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
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
Zizimus the younger to the Empire two great factions arose so that there were soon tumults hot skirmishes great slaughter in divers places of Constantinople the Janizaries slaying Mahometes one of the 4 great Bassaes for an old grudge and spoyling all Christians and Jews amongst them of their substance the City Merchants natural Turks not escaping their ravenous hands The other 3 Bassaes Isaac Mesithes and Achmetes though secretly envying each others greatness yet to appease trouble and assure their own found means by their authority that Corcutus a younger Son of Bajazet 18 years old was generally saluted Emperour with great triumph in whose name the Bassaes disposed of all things little regarding Bajazet or Zemes one being at Amasia the other at Iconium for the Turkish Kings send their Sons to Govern remote Provinces where they are also under their Lievtenant Generals command and may not depart even to visit their Father without expresse leave These two hasting towards Constantinople Bajazet as the nearer first arrived but finding the Empire already possessed he in grief called Heaven and Earth to witness of the great wrong done him by the Bassaes and what by tears c. what by gifts c. chiefly by Cherseogles Viceroy of Greece his solicitation and the Captain of the Janizaries his Sons in Law so prevailed that Corcutus resigned to his Father the Imperial Government himself being made Governour of Lycia Caria and Jonia c. with a yearly Pension and promise of the Empire after his decease where he pleasantly living and wholly given to Philosophy was afterwards lesse favoured of the Janizaries and others Zemes thus prevented by his elder Brother raising a puissant Army in the Countries under him and marching thorow the lesser Asia taking in strong places by the way also Prusa in Bythinia purposing to exclude Bajazet out of Asia in requital fortune at first seeming to favour him therein the people yielding him obedience c. Bajazet perceiving most of his Empire in danger and doubting Zemes would scarce long be content therewith passed into Asia with a puissant Army comming to Neapolis nigh which Zemes encamped Bajazet being on his way Achmetes the best Turkish Warrior presented himself on his knees before Bajazet unarmed his Sword hanging at his Saddle bow to the admiration of many The cause was for that in the Warre between Usun Cassanes and Mahomet Bajazet not martialling the right wing to Mahomet's liking he commanded Achmetes to set it in better order which he performing and Bajazet taking it as in disgrace threatned to finde a time of revenge on the Bassa who being of great Spirit bid him do his pleasure and laying his hand on his Sword vowed when he came to be Emperour he would never weare Sword in field So here being ready to serve if commanded otherwise to endure his Princes pleasure Bajazet stretching out his Scepter and taking him up bid him girt on his Sword and not remember what he had long forgiven and forgotten making him Generall to the Janizaries and the rest their great content giving great shouts as if victory had attended him who encamping as near as possible to Zemes for 10 dayes space many sharp skirmishes were made with diverse fortune At length after a long fight and great slaughter on both sides Bajazet by Achmetes his policy prevailed Zemes fleeing to Iconium in which flight many were taken whom Bajazet Achmetes changing his mind for terror of others suffered to be put to the Sword Zemes doubting to fall into his Brothers hands after 3 dayes stay trussing up his Treasure c. fled with his Mother and two young Children and a small retinue from Iconium into Syria part of Caytheius the Sultan's Dominion Bajazet came thither to have surprized him but he fled he took order for the Government of that part of his Empire returning with victory to Constantinople Zemes comming in 1482. to Jerusalem stayed there visiting its ancient Monuments thence travelling into Aegypt he was honourably conducted to Caire by divers of the Nobles sent from the Sultan to meet him being welcomed by Caytheus he declared the cause of his comming which he said was to complain unto him of the wrongs done him by Bajazet whom he might more justly tearm his cruel enemy than kind Brother who had not onely taken the Empire by tumult and slaughter but had persecuted him c. never resting till he had chased him out of the Empire 's bounds moved thereto not so much by the jealous desire of Soveraignty as by an unnatural cruelty towards all his kindred and a mortall hatred against him in particular c. shewing that he was not to be blamed for the troubles arising at Constantinople betwixt the favourites of them both he being then farre from thence and was sent for by many of his good friends but lest his comming thither might have occasioned new troubles he returned into Bythinia to Prusa to have rested in quiet if his Brother would have suffered him c. that Bajazet would sway all things alone and being of a farre other mind than either Xerxes or Alexander had rather have his Brother his enemy than his friend and drive him into exile than to make him partaker of his counsels beseeching the Sultan by the sacred reliques of Mahomet c. to bridle domestical wrong and lift up the afflicted by his great Authority or the Sword 's revenge c. putting him in minde what deadly enemies Christian Princes were to the Turks who could not but be thought suddenly to invade their Kingdom if shaken with civill Warres seeking the utter destruction of the same and then Caytheius must stand alone for himself and the rest of the Mahometans against the Christians c. requesting him to deal with Bajazet by Embassadors that if he would not receive him as a partner of the Empire yet admit him into some small part of his Father's Kingdom c. which if he should refuse to grant he would as at Jerusalem so at Mecha complain unto the great Prophet of the injuries done him c. but if all those proved in vain he would go with fire Sword and slaughter and vex his hateful Brother with all manner of revenge c. The Sultan comforting the distressed Prince willed him to bear patiently his present hap c. commending him withall for his courage promising him to do what in him lay to perswade his Brother and soon after sent to Bajazet Zemes the while travelling by the Sultans leave to visit Mahomets Temple at Mecha and his Sepulchre at Medina upon whose return to Caire the Embassadors returned also not obtaining any thing Bajazet seeming to despise his Brother Wherefore Zemes determined to warre upon him reposing some hope in his secret friends and some discontented Captain's revolt Then also fitly came Letters from the 〈◊〉 Caramanian King living then in Armenia offering to joyn with Zemes all the power he could make hoping thereby to recover all
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
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
A Compendious HISTORY OF THE TURKS CONTAINING An Exact Account OF The Originall of that People the Rise of the Othoman Family and the Valiant Undertakings of the Christians against Them WITH Their Various Events BY Andrew Moore Gent. LONDON Printed by John Streater 1660. To the Reader READER THE view of the most united and greatest Empire in the World at this Day is here presented unto Thee at once in a portable and convenient Volum wherein Thou 〈◊〉 the great Atchievments of many whose memory is worthy to be preserved and transmitted over to Posterity For that they have opposed that mighty Power of the Ottoman Family whom God no doubt suffereth as a Scourge to the World to grow to that immense Magnitude that as a Tempest He bloweth down and overwhelmeth Kingdoms vast Provinces and Principalities Some of which are the glorious Empire of the Greeks the renowned Kingdomes of Macedonia Peloponesus Epirus Bulgaria Servia 〈◊〉 Armenia Cyprus Syria Egypt Judea Tunis Algiers Media Mesopotamia with a great part of Hungary as also of the Persian Kingdom And in brief so much of Christendom as far exceedeth that which is thereof at this day left Notwithstanding this Overgrowth Greatness and unlimited Power that this Empire is attained unto yet the King of Kings hath at several times by his providence shewed that he doth over-rule the great Actions of the World and he can put a book in the Nostrils of the great Leviathan put stops and 〈◊〉 to the mighty Ones This History plentifully affordeth matter of this sort as that of George Castriot or Scanderbeg's not able defence of Epirus against the Turk's Power by small and Inconsiderable Forces The defence of Malta the Famous Battles of Huniades the defence of Vidda in Hungary The continual and not to be compared Warr of the Venetians a small City against the Turk's whole Power The very consideration of which should incite Noble and Valiant minds to Heroick undertakings The accomplishing and perfecting of great undertakings may next to the providence of God be attributed to Wisdom and Valer Wisdom to lay a good Foundation to noble Interprises and Valour to put them in Execution History is a Lanskip that presents at one view the Counsels of Princes Battles Seiges of Cities Towns Fortresses Wastings Depopulations erections of Edifices Withall the various Events that time produceth The growth of Kingdoms and their periods the growth of this Empire The 〈◊〉 of this 〈◊〉 seemeth to seace and stand at an even 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 not much over its banks what it gaineth in one place at one time it loseth at another The Roman Empire when it arived to its 〈◊〉 Power and Extent the weight of its own Greatness 〈◊〉 itself It 's naturall for all bodies and things whatsoever from small beginning to grow untill they come to a full State there to abide a while then 〈◊〉 The greatest cause of the Turks Groweth hath 〈◊〉 the differences amongst 〈◊〉 Christians and nothing will ruine him but their union Reader I will not detain thee any longer from the History it self it being carefully Collected out of the writings of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gregoras Laonicus Chalcocondiles Marinus Barletius Leonardus Chiensis Arch-Bishop of Mytelene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Augerius Busbequius Nicholas Nicholai John Crispe Paulus Jovius Pantalion Menadoie and Leonclavius All writing such things as they saw or were for most part 〈◊〉 their time done And since continued by the hands of those that have been eminent able and best acquainted with those affairs Likewise a native Turk contributed his help to the latter part So that thou mayest be 〈◊〉 thou art faithfully dealt with in this matter by him who desireth nothing more then Reader to receive thy Caracter of Impartial THE HISTORY OF THE Turks before the rising of the Ottoman Family their first Kingdom 's erection by Trangrolipix in Persia of the Salzuccian Family with 〈◊〉 successe IT is neither agreed on by the best writers nor well known to the Turks themselves from whence the Empire of this barbarous Nation the worlds present terrour first took its small obscure beginning Some deriving them from the Trojans from the corrupting of Teucri their common name into Turci but without any probability Others reporting that they came first out of Persia and some out of Arabia and Syria Philip of Mornay derives both Turks and Tartars from the ten Tribes of Israel carried away by Salmanazar King of Assyria some among the Tartars still retaining the names of Dan Zebulon and Nepthali Tartar also in Syriack signifying remnants and Turks banished men Greater store of Jews being found in Russia Sarmatia and Lithuania than else-where and the nearer the Tartars the more A barbarous people likewise in Livonia nigh the City Riga differing in Language from the rest daily and dolefully repeating in the fields Jeru Jeru Masco Lon knowing no cause but the teaching of their Ancestors for those words utterance yet thought to lament over Jerusalem and Damasco thereby But both 〈◊〉 Mela who saith the Thyrsagetes and Turks possess the vast Forrests and live by hunting fast by the Geloni And Pliny speaking in like manner Next unto the Nations about Maeotis Fens are the Evazae Cottae c. The Thussagets and Turks unto rough desarts with woody Valleys beyond whom are the Arympheians 〈◊〉 on the Riphean Mountains together with the Turks manners attire 〈◊〉 gate weapons manner of riding and fighting and language agreeing with the Scythians do induce greater probabilities that they came out of Scythia Ptolomies Tusci in Sarmatia Asiatica being likewise supposed to be the Turkish Nation The cause next to the hand of the Almighty the Author of all earthly Kingdoms of departure from their natural seats was either a general want in that cold Countrey or their 〈◊〉 driving them from the Caspian Mountains The time was either in 755 or 844 or both who rather issuing out of the Caspian than the Caucasan streights first seized on a part of the greater Armenia called by them 〈◊〉 wherein under leaders they roamed up and down a long time with families and cattel in unity having 〈◊〉 little whereabout to strive who not only defended Armenia but through hardiness and valour and the cowardise of the Asians incroached farther and farther though not much skilful in war whereby their fame and fortune increased and the Saracen Empire rent within 200 victories over the Christians into many Kingdoms whose Sultans not obeying their great Caliph as fast declined by turning their Arms one upon another Mahomet the Persian Sultan praying the Turks his neighbours aid against Pisasiris the Caliph of Babylon his mortal enemy who in hope of Persia sent him 30000 hardy men under a valiant Captain Togra Mucalet called by the Greeks Tangrolipix of the Salzuccian tribe so that Mahomet overcame Pisasiris And now threatned the Turks such necessary men having further service for them against the Indians if they should talk of departure home over the River Araxis which they had
