would have had all the Rebels put to the sword but by Eivases they were generally pardoned Amurath coming to Boga hanged the Captain and intending to pursue him hired by chance a Genoway ship to transport his Army into Europe for Mustapha caused the shipping to be brought to the other side He now fleeing to Hadrianople fearing to be betrayed speeded thence coming to an obscure place in the Country whence the pursuers brought him bound to Amurath at Hadrianople where he was hanged from the battlements of a high Tower Some Writers report him indeed to be Bajazet's Son but the Turkish Histories reporting as before call him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha c. 〈◊〉 of the common Souldiers apparelled and armed like Janizaries sell into the true Janizaries hands Amurath's guard who used them with all possible indignities A Janizary being hungry brought 2 of these to a Cooks shop to sell them for a little victuals who refusing to give him as having no use of such the Janizary swore to cut off their heads and give them him for nought if he would not redeem them for a thing of nought The Cook moved with pity offered him a Sheeps head which he took swearing he had given more than they were worth which disgrace is yet often objected by the insolent Janizaries telling these Asapi in their rage two of them are not worth a sodden Sheeps head Amurath was not a little grieved to think that this dangerous rebellion was first plotted by the Greeks and then 〈◊〉 by the Emperour of whom 〈◊〉 to be revenged he sent Michael Ogli with his Europeans to 〈◊〉 about Constantinople following in person with the Janizaries and Asians filling the Land's neck before the City from Sea to Sea and beginning furiously to batter the walls but they stronger than he supposed and the Defendants still repairing he ceasing his battery desperately assaulted it but they were notably repulsed some losing their hands some their armes but most their lives no shott falling from the walls in vain Which Amurath beholding sounded a retreat and shortly in great rage departed To whom the Emperour sending about peace he would not hear but threatned ere long to be revenged Wherefore the Emperour to keep him busied devised with the Caramanian King countenancing another Amurath's younger Brother to his no small trouble Mahomet had 5 Sons and 7 Daughters Mustapha surnamed the little was the second who being but 13 years old was set up by Caramanian and other Mahometan and Christian Princes to impeach Amurath's greatnesse who strengthened with their forces besieged Nice at length yielded to him But Amurath corrupting by great gifts and promises Ilias Beg the Princes Tutor he in 9 dayes came to Nice entring with small resistance Mustapha being presented by the Tutor to him who because he would not spill a drop of Sacred Othoman blood strangled him with a bow-string buried at Prusa Amurath now fearing no Competitour removed the 3 Bassaes into honourable places retaining onely Eivases and Ibrahim of his Council Eivases being shortly accused that he sought to aspire the Kingdome usually wearing a privy Coat the Tyrant jealous cast his arme about him as in kindnesse as he rod with him finding him secretly armed would know the cause who answered for fear of some enemies in Court but he forthwith apprehended had his eyes burnt out with a hot steel glasse Mahumethes the while Caramanian King besieged Attalia 6 months Valiantly 〈◊〉 d by Amurath's Lievtenant the King being slain with a great shot as he viewed the City Ibrahim succeeeding brake up the siege to bury his Father Then also Dracula of Valachia passing Danubius did much hurt about Silistra but afterwards was forced to become Amuraths tributary Tzunites then about pretending an interest of descent in the Seignory of Aidinia by all meanes vexed Jaxis Beg the Lievtenant secretly favoured of the Country what they durst Amurath Commanded Anatolia's Viceroy with all power to war on him who invaded the Princes Country who meeting him well provided gave him battle Hasan the Prince's son with a part put part of the Turks to flight and too furiously pursuing left his Father hard beset by the Viceroy glad to flee to Hipsily Castle Hasan returning ignorant of the hap was overcome and taken The Viceroy presently besieging the Castle after a while the Prince in extremity yielded to him without Violence to him or his son to be sent prisoners to Amurath the Viceroy promising it by Oath Iaxis whose brother the Prince by chance before taking put to death attending Hamze to his tent and Hasan as the Turks manner 〈◊〉 sitting on the ground drawing him by the Coller to his fa hers feet struck off his head and in the same rage the aged Prince's also to the great dishonour or the Viceroy Their heads set on 2 Launces in the Castles sight the defendants yielded After Zunites his death all this territory was united to the Othoman Kingdome After all this Amurath married Isfendiars Daughter He now thought high time to 〈◊〉 revenge of the Greek Princes that aided the Rebels aforesaid wherefore ranging with a great Army thorow Macedonia to Thessalonica he surprized divers places belonging to the Emperour by the way This famous City sometime for beauty and wealth not inferiour to any in Greece Amurath hardly besieged with 〈◊〉 battery corrupting secretly some Citizens to have let him in by a secret Mine which being by the Venetian Governours perceived the plotters 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 fled to the Turks Amurath promising his Souldiers all its spoyle if they wan it so inflamed them especially the Janizaries that by a most terrible assault they entred the City The Venetians fleeing to their Galleys got to Sea but no tongue or pen describe the miseries the Christian Citizens endured heartily wishing to die and could 〈◊〉 The furious enemy devoured all Sexes and Ages but those who for strength or comelinesse were reserved to labour and lust afterwards dispersed into most miserable slavery The infinite riches became a spoile the houses desolate given for a habitation to such Turks as at pleasure repaired thither and at this day possessed by them This happened in 1432 〈◊〉 returning to Hadrianople sent Caratze with most of his Army into Aetolia whose Prince Charles dying a little before divided Acharnania amongst his 3 Base sons leaving the rest to his Brothers Son Charles Shortly after Amurath sending aid to one of the brethen falling at discord in fine subjected all Aetolia to himself The Princes of Athens Phocis Boetia and all Greece unto Corinths strait terryfied hereby became tribularies to the Tyrant living long under his slavery Thus the Greeks lost their liberty c. and 〈◊〉 now so degenerate that whereas they accounted all Nations 〈◊〉 in comparison themselves are 〈◊〉 no lesse 〈◊〉 John Castriott who reigned in Epirus seeing how the Turk 〈◊〉 against his Neighbour-Princes for peace delivered his 4 Sons Szanstius Reposius Constantine and George Hostages to Amurath promising well
the part of the Kingdom whence Mahomet drave his Father who both together were 〈◊〉 unable by all friends they could make to encounter with Bajazet's great power Zemes with gifts from the Sultan and promised aid met the Caramanian perswading the contrary on Asia the lesse its borders where they concluded joyntly to invade Bajazet and entring Cilicia now Caramannia they encamped between Iconium and Larenda Bajazet fearing more the revolt of his Souldiers than his Brothers power raised an Army of 200000 men sending Achmetes before with one part in his march a rumour was in the Camp that some Captains had conspired to betray him into his Brothers hands and that many upon joyning battel would revolt to his Brother wherefore Bajazet doubting what to do divided a masse of money amongst the Army loading them with ample promises they shewing fidelity and valour then drawing nigh Iconium he glozingly shewed a desire to come to some agreement with them secretly endeavouring to stop all passages that they might not retire into Syria Zemes weighing his own weak forces timely retired to Mount Amanus's straits dividing Cilicia from Syria perswading the Caramanian to give place unto the time c. So breaking up his Army he with a few came to Cilicia's Sea-coast hiring a tall Ship to save himself upon sudden danger sending the while to Damboys that since he had no safety amongst his own people he would upon his safe conduct come into Rhodes The great Master deeming his flight to be much profitable to Christians presently sent to fetch him but before the Gallies came Zemes was forced by the access of his enemies to go aboard the afore prepared Ship and putting a little from shoar he shot an Arrow back with fastened Letters directed to Bajazet shewing he fled not to the Christians for hatred of his Religion or Nation but as enforced thereto by his injurious dealing but he surely hoped that he or his Children should receive the just guerdon of that his tyranny which Bajazet reading it 's reported he altogether mourned shunning for a season as half distracted all speech and company Zemes being honourably entertained at Rhodes alleadged 3 dayes after in the Knights publique assembly for colour of his rebellion that Bajazet though the elder was born whilest his Father lived in a private estate but he was his Fathers first-born being an Emperour c. yet he could have been content to have given him place so he would have granted him some small portion of the Empire c. wherefore he hoped to finde succour in that his distress protesting that if ever he should by their meanes obtain the Empire he would make with them a perpetual peace and rest their friend for ever Damboys chearing him promised to keep him safe from his Brothers fury and to commend his cause to other Christian Princes He was now about 28 years old tall somewhat corpulent and well limb'd gray-eyed somewhat squinting hook nosed rising in the middle brown spare of speech chollerick a great feeder delighting in swimming melancholy c. never to be drawn from his superstition learned writing the History of his Fathers life But Bajazet things being well quieted returned to Constantinople attending some new motion by his Brother to be made but hearing he was at Rhodes he sent certain Bassaes to Damboys to deliver up Zemes for a wondrous summ of money Which when it could not be obtained they concluded a commodious peace for the Rhodians also agreeing that Zemes should be kept in safe custody Bajazet to pay in consideration and for his honourable usage 30000 Duckets yearly to the Master Aug. 1. While Achmetes was employed abroad Bajazet discoursing with the other Bassaes on his late expedition against his Brother seemed highly offended with the untrustiness of some great Captain seeming somewhat to distrust Achmetes wherefore Isaac Bassae whose Daughter Achmetes had put away as aforesaid taking hold of the opportunity increased his suspition sometimes imagining intelligence to have passed betwixt Zemes and Achmetes and forthwith amplifying his power with the Janizaries so that he might thereby do more in Zemes his quarrel than should stand with Bajazets safety c. wherefore Achmetes at his return was to be slain who comming to Court was by Bajazet invited to Supper to solace himself as was given out with his great Bassaes Achmetes mistrusting nothing came Bajazet drunk Wine plentifully causing them also to do the like although utterly forbidden by their Law Supper now ended Bajazet as a token of his grace caused Robes of pleasing colours to be cast on his guests giving to every one a fair bowle full of Gold but on Achmetes was cast a Gown of black Velvet a token of such indignation that its death for any man to intreat for such a one Achmetes now under the shadow of death said Oh Cachpogli that is Thou Sonne of a Whore since thou intendest such cruelty why didst thou not execute it before enforcing me to drink this impure and forbidden Wine so looking on the ground sate still The other Bassaes kissing the ground at his feet c. departed with whom Achmetes offering to go out was commanded to sit still c. The executioners stepping in to have slain him an Eunuch in Bajazets greatest favour advised him not to be too hasty in executing so great a Man but to stay to see how it would be digested wresting the while out of him what might be got by torture c. who was hereupon stript and carried to be tortured Achmetes his Sonne missing his Father at the Bassaes comming forth presently mistrusted and with much adoe learned of the Baslaes of his Fathers Estate then also advised of the same by a secret friend 〈◊〉 lamenting and exclaiming against Bajazets cruelty he calling on the Janizaries for ayd and minding them of his Fathers deserts towards them and of his eminent danger had in the dead of the night raised them all up in Arms who running from all parts of the City to the Court Gate redoubling Bre Bre a word expressing their greatest sury so furiously beat at it that Bajazet causing the outer Gate to be opened shewed himself out at an Iron Window demanding the cause of that uproare who answered they would teach him as a Drunken Beast and a Rascall to use his place with more sobriety and discretion calling him amongst many opprobrious words Bengi that is Batchellour or Scholler no small disgrace among those Martiall men then commanding him forthwith to deliver Achmetes or to take what should ensue Bajazet terrified with this insolency commanded him to be delivered to them who in haste was brought forth almost naked with marks in his body of hard usage The Janizaries rejoycing supplyed his want with apparell taken from Bajazets minions carrying him out on their shouldiers crying out How he did c undoubtedly ready to have slaine Bajazet if he would and to rifle the Court But he laboured to pacifie them excusing it as done
