zagora toward Haemus and charging Eurenoses to subdue Ipsala's Territory who soon subjected them all wherein he shortly placed Sanzacks or Governours for better assurance thereof Cara Rustemes a Mahometan Doctor suggesting it Zinderlu Chelil their chief Justice afterwards Catradin Bassa by Amurath's command ordered every fifth Captive above 15 years old to be taken up as due by Law for the King and if under 5 to pay 25 Aspers a head as tribute Cara the deviser being chief Collector hereof numbers of Christian youths were by Zinderlu's Counsel distributed among the Asian husbandmen to learn the Turkish Religion language and manners where after two or three years painful labour they at Court the better sort were chosen to attend on and serve the Prince in wars where they practizing all activity are called Jannizaries that is new Souldiers This was their first beginning but increased under Amurath 2 and hath ever since been continued by that and some greater means being in time so great that they are oft dreadful to the great Turk himself and sometimes preferring that Son they best like to the Empire contrary to the will of the Deceased Sultan now the greatest strength of that Empire and being conrinual Garrisons of martial men not unlike to be the greatest cause of its ruin Amurath after a great while determining to return to Asia made Scahin Viceroy of Romania Eurenoses Governour of the marches Zinderlu President of his Councel calling him Cairadin Bassa that is the Bassa wel deserving Then returning he spent that Winter at Prusa Cairadin Cara once two Doctors as Turkish histories report first corrupted that Court with coverousness and bribery as yet of them much blamed Amurath thus in Asia hearing the Servians Bulgarians had gathered an Army to besiege Hadrianople he greatly prepared for aid in Europe taking Boga in his way putting all Christians that could bear Arms to the sword captivating the rest his Souldiers had the spoil which Town ere long they recovering gave them like measure and razing it yet it was rebuilt by the Turks in 1365. The Servian c. Army now near Hadrianople mutinied among themselves which the Turks espying set suddenly on them by night who through inward hatred joyned not against them being ready to turn their Weapons on each other whereby the Turks put to flight slew them with such a slaughter that the place is at this day called Zirf Zindugi or the place where the Servians were overthrown This notable news with the spoils fifth part and many Christians heads were sent to Amurath in Asia who then returned to Prusa this was in 1366. This year he triumphantly circumcised his Sons Bajazet and Jacup building Temples a Monastery two Colledges and a Pallace at Bilezuga Neapolis and Prusa Germean Ogli having alwaies envied as did the other Selzuccian Princes and fearing the Othoman Kings greatness might be dangerous to his Son after his death now very aged sent Isaac a Mahometan Doctor to Amurath with rich presents to offer his daughter Hatun in marriage to Bajazet promising with her divers great Cities and Towns as Cutai c. with their Territories Cutai being now the City where the Turks great Viceroy is resident as in the heart of lesser Asia Amurath liking it well contracted Bajazet unto her and preparing with great magnificence for the marriage invited most Mahometan Princes and commanding most of his Nobles to honour it with their presence The Aegyptians Embassadour had the highest place of all the others before invited who all presented Amurath with many great gifts beseeming their Masters At length Eurenoses one of his own Nobles besides many rich gifts presented him with 100 goodly Christian captive boys and as many maidens richly attired with a cup of gold with divers precious stones in one hand and a silver cup full of gold in their other the Embassad ours wondring at the richnesse hereof All which Amurath bestowed on them and their presents on Eurenoses None also of the learned and religious came thither so poor but he went away rich He sent divers Nobles with 100 Ladies c. 3000 horsmen to attend the brides coming whom Germean Ogli meeting saluted every man of account feasting them royally with Princely gifts in one of his Cities And delivering Hatun to two ancient Ladies one Bajazet's nurse sent her away with his wife Jenses and other Courtiers being most royally married at Prusa The dowry promised was delivered Amurath garrisoning the Cities and Towns Chusen-beg Prince of Amisum sold that Territory to Amurath at this marriage with many others doubring as was thought how to keep them Amurath being come so near him Amurath spending great time in Asia committing that Kingdom to Bajazets and Temurtases his Government returned into Europe with a strong Army marching from Callipolis towards Hadrianople soon winning Magalgara by the way whither Lala Scahin and Eurenoses coming he sent them to besiege Pherae which they took after few daies But leading his Army into Servia and forraging the Country 14 daies presently marched to Nissa the Metropolis and Key of that Kingdom winning it shortly by Jaxis Begs advice Lazarus the Despot was so danted hereat that for peace he offered 50000 li. tribute yearly and 1000 mens aid when he required it Amurath granted him peace and deparfed Then with much a do he won great Apolonia near Mount Athos the Christians departing with wives c. and goods not spoyled by the Souldiers Returning to Hadrianople Eurenoses left shortly took Berrhea c. Then also Scahin won Zichne and Seres in Macedonia's confines with many other upon Thessaly and Thrace who made his abode in Seres great numbers being sent for from Asia to inhabit thereabouts forsaken by the Christians Aladin advertised out of Asia that Aladin King of Caramania his son in Law invaded him with fire sword was exceedingly troubled Wherefore telling his Nobles c. what Aladin so getting all bonds of Religion alliance c. had done whilst he sought with honour the Mahometan sincere Religions increase in Europe from which godly wars said he I am forced to turn against men joyned with us in Religion and alliance he appointed Chairadin Basa his 〈◊〉 and his Son Alis one of his Councel so passing into Asia and so to Prusa he there spent that Winter To whom Aegyptian Embassadours then coming to renew former amity he thankfully sent them back with kind Letters and rewards At Spring in 1387 he levying a great Army to war on the Caramanian he prepared no lesse power to meet him associating to him
and not seek the sons blood for the Fathers offence Bajazet granted it yet took from him Castamona with most of Pontus giving it to Solyman Then also he oppressed Prince Germean and took from him all his Dominion And the Prince of Mentesia abiding at Castamona and doubting now of safety after Bajazet's Death fled into a Hermites habit to Tamerlane the Tartar Bajazet returning built a Magnificent Temple at Prusa during which he forbare wine reposing with grave and learned men and administring justice greatly winning his subjects and now all bordering Princes stood in great fear of him Achmetes King of Bagdat and Eiracum with Josephus of Colchis forced by Tamerlan's incursions fled for their lives into Syria and discovered were imprisoned by Aegypts Sultan from whence escaping they fled to Bajazet Achmetes after two months by Bajazets aid recovered Eiracum Josephus tarrying 8 months procured Bajazet to invade the Aegyptian who slew his general discomfiting his forces took Malatie in Armenia with 3 places taken from the Turcomans spoyling all threabouts Thence marching towards Erznitzane Tachretin its Prince meeting him yielded all into his power who giving it to Josephus after 6 daies finding them unwilling to be governed by a Stranger surrendred it into his hands again Them of 〈◊〉 requesting him to have their old Prince Tachretin he granted but sent his wife and children as a pledge to Prusa where they were ere long made away Bajazet having mightily prevailed in Romania Bulgaria c. and other places in Europe and having worse oppressed the 〈◊〉 Princes of Asia some of whom he slew some he exiled some imprisoned and other living but at his devotion and fearing no man was as he thought the Worlds terrour divers of these Mahometans met at Tamerlans Court whither they fled for relief Germian Ogli after long imprisonment in Europe brake prison with his great Counsellour who consorting and roaming with loytering Companions delighted the people with toyes so passing Hellespont came with much ado to 〈◊〉 the Prince of Mentesia shaven as aforesaid Aidin Ogli passing as a Pedler came thither also Tachretin as a 〈◊〉 man attending on Issendiar coming as an Embassadour from another Prince These with others ariving at 〈◊〉 every one particularly complaining all earnestly requested Tamerlane to revenge the wrong done them by the Tyrant Bajazet In so great a matter he coldly answered them that he could not tell whether all were so as they reported but he knew him very zealous in the 〈◊〉 Religion therefore warring on the Christians in which godly cause said he perhaps they refused to assist or had given him some greater offence For said he I can hardly believe such a Prince as he would without cause offer you such violence especially to Neighbours and of the same Religion Yet I will first send an Embassadour to him to understand more of him and his proceedings before I resolve on any thing But being advertized that Achmetes and Josephus were come to Bajazets Court for aid he deferred to send suspecting Bajazet by them incited would first war on him But they being departed he dispatched his Embassadour with many rich gifts c. requesting him to deal kindly with these poor Mahometan Princes as also with the Greek Emperour whose intercessour to him he was become Some report he desired the Kings of Bagdat and Colchis to be delivered him seeming to dislike his proceedings against the Turcomans But Bajazet highly offended with this Embassage in great scorne rejected his presents especially certain garments bidding his Master meddle with his own matters c. and not prescribe him Laws with whom he had nought to do and to send his rags to his inferiours not to Princes of greater power than himself Adding many despightful and disdainful words calling him plain Tamerlan and the Husband of a whore if he met him not in field wishing himself to take his thrice divorced wife polluted by another if he met him not in battle wherever he durst Which answer aggravated by Axalla a Christian Genoway and one of his greatest Counsellours and the Greek Emperours friend was so ill 〈◊〉 that he resolved all things set apart to go against the Turk Besides he thought it not fit to suffer so unquiet a Neighbour to grow great who adding conquests to conquest might in the end prove dangerous to his own Estate Tamerlan though a Mahometan for the fidelity valour and virtue he found in Axalla a Christian was advised by him in his greatest affaires disliked none for his Religion so he worshipped but one God Creatour of Heaven and Earth c. For which cause he permitted all Religions within his Countries were they not Atheists Idolaters or worshippers of strange gods Bajazet not ignorant of Tamerlan's power and purpose prosecuted the enlargement of his Empire and increase of his strength deeming Tamerlan's messages to be forewarnings of his designes against him which he was so far from fearing that 〈◊〉 spared no intemperate speech to provoke him the more It shall not be much from our 〈◊〉 to see what this mighty Tamerlane was who held the East in such 〈◊〉 that he was commonnly called Gods wrath and the Worlds terrour Most report him to have been poorly born and in youth to be a poor Shepheard or heardsman in the Mountaines where consorting with other sturdy Companions he become a masterful thief among them To whom other such still resorting he soon grew to that greatnesse as none but he ever yet came to contrary to the course of things which from small beginnings grow not to notable perfection but by degrees and that in long time Wherein late Historiographers seem too much to follow the Turks report who by him brought low charge him with many untruths making him first a very abject amongst men and for cruelty a monster in nature c. which reports I list not to follow especially others of no lesse credit with greater probability reporting of him the greatest honour He was born at Samercand chief City of the Zagataian Tartars whose Father was Zain Cham or Og their Prince 3d in descent from Zingis before remembred which Og of a peaceable Nature long lived in happy peace with his subjects contenting himself more with the increase of his cattle than hoording up gold or silver which haply occasioned some ignorant of the Tartars Princes custome to report Tamerlane as a Shepheard's son c. His Father well striken in years delivered him his Kingdom but 15 years old and joyning Ordinar and Aly two faithful Counsellours to assist him in Government retired himself to a Solitary life He first proved his Valour against the Moscovite for spoyling a City under his protection entring his Country proclaiming war against him whom he overthrew slaying 25000 of his foot between 15 and 16000 horse with the loss of scarce 8000 horse and 4000 foot of his own Where he beholding so many dead on the ground to a familiar lamented the condition of great Armies
would have had all the Rebels put to the sword but by Eivases they were generally pardoned Amurath coming to Boga hanged the Captain and intending to pursue him hired by chance a Genoway ship to transport his Army into Europe for Mustapha caused the shipping to be brought to the other side He now fleeing to Hadrianople fearing to be betrayed speeded thence coming to an obscure place in the Country whence the pursuers brought him bound to Amurath at Hadrianople where he was hanged from the battlements of a high Tower Some Writers report him indeed to be Bajazet's Son but the Turkish Histories reporting as before call him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha c. 〈◊〉 of the common Souldiers apparelled and armed like Janizaries sell into the true Janizaries hands Amurath's guard who used them with all possible indignities A Janizary being hungry brought 2 of these to a Cooks shop to sell them for a little victuals who refusing to give him as having no use of such the Janizary swore to cut off their heads and give them him for nought if he would not redeem them for a thing of nought The Cook moved with pity offered him a Sheeps head which he took swearing he had given more than they were worth which disgrace is yet often objected by the insolent Janizaries telling these Asapi in their rage two of them are not worth a sodden Sheeps head Amurath was not a little grieved to think that this dangerous rebellion was first plotted by the Greeks and then 〈◊〉 by the Emperour of whom 〈◊〉 to be revenged he sent Michael Ogli with his Europeans to 〈◊〉 about Constantinople following in person with the Janizaries and Asians filling the Land's neck before the City from Sea to Sea and beginning furiously to batter the walls but they stronger than he supposed and the Defendants still repairing he ceasing his battery desperately assaulted it but they were notably repulsed some losing their hands some their armes but most their lives no shott falling from the walls in vain Which Amurath beholding sounded a retreat and shortly in great rage departed To whom the Emperour sending about peace he would not hear but threatned ere long to be revenged Wherefore the Emperour to keep him busied devised with the Caramanian King countenancing another Amurath's younger Brother to his no small trouble Mahomet had 5 Sons and 7 Daughters Mustapha surnamed the little was the second who being but 13 years old was set up by Caramanian and other Mahometan and Christian Princes to impeach Amurath's greatnesse who strengthened with their forces besieged Nice at length yielded to him But Amurath corrupting by great gifts and promises Ilias Beg the Princes Tutor he in 9 dayes came to Nice entring with small resistance Mustapha being presented by the Tutor to him who because he would not spill a drop of Sacred Othoman blood strangled him with a bow-string buried at Prusa Amurath now fearing no Competitour removed the 3 Bassaes into honourable places retaining onely Eivases and Ibrahim of his Council Eivases being shortly accused that he sought to aspire the Kingdome usually wearing a privy Coat the Tyrant jealous cast his arme about him as in kindnesse as he rod with him finding him secretly armed would know the cause who answered for fear of some enemies in Court but he forthwith apprehended had his eyes burnt out with a hot steel glasse Mahumethes the while Caramanian King besieged Attalia 6 months Valiantly 〈◊〉 d by Amurath's Lievtenant the King being slain with a great shot as he viewed the City Ibrahim succeeeding brake up the siege to bury his Father Then also Dracula of Valachia passing Danubius did much hurt about Silistra but afterwards was forced to become Amuraths tributary Tzunites then about pretending an interest of descent in the Seignory of Aidinia by all meanes vexed Jaxis Beg the Lievtenant secretly favoured of the Country what they durst Amurath Commanded Anatolia's Viceroy with all power to war on him who invaded the Princes Country who meeting him well provided gave him battle Hasan the Prince's son with a part put part of the Turks to flight and too furiously pursuing left his Father hard beset by the Viceroy glad to flee to Hipsily Castle Hasan returning ignorant of the hap was overcome and taken The Viceroy presently besieging the Castle after a while the Prince in extremity yielded to him without Violence to him or his son to be sent prisoners to Amurath the Viceroy promising it by Oath Iaxis whose brother the Prince by chance before taking put to death attending Hamze to his tent and Hasan as the Turks manner 〈◊〉 sitting on the ground drawing him by the Coller to his fa hers feet struck off his head and in the same rage the aged Prince's also to the great dishonour or the Viceroy Their heads set on 2 Launces in the Castles sight the defendants yielded After Zunites his death all this territory was united to the Othoman Kingdome After all this Amurath married Isfendiars Daughter He now thought high time to 〈◊〉 revenge of the Greek Princes that aided the Rebels aforesaid wherefore ranging with a great Army thorow Macedonia to Thessalonica he surprized divers places belonging to the Emperour by the way This famous City sometime for beauty and wealth not inferiour to any in Greece Amurath hardly besieged with 〈◊〉 battery corrupting secretly some Citizens to have let him in by a secret Mine which being by the Venetian Governours perceived the plotters 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 fled to the Turks Amurath promising his Souldiers all its spoyle if they wan it so inflamed them especially the Janizaries that by a most terrible assault they entred the City The Venetians fleeing to their Galleys got to Sea but no tongue or pen describe the miseries the Christian Citizens endured heartily wishing to die and could 〈◊〉 The furious enemy devoured all Sexes and Ages but those who for strength or comelinesse were reserved to labour and lust afterwards dispersed into most miserable slavery The infinite riches became a spoile the houses desolate given for a habitation to such Turks as at pleasure repaired thither and at this day possessed by them This happened in 1432 〈◊〉 returning to Hadrianople sent Caratze with most of his Army into Aetolia whose Prince Charles dying a little before divided Acharnania amongst his 3 Base sons leaving the rest to his Brothers Son Charles Shortly after Amurath sending aid to one of the brethen falling at discord in fine subjected all Aetolia to himself The Princes of Athens Phocis Boetia and all Greece unto Corinths strait terryfied hereby became tribularies to the Tyrant living long under his slavery Thus the Greeks lost their liberty c. and 〈◊〉 now so degenerate that whereas they accounted all Nations 〈◊〉 in comparison themselves are 〈◊〉 no lesse 〈◊〉 John Castriott who reigned in Epirus seeing how the Turk 〈◊〉 against his Neighbour-Princes for peace delivered his 4 Sons Szanstius Reposius Constantine and George Hostages to Amurath promising well