fleet at Ascalon for Jerusalem's relief sunk their Ships and marched to the Camp among whom were divers Engineers by whom a great moving Tower was made covered with raw hides to save it from fire which by night being brought to the wall they the next day the winde driving the Turks fire who thought to burn it into their own faces gained the top of the wall which being first footed by Godfrey and his Brother they pressed in like a violent River killing men women and children with a lamentable sight The better sort of Turks retiring into the Temple fought terribly many on both sides falling but the Christians fiercely breaking in the foremost were miserably slain the Turks also 〈◊〉 fighting in the midst of the Temple there were slain heapes both of victors and vanquished the pavement swimming with blood Then the Turks held the top of the Temple And the next day upon Proclamation of mercy to such as laid down weapons they yielded themselves Thus Jerusalem was recovered in 1099 having been in the Infidels hands above 400 years Eight daies after cleansing the City and giving thanks to God and the poor Christians welcomming with joy their victorious Brethren the Princes consulting of their King chose Robert Duke of Normandy who refusing Jerusalem upon news of his Fathers death in England William Rufus being in possession as it were lost both Kingdomes Godfrey of Bulloine a great Souldier being saluted King who said He would not wear a Crown of Gold where Christ wore a Crown of thorns but briefly certified these proceedings to Bohemud shewing Jerusalem's strength and situation and how he first gained part of the wall Baldwin opening the gates for entry of their great conflict in Solomon's Temple and that since he was saluted King of Jerusalem though against his will he would endeavour well to deserve of the universal faith And then joyned a most dreadful battle with the greatest multitude of Turks and Saracens all as one assembled at Ascalon for revenge killing a 100000 of them taking more spoile than in this whole expedition After this Victory some Princes returned to their Charges others with honour to their own Country But shortly after a great Pestilence ensuing Godfrey among the rest died July 18. 1100. Scarce reigning a full year generally lamented and honourably buried on mount Calvary in the Temple of Christ's Sepulchre In whose Room Baldwin of Edessa his brother was Crowned King in 1101. Who aided by Sea and Land took the Sea-City Cesarea-Stratonis overthrowing certain Companies at 〈◊〉 gladly and safely conducting to Jerusalem new westerne aides by Tyre and three other Cities holden by the enemies at which time the Christians were notably overthrown about Rama by the Turks aided by the Arabians and Aegyptians two Stephens Earles of Charters and Burgundy being slain the King hardly escaping who repairing his Army at Joppa speedily so overthrew his secure enemies that they had little cause to rejoyce in their Victory Tancred Prince of Galilee in the mean time taking the City Apamea and with much toyl Laodicea But Baldwin 〈◊〉 Governour of Edessa was at the siege of Carras thatwas upon yielding overthrown by the Persian Sultan Benedict a Bishop and 〈◊〉 his kinsman being taken with him who to the offence of the 2 Sultans after 5 years redeemed themselves from the Turk that took them King Baldwin who after this lived unmolested for a season suddenly raised a full strength and besieged Ptolemais or Acon in Phoenicia and was glad to raise his siege being after a long time brought to his end by a healed-up wound received in a skirmish at his return yet the next year Ptolemais by the encouragement of the Genua fleet was yielded to him on composition after 20 daies Tancred Livetenant Governour of Antioch soon after put to flight the invading Governour of Aleppo and others and the Caliph of Egypt was discomfited by the Christians at land and by tempest at Sea comming against Jerusalem Bohemud returning out of Italy with 40000 foot and 5000 horse as is reported toward Jerusalem spoiled in revenge of Alexius his injuries the Country about Dyrrhachium forcing the Emperour to promise by oath security and kindnesse to all travelling Souldiers and dying shortly at Antioch in 1108. Whose Principality his child Bohemud enjoyed under Tancreds 〈◊〉 Baldwin the King Apr. 23. 1111. wonn the City Berytus 〈◊〉 most to the sword and the same year Decemb. 19. Sidon was yielded to him through the assistance of a Norway fleet Tyre only of all the famous Sea-Cities from Laodicea to Ascalon remaining to the enemies the which Baldwin hardly besieged 4 months in vain Two years after Baldwin and Tancred who Bohemud dying Reigned in Antioch with the rest joyned a cruel battle with the Persian Sultans mighty Army under Mendus their General encamping on the Sea near Tyberias after some companies were by some flying skirmishers entrapped in ambush and rescued by other Christians who were by the Turks far exceeding in number put to flight and hardly followed with great slaughter The Ascalon Turks the mean while besieging Jerusalem weakly manned but news of the Kings coming and of Supplies out of the west made them having burnt store-houses of Corn and spoyled other things to retire home This King after many hard conflicts with Turks and Saracens won Pharamia a strong Sea City in Aegypt taking abundance of fish at the mouth of Nilus wherewith he feasted in the City And after dinner grieved with his old wound died near Laris in his return in 1118 Reigning 18 years and royally Sepulchred near his brother Godfrey Baldwin Brugensis of Edessa his Cousin was chosen and Crowned King of Jerusalem Apr. 2. 1118. a man of great courage tall stature and comely countenance Against whom the Caliph of Aegypt with the King of Aleppo raised a great power the same summer Baldwin also encamping in fight of his enemies both armies for fear of each other after 3 months facing retired without any notable action Alexius the Emperour died this year whose Son Calo Johannes his successour all his Reign worthily defended his territories in lesser Asia But Roger Prince of Antioch with more courage than discretion going forth against a great Army not far from Aleppo was slain with most of his Army the place being called the field of bloud Baldwin Aug. 14 1120 overthrowing the carelesse Turks with a great slaughter joyning Antioch principality to his own which Antiochians Baldwin their protecting Prince being far off were more subject to enemies inroads than before the King of Damasco entring with great power and doing harm thereabouts in 1122 who understanding Baldwins approach with a puissant Army retired out of the Countrey the King taking Garaze a new built strong Castle of the King of Damasco's which he raced to the ground Whilst this King wisely sent Embassadours to divers Christian Princes especially to the Uenetians for relief by Sea Balac the Persian Sultan with a great Army invaded about him
counterfeit mony to deceive them practising all kind of mischeif to terrifie their posterity from the like expedition and secretly plotting with the Turks how they might be defeated some part thereby being overthrown near Bathis although in Phrygia themselves were greatly slaughtered by the part marching thorough Phrygia which Turks with a great Army to stay the Armies passage at the River Meander and they having neither bridg nor boat to passe over declared it their patience that the Greeks as they passed by were not become their prey Conrade retired his Souldiers out of the shot of the Turks Archers standing on the other banks-side for refreshment arising before day and putting his whole Army in Battalion Both Armies thus in readiness the winding River only betwixt them the Emperour encouraged his men with a Speech to this purpose That we are exposed to dangers pining with hunger c. for Christ's sake and the glory of God But these Barbarians divided from us by this River are the enemie of Christ's Crosse in whose bloud we have vowed to wash our selves calling to remembrance the grievous things and tortures inflicted on our friends and Countrey-men by these uncircumcised let not any terrour daunt us Let them know that we are superiour to them as our Master excells their Prophet and seducer Let us fight in Christ's name with assured hope of an easie victory We are those mighty men standing about the divine Sepulchre as about Solomon's bed let us remove these Agarens as stones of offence Children of the bond-woman I my self will shew you the way over this River I know the water beaten back by our force will as Jordan in ancient times be at a stand This attempt shall to our immortall praise be spoken of in all posterity This said after a signal of battel and devout prayer by every man Conrade first put spurs to his horse the rest closely following with a terrible out-cry passed all over with lesse trouble than was feared the horses even beating back the water towards the fountain then after small resistance the discouraged Turks fled whom the Christians like Lyons pursuing the fields were covered with dead bodies huge heaps of bones long after declaring the fallen multitude to the wonder of travellers many Italians being wounded but few or none slain After this they hardly besieged Iconium in lesser Asia but the Cities strength the valour of the Defendants and the peoples numberlesse dying in the Camp of which the Greeks mingling Lime with the Meal was the chief cause caused the Emperour to raise his long siege and return into his Countrey most referring this his journey into Asia to the year 1146. By this 〈◊〉 so fortunate expedition Baldwin the mean time fortified ruinous Gaza of the Philistins serving as a Bulwark against Egypt and to distresse Ascalon which strong Sea City he besieging by Sea and Land when Noradine was repulsed by the Citizens of 〈◊〉 whom he besieged and the Caliph of Egypt's fleet from Ascalon's relief was with great losse repulsed the Wall 's breach that he had made repaired and the dead Christians hanged in ropes over the Walls at which the Commanders moved returned to the assault and the besieged discouraged with great slaughter yielded the City with its spoyl to the Souldiers departing only with their lives the enemy having now no place in those parts Lewis the eighth of France with other great Princes at or about this Emperours time took on him the like expedition with a puissant Army who landing in Asia found nothing answerable to the feigned courtefie of Emanuel at Constantinople great numbers of Souldiers perishing in desolate Countries by false guides and many straying cut off by the Greeks themselves yet he besieged Noradin's Royal Seat the besieged being brought to extremity and at the point even to yield But some Christian Princes there grudging at the Kings promise of that Cities Government if won to Philip Earl of Flanders a stranger corrupted also as some say with the Turks gold persivaded the King to remove to a stronger part of the City than where he lay from whence after a while for lack of victuals he departed returning into France detesting Emmanuel the Emperours name by whose dealing such an expedition was brought to nought Noradine for some injuries done to the Turks and Arabians dwelling in the Forrest of Libanus straightly besieged Paneda the multitude of Turks after the Christians desperate fally hardly pursuing and entring the City put all to the sword in their way yet most of the Citizens stood upon their guard in the Castle Noradine after spoyl taken and firing the City departed upon Baldwin's coming for relief waiting in the Woods to take the Christians at advantage and set suddenly on the King passing over Jordan accompanied only with his Horsemen and doubting no such thing most of his Nobles were slain or taken himself with a few hardly escaping to Saphet Noradine after this besieged it again whose Walls were again repaired in good hope but though he had made breaches in the Walls rose with his Army upon Baldwins the Prince of Autioch and the Count Tripolis approach This among other hard conflicts of this young King is worth remembrance That he put Noradine to flight loosing most of his Army who besieged the Castle Sueta belonging to his Kingdom and marrying the Greek Emperours Neece he again required one of his kinswomen in marriage and preferring Raymund's Daughter of Antioch before Matilde the Count of Tripolis his Sister the said Count grievously by Sea infested his frontiers While the marriage was solemnized Baldwin abiding at Antioch and fortifying a Castle on Orontes took Physick of Barac a Jew the Count's Physician of Tripolis whereby he was verily supposed to be poysoned and languishing in pain with the Bloudy-flux and Consumption he died at Beritum Febr. 13. 