Hysmael was Majestical Selimus tyrannical Hysmael courteous Selimus churlish in devotion and gravity neither suffered he his Wives to come to Court nor using their Company but for procreation sake and that as was thought without any great countenance for he being more delighted with unnatural pleasure thought a mans minde and body to be not a little weakned with the allurements of Women scoffing also many times at his Father Ba jazet who he said was so drowned in the study of Averroes determining nothing certainly of the souls nature and the Heavens motions that he desired rather the name of a sharp disputer amongst the idle professors of Philosophy than of a renowned Chiefetain amongst his valiant Souldiers A Persian Ambassador finding him pleasant asked him Why he wore not his beard long as Ba jazet and others to seem of greater Majesty who answered He liked not to carry such an unnecessary handful whereby his Bassaes might at pleasure lead him up and down the Court as they did his Father for Selimus followed no advice but his own in what ever he undertook The cause why Hysmael out of so many large Provinces for he had under his Dominion Armenia the greater Sulthania Persia Assyria Mesopotamia Media and Parthia Armenia being the chiefest which yields the Persian his best foot Persia his choyce Horsemen chiefly from Scyras next to them from Assyria whose chief City is Bagdat or Babylon the Medes and Parthians being the best Archers next to the Scythians brought now so small an Army against Selimus was because to win his peoples hearts he had remitted a great part of his Customs and Tributes so that he wanting money could not raise such an Army as otherwise he might out of those populous Countries yielding plentifully all necessaries for mans use But in 1515 Selimus wintring at Amasia raised such a power in Europe and Asia that at first of the Spring he entred again into the Persian Confines with a greater Army and that sooner than either that part of Armenia's cold would suffer or the enemy thought he could have done who thought in any case to be Master of strong Ciamassum standing on the first entrance into Armenia thereby as of some holds thereabouts to open a fair way into his enemies Countrey Hysmael being then gone against the rebellious Hyrcanians Bactrians c. Selimus making a Bridge over Euphrates laid hard siege to Ciamassum before they were well aware driving the Defendants from the Walls with their Harquebusiers and Archers and still bringing on fresh men others then also breaking open the Gates and scaling the walls in divers places the Defendants retired into the Market-place where though spent and wounded they resolutely fought it out to the last man Having taken and ransacked the Town with two small Castles for fear abandoned he thought good to enter no farther till he had chased out Aladeules who fearing his own estate hearing Selimus was come soon raised a great Army for his defence purposing to do as formerly Wherefore Selimus leaving a Garrison at Ciamassum retired to Antitaurus where his enemies were reported to lay Aladeule's people were fierce and warlike who could profit little by Husbandry yet bred Horses and Cammels in Pasture-bearing places but most of their living stood in hunting and stealing His chief City was Maras which may be thought so called from the fair River Marsias running thorow it out of the Mountain 〈◊〉 who seeing Selimus enter his frontiers brought down about 15000 Horsemen into a large Valley ordering his great store of Foot to keep the Mountains on the right and left there advantagiously expecting his coming Selimus considered the places disadvantage yet presuming on his strength and multitude commanded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch Generall of his European Horse in stead of Casan to charge the enemy afront with a square battel because of the places straightness himself with the Janizaries and Asian Horse following after Aladeule's Souldiers also fought valiantly in the head of the battel and having spent their Arrows stood close keeping the grounds advantage so repulsing the Turks old Souldiers that they seemed little or nought to prevail for they could not enclose them on either side and the Foot grievously wounding the Turks from the sides of the Hills with darts and Arrows Selimus seeing such strong resistance contrary to expectation sent some Harquebusiers to relieve their Fellows and the Janizaries at that instant to mount the Hill The Aladeulians terrified with the shot fled into the Mountains and Woods fast by yet the most slaughter was of the Foot who the Horse being fled and the Janizaries coming up the Hills did with much difficulty by steep and broken wayes clamber up the Mountains as surprized with sudden fear the Turks killed them to the going down of the Sun the swift Horsemen retiring into further and stronger places with little losse Aladeules thinking it now best to protract the Warre as the Turks pursued him burning the Cottages he fled from Mountain to Mountain not offering battel but in advantagious places wherefore Selimus fearing want of Victual or intrapping on the 7th day left off the pursuit and himself conveniently encamping sent Sinan carrying Victuals with him with all speed and policy to hunt after the King himself And the while inquiring of the Captives of Aladeules strength c. found he had taken with him his best Horse and Foot commanding the people to forsake the Villages to leave all desolate and intrenching himself on a strong Rock with store of Provision resolved not to give battel till he had drawn them where their multitude should little avail but to increase their Iosse also they said he feared to be betrayed by Alisbeg General of his Horse who first fled for Aladeules had treacherously murdered his Father upon a suspition of his aspiring the Kingdom Selimus striking off their Irons laded them with gifts and promises and sent them to Alis to perswade him in so fit a time to revenge his Fathers death which if he should perform by some notable exploit he should have both credit with him and the Kingdom these imparting the matter to Sinan he soon wrought with Alis pricked on with desire of a Kingdom and Selimus his rewards that he went over to Sinan with a great part of the best Horsemen whereby the rest for rewards came all by degrees over to the Bassa Aladeules thus unexpectedly circumvented reposed his hope in secret flight but they pursuing him as he fled hiding himself at last drew him out of a Cave betrayed by the Peasants and being brought to Selimus was in few dayes put to death and his head in derision carried about afterwards thorow lesser Asia then sent to the Venetians as a witness of his Victory Selimus reduced all his Kingdom into a Province of 3 parts to every part a Sanzack Alisbeg to be chief over the rest wanting nothing of a King but the name only And leaving Sinan there commanded him after he
entred the Souldiers suddenly leapt out of the packs and with the help of the disguised slew the Warders for most were gone to the marriage place of the Castle possessing the same Othoman the Captain taking his chamber took horse with Cossi and his followers to Belizuga whom the Captain presently pursued with his train most being drunk whom Othoman in the conflict slew putting the rest to flight Early in the morning also he surprised Jarchiser Castle with the Captain and his daughter which was to have been married the next day with all her friends whom he shortly married to his Son Orchanes who had by her Amurath I. and Solyman Bassa He presently sent one Durgut Alpes of great valour to besiege Einegiol Castle who used such speed that he invironed it that none could passe in or out till Othoman setting all in order at Belizuga came with the rest to Einegiol which he presently took by force cutting the Captain his enemy in small pieces for they had used the like tyranny against the Turks Now began Othoman to execute the Justice of good Lawes to all both Christians and Turks his Subjects and to protect them from the spoyl of others whereby those who forsook their Countrey through troubles repayred to their 〈◊〉 dwellings also many strangers whereby the wasted Country soon grew populous Then he besieged Isnica called Nice in Bythinia this City by placeing his men on every passage in forts that nothing could be brought in for relief he greatly distressed the Citizens in extremity certifyed the Emperour of Constantinople that they must except present relief came famish or yield The Emperour embarqued certain companies for relief of whose landing Othoman understanding lay in ambush with most of his forces near the place and slew most of them driving the rest into the Sea where they perished Othoman returning most streightly besieged it whose Citizens now despairing yielded that great and rich City to him with whose spoyl he enriched his men Of whose good successe Aladin hearing sent him a fair Ensigne Drums c. saying that all should be his own that he took from the Christians and publique prayers to be said for Othoman's health c. the Sultan's proprieties This made many think that the Sultan intended having no Children to adopt him his successor who 〈◊〉 to Aladin the 5th part of 〈◊〉 spoyl but during his life used not his princely honours intending 〈◊〉 to visit the Sultan But being about to 〈◊〉 forward he was informed of Aladin's death and that Sahib had taken on him his dignity which news much discontented him being in hope to succeed him or share in most part of his Kingdome Yet he thought it now fit to take the princely honours granted him by the Sultan in his life wherefore he made Dursu Fakiche Bishop of Carachisar who first by his command made publique prayers for Othoman as was went to be for the Sultan coyning also mony in his own name and taking all the honours of a Sultan which was about ten years after 〈◊〉 's death in 1300 to which time the Turkish Empire under Othoman is to be referred Then he made his Son Orchanes princely Governour of Carachisar and his chief followers Governours of Castles He chose Neapolis to be his regall seat calling it Despotopolis that is The City of the Lord yet he 〈◊〉 not to augment his Kingdom but accompanied with Orchanes surprized adjoyning places serving best for its