by Scanderbeg encountered hand to hand and slain Wherewith the Army discouraged fled Moses and Musachius killing more in 〈◊〉 than was in battell 4120 Turks were slain and some taken but few or no Christians so that Scanderbeg accounted it a Victory given All spoile and prisoners were equally divided among the Souldiers Moses had Debrias his horse and Armour Musachius a Prisoner seeming of some account given them whose prisoner drawing 200 Duckats out of a little bag about him for his agreed-ransome Musachius told him he must provide another seeing that money was taken with his person The Turk alleadged the agreement already made which controversie Scanderbeg hearing and smiling said They contended for what was by right his for said he I gave thee Musachius the prisoner which I knew but not the mońey which I knew not of And to the Turk the concealement makes it not thine who by law of Armes hast lost thy self with all about thee Thus he brirging them both in doubt awarded Musachius the money and to the Turk his liberty who departing with his horse and Armes spake honourably of so noble a Conquerour After this Scanderbeg triumphantly returned to Croia Mahomet being very melancholly with this newes seeing the many Souldiers that returned he could not endure the sight of them The Captaines generally envied Debreas his hardinesse or hated his insolency Amesa was glad his proud successour took part of his ill fortune The men of war offered to spend their lives in that service to their revengefull King which he seeming not to refuse had yet plotted another manner of revenge whereby his Father had brought great matters to passe He hoped to find some Chiefetain in Epirus whom wealth or promotion might allure against Scanderbegs life or state Moses of Dibria accounted the next best Captain to Scanderbeg and most inward with him he most desired to alienate from him because he commonly lay in Dibria on the very frontiers Wherefore he commanded the Governour of Sfetigrade to devise by all meanes to withdraw and allure Moses promising him also great preferment if he could win him Who at last thinking upon a shrewd-headed Christian in Sfetigrade whom therefore he might use unsuspected and winning him by great gifts and promises to undertake it sent him away fully instructed who obtaining to speak with Moses in private after some discourse began to utter his poyson shewing him as from the Governour that the Turks Emperour could not but honour him though his enemie for his valour and prowesse and marvelling he could be commanded by Scanderbeg whose state was by him chiefely upholden wherèas if he would follow Mahomet he should soon find entertainment to be preferred before Scanderbegs state or if Epirus its soveraigntie better pleased him he might easily be advanced thereto by joyning to Mahomet's great power Moses praises and favour with the Turk well pleased him But the hope of Epirus Kingdome moved him more than all Yet he made no semblance of liking or disliking which the wily messenger taking for a secret consent and departing promised shortly to returne to him againe After this many troubled thoughts arising in Moses c he in short time seemed to the wiser altogether metamorphosed Some asking the cause of the Messenger ' s comming he answered to receive intelligence from him concerning the good of the State which was holden for true The Messenger comming againe brought presents secretly beseeming the Great Turk with his message better 〈◊〉 Moses is reported to have received nought but the Treason it self answering he could not but accept the Turks favours and for the rest he should not thenceforth find him any great enemy commanding the Messenger no more to repaire to him for feare of suspition Scanderbeg comming into Dibria to see how things stood and to consult about besieging of Sfetigrade Moses to avert him therefrom told him he lately understood by a Messenger thence that the City was so well stored of all things that it were but lost labour to attempt it advising him rather to besiege Belgrade not on Danubius but in the confines of Epirus distant from Sfetigrade about 140 miles Which Scanderbeg resolving on and his Souldiers not so fit for besieging of Townes he sent two Embassadours to pray aide out of Italy from his old friend Alphonsus King of Naples with presents and letters declaring that his Souldiers knew not how to deale with Walls that the Italians had skill in that service that there were certaine Townes of their enemies in Epirus which eye-sore he long desired to take out of his sight c. Therefore Alphonsus should lend him Harquebusiers and Canoneers for of other Souldiers he had plenty That he did so lovingly embrace his former kindnesse c that he could sometimes wish him that fortune which as the common saying is proveth but getteth not friends that he might more certainely prove how much he was to him devoted Scanderbeg purposing also to use Moses his service in the siege he found many excuses to stay at Dibria alleadging it was to be thought the Turk would invade some part of Epirus to withdraw them from Belgrade that no part lay neerer and in more danger than Dibria that he could not do better service than to see to that Country's safety in which 〈◊〉 most of his living lay These Treasonable excuses were thought reasonable and he commended for his care authorized also to augment the Garrison upon occasion Scanderbeg finishing his preparation the Embassadours returned from Alphonsus with much more aide than was requested for he reckoned Epirus but 60 miles from his dominions the strongest Walls of Apulia as it afterwards appeared when the Turks took Otranto He wrote 〈◊〉 loving letters to Scanderbeg c and to make bold 〈◊〉 all things as his own merrily writing that his Italian Souldiers could fight better with women then men and walls therefore the Epirots were best take heed c. Scanderbeg now furnished encamped before Belgrade with 14000 good Souldiers which he soone so 〈◊〉 that the Turks promised to deliver it up if not relieved before 16 dayes truce During which time Scanderbeg encamped on a hill neere the Towne with 3000 〈◊〉 and 1000 foot appointing Musachius and Tanusius to remove into a Plain farther off for more fresh aire in that hot season also he ordered 25 Scouts to watch continually on the highest Mountain to give warning of the Enemies comming by making a fire Mahomet now ready to passe into Asia against the Emperour of Trapezond and grieving to lose Belgrade holding on his intended journey 〈◊〉 sent Sebalias a Bassa with 40000 Horse to relieve it promising him great rewards for Scanderbeg dead or alive This Bassa alwayes accounted more politique than forward came on so fast by great journeys that he prevented the same of his comming intercepting or corrupting the Watch on the Mountaines that no expected signe was given So that those in the plaines had not leisure to bridle their horses
better to uâ—e policy and wariness than their wonted courage that the events of Warre are uncertain and it was never given to any by inheritance to overcome that new occurrents require new correspondents c. that Victory is like a Traveller c. that he was wont to require only valour in his Souldiers c. but the losse received at Belgrade hath made him deem farre otherwise of the uncertainty of fortune c. that he spake not this to terrifie any but to admonish and consult with them how some notable Victory may be atchieved without the price of bloud or other losse c. that Epirus must needs be soon unpeopled if they should so desperately only seek such glorious Victories as at Belgrade they must fight so to day that they may fight to morrow also that the losse of 50000 is not so much to the Turks as 100 of them to him c. yet he would gladly trie the whole fortune in plain field if he might thereby for ever end all warres against the Turks But when this Isaac is gone another Isaac will ere long come in his place c. wherefore they must so well divide their Patrimony as alwayes to have somewhat to content their creditors when they come upon them Yet God would no doubt give an end to these troubles and extremities c. then should it be no small pleasure to them to remember so many labors and dangers past c. That perhaps some would say they are to be overtaken by policy of which opinion himself was Then he thought it best to deceive them when they think they cannot be deceived that besides their own distrust by others harms they have with them his graceless Nephew and domestical Foe Amisa who will teach them to shun such snares as he with them formerly was wont to lay for them wherefore they must tower up to the height of some strange policy whereby some great victory without their bloodshed seldom chancing may be obtained with which device time and space with sight of the enemy should furnish them that first all things subject to the enemies fury are to be removed all people brought into safe places and their Towns to be strongly garrison'd with all necessary provision Besides who knew whether the Tyrant would follow the Bassa at the heels or not That if all things be thus set in order and they follow his directions they shall undoubtedly be victors and he will make the Epirots more terrible to the Turk than ever it hath been that every one the while should take part in this charge that he will command nothing which he will not do himself nor refuse any thing tending to their common honour and profit This Speech was so well liked that many besought him to shew how he would proceed in those Warres who chearfully answered it was enough if they did but believe him c. And dispatching his Lieutenants into divers parts he provided that all things were conveyed out of the Countrey in places of refuge as before at Amuraths comming to the Siege of Croia By which time Isaac with Amesa was come into Epirus who sent his Scouts and espialls before him to view every corner for fear of entrapping Scanderbeg had his Army in readiness to use but lay onely with 6000 Horse in shew as if he determined to give battel But the Bassa being in sight he as discouraged fled and to avoid suspicion of some policy therein not into the Mountains and Woods but towards Lyssa a Venetian Town on the Sea-Coast as fleeing thither for refuge The Bassa glad sent some Troops to pursue him and mark the way he took himself encamping in Dibriaes plains and resting his weary Army expecting his Horsmens return who certainly reporting he was fled out of Epirus and no enemy to be seen they began to rejoyce and triumph yet grieved to finde nothing to satisfie their desires cause enough to distrust some great matter but they supposed it to be done for fear of them The 〈◊〉 consulted now with his chief Captains what were best be done Amesa perswading him to stay expecting a further event But the greater number said it was better to go farther and take the spoil before the people had conveighed all their substance into 〈◊〉 places as in Dibria they had done Hereupon the Bassa setting forward early proclaimed none on pain of death to break his array or straggle yet he first highly commending Amesa and inveighing against Scanderbeg created him in Mahomets name King of Epirus Marching not farre that night for the great hear for it was in July he encamping kept diligent watch that night every way chiefly towards Lyssum Next day the third after his comming into Epirus he came and encamped that night in Aemathia Scanderbeg gone farre out of their sight stayed there all that day And a little before Sun 's set with a few chosen Horse got up to the Mountains top whence a man might well discover Aemathia's plains where he appointed 〈◊〉 Emmanuel with some Horse to mark the enemies way and by secret signes to give notice to the Army comming after midnight again to the Camp And presently fetching a compasse secretly came as neere as possible to those Mountains 〈◊〉 for the enemies least motion The Bassa early setting forward came to Pharsalia's plains famous for the great battel between Casar and Pompey Here being some stragling Cattel c. the enemy fell to seek for booty spending that day in roaming and at night encamping with no great watch but towards Lyssum carrying Amesa in triumph up and down the Camp as in disgrace of Scanderbeg who perceiving by his espialls which way the enemy lay and with great silence bent his course the same way till come to Mount Tumenist and encamping at its foot nor farre from which the Bassa next day came and encamped sending Amesa with half the Army to burn and spoil who about noon returned with such prey he had and his Souldiers wearied Scanderbeg like a careful Housholder to welcom so great guests carefully viewing the Mountains and Woods thereabouts set Moses in one place 〈◊〉 in another and the rest in places convenient so dividing his forces to make the most terrible shew for which he placed more Drums Trumpets c. than ever before Then with forty thousand Horsemen and as many Foot speedily marching up rough Tumenist he beheld how the 〈◊〉 lay in the plains They that lately returned with Amesa were scattered abroad in the fields resting themselves c. the rest were passing away time with kinds of sport for 't was the hottest of the year and day Where the Bassa lay they were negligent also little regarding Horse or Armour for they thought Scanderbeg a great way off at Lyssum They were then consulting in the Bassaes Pavilion what to do to content Mahomet and commend themselves some said when they had wasted the Countrey with fire and sword to return others to march to
him seemed so to detest Mahomet's Tyranny and Superstition that they were reputed to be what they would be accounted and learning the Christian Principles were baptized but these Traytors while watching an opportunity falling at variance let some words fall whereby they were suspected by some present whereupon being examined they at last confessed the design and were presently executed Mahomet understanding what was befallen to Balabanus and Jacup became almost frantiek and by his Bassa's advice resolved to go in person with such an Army as should for ever end his wars in Epirus raysing 200000 men whereof Seanderbeg being advertized fortified all strong Holds especially Croia leaving Balthazar Perduci Governour thereof and conveighing the people into places of refuge he left nought for the Turks to prey upon as he did before at Amuraths coming Balabanus entring Epirus with 80000 horse after two days ranging sat down before Croia on whom Perduci made many brave salleys Mahomet encamping there also who fummoning the City upon his own conditions the Governour returned nothing but continual shot for answer whereupon he planting Ordinance for battery cast other new ones there rather to terrisie the Defendants than for any great hope of taking the City by force Scanderbeg the while lying abroad in the Woods and Mountains with a small Army cut off the Turks forragers c. and breaking into one quarter or other of their Camp by night with great slaughter suffered them not to rest in quiet wherefore Mahomet seeing no hope and fearing his Fathers mischance leaving Balabanus with 8 expert Companies under him with a great part of his Army to continue the fiege departed with the rest to Constantinople and by the way took some small forts also by fair promises corrupting the Governour of Chidna and his faith given that all the Souldiers lying there corrupting the Governour of Chidna being 8000 and people should safely depart it was delivered unto him but having them in his power he cut man woman and child in pieces to Scanderbeg's great grief and weakning who never received such a losse before and finding himself unable to relieve Croia his Souldiers being sore wasted and his enemies warily encamping he sent to the Uenetians and other confederate Princes praying their aid at this his need c. all which promised him succours Also he passing disguised into Italy came to Rome craving Pope Paul 2 his aid who being honourably entertained yet obtained nothing of what he came for only his Treasurer had 3000 Ducats at departure who returning into Epirus found all the promised aid ready chiefly the Uenetians most drawn out of 4 of their Garrisons so that he had 13400 choise Souldiers wherewith marching towards Croia he suddenly came upon Jonima with some Troops by night who was bringing supply to his brother Balabanus taking Jonima with his Son Hedar whom he shewed in bonds to Balabanus Then returning to his Army and so to Croia he drave the Turks from the Mountain Cruina which Balabanus seeing he riding with some Troops even to the Cities gates perswaded them to yield making them promises in his Masters name but they sallying out and forcing him to retire he enraged came upon them with a fresh charge to drive them into the City but being shot quite thorow the throat he ran as fast as he could to his Camp where presently falling from his horse he dyed The Turks herewith discouraged and with Scanderbeg's coming rising that night silently retired to Tirana Plain about 8 miles off Scanderbeg entring their Tents found store of victuals which he conveighing into Croia followed himself in great triumph to the besieged's joy whom he both cōmended rewarded and sending some Companies to take the strait passages out of Epirus the Turks by 2 Messengers offered to deliver up their Horses and Arms so they might depart with life which Scanderbeg propounding to his Captains himself at last answered That as they came into his Countrey without his command so they should not by his leave depart Whereupon the Turks in the dead of that same night brake thorow those straits by force yet not without their great losse for whose escape the Souldiers greatly murmuring were hardly appeased But Scanderbeg recovering all places taken from him and putting Mahomet's Souldiers therein to the sword he brake up his Army except 2000 Horse and 1000 Foot to defend his frontiers Mahomet hearing of this evill successe so fretted and grieved that he could neither eat drink nor take rest for a season At last he resolved to go again next Spring with a most puissant Army whereof Scanderbeg hearing provided for him as formerly who being entred Epirus first repaired or re-edified the ruinous City Valmes leaving a strong Garrison to trouble that part of the Country Thence he marching to Dirrachium now Durazzo a City not on the Sea-coast possessed by the Uenetians thought to have taken it unprovided but it being strongly fortified both by the Uenetians and Scanderbeg he having to his great losse in vain attempted it suddenly rising came again before Croia the chief cause being a perswasion that Scanderbeg was in Dirrachium because he had seen some of his men in his assailing thereof offering at first great things to the Citizens if they would yield otherwise threatning all warlike calamities vowing not to depart till he had it he receiving no answer but from the Cannon or brave Salleys Scanderbeg also every night molesting his Camp wherefore rising with his Army he marched to Kedon not far from Dirrachium and in spight razed Chiurili which Scanderbeg had begun to build Then seeking those Epirots retired into the Mountaines ' he was by them with great losse repulsed Scanderbeg at his heels daily cutting off part of his Armie So at last despairing of any good to be done he returned full of discontent to Constantinople After this Scanderbeg riding to view the state of his Kingdome came to Lyssa a City of the Vinetians to conter with the Legate and other Princes as in generall so how to take Valmes which much troubled that part of Epirus but he there falling sick of a Feaver and sending for his confederates and the Venetian Ambassadours and his Wife and Son after discoursing of his troublesome life and exhorting them in concord to stand in defence of their Religion Country and Liberty commending his Wife and Son with the Kingdome to the Venetians tuition according to the Articles of confederation willing them after his death to passe into Apulia quietly to live on possessions there held by King Ferdinands gift after prayer departed January 17. 1466. about 63 years old and raigning about 24 years His death was generally lamented chiefly of the Venetians and Albanian Princes who had lost their Watchman and Champion all his Subjects bewayling him as the onely stay of the Common-weale c. He was royally interred in Lyssa's Cathedrall which City the Turks about 9 years after taking in the way of the Siege of Scodra
the part of the Kingdom whence Mahomet drave his Father who both together were 〈◊〉 unable by all friends they could make to encounter with Bajazet's great power Zemes with gifts from the Sultan and promised aid met the Caramanian perswading the contrary on Asia the lesse its borders where they concluded joyntly to invade Bajazet and entring Cilicia now Caramannia they encamped between Iconium and Larenda Bajazet fearing more the revolt of his Souldiers than his Brothers power raised an Army of 200000 men sending Achmetes before with one part in his march a rumour was in the Camp that some Captains had conspired to betray him into his Brothers hands and that many upon joyning battel would revolt to his Brother wherefore Bajazet doubting what to do divided a masse of money amongst the Army loading them with ample promises they shewing fidelity and valour then drawing nigh Iconium he glozingly shewed a desire to come to some agreement with them secretly endeavouring to stop all passages that they might not retire into Syria Zemes weighing his own weak forces timely retired to Mount Amanus's straits dividing Cilicia from Syria perswading the Caramanian to give place unto the time c. So breaking up his Army he with a few came to Cilicia's Sea-coast hiring a tall Ship to save himself upon sudden danger sending the while to Damboys that since he had no safety amongst his own people he would upon his safe conduct come into Rhodes The great Master deeming his flight to be much profitable to Christians presently sent to fetch him but before the Gallies came Zemes was forced by the access of his enemies to go aboard the afore prepared Ship and putting a little from shoar he shot an Arrow back with fastened Letters directed to Bajazet shewing he fled not to the Christians for hatred of his Religion or Nation but as enforced thereto by his injurious dealing but he surely hoped that he or his Children should receive the just guerdon of that his tyranny which Bajazet reading it 's reported he altogether mourned shunning for a season as half distracted all speech and company Zemes being honourably entertained at Rhodes alleadged 3 dayes after in the Knights publique assembly for colour of his rebellion that Bajazet though the elder was born whilest his Father lived in a private estate but he was his Fathers first-born being an Emperour c. yet he could have been content to have given him place so he would have granted him some small portion of the Empire c. wherefore he hoped to finde succour in that his distress protesting that if ever he should by their meanes obtain the Empire he would make with them a perpetual peace and rest their friend for ever Damboys chearing him promised to keep him safe from his Brothers fury and to commend his cause to other Christian Princes He was now about 28 years old tall somewhat corpulent and well limb'd gray-eyed somewhat squinting hook nosed rising in the middle brown spare of speech chollerick a great feeder delighting in swimming melancholy c. never to be drawn from his superstition learned writing the History of his Fathers life But Bajazet things being well quieted returned to Constantinople attending some new motion by his Brother to be made but hearing he was at Rhodes he sent certain Bassaes to Damboys to deliver up Zemes for a wondrous summ of money Which when it could not be obtained they concluded a commodious peace for the Rhodians also agreeing that Zemes should be kept in safe custody Bajazet to pay in consideration and for his honourable usage 30000 Duckets yearly to the Master Aug. 1. While Achmetes was employed abroad Bajazet discoursing with the other Bassaes on his late expedition against his Brother seemed highly offended with the untrustiness of some great Captain seeming somewhat to distrust Achmetes wherefore Isaac Bassae whose Daughter Achmetes had put away as aforesaid taking hold of the opportunity increased his suspition sometimes imagining intelligence to have passed betwixt Zemes and Achmetes and forthwith amplifying his power with the Janizaries so that he might thereby do more in Zemes his quarrel than should stand with Bajazets safety c. wherefore Achmetes at his return was to be slain who comming to Court was by Bajazet invited to Supper to solace himself as was given out with his great Bassaes Achmetes mistrusting nothing came Bajazet drunk Wine plentifully causing them also to do the like although utterly forbidden by their Law Supper now ended Bajazet as a token of his grace caused Robes of pleasing colours to be cast on his guests giving to every one a fair bowle full of Gold but on Achmetes was cast a Gown of black Velvet a token of such indignation that its death for any man to intreat for such a one Achmetes now under the shadow of death said Oh Cachpogli that is Thou Sonne of a Whore since thou intendest such cruelty why didst thou not execute it before enforcing me to drink this impure and forbidden Wine so looking on the ground sate still The other Bassaes kissing the ground at his feet c. departed with whom Achmetes offering to go out was commanded to sit still c. The executioners stepping in to have slain him an Eunuch in Bajazets greatest favour advised him not to be too hasty in executing so great a Man but to stay to see how it would be digested wresting the while out of him what might be got by torture c. who was hereupon stript and carried to be tortured Achmetes his Sonne missing his Father at the Bassaes comming forth presently mistrusted and with much adoe learned of the Baslaes of his Fathers Estate then also advised of the same by a secret friend 〈◊〉 lamenting and exclaiming against Bajazets cruelty he calling on the Janizaries for ayd and minding them of his Fathers deserts towards them and of his eminent danger had in the dead of the night raised them all up in Arms who running from all parts of the City to the Court Gate redoubling Bre Bre a word expressing their greatest sury so furiously beat at it that Bajazet causing the outer Gate to be opened shewed himself out at an Iron Window demanding the cause of that uproare who answered they would teach him as a Drunken Beast and a Rascall to use his place with more sobriety and discretion calling him amongst many opprobrious words Bengi that is Batchellour or Scholler no small disgrace among those Martiall men then commanding him forthwith to deliver Achmetes or to take what should ensue Bajazet terrified with this insolency commanded him to be delivered to them who in haste was brought forth almost naked with marks in his body of hard usage The Janizaries rejoycing supplyed his want with apparell taken from Bajazets minions carrying him out on their shouldiers crying out How he did c undoubtedly ready to have slaine Bajazet if he would and to rifle the Court But he laboured to pacifie them excusing it as done