1163. reignning 21 years being solemnly enterred by his Father with a general mourning Noradine himself refusing to invade his Kingdom at his funerals solemnity saying The Christians had lost such a King as the like was hardly to be found To return to the Turks proceedings in lesser Asia 〈◊〉 Sultan Solyman's death Mahumet succeeded him betwixt whom and Masut Sultan of Iconium arose great discord which broke out into open war Comnen the Emperour aiding Masut But the 2 Infidels soon becoming friends joyned and overthrew the Emperour besieging Iconium he hardly 〈◊〉 Masut dying divided the whole Turks Kingdome gotten by him between his 3 sons to 〈◊〉 the eldest he gave Iconium with the Provinces belonging unto Jagupasan Amasia and Ancyra with fruirful Cappadocia and the places adjoyning to Dadune Cesarea and Sebastia with the large Countries thereabouts These brethren soon fell at discord the Sultan and Jagupasan seeking openly each others destruction Emmanuel the Emperour rejoycing thereat aided Jagupasan whereby he obtained many notable victories against the Sultan who weary of the quarrel personally met the Emperour comming out of Syria and accompanyed him to
forreign 〈◊〉 was forced to turn all his 〈◊〉 and study to 〈◊〉 domestick troubles first perswading his Subjects that this alteration was not made for any good liking he had thereto but for the danger of time for said he if the enemies should come the City in many places rent or but lately repaired c. then they would be Lords not of our Religion and Ceremonies onely but of Wives and Children and whatever we have c. With which perswasion some were contented 〈◊〉 others not whom he imprisoned banished tortured c. using all means to move their minds All which some with patience endured but the greater part the Refuse ran rogueing abroad as men persecuted for their conscience out of the Emperour's Jurisdiction some taking the names of Arsonius his Disciples some of Joseph's and some of others Wherewith the Emperour was so encumbred that he had no leisure to provide against the Turks whose deep devices in aspiring and travels in assuring the Empire with altering his Father's Religion yielded him not so much as an honourable buriall For dying not far from Lysimachia he was by his Son Andronicus his command obscurely buried in a field a good way from his Camp as unworthy of better sepulture for revolting from the Religion of his Ancestors though his Obsequies were afterwards for fashion sake with some solemnity celebrated Andronicus Paleologus succeeding his Father and thinking by restoring the Churches government and rites to appease all troubles before raised found them no less than his Father's for they that liked the Latinos Customs obstinately defended them the other faction countenanced by the Emperor insulted on them without measure whereof arose exceeding stirs chiefly in the beginning of his reign The Turks ceasing not to increase their Territories in Asia but also in the Mediterranean Islands For Andronicus delivered of the greatest fear by Charls of Sicily's death for which he and his Father maintained a strong Fleet of Galleys now perswaded by some to spare that needlesse charge as they termed it had discharged all his Sea-men and laid all the Galleys up in one Creek or another The Marriners went severall waies to seek a living in forreign Countries where some gave themselvs to Husbandry which at the first seemed very profitable to the Emperour till many great mischiefs were too late found hereof For besides the Turks doing great harm at Sea the Pirats took the spoyl of Mediterranean Islands robbing all Towns along the Sea coast and came with their Galleys as in contempt even close to the City yea the Venetians on small displeasure rifled the Suburbs Then also Andronicus had a jealous suspition of his brother Constantine's aspiring to the Empire seeking to win the love of all especially the Nobility at home abroad which were thought but mear slanders maliciously devised The grounds of this suspition were That from his childhood he was for many causes better beloved of his Father than Andronicus so that he could willingly have left him his successour that his Father in his life thought to separate Thessaly and Macedonia from the Empire and make him absolute Prince thereof Andronicus dissembled his secret hatred 3 years after his Fathers death The mean time Constantine bountifully bestowed the profit of his great revenues on all sorts and with sweet behaviour won their hearts He that blames Constantine for the two first they not proceeding of himself should do him wrong but if not experienced he gave such gifts as beseemed the Emperour himself he ignorantly erred but if he knew that therefore he could not be unsuspected he was greatly blameable for he should have considered how many such like doings had brought to untimely ends Constantine lived in Lydia lately married not past 30 years old whom the Emperour passing into Asia secretly resolved suddenly to oppresse And at his coming Constantine not fearing it was with all his favourites and Michael Strategopulus clapt in prison their Lands c. being first confiscate But the Turks those men who defended the frontiers on the East side of Meander being laid fast finding none to withstand them forraged all beyond the River and also passing it did great harm so that the Emperour must make choice of some other worthy aptair those his Cities and Countreys being in danger by the Incursions of the Turks There was in Court Alexius Philanthropenus a valiant young Captain whom the Emperour chose to defend his frontiers in Asia joyning to him Libadarius an old experienced one the one governed the Cities of Ionis the other the frontiers along Meander Alexius by many victorious conflicts soon became of great fame being also very bountifull and courteous unto all Thus all things prospering with him the bordering Turks more moved with his courtesy than fearing the Tartars came to him with their Wives c. many serving in his Camp Libadarius envying thereat suspected left he should proudly aspire to the Empire so first begin with him Alexius had certain companies of Cretensians whom he trusted above others using them for his Guard who in hope by his advancement to raise themselvs perswaded him speedily to take it on him the conceit of which would be no lesse danger than entring the action it self as he might see by Constantine and Strategopulus which quick suggestions wrought in him divers and contrary motions At length the perswaders prevailed with him yet at first he forbade any to mention him in the Army as Emperour which caused the Cretensians almost to force the imperial Ornaments forthwith upon him For said they delay would but fill the Souldiers heads with doubts disourage them with fear of an uncertain event all which whether fearing the great danger or thinking how first to circumvent Libà darius moved him not so to do Libadarius and the Emperor both disquieted had soon the report of his designs Alexius turned from Libadarius to follow after the Emperour's Brother Theodorus not to be feared who warned by his Brother Constantine lived in Lydia far from Court unto whom Alexius fearing many would in the hurly burly resort thought best to make him sure and afterwards to oppresse Libadarius But he of great experience by gathering all possible coyn of his own friends sending also for the Emperour's treasure to Philadelphia raised such a power out of Ionia that in ten daies he dared give the Rebell battell in Lydia and so wrought with the mercenary Cretensians by sums of money given and promises that they promised in the beginning of the battle to deliver him into his hands which they 〈◊〉 fast bound unto Libadarius who in 3 daies after put out his eyes left the Emperour should pardon him and kept him in prison till his further pleasure known Andronicus after this knew not whom to trust putting more confidence in strangers than in his own Subjects to his great hurt He gladly accepted of the Messagets Christians beyond Ister oppressed by the Tartars who offered to come to him with 10000
quite backward on his Horse that the Turk thinking him to be slain greatly shouted but Scanderbeg recovering and chafed herewith after a furious fight slew the Turk with his sword Divers Souldiers thrusting the Turks heads on Speares that were already overthrown astonished the Turks and with Scanderbeg charged their main battell fiercer than before Moses with his own valour staied the Victory a while till seeing the ground covered with dead bodyes and that he must flee or die fled in which many of the hindermost were slaine Moses with 4000 escaped by wayes well known the rest about 11000 being slaine not past a 100 Christians were lost and about 80 wounded All the Turks taken were tortured to death in revenge of their cruelty at Belgrade except one ransomed that yielded to Zacharias Scanderbeg not knowing or winking thereat Moses laying still on Epirus borders would perswade his discomfited Army Scanderbeg being departed to follow him into Epirus to surprize the two thousand in Garison at Dibria before they were aware But the Turks now contemning him were about generally to return home Wherefore Moses returned with them with a countenance as heavy as of a condemned man and the Turks now disgraced him as fast as they before admired him speaking all evil of him yea the Tyrant though he could blame but his fortune was so offended that he had put him to a most cruel death had not the Bassaes c. perswaded him that hereby he should alienate others from revolting or attempting any great matter for him So he was pardoned but had little or nothing afterwards allowed him all which though he outwardly seemed to bear yet was inwardly so tormented that he could neither eat or drink The Tyrant's measuring all by the event filled him with indignation and to return to his Prince having so ill deserved he was ashamed Sometimes Scanderbegs clemency c. heartned him to think of return and by and by his foul treason overwhelmed him with despair yet at last he resolved to submit to Scanderbeg's mercy c. And getting secretly one evening out of Constantinople travelling all night and next day not resting he came at last by long Journies to Dibria whom the Garison beholding full of heaviness c. received him with many teares and embracings bringing him to Scanderbeg then not far off who falling at his feet with a girdle about his neck as deserving death craved his gracious pardon which Scanderbeg granting took him up by the hand embraced him and kissed him restoring to him all things of his 〈◊〉 with all promotions as before and openly proclaiming none to speak of Moses his trespasse Mahomet was much grieved and exceedingly fumed at Moses return for that he had trusted him and let him slip out of his hands being perswaded it was all but a deceit of Scanderbeg Shortly after Mahomet allured Amesa to himself Scanderbeg's Nephew promising him to be King of Epirus hereby thinking it easier to draw the people from Scanderbeg to him of the 〈◊〉 bloud than to any stranger Amesa fleeing to clear the Tyrant of suspition carried with him his Wife and Children who though low of stature and not so perfect of feature yet of exceeding haughty courage subtil c. painful courteous and bountiful he could notably dissemble his affections being beloved and honoured of all next to Scanderbeg He at his first comming filled not Mahomet with great promises and vain prayses of himself as had Moses but spake to him that if he should remember the old injuries against his Majesty they might seem to come rather to receive the just guerdon of their deserts then in hope of preferment c. that his Father's Army was betrayed at 〈◊〉 and Epirus by treachery wrested out of his hands the cause of so much calamity and blood-shed But this fear was vain c. especially seeing his then green years c. deceived him He believed his Uncle c. but discretion growing with years he both perceived his slie 〈◊〉 dealing and that his revolt from him was more 〈◊〉 to himself than any other that