their praying their bodies are ever in great motion and agitation wherewith they marvellously afflict themselves with loud cryings and fierce ejaculations so as oftentimes their strengths and spirits failing they sink unto the ground and if it happen any of them conceive her self with child she then assures her self that pregnancy proceeds from the favour of the Holy Spirit and when delivered the Infants born are called Sons or Souls of the Holy Ghost This hath been related to me from their Hand-maids for I nor ever any man else were ever present at that spectacle At mens devotions I have been often present with my Master whose customs are in manner following in their prayers they ne're take off their Turbants coverings of their heads but with the tops of their fingers gently touch them in token of taking them off they fall upon their knees and often kiss the ground they hold it for great wickedness to have a Christian present at their mysteries for they believe their Churches as they say to be polluted by men unwashed and that Christians use no such Lavatories Every Church in Turkie hath a peculiar place for Baths and washings with lodings for a Priest Now here the Priest ascends his Pulpit reads a piece of the Alcoran and sometimes expounds it and there preaches about two hours his Sermon ended two boys come up to him who pronounce their prayers singing with responsals which Songs being ended the Priest with the whole People in a low voice beating upon their sides repeat these words There is but one God which for the space of half an hour they do and so depart But this manner of prayers and ceremonies of preaching and singing are not done every day unless in time of Lent Festivals some Sundays and most observe the Fridays for religious worship Of their Lent They keep their Lent by fasting one month and one week every Year but not always the same for if this Year they fast out January the next they fast out February and keep on that course so as in twelve Years space they dedicate to God in lieu of tenths one Year and twelve Weeks Travellers and sick persons are excused from present fastings but are enjoyned to supply it by fasting so many daies at other times When they fast all that Day they taste nothing not so much as bread or water then the Stars appearing it is lawful for them to eat of all things which are not strangled or Hogs-flesh which they esteem as Carrion most unclean Their Lent being past they observe Easter for three days with great solemnity anointing the nails of their Feet and Fingers with an Oyl which they call Chna which makes those nails to shine like Gold and with the same they sometimes stain or colour the hoofs and tails of Horses This Tincture holds very long and can hardly be wiped away so as until new nails thrust out the old they still retain that dye but nails of the hand by frequent washing abate in time Women do not only anoint the nails but their whole Hands and Feet also with that Oyl Of their Circumcision They Circumcise not on the eighth day as the Jews do but when the new-born arrive at the age of seven or eight years and be of perfect speech the mysterie whereof is from the words of confession required before Circumcision which are some of those sentences afore-mentioned in their Churches which they repeat and give assent thereto by holding up the Thumb of the right hand The Youth is not for this mysterie brought unto their Church but is circumcised in his Parents house I have been often present at this solemnity which is performed in manner following first the friends are all invited to a feast sufficiently furnished with all sorts of delicate flesh lawful for them to eat and almost every where especially amongst the wealthier sort an Or is killed bowelled and flayed in the body whereof they include a Sheep and in that Sheep a Hen and in her an Egge all which are entirely roasted together for the solemnity and splendor of that day Then in their Feast and time of Supper the Boy that is to be circumcised is brought to a Physitian skilful in that Art who fixing between a pair of pinchers the fore-skin of his privie Member to prevent all fear in the Boy he telleth him that the next day he will circumcise him and so departs but presently seigning to have omitted something appertaining to this preparation on a sudden he cutteth off the foreskin applying thereunto a little salt and bombace and then he is called a Musselman that is one circumcised Yet their Names are given the day of their Nativity not Circumcision After continuance of this Feast for three dayes the Boy with great pomp and solemnity is accompanied to the Baths and being returned to his House he is brought before the Guests and by them presented with gifts prepared for him some give Silver Silken Vestments some Silver Cups others Money and sometimes Horse Women present him likewise some with Shirts Handkerchiefs and such like according to the several pleasures and abilities of the Guests Women are not circumcised only they confess the aforesaid words and so made Musselmen And if any Christian voluntarily confess a Faith in Mahomet and suffers circumcision which often happens by the heavy yoke and burden of their Tribute this Man is led through all the Streets and open places of the City to the great joy and honour of the people with acclamations him also they present with gifts and after free him from all Tribute For covetousness of this profit many Greeks and Albanes become circumcised But if any be forced thereto as he that shall strike or otherwise disgrace a Musselman or blaspheme Mahomet as it befel a certain Grecian Bishop which I did see that man is circumcised and hath nothing presented to him yet shall be freed from Tribute as others circumcised Of their Priests Their great Mufty as the Pope among Catholicks cannot erre and is the highest Minister of all Religious and Lay Persons an Officer of great power and trust his conclusions and sentences in State and Church-affairs are irrevocable and his person held in most esteem and reverence next the Emperour his habit most in green being Mahomets colour There is small difference between their other Priests and Lay-men nor much from the Governours of Ceremonies such as our Bishops are neither is much learning required from them it is sufficient if they can read the ALCORAN and Musaph yet they that can interpret on the Text are esteemed most Learned because the Traditions of Mahomet are written in the Arabick not vulgar Turkish Character and they hold it most detestable to have them interpreted in the vulgar Language These Priests and Governous are elected by the People but their rewards and stipends for their labours are paid by the King They have Wives and Habits like Seculars and if their stipends be
not there as some affirm but onely an imaginary form in the Wall of the Church expressing the lineament of a body which is often kissed and so they return home again Such lying follies for miracles these Infidels are possessed with concerning Mahomet and divers others so ridiculous as I omit for modesties sake yet must advise the Reader if he please to interrogate any Turk therein and he will finde I have spoke nothing but meer Truth Of their Alms. The Alcoran obligeth men to Alms as meritorious and much pleasing God and saith The contrary comes from the Devil They have Hospitals for poor travellers built by the Wills and Legacies of their Kings where they have meat in different manners some allow Rice with flesh others prepare Wheat-bread and water to drink but for rest or lodgings there is no place allowed yet there are some few publick receptacles where they are received without charge or other bedding then straw or hay but they repose under a good roof Of their Sacrifice Their offerings or oblations are for the most part upon promise or vows in sicknesses or other dangers and then they kill an Ox or a Sheep according to their abilities and promise to sacrifice it in some certain place This Offering is not burnt or placed on an Altar after the custom of the Jews but the Beast being killed the skin head feet and a fourth part of the flesh is given to the Priest another part to the poor a third to neighbours and the remainder they keep for themselves and friends to rejoyce withal Neither are they tyed to perform these vows unless they escape the disease or danger for which they intended them all things with them being conditional I give you if you give me And the like is observed by the Greeks Armenians and other Asiatick people even of the Christian Faith If any of their Musselmen make a Will their Legacies are given before Friends or Neighbors Of their Wills and Legacies and they are commonly for cutting Water-courses for conveying Springs from some remote places to Hospitals Churches or dry habitations and that for Piety sake their souls benefit Others give money to free bond-men out of thraldom But women for the most part as most superstitious bequeath their gifts to Souldiers for a certain slaughter of Christians which they conceive to be greatly beneficial for their souls The Legacies of their Kings are for the building of Hospitals Churches and so likewise are those of eminent and great personages Ceremonies of the dead When any of their Musselmen die men take the Funeral-care of men and women of women They wash the departed body very clean wrap it in fine linnen then they carry it out of Town into some remote place for they hold it sinful to bury in their Churches First Friends of the deceased Priests meet and go in progress certain Monks bearing Wax-candles then follow some of their Priests singing till they come to the grave shaking their heads often turning round fall down with giddiness as in a trance The better sort have their graves lined with boards at bottom and at sides and covered with boards on which they throw the Earth strow sometimes the seeds of flowers thereon Great men Bassa's have peculiar Chappels for themselves and Kindred The poor are buried by high-ways or in open fields If the deceased be of poor ability there is then money gathered for satisfaction of labour for those religious men which is offered in the streets Of the edifice of a