till this work should be finished but rather to try Fortune and endeavour by an assault to win the Walls In prosecution of this design and resolution the Prince sent for Axalla into his own Quarters because it concern'd him most in regard of his Office and because during this siege he had been most active he told him his intentions desiring him to prepare himself and his men for the next morning As soon as Axalla had drawn out his Souldiers he assaulted the Wall which was stoutly defended by the besieged but at last this Captains Valour assisted by twenty thousand of his Men took it by force and fortified himself there He could scarce keep back his Souldiers in their heat and fury from breaking in further according to the commands of Tamerlan which he was perswaded to give for two reasons First because he did not desire that the City should be won by assault for it was rich and full of all good things he was therefore afraid that the Enemies Army should come at that Instant when his Souldiers were busie in plundering the houses which would have caused their utter overthrow for rich Souldiers who have much to lose can never fight well Secondly he stopt his men from taking the City by assault because he intended to make of it a Magazine to furnish his Army and carry on his designs with greater security The loss of the Wall abated not the Courages of the besieged they defended themselves as obstinately and bravely as before in hopes of receiving speedily some succours from their King who was near at hand as they were rightly inform'd But in their greatest expectations the accident of a shot cast from one of the Engines which struck down a piece of Wood and wounded the Governour dangerously caus'd them to lose their Courages This worthy person so affectionate to his Prince and Country died of this Wound a few hours after leaving his Souldiers without heart or resolution for this brave Commander by his example and perswasions obliged them to hold out so long This unexpected accident forc'd them to consent to a Treaty with the Emperour before he should hear any news of their misfortune and of the loss of the numbers of men who had been killed in defending the Wall They expected better and more honourable Articles Tamerlan began to be weary with the long siege eight days were spent since the last assault and he saw no change in the Citizens resolutions and understood not that the King of China made any haste to fight him but when the King heard the Governour of Pekin was kill'd he was afraid of the consequence this made him draw towards the Besiegers with more speed with his Army in Battel Axalla who lodged upon the Wall perceived the Enemy first he went therefore to inform the Prince he rejoyced to hear such good news but his joy was much more increased when he saw the Deputies of the City who came to yield themselves and their City into his hands The Emperour receiv'd them with his wonted kindness promising the Inhabitants his protection if they would continue to him faithful but he threatned them with severe punishments if they offer'd to revolt The Articles were agreed to the Garrison in number about eighteen thousand men went out they were the remainder of thirty thousand in the beginning of the siege which lasted two full Months The Citizens were confirmed in all their priviledges and were mightily taken and enamoured with the sweet and loving disposition of their new Lord. At this same time the King of China who was at hand with all his Army understood that the City was delivered up by the Garrison that he met in his way The Lieutenant Governour he commanded to be executed with many Captains for their Cowardice but he pardonned the Souldiers who were not so guilty He commanded all his Army to stop their march in the very place where he received the news of this Cities surrender thinking more convenient to wait for Tamerlan there in a Ground that lay well for his Forces to draw up The Tartars spent eight days in repairing the breaches and furnishing the Town with all necessaries fit to abide a siege whatever happened The Emperour also mustered his whole Army paid off his Souldiers increased their Wages and rewarded every man according to his deservings he ascribed the honour of this Conquest so considerable to the cares and wise conduct of Axalla therefore he offer'd him the Government over this City and the Country which he had already conquered but he very fairly refused it desiring the Prince to bestow it upon some other Body because he desired no other reward but to bear a share in the labours of his Master whose Glory should be his chief aim and desire This answer pleased the Prince for he had offer'd it to him only because he had well deserved it but he was not willing that he should take it for he was desirous to have him always nigh his person knowing that he was courageous faithful and ingenious and well experienced in the Affairs of War When he refus'd it the Prince of Tanais accepted it with the Title of Vice-Roy Tamerlan having set all things in good order and dispatched some Messengers to the Emperour his Uncle and all his Friends to inform them of his happy successes and satisfied his Souldiers who were ten thousand men less than before he caus'd Prayers solemnly to be offer'd up to the God of Hosts during a whole day After this he march'd to find the Enemy who was with all his Army of his Subjects and Allies at Sintehâ— As soon as the King of China had understood that our Army was passed over the River of Culifu he caus'd it to be proclaimed all over his Camp that every one should be ready to fight for he did not desire to see the Tartarians farther in his Country to eat it up and destroy it But there was no Wisdom in that resolution for it caus'd him to lose his own advantages and run head-long into the mischief that was at hand for had he lengthened the War as he ought the many and strong Towns which were to be besieged one after another would have undermined Tamerlan's Army and render'd it unable to stand against his fresh Troops and for the Tartars they could not in reason advance so far as to leave behind them any one Town which might have cut off their Provisions Reason and Justice obliges Commanders of an Army to deal in this manner otherwise they may soon destroy the most flourishing Army Therefore the Emperour could not but say privately to some about him not in a boasting manner for he never us'd to boast of the greatest advantages that he hath had over his Enemies That the King of China was ill advised to desire a Battel that he would doubtless have cause to repent of this folly at his leisure because his Souldiers were not to be compared to his Men in