Scanderbeg not recovering and enlarging the Kingdom without him he long expected he should give him at least some part of his Father's Inheritance But marrying a Wife he begot an Heire assigning unto him a base corner of Epirus c. that he could never digest that injury yet the times iniquity and the mans insolency compelled him to 〈◊〉 his thoughts lest he should entrap him as lately he did his Sisters sonne George Stresie whom charging with fained surmises he hath almost 〈◊〉 of all That he would willingly have fled to his Highness feet c. but the remembrance of old and since many injuries feared him But now following his faith and promise he scarcely had beckoned to him c. but he came with such speed as if he would have flowen that he lingered not c. as did Moses Neither had he left any cause of desiring to return againinto Epirus having brought unto him whatsoever is dear unto him c. pawns as might assure him of the faith of a most doubtful man that if he had had time to have trussed up his substance he should have thought it a kind of 〈◊〉 to bring any part thereof especially to him onely his fidelity he laid down before him c. that he dared not to promise to subdue Epirus with 15000 men c. that in him he should not want diligence or faithfulness that for other things concerning this Warr's event he was not to be advised by him his unskilful vassall This speech seeming free from dissimulation and his Wife and Children confirming it Mahomet with commendation honourably entertained him and upon the Spring 's approach consulted with his Bassaes of invading Epirus Manesaes Counsel herein being best liked And it was concluded Isaac the Bassa of Constantinople should with 50000 men be sent and Amesa with him commanding 5000 Horse Amesa to be proclaimed King of Epirus to perswade the Epirots he invaded it more against Scanderbeg and for Amesa than to take it to himself Fame soon filled Epirus with the report hereof adding much more than truth Wherefore Scanderbeg sending without delay for his Captains c. to 〈◊〉 declared to them that hope and fear were the two greatest things God had left to vex and grieve the mindes of men the first a more comfortable thing c. the other of more discretion and safety c. Hereupon the former chiefetaines have gained greater honour and victories by fearing what was to be 〈◊〉 than other in shew more hardy But that might be more 〈◊〉 called discretion or wholsom policy from whence none can deny but the ancient Discipline of Warre hath risen that this cherisheth hope it self c. that they might perceive his speech tended to know their opinions before determination of the order of this Warre That the Great Bassa flower of Europe c. knocketh at their Gates that he thinketh it
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
and Osman with their writings began to be contemned and Haly exalted as the true Successor commanding his Subjects to wear some red Hatband-lace on their Hats to be known from other Mahometans which they still observing are called Cuselba's or Red-heads and was soon so beloved and honoured that his sayings and commands were accounted Oracles and Lawes they swearing by his head solemnly to confirm any thing saying Hysmael grant thy desire when they wished any one well upon whose Coyn was on one side words to this effect There are no Gods but one and Mahomet is his Messenger on the other side Hysmacl the Vicar of God Chasan Chelife and Techellis the while in 1508 having gathered a great Army invaded the Turks Dominion for now such a desire of that new superstition possessed the peoples mindes in general that 10000 of them met first at the City Tascia at the foot of Antitaurus or else at Attalia on a Fair day where they executed the chief Magistrate setting his quarters on 4. of the highest Towers of the City all swearing never to forsake their Captains nor refuse any hazard for honour of their most holy Religion as they would have it These Ring-leaders considering the money brought in by the Countrey people was not sufficient to maintain such a multitude gave their followers proclaimed-leave to 〈◊〉 the Countrey and live on the spoil of those who received not their new Doctrine whereupon bringing store of Cattel c. into the Camp they their multitude increasing entred Lycaonia and roaming up and down many dayes the whole Country so feared them that those in the Villages fled with Wives Children and Goods into Iconium for Proclamations were set up proposing large blessings spiritual and temporal to such as followed their established Doctrine in Persia but to the obstinate after their Sword once drawn utter destruction so that the Inhabitants thereabouts for one cause or other resorted daily to them While the Turks were preparing to suppress them some Troops of Horse came timely to these Prophets from Hysmael who a little before by Messengers had exhorted them couragiously to proceed in so religious an enterprise promising them skilful leaders and Coyn from time to time for Hysmael bearing an old grudge against Ba jazet for former Warres betwixt Turks and Persians disagreeing also in their Superstition and heat of youth pricking him on greatly desired in this his prosperous success to have occasion of warring with him sending Embassadors to the State of Venice to joyn with them in league as before with Usun Cassanes his Grandfather chiefly requesting them to send him men skilful in casting Ordnance and with their Fleet to trouble Ba jazet by Sea he promising by filling Asia the lesse with his Land-Army to give them occasion of recovering all places they lost in the late Warres tothe Turks The Venetians answered they would never forget the ancient league c. being wondrous glad that Hysmael was the Turks enemy c. But the Embassadors such was the badness of the Venetians State and condition obtaining no more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded returned to Cyprus thence to Syria where having secret conference with Zenus Governour of the Venetian Merchants at Damasco Ba jazet grievously complained unto Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan for suffering not as a confederate them to passe thorow Syria to the Christians their common enemies to stir them up to warre whereupon Zeuus with all the Merchants at Tripolis Aleppo Beritus and Alexandria were carried in bonds to Cairo where often answering in Chains to what was laid to their charge after a year's suffering manifold despight hardly escaped with life and liberty Chasan and Techellis well strengthened and comming to Iconium wasting the Country drew a multitude to receive their Doctrine Wherefore Orchanes and Mahomet Ba jazets Nephews governing those Countries gathering their forces came into field against them but they youthfully and hastily joyning battel in a disadvantagious place were put to flight and had not these wanted Artillery and Engines requisite they would have besieged Iconium Also Corcutus then levying an Army about Thyatira c. 〈◊〉 not set foreward against the Rebels though dispersed fast by him These Prophets entring at last into Bythinia met near the River Sangarius with Caragoses the Asian Viceroy comming against them with a great Army commanding Achomates or Achmates Ba jazets eldest Sonne Governour of Cappadocia and Pontus with his power to follow at the back of the Rebels but Techellis marching with all possible speed was upon Caragoses near Mount Horminus before he was well aware then taking up more Souldiers who thought it not honourable to refuse battel though his Army consisted most of rude Countrey people suddenly taken up most unarmed and called Asapi but he reposed his greatest confidence in his ancient Horsmen's valour and the Rebels most consisted of Foot Techellis exhorted his Souldiers couragiously to defend their lives and Religion by Victory as having no new power or Cities of refuge there to flie unto c. who giving a terrible shout as chearful set upon their enemies The Viceroy placed his foot in the middle and his Horse in the Wings to compasse-in his enemy but Techellis set all his Foot in a square battel and the Horse for a reserve who with their red Hats as if bloody terrified the Viceroy's fresh-water-Souldiers fleeing in half an houre The Turkish Horse although they had slain many and somewhat disordered the battel yet Techellis his men beginning to kill their Horses with their Pikes and lay hard at them they fled also then the Persian horse as yet lookers on following the chase slew many enclosing the Viceroy stayinghis Horsemen who for the dust could not well discern them so that he had bin taken if not rescued by his Guard 7000 Turks Foot were slain all their Ensigns with store of provision taken Chasan Techellis resting a day marched to Cutaie as it were in the midst of lesser Asia the Viceroy's seat who fled thither the Countrey also having for fear conveighed thither most of their wealth Techellis placing such Field pieces he had before taken in battel and his Archers in fit places for annoying the Defendants caused scaling-ladders to be set up proclaiming the Citie 's spoil to his Souldiers if they could take it with greater rewards to them that first recovered the wall 's top Wherefore fearing nothing they strove who first should get up the Ladders c. the Defendants casting down on them Stones Timber Fire Scalding-water Lime Sand c. wherewith though many were killed and spoiled yet others stept up in their place none shrinking back for the Viceroy on one side and Techellis on the other were eye-witnesses of every mans valour the Viceroy all being in danger personally performing all parts of a couragious Souldier but the Defendants at last wearied and most wounded Techellis brake into the City in two places over heaps of dead
was maliciously by some suggested but to provice for his Majestie 's Coffers wondrously emptied by those late Wars the constant Report of new troubles like to arise out of Persia giving also occasion c. Whereas the Garrison Souldiers he said were enriched with Egypt's spoils possessing the Mamalukes sumptuous Houses and Lands feeding on the Egyptians goods and had received greater pay and Rewards from him than any from any of his Predecessors wherefore if not past all modesty they might take it well enough if somwhat restrained in their unreasonable requests saying that Princes 〈◊〉 their Souldiers in reasonable pay in peace and war ought sometime for Warlike Discipline to moderate their desires lest striving for private gain money be afterwards wanting for a greater and more needful Charge Wars rising upon Wars since none if never so valiant or fortunate did ever any great matter if he wanted Coyn the very sinews of War Selimus full of wrath interrupted him lest by longer discourse he recounting his Deserts and worthy service in 〈◊〉 and his own time should have had Intercessours causing him in his presence to be there executed saying Others who would presume to prescribe what their Soveraigns had to do should ever by that insolent servant's example be admonished of their condition and duty It 's reported the Souldiers in 〈◊〉 of Selimus wondrously lamented his unworthy death who by his rare valour 〈◊〉 wit comely Personage Military Eloquence and gallantry of living so won the love of all that few or none in the Army but acknowledged themselves some way beholden to him condemning Selimus his cruelty beginning to tell of Mustapha and old Chendemus not forgetting Bostanges his son in Law nor Cherseogles both which about two years before had their heads struck off none well knowing wherefore and their dead bodies cast out at the Court-gate to the terrour of the beholders Yea 〈◊〉 Achomates and 〈◊〉 with the other Princes of the Bloud were presented afresh to all mens eyes So that men generally both feared and hated him who had set down in his ambitious and tyrannical mind it was better for assuring his Estate to be feared of all than be loved of many therefore not sparing any mans life whom he in the least suspected Yet his severity against this Jonuses may be excused in some sort as being justly moved thereto by his presumption and malice underhand contrary to his charge to the peril of Selimus his late Conquests This great Bassa by his cruelty on the fair Manto his best beloved Wife offended most the people's minds She her lovely conditions being answerable and a Greek born was by Sebalia her first Husband carried with him into the Wars as his chief delight but he slain and she falling into the Turks hands was a prisoner till Jonuses seeing her far to exceed the other Captives became amorous of her beauty which he finding graced with no less inward Vertues took her to Wife honouring her above all his Wives and Concubines she also loyally seeking to please him lived a while in all worldly felicity but the Bassa fearing lest that which so pleased him gave no less content to others began to distrust her though he saw no cause but his own conceit which jealous humour