their fidelity and valour in that place resolved to chastise his unnatural Son's insolence with his followers Cherseogles a Christian born turned Turk being a man grown alway loving Christians and their Religion not common with such renegates His Father was Chersechius a small Prince of Illyria who lustfully beholding a Lady of rare beauty and feature to whom Cherseogles was going to be married whom he entirely loved took her in marriage himself all his friends crying shame on so fowl a fact Wherefore he driven headlong with despair fled to Constantinople on whom Bajazet liking the honourable man and his cause of revolt smiling on him said Be chearful noble youth for thy courage is worthy of greater fortune than thy Father's house can affoord instead of thy love taken from thee the 〈◊〉 of an 〈◊〉 Prince for she was descended of the Despot's house thou shalt have the daughter of a great Emperour of singular perfection So abjuring his Religion and named of Stephen Cherseogles he married Bajazet's daughter deserving to be one of the greatest Bassaes yet with a desire to return to his former profession he secretly kept the Image of the Crucifix This man by intreaty saved the Venetian Senators at the taking of Modon afterwards delivering Gritti a prisoner condemned to dye chosen afterwards Duke of Venice By him the Venetians obtained a peace to their good redeeming a multitude of Christians by his authority and charge from slavery Neither is his furtherance of learning to be forgotten as in Pope Leo 10th his time But Bajazet encouraged by Cherseogles and hearing among other things that Selimus had almost enclosed his rereward got out of his Pavilion grinding his teeth with trickling tears in his Horse-litter not able for the Gout to sit on hors-back saying to the Pensioners and Janizaries Whether they his foster-children c. would suffer him innocent to be butchered by his gracelesse Son And being old and diseased to be murthered by wilde Tartars little better then Rogues and thieves c. that many perswaded him to commit himself to flight c. But he contrarily would give the fierce enemy battel and in this his last danger prove all their fidelity and valour c. and so either break that gracelesse man or having reigned above 30 years end his dayes with those that should continue loyall and though fame would make him believe he should be betrayed by some of his Guard yet he would not fear it till he saw proof thereof The common Janizaries to whom the Commanders had not communicated their purpose of Selimus cryed out He should not doubt to joyn battell shouting clapping hands and clattering their armour Others for fashion sake doing the like the great Commanders especially whether for shame or fear changing their affection and Mustapha with Bostanges out of a feigned loyalty encouraged and martialled the battell and by Cherseogles advice the Sanzacks with their horsmen about 6000 being set in the front c. Bajazet commanded the Trumpets to sound and a red Ensign to be displayed Selimus placing his Tartarians in both wings and Turks in the midst c. The Tartars running round in great rings to shoot backwards and forward annoyed the Turks greatly with showers of Arrows the others farther off shooting more upwards so galled the Turks horses with their Arrows direct fall but the old Souldiers â—erring close received their Arrows with their Targets over their heads hastening to come to handy blows the Pensioners then also bravely charging the middle of Selimus his battel and Aiax drawing out 700 Harquebusiers from the Janizaries assailed the hindmost of the Tartarian wing the 4000 servants left in the rear repulsing the other wing with great slaughter coming to spoil the Turks Carriages This fierce and doubtful battel lasted from noon till Sun-setting Selimus fighting and stirring as for an Empire but the Tartars not able to abide the Harquebuziers shot their Horses chiefly terrified with that unwonted noise fled the rest who could not be enforced to stay fled also the Foot attired and armed like Janizaries being sorsaken were almost all slain by Bajazets Horse Selimus hardly beset was yet delivered by some Turkish Troops staying with him and being wounded and freshly mounted 〈◊〉 sollowed the Tartars but doubting to be overtaken he took another cole-black Horse of wonderful swiftness 〈◊〉 fleeing with a few to Varna 〈◊〉 by Sea to Capha The Horse called Carabulo that is a 〈◊〉 Cloud Selimus so esteemed that covered with Cloth of Gold he was in all his expeditions led after him as a spare-Horse and dying at Caire as Alexander for Bucephalus be erected a Monument for him Of 40000 men brought into the field not above 8000 escaped from being slain or taken Bajazet losing about 700 and 3000 hurt with Tartarian Arrowes in revenge put all taken to the Sword whose Heads and Bodies were laid apart by heaps old ruinous Chiurlus or Zurulum became famous by this battel in 1511 but more famous afterwards by Selimus there 〈◊〉 his dayes by a most 〈◊〉 Disease Bajazet's Souldiers being after 3 dayes returned from the Chase he went to Constantinople rewarding them there Achomates hearing of what had happened came with 20000 men from Amasia to the City Scutari scituated directly against Constantinople expecting what course his Father would now take for his minde was filled with hope of the Empire for sundry reasons ceasing not to send over Bosphorus Strait to Constantinople soliciting Bajazet to 〈◊〉 the Empires resignation importuning also his friends to commend him and 〈◊〉 to extoll Bajazet's purpose herein that Selymus being overthrown through them 〈◊〉 might the sooner 〈◊〉 the Empire his Inheritance Bajazet was easily entreated to hasten what he before determined preparing Galleys for transporting Achomates to Constantinople But the Court-Bassaes and Souldiers again resisted it alleadging the former reasons and saying they would not suffer him so to disable himself as to resign who had lately so couragiously fought for the honour of his Crown c. yet not to cut off Achomates nor he to distrust their good will but to enjoy his right in due time as the eldest Sonne and a man of approved valour saying they had sufficiently declared in the battel against Selimus what minds they were of c. Oh fowl dissimulation c. Bajazet again disappointed of his purpose or as some thought delighted with Soveraignty for that after the Victory he seemed as young again c. sent to Achomates how it stood and to depart to his charge at Amasia whence he would call him when he had won the Souldiers with new bounty and procured other Courtiers liking whereby so great and unusual a matter might the more securely be effected Achomates thus deceived and complaining he was so mocked and contemned began to inveigh against his Father for making him a by word c. after by his appointment he had come so farre but if he still so doated reckoning so of the Court Souldiers as not
following slew 4000 Christian prisoners lest he should be hindred in flight and dividing into two parts set forward about midnight to escape out of the enclosed Valleys One part of his Army led by Ferises going Southward with incredible labour cut a way thorough the thick Woods coming with little loss to Solyman into Stiria Cason with 8000 Turks breaking out of Storamberg Valley chanced on the Palatine who with 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse and some Field-pieces brake them slaying a great number Casons Ensigne being taken and himself fighting in the rear for others to escape was slain Whose gallant Head piece presented to the Emperour confirmed the report Those who there escaped falling into the hands of Lewis and Marquess of Brandenburg and of Hungarian Horsmen led by Turacus who killing them 7 miles insulting over them in their own Language and of the Countrey people about Vesprinium and the lake of Balaton it was thought not one escaped to Solyman The Emperour hearing Solyman was gone as far as Gratia called a Councel in Lintz Castle to know wherher 't were best to follow the enemy From Lintz to Gratia is 3 good dayes-journey of bad rough way Some said 't was best to fight the Turks in that uneven Mountain-countrey whose chief strength being Horse should stand them in smal stead their Foot being in eriour to the Christians The Emperour presently sent Apontius a Spaniard to view that passage who soon brought word that all the Countrey was desolate and sor fear forsaken but where the enemy lay he could not certainly learn whereupon they concluded to go all to Vienna to view the Army and fight the enemy if he returned Some disliked that saying Charls should in that distress of Stiria and Carinthie rather pursue his enemy but others said t was one thing to invade and another to defend c. Charls being come to Vienna and viewing the Army found therein 260000 men 120000 being counted old Souldiers It was thought that so many worthy Captains and valiant Souldiers were never before in man's memory together in one Camp all the Flowre and strength of Germany from Vistula to Rhene from the Ocean to the Alps were sent or voluntarily came thither A thing never before heard of c. Besides the great number of Spaniards and Burgundians the Bohemians lay not far off with the Silesians and Moravians There were also some Troops of Polonians as voluntary men King Sigismund winking thereat as if without his knowledge being careful not rashly to break his League with Solyman This Army lay in a great field near Vienna in an excellent order ready to receive the enemy which many Gentlemen beholding wept for joy conceiving assured hope of Victory if the Turk with all his Forces durst joyn in Battel But Solyman advertised of the Emperours strength and manner of laying got over the River 〈◊〉 and at Marpurg by Bridges suddenly made passed over Dravus and so to Belgrade thence to Constantinople leaving here and there some remembrance of his cruelty and still looking behind him if the Emperour were not at his heels when as a few Dalmatian and Croatian Horse pursued his Rear It s reported he carried 30000 into captivity besides many thousand slain Charls now determined speedily to return into Italy though Ferdinand earnestly intreated him first to employ those great Forces against King John who might then have been easily thrust out of all but Winter approoching and the plague in the Camp yea in his Court he continued in his purpose yet leaving behind him all the Italians who with Ferdinands own Forces were thought sufficient for the Hungarian War One Maramaldus was appointed General over those Italians but no order taken for their pay Other Captains thought themselves disgraced by Maramaldus's preferment whereby the under-Captains and Officers said plainly they would not go into Hungary except Ferdinand himself went or Vastius or Leva were their General and the Souldiers said They would ask leave to depart if they had not 3 months pay knowing they should never get it of poor King Ferdinand Vastius greatly perswaded them to remember the faith of Souldiers c. saying Valiant Souldiers never wanted pay furnishing themselves by Victories with all necessaries and that they had no just cause to mislike Maramaldus being an old Captain of great experience and placed by the Emperour as most sufficient having well appeased them and being gone to Vienna to take order for remedying of all difficulties night the nurse of sedition gave farther scope to the mutinous Souldiers There was then brought to the Camp very coorse hoary moulded bread which some on their Speares point shewed to their fellows in great choler rayling against King Ferdinand c. And a little before a Spanish common Souldier casting the like bread at Vastius's feet in the Generalls Tent bitterly cursing the Emperour and Ferdinand had raised a wondrous tumult wherefore the Italians flocking together gave many hard speeches about their pay Victualls and the War's difficulty and setting up one Marconius upon a heap of Saddles he was by divers Captains requested frankly to speak what he thought concerned all their safety and welfare where he is reported to have uttered a seditious Oration unto them at which very time a great Blazing-Starre was seen at Vienna which the said Marconius called a terrible and bloudy Comet shooting he said his Beams toward Italy But his Speech ended the Souldiers highly commending it a confused noyse was heard throughout them but the Drums presently striking up a march they go forward towards Neostat Six Captains drew after them 8000 Souldiers the rest for shame and fear staying with Maramaldus Vastius and divers great Companies hearing thereof posted after them 6 miles requesting them to stay and not dishonour themselves with so foul a fact saying their pay was ready and mingling prayers with grievous threats but they as inraged sternly discharged some small shot upon them Vastius was oft in danger to be slain so that in the end he was glad to forsake them Ferdinand hereby for that time disappointed of hope to recover the Hungarian Kingdom wrote to his Stirian and Carinthian Subjects to shew them no courtesie in their passagee whereupon ensued great hurt on both sides yet the Italians at length recovered Tiliaventum in Italies borders where disbanding they returned to their dwellings Charls also breaking up his Army at Vienna appointed Gonzaga to go formost with the light Horse with whom himself went Vastius following with the Spaniards two dayes after came the Cardinal with the biggest Train Lastly the mercenary Germans so returning safe into Italy This was the end of Solyman and Charls the 5th their wondrous preparations in 1532 some marvellous alteration being expected and the more for that then a great Blazing-Starre appeared for 15 dayes In the mean time Andreas Auria with 35 tall Ships and 48 Galleys and 25000 good Souldiers greatly annoyed the Turks in Peloponesus who near Zant Island met with
Government Then they decreed in Council to send the appointed Embassage to Solyman so Exechius Bishop of Quinque-Ecclesiae and Verbetius the aged Chancellour were dispatched with ten curious wrought Bowls of Gold 600 of Silver-guilt and engraven 50 pieces of Purple silk and gold-cloath and 30 pound of coyned Gold as two years tribute who came to Constantinople The Kings dead body was the while with much heavinesse and most of the Army solemnly buried at Alba Regalis After which the young child was Christened and called Steven and Crowned with the Ancient Crown of King Steven who first erected that Kingdom yet the Royal Dignity was given given to the Queen so as in all publique Writings c. The Bishop was Treasurer and commanded the strong Holds yet the Souldiers were at the devotion of Thuraccus and Vicche as a middle man was named High Constable This Bishop was born in Croatia and brought up from his youth in the House of King John where Vertue and Industry never wanted relief Having forsaken his Monastick Prof ssion as weary of its straitnesse he still followed John driven out of his Kingdom winning such credit c. that he obtained the Bishoprick of Veradium after Sibbachus slain by Grittus's treachery He was such a notable man in his religious service and otherwise that John would confesse himself to raign by his special industry and King Ferdinand would oft say he envied at John for nothing he had but for one hooded fellow better for defence of a Kingdom than 10000 with Helmets on their heads Taking on him the tuition of the young King he was busied in all weighty causes civil and martiall carefully labouring for the Hungarians concord in love and unity and that no tumult or rebellion should arise But Ferdinand now thought it a fit time to recover that so long desired Kingdom being prickt forward by 7 men of great account in Hungary who having taken Ferdinand's part lived in exile concluding their motives to him What could be more dishonour to him so great a King and Emperour Elect than by shameful delay to forsake them being noble and valiant who had followed his part and were then ready with strong Troops to do him their best service The Germane Captains also perswaded him who as martial men desired honour pay and prey But Lascus who in matters of Peace and War saw more than they was of a contrary opinion telling Ferdinand plainly in a Speech that the Kingdom of Hungary was to be obtained rather by policy than force by craving it of Solyman to hold it of him by tribute as King John did saying that if he should once joyn battel with the Turks if the best did happen c. he should have endless Warre with such an enemy c. His Speech so moved Ferdinand that though purposing to proceed yet he thought good to prove Solymans minde also none being thought fitter for that Embassage than Lascus himself who being furnished with all necessaries departed from Vienna to Constantinople yet Ferdinand withall prepared for Warres trusting to the Emperour's Brother and the coming over of the Hungarians for present profit but before open Warre he sent the Count of Salma to the Queen to shew her the Instruments of the last League betwixt her late Husband and him exhorting her to yield up the Kingdom and not by delay to hurt herself and Son for Ferdinand offered to give the Child the Province of Sepnsia as was before agreed in the League and to the Queen a great Revenue beside her Dowry but if she would forget that League he threatned Neither Charls his Brother nor he wanted force c. The Count hardly obtained admittance to the Queens presence for George and Vicche mistrusting her courage said she was not to be spoken with for sorrow and that they were of Authority to give him audience and answer which opinion of her weakness She of an Heroical Spirit took so in disgrace that she said She would kill her self if the Embassadors were not suffered to come into her Chamber dark and hung with black she sitting on a low Pallet negligently attired pale-coloured yet then shedding no teares yet her voice and countenance such as might shew her sorrow was nothing abated for contemning all dangers she resolved for defence of her Soveraign to call in the Turks After the Counts admittance and delivery of his Message she answered Such was the fortune of her Sex and years and griess of body and minde that she could neither take nor give counsel wherefore she requested a convenient time to ask Counsel of her Father Sigismund to whose just judgement she would stand as she thought the Nobility would also but if they would needs forthwith make Warre upon her she said the Emperour and Ferdinand should win no great honour to oppugne a Widow consumed with teares and a young Child yet crying in his Cradle The Count returning told Ferdinand he had heard and seen that the Queen was wholly in the power of the Bishop c. the rest shifted among them the honours and preferments of the Realm c. wherefore all the hope was in speedy Warre the Queen with her Sonne to be driven out of Buda before they could take Arms or well advise what to do She delaying but to make her self stronger and the while to call in the Turk Ferdinand furnished with money from Charls soon raised a great Army which he sent down Danubius to Strigonium alwayes faithful to him Velsius a Noble Rhetian was General who to open first the way to Buda after nine dayes siege took Vicegrade but not the Castle with the losse of about two hundred men Then passing Danubius he took Pesth forsaken by the enemy also the City Vacia without losse whence crossing the River he came before Buda to terrifie the Citizens and discover what he could the Queens purpose where Perenus Rascaius and Francopanes Bishop of Agria revolted to Ferdinand the Bishop was reputed to go upon meere conscience yet George challenged him by Letters in hope to be made a Cardinal Velsius lay as if he would rather besiege than assault the City the Germans fetching in great booty round about burning and carrying away prisoners wherefore the Hungarians fell oft together by the eares with them they of Buda also with their Troops skirmished with them if they did but stir out of the Camp well defending the Villages for Thuraccus had taken into the City a multitude of light Horsmen Balthasar Pamphilus coming to the Gates desired the Warders to give him leave to talk with his old Friend Thuraccus and confer with him concerning the good of the State which the General granting he was let in with his Troop and soon returning to the Camp he reported that viewing the strength of the City he perceived it was not to be taken without greater power and a better season of the year Wherefore Velsius doubtful of the Hungarian his fidelity in anger bid him void