Sepulchre called Tulbe Over this stately Tomb being Prince-like there is erected a goodly Temple wherein their Kings are buried in the City with great magnificence Both rich and meaner have an Altar built of such an height as beasts cannot annoy or pollute it with any foulness thither with lamentations and weepings they often return and spread upon the monument sacrifices of meats bread flesh cheese eggs milk This Solemnity or Funeral-supper continues for nine dayes after the parties burial according to the Heathen manner for the soul of the departed and it is left to be eaten by the Poor by Ants or Fowls of the Air. They say It equally pleaseth God to give Alms to Beasts that wants as men when they are given for Gods sake I have seen many buy Birds in cages at good values only to set them at liberty and see them flie away others throw Bread into Rivers for Fishes and that for the love of God saying That such charity towards the needy doth obtain a great reward from Heaven The Turks have all one Emperor or King of the Race of Ottoman Concerning War who hath next to himself in Authority two Sanjacks or Vice-roys chief Governors the one of Europe the other of Asia and these have under them Lieutenants of lesser quality who command the ordinary Souldiery and if they fail being called to any expedition are presently punished with death He hath others alwayes following him as Councellors Guardians of his body ever neer him Chamberlains Chancellors and Exactors of Tribute for monies and young people with certain numbers of light-horse Messengers and divers others that continually follow the Court. His greatest strength is in his flaves Children for the most part torn from Christian Parents with Tribute-Children bred and educated in several Seraglio's Captives taken in War and Renegado's Of these some are trained up and serve on Horse who have a double stipend to the foot and always ready at command in stables keeping four hundred Horse together The great body of Foot-Souldiery are the Janizaries all commanded by a Chief called their Aga a person of mighty trust and like importance who hath under him diverse inferior Commanders and have Seraglio's apart Of these and Auxiliary Forces the Turk can draw three hundred thousand into the field A great part of these Janizaries attend the Court Ambassadors Houses and protect all Christian Inhabitants and Travellers for rewards and are faithful in those employments Their Standard in the field is an Horse-tail tied upon a Pole an Emblem of their first barbarity and rudeness His strength at Sea is not considerable consisting most in Gallies and those not equal to some Italian Princes nor hath he many for want of slaves whom he imploys more for Land-services The best of Shipping is under the Bassa's of Algier and Tunis whom he manageth with much policy sometimes as Rebels and sometimes as good Subjects to his best advantage against Christians for if they complain of loss the Turk then says He cannot rule them If the other do the like he 'l take treble damages The condition of Noblemen There is not any of those great personages that possess by right of inheritance any Province City or real estate to derive unto his children or successors without consent of the King If any of their Dukes or Princes desire possessions it must be with this condition the value of
God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost he much admired saying O God O God I nor any of our Sect could ever imagine you had such good thoughts of God for we conceive you live in darkness of understanding but by your relation it seems you have great apprehensions of him and believe God Mahomet I said what shall we do with the toys and dreams of Mahomet for besides Baptisme and the mystery of the Trinity which were had from Christians we know the Alcoran contains naught that tends to truth Then I alledged to him the fancies and silly trifles of Mahomet's two Angels called Arot and Marot whom Mahomet says that God did send from Heaven to minister justice unto mortal men commanding them to forbid drinking of wine and unlawful mixtures with women and to shew the way to Heaven to no man These Angles transgressing Divine Comandment were defiled deceived and made drunk by a Woman and shewed to Mahomet the way to Heaven whom when God saw there he asked the Angles standing by who it was that came in that shape thither And the Angels telling him it was by the error of Arot and Marot he turned the Woman into a Star and sent those Angels chained into a Well to be punished everlastingly Divers like ridiculous stories I related As that of the Beast Baraile who could speak as a man who carried Mahomet to Heaven where himself confesseth to have seen great Angels with many heads and those speaking many languages in divers tongues which is sufficiently foolish and unworthy the name of a Prophet but said I know not whether oppressed with Wine in sleep he dreamed to have seen such miracles or monstrosities in his imaginations And therefore when he inserts such follies in his Alcoran he deserves not the Title of a Prophet from any reasonable man Having heard this somewhat abashed he arose and would argue no further but led me into the Temple and shewed me certain Images carved in wood and asked me If we did worship those similitudes of men or adore them I Answered No think not we worship the stone or timber wherein these figures are engraved they are used and respected onely as records and remembrances to mens minds of the passions and sufferings of our Saviour Jesus Chrest for the redemption of our transgressions and we worship our true God in mind and spirit remembred by that Crucifix neither are you denyed the like remembrances of your great Princes and famous men nor we of holy Saints but 't is to give God thanks for their examples of holiness and our prayers to imitate their charities and pieties In these discoursings he spies some dogs walking in the Church and doing something against an Altar an evil custom and to be condemned by all and asked Whether it was lawful for Beasts to enter our Churches and blushing with shame not knowing how to defend this negligence of Christian Pastors I told him it was neither lawful nor seemly and desired him to conceive it a meer negligence of Officers When he heard this he commended it very much and desired me to instruct him in our Saviours Prayer which I gave him afterward in the Arabian Dialect The Prophesies among the Turks THe Turks are exceeding credulous superstitious relying upon Dreams Fortunes Prophesies Divinations and Destiny and have especial regard to the Enthusiasms and Freaks of whatsoever distracted or mad persons as taking them for Prophetical raptures and as men taken up with admiration and extasie of some divine and ravishing objects and therefore no wonder if they do with veneration receive those Oracles of their Priests voiced to be dictated by their great Prophet or some other person eminent for his great Piety and Holiness Among the first rank of those Predictions is that of the return of their great Prophet for which the Moors and Persians who have long lookt for his coming keep alwayes a horse ready sadled with rich furniture as priding themselves that the Miracle of the Conversion of the World shall be propagated upon that Horse from their Country To omit many more fancies of this nature As to their temporal state and Government they have a Prophesie in which they are much disconsolate viz. That as a Mahomet won Constantinople so another Emperor of that Name shall lose it to the Christians and that they shall then be brought to the utmost extremity but their Prophet Mahomet shall appear to their deliverance They have another Prophesie relating to Christendom which is turned upon this hinge They measure the continuance of their Empire by the discord betwixt the Princes of the belief of the Name of Jesus and they confess truly that this division is the only cause of their greatness the which hath made them believe that among Christians there was a bad Angel enemy to peace which they call the strong or powerful Spirit which kindling the fire of revenge and ambition in the hearts of great men draws from their affections the good of their belief to entertain them in perpetual discord during the which they promise unto themselves a firm and an assured reign So the Mufti and the Talismans praying on Friday in their Mosques demand of their Prophet the circumstance of this bad intelligence betwixt Christian Princes to the end they may enjoy the Empire which they have unjustly usurped Yet their Prophesies do not promise them a perpetual possession and behold one translated out of their language which hath alwayes made them fear the union of the Christians That is to say Our Emperor shall come he shall possess the Realm of an infidel Prince he shall take the red Apple and make it subject to his power if at the seventh year of his command the Christians sword doth not advance he shall rule unto the twelfth year he shall build houses plant vines compass in gardens with hedges and beget children but after the twelfth year that he hath held the red apple the Christians sword shall appear and put the Turk to flight By the Infidel Prince they understand a Christian Prince for so they call them and by the Red Apple an Imperial town strong and important in the which and else where the Turks shall build houses that is to say convert holy temples to the use of the Mahometan impiety for by this word to build they that have commented upon this prophesie understand usurpation of the house s of God Plant vines by these words they signifie the extent of the Turkish Empire and the setling of their colonies as we see in Hungary and Transylvania Compassing in gardens that is to say they shall fortifie the towns which they have taken from their enemies Beget Children extend the Mahometan Religion far in the Christians Countries But after the twelfth year c. within a certain time best known to God his divine Majesty opening the eyes of his clemency upon the Christians will unite the wills of their Princes kindle their affections with