more and more encreasing he became so froward and imperious that nothing she could say or do could please him tormenting still both himself and her whom he so loved with his passionate distrust till the fair Lady grieved and wearied herewith determined secretly to depart from him into her own Countrey which she discovering to one of her Eunuchs to whom she gave Letters to be conveighed to friends whose help she was to use therein he openly delivered them to his Master who enraged calling for Manto stabbed her with a dagger to the heart So curing his tormenting jeal ousie with the death of his Love But Selimus now come into Syria was advertised from the Hembracor Bassa whom he left on his Frontiers to attend the Persians motion that the hot rumour of their preparations at beginning of Winter was grown cold in heat of Summer he having seen in all that time none but stragling companies shewing as if greater power were coming making oft suddain inroads whom he divers times had prosperously encountred and that it was both by prisoners taken and his own espials reported that Hysmael troubled with the Hyrcanians and Tartars had turned most of his forces against them so that Winter drawing on and deep snows already fallen on Taurus he could not that year look after Asia the less and Syria Some said the Tartars dwelling between Tanais and Volga by Selymus his procurement 〈◊〉 money busied Hysmael by invading the Albanians and Iberians who were under his protection and that by means of his father in law who being of the same Nation easily induced them needy by Rewards to take up Arms against them Many marvelled why Hysmael neglected such an opportunity who 't was thought might have thrust 〈◊〉 out of Asia and Syria while thus busied yea and have destroyed him shut up especially while Campson and Tomombeius made such resistance But others saw that Hysmael was not so strong abroad as at home most of his Army consisting of Gentlemen or those used voluntarily to serve in defensive Wars without pay These valiantest Horsmen of the East did worthily defend the Persian Kingdom upon occasion Warring with near Neighbours also but could by no means away with a longer expedition being so addicted to their Wives and accustomed to draw after them Carriages and Horses even for wanton uses not to be done without wages with which difficulty Usuncassanes was much troubled in his Wars against 〈◊〉 the great but it was harder for Hysmael to do who obtaining his Grandfather's Kingdom by meer good will of the people eased them of their heavy Impositions alwayes thinking the love of his Subjects gotten by Bounty and Justice the surest Riches of his Kingdom c. Whereas Selimus stepping into his Fathers 〈◊〉 by force mischief c. had like the Othoman Kings put his most assured strength in a mercenary kind of men whom for pay he might at pleasure draw far from home from place to place for enlarging of his Empire thoreby deeming true and ready Power to stand only in money and the severity of his own Command Who the Winter following 1518. stayed in Syria visiting its parts and Cities and setting things in order but Spring approaching when he understood that Pope Leo 10th had procured the Christian Princes to consult of Warring upon him c. he leaving Gazelles his Lievtenant in Syria returned to Constantinople there as at hand to behold the Christian Princes motions and devices fearing no alteration in Syria and Egypt to arise since he well saw Cayerbeius and Gazelles were at deadly hatred betwixt themselves as for old grudges so for Cayerbeius's Treason the great cause of the 〈◊〉 ruine Selimus being at Constantinople purposed thenceforth to
peace who meeting him on Servia's borders were courteously received and heard yet had no answer but to follow his Camp and atrend his pleasure the report whereof brought fear on all Germany chiefly the Austrians in whose remembrance were the bleeding wounds of their Country c. Charls the Emperour had a little before for a while well appeased the dissention about Religion put the Germans in hope of a general Councel for deciding all such matters and in a great Assembly of the states of the Empire at Ratisbone shewed them the greatness of the eminent danger c. If they should then fall at variance among themselves offering to go in person with all his old Souldiers in defence of the Christian cause so that highly commending him all other matters then set apart they agreed with one consent to send at a prefixed day such Forces to Vienna as they had in any time before sent Whereupon he wrote to Vastius his Lieutenant General in Italy speedily to call together the old Captains and to leavy what Harquebusiers they could with whom and the Spanish to repair sorthwith into Austria enjoyning Auria his Admiral to rig up a strong Fleet and to go against the Turks Navy into Greece He sent also for his choyce Horsmen out of Burgundy and the Low-countries and many Noble and expert out of Spain entertaining 12000 Germanes for his guard commanded by famous Herbersthene and Tamisius Pope Clement also having exacted from the Clergy a great mass of Money for his Coffers were much emptied by the Florentine Wars whereto his rich Cardinals contributed nothing sent the yong Cardinal Hippolytus Medices his Nephew about 20 years old as his Legate to Charls accompanied with good Captains and store of Treasure whose comming was very welcome for besides his great bounty he entertained 8000 Hungarian Horsmen best acquainted with the Turkish Wars King John thought it now a fit time to wring from Ferdinand what Towns he yet held in Hungary wherefore he sent Aloysius Grittus to besiege Strigonium scituated on Danubius side about 30 miles from Buda the Castle was holden with a strong garrison yet Grittus so besieged it by water and land that the Defendants doubting to hold out chiefly if Solyman took that in his way sent for relief to Gazzianer Governour of Vienna who sent certain smal Frigots down Danubius well manned from Possonium by their unexpected coming to open a way to the Castle hindered by the Turks Fleet but Grittus informed hereof by the Hungarians serving Ferdinand and yet sometime fleeing to either party sent his Fleet up the River to oppress his enemies as they thought to have done him promising great rewards to such as performed any extraordinary service who at first were exceedingly dismaied yet thinking it a great shame to flee couragiously encountred their enemies many being wounded on both sides in that sharp fight at last they of Possonium not able to endure the shot especially of the Turkish Archers fled and but 13 of 60 Frigots escaping with Corporamus their General the rest being sunk or run a shore and forsaken by the Possonians of whom almost 500 were slain After this Grirtus hoping they of the Castle would not long hold out left off battering and under-mining it by keeping them from relief to force them to yield Thus whilst the divided Hungarians sought each others ruine Solyman was ready to devour them and their Country as in fewyears he did The Spanish Souldiers drawn together by Vastius were much about this time come to the Alps being of all sorts about 20000 yet almost the third part not serviceable For the old Souldiers enriched with the long Wars in Italy brought with them all their gotten spoils and their very Women which drew a multitude of Carriages and unnecessary people Wherefore Vastius straitly commanded they should leave behind all such unnecessary Baggage whereat they murmuring presently 〈◊〉 in mutiny for many Captains being rich and disliking that long dangerous expedition covertly put into the Souldiers heads that they all said they would go no further before they had their pay Vastius though he perceived the tumult was raised by some of his enemies yet diss mbling the matter contented them with a month's pay promising the full when they came to the Emperour so having with much ado appeased them he set forward Immediately after followed the Italians so cheerfully offering their service that every Captain brought twice so many as was expected So that Vastius who before doubted their forwardness especially to aid the Germans of whom they had received great harms was now glad to dismiss many Common Souldiers and against his will to displace most of the forward Gentlemen who had gallantly furnished themselves for the Emperour had appointed the number of Italians to be led by old Captains whose valour and discretion he had well experienced They were 14000 select Footmen besides many brave men voluntarily resorting to Vienna Gonsaga followed these with 2000 Horse and some Greek Spanish troops with whom came many noble Gentlemen who served now as private men without pay counting it shame not to be present in that religious War The Emperour also viewing his Low-country Horse and shipping his store of bought Ordnance departed down Danubius from Ratisbone to Lintz which never carried so many Vessels and Souldiers since the time of the great Romane Emperours and yet the Banks on both sides were filled with Horse and Foot passing along under Colours with Drums and Trumpets sounding a most glorious earthly shew Solyman the while in 1532 coming to Belgrade in 56 dayes sent a multitude of Horsmen into Hungarie over the River Savus by Bridges made and leaving Danubius on the right hand marched towards rich Stiria now Stiermarke coming by the way to the little Town Gunza which couragious Jureschitz kept with a smal Garrison of his own not very strongly walled an obscure thing standing in a Plain Abraham very desirous to save the said Captain knowing him to be of great courage and his familiar acquaintance at Constantinople first by perswasions and offers then by terrible threats tried to induce him to yield But finding him resolute he enclosing it round overthrew the Walls by Mines in 3 places which while the Garrison valiantly defended against the Janizarics assaults on the South side the Bassa with his Field-pieces on the Hills from the North grievously annoyed the Defendants Wherewith the Governour troubled though not much discouraged raised a Curtain of Timber and Boards 12 foot-high at his Souldiers backs so that they now shooting at all adventures at the Curtain did nothing such harm as before with desperate and restless labour repairing the Breaches strong as at first 200 Turks Horsmen the while stragling for booty as far as Neostat were by Hungarian Horse all slain and taken whose Heads they bringing to Vienna to encourage the Souldiers set them on stakes upon the Walls Then they knew by the prisoners that Solyman had
next day departing from Algiers the sick and wounded being in the middle of the Army and marching 7 miles the enemy hovering about him he came to the Brook Alcaraz which was now grown so high that it was not to be passed over by a good Horsman wherefore he there encamped in form of a Triangle two sides of his Army being defended by the sea and the Brook the other with a strong guard Many adventuring to swim over were carried away by the stream drowned wherefore a Bridge being made with Masts and Sayl-yards the Italians and Germans passed over the Spaniards foording it over higher up after which the Turks pursued them no further but the Moors and Numidians following at hand were easily repulsed by the Harquebusiers and field-pieces yet on such sick and wounded as could not keep way with the Army they shewed all manner of cruelty Next day wading up to the breasts over another little River they came in 3 dayes to the place of the Fleet encamping in the ruines of the old City Tipasa serving them in stead of a Fortress The sea being now calm the Emperour commanded every man to make ready to go aboard first the Italians next the Germans lastly the Spaniards but it was thought there was scarce Vessels enough left to receive the whole Army though close crowded Wherefore he commanded all the horses though of great worth to bo cast over board to the great grief of the owners who said they should also lose the most notable Race of Horses in Spain But scarce half the Souldiers were embarqued but the East and North wind and then contrary-winds rose whereupon the ships already loaded without command for fear of being driven on Rocks directed their course with full sayls along the Coast who were soon dispersed with 〈◊〉 Tempest into several Countries some being in sight of their fellows swallowed up in the sea and 2 Spanish ships were driven again to Algiers falling on the shoar where the Numidians and Moors came running to kill them as they came ashoar for the barbarous people would not receive them to mercy which cruelty the Spaniards 〈◊〉 got to shoar and standing close desperately withstood them who with their multitude quickly encompassed them yet they made their way through them unto the gates of the City but seeing the Turks salley out they offered to yield themselves prisoners to Assan if they would assure them of life so Assan comming forth gave