Tents covered the places round about and brought a 〈◊〉 Fleet up the River every man began to doubt of his own safety This fear was encreased by Messengers from Solyman who hearing of what Nations the Garrison consisted sent three Renegates of his Guard a Spaniard Italian and German to speak to their Countreymen in their own Language They offered great rewards and 〈◊〉 to such as would yield in time denouncing all torture and extremities to those who endured the Summons of a Cannon It was answered by the Captains those faithful and valiant Souldiers were not to be won with Gifts nor terrified with threats The same day the Ordnance was planted on the Hill before the Gate and all the weakest 〈◊〉 of the Walls so well pickt out to be assaulted that it s to be thought the Christians wanted faith among themselves Salamanca d strusting the Suburb's Fortifications retired into the City contrary to what he had boasted Achomates 〈◊〉 that part next the Bishop's Gardens Ulames the Towre next the Gate toward Buda the Asapi were brought on to dig Trenches and cast up Mounts the 〈◊〉 was so discharged without 〈◊〉 that the Towre with much of the Wall near it fell down as if shaken with a terrible Earth-quake the 〈◊〉 Janizaries also fetching off any man that stood on the Walls many further off being grievously wounded with Arrowes falling from high and the 〈◊〉 broken with the great shot killed or maimed the Souldiers near hand wherefore they forsook the uttermost Wall casting up new Fortifications within The enemy also thrice desperately assailed the breach but still with losse repulsed Bultazes Sanzack of Selymeria a man of great account being lost Many the while who came up the River with necessaries for the Army went ashoare and lay in the Suburbs with great security wherefore they in the City suddenly sallying out slew many before they could arm driving the rest to their Fleet so that there was about 200 slain Zymar the Persian Admiral in rescuing them being slain with a small shot While the Turks did with greater force daily assail the City and the 〈◊〉 despairing of relief more and more discouraged an old Calabrian Engineer fled out to the Turks who satisfied them in all their questions directing them in planting their batteries in the most convenient places It fortuned that a gilt Brazen Crosse on the Steeple of the Cathedrall was by the Turk 's shooting thereat at length beaten down wherefore Solyman is reported taking it as a token of good luck presently to cry out Strigonium is won Liscanus and Salamanca secretly conferring together resolved to give up the Town for Liscanus was no great Souldier yet by spoil exceeding rich and therefore thought it folly to buy the name of resolute Captain with the losse of life and wealth the like feeling was also in Salamanca This secret purpose was noised among the Souldiers a third part being slain or weak with wounds or sickness yet they thought generally they were able still to 〈◊〉 the Town but the under-Captains c. flatteringly liked the motion rather to yield on reasonable termes than to expose themselves to most certain death and not better Ferdinands cause Ere long an Auncient was by night let down over the Wall and receiving the Turk's faith called forth Salamanca who coming out went to Achomates commanding before he went them who defended the Water-Towre of great danger for safety of their lives to get into the City who hastily retiring the vigilant Turks suddenly breaking in slew such as were not gone possessing the Castle but Salamanca when he had stood upon many nice termes with the Bassaes obtained onely without delay to yield and put themselves wholly on Solyman's mercy so being there stayed he wrote to Liscanus how he sped wishing him if he loved his safety to yield the City without further termes Liscanus hereupon declared to the Souldiers the necessity of yielding up and what hope of life and liberty but whilest the angry Souldiers stood as in a doubt Halis Commander of the Janizaries came not sternly requiring the Gate to be opened to him according to Salamanca's agreement which was done and the keys delivered to him they entring peaceably possessed themselves of the Walls and fortresses chusing all the beardless youths out of the Souldiers commanding the rest to cast down their Weapons in a place appointedw hich they did expecting nothing but some cruel execution which fear was the more increased by a strange accident for while with their Harquebusses they cast their flasks of powder also one of them suddenly took fire of a match which firing the rest blew abroad that heap of Weapons among the Janizaries whereupon they slew divers Christians till Halis perswaded 't was rather by chance than malice commanded them to stay their fury Then he proclaimed that all Christians who would serve Solyman should have places answerable with large entertainment yet were there but seventy which accepted the offer for fear of their lives whom Halis sent down the River with the culled out youths to Buda the other helped the Turks to cleanse the Castle but Liscanus was glad to give Halis the Chain of Gold he took from Perenus he requiring it as of military courtesie a strange Ornament with the Turks hoping thereby to save his other Coyn but when the covetous Coward was about to depart with his Horses of service and Saddles cunningly stuffed full of Gold the Turk laughing at him took them also so furnished saying He who was to go by water needed no Horses The rest were conveighed over Danubius travelling to Possonium where Count Salma by Ferdinand's Command committed Liscanus and Salamanca and some others to custody to answer their cowardly yielding up the City which Solyman entred Aug. 10. 1543 and turning the Christian Temples into Mahometane first sacrificed for his Victory as before at Buda and speedily so fortified it as if to take away all hope of recovery thereof deriding the Germans negligence who keeping it 14 years had not fortified it Solyman leaving Ossainus Governour there sent his Tartarian Horse to spoil the Countrey as farre as Alba Regalis going himself to besiege Tatta Castle 〈◊〉 terrified Souldiers upon the first Summons yielded and quietly departed the Castle the Turks keeping their Provinces under by few but very strong holds being presently rased to the ground Torniellus causing Hanniball the Captain to lose his head for his cowardly yielding up his charge thereby to admonish others Solyman marched thence to 〈◊〉 Regalis which stands more into the Land than Buda and Strigonium strongly seated in midst of a Lake but not so wholsomly especially in Summer From the City thorow the Lake lay three broad and high Causies built with fair Houses and Gardens on each side at the end of every Causey toward the Land were strong Bulwarks which the Citizens used not to watch but in dangerous times of Warre the City thus standing and compassed about with a
he would not shew an enemies mind by denial of a little sea Furniture lest he should have hurt his Native Country Genua But Muleasses hearing of Barbarussa's coming with this great Fleet doubted not without cause lest it was prepared against himself Besides five of his great Cities Constantina Mahemedia Mahometa Leptis and Adrumentum were then holden by the Turks Wherefore about the time that he sayled along Italy himself passed into Sicily to have met the Emperour at Genua for greater ayd against the Turks committing the tuition of his Kingdom to Mahometes Manifaet to Govern the City Corsus or Fares to keep the Castle whose brother Mahometes and son Fares were left pledges to Tavarres Captain of Guletta-Castle of his Faith but to his son Amiva he committed the leading of his men of War Passing out of Sicily he was driven by contrary winds at length to Naples being Honourably entertained by the Viceroy The Citizens wondring at his people's strange Attire with their costly Dishes putting therein Odours of exceeding price so that a Peacock and two Fea sants dressed cost above 100 Duckats all dwelling near partaking of the smell While he abode at Naples the Emperour from Buxetum so willing him attending what course Barbarussa disappointed at Nice would take he was advertised out of Africk that Amida his son possessing his Kingdom had slain his Captains polluted his Wives and taken Tunis-Castle Wherefore Muleasses exceedingly troubled with all haste opened his Coffers entertaining Souldiers the Viceroy giving leave to all banished men to come and give their name to go into Africk whereupon a great number of Malefactors and condemned persons flocked to Naples of which infamous men one Lofredius of a fierce and covetous disposition undertook the leading who having three moneths pay before hand leavying 1800 men and keeping most of their pay passed over with the King into Africk Amida rose up against his Father by means of certain Noblemen about him who ruled him at their pleasure the chief was Mahometes son of Bohamer Manifaet in the Raign of Muleasses's Father whom Muleasses reigning slew by cutting off his privities for deceiving him of Rahamana a maid of exceeding beauty whom he most passionately loved for which Mahometes had long conceived a dissembled deadly hatred against him Next was Mahometes Adulzes whom Muleasses used to call his worst servant These two with others gave out that Muleasses was dead having first revolted to Christianity perswading him quickly to enter into his Fathers seat lest Mahometes his younger Brother in Hostage at Guletta should by the hélp of 〈◊〉 be preferred before him for he was 18 years old resembling every way his Grandfather and therefore best beloved of those of Tunis Wherefore 〈◊〉 came in post to 〈◊〉 to lay first hand on the Kingdom The people as yet hearing not of his Fathers death marvelled at his rashnesse Mahometes the Governour sharply reproved him of Treason perswading him to return to the Camp and seeing him stay thrust him out of the City who got him into the pleasant Countrey of Martia but the Governour got him speedily to Touarres to know more assuredly if there were Newes from Sicily of the Kings death complaining of Amida where staying somewhat long and then returning the Voyce went he had practised with Touarres to make Mahometes King whereby some Citizens hating the very name of Muleasses speedily certified grieving-Amida how all stood c. Who now revived and encouraged by his followers returned to Tunis and entring in at the open Gate ran to the Governour 's House who not at home he slew all his Houshold going presently to the Castle Where Fares the Captain laying hands on his Horses-bridle to keep him out was by an Aethiopian thrust thorow with a sword over whose sprawling body Amida riding brake into the Castle with his followers where he slew the Governour of the City after which murdering his yonger brethren he polluted his Fathers Concubines Muleasses landing at Guletta was advised by Touarres not to go to Tunis with so few men before assurance of the Citizens good disposition toward him being the more earnest with Lofredius because the Viceroy had written he should in no case go further except the the King as he promised had also a good strength of 〈◊〉 but some Moorish Nobles fleeing under a colour out of the City putting their swords to their throats and swearing to be faithful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 them forward saying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his Father would flee so they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 displayed Touarres requesting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Moors treachery Muleasses being now descryed from the Walls a strong Troop suddenly 〈◊〉 out with a terrible cry and a fierce assail many falling on both sides Muleasses fighting couragiously was wounded in the face bleeding exceedingly whose men doubting of his life fled a great number of Horse and Foot suddenly besetting Lofredius round out of the Olive Gardens on whom the Italians discharged some Field-pieces but had no leisure to charge again they coming on so thick and fast so the Italians discouraged let fall their Weapons and cast themselvs into the Lake to save themselves by swimming and taking hold of small Boats which furnished with small Pieces did repulse the Moores pursuing them into the Lake with their Horses Lofredius was unhorsed in the Lake andslain as were divers with him A few chose rather to die in midst of their enemies than to be strangled in the stinking Lake Muleasses soyled with blood and dust was taken nothing bewraying him more than his odours 1300 Italians were slain Touarres relieving the rest shipped them into Sicilie who came to Naples exceeding poor Amida victorious cut out his Fathers eyes with a hot Pen knife to make him unfit for Government so he served his two Brethren taken with him Then he certified Touarres he would deliver to him a few youths taken prisoners that he had bereaved his Father of his sight deserving worse as having done the like to his Brethren c. confirming upon conditions his Fathers League with him which Touarres refused not as profitable at present for he was to give him money to pay his Souldiers to deliver the prisoners with the Ensigns and body of Lofredius giving Sehites his Son nine years old in hostage for more assurance yet Touarres safely to restore him if they must needs enter into War but Touarres thought it not wholly agreeing with the Emperours honour that he should enjoy the Kingdom who treasonously and villanously had thrust himself thereunto without his leave Wherefore there being among the Numidians one Abdamaelech an exile ever since Roscetes fled to Muleasses's Brother Touarres 〈◊〉 for him putting him in hope of the Kingdom supported by 〈◊〉 a great Numidian Prince who had long 〈◊〉 him he was encouraged also by predictions of Astrologers who foretold him he should die King of Tunis Amida was gone to Biserta casting no peril to take order for his Customs there great
them in his Territory who hearing he came still on made all haste joyning his Forces to the Bassaes following fast after him who with Zanzacks were on pain of their Heads to bring him back alive or dead but he made more haste to flee than they to follow yet the Bassa of Erzirum was displaced and afterwards slain by Selimus with his 2 stripling sons in despight having abused them against nature Solyman was grieved above measure at his departure and would presently have gone against the Persian to terrifie him from relieving his rebellious son but these raging fits his grave Councellours for 2 weighty reasons moderated Bajazet as he went wrote on gates and doors he would give double pay to those who would follow him Wherefore the Captains distrusted their Souldiers who also heard their often speeches of great love towards him Being come to the River Araxis he left certain followers upon the Bank to keep the Zanzacks who still pursued him from passing over whom they repulsing passed the River entring far into the Persian Kingdom till some Persian Nobles with great Troops met with them demanding what they meant and sought for in another Kingdom who answered they pursued their Kings-fugitive son they replyed they did not well against the League to come Armed beyond their bounds c. As for Bajazet their King would consider what was meet for him to do in the mean time to be gone c. whereupon the Turks retired King Tamas sent Messengers to salute Bajazet to know why he came and see his strength which some reckon about 20000 who declared through his Brothers injuries and Fathers hard dealing he was fled to the Persian-King as his most assured Refuge c. but otherwise wholly destitute The Persian replyed He had done very unwisely in respect of his and his Fathers League being to account the e-enemies of one the enemies of the other and on the contrary yet since it was so he was welcome as to his Friend who would leave nothing unattempted to reconcile him to his Father which he despaired not of At their first meeting there was friendly countenance often conference and great Feasting each other Also there was a motion one of the Kings Daughters to be promised to Orchanes Bajazets son and he put in hope that Tamas would never be quiet till Solyman made him Governour of Mesopotamia Babylon or Erzirum far off from both Brother and Father where his Brother the Persian-King might be his sure Refuge from danger Bajazet seemed by these speeches so assured of Tamas's love that when his Embassadour went to Constantinople for a reconciliation as was supposed He bid him tell Solyman he had lost a Father at Constantinople and found another at Persia but the while all things were plotted tending to his destruction which being ripe a motion was made that it was more convenient to have Bajazets multitude billeted thereabouts farther asunder both for the better Victualling them and other purposes also And indeed Tamas unlike his Father Hysmaell was in fear of Bajazet yet many thought he was enforced to destroy him not at first so minded by reason of some of his followers who perswaded him to thrust him out of his Kingdom whereof there was many tokens Tamas hearing also that a chief Captain said Why stay we to kill this Haeretical King and possess his Kingdom by whose treachery we shall surely be all destroyed Bajazet might not then well gainsay the dispersing of his Forces though many of his wise followers did shrewdly suspect the sequel They so being bestowed in Countrey-Villages where the Persians saw good ere many dayes they few and scattered were enclosed and slain and whatever they had became a prey Then was Bajazet and his sons cast into bonds and that as many say while merrily at dinner at the Kings Table who seemed to foresee that it stood far better with the safety of his estate that Selimus should raign than Bajazet a couragious Prince and much better Souldier than his Brother Bajazet imprisoned Messengers ran to and fro betwixt Solyman and Tamas This sending the Turk curious Tents costly Carpets one of their Alcorans and strange beasts by a solemn Embassadour pretending to reconcile Solyman and his son Solyman craving to have him delivered to him and the Persian seeming to defend him whom Solyman sometimes spake fair minding him of his league otherwhile denouncing War strongly Garrisoning all his Frontiers towards Persia filling Mesopotamia and Euphrates 〈◊〉 with Souldiers Mehemet the 3d. of the 〈◊〉 Bassaes and the Beglerbeg of Greece commanding them inciting also the Georgians against the Persians who answered they were not so confident in themselves as to provoke Tamas but when they saw Solyman himself in field they knew what to do c. He made shew as if he would go in person to invade Tamas on the side of Aleppo who was somewhat fearful having proved Solyman to his cost but the Souldiers unwillingnesse many of whom without leave returned to Constantinople yet unwillingly going again to the Camp when commanded easily staye the raging Turk who perceiving that Bajazet could not be got alive from the Persian excusing himself by fear of his revenge if he should any way escape thought best to have him there slain which he hoped the rather because Tamas lately wrote to him He could not but marvel he dealt so slenderly in so important a matter That he should do well now to send him men of account with whom he might conferre and conclude according to the weightinesse of the cause Bajazet having also been to him no small charge before he could get him into his power whereby Solyman perceived money was the thing sought after Whereupon Hassan Aga and the Bassa of Maras departed towards Persia in the depth of Winter and with great speed losing many followers by the way Being come to the Court at Casbin they desired first to see Bajazet close shut up wan and pale not to be known before he was trimmed and then Hassan knew it to be him who was brought up with him from a child But after long discourse with the King it was agreed that Solyman should recompence all his charges and harmes since Bajazet came into Persia with a reward sutable to so great a good turn and then Solyman might have him made away Hassan posting to his Master he forthwith made all ready sending it to the borders of Persia by a safe Convoy the Persians receiving it Hassan coming presently after and 〈◊〉 him with a Bow-string himself as Solyman had straightly charged him not being suffered to see his Children first as he requested as is reported 3 of his sons Omer Amurat and Selym being there also strangled whose bodies with their Fathers were buried at Sebastia but young Muhamet at nurse at Amasia was now commanded to bestrangled also the Eunuch sent loath to do it himself took with him a hard-hearted Porter of the Court who coming and fitting the string to