fruit of your body and in the fruit of the ground in your bushel and your store when you come in and when you go out where the Lord shall command the blessings upon you and whatsoever you set your hands unto V. But more particularly is Religion become the Interest of every Kingdom 1. Of Spaine whose zeal for the Catholique Religion is the best prop of that Monarchy it s that which obligeth the Pope and Papists in all Kingdoms to promote his greatness against the Protestants and the Princes of Italy to serve his design against France 2. Of the Popa and the Princes that hold of him in Italy in the right of the Church whose patrimony lieth in the same bottom with their Religion and whose estates are entailed upon them by the holding of their Christianity 3. Of France whose power is impowred by indulging Protestants and assisting them against the encroachments of Spaine 4. Of the Low-countries the Hans-towns of Germany and the Princes with Denmark and Swethland whose religion hath propagated the liberty of the four first of these and upheld the Kingdoms of the two last all which had been swallowed up of the Austrian power had not their Religion knit their interest together and they who were otherwise at a great distance in situation and civil concernes become so united in their faith in a word the Lawes the priviledges the constitutions and policies of Europe are so enterwoven with Christian religion that if it be pulled down the government of Europe falleth down with it VI But Religion is not all though it be enough to engage the states and lives of all that professe it for the Christians have many more engagements upon them 1. Namely the Emperour hath his borders to secure and his rebellious people who have taken sanctuary under the Turk to subdue every yeare untill this ill neighbour be removed as hath Poland Sweden and Museovy 2. The English and the Dutch have the Levant and other places to be setled which cannot be expected as long as this absolute Tyrant gives Laws to sea and land 3. The French the Spaniards and other Popish Princes have the yoake the Pope hath set upon their necks to enslave them to him more unworthily then they do the people to themselves to remove which they could never yet attempt but their Ghostly father chastized them with an Invasion of Turks or Moors or deluded them into an holy warre where he had his privy projects beyond the publique designe that aâ— the Sea loseth in one place it gaineth in another the Emperour and the other Princes lost more to his Holinesse in the West then they were like to gain of the Turk in the East Lord Baâ—ons advertisment touching an holy War 4. Besides there is no such undertaking at this day for earthly honour with secular advantage and greatness as a war upon Infidels No fancy this the Spaniards invaded Mexico Peru and other parts of the West Indies and what floods of treasure have flowed into Europe upon that action so that the Rates of Christendom are improved fifteen times more then formerly by a growing treasure of Gold and Silver besides the accesse of Empire and new Territories not to mention the rich Trade of Spices Stones Musk and Drugges opened by our honourable atchievements in Affrica Asia and other parts of the world would it be nothing to make all the kingdoms of the earth become kingdoms of Christ and yours under him And the Sunne would never set in the Christian Kingdome but ever shine upon one part or other of them as the Sun of Righteousnesse ever shines upon the whole 5. How many thousand persons might bâ— employed in a War against the Infidels who do worse at home forreign warres are the breathing of a Kingdoms veine to let out 〈…〉 blood the idleness of Christendom might 〈◊〉 its very sin and shame might cure it 6. The idle being diâ—patched to engage the Infidel abroad the divided would in expâ—â—â—tion of the event of that engagement be uâ—â—â—ed at home A warre with the Turk is the grâ—nd means of the peace of Christendome The war with Carthage was the peace of Rome 7. Besides Palestine was a parcell of the Roman Empire Cyprus a piece of England some parts of Aegypt belong to France not to speake of the Churches right it is not fit for Christian Princes to let goe what is their own to an Infidel and fight among themselves for what is not their own and doth not piety and compassion move you to consider the distressed Christians in Syria were it not worth the time if you neglect your own to maintain Gods title to the holy Land to make Jerusalem once again the joy of the whole earth to restore the chappel of Christs conception at Nazareth his birth at Bethlem his burial on Mount Calvary ascention on Mount Olivet to their primitive piety and devotion what pleasure were it but to see those Theaters of Mysteries of Wonders and Miracles It were pity but the blasphemies of the Turks against Christ and their cruelty against Christians were punished and a way opened by the Sword for Instruction and Catechizing and such other succesfulâ— motives to Christianity in order to that universall profession of Religion which is to blesse the world with happy times the last thousand years of duration 8 Though umbrages and fond jelousies the fume of love and weak fancies are not competent foundations to build a warre upon yet to prevent a mischief whereof we have but too just a fear is the result of right reason and the constant practice of all wise men and Nations its folly like a clown to ward a blow onely when it is past to play an aftergame is rather a shift then a policy especially considering that warre is a Tragedy that ever destroyes the Stage whereon it is acted now that the Turks are now justly to be feared cannot be denied Asia is over-run Greece is subdued Transilvania is made tributary the Hereditary countries of Austria are made desolate Hungary is revolted some Islands in the Mediteranian sea are lost there is but the Alps between them and France and Italy but a River between them and Poland but the Pyrenean mountains between them and Spaine they give Law to the Midland sea Let us make therefore the warre with the Turk the sewer of Christendome and drive all discords out of it Europe now is surfeited with people and many of them active spirits and stirring natures employing themselves in mutual jars and dissentions which this warre will close up uniting all the malice and power of Europe against the common foe of Christianity Object But is it Lawful to make a War for Religion to inforce that which should be perswaded to make our Christian Saviour an Heathen Idol in sacrificing the blood of men to him and whilst we would let the world see we are Christians to forget the rest of the world are men Answ We allow not War
adjoyning Northward to Phenicia famous to our acquaintance for Laodicea as is mentioned in the Revelations of St. John Antioch the place where Christians were first so called Antioch but now hath no name it self either Turkish or Christian to be called by being sunk into most obscure and ignote Rubbish It was finally lost from the Christians in 1381. when it came to Saladine the Victorious Sultan of Egypt and Damascus Thirdly Comagena bordering upon Euphrates towards the East with which it is wetered Aleppo in it Aleppo scituated in the midst betwixt Tripolis Beritus and Alexandretta the three prime ports of Turkey and on the further side it adjoyns to the Persian Territories it hath been of long time a factory of the English Nation governed by a Consul who maintain thence correspondence with the East Indies several goods coming over land upon Camels The English are here well beloved and our Tutelar or National Saint George whose Sepulchre is feigned here is had in great veneration It over-looks by its scituation upon a Hill six Villages to be seen no where else in these depopulated uncultivated places of this Empire and is governed by a Bashaw which Dignity hath of late years been troublesome to the Turkish State as was mentioned in the following Treatise It was taken in by Selymus the first of which more presently Fourthly Palmyrene a Country never conquered in the Holy-Land expedition as the other parts were Fifthly Coelosyria bounded on the West with Palestine whither we are next to pass and on the South-East with Arabia Deserta and on the North with Palmyrene remarquable for the famous City of Damascus Damascus and the Imperial and regal Seat of many Kings who have been celebrated as well in Divine as humane writ A most fruitful delightful place even to surfeit being stored with wine to superfluity for which reason as is excellently observed the vile Impostor Mahomet would not be perswaded to come to it lest being inescated with its pleasure he should forget the business he came about but his Successors were not so abstemious it being the seat of one of his Caliphs while Babylon or Badgat was re-edified Here are many ingenuous workmen in most Arts and hence come our Damask Satins and Linnens wrought with curious Branches It is now the Seat of one of the principal Turkish Bashaws and who is had in great estimation and beloved by the Grand Signior It was held in modern times by the Mamalukes who piece-meal recovered Syria from the Tartars who under Tamberlane terribly sacked this City but in the year 1516. when the victorious Selymus the first discomfited Campson Gaurus the Egyptian Sultan in the fields of Aleppo this City fearing the Spoyl and ruine thereof then very opulent by trade set open their Gates as did all the other Cities by their example By means whereof the Turks became Lords of all this Country without any more blows as they were next year of Egypt also by their victory over Tomombeius in whom perished the Name and Empire of the Mamalukes In our way to Palestine on the Holy Land we must pass over Mount Hermon a ledge of Hills Mount Hermon which beginning Eastward run directly South by which Palestine is bounded on the East and parted from Coelosyria and Arabia Deserta on the West with the Mediterranean Sea and some part of Phaenicia On the North it is divided with the Hill Anti-Libanus from Syria and on the South with part of Arabia Patraea a most fertile Land even to admiration flowing with milk and Honey as it is elegantly expressed in the eight of Deuteronomy by its