Soâ—lâ—ier draws his â—woâ—d and tells him that tâ—â—t wâ—â— their anâ—wer that they would not iâ—itâ—â—e others weaknesses but their own â—â—lour and die willinâ—ly with them that dyed at Croâ—â— With which answer applauded by all the Souldiers the Governour dismissed the Trumpeter Scanderbeg smiled at the answer of the common Souldier and said He is certainly a valiant Souldier if his actions answer his words but if my force faile me not I will make him happy among His reâ—ly to the sawâ—y souldier of Stelluza the happy ghosts of them of Stellusa and immediately they of Stellusa that did relent were baptized before their faces and they who persisted in their wilfulnesse were hanged but the resolved â—arrison of Sfeligrade holds out notwithstanding Wherefore Scanderbeg considering the season of the year withdrew to Croia and left 3000 men under Moses Golemus a most valâ—â—nt Captain to keep the Turks in untill he might more conveniently reinforce the Siege Thus that gallant man recovered his whole Kingdom of Epirus in two moâ—â—â—s time during which 〈…〉 he 〈…〉 â—wo houâ—◠〈…〉 he thâ—◠〈…〉 his 〈…〉 Spoyls 〈…〉 Sâ—â—â—â—ies â—o reâ—olved that he fought with his Arm baâ—e and that with such fierâ—enesse that the blood oftentimes burst out of his lips But it was not enough to secure his own Dominions now rescued from the Turks who might again invade them therefore he is before-hand with them and makes an incursion into the very heart of Macedonia both to terrifie his Enemies and enrich his Souldiers for it was observed in those days that the spoyl of Amurath's Dominions was the reviving of Scanderbeg Being three and thirty years old he went to the City of Allessia where he made a League and Assiâ—nce with the Albanian Princes which City was then under the Dominion of the Venetians and in it was held a Diet A Diet or Assembly Held at Allessia and assistance given to Scanderbeg of all the principal persons of the Country being assembled there at his request and among others there was Paul and Nicholas Ducaginus Peter Spainus Lech Dusmanius Lech Zacharius Aranith Conyno afterwards Father-in-law to Scanderberg Andrew Thopia and the magnificent Rectors of the Venetian State At which assâ—mâ—ly Scanderbeg made an elâ—quent speech above an hour in length which was very pleasing to all those which were present who having highly praised the wise advice of this Prince every one put himself in a posture to reach out a helping hand to restore him to the possession and enjoyments of those Countries Territories and Dominions which were unjustly detained from him by the Turke And he on his part ceased not to be active every where to besiege force and constâ—ain those which endeavored to continue their obedience to the Turk But as he with all eagerness pursued his design of making himself Lord and Master of all Albania â—â—telâ—igence was sent him by a 〈◊〉 he left at Andripâ—lis with the Turks thâ—t Alibeg Basha accompanied with sixty thousand Janizâ—ries Archers and Musquetiers and fourty thousand Horse advanced towards Alibeg Bâ—shâ— marches against Scanderbeg him where at he was not at all discourageâ— alâ—hough at that time he was but nâ—wâ—y 〈◊〉 King of Albania and hiâ— Forces faâ— infeâ—iour in nuâ—ber But wiâ—h great cheeâ—fulness of heart as if he already held the victory assured being followed by fifteen thousand Albanians and twelve thousand other Foot he bent his march towards that place where he presumed he might encounter the Turks and made all possible diligence to advance his Army so neeâ— that of Alibeg the Turkish General that they might be necessicated to fight and charged them with so great â—â—ry and violence as he soon â—ut them to a miserable rout Every one wondered how in so short a time so great an execution could be made in regard the Battle â—asâ—ed but from Sun-rising untill the third hour In this Battle were taken Four and Alibeg Basha defeated by Scanderbeg twenty colours two thou and Turks were made prisoners and two and twenty thousand slain upon the place of the Christians side a great number were wounded and about an hundred found dead Alibeg General of the Turkish forces saved himself and returned into the City of Andrinopâ—is called by these barbarous people Hedrea Valdom where Amuraâ—h was who had well-nigh caused him to be put to death reproaching him that his Aâ—my was betrayed as well as that wherein Castriot dealt falsly with him to whom this poor old man with cries and sighs replied in these words Vallahe et billahe benea Verraim herniguisterce which signifies O Sir by the Grace of Almighty God I confess aâ—â— that thou sayest for the present As if he meant I have nourisht and brought up a man who now takes up Armes against me and torments my soul But that which troubled this poor Turk most of all was that a peace being concluded between him and the King of Hungary for ten years by the mediation and practise of George Despot of Servia and Rascia which is the upper Mysia by the Turks called Segoria and though respectively sworn to by them upon the holy Evangelist and the Alcoran yet he much doubted it would not be of any long continuance as in effect it was soon broken And moreover he having newly received this â—ude overthrow there came suddain news that the King of Caramania or Cilicia was preparing a strong and powerful Army therewith intending to invade the Turkes of Natolia called Great Turkie which perplexed him very much being thereby necessitated to go into Asia with the Reliques of his routed forces to secure that Country And on the other side the Hungarian threatning the same danger with the Caramanian and Albaniaâ— it behoved him to look about him And hereupon he thinks fit to send an Ambassador to Scanderbeg presenting him Scanderbeg refuses a truce with Amurath rich gifts endeavoring thereby to hinder the Albanians who were as yet but newly flesht as it were with the Turkish blood from advancing further and from irritating the Ottoman fury desiring his friendship and that he would abstain from all enterprises that tended to his prejuâ—ice Amuraths letter being read â—ated from Andrinople the fifteenth of â—uâ—e in the yeer of our Lord 1444 five days after Airadin the Turks Ambassador was returned with an answer beaâ—ing date the twelfth of July of the same year wherein Scanderbeg utterly refused the truce which letter Airadin brought to the Turke as he was a hunting and by word of mouth delivered to him all the rest of Castriot's deliberations wherewith this poor Infidel was so ill satiâ—fied that he could not contain himself from crying out before his Basha's in this sort Senicq guna scythan honuar as if he would say I think Scanderbeg is possest by the devil that he so little regards my power and greatness But Amurath being a man experienced in affairs knew well enough in case he should seem to be discouraged there needed nothing else