also sought to renew their League now expired which was easily obtained but of small assurance Selimus now in 1569. purposed to build a Magnificent Temple at Hadrianople for his own Sepulture with a Monastery a Colledge and an Alms-House but was troubled how to 〈◊〉 them with Revenues sufficient for the Mahometan Kings are forbidden to convert any Lands or Possessions to such holy uses but what they have won from the enemies of their Religion which is as a Spur to prick them forward to add to their Empire Nothing that was presented so pleased him as the taking of the rich Island Cyprus from the Venetians which Conquest would be enough with a large over-plus to supply what wanted in his Fathers devout works but that which moved him most was the glory of such a Conquest His Predecessors usually in the beginning of their Raign doing or attempting some notable thing against the Christians The matter being propounded to the great Bassaes Muhamet chief Visier and a secret friend to the Venetians perswaded him not to yield thereunto alledging besides the danger that Solyman at his death charged him the League with the Venetians to be religiously kept which he also had lately most solemnly confirmed But Mustapha with Piall Bassaes so 〈◊〉 what he said envying at his Honour and so shewed both the Honour profit and easinesse thereof much of the Venetian Arsenal being also burnt that Selimus calling Muhamet in his choller Christian no small disgrace presently prepared by sea and land for performance of his resolution which was discovered by Barbarus the Venetian Embassadour and suspected by their Merchants whom the Turks began 〈◊〉 cut short in their Traffique looking big on them and giving them hard speeches The Embassadour came to Muhamet complaining of the breach of the League and remembring him of the Venetian State 's fidelity requesting Selimus before he began that War to declare his mind to the Senate that so happily all might be 〈◊〉 to the good of both parties which he did not for hope to avert the War but to win time till the State might make ready their Fleet and Forces neither left he the Bassa till he procured Cubates to be sent Embassadour to Venice to prove whether the Senatours would deliver the Island or adventure the taking it from them by force These and such like things made known at Venice brought a general heaviness on the City Cubates come to Ragusium Surianus sent to meet him brought him to Venice in his Galley The Senators the while were divided in opinions some thought it not good to wage Warre against such an invincible Enemy c. alleadging they had alwayes in the winding up of the Warres lost something besides losses already sustained that it were better to part with Cyprus so they might quietly enjoy the rest saying time would give them some fit occasion to recover what they had lost to trust in their confederates was but to deceive themselves destruction having come thence whence ayd was alwayes to have bin hoped for Others said nothing could be more dishonourable than without Fight to 〈◊〉 with so notable a piece of their Seigniory c. that the Turks would afterwards seek also after Creet and Corcyra and so they yielding one thing after another to spoil themselves of all c. that hard beginnings had oftentimes merry endings that the favour of that insolent and greedy Nation was not to be gained but with such a costly peace much more hurtful than Warre it self Besides it much concerned Christian Princes to have their State preserved wherefore 't was to be hoped they would ayd them to the utmost In the end it was resolved on by plain force to withstand the Turks So when Cubates came to Venice no man met him or shewed him common courtesie but being admitted into the Senate-house with his two Interpreters onely he delivered Selimus's Letters which whilest they were breaking up and translating he delivered also his Message the effect whereof was that Selimus worthily grieved that the like care of keeping faith did not appear in them as in him who harboured Pirates in their Havens murthering his Subjects which injuries longer to forbear might rather be imputed to him for cowardise than courtesie that the onely remedy of falling out by new quarrels daily arising was to deliver to him the Island Cyprus the cause of all those grievances to which small request if they did not yield he purposed not onely to take it from them but prosecute them with most cruel Warre by Sea and Land taking God to witness all the calamities to ensue thereof to be imputed to themselves Then he in Muhamet the Visier's name told them that he was right sory for this breach c. most instantly requesting them and advising them not wilfully to plunge themselves into such dangers as they could hardly or never finde the way out c. telling them Selimus did nothing but thunder out most cruel threats which his indignation was raised of the manifold complaints brought against them Selimus's Letters were also full of false surmized grievances as that they had in Warlike manner entred his Frontiers in Dalmatia doing great harm that they had put to death certain Turkish Pirates that Cyprus was a Harbour for the Pyrates of the West wherefore he required them to yield it to him or else he would by force take it from them saying he renewed his Fathers League with them not for any liking thereof but because he had resolved at first peaceably to endure all things The Venetians answered the Embassador that they had alwayes inviolably kept their Leagues with the Othoman Emperours in regard whereof they had let slip many opportunities to augment their Dominions in That they had never passed their own bounds or invaded the Turks only to have taken order that no Pirates should roam up and down at pleasure taking God to witnesse they were the Authors of Peace and Selimus of War who contrary to the League had denounced war against them Wherefore they would defend that Kingdom which they by Ancient and lawful right possessed and that the same God would be present to their 〈◊〉 complaints c. Cubates departed at a secret Postern guarded for fear of the people who in great numbers were assembled to the Court-Gate muttering It were well done to rend him in pieces that accursed Turk the Messenger of his faithless Master he as he went storming and swearing by his Mahomet to be revenged of so great an indignity The Senates answer was of some highly commended others deemed it too sharp to the further incensing of the Turk thinking they might have obtained a more indifferent peace by courtesie c. The Venetians forthwith sent Letters to the Governours of Cyprus with all care and diligence to prepare to withstand the Turk and made choice of most valiant and expert Captains by Sea and Land for the defence of their dispersed Seigniorie with the leading of their forces
Castronovum on Istria's borders where he took the Suburbs and soon brought the Town to great extremity but the Beglerbeg of Greece being coming with a great power he with all speed returned to the Sea The Turks likewise built a great strong Fort to hinder the strong Town Cataro from any relief by Sea for by Land it was already environed by them Superantius hereupon with 20 Galleys manned with the most choise Souldiers and some other Galleys which met him by the way came by night before the Bay of Cataro leaving one part at Anchor before the Fort himself with the other passing further into the Bay the Turks shooting at them from the Fort to small purpose in the dark after viewing of the Fort he battered it on that side as did the Galleys on the other side and landing their men on both sides by plain force entred it putting every one of that Turkish Garrison to the sword the Fort was five hundred paces long not strong towards Land whence was no such fear they took seventeen great Ordnance much Armour and abundance of Victuall and seven Galleys under the Fort so Superantius returned to 〈◊〉 Fuscarinus in 1572 all things being ready sent Superantius the Providetor to Messana with 25 Galleys to hasten John's coming and attend him but he there found such small preparation as well shewed the Spaniards small care for repressing the Turks who with grief and indignation complaining to himself of their unfaithfulness bewailing his Countrey and the Christian Commonwealth for the Don had solemnly promised all should be in readiness but much of the Summer was past when scarce a few Companies and 50 Galleys were met at Messana Selimus fearing to be driven quite out of the Sea had built and repaired 200 Galleys charging Uluzales to beware of the like danger not to go out of the Archipelago or fight but upon advantage or even hand Uluzales now Admiral threatned revenge upon the Venetians with fire and sword which much troubled them at Venice as well acquainted with his fury besides Barbarus their Embassador in safe custody at Constantinople certified them that he told 250 Galleys when they set forward besides some others to meet them therefore to beware of encountring but on equall strength It was also reported that King Philip careless of the other Warres was about to turn his forces upon Tunis and Algiers as he did the year following The Venetians were even at their wits end the Senate sitting and consulting from Sun-rising to Sun-setting daily commanding Fuscarinus whether the confederates came in or not to set forward and not refuse Battel with the hovering Enemy if he saw any good hope of Victory calling also earnestly on the Pope and King to hasten their forces to encounter their Enemy before he should come out of his own Seas They put also Don John often in minde of his place the time and danger of the time entreating him if possible to add something to that haste which so important a cause required who nevertheless delayed from day to day telling them he would by and by come c. which was so far from his thought that he called back Requisenius also whom he had sent with 20 Galleys to Corcyra Superantius two moneths fittest for Warre vainly spent with great instance importuned him to hasten who answered The Venetians requested but reason but he was advertized that the French King pretending the suppressing of Pirates had a great Fleet at Rochel intending to invade Spain now they were busied against the Turk he being commanded from the King not to depart from Messana till he had other order The Venetians much doubted of this excuse for the French King hearing hereof was exceedingly offended protesting if troubles at home would permit him he would gladly give them ayd in that religious War many thought also that had a great power in this delay Superantius weary and almost out of hope of any help in time from the Spaniard yet would not give him occasion in so dangerous a time to fall quite off however he spake not flatteringly of the matter but gravely declared he thought Heaven would sooner have fallen than Don John not at the appointed time have come to Corcyra beseeching and wishing him to beware he brought not the common State into some great danger pressing him with divers reasons drawn from the common good and truth it self but the Kings pleasure was to be preferred before all reasons and dangers Yet hearing the resolute command of the Senate to their Admirall he fearing if without his help he should gain the Victory he wou'd take all the glory to himself but if overthrown it would turn to his utter reproach who had in such a time withdrawn himself stood a while as perplexed and in doubt what to do yet at last he sent 22 Galleys under one Lilly to the Venetian Admirall with whom went Columnius whom Pope Gregory 13th entertaining the same League as Pius that was dead kept still for his Admiral with the Popes Fleet. August was come but not such ayd as Fuscarinus expected yet he 〈◊〉 perswaded Columnius and Lilly to sail with him 〈◊〉 and give the Enemy Battel telling them that if they were all of like courage they should go both to the glory of the present Battel and to the great honour and advancement of the whole Christian Commonwealth then he extenuated the power of the Enemy from divers grounds saying his Provision was by flying fame made far greater than it was or possibly could be wherefore they should set forward with the greater courage because the last years Victory had opened the way for another which if it should so fall out the Enemy could not but in a long time recover his strength at Sea so that they the while might take the rich Islands in the Archipelago and if the Turks declining Battel should retire into Hellespont they might spoil with fire and sword all their frontiers on this side the Straits and open a way to the Christians to do great matters They were hardly perswaded nor did they consent till 't was decreed not to joyn Battel but with their Galleons and Galleasses in the front so sailing to Commentitia Don John wrote to them He was commanded by the King to come and joyn with them which he promised so soon as possible to do being first to be provided of all necessaries they the while to be careful of all things Columnius and Lilly hereupon doubted whether to go or expect his coming but he not having written expresly of their staying and Fuscarinus urging them on they went divided into 3 Battels consisting of 155 Galleys 6 Galleasses and 20 tall Ships Superantius in the right Wing Canalis in the left the Generalls in the middle Quirinus in the Reare Two Galleasses going before each Battel thus they came to Zante so to Cerigo next day to Colubraria or Dragonaria over against it Surianus here sent to discover the Enemie's strength
opposed each other upon occasion At last Sinan taking this occasion of so many complaints against Mustapha caused a great number to supplicate Amurath which himself did most malignantly exaggerate against him accusing him that this second year he had most manifestly shewed he went not to the Wars as a worthy Generall desirous of noble enterprizes but as one that would make Merchandize of bloud his Souldiers Pages Corn and Money c. These and the like complaints with the hard opinion conceived against him by Amurath occasioned his resolution Besides he deemed it not so much for his honour still to employ one man as to shew that he had choice of Subjects worthy of so great a Charge Wherefore he sent the chief of his Gentlemen Porters with fifteen others to bring him with his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court to give accompt of money received and of their whole Office he delivered three Letters to this Messenger which he should warily shew One was so written that Mustapha in receiving it might by them be strangled In the second was their warrant to do what they were commanded The third contained that Mustapha should forthwith send his Chancellour and Treasurer to the Court by them Mustapha by divers means especially guilt suspecting his life was by those Messengers sought after When the Captain-Porter came to the Camp put him off with delayes and would not be spoken withall but when he would endure no longer delay he was admitted to his presence having a Circle appointed him out of which he and his Companions might not stir the Bassa being guarded round about Whereupon the Porter plucked forth the third Letter about the sending of his Chancellour and Treasurer which the Bassa found many excuses to delay but being hardly pressed he delivered them both agreeing with the Messenger to have their lives spared who at Constantinople were clapped into the Tower Jadicula to have been severely examined of all the Bassaes doings but Mustapha comming at length to Constantinople April 9. through the potent mediation of divers great Ladies and other friends was again at length received into Amuraths favour without any further proceeding his Chancellour and Treasurer being afterwards also enlarged While Mustapha lay at Erzirum Muhamet the Visier was slain at Constantinople after whom shortly after died also Achmet Bassa who succeeded in his place the death of Muhamet is worthy to be registred as a mirrour for all that administer Justice in so great a place he had for some leight causes deprived a Souldier of Constantinople of his yearly pension bestowing it upon another so that the other poor soul remained in misery who not guilty to himself of any fault worthy of so great punishment determined to bereave him of life who had bereft him of living which because he could not fitly do by reason of the Guard of slaves that keep the Person of the Vissier he taking upon him the Habit of those Religious called Dervisâ—ars and after their manner with a kind of folly and lightness of mind to present himself every morning in the Divano before the Vissier by his appointment with others to say his prayers and in singing prayses to their Prophet to intreat God for his salvation and so to ask his Alms At last the crafty Hypocrite with a very sharp Dagger in one of his sleeves being admitted into the Divano according to his Custom where Muhamet set in his House to give publique audience sate right against him as he was wont powring out those vain devotions which finished while the Vissier reacheth him his wonted Alms he once or twice stabd him in the breast the standers by astonied ran in but lo the hoary Vissier lay breathing forth his last gasp The murderer being bound fast the Emperour suspecting that some other great Bassa desiring that high Dignity had provoked him to do this would needs understand what had moved him so treacherously to kill his Vissier who answered he did it to free the City from the tyranny of him by whom he was undeservedly deprived of his Pension when he could get no other answer he delivered him to the Vissiers slaves who with most exquisite torments put him to death Achmet Bassa succeeding him and shortly after dying Mustapha being the third Bassa in order should have succeeded in his room but he could by no meanes finde so much grace in Amuraths sight as to have it under seal though all State-matters were brought to him as chief Visier but the Seal was sent to Sinan now Generall for the Persian Watres which not a little discontented Mustapha fearing some other strange Accident soon to befall him Sinan being nominated Generall against the Persians and full power given him in 1580 determined to build a Fort at Tomanis to assure the passage thither from Chars and by all meanes to induce the Persian King to send Embassadors for peace with conditions acceptable to Amurath Of these changes and alterations the Persian King being advertised and being perswaded by Leventogli the Georgian and Miriz Salmas he dispatched Maxut Chan or Maxudes his Embassador to demand peace of Amurath and by Letters to him to labour for pacifying all those troubles Maxut in any case to conclude a peace so Amurath would be content with Chars and Teflis He coming to Erzirium was thence conducted towards Amasia but at Sivas he found Sinan there collecting his Army for execution of his designs Of this Embassador's coming newes was in Post joyfully sent to the Court Maxut informing Sinan of all he had to treat with Amurath on behalf of the King declaring unto him that since both Nations were conjoyned under the Law of Mahomet though there seemed some small difference not worth those troubles it were very inconvenient for them to seek the utter destruction 〈◊〉 of another wherefore he was in good hope to obtain of Amurath this desired peace if he had no other cause for which he was agrieved as in truth he had not wherefore he besought him safely to conduct him to Amurath that if it were possible those bloody Warres might end Sinan thinking the very fame of his valour to have wrought this demand of peace granted him a safe Convoy writing to Amurath what he thought was fit to be demanded and what great matters might now be obtained but he advised the Embassador not to go without resolution to yield to Amurath all that Country which he had before conquered for he knew his mind very well Maxut hereupon doubted whether to proceed on his Journey or return back into Persia but hoping to receive more reasonable conditions from Amurath himself he gave Sinan large words and so departing from Sirvas arrived at Constantinople Aug. 4th The Persian King the while stirred up with a report of the Turks preparations commanded all his Chans and Governours to meet him and the Prince with all their forces at Tauris and after many consultations there he resolved to send Souldiers towards Teflis whither
rather imputed to the Tartar Nomades Melgrellians c. or to any body then to himself Amuraths Messengers coming to Osman he presently set forward towards Constantinople having first taken a very good Order in Derbent and Sumachia and an assured establishment of all places which Mustapha had subdued in Sirvan and himself maintained he chose out also 4000 tried Souldiers through whose Valour he doubted not but to pass thorow the treacheries of the Albanians and the 〈◊〉 squadrons of the Tartarians and Mengrellians Thus coasting along even at his first entrance unto the shoares of the Euxine-sea he was by the said twelve thousand Tartars apparrelled like Theeves suddenly assailed who stood so fast and firm turning the bold countenances of his resolute Souldiers against them who at first as their manner is used great force that they began at last to quail Whereupon Osman couragiously forcing upon them very soon and with a very small loss put them to flight killing a number of them and taking many by whom he was informed of their Kings treachery whereof Osman 〈◊〉 a perfect process to be made with the dispositions of the prisoners which he sent the shortest way he could to Amurath declaring all that had passed enflaming him to revenge so dangerous an injury Who took order that Uluzales his Admiral with some Galleys should fetch Osman and carry with him Island a Brother of the Tartar Kings commanding Osman to the terrour of others to put the treacherous King to death and put his Brother in his room This Mahomet was one of those mighty Princes who led a most violent troublesome life as Tributaries and Vassals under the Othomans power whose younger Brother Island became a Sutor to The Turk at Constantinople to be placed in his Brothers Kingdom who was for his ill Government hated of his Subjects which his suit was so crossed by the Kings Embassadours who spared for no cost that the ambitious youth was sent to Iconium and clapt fast up in prison where apparrelled like a Hermite he led his life altogether conformable to his misery but whilst he thus lived separated from all worldly cogitations he was now in post-haste sent for to Constantinople to the end aforesaid Now in the mean time Osman had cunningly got into his hand this Tartar-King reported to be betrayed by his own Counsellours corrupted by Gold whom with his two Sonnes Amurath caused to be presently strangled with a Bow-string and Island to be saluted King yet as Vassall to Amurath This was thought justly to have happened to this Tartar-King who not long before supported by Amurath had most unnaturally 〈◊〉 his most aged Father Osman embarquing himself at a Port of Caffa arrived at Constantinople where he was received with great pomp and singular signification of love but with most express kinds of Joy was he received by Amurath himself When he had declared unto him the particularity of matters that happened in his long and important Voyage and his Conquests in Sirvan afterwards he conferred with Osman about the enterprize of Tauris and in the end would needs know of him what issue he could promise him of this his desire and how by his advise the Forces should be employed and disposed for subduing that City which was so famous and so great an honour to the Persian Kingdom Who answered that since the matters of Georgia were now well setled and Sirvan under his Obedience established there was no cause why he should longer fore-slow so famous an enterprize but by erecting a Fort in that proud City to bring a terrour upon all Persia and raise a glorious Renown of so mighty a Conquest among the Nations of Europe thinking either the same Army or a very little greater so it were of the best Souldiers would suffice to do it by reason of one of the Letters which Sciaous wrote to the Tartar and by the 〈◊〉 of Mahomets mother jealous of his near alliance with her Husband as prejudicial to her Son Amurath had in the open Divano deprived him of his 〈◊〉 and hardly pardoning his life at the intercession of his Wife his Sister had banished him so that he lived about Chalcedon in a close Pallace he had there built for his own pleasure appointing Osman to be chief Visier and General of his Army against the Persians Truth it is that from a private Souldier though well born he by degrees grew up to the highest Honour of that so great an Empire Great was Osmans joy and great his desire to be worthy of so Honourable a favour Wherefore since the greatness of the Enterprize required a greater Army it was needful also for him the sooner to send out his advertisements into the Provinces and by his own example to stir up others even in Winter to pass over to Seutari and in the Territories of Angori Amasia and Sivas to drive out time till his Souldiers were all gathered together And that it might not fall out by this great speed that the Enemy misdoubting his purpose for Tauris should provide the greater Army he had it given out that he must go for Nasivan notwithstanding the Persians being very jealous of the City of Tauris ceased not diligently to enquire about it and sent divers Messengers to Osman as if he had meant to feel his mind touching a peace but indeed only to sound his designments which for all that he could not with all his cunning discover but still remained doubtful the fame still running for Nasivan In the beginning of this year Amurath sent Ameanechias to Stephen King of Poland to excuse the death of 〈◊〉 as if it had happened not by his command but by the insolency of some Souldiers bringing with him 2 base fellows as authors of that outrage for the king to take revenge upon who were indeed no such men but rather as was thought condemned for some other fact worthy of death for whom the Chiaus proudly and threatningly required present restitution of all goods which the Cossacks had taken from the Turks and their Captain to be delivered also unto him to be carried to Amurath which he so hardly urged that all the goods were forthwith restored which he almost triumphantly presented unto Amurath who disporting himself with his Mutes this Summer was almost dead They are lusty fellows deprived of speech who ye by signes can aptly express both their own and others meaning who for their secresie are the Ministers of the Turkish Tyrant's most horrible commands and therefore greatly regar ed by them With these mounted upon fair but heavy Horses was Amurath upon a ready Hore sporting himself riding about one and another and striking now the Horse now the man at his pleasure and was taken suddenly by a fit of the Falling sickness and falling from his Horse was taken up for dead whom the Janizaries supposing to have been dead fell to spoiling of the Christians and Jewes and had not their Aga hanged up one of them taken in the