former division it was cantoned into six Provinces 1. Berea 2. Iturea 3. Galilee 4. Samaria 5. Judea and 6. Idumea but made one Province of the Roman Empire as it is now of the Turkish the chief Cities were Coesaria Samaria and Jerusalem of which a little must needs bespoken For to speak nothing of ancient times in the 73. year after Christ Jerusalem was taken and destroyed by Titus with the slaughter and captivity of infinite thousands In the year 136. it was restored by Aelius Adrianus new-named Aelia and given in possession to the Jews In the time of Constantine and Helena his Mother it fell into the hands of the Christians and so continued until the dayes of our Henry the fourth at which time it was again taken by the Sultan of the Sarazens and the Christians clean banishment In the year 1097. in a general Council for the delivery of the Holy-Land Holyland the Crossed Knights were instituted throughout Christendom and Godfrey of Bulloygne chosen General of three hundred thousand footmen and one hundred thousand horse These Knights did many famous acts recovered the Land instituted a Monarchy and though sometime with loss continued some defence thereof until the year of our Lord 1517. and then was it overcome by the Turkish Armies of the aforesaid victorious Selymus who at this day retain it in miserable servitude under a certain Tribute or imposition upon such Christians as are permitted to live here There are now therefore two or more Monasteries or Religious Houses where Fryars do abide and make a good commodity of shewing the Sepulchre of Christ and other Monuments unto such Christian Pilgrims as do use superstitiously to go in Pilgrimage to the Holy Land And so it resteth peopled with men of divers Nations and Sects as Saracens Arabians Turks Hebrews and Christians whereof some follow the Latine Church some the Greek as the Graecians Syrians Armenians Georgians Nestorians Jasâ—bites Nubians Marodits Abessines Indians and Egyptians every one having their peculiar Bishops whom they obey But to particularize a little further GALILIE upon the North is invironed with the steep hills of Libanus and Antilibanus upon the West with Phenicia upon the East with Coelosyria and upon the South with Samaria and Arabia the desart The soil is most fruitful yielding all sorts of Trees and divided by Jordan upon whose banks stand very many Towns and Villages and so well watered either with mountain Torrents or Springs that no part thereof lyeth unmanured The Country is the more famous for that in it standeth amongst the rude mountains the small Villages of Nazareth Nazareth the place of our Lords conception And at this day there is a small Chappel archt and built under ground whereinto a man must descend by stairs Here some say the Angel appeared unto Mary and foretold her that she should conceive and bring forth our Lord. The Inhabitants are Arabians short and thick men rudely apparelled and weaponed with Bows Swords and Daggers In this Region likewise standeth the Mount Thabor whose North part is inaccessible and whereon our Lord was transfigured according to the blessed Evangelist SAMARIA lyeth in a most delicate plot of Palestine Samaria but in bigness not comparable to Judea or Galilie The soil is partly mountainous partly champian pleasant fruitful and very well watered
not sufficient to mantain the number of their Children they otherwise supply themselves by Handicrafts Trades or what else befits a free-man as teaching Schools transcribing Books c. I ne'er could see amongst them any Printers but Paper is there very well made Some make profit one way some an other as Taylors Shooe-makers c. Of their Monks They have likewise Monks of several Orders but chiefly of these three the first have no propriety in any thing they go almost wholly naked saving their privities covered with a Sheeps skin and in cold weather they use the like to cover their backs their sides their feet and hands are never covered They beg alms as well of Christians as Turks and For God's sake These Monks having eaten an Herb called Maslach are possest with a kind of fury and madness they cut and wound their breasts cross and overthwart and so their arms dissembling all trouble or pain then clap on their heads hands and breasts the spunge or mushrooms of old Trees light burning and not remove them till they are reduced to ashes Another Order I have seen who go with their privy part bor'd thorow and a Ring included therein of the weight of three pound and this to preserve chastity The third Order is rarely seen abroad but remain both day and night in Churches where within some little Angles they have small Cabins no shooes vestments or coverings of the had wearing nothing but one shirt their exercise is fasting and prayers that God would reveal things future to them With this sort of Monks the King of Turks usually consults when he intends a motion on expedition to War They give so much respect to Mahomets Traditions and Statutes Their reverence to Mahomets traditions that not onely they never blaspheme God or his Prophet which amongst us sometimes happens but if they find the least leaf or scrowl thereof lying on the ground they take it up and often kiss it and place it on some shelves or chinks of walls affirming it a sin to suffer that wherein the Name of God and Laws of Mahomet are written to be trodden under foot And no man dares to sell the Alcoran and other writings of their Law to any Christian or any other differing in Religion or Faith with them lest they should be trodden on or touched with unclean hands and whosoever should so do is severely punished And in this regard they may be stiled far more reverent then Christians They have places for Instruction and Teachers both of Men and Women Of their Schools in several Towns Men the Boys and Women the Girls some teach Astronomy Physick and some the Art of Poetry which when they do they speak out with loud voice and moving their hands unto their sides they pronounce their meanings They understand no artificial Musick but frame Verses to certain Rules which consist of eleven syllables The hotness of the Clymate and often sicknesses makes most inclined to Physick wherein they have some small knowledge They learn Astronomy to be thought able to tell fortunes Printing is supplied by a number of writing Priests and perhaps neglected as all learning is to maintain the peoples ignorance and keep them off from search into the gross absurdities of their constrained Religion Their marriages They marry without Vows or Oaths take Wives without portions and for the most part buy them contrary to the Roman custom where the Son in-law was bought with Money to take a Daughter This married Woman carries nothing with her for use or ornament which she is not forced to redeem or purchase from her Parents Evil manners or sterility are causes of Divorces for which there is a peculiar Judge They permit their bond-men or purchased servants to marry but the issue of them are all born slaves The Alcoran perswadeth marriage as pleasing God and Man and it allows plurality of Wives and Concubine as many as a Man pleaseth The Turk amongst his whereof he hath above five hundred in his Seraglio's nameth her for his Wife or Sultana by whom he hath his first-begotten Son All their Wives are used with equality of respect in diet cloaths returns and what concerns them and are most obedient to their Husbands They nurse their own Children and bear them on their Shoulders not in their Arms no men but Eunuchs are suffered to be with them not their own Sons if above twelve years of age they never go abroad but accompanied with onely Women Pilgrims of several Nations travel to visit holy places Of strangers which the Turk possesseth as Mecca and Medinum as Christians Jerusalem where they say Mahomet was buried but this is done as well for gain and profit as for devotion or Religions sake And there having seen a gilded Shoo hanging from the roof of the Church and bought such fine linnen and cloth as they please they return home with great advantage some carrying about the streets water from thence in glases for devotion sake and freely give it to any that are thirsty others do the like for profit And if any one of them happen to die in this Pilgrimage by what occasion soever although he ne're arrive near Mecca yet he hath the estimation and shall be placed in the rank of Pilgrims I know not whether I should call them Miracles or rather Monstrous Toys Miracles done by Mahomet at Mecca which they say he still doth in these times written in their Book called Mehemidine wherein they are perswaded that when Mecca was a building God by the prayers of Mahomet commanded divers mountains to bring their stone to the Fabrick of that Church every Hill his tenth and when divers Mountains had brought their portions and Mecea built and perfectly compleated a certain Hill called Araphat and some other more remote coming thither with their tenths somewhat too late and finding Mecca built and no use of their stones they begun most bitterly to weep which when Mahomet perceived Hills so distressed and understood the cause he said unto them Be of good chear weep not but store your tenths up in a place which I shall shew you and whosoever shall not pray upon your stones his pilgrimage shall be unprofitable and unaccepted And after so doing Mahomet struck the stones with his foot and there issued out Water not useful to drink and imposed a name and called it A Water of Purification whereof every Pilgrim carrieth at his return some portions thereof in vessels and when ever any die the vestures wherewith the body is to be covered are sprinkled with this water for remission of their sins And they further affirm That no man can come to Mecca whose visit is not known to Mahomet who reveals the persons to the Keepers there all Eunuchs and if a Pilgrim come a Ravisher or wicked Man a Christian or any of Religion different from theirs these said Keepers forbid him entrance into Mecca But the body of Mahomet is