to make all the rest Cowards and therefore to express his cheerfulness he smiled playing with his Beard and spake again these words Thou covetest O unhappy man thou covetest some memorable death believe me thou shalt have it we will assist and without thy command will be present at the obsequies of him who was nourisht by us but now become our utter enemy and will accompany thy funeral-pompe to the grave for fear thou shouldst complain in hell that thou camest not thither honorably enough And however his countenance was composed he had sad apprehensions to himself aside and thought no other matters which occasioned him a long time to remain in a musing doubtful posture and at last understanding that Scanderbeg had disbanded many of his forces keeping the field onely with some few light-horse without any body of an Army he sends for his Basha Ferise appointing Ferise Basha sent against Castriot is by him defeated nine thousand chosen horse encouraging them with large promises in case they could conquer the Albanians Ferise discharged his duty with all diligence approaching secretly to the Frontiers of Macedonia And though he marched towards the Albanians more like a Thief then a Warrior yet he came not before the news of his approach Castriot being advertised thereof by a spie who came to him from the Sultans Court and so possessing himself of a Streight and narrow Vally calleâ— Mocrea the onely pâ—ssage for the Turks It served for a buâ—ying place for the most part of Ferises Army who were so suriously charged by the Albanians that the Basha himself was forced to 〈◊〉 leaving the best part of his fâ—rceâ— either dead in the field or Prisoners Ottoman finding himself so rudely dealt withall by the Albanians sends Mustapha his Basha with five and twenty thousand men into Epire expresly charging him to be wary and not entangle himself in the Ambushes of the Albanians but Mustaphae Basha sent against Castriot into Epire is defeated only pillage and lay waste the Countrey Scanderbeg advertised by some horse he had sent forth to that purpose of the spoil Mustapha made throughout all Epire takes horse immediately and being followed with three thousand horse onely and four thousand other good souldiers led them as privately as he could between two vallies where the enemy was to pass who assoon as they came neer the place separated and dispersed themselves into several companies the Christians falling upon them in disorder soon made their way to the Turkes Trenches instantly gained them and made so grear a slaughter that none escaped save only a few that followed the flying Mustapha preserving their lives by the sharpeness of their Spurs So Scanderbeg recovered not onely the Pillage they had taken from him in Epire but also all the spoils of the Turkes who had no leisure to save their baggage being so closely pursued by Scanderbeg But this overthrow did noâ— discourage Amurath who commanded Mustapha to raise new Forces forâ—idding him to spoil the enemies Country or engage in a Batâ—le with Castriot but onely to hinder his advancing towards them which fell ouâ— happily for this Christian Prince for soon after he had a War with the State of Venice by reason of the succession of Lech Zachary which shall be declared hereafter because I intend not here to make a diversion and to omit the happy success which Scanderbeg had against Mustapha the Basha who seeing the Christians warring among themselves very furiously thought during their disorders to fish in their trouâ—led waters and obtain the fruit of a Victory which he earnestly desired and was very much hoped for by him whereupon he so much imporâ—unes Amurath that he obtains order to begin a new war with the Christians in which he was no great gainer for Scanderbeg quitting Dadine charged that Pagan Army so furiously as that ten thousand of them â—â—l upon the place fourscore and Mustapha defeatâ—dâ—th second tiâ— by Scanderbeg two were made prisoners and fifteen Standards taken on the Albanian side scarce three hundred men were lost If this signal victory much puft up the heaâ—ts of the Albanians Amuraths that plodding blade was Amuraths first voyage into Epire against Castriot the more dejected who could not so well disguiâ—e his intended enterprise of setting on foot a mighty and powerful Army against Castriot but that it took vent and was discovered by his neerest and greatest favorites to Scanderbeg who hereupon slept not in secuâ—ity but gave a general order to raiâ—e instantly the forces of his whole Country and to fortifie and strengthen the Fortresses Cities and Garrisons throughout all Epire. In the mean time the Great Turke transports all his Army into Europe by long marches computed by some to be an hundred and fifty thousand fighting men to wit fourscore and ten thousand horse and threescore thousand foot other reckon them but an hundred and twenty thousand in all deducting twenty thousand horse and ten thousand foot In this Equipage he comes to besiege Alba and other Cities upon which he gained nothing but the â—iminishing of his forces which though daily recruited by the new supplies which came to them yet so mouldred away that the poor old Ottoman ashamed of the loss of so many of his men was constrained to retreat quit Epire and in all haste marâ—h away whilst Scanderbeg with all might and main puâ—sued them and gleâ—ned â—p and destroyed such a multitude as the shame thereof made the Great Turk at last so impatient that he commanded the Basha of Romania to stay Amurath forced to retreat Castriot beâ—ieges Fetigrade behind with thirty thousand horse to secure the safe retreat of the resiâ—ue