enlargement The Christian bordering Princes fearing Othoman's greatnes might shortly be their confusion jointly invaded his Kingdom with fire and sword who meeting them in the confines of Phrygia and Bythinia fought with them a great battle many on both sides being 〈◊〉 and obtained a bloody Victory Castaleanus one of the greatest Christians was slain another called Tokensis he chased to Ulubad Castle not far off who for fear was delivered him by the Captain and afterwards cut in pieces in view of his chief Castle which with the Country thereabouts Othoman subdued The other Princes fled into holds farther off The Prince of Bithynia fled into Prusa now Burusa which Othoman hoped to win but finding it impossible he in one year built 2 strong Castles on the chief passages of the City placeing two couragious Captains therein thus blocking up Prusa he subdued Bythinia and so returned home honourably rewarding his Souldiers and establishing such Government that people resorted from far into his Dominions which in few years became very populous and he most famous So living in great quietnesse certain years now being old and troubled with the Gout his old Souldiers came to him with one request To take some war in hand for enlarging his Kingdom offering to spend their lives in his service c. For which he thanked them promising he would not be long unmindfull of their request But to make all safe at home first he calls to him Michael Cossi the onely Christian Captain he suffered to live in quiet to perswade him to follow Mahomet which if he refused he would war on him as his utter enemy Cossi not thinking of what ensued came with such Souldiers as he thought to use in his intended service but hearing the cause and seeing the danger 〈◊〉 Othoman's hand he requested him to enter him in Mahomet's principles which he promised ever after to embrace so saying certain words after Othoman he turned Turk Whereupon Othoman 〈◊〉 him an Ensigne and rich Robe and assured Token of his favour Who after this to content his souldiers took many bordering Castles 〈◊〉 all unto the Euxine Sea and being now aged and diseased as aforesaid he often sent Orchanes against his enemies who atchieved many great enterprizes his Father yet living The Reader may happily marvail why Paleologus and afterward his Son Andronicus suffered the Turks not Othoman but the sharers of Aladin's Kingdome to take spoyl kill and encroach especially in Bythinia as it were under their noses But let him here consider the trouble of that declining Empire and he shall plainly fee the causes of its decay 〈◊〉 Paleologus by trechery obtaining the Empire and 〈◊〉 Constantinople from Baldwin 〈◊〉 is declared fearing the Western Princes especially the King of Sicily whom Baldwin sollicited for his restitution and to marry his daughter to his Son to intangle Charls with troubles nearer home he offered to Geregory X. Bishop of Rome to conform the Greek Church to the Latine and that it should be 〈◊〉 to appeal to Romes Court as to the higher of which the Pope gladly accepted promising to keep Charls otherwise busied But when this alteration in the Greek Church should be nade the 〈◊〉 gave up his place retiring to a Monastery where he spent the remainder of his life The other Clergy 〈◊〉 their Sermons inveighed against it perswading the people not to receive it c. So that all the City and 〈◊〉 was in an uproar for many of the chief 〈◊〉 also abhorred these proceedings Whereby Paleologus leaving
and Grandfather he greatly inlarged his territories in Asia by sword marriage and purchase and by the Greeks discord and cowardise he subdued the Romania in 〈◊〉 with its Territories leaving the Constantinopolitan Emperour little or nothing there but the City it self He won much of Bulgaria entred Servia Bosua and Macedonia he was liberal and severe beloved and feared of his Subjects of few words deeply 〈◊〉 slain being 68 years old reigning 31 in 1390. He was royally buried at Prusa c. There is a Castle and Tomb in remembrance of him in Cassova's Plains where he was 〈◊〉 and his entrails buried The Life of Bajazet I. the 4th and most unfortunate King of the Turks BAjazet succeeding his Father the first year of his Reign besieged the City Cratova in Servia whereto the silver Mines not that wars least cause belonged yielded to him on condition that the Inhabitants might with life and liberty depart who no sooner gone but they were all slain by his men sent for that purpose Then also he wone 〈◊〉 with divers Castles near Cratova Young Sigismund King of Hungary advertized by the Servians of Bajazet's proceedings requested him by Embassadours as he was just and wished to live in quiet with his own to desist from such open wrong c. Whom he answered not till be over-ran a great part of the 〈◊〉 Countrey Then calling them into a Town filled with his Souldiers said They might see his right good enough to that Town and the rest taken seeing the walls acknowledged it willing them so to tell their Master Which 〈◊〉 answer 〈◊〉 the King as if open war had been 〈◊〉 to him yet not being well settled in his Kingdom and doubting of a contrary faction he was glad then to put it up Next year he by Forises Beg taking Vidina in Servia returned to Hadrianople But the Caramanian King invading his frontiers in Asia the while though then not 〈◊〉 leisure yet afterwards he fully revenged it Eurenoses then took the City Sitros in Thessaly and Ferises passed over 〈◊〉 grievously spoiling Valachia returning loaden with prey Now also Jegides Bassa entred 〈◊〉 carrying a number of Captives to Hadrianople where Bajazet wintred Next spring Bajazet passing to Prusa built a fair Temple a Colledge and 〈◊〉 house and returning into Europe a Monastery at Hadrianople In Asia he besieged Philadelphia the onely City in lesser Asia holden by the Christians At first he straightly commanded not to spoile or 〈◊〉 any thing belonging to the Citizens hoping to make them more willing to yield But finding them resolved to the last he commanded not to spare any thing which was by his Souldiers done The Citizens after long siege not able to endure and no hope of relief yielded their City Some write it was not besieged without the Emperour's consent and the Greeks envying its holding out helped to win it At the siege Aiden Ogli Prince of Caria came to Bajazet yielding himself his Vassal to whom he restored places taken from him a little before on this condition not to coyn money in his own name or publiquely to be prayed for as before but all to be done in Bajazet's name 〈◊〉 he led his Army into Saruchania subduing it on like conditions Then passing farther to Mentesia in Caria the Prince left it to his pleasure fleeing to 〈◊〉 Prince And in revenge of the King of Caramania's former invasion he entred it taking Cesaria and otherplaces the King glad to be content making peace as he pleased As he was making this expedition Prince Germian's son with a chief Counsellour coming to him were sent prisoners over the Straite to Ipsala Castle laying in durance many years Thus he oppressing most of Aladin's successours returned to Prusa in triumph Aiden fled had incited the Prince of Castamona to invade the bordering side of Bajazets Kingdome At which time the Vayvod of Valachia passed over 〈◊〉 into the parts of Servia and Bulgaria possessed by the 〈◊〉 spoyling the Country and slaying them by heaps and carrying back many prisoners Bajazet deferring his purpose against the other turned his forces against the 〈◊〉 Wherefore passing to Hadrianople thence to Nicopolis and so over Danubius he entred Valachia spoyling and burning whom he Vaywod giving battle was overthrown and many slain at last he obtained peace by submission and a yearly tribute News being brought the while that the Christian Galleys greatly hurt along the Coasts of Asia he entred into Thessalie destroying all to 〈◊〉 and taking Neapolis in Greece and Joannina in Aetolia he wintred in Asia Next spring he with great power passed the 〈◊〉 of Callipolis to invade Hungary But intercepting a 〈◊〉 with Letters from the Greek Emperour giving that King warning thereof and understanding of another Messenger before sent 〈◊〉 perswaded him to desist and besiege Constantinople which was he said surrounded with Turkish Provinces bringing Philadelphia for example Bajazet returning besieged it first by Land then by Sea which most report continued 8 years in which Emmanuel the Emperour left the City to crave aid of the German Emperour French King and others The Citizens at length had happily yielded if the Hungarian King assisted with French aud other Voluntiers with a 130000 under John Count of Nivers had not passed into his Dominions recovering Vidina c. in Bulgaria and besieging Nicopolis Who 't is reported should proudly say in his jollity through his Armies greatnesse What need we fear the Turks who need not fear the Heavens fall if they should we were able to hold them up with our Speares and Halberts Bajazet commanding the ladders c. for assault to be burnt marched from the siege with a puissant Army to Nicopolis sending Eurenoses before to intercept some Christians to learn their Armies state But he returned without any prisoner taken which troubled Bajazet fearing a wary enemy Sigismund eaving sufficient for the siege went to meet his proud proud enemies who within sight shewed but half his Army keeping close in ambush not far off with the other The Christians deeming they were far 〈◊〉 in number divided also their Army to inclose the Turks The French disiring to give the first Charge began the battle the Hungarians c. not yet in order where was so many thousands slain Bajazet ere long arising with the other half and coming on as became his name Gilderum so hardly charged the French that they stood at first as dismayed but seeing no remedy and hoping of relief from the rest fought till they were almost all slain or taken divers French horse-men as their manner was fought on foot which horses running on the Hungarians made them doubt they were quite overthrown wherewith dismaied they fled in great haste the Turks pursuing made great slaughter many being also drowned in Danubius They took so many 't was thought every Turk had his prisoner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like got over Danubius in a little boat and fearing the Hungarians violence for the battle's losse fled by Sea to