moves Yeomen foot-men clear the ways and here and there make heaps of stone or piles of wood for ease and direction of the passage so as even in darkness of the night they can hardly erre The Army moveth at midnight and till mid-day following marcheth The King rides between two Bassa's talking with him before whom marcheth some of the order of Janizaries on horse-back bearing lighted Candles in time of night Certain Captains follow them with iron Clubs round pointed who keep off men from sight of the King a good large distance amongst these are numbers of the King's Guard and amongst them a Chariot of Women and Boys fitted for the use of the Turk and his Nobility These great Men go some before some follow these Captains with great multitudes of Souldiers horse and foot and all conditions some for stipend some for plunder but all men Their carriages of Beasts Then follow a multitude of Camels Mules Horse and sometime Elephants laden with Victuals Pavilions and all necessaries for military uses and where the Turk pitcheth his Tent there every one according to his condition as in a City sets up his habitation Booths for Taylors Bakers Butchers Sutlers and all sorts of Victuallers some sell dainty flesh and fowls and when fresh meat cannot be had then what is brought upon their Beasts they expose to sale bisket dry meats cheese curds and milk All Turks are generally most patient in suffering hunger thirst and cold They seldom lodge in Towns but field it in their Tents neer water-springs Rivers or Meadows taking more care of their cattel then themselves content with little and course diet curds mingled with water bread with milk sometimes bisket master and servant eat together They keep deep silence in the night they neglect stirring after fugitives for fear of raising clamours which are forbid upon great mulcts and punishments but when they go to rest or rise to march all with an unanimous noise cry out Allah Allah Allahu that is O God thrice repeated Of justice exercised in War There is so much severity in military Discipline that no Souldier dares unjustly seize on any thing of anothers for if he do he dies without mercy They have amongst them certain Guardians Defenders of all Passengers from Souldiers violence with boys of eight or ten years old carrying bread eggs fruit and Oats and such like things to sell These Guardians are bound to free and preserve all Orchards Gardens Closes they pass by so far that they themselves dare not touch an Apple Pear or Grape or any such like thing without the owners license otherwise they lose their heads When I was present in the Turkish Army in an Expedition against the Persian I saw a great Commanders head with Horse and Servants all three cut off because that horse had been found grazing in another mans pasture unsatisfied for Celebration of a Turkish Victory When a Conquest is declared the Cities straight throw themselves into all delights and joyings At entrance of night for good auspice of the solemnity Torches Wax-candles Lamps Fire-brands Fire-works and all things that give light are every where disposed of throughout the City with Carpets costly Hangings Tapestry and Silken Silver and Gold Vestments their houses all are covered but especially that way by which the Emperor entreth The chiefest Triumph is made in Constantinople his constant residence unless occasioned by War into some other Region And he is bound by Law at every three years end to undertake some Expedition into Christian Territories for advancing or defending his own Kingdom I verily believe and do confess for those days he celebrates for Victory no mortal eye nay not the Moon or Sun did ere behold a spectacle more glorious and resplendent for order number silence richness state and magnificence in all kinds It is impossible for onely man to be exalted to a loftier degree of sublimation then this Pagan when triumphful Of their Hunting and Hawking No Nation under the Sun delights so much in Hunting as doth the Turkish they 'l follow game through rocky steepy craggy mountains and that on horse-back taking diversity of Beasts but if any chance to be killed or suffocated by Dogs or chase they never eat thereof nor any Christian that lives in those Regions and if they kill wild Boars they give them to the next inhabiting Christians Musselmen being forbidden to feed on Hogs flesh The Turk hath multitudes of Faulkoners above thousands in constant wages through his Empire Their Hawks both long and short wing'd very hardy The like charge he 's at for all sorts of Dogs nothing can move in the Air or stir on Land that shall not be encountered and seized on These charges with the Souldiery Officers Seraglio's and Court-attendances are in a manner infinite and yet supplied more by casualities then Revenues constant for he commands all mens fortunes at his pleasure is the general heir of all that by nature die or violence Of Artificers and Husbandmen The Country people with their Servants plow their Lands and pay the Tenths of all encrease unto the King Artificers maintain themselves by Trades who live in idleness consume in hunger They eagerly pursue all sorts of Merchandizings travelling the lesser Asia Arabia Egypt States of the Venetians They have their baths in every City where in solemn manner they wash themselves When they make water they wash that part and the like when they ease their bodies The like is done by Women who have handmaids following them with vessels filled with water when they bath they anoint themselves with such an unguent that within the space of half an hour rots off all hair from parts anointed Men and Women do the same not suffering hair to increase and this is done twice or thrice each month especially when they frequent the Church otherwise as violaters of sacred places they are burnt with fire They have divers sorts of Artificers Taylors Shoo-makers Gold and Silver-Smiths and for all sorts of Metals Painters Carpenters Stone-cutters but not of such wits and exquisite inventions as in our parts They have one Judge as well of Christians as Turks Of Justice among Citizens but alwayes chosen from amongst the Musselmen to administer equal right to all men If any kill another he suffereth death If he steal or violently taketh from another he is hanged as it happened to a Janizary who drunk milk of a poor Woman's brought to sell and paid not for it and accused before the Judge denied the fact whereupon being stretched up by cords at his feet and about his middle he forthwith vomited the milk and was immediately by the Judge commanded to be strangled this happened in my presence at Damasco when I travelled from Armenia to Jerusalem If any commit adultery the Man is cast into strict prison yet after divers months may be redeemed The Woman is carried about the streets riding on an Ass beaten naked with
mighty number of Buyers or Scorcerers of Children or Men who in hope of getting slaves carry with them bundles of long Ropes wherewith they easily tye together fifty or sixty men These traders purchase of the Souldiery or Free-booters whomsoever the Sword hath not devoured which is granted them upon condition that the King may have the tenth of what is trafficked for the rest unto themselves to sell Nor is there any Mercandize so profitable amongst them nor so frequent as anciently among the Romans who called things fairly bought their proper Goods and Rights as just as that of slaves ALLACEâ— HECHBER DABIT DEUS HIS QUOQUE FINEM Such as are of extraordinary beauty comeliness or composition of body The condition of Virgins other women are chosen out for Concubines mean and indifferent Faces are appointed Matrons hand-maids amongst whose offices some are so filthy and so loathsom as were before though somewhat uncivilly related Others are set to womens work as spinning carding weaving It is free for none of them to profess the Christian Faith or hope of liberty during life There is some content in hope but these have none How private Turks use prisoners Hitherto hath been spoken how the Kings use Captives now how private men their Prisoners newly taken first they threaten them with all sorts of menacing sharp words promises and allurements to entice them to circumcision which if yielded to they are treated somewhat more courteously but then all hope of ever returning to their Country is clean cut off and whosoever endeavours it burning is his appointed punishment Such as are thought more firm and less fugitive are admitted to their Masters military imployments and can onely be made free when age hath made them useless and then he is rather turned off then remitted orderly or when the Master by hurt in War or danger of death bequeaths him liberty They are permitted marriage but their children are disposed at their Master's pleasure which makes the more understanding sort utterly abhor marriage They who refuse Circumcision are miserably and unhumanely treated of which I have had the experience of thirteen years sufferings nor can I express in words the great calamities of such people How Christians ignorant in mechanik Arts are used The condition of such unskilful men is wretched Those whose toyl brings profit are only in reputation with them and therefore learned Men Priests and Noble-men who have lived in retiredness and pleasures when they fall into the hands of Turks are of all most miserable the Merchant or Man-scourser bestows no cost on them as scant vendible they walk with naked head and feet and often their whole bodies no new cloaths succeed the old worn out they are hurried through Mountains Rocks from place to place Winter and Summer and have no end thereof till death or that they find a foolish Purchaser that they think buyes ill Merchandize but no man is so happy or esteemed amongst them for Age Art or Beauty that being sick will leave behind them First they are whipped to go on if they cannot do that then they are put on horse-back and there not able to sit upright their bellies are tyed on horse-back no otherwise then a sack of Corn or Cloak-bag if he die he is stripped of all his cloaths and thrown into the next ditch to be devoured by dogs and vultures How prisoners newly taken are used They do not only bind them in endless chains but in their journey also manacle their hands they march the distance of a large pace one from another that