of the Army But Amurath had scarce taken up his Quarters in his own Country when news was brought him that Scanderbeg had laid Amuraths second voyage unto Epire and siege of Croye in â—ain siege to Sfetigrade whereupon he determines to return by the same way he came and sends Sebalias to besiege Crâ—y and he and his Son Mahomet invaded Epire about the end of April and came himself in person before Croy and held it besieged above four moneths in which time a very great number of his Forces were loâ—t He endeavoured to batter it with thirty peeces of Cannon and other warlike instruments Engines but could do little execution the place being very strong on all parts and replenished with a lively fountain of water within and anotâ—er in the side of the hill behind a Rock Nor must I forget to tell yoâ— that at the end of four moneths a general assault was given by the enemies and maintained so furiously on each pâ—rt that lasting but five hours four thousand men remained dead upon the place although the Turks powe strength and cunning could not gain the place as I have said but after all this the said City rather lifted up her head against the Ottoman fury as Victrix Nor will I not derogate from
Frontiers which may be sold by a Commâ—nder who can make nothing of a Battle Yet although the Turk never makes Religion the câ—use Engâ—ging foâ— Râ—lâ—gion of his War for feaâ— of an universal Engagement the pruâ—ent Counâ— unites all his Forces by that obliging name which awakens the assistance and service of all that professe it the poorest man saith one taking himself so far interested in the vindication of his Faith that if he hath nothing else to venture he will think it sacriledge to deny himself and all laying aside the preâ—udice and haâ—â—ed they â—ear their neighbours for this general conceâ—nment equally comprehending their neighbours and themselves It 's looked on in that Countrey as the peculiar opinion of that brave person that there should never be Iâ—m king 〈◊〉 leâ—gue with the 〈◊〉 or tâ—eaty any league with that barbarous Enemy who is as devoid of faithfulness as he is of faith and never tyeth himself up so streight by promise or oâ—ligation but that he hath â—â—ill a â—â—use to â—reep â—ut at and in this â—aith my friend he is not a liâ—â—le â—ehâ—lâ—ing to the manner of his 〈◊〉 always fuller of hyperbolical civilities than real asâ—â—rances and to his Ministers of State whose heâ—ds must compound for his treachery And â—o carry on a pâ—â—pâ—tual War the â—eâ—etian But carrying 〈◊〉 ◠〈◊〉 War and sending the Jesuites amoâ—g the Tâ—â—â—s to divide them should be assisted who fights the Turk upon the greatest advantages imaginable and the Jesuites with other active Priests should turn the tide of their policy which hath engaged Europe in so many Troubles and Controversies towards the Inâ—â—dels and weaken them with as many Divisions as we perish with especially considering as the smart Satyrist â—aith that the Musselmans profession is grown up to as high an earthly felicity universality and consent as the Papacy Neither do they want as great antiquity for some of their Tenets the which if they once come to be washed over by the varnish of Learning the Musti may assisted with his Masters force turn his Holinesse out of Rome as that Bishop did the Emperour Much might be done if a Jesuite did but personate the grand Impoâ—or now â—iâ—en from his grave according to his worâ— for he might possibly work so far upon the multitude as to make them fall soul among themselves a breach in Religion being found the readiest way The policy of entertaining the grand Seigniors younger brothers to let in that Ocean of Câ—lamiâ—ies we see overfloweth the Kingdoms of the Earth and as much if the younger brothers who are sure to be made a sacrifice to the elder were shewed the way to secure themselves in Europe whence they might appear with an Army in Asia at any time to let loose those discontents that are kept in onely by force and power watching The policy of an offensive War all opportunities to break out to tumults and rebellion to which may be added an offensive War it having been the great defect of Christandome hitherto to stand upon the defensive whereas the great Turk seldom troubles himself with Embassies treaties but appears always the first in the Field enjoying this advantage that he makes other Countries the stage of War and meeting with all humours divides those at home with certain hopes or fears attending the great alteration he brings along with him who would be united abroad in their engagements against him Besides that the Christian Princes spend more in watching one another in time of peace than would carry on a War against this Infidel The confederates in Hungary have by common advice wherein our Stopping Printing Controversies Count was not the least concerned put a stop upon Printing and â—ice controversies this brave Souldier having as little kindnesse for curious Coâ— web-spinners as the Heroick Gustavâ—s had for subtile Metaphy â—itians observing that the Barbarian finding Printing and over-fine learning the chief â—omenters of Divisions in Christendom hath hitherto excluded them his Territories and whilest we loose our choisest years in uselesse disquisitions these rude people appear more adapted to State-employments and sooner furnished with clear and solid reason drawn from prudent and lesse-erâ—ing experience and were never yet out-reached by the most politick and knowing Princes or States of Christendom the great Sultan suffering none to attain any perfection but what he hath use for Idle valour being the Tool saith my friend as Learning and Knowledge are the operations of all civil Dissentions To say no more of State-prudence our great Commanders Field-discretion His Field-prudence is admirable Not a man of his Souldiers knoweth where they go upon a Design or Surprize until they are upon the very place and enterprize he hovers like old Fabius upon hills mountains and narrow places His surprizes lest in place he might be swallowed up by the number or tyred with the Importunities of the Turk with whom he skirmishes but dares not â—â—ght trepans sometimes into corners but never engageth in open field He marcheth alwayes with his men not above