should make solemn Feasts and other Tokens of joy which was done accordingly Word was also sent to the Embassadours of divers Countries to do the like but they all answered It was never the custom of Embassadours so to do but when the King in Person returned from such Victories In the mean time they consulted at Van to send succours to Teflis Daut-chan to deserve some reward offering himself to whom Cicala delivered 30000 Ecchines to be conveyed to the Fort which he performed and without trouble relieved the Souldiers for which good service Amurath made him Bassa of Maras Maxut also that guided the Turkish Army to Reivan and also to Tauris was by Amurath made Bassa of Aleppo a great and rich Office The Zanzack of Aman a City of Soria present in all this Expedition for Tauris reports in a Letter to Ali Bassa of Aleppo that the Turks were forced to give their Camels Bisket and Rice which failing they gave them their Pack-saddles to eat then Wood beaten to powder and at last the very earth which dearth endured till they arrived at Van and while the Fortress was building at Tauris they gave their Horses their 〈◊〉 in very dry powder whereby there followed a grievous mortality of Beasts and Men the 〈◊〉 became so great that every man was fain to carry a piece of a strong Onion under his Nose The late-built Fort in Tauris exceedingly grieved the Persians but especially the King and the Prince reckoning it too great a shame to let it alone and not well knowing how to demolish it as destitute of Artillery and also of sufficient strength yet prickt on with the desire of glory and necessity they determined even in Winter to gather new Forces and with Trenches to approach the 〈◊〉 and try if they could advance a Counter-mure as high as their Walls but to hire any Souldiers either from 〈◊〉 or Gheilan Abass and Amet-chan denied them and the Turkomans for the death of Emer-chan and the succession of Aliculi were grown very contumacious so that neither they nor the Governours could tell which way to turn At last for the common safety the King sent kind Letters to the Heads of those Nations and chiefly to Mahomet-chan and to Califf the Sultan declaring the perills of his State and Liberty of the whole Kingdom with his confidence in their valour Wherefore forgetting what was past as not done in shame or scorn of their Nation but for love to the Kingdom that they would demand what satisfaction they desired and that he would be ready to agree to any just request They readily answered They would come unto him to execute whatever he should command for the common Necessity or Honour of his State Now they had concluded amongst themselves to suffer none to fit in Emir's room but young Tamas the Kings third son in the end to cause him to be accepted for King of Casbin in despight of the King and the Prince being bent to revenge the death of one only Emer chan So 10000 Turkomans under the conduct of Mahomet and Calife went to the King offering themselves with all readiness The credulous King not suspecting any rebellious plot was greatly comforted at their coming and although by some Sultans that had felt some inkling of this conspiracy he was advised not to commit any matter of importance to their trust yet did he think it long till he had offered them satisfaction promising them whatever Captain they desired in the room of Emer-chan if 't were possible they should have him Mahomet dissemblingly answered Their chief desire was to do him pleasure and service not doubting but he would appoint them an acceptable Chieftain The King frankly declared that to give them a pawn of his good Will He had chose young Tamas his son to succeed in Emers room which voluntary and unexpected grant of the King Mahomet hearing became more jocund then he was wont and seemed ready for whatsoever the King would command him yielding also in the others Name large promises of Fidelity and Obedience so the thing promised might be performed The King against the advice of the wisest Sultans and the Prince secretly gave Tamas into the hands of Mahomet as chief of all the Turkomans who in a colour with his followers lustily began with Trenches and Rampiers to approach the Fort neither was there any great time spent therein so that there wanted but little more labour to begin the desired assault but the Traitor Mahomet-Chan with the Turkomans the child Tamas unexpectedly suddenly departed in the night silently removing from the besieged walls and went on towards Casbin terming Tamas the King of Persia and abusing and mocking the old King and Prince By which so sudden and dangerous a Rebellion they and all good men exceedingly grieved in the huge waves of contrary thoughts whether to Abandon that important siege or to suffer so pernitious a Rebellion to go forward The Prince at last resolved to suppresse that Rebellion as most dangerous to the State and so with twelve thousand Souldiers and a part of the Kings guard he followed after them overtaking them at 〈◊〉 a dayes-journey on this side Casbin and joyning Battel with them wherein many being sorry for what they had done would not draw their swords against the Prince many also fled for fear so that he easily obtaining a Victory Mahomet-chan was taken and by the Princes command presently beheaded so was also Calife and divers other Captains and young Tamas he sent to the Castle of Cahaza 5000 of these Turkomans that fled went and yielded themselves to Solyman Bassa of Babylon and his rightfull succession who afterward repenting sought to return into their kings favour ' but in vain so that they did at once lose their Country Liberty Honour and the favour both of friends and foes The Prince after this Victory went to Casbin labouring to gather the dispersed Turkomans chiefly those that would not bear Armes in so unjust an action intending afterwards to attend the Conquest of the Fort of Tauris Thus ended this dangerous rebellion the chief cause that Tauris was not recovered out of the Turks hands to the great weakening of the Persian Kingdom Now Giaffor Governour of the Castle fearing left the Prince would with a greater Army return to the Siege and waxing weaker and weaker many of his men secretly fleeing from him besides those that dyed with sicknesse and others slain in adventuring abroad too bold for Victuals signified to Cicala at Van that if the Prince should return again he should be forced to yield the Fort Wherefore as he tendered the Honour of his Sultan he should be carefull to send him succour adding it was now most easy to be done because there was none but a few Forces in those Quarters which lay with the King twelve miles off from Tauris 〈◊〉 with three thousand Harquebusiers and good store of munition set forward towards Tauris whereof the King being advertised sent
out spies to learn which way they held meaning to set upon them but they near Salmas were apprehended by the fore-runners of Cicala and through torture revealed at last that their King was on his way towards Santazan Whereat Cicala was greatly astonied both for the danger of his Forces and Munition as also for that by any loss which his Troops should sustain the City of Van the best Frontier-Town in all those Countries must needs be in hazard he having left in it but a very few Souldiers Whereupon he withdrew himself back to Van. But the preparations of the Prince were so long and troublesom that the Turks new Generall had time enough to go with a strong Army into those Quarters and preserved all that which the only Expedition celerity of the Persians might have put in great hazard In the mean time Amurath was much troubled in his choyce of a new General Osman having by will left Cina Cicala to be his Successor a man of approved valour and the danger he had run through with his great favours in the Court not a little enclined the King to his Election but he heard of a publick rumour that the Souldiers could not endure to be commanded by so young a Captain and that some should say they would not obey him Ferat Bassa also now very ambitiously sought again this Honour having lately performed some good service to the Kings good likeing so because he was in good time to provide for his affairs he chose Ferat Bassa granting him Authority to manage at his pleasure such affairs of the Empire as concerned his Journy Whereupon Precepts were sent out to all Bassaes and Governours of Cities that all their Souldiers with their Taxes Tents Artificers and all their necessary provision upon the first warning to be sent them the next Spring in Soria Besides all the Revenue of that Country for the yearly pay of Souldiers in Reivan Erzirum Lori 〈◊〉 Teflis and Chars with the revenue of Tripoli amounting to 600000 Duckats there was taken up of private Merchants of Aleppo only 60000 Cecchines to be re-paid with the first mony received from the Kings Custom-Houses a matter that moved an extraordinary grudging among the people who besides so many grievances laid upon them should also lend their mony without hope of restitution yea and every man did much wonder how they were so ill advised to make known to Christian Princes what want of money they had The Ceneral also had 400 pieces of Ordnance and did so work that Maxut chan was granted to be the Guide of his Army as he had bin of Osman's and that Cicala Bassa of Van scarce his good friend was sent out of his way as Bassa to Babylon So all things being in readiness he departed from Constantinople in April 1586. coming to Sivas somewhat later then he should partly through the plague which then raged in Constantinople and partly by other occasions at Sivas He stayed so long for the coming together of his Army and in mustring men and indeed by the exceeding dearth at Erzirum that it was the latter end of July before he departed thence which dearth was also so great in Aleppo that a Venice Bushell of Wheat was sold for 12 Cecchines Ferat ready to depart from Sivas was advertised from Giaffa from Tauris that the Persian Prince was hourly expected with a great Army greatly doubting if he did foreslow to send succours and give the Prince time to assault the Castle how he could hold the same whereupon Ferat so hasted his journy that about the beginning of August he was at Erzirum and hearing more more of the Princes coming hasted to Van whence collecting all his souldiers surveying his Army a-new he departed being come into the large Champains to prove their readiness he marshalled them as if he should forthwith 〈◊〉 Battel and so marched on Ferat alway feared some sudden assault of the Persians which the constant report of the Princes coming to Tauris much encreased yet he reposed much confidence in the conspiracy now plotted against the Princes life with the privity of Aliculi the Protector of Heri who under colour of assisting the Prince had concluded with himself and promised Abas having given notice thereof also to Ferat to rid Prince Hamsey of his life or at least in the variable chances of Battel at some time or other to make him fall into Ferats hands and so settle his Lord Abas in his Estate hereupon Ferat more confidently disposed his designments and somewhat lesse feared the great preparations of Persia which preparations in truth were by most wicked devices and conspiracies turned from the end whereto the Prince had appointed them and since Rebellion and Discord have for the utter undoing of the glory of Persia alwayes favoured the Turks Army it s no marvel that our Writers cannot chuse but write of the undoubted Victories of the Turks and the bare shadows of the Persian exploits which yet many Christians vainly believe because they most earnestly desire them to be true although they do see the contrary manifest The Persian Prince about the latter end of July arrived at Tauris with most of his Army where he contrary to all mens opinion stayed not the cause is uncertain but hearing that Zinel Bassa of Salmas who of a Persian became a Turk and had done great harm encamped before the City he with 12000 Souldiers road to Salmas and gave him the assault who with the Souldiers fled presently and fell before the Persians so that Zinell himself with a few others had much adoe to escape leaving his City unto the angry Enemy who sacked and spoiled it exercising all such cruelties as partly the desire of Souldiers use to do and partly such as the Turks shewed unto them in sacking of Tauris the last year the like spoils did they in all those Quarters and perhaps had returned to Tauris but that some spies advertized them that the Bassa of Reivan with 1500 Harquebusiers had committed the like outrages thereabouts wherewith he greatly moved immediately marched towards Rievan and incountred the Bassa not far from the City who discovering the Enemy afar off disorderly retired into his Fort with such speed that he left most of his Souldiers to the Prince's fury who slew them all and did what harm possibly he could all thereabouts At the same time Manogli the valiant Drusian in revenge of the injuries done him and his people by Ebrain Bassa and to recompence himself of all those bribes and presents which he wrung from him had wasted and sacked all the Territory of Ebner Mansor and of his other Enemies who had yielded their obedience to the Turks without let doing exceeding harm by sudden inroads even very near unto Balbeck and Tripolis so that Amurath was glad to dispatch away Ali Bassa with the 〈◊〉 of Bassa of Damasco to muster fresh Souldiers and attend the utter subversion of Manogli but coming
come upon the Christians ere they were aware but Teuffenbach having notice went with 5000 choyse Horsemen to meet him coming on him unexpected he slew 5000 Turks put the Bassa to flight obtaining an exceeding rich prey And now having with continual battery layed the breaches of Hatwan fair open he was in the assault so notably repulsed by the Turks that he retired with the losse of his best and resolutest Souldiers which put him out of hope of taking it by force for he had scarce sound men enough left to furnish his Garrisons to defend his Frontiers the Hungarians being almost all shrunk home and scarce 2000 Germans left he had also oft but in vain craved supplies of the arch-Duke wherefore he was glad to abandon two strong Forts he had built and leave the Town now brought to extremity While Strigonium and Hatwan were besieged the Rascians to rid themselves of Turkish thraldom assembled to the number of 15000 between Buda and Belgrade under a Generall of their own wherefore the Bassa of Temeswar for fear of a surprize went with fourteen thousand to fortifie and victuall Lippa but in his return the Rascians fought twice with him in one day with the losse of most of his Army After which they took Beczkeber a strong Town in a Marsh four miles from Buda slaying all Turks found therein and after that Ottadt Castle so serving those Turks also Then they besieged Beche Castle upon the River Tibiscus or Teise the adjoyning Town presently yielding but they in the Castle standing a while on their Guard offered at last to yield on conditions but the Rascians knowing the 〈◊〉 thereabouts had conveyed thither most of their Wealth and that it was but weakly manned would needs have it delivered up to their pleasure The mean while the Bassa of Temeswar and his Son in great haste came with 11000 Turks to relieve the Castle upon whom the Rascians turning overthrew him and so pursued the Victory that scarce one thousand escaped the Bassa with three Sanzacks being slain his Sonne escaping they took eighteen great Pieces and ere long two other strong places after which they sent to 〈◊〉 for ayd 〈◊〉 chiefly for Cannoniers professing themselves the Turks utter Enemies the Rascians also about Temeswar sent word that they would come and joyn with those of the Camp and they who dwelt between Danubius and Tibiscus sent to the Lord Teuffenbach offering to send him ten or twelve thousand men so he would take them and their Countrey into the Emperours protection which he granted and assured by writing They sent also to the arch-Duke himself desiring a Generall from him promising all obedience their Messengers soon returning with an answer thought most convenient for their present State The Emperour after the ancient manner in so common and eminent danger called a general Assembly of the Princes and States of the Empire at Ratisbone about the end of February which for urgent causes was put off till March April and May at which time the Emperour and the rest being solemnly assembled in the Bishops Pallace began to fit June 2d Unto whom so assembled after the Emperour had by Philip Count Palatine of Rhene given great thanks for their so ready appearance and briefly declared the cause of their Assembly he himself after some complaint of the Turkish insidelity declared unto them how Amurath had violated his League made with him in 1591 for eight years and making as it were a summary relation of what had happened even from the beginning of that violation yet for as much as there was need of a continuall supply for maintenance of a perpetual Warre and that it was even then presently to be descryed that the Turk in his quarrell which he alwayes deemed just against the CHRISTIANS and in revenge of those overthrowes would adventure his whole strength he had by consent of the Princes Electors appointed that present Diet as for the aforesaid causes so for the generall peace of the Empire the pacification of the low Countries the reforming of Justice and amendment of Coyn but above all to make it known how much it concerned to have the Turks pride timely abated and at length some effectual defence for Hungary it being the strongest Bulwark of that part of Christendom and whereas his hereditary Provinces were not sufficient to maintain so chargeable a Warre he requested the Electors Princes and States not to grudge to help with whatever should be needful against so puissant and dangerous an Enemy So he caused all his demands to be read and delivered unto them for answering whereof they desired time which granted after many long consultations they answered with one consent It was hard by reason of the late dearth and other like occasions for them to grant such ayd as the Emperour in writing required yet beholding the great danger wherein the Christian Commonwealth then stood they had of their own free will and meere compassion granted besides their usuall contribution such relief for six years as they thought sufficient to maintain a defensive Warre both for the present and future Of all these things was not Sinan ignorant who even úpon the Christians departure from Strigonium was come with an Army of Turks the Tartars also joyning unto him reckoned in all above 150000 fighting men between Buda and Alba Regalis to the great terror not onely of Hungary and the Provinces thereabouts but of all Germany The Christians being departed from Strigonium before Sinans coming he resolved to go and besiege Jaurinum or Rab a strong City yet to make all sure before him he would take in Dotis by the way about five Hungarian miles short of Rab. The Christian Army in marching toward Comara might see the places on th' other side of the River covered with The Turks multitudes who marching dispersedly shewed more than they were So both Armies in sight of each other kept on the Christians to Comara encamping under the very walls yet so as well to descry each other afar off the Turks towards Dotis Where Sinan encamped July 21 and next night began furiously to 〈◊〉 the Castle the Christian Army not daring at such odds to relieve the distressed so while the Bassa tyreth the besieged with continual battery and Alarnms They of the Town despairing of their own strength 3 days after yielded the sore battered and undermined Town on condition for Souldiers and Townsmen with Wives and Children safely to depart but at their departure many Wives and Children were stayed and Lord Baxi the Governour fowly entreated Presently after Sinan had St. Martins Castle yielded to him by the Captain without much ado The forsaken Villages round about were the while burnt and the Country laid waste yea some Turkish fore-runners passing the River Tabnitz ran as far as Altenburg but 5 miles from Vienna burning and slaying as they went or carrying away the people captive yet 400 of these Roamers were cut off by Nadasti Palfi also and Brun