mutually they do not hurt and tye their hands lest with stones they mischief do their Masters that when sometimes they lead great multitudes as ten times five hundred chained together the strength of whom if hands at liberty to throw stones might much annoy them At night when they rest their feet are likewise chained and exposed to all injuries of weather The condition of Women is a little more humane they who have strength of limbs are driven on foot those more tender are set on horses such as are infirm and cannot ride are put in baskets or ripiers as we use geese Afterwards their condition is sadder either they are included in strong Turrets or forced to endure the wicked lusts of their Merchants Where still they are is ever heard vast and hideous howlings of both sexes suffering violations from them neither doth the age of seven or six years defend them from those vitious actions a people imcomparably wicked both against nature and before libidinous How used that are exposed to sale At the break of day they are brought to Market like droves of sheep or herds of goats Merchants appear prizes are set if the prisoner be liked his cloaths are stripped off he is viewed by the buyer all members surveyed tryed and throughly searched for faults in joints or arteries if he please not then returned to the owner and this is done until he find a purchaser When bought he 's carried to some heavy servitude to plow keep sheep omitting baser Offices They endure there many unheard examples of calamities I have seen men tyed together with yokes to draw the plow Maidens are severely forced to perpetual labours separated from the sight of men nor are they suffered speech or conference with other Servants If any man be taken prisoner with wise and children him some great person willingly purchaseth to be imployed in his Country-house in Tillage Vineyards Meadows Pastures and children born of them are all his Slaves and if they persevere in Christian Faith a certain time is allotted them to servitude and then made free their children notwithstanding continue Slaves at the Master's will and imployed where he pleaseth for they have no certain nor enrolled Estates in Lands and so not assured seats of residence If after making free they desire to return to their Country they have Letters Patents given for their journey But to such as abjure the Christian Religion no certain time of bondage is prescribed them nor right of return all hopes of their liberty totally depends upon the Master's pleasure and when they have got freedom they pay the Tenths as other Turks but freed from other Taxes with which Christians are burthened Of Captives made shepherds The Husbandman hath an hard and sad condition but the Shepherd far more grievous they always live in solitariness night and day covered only with the roof of Heaven The Master and the wise have some small Tents no shelter for the shepherd unless at spare times compelled to work on Tapestry or Carpets Every month they change their Pastures and drive their flocks from one Mountain to another Some Masters that have more humanity now and then give small rewards which the Servant keeps as his proper Goods and preserves to bear the charge of a return to his Country if ever he get liberty but these largesses are seldom done and then but as a
to his Friends and so a child easily forgets both Christ his Parents and his Kindred that after if he chance in company with them he shall not know them No man can express by Words the Lamentations Cries Tears and grievous sighs at this distraction of Children The Father to see his Son educated in the fear of Christ torn from him and made an instrument of Satan to oppose Christ hurried from his Mother to live perpetually with strangers leaving whatsoever is dear in blood pleasing in society or loving infamiliarity with an everlasting dereliction after listed in the ranks of those the Greeks call Fatherless and Motherless yet many of these although they have denied Christ carry about them the Gospel of St. John In the beginning was the word c. in Greek or the Arabick tongue as an Amulet or preservative in their Arm-pits and with great desire they expect the Christian Sword according to some Turkish Prophecies should revenge and free them from those great afflictions and persecutions and that if Christians do it not whatever is the cause or with what mind soever hindred all very ill deserve of Christian Religion CHAP. X. A Narration of a Papists dispute with a Turk AFter I had travelled with much labour and many dangers the better parts of the world and seen many pleasant Towns and Countries as Socrates Plato and other Philosophers had diligently done at length I arrived at the famous City of Hungary Varadinum where by chance I met one Dervis Gsielebi a skilful man in the Laws of Mahomet who having dispatched his business with the Governour he very much desired conference with some Christian about Religion on either side This motion of his being published by an Interpreter and none for divers dayes appearing to encounter him in defence of the Christian cause though many Religious persons were in that Town struck mute and speechless at the courage of one Ethnick Infidel who seemed to me like Israelites that durst not adventure on one uncircumcised Goliah provoking them This I perceiving and grieving in my spirit that in such plenty of Clerks and learned men none was so well armed with Truth as durst though by Interpreters reprove the insolence of such an Heathen and fearing that so wicked and detestable a silence in so good a cause with so bad a man would betray the truth and render our Saviour Jesus Christs Opinion with him more ignominious I my self though never called to Ecclesiastical Function undertook the charge of arguing this point of Piety with him and so a prefixed day was agreed between us when multitudes of people of each Religion came as Spectators of the event The place was in a Monastery of Franciscans the day Whitson-Sunday day of Pentecost where he moved to me first this Question Where God had his being before the Heavens and Earth and therein all things else were created Which question though it seemed to me not much pertinent to our purpose yet lest he should imagine us ignorant of our great Gods universal presence I said He then was in his own being But when that seemed to him somewhat obscure and that he did not sufficiently understand it I then told him He was where he now is Which he understanding denied in the general and said Not so but that be then was in a bright Cloud Which when he earnestly affirmed I quoted Genesis for they also read the book of Moses and the Prophets and said If God were in a cloud before the Foundation of Heaven and earth then that Cloud must be created before them both and upon further argument on this point being at last convicted he would dispute no further in it but gave me leave to propound some Question to him and for solemnity of that days sake I thought fit to say something thereof and finding these words In the name of God his mercies and the Spirit of them in their Alcoran in the Arabian Tongue and Character I desired him to read them The mystery of the Holy Trinity Which when he had considered and wondred at he said Christian from whence had you this for in the beginning of all our actions we Musselmen use these three words and prefix them to every Chapter of our Alcoran when we sit down to eat when we go to prayers when we wash our hands or other parts of our bodies these words we first pronounce and these actions finished we sprinkle our heads with water and repeat these words In the Name of God his Mercies and the Spirit of them When thus he had confessed the Truth I desired to understand from him what he meant by the word Mercies who Replied He understood it literally without other signification Then I applied my self to the mystical interpretation and divided it according to Truth into three persons the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and shewed them written in the Arabick tongue And when he saw I had mentioned the Son of God he questioned How God could have a Son since according to their Law and Doctrine of Mahomet God had neither Wife nor Child To whom I answered according to my weak understanding and capacity We Christians call God the Father for his Creatures sake being the first creating Cause and sole preserver of all created who was for ever in the same Essence he now is in and will be for eternity and is the first Person in the Trinity We believe the Son who by Mahomet in the Arabick phrase is called Rahman and signifieth Mercies so changed by him to be likewise God not according to flesh for God is a spirit born of a Woman but of the Essence and substance of God omnipotent begotten by God the Father and so took humane flesh by the Holy Virgin Mary suffered for us died and was buried and according to the saying of the Prophets arose again the third day and ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the Right Hand of God the Father there to judge the quick and the dead to render immortal happiness to those that have faith in him and to the unfaithful everlasting punishment I then presented him a Crucifix and said Behold this now and see if Mahomet did unworthily call the Son of the Eternal God by the Name of Mercies when with Armes thus stretched forth he calls poor sinners to his embraces saying Come unto me all ye that labour and are burthened with sins and I will refresh you And to render him more capable of the Trinity I pointed to the Sun saying You have a fair similitude here As there is but one Sun that hath Form Heat and Light So there is but one God and Father who hath â—the Son and the Holy Spirt which you call Rucahim consisting of three Person equally of one substance and from eternity coexisting This comparison wrought in him a belief in God the Father his onely begotten Son and the Holy Ghost a Trinity in Unity And when he had heard my weak discourses of