â—ix deep that they may all be serviceable and come to His dâ—scipline play in their Tuâ—ns inuâ—ing them likewise to long hard Expeditions whereby he out goeth and surprizeth the flow and great Body of the Infidels yet always refreshing and quickning them with abundant provision and a great example He imboldneth His marches preserveth his ablest men by providing for them a compleat Armour which he weareth himself and so makes that which otherwise would be a burthen an honour to his pattern To this he annexeth another excellent piece of Policy that he never chargeth the Enemy until they come within Pistol-shot when he gives order for the effectual discharge of that shot at hand which would have been lost at distance directing his Souldiers always to aim at the leggs He hath moreover as the great Gustavus before him restored the neglected His encamping way of encamping whereby he is so secure that being well intrenched in spigâ—t of his vast Enemies he will fight for no mans pleasure but his own No seeming slight disorder of the Enemies shall deceive him neither shall any violence force him from his hold and resolution to take all and to give no advantage Neither is he lesse careful to dislodge the Enemies whose round and Half-Moon way the provident General often incommodates by forcing them to narrow and close retirements or charging in several places and amusing theâ— with distracted fears and confused allarms whereby the outside of their circle falls foul upon the inside and their first guards retreat back upon the second who can neither assist them nor save themselves Their Scaladoes are as observable as His way of scaling and assaulting their Entrenchment wherein it 's a question whether he â—e more prudent in designing oâ— his Souldiers prompt in executing who climb as if they had Ayry bodies and strike as if they had
wherein the Venetians opposed him by reason of an agreement made between them and the Lady Bosse the mother of the deceased party Notwithstanding which Scanderbeg claimed that there being no Will he ought to succeed Zachary who was murthered by Lech Dulagin the Son of the Lord of Saint Paul and seemed to have the best title as lawful heir to the Estate But after a great contestation they resolved the sword should decide the quâ—rrel on both sides wherewith he pressed them so hard although he abated very much of the rigor he exeâ—cised towards the Infidels and Turks that the Venetians had no other expedient but to desire a Peace with him which yet they would not conclude but upon their own conditions though they were reduced to such extremity as that if Scanderbeg had not condescended they had in all likelihood been destroyed but he considering That the vertue valour and magnanimity of a valiant warrior appears not in being cruel to an enemy chose rather to mitigate the appetite of revenge by mildness and kind usage and therefore yeilded freely to forgo that which of right belonged unto him although it was never his custom to quit any thing to Iâ—fidels as appeared cleaâ—ly in the encounter with the Tyrant Sebalie who besieged Bellegrade where he defeated four anâ— twenty thousand Turkes Several other of Castriot's pâ—owâ—ssâ—s against the 〈◊〉 took six thousand prisoners and set at liberty four thousand Christians who were detained by tâ—e Bashaws Mâ—â—seâ— Assambeg Isaac and Sinam-beg and put to death more than fifty thousand of his enemies and almost as many more two years after under the command of the Bashaw Ballabam These and the like valorous exploits pleased so well the most part of the Christian Princes that they were thereby provoked to take up Arms against Mahomet and Pope Pius piously moved seeing the affections of this noble Captain to the utter extirpation of the Infidels stirred up all Christian Kings Princes and Potentates to Arm themselves against the Turk and knowing that there could not be an abler Captain Geo Castriot created chief of the Christian League against the Turk chosen to that purpose then Scanderbeg to curb and tame the Barbarians elected and named him the Captain of the League with promise to make him King not onely of all Albania or Epire but also of Macedoniâ— which hoâ—y unâ—erâ—â—â—ing was interrupted by the death of â—ius and Pope Paul the second although our Albanian King travelled since to Rome to summon the Pope to joyn in a design so profitable for the safety and enlargement of Christendome Finally finding himself fâ—uâ—â—rate of the succors he expected fâ—â—m the Kings and Princes on this â—â—â—e he went to Lâ—ssa upon the River of Cliro to conâ—ult of the Occurrences of the war with the Deputy Proveâ—dor of Veâ—ice where he was seized on by a deadly Feaver and feeling himself strucken by death he made his will and recommended his little son John his Geo Castâ—iot created Citizen of Venice wealth and Country to the care of the State of Venice who in remembrance and gratitude for the advantagious peace he had freely granted them created him and his posterity after they had casted lots with an universal consent to be Citizens of Venice A few dayes after he departed hence to the other world in the 63 d. year of his age and four and twentieth of his Reign for he began his Reign the eight and twentieth day of Novemb. in the year 1443. anâ— dyed in the year 1467. his body was interred in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Lissa with great Pomp and Magnificence Castriot's death and buâ—ial whose bones rested enclosed in this place in peace until Mahomet came into Epire some four years after to assault Scutari So great a reverence saith Paulus â—ovins had the Turks themselves of this Heroick persons valour and conduct that after his death having made themselves masters of all Epire at last seized upon his Sepulchre at Alesha which having found they worshipped and adored it pulling out his dead â—ones which they carried about them thinking themselves invincible safe in battle Several notable exploits done by Castriot if at their going to fight they had the least piece of a relique of this invincible Captain hung at their neck in gold or silver and indeed his actions are incredible As that wild Savage Bull of an extraordinary fury and greatness committing a thousand spoyls and murthers in the