them his Faith and beating away the Barbarians saved them all to his great gain and commendation of clemency Above two parts of the Germans were either lost by shipwrack or dead of sicknesse The Emperour over-ruled by Auria sailed along the coast Eastward to Buzia in whose Castle kept by Spaniards he found some fresh Victual while he lay here for fair weather A great Genuan ship laded with Victual came into the Bay yet through the violence of the Tempest she was cast away upon the flats yet part of the Victual half-spoyled was driven ashoar well relieving their increasing want The wind of North being come to Northwest he sent away Gonzaga with the Sicilian and Rhodian Galleys putting them in hope to adventure again to sea So with a troublesome course they soon came into the Port of Utica or Farinas where Muleasses hountifully relieved them whence they safely landed in Sicilia The rageing sea becoming calm they reasoned in Council often what course best to take but the wind coming fair at East the Emperour sayled to the Baleares thence arrived at length at the Port of new Carthage in Spain greatly commended even of his Enemies for his wondrous conrage and constancy in so many extremities About this time the dissembled Friendship betwixt Charls aod King Francis brake out into open hatred this thinking himself deluded by the other who had fed him with vain hope of restoring the Dukedom of Millane and lately abused by the death of Rinco his Embassador wherefore he raised a great power in France sending Charls his son with one part into the Low-countries and Henry his other son with the other part to invade Spain setting on the Duke of Cleve in the Low-countries and soliciting Solyman by Polinus his Embassadour to spoyl the borders of Spain with his Galley's while Henry was besieging Perpenna for which he was of most discommended as too much favouring his own grief Polinus passing by many by-wayes to Venice and crossing 〈◊〉 met with Solyman in Misia coming from Buda first offering him a curious Cupboard of Plate weighing 600 pounds and 500 rich garments for the Bassaes and great 〈◊〉 Solyman reading the French Kings Letters and hearing what he had further to say promised him he would not be wanting by sea or Land to give him ayd in his just wars against Charls his enemy telling him when he was come to Constantinople he should have answer by his Bassaes Of all Polinus chiefly desired him to send Barbarussa with his Fleet against next summer into Provence to be employed against the Emperour out of the French Harbour also to request the Venetians to joyn in League with his Master against Charls who began to be dreadful to them when they were come out to Constantinople in the latter end of Decem. Solyman advised Polinus 〈◊〉 return to France and to bring him certain word of the determinate time of undertaking those wars and that he would the while send 〈◊〉 to Venice who would provide such a Fleet in readiness as he desired He exceeding 〈◊〉 speedily returned with 2 goodly Horses and a rich sword presents from Solyman to the French King who discoursing with Polinus 3 days together of his proceedings soon sent him back with full instructions of time and place with other circumstances of the intended War He coming to Venice found not Junusbeius there yet with Pellicerius the French Embassador Legier and others of that faction he laboured with the Senators in behalf of his Master and having audience in the Senate notably pleaded the French Kings cause grievously lamenting the death of the Embassador slain by the Spaniards bitterly inveighing against the Emperor's ambition The Senate declaring the time for Junusbeius his coming gravely answered 〈◊〉 ' 〈◊〉 with the French King ought to be an Ornament to them but no burthen the like they held with the Emperour whom they would in no case seem to cast off though they had been by him over-raught that they were generally of opinion to preserve their peace having in hard times of war endured great extremities hardly to be recovered with long peace whether 't were good for them to thrust themselves into war being in League with 3 of the greatest Princes of the World Junusbeius the while arrived there requesting that the League made by Badoerius might be confirmed and requested only to joyn further courtesies to that amity which they held with the French King and the rather because Solyman accounting him for his Brother had also
content to yield on reasonable conditions 〈◊〉 the great Commanders of the Turks would seven times 〈◊〉 swear to perform them they willed him to set them down which were that the Cossacks might safely depart with Horses and Armour that they should send him alive and in good safety to Selimus to 〈◊〉 his own cause covenanting nothing for the Moldavians whose injury he said tended to the hurt of the Emperour himself and of him that should be Vayuod these 〈◊〉 being seven times confirmed by Oath accordingly the Vayuod brought all his Army out of their Trenches taking with heavy heart his last leave of them to their 〈◊〉 dividing his money and Jewels among them and disarming himself went onely with one Polonian like a Suppliant to the Turk's Camp talking four houres with the great Commanders till at last Capucius Bassa with his Scimitar struck him a great blow acrosse the face and another acrosse the belly whom yet but half dead the Janizaries took and cut off his Head which was set on a Lance for all to behold they tearing his body to pieces having bound his feet to two Cammels and happy was he that could get any little piece thereof or embrew his Sword in the least drop of his blood The Turks forthwith set upon the Moldavians and slew them down-right whereupon the Cossacks thrusting in among the thickest of the Turks and valiantly fighting were all slain except a few of the better sort Suiercevius being one who were afterwards for great sums redeemed when they could by no meanes be perswaded to turn Turks The Turks over-running all Moldavia put all the Nobility with many Countrey people to the Sword sending great numbers in Colonies into the farthest parts of the Turkish Empire and placing strong Garrisons in the Towns and Castles Thus all Valachia was by Selimus joyned to the Turkish Empire in 1574 opening also thereby a fair and easie way for his Successors to enter into Podolia or Russiayea and into Poland it self Selimus not a little grieved with the losse of the Kingdom of Tunis cast in his minde how to recover the same and thrust the Spaniards out of Guletta Castle of no small moment which with Malta served as two most sure Bulwarks against the Turks and Moores adventures by whose meanes they many times came short home wherefore Selimus having made great preparation commanded Sinan Piall and Uluzales speedily to passe over with his Fleet into Africk to besiege Tunis and Guletta before which they came with 300 Galleys July 13. Other Turks men of Warre from Alexandria Algiers c. 〈◊〉 unto them At first they besieged the water-Tower wherein were 800 Souldiers well provided who maintained the place till most were slain by often assaults the rest retiring by Command into the Castle the Turks losing 3000 men in taking of it Then besieging the Castle of Guletta they from divers Mounts most terribly battered it whence the deadly shot was sent again among them not sparingly but after many surious assaults and much harm done on both sides the Turks took the Channel of the Lake of Tunis and to hinder the 〈◊〉 relief assaulted them day and night without ceasing yet some Companies sent from the New 〈◊〉 got in after which the besieged sallying out Aug. 20 repulsed them with an exceeding slaughter but the Bassaes without ceasing still bringing on fresh Souldiers after a most terrible assault all day about two houres before Sun-set they took the Castle Aug. 23. scarce 200 Souldiers being alive therein who with the other weak people were cut in pieces whatever other wealth the Turks there found they had great store of Victualls Armour Ammunition and 400 Pieces of Ordnance They forthwith laid siege to the new Castle betwixt Guletta and Tunis not yet wholly finished wherein Serbellio and Salazar lay with 4000 good Souldiers Serbellio answering the Bassaes first summons Aug. 24 that he had promised the King his Master to give him a better account of the place and being also very old could not endure the Turks yoak but would hold it out to the last man which by sallies and repulses they truly persormed But the Turks little feeling or regarding the losse of men to gain the place at length Septemb 13th after six houres furious assault with all their force slaying most of the Defendants took it Serbellio shot with two Bullets would have 〈◊〉 in the midst of the Turks but by Piall's hasty coming in both he and Salazar were taken alive all the rest were put to the Sword The Bassa in his rage struck Serbellio causing his Son to be murdered in his sight yet the Turks lost above 30000 men in lesse than three moneths space Then they marching to Tunis easily took it overthrowing its Fortifications because it should no more rebel Mahomet the young King being sent with Carrera Captain of Guletta in bonds to Constantinople The Bassaes departing thence came with 400 Sail Octob. 4th within sight of Malta nevertheless they turned aside sailing directly to Constantinople Shortly after Selimns spent with Wine and Women died Decemb. 9th 1574 51 years old reigning eight buried at Hadrianople of a mean Stature heavy disposition his face swollen much like a Drunkard of least valour of the Othoman Kings leaving his Empire to Amurath his eldest Sonne more temperate but not much greater in courage The Life of Amurath the third Sixth Emperour of the Turks SElimus's Death was for fear of the Janizaries concealed by the Bassaes till Amurath speedily advertized thereof arrived at Constantinople out of Asia about 12 dayes after taking possession of the Empire in the Seraglio Decemb. 25 being about 30 or as some 27 years old of a manly Stature pale and corpulent his beard thin and long not of so fierce a countenance as the Othoman Princes being of a peaceable disposition loving justice and in his superstition very zealous reforming the riot and excesse grown by his Fathers ill example by his own and the severe punishment of notorious Drunkards yet he is reported to drink oft plentifully of Wormwood-Wine much subject to the Falling-sickness and sore troubled with the Stone and yielding more to the counsel of his Mother Wife and Sister than of his great Bassaes which many imputed to him for simplicity To appease the murmuring of the Janizaries disappointed of the spoil of the Christians and Jewes he besides the usual largesse augmented their wages and granted their Sons at 20 years old to be enrolled among the younger Janizaries and partake of their immunities whereby he won their favours exceedingly And to rid himself of all competitors he caused his five Brethren Mustapha Solyman Abdulla Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Solyman's Mother overcome with sorrow struck her self to the heart with a Dagger at which Amurath is reported to shed some teares as not delighting in such cruelty but that his State and Government so required At first he
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
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