mind affecting liberty and therefore a great enemy to Tyrants but having to deal with potent adversaries he was forced to add policy to his strength and so piece out the Lions skin with the Foxes tail for it was almost a miracle that in little more then a month he should recover the whole Kingdom of Epirus save one City out of the hands of the Turks who had many and strong Garrisons therein He was of so even a temper that prosperity could not make him proud nor fear daunt him but alwayes kept the same cheerfulness of countenance as he used to do his courage was invicible of exceeding strength and agility of body modest and temperate in speech so politick that he was by his very enemies called The Master of Policy a great cherisher of valour in others dividing the spoyl of his enemies amongst his Souldiers reserving no part thereof to himself nay having taken Mustapha the Turkish General Prisoner and receiving five and twenty thousand Ducats for his ransom he freely divided it amongst them which made his Souldiers not only obedient to his commands but also so resolute that they feared not to set upon their enemies though with never so great disadvantage reward being the Razor that whetteth a Souldiers courage and pricketh him forward to all adventurous enterprizes His personal valour was seen in his combat with Feri-Bassa a great Commander of the Turks whom he slew hand to hand though some blame this as a fault the loss of a General being a general loss who should not expose himself to private dangers and indeed the greatest oversight that he committed in all his Wars was soon after when the Turks besieged Croya in whose Army he had so far ingaged himself that he was by them on every side enclosed and in great danger to have been slain or taken although through his valour he broke thorough and made an escape for the office of a good General consisteth not in the adventuring his person to manifest danger but in the politick Government of his charge Of his great bounty to his Souldiers we have in part spoken before we shall to that add an example of his Justice Mahomet the Great sent 14000 horse-men against him under the command of one named Debreas who promised to perform wonders against him but was by Scanderbeg overthrown and by him slain encountring hand to hand all the enemies spoyl he divided amongst his Souldiers and gave Debreas Horse and Armour unto one of his chief Commanders named Moses to another called Musachius who had behaved himself gallantly in that Battel he gave a Prisoner who by his outward part and behaviour seemed to be a man of some account This Turk agreed with Musachius upon a ransom of 200 Ducats and thereupon drew forth the money out of a little bag which he had kept secretly about him offering it to Musachius for his ransom who taking it told the Turk be must provide more money for his ransom for that was his own by Law of Arms being taken with his person On the other side the Turk alledged the agreement with the payment of the full sum agreed upon This controversie being brought before Scanderbeg he with great pleasure heard them both Musachius pleading hard for his ransom and the Turk for his liberty when they had both ended their Pleas Scanderbeg told them that they both contended for that which in right was his and neither of theirs for the Prisoner said he with the money was both mine at first taking him and although Musachius I gave you the Prisoner yet not the money which I knew not of neither said he to the Turk doth the concealing of it make it yours who by the Law of Arms had lost your self and it to me Afterwards he decided the business thus allotting Musachius the money he agreed for and to the Turk his desired Liberty Such was his heroical disposition that when the fore-named Moses had revolted from him and joyned himself to his enemy Mahomet divers of his friends according to the custom of the world aggravating his offence with many hard speeches before Scanderbeg he could not abide to hear the same but commanded them to hold their peace and to use no more such speeches only wishing that all Treason and evil fortune were together with Moses gone out of Epirus Such was also his celmency that notwithstand-the said Moses had with the power of the Turks given him a sharp and terrible battel in which he was overthrown and afterwards being in disgrace with the Sultan fled from Constantinople and prrostrated himself before Scanderbeg with his girdle about his neck in token that he had deserved death desiring mercy upon his knees he presently granted him his request restraining by Proclamation all people from speaking against him and restoring his goods and offices again which by his Treasons he had confiscated One great policy for the preservation of his Country was that upon the approach of his enemies he took order that all the provisions of the Country should be conveyed to places of refuge and nothing left abroad for the Turks to prey upon by which means provisions many times grew so short amongst them that straying abroad for forrage he with the more ease overcame them Many were the battels which he fought against the Turks in all which he remained Victor scarcely ever suffering the least check so that fortune seemed to wait upon him as his handmaid It is reported of him that having slain of the Turks in one Battel twenty four thousand and being informed the next day that the remainder of them might easily be surprized if presued he said O no let some of our enemies live to report their own slaughter and our victory He having at another time brought the Turks unto a great straight they sent unto him offering to deliver up their Horses and Arms so that they might depart with their lives to whom he returned this answer That as they came into his Country without his Command so should they not by his leave depart thence Having thus victoriously reigned the space of 24 years January 17. in the great Climactorical year of his age he deceased at Lyssa a City of the Venetians to which State he commended the tuition of his Wife Son and Kingdom till such time his Son should come of age His death was worthily lamented of all Christian Kings and Princes he being the scourge and maule of the Turks and the most careful watch-man and invincible Champion of the Christians his dead body was with the general lamentation of all men magnificently buried in the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas at Lyssa About nine years after his decease the Turks having taken that City they with great devotion digged up his bones where happy was he that could but see or touch them and such as gained them or any part of them esteemed of them as so high and precious Relique that they caused them to be set in silver
the dreadful event whereof must be ritted to a further discourse The other two divisions of the Army entred Moravia and Silesia and gained the strong Pass and Key of Jaluncha putting the Imperialists to flight with some execution but made not that havock as before having Commandment from the Prime Visier to offer al friendly and fair terms in the Grand Seigniors name if they would submit to his protection the chief of those Terms were Liberty of Conscience and free Exercise of all Religions no Taxes or Tribute to be paid for six years-and then but five shillings upon every House per annum with security of their Laws rights Claim Titles and Propriety by which he is in all probility like to gain submission and obedience from and to establish fix his footing he hath got already in those Provinces which he hath once again invaded And thus far of their History now I shall speak of their Customs and Manners Newhausel being reduced which was supposed vainly hoped would have disappointed the Turks Progress and success for this year being declined so far as the depth of winter the Grand Visier undertook some farther conquest and with his Army leaving a sufficient Garrison other numbers to repair and better fortifie the Fort by bringing the River Niutre round about it The Visiers design on Presburgh marched towards Presburg the Capital City or Metropolis of lower Hungary and with his approach gave out rumours of his resolution to attaque it relying on his first fortune and those popular insinuations he had spread abroad of his reality justice and tenderness to such places as should come in to his Masters protection with which thriving artifice he had already gained upon the credulity of most of the Pesants and indefensible places Besides the honour of the place as the repository of the Crown of Hungary which the Hungarians most religiously reverence as placing the safety and glory of their Nation therein and which being seized would have intituled the winner and wearer to the Kingdom the convenience thereof as freeing his way to Vienna on one part and to Commorra Raab or Newhausel on the other and contrarily incomodating any attempt upon the Island of Schut by its Neighbourly correspondence and assistance in case of danger where at present the Generall Count Serini was enquartered was a great motive and incitement to an attempt against it but such had been the vigilance and care of Count Strozzi a famous and experienced Souldier in providing and furnishing the City wherein the hope of the Kingdom was concerned and his courage and all other excellent qualities of a Govenour so known and beleived by this discreat Vizier that contenting himselfe with the submission of Modern St. George Posing and other places that lay open and exposed to his power Contentâ— himself with submission of places adjacent and the bravery and gallant designment of so high an enterprise which the unimpeded conduct of the affair he retreated honorably and as if he had proceeded so far meerly upon a plot and design to surprize some places by his sudden retun he presently â—â—nvested Niutra a place neer Newhausel and as well fortified and more respected because of its Ecclesiasticall concernments as being a Bishops See and by terrifying menaces and preparations for a storm soon wrought upon the defendants to a surrender who by the Articles thereof were conveyed to Presburg Nuntia yielded The speedy and lucky event of this rendition was effectual to his practices upon other places for upon the same score Tyrnaw and some other Towns thereabouts opened their Gates and submitted to him upon his common Terms of Religion and