the injury and disgrace done to his Embassador which all Princes cryed shame of might he punished and that his servants in durance might be freed then some good form of peace and bounding of Territories might perhaps be agreed on else all talk of peace was but vain c. This Answer the Captives at Buda were to give by word or writing to the Bassa and earnestly to request him both for their own and fellowes Liberty at Constantinople however to comfort themselves that they should have Allowance sufficient for things necessary as the Emperour had granted to Perling whom he might have justly detained being no lawfull prisoner but for his Oaths-sake No mans name was set to this Answer The Emperour most carefull of the Reliques of Hungary laying as it were in the Lyons mouth prayed Ayd as far as Spain and Italy especially of the King of Poland as his near Alliance and Neighbour He and the States of Hungary sending their Embassadours thither when he through the daily Incursions of the Turks and Tartars into the adjoyning Countries had called a Parliament in Febr. at Cracovia whereof Mahomet fearing sent 2 of his chief Chiaus Embassadours to the King and States to crave ayd in his Wars in Hungary promising the King if he refused not Coyn sufficient to pay his Souldiers and to be alway ready to requite him the like upon occaon These Embassadours obtaining safe conduct of Michael of Valachia through his Country were by him honourably entertained and brought into a fair Lodging discoursing with him of many matters but the Vayuods followers grieved at such honor done to their mortall Enemies 〈◊〉 into the room with their Weapons and slew them both and setting upon their followers cut them all in 〈◊〉 Mahomet hereupon wondrously enraged threatned all evils both to the Moldavians and Valachians forthwith sending other Embassadours who arrived safely at Poland The Tartars being overthrown and many strong Holds taken from the Turks by the Transilvanians c. Mahomet called home Sinan to confer with him as was thought of some great matters sending Ferat Bassa in his place who coming to Belgrade in April took the charge upon him at whose first coming in the night all the cords of the Tents were cut in sunder and his Tent let fall about his eares Some supposing it was disgracefully done by Cicala before wronged by him Others thought by the Janizaries who wished rather to be led by Mahomet himself At his comming the Famine last year begun was now exceeding great in most places of Hungary possessed by the Turks so that the Tartar-women roasted their own children and ate them there was also a terrible plague great numbers of Turks and Tartars dying daily so that of 85000 Tartars scarce 8000 remained through the sword 〈◊〉 and famine Great were the harms the Turks daily received from the three revolted Countries Michael of Valachia entring their Frontiers surprized Chimele with the Castle wherein were 14 Field-pieces 2 having the Arms of the Emperour Ferdinand and th' other 2 the Arms of Huniades which he sent a Present to Sigismund of Transilvania Then he took Orosige a famous Port-town the abode of the Turks Purveyor finding therein Butter Cheese Honey and other provision enough for 8000 men for a whole year He took also from them Kilec and Galempe with the strong Castle of St. George called Grigio and then besieged Laganoc At first of the Spring came Matthias from the Nobles of Hungary assembled at Presburg to Vienna and so to the Emperour at Prague who made him General of lower Hungary Maximilian his Brother General of upper Maximilians Lievt was Lo. Matthias's was Count Mansfelt sent for out of Flanders Joh. de Medices he made a Master of the Ordnance with charge to fortifie Komara which he so did that it was thought not inferiour to Rab in strength all which time the Emperour soliciting the Christian Princes for repressing of the common Enemy out of his Hereditary Provinces and from other Princes He had this Spring raised a right puissant Army to the number of 15900 Horse and 50500 Foot which notable Army raised from the power of divers Christian Princes and conducted by worthy Chieftains had much better success this Summer than had the like Army the year before Charls Count Mansfelt son of Peter Ernest the old Count from his youth brought up in Arms was by the King of Spain sent with 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot out of the Low-countries most of whom being Walloons He departed from Bruxelles in Febr. and taking leave of his Father at Luxenburg came through Germany in March to Prague where he was by the Emperour and Arch-Duke most honourably entertained and shortly aster with great solemnity created a Prince of the Empire His following Forces were by the way stayed partly through the unwonted rising of rivers partly by some German Princes jealousie who denied them passage till the Emperours Letters had opened the way yet the Princes in their passage stood on their guard Fame now encreasing the wondrous preparations of Turks and Christians the Turks exceeding carefully looked to the fortifying of their Frontier-towns chiefly Strigonium and Rab as did the Christians to Komara and Altenburg Many hot skirmishes passed the while between them especially in Transilvania and Valachia the Turks being still worsted to the great discontent of their Emperour Near Temesware the Bassa of Buda was overthrown by Ferentz and the Transilvanians Asid Ferat entring Valachia with a great Army was by Lo. Nadasti and the Valachians ayded by Transilvanians discomfited and overthrown Nadasti sending 8000 Turks heads to Alba Julia to Sigismund and some Ensigns one most richly garnished being thought worth 30000 Dollars which the Prince restoring to Nadasti offered him great possessions in Transilvania if he would have seated himself there All this Spring the Turks boasted and threatned they would shortly work Wonders by Sea and Land and for the more credit Rays a notable Pyrate was sent with 12 Galleys who did much harm upon the coasts of Italy reporting where he landed that this was but the beginning of a greater War a wondrous Fleet being to follow which raised a great fear in divers places yet no such Fleet appeared for the Turk much troubled with the revolt of Transilvania c. and the then raging mortality among his Souldiers and Horses could not look into the Sea his hands being sull enough with the troubles of Hungary Sigismund upon some just causes suspecting Aaron of Moldavia to have Intelligence with the Polanders and also with Cardinal Bator and other his mortal Enemies and secretly to have bin about to make his peace with Mahomet which encreasing suspition being about this time confirmed by Letters intercepted the Prince had Aaron apprehended and with his Wife and Son to be sent as prisoners to Prague placing by consent of the Nobility one Roswan in his room a wise and discreet Moldavian and who had bin alway to him faithfull but
Bassa and Bogdanus the expulsed Vayuod with many others of great name Sinan by an exceeding chargeable Bridge made of Boats passed danubius at a Town called Zorza or St. George in Valachia a great way beneath where Trajan once built his famous Bridge of stone thence he marched to Tergovista then in the Turks power whose Monastery he turned into a Castle fortifying it with deep Trenches strong Bulwarks and Ordnance purposing to make it the Seat of his Warre till he had reduced those revolted Countries The Prince set forward to meet him and to give battel but encamping in Valachia a great Eagle is reported to descend from a Rock called the Kings Rock and hovering over the Army flew about and lighted on the Princes Tent which taken he commanded her to be kept as a good presage So Octob. 15th being come with in half a dayes march of Tergovista he heard by two Christians escaped from the Turks that two dayes before the Turks hearing of his coming were so terrified that Sinan could scarce stay the Janizaries from flight and when he had done all some Companies went quite away but indeed Sinan as fearful as his Army upon the Princes approach fled leaving behind him all his Tents and Warlike Provision carrying away onely things of most value Tergovista and the Castle he committed to Hassan and Bogdanus with 4000 choise Souldiers promising in few dayes if need were to relieve them so fleeing to Bucaresta whence he presently wrote to Hassan willing him if he could to defend it but if he thought it not possible so to do then in time to forsake it but these Letters being intercepted never came to his hands Ere long the Prince entred the forsaken Camp where he found what they had left and forthwith summoned both City and Castle which yet were denied him but next day Hassan considering the Princes power and doubting of relief from Sinan whom he not without cause suspected not to love him was about to yield on some reasonable Composition but the Garrison most Janizaries would in no case give consent whereupon the Prince after some few houres furious battery took City and Castle by assault putting them all to the Sword except Hassan as taken with his own hand and two other Sanzacks Bogdanus the Renegate being slain There was a rich prey and store of all Warlike provision Hassan grievously complained that Sinan had maliciously exposed him to so manifest danger for the grudge he bare his Father Muhamet yet he craved good usage of the Prince offering for his Ransom ten hundred thousand Hungarian Duckats While the Prince lay at Tergovista came thither four thousand Turks sent to spoyl and seek for prey thinking Sinan had been there still who were all slain and 60000 head of Cattel recovered which they had taken out of Valachia and Moldavia to have been sent to Constantinople for those two Countries so abound with Corn and Cattel that they plentifully serve Constantinople with Corn and flesh and at least 150 Ships laden yearly thither with other Victualls of all which the Turks were now deprived The Prince strongly garrisoning Tergovista set forward to Bucaresta but Sinan was fled thence also to Zorza the Prince had in Bucaresta some field-Pieces and good store of Shot and Powder left there by Sinan and staying there a while for manning of the place he so speedily set forward towards Zorza that he overtook a great number of Turks slaying them all so that the fields were in many places covered with dead bodies yet the fearful Bassa was about six houres or more before him come to his Bridge over Danubius over the hithermost part whereof about a mile long was Sinan with most of his Army got into an Island in the midst of the River wherein he had at his coming over encamped but the Prince being come he with all speed got over the other part of the Bridge to the further side of the River with what men he could breaking and 〈◊〉 the Bridge on that side whereby many of his men not yet come over were cut off the Prince forcing many into the River where they perished others fleeing into the Island were pursued and either slain or seeking to get over by the other part of the Bridge broken down and the hither end now cut off by the Christians were with the Bridge carried away by the Rivers violence Other Christians the while took the Bridge that leadeth to Zorza Castle which encompassed with an Arm of Danubius and not very great was kept by 700 choise Souldiers which the Prince besieging and the Souldiers resolved to hold it out to the last man after soare battery took it by force and put all to the Sword he could lay hands on about 100 Turks desperately leaping from the top of the Castle into the River were all drowned or slain with small shot 250 Christians being here lost and many wounded but between the 18th and 31 of October above 26 Turks and Tartars perished They took herein 39 great Pieces and Warlike provision enough for a whole Kingdom 4000 Captive Valachians beside Women and Children being also delivered with whom the Prince returned in triumph to Tergovista thence to Alba Julia where as at 〈◊〉 Cities throughout his Dominions he caused publick prayers with Thanksgiving to be made for so great a Victory as did Michael the Vayuod of Valachia who in all these Wars was not inferior to Sigismund It was by some of the better sort of Turks taken reported that Sinan should oft say 〈◊〉 young Prince had bereft him of all the honour he had with great Travel got in all the course of his life and though he had escaped his hands yet he feared he would be the cause of losing his life with goods and honour After the overthrow of this great Bassa the Transilvanian Prince his name became dreadful to the Turks and famous 〈◊〉 all Christendom Whom the mean tars were worsted with the Ioss of 3000 men The 〈◊〉 and Sidriack finding that without his leave he could not pass sent to the Polonian excusing what was past as done without their consent telling him They came not to fight with him as having express command from Mahomet not to disturb the League betwixt him and the Polonians but quietly to pass into Moldavia and there to place Sidriack his Tributary instead of usurping Stephen craving his leave to pass He answered He was come thither by the Kings command to defend those Countries from wrongful invasion and that he would keep inviolate the conditions of the ancient League yet so as that Poland took no harm thereby but might quietly live by the Turk 〈◊〉 his good neighbour protesting the League was not by him but by them infringed to whom he could not give passage Yet at last Articles were agreed on to the reasonable content of the Tartar and Chancellor as also of the Turkish Sultan though not of Sidriack disappointed of his Vayuodship so the Tartar returned
with the Emperour in disguised Apparel posted to Glausenburg in Transilvania where being joyfully received and taking a new Oath of his Subjects certified Maximilian appointed Governour of Transilvania and on his way as far as Cassovia of the causes of his return perswading him rather to turn his Forces for recovery of Agria than to come any farther for Transilvania whereof to his Subjects great content he was again repossessed as did also his Wife wishing him to consider what hurt and dishonour he should do to the Emperour himself Empire and whole Christian Common Weale if in so dangerous a time he should attempt any thing against her Husband to him by her so nearly allied Now the Turks 〈◊〉 Army lay under the Walls of Veradinum in upper Hungary where Basta not having strength enough to go against so mighty an Enemy or relieve the besieged City not having a sufficient Carrison he acquainted Maximilian therewith In the mean time the besieged notably defended themselves and by brave sallies did the Enemy great harm expecting that Basta Sigismund or Maximilian with divided or united Forces would send them relief whom they certified Octob. 19th that the Turks with all their Force and fury had as yet little prevailed being so repulsed c. that they well hoped to protract time till they might be by them relieved yet not doubting but the Turks would do what they might to subdue them The Transilvanian Prince taking the Field to relieve them was letted by the Tartars stirred up by the Turks to that purpose yet he sent some Companies of brave Souldiers to Basta who hearing that of 2000 good Souldiers in the City at the first there were scarce 700 left alive used a notable 〈◊〉 to delude the Enemy for comming bravely on as if he would have presently joined battel whilst the Turks were wholly busied in putting themselves in order to that end he by a way least suspected thrust into the City 800 men and so presently retired to his Trenches who returning without battel deceived by this fineness The Turks shortly after through continual foulness of the weather raised the siege now not without great 〈◊〉 and danger to be maintained leaving also behind them many Tents with some Ordnance as not able to convey them by water to Buda also greatly fearing to be encountred by Basta's Forces even then receiving new supplies from the Emperour In the mean time Matthias Swartzenburg and others with 12000 men and the Souldiers of Rab Strigonium and Komara and the Hungarian Horsmen over-ran the Country even to the Gates of Buda hoping also to have met with 8000 Turks comming towards Pesth with Victuals for Buda Castle Mahomet the mean while sent Cicala his Admirall with a great Fleet to Sea who comming upon the coast of Sicily requested that Viceroy to send him aboord his Mother Lucretia who dwelt in Messana he much desiring to see and Honour her promising so quietly to depart he considering how the 〈◊〉 for the like courtesie before denied had done great harm all along the sea-coast on condition of sending her back in safety sent her to him honorably accompanied whom Cicala her son receiving with great joy triumph and keeping her with him one day with all honor sent her back accordingly so peaceably returned without doing any harm to any part of Christendom In the mean time Michael of Valachia with good forces resolved to give an attempt upon Nicopolis in Bulgaria causing a bridge to be made over Danubius for his passage but the Bassaes of Silistra and Badova comming with all their power as the bridge was laid over upon boates attempted to break the same Michael hasting thither enforced the Bassaes to forsake the Exploit begun there being for a while a hard conflict till the Turks being greatly slaughtered were glad by a dispersed flight to save their lives So the Vayuod passing the 〈◊〉 came to Nicopolis where they of the City without resistance yielded themselves into his power who sacking firing the City carried away a great Spoyl with many Bulgarians choosing out the best and strongest to serve in his Wars and appointing the rest to inhabite and manure the waste places of Valachia The report of this overthrow and sacking brought a generall fear on the Turks even in Constantinople Wherefore Mahomet commanded his chief Bassaes with a great power taken up in haste to stop his further proceedings himself horribly threatning him Who now encouraged and knowing the Turks manuers little regarded the same Mahomet oppressed with melancholy at the raging plague in Constantinople the bloudy Wars in Hungary his ill success at Veradium and the great harm done at Nicopolis yet ceased not what he could to provide for so many evils Ordering Taut Bassa with all speed to march towards Valachia Who put himself upon the way with 600 Janizaries towards Hadrianople there to expect the rest of the Army at Spring that so being united with the Forces of Mehemet who besieged Veradium the last year he might appear more terrible to his Enemies The Emperour also was then much discontented that his men had failed of the Castle of Buda the Walloons blaming the chief Commanders who when they valiantly offered to do their utmost to win it chose rather by the Spade and Mattock than the Sword to perform the same But Michael to the Turks greater terrour and hurt made new inroads upon them so that he entred 10 Miles into their Territory against whom Mehemet comming he retired carrying away the spoyl of the wasted Country They of Buda the while fearing some sudden assault and suffering great want expected long to be relieved with necessaries yet they heard that Mahomet had given it out at Constantinople that he was raising a great power of his best Souldiers having sent for all his Old men of War such as had served in the Wars of Persia. The Turks the while providing to relieve distressed Buda some resolute Hungarians understanding that a Bassa was comming thither with 3000 Souldiers to encrease the Garrison lay close in Ambush where the Turks securely and disorderly passing by were overthrown and put to flight losing many Horses much Mony and Jewels many Captains being taken and the Bassa hardly escaping into the City But shortly after 400 Christians scouring the Country about Buda and returning loaded with prey were assaulted by the Turks and forced to forsake it and fight for their lives yet they notably repulsed the Turk slaying divers of them and recovering their booty returned and in upper Hungary a great power of Turks and Tartars having done great harm came before Cassovia making shew as if they would presently besiege the City so that many Inhabitants fled forthwith into the Mountains yet by the perswasion of Basta 2000 expert Souldiers stayed there 〈◊〉 him expecting what the Turks would do who demanded of them a great sum of mony as contribution threatning otherwise the utter destruction thereof which was stoutly rejected by
in divers parts so that shortly after all Transilvania swore Obedience unto the Emperour most of the Nobles being slain and put to death by the Vayuod among whom were 5 who corrupted by the Cardinall had undertaken to kill him Novemb. 14. After divers reports of the Cardinals escape his Head was presented to the Vayuod which being for a while set up in Alba Julia was afterwards sent for a Present to the Emperour and the Arch-Duke his body being honourably buried in a Monastery there in the same Tomb he made for his Brother beheaded by his Cousin Sigismund His Treasure also fell into the Vayuods hands said to be 3 millions of Gold Transilvania being thus again restored to the Christian Empire the Cardinall not having possessed his Princely Honours full 8 months Sigismund who almost all this while had stayed in Borussia hearing news of the Cardinals overthrow secretly got him into Polonia to seek new Fortunes Swartzenburg then uniting his Forces in lower Hungary with those of Stiria took in above 200 Villages for the Emperour but thinking to surprize Capisuar-Castle and approaching the Gates by night with a Petard not taking the expected effect he was discovered repulsed and forced to retire with the loss of above a 100 and divers wounded all of good account who in revenge sent out divers Troops which scouring as far as Zigeth burnt it and returned with a great booty Ibraim Bassa much troubled with this overthrow sent news hereof in Post to Constantinople which brought a fear upon the whole City so that the Sultan gave him Commission to come to some honourable Peace with the Emperour and to bring it with him who was shortly to return to Constantinople his Army besides the cold season greatly wanting bread and many of his best Souldiers dying of the plague besides abundance of their cattel also so that the Souldiers fell to robbing one another and at length into mutiny wherein divers being slain most of the rest by divers wayes returned home not well trusting each other So that nothing more was now done with the Turks great preparation neither for relief of those evils did Ibraim bring at his return any conclusion of peace unto his Lord. Besides these troubles Cusahin or Cassan the Son of a Sultaness brought up in the Seraglio and having served in the Wars of Persia and Hungary and at length made Bassa of Caramania a man of great spirit upon the report of the ill success in Hungary and the desire he saw in the Persians to recover their lost Fortress and grieved also with some particular wrongs to himself resolved to take up Arms laying before his Souldiers the Deformities of the present State and Gallantly perswading them What an easie thing it were to chase Mahomet out of Asia And so having won to him 3000 Harquebusiers and 5000 Horsmen he took the field News whereof comming in post to Court 4 Zanzacks nearest unto him were commissioned for suppressing that Rebellion but even then arising who going against Cusahin with 10000 Horse and Foot he went to meet them overthrowing them with a great slaughter taking their baggage with 6 pieces of Ordnance Then he seized upon all the Castles thereabouts giving whatever he found therein to his Souldiers who also much enriched themselves with the spoil of the Jewes never resting till he had made almost all Caramania his own After which he besieging Cogna a City in the confines of Natolia it was yielded unto him He also openly proclaimed that for reformation of the disordered State he would ere long go to besiege Constantinople Wherefore those that would follow him should be well entreated by him threatni ng to the rest most cruell destruction Mahomet then disporting himself at his Gardens of pleasure in the Country hearing hereof hasted with all speed to Constantinople dispatching Mehemet Bassa Sinan's Son with all the Forces he could make to go against him who passing into Asia yet fearing to come to a Battel with him who was desperate and favoured of his own Souldiers so wrought by large promises that Cusahin's foot were ready to forsake him Whereupon he fled into Arabia with his Horsmen and those of Sinan the Georgian purposing at Spring by help of the Arabians and Persians to appear with greater Forces Mehemet following him came to Aleppo there to Winter and to expect the Rebels return This dangerous Rebellion with the troubles of Transilvania Valachia caused the Sultan to be readier to encline to peace whereto the Emperour was not hasty to hearken but on honourable conditions as knowing the Turks end in requiring the same His Janizaries also and other men of War in this his so weak Government being hardly to be commanded threatning in their discontent to depose both his chief Officers and Himself and to banish the Sultaness his mother saying She had bewitched him that she her self might rule But Casahin grown strong was come into the field and even ready to give the Bassa battel who thought it best again to prove if his followers might by fair means be drawn from him and so comming nigh him proclaimed a generall pardon to all who should forthwith forsake the Rebell and return home which thing was the ruin of Cusahin for most of them enriched with great booties upon this free pardon returned unto their own Countries to live of their ill-gotten goods leaving Cusahin with some few others so that in few dayes he was taken and brought to Constantinople where he was with most exquisite torments tortured to death The Emperour with the beginning of the next year 1600 called A dyet of the Princes of the Empire to consider with him of such helps as were to be given against next Spring who all promised to send their Souldiers with their pay and sufficient contribution to maintain that defensive War Pope Clement also this Year of Jubilie sent such ayd of men and mony as he had promised At first of the Spring the Turks began to stir who although Ibraim Bassa was then in some speech with the Emperour about a peace yet ceased they not with their scattering Companies to do what harm they could upon the Emperour's Frontiers the cause why he the more speedily called on his Friends for ayd He also made Duke Mercurie who had drawn a great number of Horse and Foot out of France his Generall sending Ferrent Gonzaga whom he had sent for to Mantua Governour in upper Hungary So the Souldiers daily resorting into Austria were thence sent to repress the Turks incursions as they did for 8000 Turks going suddenly to surprize Pappa were by that Garrison overthrown And while Ferdinand the Arch-Duke was assembling his people in Croatia for defence of that Country 6000 Turks entring as far as Baccari burning the Villages as they went and taking many prisoners with much cattell were in their return set upon by Serinus in strait and troublesome passages where they least feared any such thing being overthrown and put