Country of his Sister Mamiza whose neâ—k he quite cut through with one â—low of his Sâ—imiter on horseback That monstrous Boar of Apoville which had wounded â—o many of King Ferdâ—nana's Courtiers which beaâ— he assâ—ulted in the same manner and with like dexteâ—iâ—y he cut off his head in the open Field before the King as they were a hunting And it is also reported of him that after the encamping of Ballaban before Crâ—ye there being brought to him chained and fast bound together Jonima and Heder the brother and Nephew of Ballaban their sight putting him in remembrance of the cruelties acted through Ballaban's occasion upon the person of Moyses and his companions put him in such a vehement passion of anger against them that he had no patience to suffer others to fall on them but in great fury fell on them himself and at one blow hewed them both through the body with his Scimiter which was a Damasked one of an excellent goodnesse two of which he always wore in one Scabbard both which were often broken or spoiled in one Bâ—ttel And Mahomet having heard of the excellency of such a sword which would cut asunder Ganders Helmets and other strong Armour as they were once in a Tâ—eaty sent to desire it for a present anâ— the Sultan causing tryal to be made thereof by the best Arms of the Court and the strongest and no such miracles proceeding from it as was boasted of he thereupon caused it to be retuâ—nâ—â— to Scanderbeg saying That â—e gâ—ve him no thanks for such a present when he could buy as good and a better for his money and that he would no longer believe that which was reported of it Put Scanderbeg having made more extraordinary proofs thereof in the presence of tâ—e Messenger sent him word That the vertue was not altogether in the Sword but in the Arm which he reserved to himself which he employed against his enemies And though I do not much value the Prodigies and observations which many men as it were adore at some Nativities yet will I not conceal A prodigie which happened at Castriot 's birth what was prognosticated of the glory that should accompany this famous person his Mother dreaming as soon as he was conceived that she had brought foâ—th a Serpent of that bigness that it covered almost all Epire and stretching out its head upon the Dominions of the Turk it swallowed them up with its bloody throat dipping his Tail in the Sea that looks towards the
Christians and especially towards the confines of Venice I know many will be apt to be encouraged upon this relation to slatter themselves with hopes upon the like predictions and others too superstitious will endeavour to unfold the secrets that lye hidden under the shadow of such a Dream for my part I shall acknowledge that by the effects the advertisement which nature here gave was not altogether frivolous whereby every one might know that this George Castriot should be eminent in Arms and Warlike exploirs a scourge to the Turks a successeful Captain and a true Defender of the Christian Faith ever retaining an honourable esteem of the Venetian State In a word the experience and progress of his whole life do manifestly verifie this supernatural Prophesie From his youth he applyed himself so much to the Bow with other military exercises and acts of valour that no Historian makes mention of his equal neither could any famous Captain ever compare with him in Warlike exploits TAMBERLAIN the great Scourge of the TURKS TO raise the drooping thoughts of Christendom with seasonable discourses of those several Champions who have in every age checkt the growing power of the Turk though as threatning terrible as at this time we have at large expressed the admired Carriage and Conduct of Count Serini and in brief recounted the known actions of Scanderbeg and to make the number compleat added here the exact account of great Tamberlain who weakned the Grand Seignior as much Eastward as those brave persons have done Northward a Triumviri these that are not to be parallel'd three Heroes that have out gone Antiquity and out-reached Posâ—erity The first an Heathen born to punish Infidelity the second a papist born to vindicate Christianity The third a Protestant born as some think to reform the World The first informs us how Turkie may be perplexed by Divisions and Invasions The other two have taught us how it may be lessened by resolved Defeats and Oppositions Here we may see what may be done in Asia there what may be done in Europe Serini hath instructed the world what resolution and prudence Scanderbeg what correspondences and activity and Tamberlain what number and cruelty may be exercised against that overflowing power and people Concerning which Tamberlain whether we consider the commencements which gave life to the Soveraign Empire of this same furious rage of Tamberlain or whether we delight our selves by observing the means whereby he sâ—rued himself up unto the height of Glory We must needs confesse although we were never so void of reason and judgement that it is scarce possible lesse credible that so despicable a vessel should contain so great a stock of admirable Actions and that thence a branch should have sprung which did subvert the Turkish Monarchy and several other Potentates as the sequel of this present discourse will manifest As to his off-spring Historiographers do much vary about the truth of it Some say Tamberlains original where he came from the midst of the Parthians a people very much redoubted in the Romanes times though but sâ—enderly famous Others say he was a Turke a Sâ—ythian a Zagatean a Tartarian because it is apparent he was born at Samercand which is adjacent unto the River Taxartes hard by the Country of Zagatai And as there is some difference concerning the place of his off-spring so we shall meet with a far greater concerning his qualities and extraction Some deriving his descent from Cixges Cham and make him to be Zain Cham the third Emperour who usually is called Bachti Others suppose him to have been an inconsiderate person of a base extraction but who afterwards caused himself to be reputed to be the greatest and most powerful Prince of all the East in so Tamb. appellation of himsâ—lf high a degree as that he termed himself to be the wrath of God and not a man in regard whereof