Liberty which successe invited him to the Siege of Schinta Bafled at Schinta a very strong and considerable Fortress and a Magazine of a great and the best quantity of the Emperours Artillery but by the fidelity and valour of the Governour and his men was repulsed thence and glad to abandon the enterprize for that October was more then half spent and the climate did much incommodate his Asian and African souldiery Therefore to provide them of warmer Winter Quarters to keep them well and in health against the Spring he repassed his great Guns with some of his Army over his Ship bridge to Gran or Strigonium rumouring that when he had disposed of those unuseful pieces in the depth of winter he would return himself with his Europeans and prosecute the War but in fine he passed over his whole Army Retires to Winter quarters being followed in his rear in expectation of advantage by General Serini who having parted with General Montecuculi conjoyned in attendance of the Newhausel design upon the Island of Schut and did at last cut off some 600. Janizaries with 200. other Besonio's or Baggage people engaged in the defence thereof which they resolutely maintained by barrica doing themselves among the Wagons so that Serini's Hussars were forced to alight and follow them a foot into their advantages and there couragiously slew them This was some expiation of that defeat given to Count Forgatz very neer the same place as a fortnight before his brother and he had defeated two great parties but not with so great success This happened about the last of October and so those parts of this side the Danow conceived some joyfull hopes of a respit till the comming of the Spring But the Vizier by those other after accessions had so strongly fixt himself by leaving a Garrison of 4000. men in Newhausel 1500 in Niutre besides a body of 10000. men to be ready to assist them upon all occasions that the Christians are still kept to their Arms to attend their motion and Guard themselves And to increase the danger Apaffi the Prince of Transylvania whom they looked upon as under a constraint of compliance with the Turks Apaffis iâ—â—igrut with the Turk discovered and a secret well-wisher to the Christian cause discovered himself a declared and profest enemy being inveagled with an investiture of those places taken this Campagnia and upon the total Conquest with the Crown of Hungary for as soon as they were rid of the Infidels he with his half Christians Valachians Moldavians intermixed with Tartars Apaffi manages the Winter war and his own plundering Transilvanians undertook the Lieutenant-ship of the Winter War those Nations being better able as inured to the climate to undergo the extremities of the weather Apaffi's first design was upon the Berg Towns or Mine Hills whence the Hungarian gold is faught which as soon as he had parted with the Grand Visier then retreating to Belgrade he attempted and this the easier for that there was no resistance in readiness to oppose him the forces that were raised by the Counts of Cochary and Tekelly in the upper Hungary for the most part for that the lower was already joyned with Serini or awed by the Turks were a little before maugre the enemies design
Asia this was Godfrey of Bulloigns way to the Land of Promise then through a plaine by the River Hebers banks to Adrianople the Grand Seignior Seat in Europe thence to the Hellispont and thence to Constantinople Another way from Belgrade there is through Moravia Alba regalis Myha and Castovia that fatall velley for the French the Despol and Hunniades his overthrow thence the way of Cuzan and Clistura between the two Rivers Labus and Snithniza and the great hills of Pistun within two dayes Journey of which place is Scopia the Chief City of the Dardani a most convenient place for a Rendezvouz From this place there is an excellent narrow way through the valley of Gegligore and over the hills adjacent to Philipolis aforesaid There is another way from Pononia to Myfa by Saston Vugbe and Mount Larzus there are other waies through Hungary Transilvania and other places but there were two waies especially that the Roman armies passed through into Thrace the one called the Egnution way through the Pharsalian plains levaing the River Drina on the left hand and the Thessalian hills on the right leading to the plains of Macedon the other called the the Candarian way from Apollonia to the lake of Valonu and so the river Phidoris by the Sea side from the Conuthian Isthmus all along the Aegean sea to Thessalonica and over Mount Athos to the shores of Heber whence they may go either on the right hand towards Adrianople or on the left over the bridge of Aegina by Callipolis to the very mouth of the Dardanelles and all these waies 1. Narrow and commodious against the Turks multitudes 2. Fertile and affording abundance of provision 3. Christian where the people are ready to rise wanting nothing but the covert and protection of an European army towards their rescue from the Grecian tyranny In a word 30000 resolved men attended with competent supplies and recruits entring either Slavonia Hungaria Transilvania or Epirus a stout Navy in the Dardanelles and an inrode into Thrace Greece or some other distant but considerable Province setleth Christendom and it may be according to some mens conjectures at this time converteth the world Ch 4. Some particular advantages in reference to a Turk the neglect whereof hath made us hitherto so unsuccesfull Christendome may be now presumed advanced to her great enemies terrour onely she watcheth her speciall advantages against that potent adversary the principall whereof are these 1. He that would deal with the Musulmans powers sucessefully must protract and delay the war as long as may be waving all occasions of Engagement and strengthening the passages as he goes whereby 1. The Turk may be tired as not able to entertain and pay his grosse multitude long 2. His men may be debauched with the Customes of other Countries 3. And all his methods designes and Stratagems by some Considarable times observation Effectually discovered the observation of this rule in the Holy war had put a period to the persons and things we treate of a hundred of years before we were born 2. A Turkish war is then managed with success when that enemy is attacqued in several parts of his scattered Dominions and distracted between the fear of his open enemies the treachery of his private ones nor he knows not which province he may keep sure which he can most securely loose 3. A Christian army should be as exact as sober as temperate and as just as the Christian rule is Intemperance perjury and Superstition were the bane of the holy warre 4. A Good understanding with the Greeke Church upon Nilus his moderate terms would be a great advantage to this design as the misunderstanding betweene us upon civill and religious accounts was the great disadvantage of our former CHAP. â—5 An exact Chronology of the Several Successes of the Christians against the Turks DIogenes the Emperour Husband of Eudoria Discomfiteth the Turks and taketh from them much booty and prisoners 1040. 40000 Turks slaine by the Christians under the command of Godfrey of Bulloigne and other Christian Princes 1097. The Cities of Antioch and Heracleu wan by the Christians Idem Jerusalem taken by the Christians with a very great slaughter of the Sarazins and soon after a hundred thousand Turks slain in one battell 1099 Ptolomais won from the Turks and many thousand Sarazins slain by Prince Tancred 1101 Dominicus Michael Duke of Venice obtaineth a notable victory over the Turks at Joppa 1124 The Christians take the Cittie of Tyre from the Turks Idem Conrade the Emperour giveth the Turks so great an overthrow that the Vallies where it was fought ran with blood and the fields covered with the bodies of the dead 1146 Noradin the Turk Discomfited with a great slaughter by Gilbert Lary Master of the Templers 1166 Saladin Sultan of Egypt having in his Army above 16 thousand horsemen overthrown by Baldwin King of Jeâ—usalem with four hundred horsemen and some few footmen 1177 Frederick the Emperour setteth forward towards the holy Land overthroweth the Turks in Lycaonia taketh the Citie of Iconium and giveth the spoile thereof to his souldiers 1190 Frederick his Sonne overthroweth Saladine and besiegeth Ptolomais Idem Richard the first of England and Phillip King of France Set forwards for the holy Land Idem Ptolomais won from the Turks chiefly by the valour of King Richard 1191 A great victory obtained by King Richard and the Christians wherein were slain more Turks and Sarazins then in any one battell within the memory of man before Idem Many thousand Turks slaine at Joppa by the Christians 1197 Theodâ—rus Lasconis the Greek Emperour overthroweth the Turks and killeth Jathalines the Sultan in single battell 1208 Damiata in Egypt taken by the Christians whereof Seventy thousand persons in the City at the Christians entrance were found but three thousand 1221 King Lewis of France setteth forward towards the holy Land giveth the Sarazins many overthrows and again taketh the City of Damiata in Egypt 1249 Edward the first of England arriveth at Ptolomais and performeth many notable exploits against the Turks 1271 The Knights Hospitallers takes the Island of Rhodes from the Turks 1308 The City of Nice with divers other Castles recovered from the Turks and many overthrows given them by the Christians 1328 Boga taken by the Christians and all the Turks therein put to death 1365 The Castle of Sarkiue with the City joyning unto it taken by the Christians and rased 1389 A great bloudy battel fought betwixt Tamerlaine the grear and Bajazet Emperour of the Turks wherein Bajazâ—t was taken put up like a beast in an iron Câ—â—â—â—â—gainst whose Barrs he beat out his Braines 1397 Amâ—â—â—â— the Second besieging Belgrade in Hungaria is repâ—ised by the Christians with the losse of Fifteene thousand men 1438 John Huniades Varnod of Transilvania obtained a notable victory over the Turks 1440 The same Huniades again overthroweth the Turks killeth Mesites their General and 20000 of their Souldiers 1441 Another great victory obtained by