taken as it was meant doubted whether to leave him to his fortune 〈◊〉 casting off the Turkish League to joyn with him but at length resolved he 〈◊〉 to the King That he prayed the hope of his friends help failed him nor at his need c. that his resolution which he could not by perswasion alter he would as times suddenness and his ability permited gladly further and so presented to him his Son with 4000 horsemen preferring also to him two lusty young men perfect guides with two horses of incredible swiftness and with standing tears said Take this small gift in good part c. I pray God they be given in vain yet if necessity shall force thee to use them thou shalt find them serviceable Uladislaus marching towards Thracia took many places by the way the Turks yielding for fear coming to Sumium and Pezechium the Garrisons stood upon their guard but besieging and taking them by assault he put 5000 Turks to the sword The Bassaes terrified requested Amurath to leave his obscure life and to levy his greatest power in Asia for defence in Europe blaming him for committing the Government to so young a Prince as Mahomet many great ones scorning to obey him Amurath awaked left his Cloyster speedily gathering a strong Army and finding Hellespontus Straits stopped by the Venetians and Pope's Galleys was at his wits end But at Bosphorus Straits he found conveyance some write he payed the Gennoways for passage a Duckat for a Turk amounting to 100000 Duckets Others affirm by bribing the Defendants of the passage Being got over he joyning his Asian and European forces in 7 daies encamped within 4 miles of Varna in Bulgaria whither Uladislaus hearing of his coming had retired having taken it but a little before with others on the Sea-coast And before in hope he could not possibly find passage consulted now with his Commanders what course to take many were so discouraged with the fame of his coming they advised him to return and not oppose so small an Army against such a world of people reported But others chiefly 〈◊〉 said It was not for his honour first to invade and to turn his back upon the first report of their coming wishing him rather to remember the good fortune of his former wars that he learned by experience not to be moved with the enemies multitude c. Whereupon the King resolved to try the fortune of the field And committing the ordering of all his forces to Huniades he carefully disposed the 〈◊〉 guarding one side with a marsh the other with carriages the rear with a steep hill that the Army could not be compassed with the 〈◊〉 of their enemies The Turks approaching began to skirmish which fight was long maintained with a 〈◊〉 fortune the ground being covered and stained with dead bodies and blood At length joyning closer Huniades had with his Transilvanian and Ualachian horse put to flight both the Turkish wings so that Amurath was about to flee had he not by a Souldier holding the Reins of his Bridle been stayed The Captains and Prelats encouraged by Huniades his successe foolishly left their appointed 〈◊〉 pursuing disorderly nor gone far they were hardly encountred by a party of Turks in a valley fast by Lesco one of the most valiant Hungarians was slain the Bishop of Veradium that first disordered the battel 〈◊〉 thorow a Fenne after strugling with his horse was strangled in the mud The Bishop of Agria was then lost with many Church-men The Cardinal with others retiring 〈◊〉 their standings and assailed by the Turks they were by the King and Huniades coming with great slaughter forced to retire Amurath in extream danger beholding the Crucifix in the voluntary Christians Ensigns plucked forth the writing of the late League and holding it up with eys to Heaven said Behold thou crucified Christ this is the League thy Christians have without cause 〈◊〉 If thou be a God c shew thy power upon thy 〈◊〉 people who in their deeds deny thee The King in heat hardly perswaded by Huniades to return from the bloody pursuit coming to the Camp found Julian and others overcharged with the Turks who there fought couragiously backt by the Amurath's last refuge There began a most cruel fight many slain on both sides The victory stood long doubtful at length the Turks shrunk back where the King and Huniades fought But in the left side they so prevailed the Christians were ready to flee which Huniades perceiving speedily with his presence there restored the battel then returning to the King who repulsing a number of Turks was come to the Janizaries There was a 1000 deaths to be seen c. in which confnsion young Uladislam brake in among them then also Amurath by a French Knight was wounded with a Pike and asfailed with his fword but being speedily rescued the Knight was slain and performing all parts of a worthy Souldier his horse being slain he was forthwith slain and his head struck off by Ferizes was presented to Amurath who on a Launces point proclaiming it the head of the Christian King the Christians discouraged therewith fled Huniades after vain attempts to rescue the Kings body gave place to necessity fleeing over the Mountains into woods thence got over into Ualachia and imprisoned by Dracula as some write who after enlargement aiding Danus against him and his Son they were slain and Danus put in his room Julian the Cardinal was found by the way side half stripped and mortally wounded sharply reproved by Gregory Sanose as author of that perfidious war Many fleeing Christians were slain but more drowned in the Fenns perishing by cold and hunger in woods or fell at length into Turkish slavery The number slain in this battel was great as the little hills raised of bones bodies do 〈◊〉 declare Most agree that scarce a third of the Christians Army escaped The Turks multitude was made lesse by at least 30000 For Amurath very sad answered those demanding why he was no merrier after such a victory That he wished not at so great a price to gain many such Yet he erected a Pillar where the King was 〈◊〉 inscribing all that was done This battel was fought near 〈◊〉 a place fatal to many Warriers Novemb. 10. 1444. Some impute this losse to Huniades's fleeing out of the battel with 10000 horse but it seemeth to be devised to excuse the Clergies foul dealing the report not agreeing with his noble disposition Amurath returning to Hadrianople and solemnly burying the body of the Vice-Roy 〈◊〉 Europe slain in the battel resigned his Kingdom again to Mahomet living a solitary life at Magnesia vowing so to do in the fear of the late battel but after a short time he returned to Hadrianople resuming the Government to the great discontent of his ambitious Son Scanderbeg yet in Servia's Borders hearing what happened to the Hungarians was exceedingly grieved resolving to return into Epirus yet breaking into the Despots Country he did
they digging up his bones those who could get never so little thereof set it in silver or gold hanging it about their necks or otherwise wearing thinking thereby to have such good hap as Scanderbeg had while he lived The Hungarians and Venetians most time of these Wars busied the Turks for Matthias entring Bosna overthrew the Turks frontier forts and driving them out till he came to Jaziga or Jaitze the chiefe City at length took it wresting all that Kingdome out of their hands whereupon Mahomet hardly besieging Jaziga it was valiantly defended till Mathias comming to its reliefe so troubled the Turks Campe on one sice and the besieged with salleys on the other that the Turk stealing away with his Armie by night into Servia left his Tents and great Ordinance for haste which the Turks Histories report he cast into the River whom Mathias following into Servia and taking part thereof united it with 〈◊〉 to Hungarie After which Mahomet had no great stomack to provoke the Hungarians Mathias being now as dreadfull to the Turks as the name of his Father Huniades Then also the Venetians scouring the Seas did great harme to the Turk by landing in severall places amongst others Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus comming into Salonichi Bay burnt divers Townes and Villages by the Sea side Then returning into Pelopouesus he in despire of all the Turks could do fortified 〈◊〉 where leaving a strong Garrison he returned into Euboea and soon after sayling along Macedonia and Thracia surprized Aenus upon the River Meritza's mouth taking its spoile and carrying away 2000 Captives into Euboea Then likewise the Venetians ayding Duchaine against his Brother Alexius striving for Zadrima's principality greatly overthrew the Turks neer Drine River in Epirus who came in Alexius quarrel Mahomet perceiving that Euboea Island now Nigropont 10 miles long abounded with Corne Wine Oyle Fruit and Wood for shipping and separated from 〈◊〉 with à narrow strait of the Sea was for its commodious 〈◊〉 and strength the chiefe place whence the Venetians wrought him all these wrongs resolved to imploy all his forces both by Sea and land for the gayning thereof wherefore assembling a mighty A rmie and sending Mahomet Bassa with 300 Galleys and other small Vessels well furnished into Euboea himself marched through Achaiae till he came over against Chalcis The Venetian Admirall finding himself too weak for the Turks Fleet returned towards Seiros But the Bassa comming out of Hellspontus Straits came without let to Euboea where taking and razing Stora and Basilicon he went directly to Chaleis of whose smaller Vessels Mahomet making a bridge over the Strait passed to the City Chaleis Rich Populous and very strong besieging it round by Sea and land where with his battery faire breaches by the chiefe Cannoneers giving the Turks by signes knowledge where the Walls were weakest being the sooner made the Traitour it being perceived was executed Yet what he beate downe by day they repaired by night Thus for 30 dayes the City being defended to the Turks great losse in their sharpe assaults the Venetian Admirall comming in view of the City shewed as if he would give the Turks battell Wherefore Mahomet it s reported was about to goe over into the maine with his Armie lest the Venetians breaking the bridge should have shut him in which its thought he might have done if he would have adventured as his Capraines earnestly requested But comming to an Anchor he moved not which the Turk perceiving brought on his men to the Wal's breaches promising them the Cityes spoile c whereof himself said he would be aneye witnesse Whereupon the Turks furiously assaulting the defendants made such slaughter of them that the ditches were filled and the breaches made up with their dead bodys but Mahomet still sending in fresh supplies this dreadfull assault was maintained a day and a night without ceasing who twice winning the breaches were beaten out againe At length the defendants being most flain or wounded and the rest wearied retiring into the Market place sold their lives deare to the Turks among whom were found many dead women who chose rather to die in defence than to fall into the Turks hands Mahomet although Lord of the City yet losing 40000 in the siege put all men there alive to most cruel death especially the Italians with exquisite torments Ericus the Governour fleeing with a few into the Castle on promise of safe departure delivered up the same but having them in his power the Tyrant cruelly murthered them Erigus's Daughter being presented to Mahomet as the mirrour of beauty when he could not prevaile on her by flattering words c to consent unto his desire threatned her with death torture c But the constant Virgin resolutely denying he commanded her forthwith to be slaine And the horrible cruelty committed by the Turks at the taking of Chalcis passeth credit the rest of the Island without resistance yielding to the Turkish slavety This happened in 1470. Caualis the City being lost fearing to be set on by the Turks dishonourably returning to Venice he was by the Senate imprisoned and afterwards with his family banished to Utinum Mahomet and his Fleet soone after returning the Venetians attempted a sudden surprize of Chalois but the Garrison there left was so strong that retiring to their Galleys they forsook Euboea Petrus Mocenicus being chofen Admirall instead of Canalis the Venetians solicited Pope Sixtus the 4th the King of Naples the King of Cyprus and the Master of Rhodes to joyne with them against the common Enemy which they promised They sent also Zenus to Usun Cassanes King of Persia to incite him against the Turk who next year taking up Arms had with him mortall Warres who not ignorant of these things and knowing how he had offended Christian Princes by his cruelty at Chalsis lay a while still at Constantinople as if desirous to live in peace whereby as he wisht nought worth speaking was that year attempted against him who also requested the Persian King if it were onely but for community of the Mahometan Religion to withdraw taking up Arms in the Christians Cause though otherwise he regarded not Religion but Zenus so wrought wi h Usun Cassanes that he told the Turks Ambassadors he neither could nor would longer endure the Turkish Kings injury and that having made a league with the Christian Princes he would to his power perform whatever he had promised so dismissing them discontented as were the Persian Ambassadors before from the Turkish Court touching the Emperour of Trapezond The yeare following 1472. Mocenicus arriving in Lesbos did great harm and passing into the lesser Asia sore spoiled about Pergamus Then landing again at Cnidus he took a great booty so returning having exceedingly hurt all along the Sea-Coast laden with spoil to Peloponesus on whose Coast he met with Richiensis with seventeen Gallies from King Ferdinand of Naples who joyning their Fleets in one landed at Modon in Peloponesus