some do compare him to Hannibal taking it for granted that the earth never bore a more fierce oâ—stinate and self-willed man than this same Tamberlain and that none ever punished thefts and plunders in such a manner as he did although himself was the greatest thief and robber and the What Tamberl was as to his actions and intellects most detestablest as to his Actions which ever any History did set forth or could produce And on the contrary he was again so excellent a personage as to his Intellects that by his audacity and assurance he facilitated those things which all others judged to be impossible Morover he was so highly be friended by Fortune that he never at tempted any thing but he came off with credit Nor did he ever wage War but he remained Conquerour However some do scruple the meanness of his birth not judging it possible that so inconsiderable a man as he is said to have been should attain to such a pitch of greatnesse as to shake the Turkish Empire which was so long a setling But since I finde that the generality is of that opinion it will not be unbeseeming my joyning with them therein and to say that he was the Son of one called Sangali a man Tamb. Father off-spring who was none of the wealthiest in the world insomuch as that Tamberlain was constrained in relation to his Fathers profession to keep Cattel and Herds in the Fields but he had not long followed that Vocation when as entring into a certain Treaty Tamberl from a shepherd becomâ— a King and League with the rest of the shepherds of that Countrey they chose him to be their King and did inâ—oll and list themselves under his command Finally some others do conceive him to have been a poor Souldier but a subtle and circumspect mâ—n who wanted no wit being of a lively and quick spirit To which they add that being got up on the top of a Stable-wall whence he had a minde to have stolen some horses and perceiving that the owner had discovered him he flung himself down the wall and in the fall hurt his thigh by reason whereof he ever since remained lame However he performed gallant Actions and he was mightily praised for the equity policy and good discipline wherewith he maintained his Army So that had he not a little too much slackned the reines of his Cruelty and Ambition he doubtlesse had excelled all the Warriors that ever were in the world for no Chieftain had ever attained to the practical part of ranging and disciplining an Army so exquisitely as he Tamberlin ranged and disciplined his Army very well did And should I relate the several good orders which he caused his souldiery to observe it would be an endless work I shall onely tell you in what manner he prevented the coming No spies could geâ— iâ—â—o Tamberl Camp undiscovered of any Spies into his Camp and how they were presently discovered for which cause he â—uilt a house without his Camp for all strangers that arrived
who were there lodged and treated having any business to communicate unto him whereby he prevented their sneaking into his Camp and their prying into and discovering what was done there Every evening the Watch-word was distributed and each man was to repair to his Quarters And if any one was found out of his Rank or gadding abroad out of his Quarters he died without mercy so that there was no shelter or safety for Spies I shall omit the several manners of repartitions of his Quarters under what penalties he caused his Military orders to be observed since the reader may be better satisfied therein by several other Pens who have most amply written concerning this famous Captains deeds and shall proceed more particularly to describe his life Now by his robbings and thieveries he had so well thrived on all sides that at last he was not a little troubled how to preserve that which he had unjustly acquired And therefore he took two Puissant men among the Massagethians to be his Tamberl associates Associates viz. Chaidaren Mirxeus who being gained by the presents which he gave them came unto his relief with their Forces and with this support he fell upon the Tartars overcame them and defeated Tamberlin defeats the Tartars their Cavalry which gained him such a repuâ—e as that the inhabitants of Samercand furnished him with Gold and Silver and Forces to go through with his undertakings So likewise the King of the Massagethans made Tamberlain General of all his Tamberlin General of the Massagetans Forces to his own ruine for at the taking of Pogdatus a City in Tartary Tamberlain on purpose to usurp his Kingdom did cause a Fig to be given him and after his death married his widow And immediately after made himself King of Samercand and of the Massagets Harbouring a design at that very time to conquer the Empire of Asia whereunto he was much sollicited and egged on by Chaidarus who brought Myrxeus in disgrace with Tamberlain to whom he had reported some words which Myrxeus had too freely and unadvisedly spoken Mirxeus disgraced and his death of Tamberlain whilst he was only General of the Massagets which cost Myrxeus his life Afterwards he began a War against the Hircanians The Hircanians and Caducians conquered by Tamb. as also the Arabians and Caducians whom he conquered And because the Arabians did ravage the neighbouring parts and gave relief unto the Caducians he thereupon took an occasion to invade all the Nations which were subject to the Sultan of Persia of Baldacia Damatia and of Egypt However though he could not conquer them after he had well-nigh tyred them out he agreed a Peace with them conditionally that they should furnish him with Forces to serve him in his wars and to pay him an Annual Tribute as a sign of their submission But whilest he was busied thus tormenting some and undermining others flattering himself with the vain hopes of the great Conquest he should make he was called home again by the troubles which were arisen in his own Countrey For the great King of Catay who is one of The King of Catay wars upon Tamberl the nine Indian Hordes and the Soveraign of all the Tartars had made a pretty spoil through all Tamberlain's Countrey who in the beginning thought to have thundered him out again but finding with whom he had to deal apprehenâ—ing lest if he should exasperate the great Cham of Catay too much it