of Basta making choice of a most fit time for the performance thereof for Basta upon the trust he now had of the Transilvanian's allegiance being with a small power come from Claudionopolis then laying at Wiscebourg upon the confines of Hungary the Transilvanians believed that through the necessity of his presence in Hungary he should stay there for that year as the Emperour 's General◠whereupon many both of the Nobility and others before by Moyses prepared and now by his presence encouraged joyned themselves unto him against the Imperials Moyses first forced a Castle about three Leagues from Wiscebourg and slew all the Garrison which exploit encouraging him and full of hope in the absence of Basta he as Master of the Field forraged robbed and spoiled besieging Wiscebourg a small Town neither by art or nature strong howbeit it held out three weeks siege and having a breach made in the Walls endured two Assaults After which the besieged out of hope to be relieved by the weak forces of Basta yielded to him the Town upon saving their lives and goods and so departed to 〈◊〉 Albeit the Haiducks failed not to follow these Warres in Transilvania and were ever taking some prey from the Enemy the chiefest meanes whereby they live not a little also easing thereby the Countrey by repressing the excursions and pillages of the Turks where among other prisoners they lighted upon a Chiaus come from Constantinople going toward Moyses from the Sultan Mahomet who examined confessed that Moyses was in great grace with his Lord and Master of which he was sent to assure him as also of all the needful assistance of his Prince if he should bring Transilvania under his subjection as he had promised sworn whereby he should not onely gain credit but be made Lievtenant Gen. of the Sultan's Army there he said also that Mahomet had on foot an Army of 150000 men to conquer Pesth and Strigonium which had already made towards Hungary had it not been for some Rebellion whom for all that he would soon chastise and turn his whole Forces upon the Emperour Moyses finding much Ordnance in Wiscebourg resolved to besiege Basta in Sosinnar whither Basta came with his small forces But he better acquainted with Martiall affaires than Moyses thought best first to take order for strengthning of the place and then to provide as he could for the safety of himself and his wherefore he advertising the Governour of Cassova of his necessity he presently commanded six Companies of Horsemen to thrust into Sosinnar for the better defence thereof who either fearing or favouring the Rebels Army without any attempt at all given returned to Cassova much provoking the Countrey by the way by their pilfering and out-rages but now craving pardon of their Governour who was about with the rest of his power to cut them in pieces they offered him six principall Authours of their disloyalty who were forthwith executed and their quarters hanged upon Gibbets by the high way side but Basta the while was without succour and the place wherein he lay in danger of taking howbeit the TRANSILVANIANS thereabouts resolved to relieve him both for fear of the TURKS bondage and of the tyranny of MOYSES one of whose Secretaries with Letters of Credence threatned all the Countrey with all kind of miseries if they helped not with all their power to force and win the place Amongst others RADOL of VALACHIA raised immediately eight thousand men which he presently sent to the relief of Basta Moyses hearing hereof and also that Basta having well fortified the place was departed assuring his men there left to relieve them and that he was gathering together his Army of himself raised his Siege and departed whom the TURKS forthwith forlook being called back by the Bassa of Temeswar to repress the Haiducks who in the absence of most of the Garrison had desperately assailed those Suburbs slaying all they found there and rifling and burning them and so returned to VERADIN yet not so contented were every day abroad seeking after new booty which caused the Bassa to call the TURKS home into their Garrisons Moyses notwithstanding was yet Master of the Field Basta not daring to oppose him the Succours from Valachia being not yet come which he daily expected yet there were many hot skirmishes betwixt the stragling Souldiers on both sides as they met seeking after booty Moyses therefore laid siege to Claudionopolis a great but weak City and for that cause not very well manned Howbeit the Souldiers and Inhabitants standing upon their defence Moyses was constrained to batter it and in very short time had made a very fair breach ready now to have given the assault whereupon the besieged gave up the City the Citizens having life goods liberty and Religion saved and to stay there still and the Souldiers with Arms and Baggage to be safely brought over the Mountains into some place of surety The Rebell much encouraged resolved to make this the Seat of his Principality The Turks and Tartars allured with the smell of riches repaired thither on every side so that Moyses's Army hope and fortune encreased sending to Temeswar for his Wife and Family to come to him to Claudionople with a Convoy of four hundred Turks who being come thither and about to have led the Wife and Family out of the City were not suffered by the Janizaries so to do telling him The Sultan had found so many disloyalties treacheries and treasons in the Hungarians Transilvanians and Valachians that doubting of the fidelity of Moyses he was resolved to keep this gage for more assurance and that they should receive nothing from him but favour so long as he received from Moyses the effects of his loyalty but he should never hope to enjoy them but in Temeswar or some such like place assured for his service Moyses astonied was much moved against the Sultan complaining in his soul that having ruinated his faith honour and the welfare of his Countrey to assure him of his fidelity he yet doubted of his constancy c. In the mean time the Valachian-Succours were upon the borders of Transilvania under the Conduct of Marsa the Vayuods Lievtenant and Basta was gathering together his forces hourly expecting 2000 Horsemen out of Silefia wherefore Moyses marched with 30000 men to cut off the Valachians before they could come far into Transilvania or joyn with Basta learning the place where they were to enter their numbers and the way they were to hold so the Valachians being but 8000 and the Turks and Tartarian Horsemen being at their backs must needs fight or die Necessity indeed gave courage to the weaker side yet the greater number at length prevailed so that after a great fight wherein a great number of Turks and Tartars were slain the Valachians left their dead Companions with Tents and Baggage and fled yet often making stands The Rebels now fearing no harm divided the spoil filling the Heavens with the noise of Trumpets
in token of Victory which disorder the Valachians perceiving turned head and serring close together couragiously thrust themselves into the midst of these Victors which so dismayed and troubled them that surprized in disorder with their hands full of spoiles they could not recover themselves some stood as men amazed others ran away others stood on their defence but all were alike slain so that at last most of them were cut in pieces and the rest put to flight Moyses himself being slain Of which Victory the Vayuod certified Basta sending him 25 of the Enemies Ensigns and writing that the dead Body of Moyses was found among the midst of the dead slain even at the first charge wherein his Guard was overthrown And because some had given out he was not dead nor present at that Battel his Head was set up at Cārolstad upon a Launce for all men to behold But another Rebel called Albert Nage by and by starts up who with 6000 Transilvanians Turks Tartars Cossacks and Moldavians made head towards Lippa against whom Basta speedily sent 3000 Haiducks well acquainted with the Countrey for the Rebels chiefly sought by taking the advantages of places to delay time and gain purchase whom the Haiducks surprizing near to Ferre-Castle where they meant to have charged them they suddenly overtaken and supposing them to have been more than they were made small resistance but by flight shifted every man for himself most of them being slain and their Chieftain with much adoe saved to be at another time justly executed Basta being again become Master of the Field very soon after reduced all Transilvania under the Emperors obeisance to whom he with the Vaynod sent 100 Ensigns with some other rich spoils of the Rebels for a Present all which the Master of the Ceremonies in great Pomp led together with Moyses's Horse exceeding richly furnished to whom the Emperour in reward sent a Chain of Gold by Count Fustenberg Basta now resolved to besiege Temeswar marched towards Lippa there to meet with the Vayuod's Forces His Army consisted of 20000 men well furnished and having 25 Pieces of Ordnance of the enterprise every man had good hope but his Souldiers at the siege 〈◊〉 excessively feeding upon Fruit whereof there was that year great store though he most straightly commanded none to be eaten or brought into the Camp so many died of the Bloody-Flux that he was glad to be gone Count Solmes the while laying at Carolstad set forth with 400 Souldiers of his Garrison to surprise Wiscenburg without any great resistance becoming Masters thereof but the Citizens over-grieved with their insolent out-rages opened their Gates to the Rebels of Transilvania even then fled from the overthrow who full of revenge and too strong for them so slaughtered them in the streets they also of the Town from above helping them that the Count had but sixty left alive who with himself were thrust into a strong and loathsom prison Now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army into Hungary there came together an Army of 25000 Foot and 10000 Horse well appointed of which gallant Army Lord Russworme was for this year made Generall who therewith marched in sight of Strigonium to assure it of relief if the Enemy as newes then went should chance to besiege them Laying there three weeks waiting for the rest of the forces he the while disposed of all things needful for keeping of Strigonium putting into St. Andrews Fort near unto it 3000 Lansquenets for its relief then he removed towards Posth encamping within a League thereof hoping that the preservation thereof if the Enemy should befiege it might in time be a cause to win Buda The Turks Army being 100000 men few dayes after came and encamped in sight of the Christian Army on the other side of Danubius In the mean time certain Souldiers of Pesth fled by stealth to the TURKS in BUDA craving of them Victuals whom though they were almost in as great want they bountiously relieved the Bassa of BUDA to corrupt their followers entertaining these Fugitives with double pay who gave him a thousand thanks greatly 〈◊〉 his bounty and from the Walls inviting their Companions to do as they had done yet although they from the BASSA'S mouth 〈◊〉 them plenty of Victuals good entertainment and four moneths pay more none of them hearkened to their allurements but rather offered of themselves to be sworn again to their allegiance to the Emperour and to die in the place rather then forsake it yet was the want of Victuals then in Pesth great but ere long May 15th a great Ship laden with Wine and Victualls arrived there whose passage the Turks attending in the Isle to have intercepted they of Pesth sallying out killed many of them forcing the rest to quit the place and shortly after a number of other Ships laden with provision and necessaries arriving there filled it with as great plenty as there had been want which being conducted thither by 500 Harquebusiers of Strigonium the Turks of Buda durst not or could not stay it At the same time a Turkish Captain fleeing from Alba Regalis to Rab shewed the Christians how they might come to the Suburbs thereof and spoil the same yea and happily surprize the Town offering himself also to be the Guide to whom the Christians then giving credit the two Garrisons of Rab and Strigonium surprized the Suburbs of Alba Regalis slaying all that resisted rifling them firing them and so laden with spoil returned in safety Then also Lord Nadasti Col. Mesbourg and Count Thur with their Hungarians Almaines and Hussars on the other side of Danubins to brave the Enemy marched over the plain with a Convoy of Victuals for Pesth at mid-day with Trumpers gallantly sounding the Turks from the Walls of Buda beholding the same but not daring to adventure upon it The Haiducks left at the Castle of Adom commodious for impeaching the bringing of Victuals to Buda and for relief of Pesth now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army trussed up their baggage fired the Castle and retired to Strigonium where the Governour examining them why they fled and what Enemies chased them thence whereof they rendering no reason but their imaginary fear he imprisoned them there to remain till order were taken by the General for their further punishment Mahomet amidst all his delights was in the midst of the insolencies of his tumultuous Janizaries at home and abroad in Warres against the rebellious in Asia and the Christians in Europe wherefore he resolved if possible first to appease the troubles with his subjects in Asia though the punishing of Rebellion is more needful in a Prince to maintain his State than is Warre against a stranger for conquering of a new Countrey Howbeit the Sequel shewed Falshood and treachery was the ground of the whole business on both sides Mahomet spared no kind of cunning to deceive these crafty men offering them with his pardon great