Souldiers in any order amidst the extremities of Famine for that The Belly was an inexorable Usurer c. Amidst these troubles two Turkish Spies of Buda were taken who had observed all the Christians proceedings also all their designs preparations and levies for this years-Wars one of whom was empailed the other straitly imprisoned till more matter might be drawn from him The Bassa of Buda hearing that the Christians would forthwith take the Field in Hungary to hinder their forwardness and gain time till the Turks great Army then preparing might be brought down into Hungary wrote in most friendly manner to the Governour of Strigonium for the Treaty and concluding of a peace with the Christians whereof he with the rest of the Turks seemed to be very desirous telling him If their Army then before Belgrade did once arrive at Buda and march in field they could not cause it to return without doing something considering the great harms they had received from the Christians during the Truce which they had many ways violated which evil dealings he said had greatly incensed them against their Christian-captives causing their Souldidiers to snew great rigour against their slaves wherefore he attended his answer Yet during the time of all those fair shews of peace the Turks out of their Garrisons by night surprized the Castle of Simnin slew part of the Christian Souldiers carried away the rest prisoners and burnt the place manifesting by fowl deeds the ill meaning of fair words but passing over many small skirmishes in Hungary and Transilvania let us look over into Asia Cicala Bassa the old Renegate was sent General into Asia against the Rebels with a mighty Army where was made a great and terrible fight Howbeit at length the Bassa after a great number on both sides slain being fled fled with his Army wholly disordered with much ado to save himself But he more ashamed than discouraged repaired his Army joyning thereto great and mighty supplies and so came to revenge his dishonour and utterly to suppress the Rebels who now too weak wisely betime retired praying ayd of the Persian King who sent them his Son with a great good and valiant Army The two Armies were now in number equal but the Rebels of the two more resolute and carefull of themselves so that the battel was with great out-cries and fury begun on both sides at first The Turks seemed somewhat to prevail till the Persian Kings Son with some of his bravest Troops charging them in the Rear and some Rebels with like fury on their flanks their whole Army was so disordered that Cicala doing what he could to restore the Battel and nothing prevailing was glad to flee 30000 Turks being slain and 1000 Rebels The Persian King after this discomfiture took in the Country of Sirvan whither Cicala had he prevailed against the Rebels should have marched to have stayed the Persian's Victories who now won also Arusta a very great and strong Town near to Tygris where it runneth into Euphrates with all the adjoyning places and Countries and hath since recovered from the Turks whatever they in Solyman's time took from his Predecessours except 2 or 3 places Young Achmat had not many months raigned but he fell sick of the small pox whose gross body was so tormented therewith for 14 dayes that he oft fainting 't was thought he would have died yea divers great Bassaes spake concerning his younger Brother to be taken out of the Seraglio to succeed him which no doubt had cost him his life after Achmat's recovery but that he was the only Othoman Heir left if his Brother should fail who now recovered to shew it to the doubting Janizaries and others in great State rode up and down through most of the chief streets of the City the people rejoycing to see him and with most joyfull acclamations wishing him a long and happy Raign who forthwith gave himself to his youthfull immoderate pleasures of the Field and other such violent exercises Whereupon 2 of his Bassaes carefull of his health upon the new recovery of his late sickness were so bold as to reprove him for such his immoderate and violent exercises the day not being long enough for them by effectuall reasons disswading him but he was so far from hearkening that therewith enraged he thrust them both out of their places and having glutted himself with his pleasures began to cast his eyes upon his more necessary State-affaires especially on his Warrs with the Christian-Emperour and Persian King Hassan Bassa was then at Belgrade whose longing desire Achmat quickly satisfied by sending unto him both a Commission for the continuance of his Generalship and also a Generalls Ensign with a Hungarian Mace of pure Gold in token of his extraordinary favour towards him who to shew his contentment caused all the great Ordnance of the place to be ost-times discharged and the Trumpets and Drumms to be most joyfully sounded Newes came the while to 〈◊〉 that the Persian King was in field with above 100000 good Souldiers and that Baggages Bassa a Rebell in Asia had confederated himself with him Whereupon Achmat though he had ordered Hassan to besiege Teradium a strong City in upper Hungary now in haste commanded the same Visier with all the power he could make to return to Constantinople to consult and resolve upon the most necessary War and of the readiest means to continue it who being come thither the Grand Seignior came to his House whither the Council being assembled it was resolved at one and the same time to make War with equal Forces both upon the Emperour in Hungary and the Persian King no power on Earth being in their proud conceit able to withstand theirs So Hassan Bassa was continued in his charge and Cicala Bassa the Renegate to command the Army to be sent the Persian an ordinary Policy of the Othomans not to commit the charge of their Armies against the Christians unto Renegates lest they touched with remorse might betray the same or otherwise deal unfaithfully But Cicula acquainted with the difficulty and danger of the Persian War began to excuse himself till upon promise to furnish him with a sufficient Army and all things also necessary with a large and most honourable entertainment for himself and all the Persian prisoners being also given unto him he accepted thereof being in his ambitious mind most desirous of that charge so he chearfully prepared for this so great Expedition expecting but the comming of his Son who at the Venetians request was gone with a Fleet to scour the Levant Seas of Pirates then exceedingly troubling their Traffique Amidst which designes the Tartar Cham bound for his pay to serve the Turk against the Christians excused himself by his Embassadour that he could not come in person this year into Hungary as being necessarily busied with his own most urgent affairs yet promising to send his Son with a good power Now there are divers causes why so a great a
convicted of such a Treason were exemplarily executed The Turks not ceasing with great earnestness to solicite for peace The Emperour once again appointed certain great persons to attend their propositions Casar Gallen Sheriff of Strigonium at Italian much experienced in State-matters being one whom the Governour of Strigonium had sent before to Pesth for concluding of peace by some good means The Turks demands were That the Emperour should for the future pay to the Sultan and his Successors the whole wonted tribute without demanding thereof That the Emperour should alwayes have his Embassador-Lieger at the Sultans Court with presents there to solicite the continuation of his love and friendship that he should deliver all Towns and Castles taken from the Turks during this War with Transilvania and Valachia which granted they promised to send to the Sultan to entreat him to surrender Canisia but not Agria except constrained by force of Arms. The Emperour's Commissioners answered That the Emperour having by so many perfidious dealings proved the 〈◊〉 of Sultan-Achmat's Predecessours in violating their strong League by surprizing many places in Hungary and also taking many in 〈◊〉 between the Rivers Kulpe and Unna which places he had oft by as just right remanded as they were unjustly usurped before these Wars All which Demands though deemed just and reasonable by the Turks themselves were rejected by the Sultans What assurance could he conceive of his fidelity Yet if he might hope so much of anothers Faith as he was assured of his own just meaning he could be well content to embrace the peace so he might have Canisia and Agria delivered unto him which if the Turk would needs hold that he likewise might with peace hold the places he had won in that Wat. And as for Transilvania he could not deliver that without betraying of his right and the welfare thereof which he obtained both by Covenants between him and the Son of the last Duke John as by voluntary releasement of Sigismund 〈◊〉 the last Prince thereof to him for defence of which his Rights he had spent many men and great summs of 〈◊〉 and for Valachia he could be content to yield some part of his right unto that Province so the Turk should cease to demand of him any yearly tribute or that he would as of ordinary duty send his Embassadours with yearly Presents to the Grand Seigniour since every Prince ought to be at liberty therein At which answer the Turks laughing and sporting still pressing the Commissioners to yield to their unreasonable demands else threatning to acquaint the Sultan therewith who by force should take that from them which they refused to grant by fair means so the Treaty was for that time broken off yet the Governour of Strigonium left Casar Galen to entertain it in such small hope as was left who afterwards seeing it was desperate and feasting some of the chief Turks of Buda who in that merriment promised to live as Friends with those of Pesth and other nigh places retired to Strigonium Yet shortly after Jagenreuter Governour of 〈◊〉 though Galen had also assured him of a speedy furnishing of the Town with all necessaries for its defence dismayed with the bruit of Hassan Bassa's comming with his great Army to begin with the Conquest of Pesth Septemb. 5 having trussed up his Baggage forsook the Town 5 Companies of Foot and of Horse following him leaving the Town Victuals Munition and his Honour for a prey to his Enemies yet before his departure he undermined the chief Buildings laying Gunpowder under them whereby they were soon after overthrown and most of the Town burnt But being gone not past half a League he met 400 Haiducks well armed sent for the relief of Pesth with a number of Boats with necessaries of all sorts which Haiducks meeting with these Cowards on the way returned with them to Strigonium leaving their Vessels and Munition to their Enemies who presently after seized upon them Next day the Turks wondring to see so great a fire in Pesth more and more encreasing adventured over the River and drew near the Town which they finding abandoned diligently quenched the fire repaired the ruines and became Masters thereof 〈◊〉 the Coward with his fearfull Troops comming to Strigonium was examined by the Governor of the Causes of his flight who alledging no other but the great report of Hassan's comming to besiege the Town was imprisoned and reserved forjust punishment The Bassa of Buda by Letters excused himself to the Governor of Pesth for the taking of Pesth the Treaty being not yet quite broken off saying He took it as a place upon a vain fear forsaken and set on fire c. and offered to deal with him for exchange of prisoners one for another and for the peace he was very desirous it might be fully concluded before Hassan-Bassa's arrivall in Hungary who once come there would be no time amidst the noise of so many Weapons and Warriours to talk of peace For all that the Visier was already entered Hungary with a huge Army comming towards Sexart to view which the Governour of Pallantwar going with 100 Horsmen ere he was aware met with 500 Turks sent also to discover the Country who charging 〈◊〉 him with multitude was himself taken most of his men slain and some few hardly escaping by flight but Count Serinus setting upon 300 Turks nigh Zigeth with courage though scarce half so many in number overthrew and cut them in pieces ere well aware of him The Turks out of hope of regaining Strigonium by any Capitulations of peace resolved to do their utmost to take it by force often protesting if they should so gain it never more to have peace with the Christians at which vain threats and speeches the resolved Christians could not but with scorn smile Unto this siege the Turks in hope of spoil came flocking from all places They encamped near Charls his Hill taking up with their Tents half a League round about and at first bravely advanced their half-Moon Ensignes the Arms of their then encreasing Empire whom the besieged herein imitated and further provoked them with abundance of thundering shot yet the Turks comming resolutely on began to make their approaches upon whom the Christians couragiously sallying 〈◊〉 to disturb them and so after certain hours hot skirmish without much hurt retired leaving their Enemies a good Testimony of their valour Howbeit The 〈◊〉 intrenched and encamped before St. 〈◊〉 Fort where they placed their Cannon to batter the same but Basta having near to Strigonium cast up a great Fort and well furnished greatly annoyed the Turks with its Ordnance forcing them to remove further off his Army the while laying upon the River betwixt the Isle of Strigonium and the old Rascian Town to hinder the Enemy from entring into either Count Sultze the Governour having mustered his men and by sundry speeches motives and cautions of trusting to the Turks fair promises c encouraging his Souldiers most
went presently with his Company of French to meet Visnoviskie and congratulate his Victory with many Complements then casting his eye upon the poor Horreoveans he sent them back again taking an Oath of their fidelity hoping that his clemency would draw the most factious to obedience and giving God thanks he sent to Coreskie to advertise him of this new Victory who was then busie in preparing to meet Stephano they encountered in a Plain having on one side the River Sirette dividing Moldavia from Valachia it continued two houres with like advantage but Coreskie joyning to him 400 Gerbeys so charged Stephano in a Squadron of Horse that he forced them to give back yet did the Event seem doubtful Whereupon another Captain with five hundred Light-Horse came in so fitly that Stephano was forced to fly the Prince pursuing and cutting them in pieces who afterwards found that of Stephano's side were 3400 slain on the place besides prisoners and wounded and of his but 350. Then the season being cold in November he put his Troops in Garrison and returned with 150 Horse to Yas honorably and joyfully received The Princess yet in Poland now returns to Yas with Bougdan her Son and Alexandrina her Daughter with great feasting and joy Then they treated of a Marriage betwixt Coreskie and Alexandrina but Bellona then opposed it to try their patience who loved each other from their youth For about the end of this moneth 1615 they heard that Michna of Valachia with Hebraim Bassa came against them with 40000 men to succour Stephano also that Bethlem Gabor had charge from the Grand Seignior to assail them but it was false for that Bassa was sent with Caphtanes or Roabs which the Sultan sends to Princes under his power to Michna Stephana but not with any Army for he was yet ignorant what had passed against Stephano yet the Princes thinking this true called a Council resolving to send Boyartskie a brave Polonian to Michna to know his intent and designs who arriving at Bouza in Valachia demanded audience before Michna who sending him to the Bassa He without hearing him demanded Who made his Master so bold as to bear arms in the Sultans Country without his authority commanding the Embassadour presently to be put in Irons whose servants escaped as they could informing Prince Alexander what had past and that Michna had no Army nor intent then to enter Moldavia The Bassa charged some of his Officers to examine Boyartskie of all matters and of Alexanders forces and returning to 〈◊〉 led him with him thither where he being examined by a Visier in the Divano was condemned perpetually to the Galleys Alexander sent another Embassador to Beth Gabor being at Alba Julia whom he courteously received the Embassadour told him that Alexander had heard he levied Men to joyn with Michna against him which he could not easily believe for he had professed friendship to his Father and had no cause now to leave it intreating him not to meddle and if there were occasion he would serve him to his utmost Then he gave him his Letters of credit Who answered He never intended any thing against Alexander whose Father was his true Friend nor would he ever give cause of discontinuing that Friendship c. Here was much satisfaction yet he afterwards levied Forces against him though not joyning with Michna's Army Presently after the Bassa's departure Pr. Michna sent an Embassadour to Alexander protesting by Letters his great grief for his Embassadour's ill usage without whose consent he was carried away with the Bassa promising to do his best for his delivery He knew also the Sultans Power over him whom he might not resist that he had no Army on Foot and that he designed not to support Stephano unlesse forced by the Sultan's Command but he could not deliver Stephano up to him unlesse he should violate the Laws of Hospitality also he should incurr the Sultan's indignation and be in danger to be dispossest of his own Estate Alexander after this by advice of his Councel dismissed all his Foot part of the Cossakes retaining but 5 or 6000 that Winter About this time Pr. Visnoviski a Protestant of the Greek Church receiving the Communion at Christmas the 〈◊〉 who had usually served him for money poysoned the Bread which he receiving sickened and with torments dyed the next day whereupon the Priest apprehended upon suspition confessed forthwith his guilt being provoked by his Enemies He was bound in a Chair made of Copper-wire and a Fire made round him so that for twelve hours he fearfully cryed out for his insupportable paines Whilst Alexander and his Court mourned for this beloved Prince a Spie arrived out of Valachia informing him that one Skinder Bassa with a great Army was there arrived Stephano pressing them daylie to March into Moldavia sending 400 Men to surprize Berlada where Coreski had left some men who keeping bad Guard were most cut in pieces which much puft up Stephano but Alexander sending 400 Cossacks within three dayes they arrived at that Town unwalled like the rest and firing many places forced his Men out and slew them the rest being burnt so that but five or six escaped Stephano being much afflicted Then also Coreski in revenge with 2500 choyse Horse went speedily into Vaselloy lest his Garrison there should be so served also which the Bassa hearing sent his Son twelve or thirteen years old with an old experienced Turk and 7000 Men to get his Son reputation Coreskie advertised hereof and knowing they must passe a wooden Bridge over a River by the Town cunningly disposed some of his Men within Vasselloy the rest being covered with a little adjoyning Mountain Some Turks being passed over two squadrons from the Town so charged them that almost all in Poland were slain with the old conductor for the Turks having marched almost all night to arrive early were benummed with cold the rest on tother side retired speedily fearing perhaps the Bassa's Son might be also lost Coreskie pursued them 4 Leagues killing and taking all in his way One prisoner saying he was the Bassa's nigh Kinsman Alexander gave him a fit garment and horse sending him to the Bassa with a Convoy whom he intreated also by a Letter not to advance in Stephano's behalf promising if the Sultan would let him quietly enjoy Moldavia he would be most 〈◊〉 and pay him the yearly Tribute which the Bassa little esteemed being exceedingly incensed for his Sons bad success and his Captains death The same day Alexander sending 1500 Horse to Coreskie 800 of them lodged 6 leagues from Ticouth where the Bassa and Michna then were with about 25000 men these 800 neglecting their Guards drank themselvs drunk 〈◊〉 sting their Hosts with all insolencies forcing their Wives and Daughters Wherfore calling to them certain Boyers they cut all their throats sleeping and most drunk About the end of the year Pr. Alexander called a General Council where it was resolved to