might endanger his possessions was constrained to come to a Treaty and to demand a Peace which was granted him conditionally that Tamberlain should do him homage and should pay a Tamberl makes a peace with the King of Caâ—ay yearly Tribute for the Messagetes Country which he held Nâ—r need we to doubt but that Tamberlain might have withstood the great Tartar but that he was loth to diminish his Forces with which he was resolved to wage War against the Ottoman Family being spurred on there unto by the great Ambition he had always to undertake some considerable expedition or other against his Neighbours Wherefore being entred Cappadocia he besieged the City of Sebasta and fought against it with so much dexterity as that the Turks being Tamberl wars against the Tuâ—ks tâ—kes Sebasta discouraged and having lost all hopes of being relieved had not the heart to defend themselves against the Scythians Persiaâ—â— â—â—d Bâ—ctrians who having tâ—ken the Town put all to the sword 〈◊〉 they found in the place â—o that it is sâ—iâ— there dyed that day above 120â—00 souls besides some persons of quâ—lity which were taken and amongâ—â— the rest the son of Bajazet the first of that Name who by his Father had been put in the City of Sebasta the better to provide for Bajazet 's Soaâ—taken in Sebasta and put to death the defence of it but he had not long kept it before Tamberlain made him pass under the merciless cruelty of his most impious rage After which he sent Ambassadors unto Bajazet commanding him to render unto all those whom he had dispossessed whatsoever he most unjustly detained from them which was but a meer pretence in Tamberlain to pick a quarrel with Tamberl pretence to war upon Bajazet Bajazet as also to pay unto him vast and excessive Tributes Nor will I here venture to contest whether Tamberlain had just cause to war against Bajazet as being a Tyrant for all the world knows this Tartar made use onely of â—his cloak or pretence the better to colour and disguise his design against this poor Turke who Arrogant titles appropriated to Tamberl and Bajazets names although he was called Temis Cuthlu which in the Tartarian Language signifies a Fortunate Iron because he was not onely happy in his enterprises but as valiâ—nt as his Sword insomuch as that he made a great part of the world to tremble So on the other part Bajazet was â—irnamed Lelapa which signifies a Furious Wave and Hiidin which signifies Boisterous Impetuous Notwithstanding Tamberlain did make him know that his Fortunate sword did not apprehend the being shaken or bâ—oken by the Turkish Waves and Thunder bolts but that to the contrary his name Lelapa was rather to be stiled a Whirl-winde not by reason of Bajazet's vertue and A great defâ—ct in Bajazet valour but because of his passion and hastiness whereby those fortunate enterprises were dissipated an confounded which he might have carried on gloriously had he suffered reason to have been his guide And it even fell out so for Bajazet returned a very smart answer unto Tamberlain and unadvisedly tainted the Tartars wives honour which words cost him Tamberl câ—â—asperated against Bajazets answer by his wife dear For as Tamberlain did not ear any good will to Bajazet at all so his Wife being enâ—aged at the indignities which were put upon her by the Turk did â—o highly incense her Huâ—bâ—nd as that he was not to expect any Peace with his Wife
unleâ—s he pursued the Turk wiâ—h Fire Sword Wherefore Tamberlain assembled A war between Tamberl and Bajazet a formidable Army of Tartarians Seythiaâ—s Persians Armenians and Bactrians amounâ—ing unto the number of 800000 fighting men and passed through the Provinces of Lydia and Phrygia which caâ—sed Bajazet to raise the siege of Constantinople and to march unto Asia to hinder the Mâ—ssagetan from coming into his Country resolving before Tamberlain should have time to proceed he would encounter him and fight him in Armenia or upon the banks of Euphrates and although they â—ought each other yet they could not meet a long while Bajazets Council in the interim were of opinion that he should do well to treat with Tamberlain seeing he was not strong enough to resist him and would not dispend his Tâ—easury to raise new Forces After which the Turk having intelligence that Tamberlain marched into Bithynia to besiege Pruse heretofore called Bruse Tamâ—erl fights Bajazer and kils a great â—â—mber of the Turks the chief City of the Country and the Royal Seat he resolved to fight him in that place And both Armies joyned Battle in the Mount Stella where Pompey fought wiâ—h Mithridates in the year one thousand three hundred ninety and seven and the Turk chancing to be worried there were above two hundred thousand of them slain in the place and an infinite number taken Now Bajazet perceiving the day was lost began to acknowledge his errour when it was too late wherefore he resolved to repair the faults the best he could and save himself by flight beâ—ng mounted on a Mare which was as swift as the wind But the misfortune of his disaster following him he was puâ—sued by the Tamberlanists who overtook him by the fault which Bajazeth committed in letting his Bajazeth taken prisoner Mare drink who thereby became so heavy and replenished as that she could not make so much way as she did before besides all which this poor King was troubled with the Gout which had disabled his hands and his feet The Tamberlainists having seazed on so rich a booty as also on all the Basha's Beglerbegs Aga's and Sangea's of the King of Turkie he was brought unto Tamberlain who taking him by the shoulders said these words Thou disloyal Coward thou art now my Slave and thou shalt receive the reward of thy deserts Bajazet being full of amazement answered him I pray you Sir kill me but the Conqueror replied Le ts go le ts go there is no man can save thee Whenas this miserable captive forgetting the miserable estate wherein he was returned harsh language unto his Conqueror and with injurious Bajazeths indiscretion in reproaching of â— Tamberlain terms began to inveigh against Tamberlain reproaching him with his base extraction and with his former profession of theevery So that it was a wonder this Zagathean did not cause him immediately to be slain for on a less