sacrifices for the health of his Soul giving 7000 Aspers weekly to the Poor his body being afterwards buryed at Prusa with great solemnity Tzihan and Mahomet were upon their Fathers indignation strangled Of his other four Machmot or Mahometes was of greatest hope not so voluptuous as Achomates his Elder Brother nor so bookish as Corcutus nor so cruel as Selymus but so lively witty bountifull and of Princely a carriage that he seemed to most worthy of a Kingdome wherefore Achomates yea Bajazet himself were jealous of his affecting the Empire soon the cause of his death which he hastened by meanes as he least feared Achomates and Mahometes had one Mother wherefore Mahometes more delighted in him than in the others though not answered with like love Achomates governed Amasia Mahometes Magnesia who desirous to see his Brothers life and government disguised himself with two faithfull friends as if they had been of the Religious order called 〈◊〉 who being most comely well borne cleanly though homely attired do wander up and down making large discourses of others manners and commonly playing on Silver Cymballs and singing duties they receive money as a devoutalms they are the corrupters of Youth defilers of others beds wholly given to ease and pleasure travelled up and down 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so to Amasia where on a solemn holiday Achomates coming to the Temple passing by listened a while to their alluring harmony most skilfully devised and performed Their Musick ended Achomates spare-handed commands 5 Aspers that is about fix pence to be given them which Mahometes disdaining would not now discover himself as he determined but speedily riding to Magnesia he by taunting letters scoffed at Achomates's good husbandry sending him his 5 Aspers Achomates being never afterwards friends with him diverse also diversly deemed of his purpose therein Not long after Mahometes 〈◊〉 himself with some followers like seafaring men came in a barque to Constantinople diligently viewing Constantinople and Pera and noting how all things were governed Bajazet the while assembling his chief Bassaes at the Court Mahometes pressing in with his companions to see them with the fashion of the Court the Porters as rude 〈◊〉 kept them out wherefore buying a beautiful Christian Captive boy he came next day with two companions as Sea-adventurers requesting to be let in as having a present So being admitted to Bajazet's 〈◊〉 one of them as a Sea Captain reverently proffered him the present which he thankfully taking gave him his hand to kisse with a rich golden garment with two of less value to Mahometes and his fellow who stood afar off In their return they meeting with three Courtiers who knew Mahometes they had done him honour had he not by secret signs forbidden them so speedily returning to Magnesia The report hereof was at last brought to Bajazet which raised in him troublesome thoughts fearing some desperate and secret conspiracy wherefore after long discourse with the 3 Bassaes he resolved to take him away causing them to write to Asmehimedi near to Mahometes to poyson him with a poyson enclosed in the Letters with promise of great rewards c. from the Emperour charging him if he could not effect it without mistrust to conceal it c. Bajazet also knew Asmehemedi to bear Mahometes a grudge Mahometes disporting himself in his Gardens and being thirsty called for drink into which Asmehemedi conveighed the poyson which Mahometes drinking and ill at ease sent for his Physitians who thinking it a distemper with the cold drink in his heat perceived not he was poysoned till within 6 daies he died whereof Bajazet hearing could not but mourn commanding all the Court to mourn with him and prayers to be made in the Temples with Alms to be given for the health of his soul he being honourably buried at Prusa Asmehemedi was cast into prison and never more to be seen supposed there to be secretly made away Of Bajazet's 3 Sons left Achomates politick and valiant but given to pleasure Bajazet and most of the Court favoured above the rest Corcutus for his mildnesse and quietnesse was of most beloved but not thought fit for the Empire chiefly by the Souldiers whom they thought was drowned in the study of Philosophy yet Bajazet promised to restore it him of whom he had received it almost 30 years before But haughty Selimus not brooking a subjects life under his brethren and wholly given to Martial affairs sought by bounty courtesie policy c. to aspire to the Empire Him therefore the Janizaries c. with some chief Bassa's wished for their Soveraign Bajazet the while far worn with years and not able to help himself for the Gout for preventing future troubles determined while living to establish the succession in one of his Sons to represse the pride of the other And although he resolved on Achomates as the elder and for affection yet to try his subjects disposition it was said in general tearms he meant to make known his Successour without naming any one Son not the least cause that every one with like ambition thought only on the Empire Selimus Governour of Trapezond in 1511 with what Ships he could sailed thence to the City Capha thence coming by Land to Mahometes King of the Praecopensian Tartars whose daughter he had married without Bajazet's liking he besought him not to shrink from him his loving Son in Law great hope of the Empire being proposed to him by his faithful friends of the Court c. if he would but come nearer to his Father by fair means or fowl then about to transfer the Empire to some one Son The Tartar commending him speedily made ready store of shipping and arming 1500 horsemen delivered them to Selimus promising him greater aid upon occasion who passing Borysthenes and also Danubius at the City Cheliae had commanded his Flect to meet him at Varna in Bulgaria and Thracia's confines and levying more by the way pretended he purposed to invade Hungary But Bajazet before advertized of Selimus his coming into Europe Techellis his rebellion yet scarce quietted with forreign aid on his own head against the warlique Hungarians seizing also on the places nearest Thracia and keeping the Euxine Sea with a Navy suspected the preparation to be against himself and thinking it better with like dissimulation to appease his fierce nature than by sharp reproof further to move him sent him Embassadours declaring with what danger the Turkish Kings had formerly undertaken those Hungarian wars Mahomet his Grandfather being an example wherefore he should expect a fitter opportunity for better advice greater power and hope of victory Selimus answered He was forced to leave Asia by Achomates his injuries and therefore came into Europe to win from the enemies of Mahometanism a larger and better Province for that little barren and peaceable one which his Father had given him that he was not to be daunted for danger of the Hungarians yet thinking the ancient prowels of that Nation to be much changed
perfected by the most cunning Astronomers for Maximilian the Emperour They at their landing were first received by Cason and brought into a rich Tent the ground being covered with rich Carpets to whom Rustan Bassa sent such chear as the Camp afforded especially most excellent Wine Next day the Bassaes feasted them not sitting with their legs under them on the ground as their manner was but in Chairs at a Table only Mahometes of Belgrade an extraordinary guest sat down upon a Cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their chear was but Rice and Mutton as if noting thereby the Christians excesse and the Bassaes drink fair water out of Danubius After dinner they were brought in to Solyman each of them led betwixt 2 Bassaes holding them fast by the arms so to kiss his hand yet hath the Turkish Emperour sitting in his Throne for fear of violence laying by him a Target Scimitar Iron Mace with Bow and Arrows The great Globe being brought in filled Solyman and his Bassaes with Admiration for Solyman had curionsly studied Astronomy and especially Cosmography as his leasure served The Embassadours desired him to give the Kingdom of Hungary to Ferdinand almost on the same conditions that Lascus had required it for him paying him such Tribute as John had done promising to draw Charls into the same League so that he might then at pleasure turn his Forces upon the Persian and urging Ferdinand's League with John and so excusing him of the late war they concluded Nothing could be to him more commendable profitable or Honourable than to call such a King as Ferdinand and also Emperour Elect and brother of the great Emperour his Tributary Solyman 2 dayes after answered by Rustan that this was his resolute condition of peace If Ferdinand would restore all places before belonging to King Lewis and for ever abstain from Hungary and for his often provocations great travel and charges he could be content to impose an easie Tribute upon Austria But if those conditions seemed too heavy he would cause by continual War that such things as were taken from Hungary should be requited with the destruion of Austria Though the Embassadours were much moved at the latter demand yet they to win some time required a truce till Ferdinand and the Emperour might be made acquainted with the matter which the Turk winter coming fast on would in no case grant And being rewarded and sent away Solyman commanded Mahometes of Belgrade to spoyl the borders of Austria all along Danubius Cason also General of Acanzii he sent into Moravia but neither did any great harm the Rivers rising and abundance of Rain falling Solyman made one Solyman a Mahometan Hungarian Governour of Buda who by justice and courtesie with Verbetius the Chancellour should endeavour to put the people in hope of long peace which done after about 20 dayes stay because of the rain and cold and fearing to be shut in with the rising of the great Rivers he determined to return setting Lascus in prison at Belgrade at liberty who soon dyed of the Flux in Polonia supposed to be poysoned by the Turks whose death the King himself much lamented Solyman being come to the River Dravus it was told him that Maylat was taken by the cunning of Peter of Moldavia and that Transilvania was well pacified yielding to his obedience whereof he was passing glad for he hated Maylat for Grittus and the Turks by him slain and knew that the Transilvanians an invincible people was by him stirred up This Peter uniting with Achomates against Maylat they were 50000 Horse besides Foot which after the manner of those Countries were not many Maylat finding himself too weak and despairing of ayd from Ferdinand fled again into Fogaras where as in a most strong place he had laid up his greatest substance and warlique provision especially the rich spoyl taken from Grittus Acho mates coming and perceiving it was not to be taken but with much labour and time craftily sent a Messenger to him perswading him to yield to Solyman choosing rather to be called his Friend than his Enemy c. promising he would labour for him as his Friend that he might still enjoy the Government of Transilvania paying him some small yearly Tribute as he had before requested c. saying Solyman was coming with his Victorious Army who would with assured death revenge his vain hope of holding out Maylat foreseeing it better to make a certain peace than to endure an uncertain War answered He could be content to conclude a peace so it were not on any hard conditions c. Wherefore he demanded Achomates's valiant son in Hostage for his coming into the Camp Achomates said he had given him to Solyman and so had over him no power but he promised him 4 of his best Captains which Maylat accepting came with a gallant retinue and was honourably received The Parley was deferred till next day that the Moldavian might take him whom he invited to a Banquet about mid-dinner Maylat of a very proud and cholerick nature was by some insolent speech of purpose so fretted that with his hand on his sword he in a rage flung from the Table the other guests starting up also took him fuming and crying out he was shamefully betrayed his followers being stript of all Incame Achomates the while with deep dissimulation sharply reproving the Moldavian whereto he scornfully as if in contempt answered He had upon good cause taken Maylat prisoner and would safely keep him for Solyman to whom it only belonged to judge Ere long Fogaras was delivered with the Hostages through fear or corruption This Town surrendred almost all Transilvania was by Solyman given to the young King to whom all the people most willingly submitted swearing obedience his Father having almost thirty yeares with justice and quietnesse Governed that Province honouring him the Queen and his two Tutours laying in Leppa with many Presents At the same time Charls the Emperour at the importunity of his Subjects of Spain greatly prepared for conquering of Algiers whose Pirates so insested all the Coast from Gades to the Pyrenean Mountains that all Merchandize set apart they were glad to keep continual watch and ward wherefore though he knew how hardly he was spoken of for leaving his brother so hardly bestead yet he departed out of Germany into Italy where nigh Verona he was met by Farnesius his son in law Vastius and the Venetian Embassadours and brought to Millane where he was with great solemnity joyfully received and under a Canopy of Gold brought to the Pallace in a plain black Cloak and Cap mourning-wise when as the vulgar expected him in his Royal Robes and the Imperial Crown on his Head his heavy countenance presaging the wofull overthrow the day before at Buda not yet known in Italy Thence departing to Genua he was advertised thereof from Ferdinand and of Solyman's coming Whereupon Vastius and Auria perswaded him to defer his African expedition till Spring and