in great fear of this young Achmat who in his behaviour and actions much resembled Mahomet the 2d and like a young Alexander occupied himself in all Exercises of War hating idleness c. So that it was greatly to be feared that he would have brought Christendom under his obeysance He soon put to death divers of his chief Nobles and domestick Servants with one Bassa also who was Governour of Pesth when it was wonne But let us return into Hungary taking Transilvania in our way which sometime renowned and plentifull Province was by civil discord and Rebellion against the Emperour not by 〈◊〉 invasion so wasted and spoiled by the Souldiers on all sides that many Inhabitants for want of food fell down dead in the streets and fields miserable wretches alwayes sowing but never reaping labouring but not profiting so that at length the fields lay untilled the Pastures unstored and neglected and all 〈◊〉 unmanured and quite out of course so that the poor Peasants having eaten up all the Doggs Cats Mice and 〈◊〉 they could get à te dead Horses and other hunger-starved Carrion they report also one man eat another And that at Hermanstat a Woman having six Children they ate each other till all six 〈◊〉 devoured and that two men did eat their own Mother yea malefactors hanged were by the hungry people cut down and devoured people generally living onely on roots of Weeds green Herbs and leaves of Trees whereupon all parties agreed a general Assembly of the States to be holden at Dewa where they accorded that all Hostility set a part the Gentlemen of Transilvania having by Rebellion forfeited life and Land should be pardoned their lives with 3 parts of their Lands and that for ready money they might redeem of the 〈◊〉 the 4th part also but the moveables of such as died in those troubles and already confiscated should so remain and they to pay their dismes or tenth of their Wine and Fruits to the Emperour and that no exercise of Religion to be permitted them but the Romish onely and that Constat and Clausenberg within three weeks to pay the one twenty thousand Dollars the other eight thousand and their MAGISTRATES to deliver up the Keyes of the Towns with all power into the hands of the EMPEROUR'S Lievtenant and the Gentlemen hereof that would not be accounted as Rebels to take Letters of pardon of the GENERALL which pacification gave some little breathing-time to this poor distressed Countrey whose people in hope began to give themselves to their wonted labours but alas all in vain for the Souldiers enured to prey made havock of all things the causes whereof were the Nobility and Gentlemen who as they took it oppressed by the GERMANES and being rather necessitated than upon any desire to yield to the said pacification still under-hand incited the Souldiers and in what they could troubled the GERMAN'S Government whom they accounted but as strangers which doings BASTA perceiving apprehended three of the greatest Gentlemen suspected to be the Authours of these troubles and mured them fast up betwixt two strong Walls in an old Monastery whose friends coming to visit them and finding them starved to death were much abashed as were their complices when they heard thereof Now the TURKS having provided ALBA REGALIS AGRIA and BUDA of necessaries and put into Agria in four Wagons the pay due to their Garrisons began to scoffe and jest at the CHRISTIANS credulity that they had any purpose to conclude on any thing not agreeing with their profit how farre soever differing from their honour or faith so that they renewed their wonted incursions and pillages in more cruel manner than ever the Hussars on the other side requiting them with the like being as well contented as the Turks with these doings Now eighty Turks going forth for booty met with these Hussars who being too weak fled some being taken and brought to the General who upon examination confessed that the Turks much marvelled at the simplicity folly of the Christians to believe that they were 〈◊〉 of peace and not to have discovered their so manifest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the contrary c. and that young Achmat was alwayes against this Treaty whatever shew by 〈◊〉 of the Persian Victorie he made to the contrary aiming 〈◊〉 no other mark but the ruine of Christendom The 〈◊〉 of Pappa and Vesprinium first began the broils 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 who conjoyning met with a number of 〈◊〉 driving Cattel toward Alba Regalis carrying away with the Cattel them prisoners and one night 20 Christians prisoners in Buda cutting the throats of their keepers oppressed with Wine and sleep escaped to Pesth In the mean time Zeffer Bassa supported with the Sultan's Authority and desirous to be revenged with a great Army suddenly entred Bosna overthrowing Zellaly fearing no such matter and chasing him quite out of the Province recovered that Government again But short was his joy thereof for within few dayes after he died The Court-Bassaes loath now to lose such a Souldier as Zellaly who as distressed was shifting for himself or by hard 〈◊〉 to deterr the other Asian Rebels from coming in yet unwilling to trust him with so great a Government as Bosna made him Governour of Temeswar and Begedes Bassa before Governour there to succeed Zeffer Bassa But the States of Hungary appointing a generall Meeting at Possonium wherein Matthias was to sit as President to 〈◊〉 of meanes to maintain this years Warres as the Arch-Duke was about to enter the City among his Souldiers a sudden fire arose which consumed most part thereof which evil presage and woful Spectacle turned all men from his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 of the raging fire Besides which and the harms then done by the Turks in other parts of Hungary holden by the Christians Col. Althem's Regiment had so spoiled the Countrey where it lay that the people in generall grievously 〈◊〉 to the Emperour he caused the Authours of these g eat outrages to be brought prisoners to Vienna where 〈◊〉 were beheaded and some hanged and son e other Captains and Lievtenants derying the fact and others justifying what they had done as of extream necessity were for further tryall sent prisoners to Prague amongst whom was Althem's Auncient who had lately slain Neudercy a Gentleman and his fellow in Arms for which he was committed into a very high and strong Tower within the Castle till his Triall who through guilt of conscience and horror of that criminal place one of his Lacquies finding meanes to bring him a long Cord by straining himself out at a little Window whereby 〈◊〉 thought almost impossible for any man to get out got safely down and by two good Horses ready for him escaped his Keepers drunk over night being found in the morning yet sleeping Of the other Officers some were beheaded and some hanged the rest at the intercession of great men were pardoned yet so that they should pay their fines and serve the Emperour three moneths of
gave thanks to God and were very joyfull Soon after News came to Yas that the Sultan had appointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Moldavia much better than Valachia sending Skinder Bassa with a powerful army to settle him and expel Alexander And June 25. 1616. he came to Tergovist where was Michna with great preparations the Bassa entred with 30 or 40 Musicians on horseback making but silly musick and many Pages who for cloaks ware Leopards Lions and Tigers skins his army being about twenty thousand men Turks and Tartars to whom Michna joyned with ten thousand horse and 〈◊〉 Being come into the Castle after many complements the Bassa and Michna entred into a great Hall where he presented him his Letters Patents and a Robe his Master had sent him Michna putting it on in presence of his Nobles and being proclaimed Prince and Vayuod of Moldavia with many ceremonies Then Michna led the Bassa into another great Hall where was a Feast prepared offering to serve him but he made him sit down right against him July 2d they marched into Moldavia but the Princess Alexanders Mother maintained that the Bassa came onely to bring the Patents to her Son by reason of Bassa's former Letters was the cause of their utter ruine About which time Zolchelchy the Polish Kings General through Envie and private Interest wrote to Michna and the Bassa if they would promise him to procure the eldest Son of Simeon living with him to be Prince of Valachia he would so weaken Alexander's Army that he must yield or flee which granted he wrote to some Cossack Captains to come speedily into Poland to go with Uladislam their Kings Son chose Duke of Muscovie who would go thither with a great Army through some crosses and they should be very well paid Wherefore concealing that Invitation they began to mutiny saying If they had not money speedily they would be gone 8000 of whom went early in the morning with great store of cattel and the spoils they had gotten Likewise Bicho Alexanders General whether through fear or being corrupted retired toward the Enemy with two thousand horse Hereupon many advised Alexander to retreat yea Michna for fear of his false Prophets fore-warning wrote and advised him to retire into Poland before his Army approached nearer Alexander went to counsel July 25. but they could not resolve most of the Army demanding their pay or they would not fight which they took for a pretext of retreating The mean while Michna's Vanguard of Tartars approaching made them march from Yas towards Cochina but the Tartars having notice went and charged them in the Rear where Potoskie having slain many with his own hand was at last slain with an arrow ' Tischevich coming speedily with a Troop of Cossacks suriously slew 800 Tartars on the place routing the rest Alexander answered Michna's Letter That contrary to his promise he had craved aid of the Turks to dispossess him of Moldavia to which his predecessors never laid claim neither could they according to the Laws and Conventions when the Moldavians submitted to the Sultan none to be Vayuod there unless there born also he minded him that he might have dispossessed him of Valachia when he entred Bonza which he would not sending him all his rich moveabls and that if he abused his present Power God would not let him go unpunished and though his Army were far lesse than his yet he feared them not putting his chief confidence in the Almighty who had used them oft to abate the Turks Pride which he should abhorre if a true Christian rather than joyn to satisfie his ambition Skinder Bassa seeing this Letter and incensed Commanded his Lievtenant to pursue the Poles with 12000 choyse Men who being then at Cotnard Alexander hereupon made them advance towards 〈◊〉 at which time Cherban's Chancellour who came with 150 Horse to assure him that his Master was coming with 5 or 6000 to ayd him was pursued by the Turks near Yas onely himself and one more escaping So that Alexander could have no sure News of Cherban Coreski also who stayed with 2500 Horse not far from Cotnard was encountred by a great Troop which he could not discover for a little Mountain he charged some of them But one Troop being defeated another succeding he must retreat yet he slew almost 6000 Enemies not above 250 of his own being lost The Turkish Commander amazed hereat collecting his Men joyned with 15000 others sent from Yas approaching very near to the Polonians where encouraging his Men he sent a Challenge to Coreski by a Captain whom he confest the most Valiant of all the Polonians who coming and delivering his Charge Coreskie though he could not stand or sit on Horse-back for his wounds would have accepted the Challenge if Alexander and the rest had not caused him to excuse himself through indisposition shewing what the event of such a Combat did import the Princesses also instantly intreating and his dearest Spouse who was much afflicted for his wounds Tischevich intreated leave of Alexander that he might accept thereof for his cousin Coreskie which grantred he sent to know if the Turks General would own it which he did knowing what Tischevich was The Combat was to be betwixt the Armies within a quarter of a League of each other and neither Party to be assisted The Turks General being about 50 paces from his Army washed his Mouth Eyes Nose Ears and privy Parts believing after his Law that it would serve as a purifying then praying toward the East and so mounting richly Armed and Furnished marched softly towards Tischevich who attended him they began with Bowes and Arrowes not hurting each other till Tischevich shooting the Turk thorow with a Petronel in his striving to rise he rodd over him wounding him in the right Arm and at next blow slew him then cutting off his head he carried it to Alexander The Poles were very joyful and the Turks much amazed advertising the Bassa and Michna they must bring all the Army and Cannon if they would be revenged In the mean time Bicho the Traytor with 2000 Tartars and Moldavians got before the 〈◊〉 to hinder their passage from Cotnard to Michna's Army investing them on the right hand and the Turks behind so that they had but on the left a Wood to favour their retrait who being so invironed Resolved to Fortifie themselves with their Ca t s and Carriages but they were but 5 or 6000 to 22 or 23000 as they were thought to be true Cherban and Bossi were within 2 dayes journey with 10 or 12000 Men which made the Enemy the more to advance who coming near their Camp and desiring onely to take the Princes and Princesses prisoners with the chief Nobles summoned the Polonians to deliver them into their hands the rest to depart with Bag and Baggage But they all answered They would rather die than commit such base treachery Hereupon some Canons were discharged a great number of Poles being slain and wounded