occasion he caused his great friend Mirxe to be put to death because he onely had adventured to say that the principality of Samercand was too well settled to fall into the hands of so inferior a fellow and so inconsiderate a robber as Tamberlain was although these words were not spoken in his presence nor after he had attained to that dignity But it seems he reserved the venting of his choller upon Bajazet because he would not put him to death before he had observed all the formalities of Justice And truely the Captive King had little reason to rail at him for immediately he caused him to be set upon a Mâ—le and in a way of derision to be led through all the enemies Camp and afterwards caused him to tyed in Golden Chains and to â—e put in a Cage carryâ—ng him up The indignitiâ—s and misâ—ries of Bajazet and down wheresoever he went and when he got upon Hoâ—se-back he caused him to kneel down setting his feet upon his neck and shoulders making him his footstool as formerly Sophorus the King of the Persians did â—nto Valerinus the Emperor of Rome and fed him onely with crums of bread and broken morsels which he flâ—ng unto him just as if he had been a Dog However Bajazets courage could not hereby be abashed as it appeared when Tamberlain caused that Sultaness which the Turk loved The Sultaness Bajazeths wife serveth Tamberlain at table best and who was taken with the Kings children and all Bajazets Concubines in the Seraglio of Pruse or Bruse and made her serve him at table At which sight the miserable Captive flew out into howlings and roarings reproaching the Conquerors baseness and pâ—ide in making so litâ—le esteem of the Kingly race for tâ—is Lady was the dâ—ughter of Eleazor King of Servia Moreover these conquests so puâ—fed uâ— this Tartars heart as being not able to contain himself within any compass Tamberlains designs to conquer Europe prevented by his death he had designed to pass into Europe to Conquer it but his death put a period to all his ambitious enterprises in the year of our Lord fourteen hundred and three He died as he lived with thoughts full of Conquests and victories his ambition is as wide as Europe while his body is confined to a Grave-pit his success was great and his mind greater he attained much he aimed at more he was born a beggar but with a King in his belly his temper was as rude as his Country his education as little as his hopes and his Manners rough and unhewn as his Calling He was the most ambitious man that ever was heard of and who would by no means be rendred civil nor familiar Whereof a certain Genua Gentleman who was one of his great favorites can give a testimony who essaying to break him of his rudeness and inhumanity wherewithall he treated those which he had overcome he answered him How now thou Dog dost thou think I am a man I am the wrath of God and the Tamberlains sence of himself ruine of mankinde nor have â—caâ—ce any exceeded him in cruelty Two examples whereof I shall set before you The first was when he caused The inhumane â—â—uâ—lty of â—ambâ—â—lain that most barbarous inhumanity to be exeâ—cised at Damas on the maidens and young children who came ouâ— of the said City to meet him clad in white and bearing Oliâ—e-branches in their hands for a token of Peace and submission this unworthy and cruel Tyrant set his Cavalry to Massacre and trample underfoot all that flower of youth and taking the City he put all the inhabitants thereof to the swoâ—â— The second was the impiety which he committed against the Spittle of Lepers which was joyning unto the City of Sebasta where by reason of their not communicating with the rest of the people and so consequently were not in a capacity to prejudice the Tartar and whereby Tamberlains impiety against the spittle of Lepers they might have promised themselves a priviledge of security yet he caused them to be inhumanely Massacred alledging That they infected the Air. But for all this I must not rob him of that honor which he acquired for his strict observance of Justice even against his own Souldiers Tamberlain a great observer of Justice who as soon as they were taken in any offence were most severely punished which we may observe by the sentence which he caused to be inflicted upon one of his Captains who walking on the Coast of the Caspian Sea three leagues from Tamberlains Camp and espying a very fair Maiden who went to draw water he ravished her whereupon the said Maiden together with her Father complaining to Tamberlain that she had been violated as she was going to fetch water by a disloyal and perfidious Tartar and desiring him to do her Justice he returned her a most Kingly and gracious answer that he would most severely punish him and so he did for as the Tartarian Histories relate he caused him to be impaled or spitted on a stake alive Finally lest the Reader might be mistaken and might conceive that in my description of this Tartarian Emperors life I was ignorant that he was called by another name besides Tamberlain I would therefore desire him to take notice that I have called him Tamberlains right name so to follow the general denomination of him in this manner that so all men might know of whom we do write these pâ—aises For according to the Tartarian appellation he was called the great Tamirrham although others baptize him Timir Langue and these latter as far as I can conjecture by the several comparisons which I have observed do come the nearest to the Truth at least do approach very nigh to the definition of the conâ—ition and qualities of the said Tartar whose true name was doubtless Tamir and by reason he was lame they added the quality of Langue thereunto which in the Tartarian language signifies no other thing save a lameness and so called him Tamir Langue Lame he was in his body and crooked in his mind weak in his Limbs but strong in his Spirit Limping as he was he would have over-â—un Europe if he had lived one year longer The Turke was not a greater scourge to Christeâ—dom then he was to the Turk whom when he had whipped sufficiently Goâ— dealt with as he will wiâ—â— all the Instruments of his wrath When the Child mends burn the Rod. FINIS Since these Sheets past the Press news came that it was Seges not Zigeth that Count Serini hath lately taken