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
Turks Captains great presents receiving the like Lastly his Letters seeming to promise some Hungarian Captains greater entertainment than agreed with his estate all which Ferdinand hardly conceiving ill of the Germans but any thing of Strangers soon believed Perenus being come near the Gate of Vienna hearing Torniellus with other brave ones were come to meet the Admiral requested he might speak to them out of the close Coach being opened wherein he rode which was easily granted he seeming to those who had charge of him unworthy of such suspition he made a lamentable speech unto them concerning his being apprehended saying As for the Kingdom of Hungary he might well have affected it and easily have deserved it of Solyman when Ferdinand John being dead was preparing for that war at which time his friends followers with the Hungarians love toward him might have ministred no unreasonable or unseasonable hope to have drawn a man into courses not wholly beseeming a Christian wherefore saith he I have and will while I live fight against the Turks if King Ferdinand shall shew himself an indifferent Judge in this accusation falsely surmised by the malice of mine enemies The Admirall Medices perswaded him to hope well in the most just King's clemency and soon after he and Torniellus entreated the King while hunting to deal favourably with him Yet Perenus could not obtain an open hearing but was committed to perpetual imprisonment either for surprision of new Treason or for his old inconstancy This end had the Warres undertaken by general consent of the Germans against the Turks in 1542. Ferdinand 〈◊〉 spent in vain a masse of Treasure and lost the opinion before conceived of the strength of Germany Polinus in 1543. ceased not by all meanes to solicit Solyman to ayd his Master against Charls in Italy Sicily and Spain but he was so crossed by Solyman then Visier that he almost despaired for the 〈◊〉 being a great Seaman envied the honour of Barbarussa protesting in Councel he saw no cause why Solyman 〈◊〉 send out such a Fleet but to serve Barbarussa's own turn but Solyman decreed according to his promise to send his Fleet to the French King by Barbarussa two dayes after which Polinus was 〈◊〉 by Rustan Bassa and Solyman the Eunuch for it was their Master's pleasure both joying of him for the friendship confirmed betwixt the two Princes So after divers 〈◊〉 bestowed on him and his chief followers Solyman at his departure gave him great charge of his Navy after the service done to be again returned delivering him Letters to King Francis to the like purpose telling him all things should 〈◊〉 out according to both their desires if he took heed that Charls did not again deceive him with the motion of a deceitful peace Polinus returned from Hadrianople where Solyman then lay to Constantinople finding Barbarussa ready to put to Sea with 110 Gallies and 40 Galliots so setting forward April 28. 1543 he arrived first at Caristius in Euboea thence to Malea and cast by contrary winds into Lacedemon Bay staying nine dayes ere he could double the Cape Metapanium Then from Methone he came to the Strait of Messana where in sight of Rhegium they began to land their men wherefore they of the City fled forth for fear but the Castle was kept by Gaietane a Spaniard who refusing parley slew certain of the Turks with shot wherewith the rest enraged fired the desolate City sore against Polinus and Barbarussa's will who sought for the Authours to punish them Ordnance being planted against the Castle a few shot so terrified the Captain troubled with his Wives outcry that he yielded it with all therein to the enemy to whom with his Wife and Children he granted life and liberty 〈◊〉 up the rest and giving the spoil to his Souldiers there was about 70 Spaniards and many more Citizens all carried away prisoners Old Barbarussa becoming amorous of one of the Captains very beautiful Daughters entring her into Mahometanism made of her as his Wife bountifully entertaining the Captain as his Father in Law who came to see her at Hercules Port in Tuscany Barbarussa came to Ostia in the mouth of Tiber so frighting them of Rome that they were ready to forsake the City had not Polinus by his Letters to Rodolph Pope Paul's Legate in the City in part stayed the sudden tumult The Bishop was then at Buxetum travelling in shew with 〈◊〉 Emperour to make peace betwixt him and the French but secretly labouring to buy of him the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 for Octavius his Kinsman Charls's Son in Law As Polinus comforted up Rodolph the Cardinall so also them of 〈◊〉 and Ostia so that they brought the Turks all manner of Victuall and sometimes four Sheep or two Oxen redeemed a Prisoner of Naples yet many of the weaker sort fled out of the City by night though the Magistrates did what they could to stay them Barbarussa laying there three dayes and watring passed along Etruria and Liguria without doing harm and so sailed to Marselles where we leave him for a while Solyman came with a great Army into Hungary for the more assured possession of that Kingdom sending Amurathes and Ulames to besiege Walpo strong and scituate upon Dravus not far from Exek after whom followed Achomates with his European Horse This Town Perenus's possession was by his Wife and her friends worthily defended three moneths at last delivered to the enemy by the Souldiers who when they could not perswade their General to consent to a yielding took him perforce delivering him with the Town to the Turks who received him with all courtesie but the traiterous Souldiers were all put to the Sword the other Citizens being well used the Bishop and chief men of Quinque-Ecclesiae not far off now fled for fear the meaner sort willingly yielding it to the Turks Next strong Town was Soclosia belonging also to Perenus which divers Gentlemen encouraging the Citizens to stand on their defence held out a while but after much harm on both sides they retired into the Castle hoping to save themselves by yielding but Amurathes was so offended that promising them onely to come forth at their pleasure as they came out slew them all to terrifie others Solyman giving those Towns to Amurathes departed from Buda to besiege Strigonium kept by Liscanus and 〈◊〉 two Spaniards with 〈◊〉 Souldiers Paul the Bishop got away betimes despairing of mercy who by Solyman's interposing had been reconciled to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 again revolted to Ferdinand The Castle stood on a high Hill overlooking Danubius underneath it the Walls were built after the old manner before Guns were invented wherefore Vitellius and Torniellus sent the year before to view the place thought the City could hardly be defended if besieged by a strong enemy being also subject to a Hill not far off so that the old Garrison cast up new Bulwarks and Fortifications and making great boast seemed to wish for Solyman's coming but when he had with his
telling him he had seen the signs of safe landing he next day returned again to Gaulos On which day a Christian captive fled to St. Angelo and told Valetta the Turks would prove their last fortune in astaulting Michaels Castle next day and if they had not answerable success forthwith to be gone Mustapha promising 5 Talents of Gold to those who first advanced their Ensigns on the Walls and promote them higher and to reward the rest according to their desert Valetta first gave thanks to God for such discoveries from time to time then preparing necessaries for repulsing the enemy but the Turks all that day battered the new City and the shipping in the Haven sinking one great ship Garzias in the morning arrived at Malta landing his Forces and going forward with them about half a mile instructed the chief Commanders what was to be done all things to be in the King of Spain's name but till they came to the Great Master So exhorting them to play the men he left them marching to Melita in sight whereof he came with all his Fleet they of the City discharging all their Ordnance which was answered from the Fleet twice Then he returned into Sicily to take in the Duke of Urbins companies and some Spanish Bands and so to return to attend the Turks Fleet 's departure as good as half overthrown Assoon as the Turks heard the Army was landed there arose a wondrous confusion among them some crying Arm arm and others To be gone the greatest number burning the Engines and Fortifications with all speed embarqued their Ordnance and baggage which they in St. Angelo perceiving sallyed out without command to Burmola where some Turks fleeing from a huge piece of Ordnance which they kept they drew it within their Walls and had the new-come Forces charged the enemy as they disorderly ran to their Galleys perhaps they had found occasion of Victory or taken most of their Artillery but they thought it not convenient to leave the things brought for relief of the besieged which for roughnesse of the way and want of Horses were hardly carried Sept. 11. a Genuan fugitive came in haste telling Valetta that 1000 Turks were marching to meet with the Christians on the way whereupon he sent Souldiers to St. Elmo Castle to set upon an Ensign of the Order who found 24 great Peeces which they could not for haste remove Mustapha being landed from Marza Moxet at St. Paul's Port with 7000 men by the Fleet and being falsly informed the Christians were not above 3000 marched toward Melita and at the rising of a Hill both Armies meeting gave a great shout the formost beginning Battel a few being slain on both sides but the Christians growing on them in number and strength they fled the Christians killing of them to their Galleys where striving who to get in first about 400 were drowned besides 1800 slain The Turks lay in the Haven all next day and most of the night following and upon shooting of a great piece hoysed sayl leaving Malta sore wasted losing in all about 24000 most being their best Souldiers About 5000 Christians were slain besides 240 Knights honourably buried The Turks spending 78000 great shot in battery All things considered a man shall scarce find a place these many years more mightily impugned or with greater valour and resolution defended Valetta thus acquitted commanded publike prayers with thanksgiving to be made to the giver of all Victory then rewarded the Valiant commended the rest thanked all relieved the sick and wounded bewailed the spoil provided for reparation of Breaches c. And yet in all this was not secure but because of the great harms and the enemies return next year feared He by Letters to divers Princes chiefly to the grand Priors of the Order in divers Countries requested help containing also briefly in his Letter to George grand Prior of Germany and founder of Elmo Castle what hath been largely written in this History And being bountifully relieved by those he wrote to he both repaired and with Fortifications strengthened places subject to the enemies force Solyman exceeding angry with the Governour of Chios Island who during the siege had intelligence with Valetta revealing many of the Turk's designs also for detaining 2 years Tribure 20000 Duckats and not sending his wonted Presents to the Bassaes commanded Piall to prepare his Fleet and take that Island into his own hand who April 15 1566. with 80 Galleys there arrived Whereupon the chief men sent him Embassadours with presents offering him the Haven and whatever he should require who kindly accepting thereof and landing sent for the Governor and 12 Citizens as if he had some special matter to confer about from Solyman before he went thence for Malta or Italy who coming to him with great fear he cast them into Irons the Souldiers taking the Town-Hall pulling down the Towns-Ensign having in it St. George with a Red-crosse and setting up one of the Turks and so was it thorow the whole Island Then rifling the Temples they consecrated them after their manner The Governour and Senators with their Families were sent to Constantinople the vulgar to tarry there or depart So Piall placing a Turkish Governour and a strong Garrison departed from that fertile Island for Italy burning and destroying the Villages along Apulia and carrying the people into captivity so returning John the Vayuod of Transilvania grieved with the harms from the Emperours Captains whereof he was the cause and vainly hoping from Solyman to have most part of Hungarie calling himself King thereof ceased not to solicite him to come personally to make a full Conquest summoning the Nobility and Burgesses as if by Solymans appointment to meet at Thorda March 9. about matters for the common good which Swendi the Emperours Lievtenant hearing counter-manded them perswading the Hungarians not to listen to the Vayuods and Turks charms tending to destruction but to obey Maximilian who purposed to protect them in peace Hence it was that the remainders of this sore-shaken Kingdome divided began afresh to work each others confusion serving the Turks for a further encroachment who then surprized Ainastch in the Captain and some of the Souldiers absence putting all to the sword but they were by valiant Serinus at Sigeth after 4 hours hard fight overthrown and put to flight not long after they ranged up and down fetching in booty and doing much harm Wherefore Maximilian appointed his Captains to raise such Forces in Germany as were lately granted him by the Princes and States of the Empire at Augusta going himself to Vienna for Solyman was set forward with a mighty Army and come to Belgrade where the Vayuod of Transilvania met him kissing his Hand and commending himself and all his State to his protection Then did Swendi hardly besiege Husth in the borders of Transilvania and the Bassa of Buda on the other side besieging Palotta had by 8 days continual battery greatly endangered it though valiantly
ships 50000 Foot 4500 Horse with necessaries proportionable yearly to be ready in March or April at farthest to meet at an appointed place in the East to be employed as the state of things required The King of Spain to defray half the charge the Venetians 2 parts of the other half and the Pope a third which if too heavy for him then the Spaniard to bear 3 parts of that left by him undischarged and the Venetians 2. Victuals was also to be taken up at a reasonable price in any of their Dominions where the Forces should stay yet the Spaniard was first to Victual Guletta Malta and his own Navy out of Naples and Sicily Also if the Spaniard should when there was no common War invade Algiers Tripolis or Tunis the Venetians to ayd him with 50 well appointed Galleys he likewise to ayd them when by the Turks invaded But if the Roman Territory should be invaded then both to the utmost of their power to defend it and the Pope's person and in managing the confederate war what most of the 3 Admirals should agree upon to be reputed as agreed by all That Don John of Austria Charls 5. his son should command in chief all the Forces but to display the common Ensign Also all places except Tunis Algiers and Tripolis gained from the Turk to be divided among the Confederates the Pope to decide all controversies of the Generals to whom the Venetians should lend 12 Galleys which the Pope should supply with men and Victuals and deliver as they were at the end of the War That Maximilian the French King the Polonian and Portugal should have a place to enter into the League whom with other Christian Princes it should beseem him to stir up in so good a quarrel None of the Confederates to treat of peace or enter a League without the others consent Every Autumn their Embassadours being at Rome to consult of the next years Wars and determine whether their Forces were to be encreased or diminished This League was in June with great pomp and triumph proclaimed in Rome Venice and Spain The Venetians in the mean time tryed if they could stir up Tamas the Persian King against The Turk whom he exceedingly hated for the difference about their Religion and for manifold injuries sustained One Alexander a Secretary of State escaping lately out of prison at Constantinople being for his several Accomplishments thought fittest for so great a matter who thorowly furnished and instructed came to Moncastron in Turkish Attire a Port-town at the mouth of the River Borysthenes embarquing for Trapezond but was driven by a contrary wind to Sinope whence he travelled to Cutai keeping on the left hand because he would not fall upon the Turks Army marching thorow all those Countries yet he fell on a part thereof but being taken for a Turk he thorow Rocks and Forrests arrived at length at Erzirum a Frontier City of the Turks His journey was vented at Constantinople by a Spie who as a friend haunted the Venetian Embassadours House at Pera Whereupon Currours were speedily to beset the 3 straight passes into Persia with his favour stature c. But he fearing such a thing leaving his Company posted to Tauris whom the Courrours followed as far as they durst At Tauris Alexander hearing the Court lay at Casbin about 12 miles Journey he came thither Aug. 14. 1571. meeting with English Merchants of his acquaintance by whom he got to speak with Aider the Kings third son learning of them also the fashions of the Court and how to bear himself therein The Persians through the intolerable heat doing most business then by night Alexander about midnight declared to Aider the cause of his comming and next day to his Father delivered his Letters of credence declaring to him in the Senate's name how perfidiously Selimus was about to take away Cyprus from them with what greediness and pride he had set upon the Christians and that discharged of that war he would in all likelyhood set upon the Persians through an ardent and insatiable desire of Soveraignty Then setting forth the prowess of the Christians and their wondrous preparation both at sea and Land he perswaded the King with all his power to invade the Turk now wholly busied in the Wars of Cyprus using divers motives and arguments The King willingly heard him saying He would consider what to do A fair House and a bountiful Allowance being appointed for him and his followers who also requested the Nobles who feasted him oft to be Mediatours to the King therein who had a son called Ismael whom he kept in durance for making in-roads into the Turks Frontiers to the disturbance of his League with Solyman he fretting and languishing for very grief of revenge upon the Turks wished to Alexander that either his Father had his mind or he the powre of a King and that if ever he obtained the Kingdom he would shew what he then thought While the matter went slowlier on than the Embassador would have had it news was brought to Court of a great Victory obtained by the Christians of the Turks at 〈◊〉 Whereat Alexander solicited the King more earnestly than before but he then troubled with the rebellion in Media or weary of former Wars with the Turks answered him Since the Christians had made a perpetual League among themselves he would for 2 years 〈◊〉 the event and then as occasion served resolve on peace or war Which improvidentact brought afterwards a too late Repentance unto the whole Persian Kingdom all the calamities which the Senate foretold redounding in few years to the shaking thereof Mustapha furnished with all necessaries for his siege and Souldiers daily repairing to him besides great supplies brought by Haly from Constantinople being thought to have 200000 men in his Army In April drew nearer to Famagusta casting up Trenches and Mounts so high against it that the Defendants could scarce see the points of the Turks spears or top of their Tents for the Bassa had 40000 Pioniers ready at his command Famagusta standeth at the East end of the Isle low betwixt 2 Promontories it 's 2 miles about almost four-square Almost 2 parts whereof is beaten on with the sea the Land-parts being defended with a ditch but 15 foot broad a stone-wall and Bulwark and Parapets Towers also stand out scarce containing 6 Ordance a-piece It 's Haven South-Eastward is defended by 2 great Rocks betwixt which the Sea cometh in but about 40 paces over but then opening wider giveth a fit Harbour for ships though in no great number and was now strongly chained Near the Haven is an old Castle with 4 Towers There was one Bulwark so built after the manner of the Fortification of our time that it seemed almost impregnable yet there wanting many things the City was thought too weak long to hold out against so great a power but they had therein 2500 Italians 200 Albano's Horsmen and 2500 Cypriots all resolutely bent
he had already done in Persia having as he boasted by his Servants there performed more than his Predecessors could do in person wherefore he resolved to turn his forces against the Christian Emperour for first it grieved him to see the honour of the House of Austria and that he durst make head against him besides it would be farre lesse difficult to make Warre upon a Countrey so near him then upon Persia where his Armies were still to be led through his own Countries whence they were to be at all times plentifully relieved Sinan confirming him also in this Opinion who having vainly perswaded him to Warre against the Venetians now furthered this hoping thereby to recover his credit impaired by the little he did in 〈◊〉 as also by the discord betwixt him and Ferat commonly called the black Serpent as also to increase his Wealth who was shortly after made Generall by Amurath for those Warres but above all Hassan Bassa of Bosna furthered this matter in hope to gain great Riches with the greatest honours of the Field as he was vainly perswaded by his bold Prophets wherefore he daily certified Amurath of the burnings spoylings and robbings of the Uschocci and other the arch-Dukes Subjects upon his Frontiers inciting him to begin his Warre in Croatia and continue the same either against the Emperour or Venetians or that way to break into Italy as had sometimes before been done by which his importunity he got leave to begin those stirs in the Frontiers of the Empire yet unto this leave was this condition annexed that he should not seem to do it by Amurath's Command but of himself under colour to restrain the Uschocci who both by Land 〈◊〉 Sea as he pretended spoyled both the Christians and Turks whom the Princes of Austria had small care to chasten neither was it any great matter for Hassan so to do for disturbing of the peace the Turks Leagues with their Neighbours being seldom so but that their Souldiers in Garrisons and adventurers by Sea might to keep themselves doing upon a Military insolency as they terme it now then make incursions for booty by Sea and Land so that the Venetians wronged at Sea by their Embassadors complained at Constantinople of injuries done them by Turkish Pirates 〈◊〉 to have them called home and justice done upon them The Emperour also seeing many things both this year one thousand five hundred ninety one and the next attempted by Hassan in Croatia and the other Turks in Hungary by his Embassador then laying at Constantinople complained of these outrages desiring to know whether they were done by Amuraths consent and knowledge if not then that order may be taken for restraining thereof which was accordingly done for a while Amurath making shew as if the League of eight years should not on his part be in any wise infringed at which time the Persian King's sonne dyed in the Turks Court where he lay in Hostage whose dead body Amurath honourably sent home to his Father with an Apology of a suspicion of some that 〈◊〉 should be the cause of his untimely death still urging withall the confirmation of the League which by the death of the Prince had like enough been broken whereof Amurath was the more desirous because perswaded to make Warres with the Emperour he hoped thereby to add the Reliques of Hungary to his Empire with a good part of the Territories of the House of Austria and so open a way into the heart of Germany wherefore he raised a strong Army putting a great Fleet of Gallies into the Achipelago for the safety of his Islands there So the Bassa of Bosna in 1592 entred Croatia with 50000 Men burning destroying and sparing nothing that came in his way and also besieged Wihitz the Metropolis of that Country strongly scituated as incompassed about with the River Una which he 〈◊〉 soare battered and twice assaulted was by the distressed Defendants yielded on Composition that the Germans in Garrison might depart with Bagg and 〈◊〉 and that such Citizens as would might still remain there without hurt in body or goods the Bassa faithfully and safely conveighed the 400 Souldiers into their own Territory but exercised afterwards all Turkish Tyranny upon the Citizens the Emperour upon this unexpected invasion sent the Lord Petzen to pray ayd of the German Princes against the common Enemy who largely promised their help first Ernestus Arch Duke of Austria his Brother with five thousand Souldiers came to Grâ—ys the chief City of Stiria to whom more daily repaired out of Carinthia the Turks Army the while daily increasing inclosed six thousand Foot and five hundred Horse of the Christians who had taken the Woods Mountains and strait-passages and so that few of them escaped with life amongst whom many valiant Captains and expert Souldiers were slain the Bassa to make his Victory more famous lading six Waggons with the Heads of the slain the Turks thus raging in Croatia brought a fear upon all Hungary and divers Provinces of the Empire whereupon the Emperour assembling the States of Silesia and Moldavia declared unto them the eminent danger perswading them to joyn their forces with the rest for repulsing the Enemy After long delay Ernest the Arch-Duke August the tenth came to the Emperour his Brother with the Embassador of Hungary and the seventh day after were called together the Embassadors of the Kingdoms and Provinces of the Empire thorowly debating How the Turks were to be resisted and from whence forces money c were to be raised for now longer delay did seem dangerous and the rather for that the Beglerbegge of Greece with 60000 select Souldiers was ere long expected for preventing of which so great and manifest dangers they sate daily at Prague yea even from morning to night for the Hungarians especially the Lord Nadasty instantly urged to have succours sent into Hungary for if the Turk should get into his hands the rest of the Towns and Castles there 't was to be feared lest he should soon after indanger all Germany whose strength the Turk lesse feared than the reliques of Hungary others were as careful of Croatia and Stiria as more proper to themselves the Enemy now there raging the Hungarians with the other distressed crying to the Emperour for help and he also calling upon the Princes of the Empire divers Assemblies were had in divers places and Embassadors sent to the Emperor from almost all the German Princes all was full of consultation but help came in slowly yet that which was was sent into Croatia to defend the Fortresses against the furious Enemy September the 18th the Turks on a sudden by night assaulted Toccay Castle in upper Hungary hoping to surprize it but finding it a more difficult matter then they imagined they departed attempting the lesser Comara which standing in a Marsh-ground was easily defended then also the Bassa of Buda entred the Christians Frontiers but upon viewing the strong Holds thereof finding nothing for
writing for him to confirm most being drawn out of the pacification at Vienna in 1606 1. Freédom of Religion to be permitted in every City and Town 2. All the strong places to be governed by natural Hungarian Captains 3. That Crown to be still in Hungary and kept by temporal men 4. First of all a Palatine to be chosen 5. If the King did not alwayes reside there he to be content that the Palatine and Councel should in his absence conclude of all things 6. All publick Offices to be bestowed onely upon well deserving Hungarians none to be admitted for money 7. No Jesuites to be in the Kingdom nor Ecclesiastical men so much favoured as formerly 8. Officers not to be bound to give account but before the Treasurers of Presburg being natural Hungarians 9. Money not to be carried out of the Kingdom as hitherto 10. The Palatine dying the King to chuse another within a year the chief Justice the while as of old supplying the place The Protestant States of Austria had sent to those of Hungary then at Presburg requesting that since they could not obtain the free exercise of Religion as well within as without their Cities they would afford them the ayd due by the pacification at Vienna who sent Turson and others with interceding Letters to Maximilian who answered King Matthias never thought to attempt against the priviledges of Austria granted by the Emperour Maximilian but he could by no means grant to the Cities the liberty of Religion both for Conscience and for danger that might ensue from the Pope and King of Spain yet he would promise to suffer it without the Cities and in bestowing publique Offices to regard no Religion yet so that they laid down Arms submitted to the King confessed their fault craving pardon whereby perhaps they should prevail most The Hungarian Embassadors going with this answer to the Austrians by divers Reasons earnestly perswaded them to submit and by request to solicite their cause with the King whereof were That the League betwixt the Hungarians and Austrians concerned as well the Catholiques as Protestants that the Hungarian power could not be brought into Austria but to its utter destruction that 〈◊〉 Religion was never planted or defended with the Sword Christ saying them to be happy who therefore suffer persecution and commanding Peter to put up his Sword into his scabberd that hereby Hungary it self should be exposed to many dangers c. But all Controversies ended with the Hungarians Illishashius was chosen Palatine and Matthias November the 14th proclaimed King of Hungary and on the 19th day Crowned in great Pomp and solemnity at Presburg and on a high 〈◊〉 covered with Cloth sworn to the HUNGARIANS as their KING and they to him as his Subjects where many Haiducks and common people at or after the great Feast scrambling for the money that was cast abroad and in taking up the Cloth from the scaffold had their hands and fingers cut off King MATTHIAS now stayed at Presburg till the new Building in the Castle was ended where the Crown was to be kept that he might see it with the other Ornaments put thereinto and sealed up with his own Seal and the while laboured to appease divers contentions and to place fit men in great Offices for the Hungarians would not suffer the Germanes therein wherefore many were displaced and Sigifrid Collonitz also a most well-deserving man yet soon after by Maximilian's Counsel he was by the Hungarians repenting thereof both restored to his former Offices and had even greater preferments offered him also but Illishaschius now Palatine Novemb. 28 largely and earnestly entreated with the King in behalf of the Protestants of Austria chiefly because those of Hungary seemed in their behalf much moved and the Moravian Embassadors openly protested their States could not forsake them if their need required The Elector of Saxonie and other Princes of the Empire earnestly interceded also for them yet the Popes Nuntio so withstood them that the King then granted nothing who returning to Vienna the Protestant States of Austria sent six EMBASSADORS to the KING to know whereto to trust who answered them December the 27 they should be content with the former answer and submit to the Kings pleasure or do what they saw good whereupon they levied new Forces perswading their Souldiers that minding their Oaths to serve faithfully wheresoever and against whomsoever Now a great Army of the Protestants lay about Crembsa and Spain So that the King sent to those two Towns 1500 Horse and some Ordnance under Bucheme to strengthen them publishing an Edict Jan. 10th 1609 charging the States to come to Vienna on the 21 day to take the 〈◊〉 of allegiance yet they most stifly refused remitting nothing of their Requests so that 〈◊〉 who had 〈◊〉 in this cause was quite out of 〈◊〉 Bucheme the while was like to be disappointed of a 〈◊〉 place he was about to take up for his Horsemen by Gerrane's Horse on the States side wherefore Bucheime with seven Troops and Gerrane with 3 and 3 Companies of Foot had a hot skirmish Jan. 13th 100 of Bucheimes men being slain of Gerranes not so many they having the advantage of ground hereupon the King much moved proclaimed at Vienna proscribing all the Protestants Souldiers and pronouncing them Rebels except before Jan. 21 they laying down Arms departed their Camp howbeit the 〈◊〉 States increased their Forces and from a Hill not far from Hallenbynne discharging three tire of Ordnance much terrified the Kings Souldiers within the Town The States of Moravia about this time sent Embassadors to those at Horne and others to the King declaring unto him their States were earnestly importuned by those of Austria to 〈◊〉 them ayd according to their agreement the year before and amongst the rest telling him the Protestant States were content to put the controversie to grave and wise Arbitrators on both sides yet so that for 〈◊〉 dayes no Hostility should be used the Inhabitants above and beneath Amisum to be comprised in this Truce those in durance for Religion to be freed and all high wayes and passes to be cleared from all dangers Hereupon the King gave leave to the States of Moravia upon the most equall tearms they could to compose all matters who so laboured therein that March the 12th a Pacification was made betwixt the King and them the Pope's Nuntio and other great Ones seeking in vain to lett it and among other Articles concerning the liberty of their Religion and Priviledges some who were put out of Office for not taking the oath of Allegiance were to be restored to their places all grudging 〈◊〉 and quarrell to be on both sides forgiven and for ever forgotten the Towns above Amisum to have the free exercise of the reformed Religion in their Suburbs and Hospitals Ere long the King going to Lintze with 300 Horse was with 8 Troops aud 15 Foot Companies meeting him most honourably brought into the City where
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