his eminent Station He was as welcome to the old Emperour as to Tamerlan himself unto whom he cunningly gave the honour of all successes though his Wisdom and discreet Conduct had the greatest share and hand in bringing them to pass so that if his Power was great his Worth and Vertues were answerable There was never any person more courteous more affable more merciful and kind He incited Tamerlan to nothing but to Glorious Actions to Noble Designs full of Honour and when they were to be executed he was always the first man that would adventure his Life and Person without sparing himself And though Tamerlan had always next to his Person many illustrious Princes and noble Lords their Glory was darkened by the Splendour and Magnificence of Axalla who exceeded them all in number of Servants in beautiful Horses and in a stately and glorious Train He had a great Soul adorned with many Vertues and a Discretion able to maintain his own interest He never gave any Counsel but he offered himself to put it in execution in which he always was so happy that all things succeeded to him that he undertook His Policy appeared chiefly in listening to all persons that had any Errand to him He would lend an Ear to the meanest with that mildness and Humanity that never any Person went from him dissatisfied but he had the art to captivate their affections and win the hearts of all Men that knew him One day the Prince check'd him because he was so courteous and kind and so easily to be spoken with for which he blamed him before Alhacent But Axalla reply'd It may become you my Emperour to be stately but I ought to be humble as your Slave and Servant Grandeur agrees with your Place but Humility is my greatest Ornament I am near your Person my noble Lord for no other purpose but to cause you to be honoured if therefore you be respected it is sufficient It matters not how I behave my self so I perform my Duty If I were stately and proud I should become odious to all the Lords of your Court and disoblige them so as to think ill of your choice of my Person I shall desire that they may honour me not for my sake but for yours that your service may be better advanc'd This Answer gave a great satisfaction to the Emperour for he had a particular art to gain the love of every one and he was respected also more than he desired I have saith Alhacent made this little Digression from the History to give a Description of Axalla because without it many things cannot well be understood in this Relation The Prince sent orders to Axalla to come to him to Samarcande to advise about the march of his Troops and till his return to leave the Command of the Army with the Prince of Tanais Axalla took Post and in obedience to this Command went to the Prince After a serious Debate it was resolved in Council that the whole Army should march over the Borders of Muscovy straight towards Constantinople the chief City of Greece whither Bajazet with his Army were going apace for he was in Asia Minor Tamerlan sent a Relation of Axalla to inform the Emperour Paleologue of the coming of his Army for whose subsistance great stores of Provisions had been laid up in all the considerable Cities of the Empire Tamerlan therefore in pursuance of his Expedition went from Samarcande to Ozura where the Rendezvous was appointed of the whole Army There it was debated again which way to take that of Capha by the Borders of Muscovy or the other way on the other side of the Caspian Sea through the Confines of Persia At last it was resolved that the Army should march to Capha and from thence to Trapezuntium or Trebisonde through the Borders of the Georgians and enter that way into the Dominions of the Turks Thus when Prayers had been solemnly offered up to God to implore his aid and gracious assistance for the Prince did put in him his greatest confidence the whole Army went straight to Maranis where it abode three days in expectation of the Troops sent from Odmar who were near at hand as well as the other Succours coming out of Muscovy In this place the Emperour caus'd a General Muster and Review of all his Army which was obliged to march twenty Leagues through a Desart Country where they found no comfort not so much as a little fresh Water Tamerlan had provided beforehand for this inconveniency for he had ordered all the Ships and Vessels in the Harbours of the Caspian Sea to attend upon him and the Army near the Shore In these Ships were Provisions sufficient a great deal of Ammunition and the most part of his Equipage This foresight help'd them in season and hindered the Army from meeting with want In the march the Prince went along the Sea-Coast sporting himself in Hunting or discoursing with his Attendants he was commonly about ten Leagues from the Army and none came near him but those that carried Provisions from the Ships This Army was so numerous that they stretched along twenty Leagues into the Country When it was come to Mechet there the Army went over the River Edel by a Bridge that was there and two or three more made on purpose for a more speedy passage During this time the Prince abode at Sarasick where he understood for certain that Bajazet was going to besiege Constantinople that he had conquered all Bythinia and Bursa the chief City of this Kingdom that he had commanded it to be well fortified and many other Towns where he had exercis'd his cruelty upon the Inhabitants That all the Neighbouring Provinces for fear of him yielded without resistance and became Tributaries to him The news that displeas'd Tamerlan most was that Capha a strong City where Axalla was brought up and received under his protection at Axalla's request had followed the Example of the rest and opened their Gates to the barbarous Enemy This unworthy contempt of his Authority Tamerlan was resolved to punish he sent therefore to summon them to appear before him and give an account of their revolt from him The Citizens were troubled at this Message they apprehended his just indignation and the punishment due for their Rebellion They sent therefore some of their Citizens to pacifie his wrath with many rich Gifts and rare Furs They promis'd in the name of the rest that they would never be guilty of any such Crime for the future but would endeavour to make amends for it by their future behaviour and faithfulness The Emperour understanding of their true repentance he pardon'd them for Axalla's sake unto whom he gave the Soveraignty of the City Axalla went to visit there his Friends and Relations and settle there a good Order and Government for the security of the place giving his Citizens to understand that he loved his own Country and would see to preserve his Country-men In his way he
took Tana which belong'd to the Genoeses he recover'd Aches and Lopeso three considerable Towns which the Prince bestowed upon Axalla willing him to fortifie them and furnish them with all necessaries Some may wonder what moved this Genoese Prince who had refus'd the Government of the Kingdom of China and many considerable Towns to accept now a small Territory with more satisfaction and to prefer such narrow Limits to greater Dominions This discovers that strong affection that we have naturally for the Country where we came first into the World Axalla accepted of this Gift the rather because he might hereafter retire himself in Capha in case of necessity Though he held the second place and was next to the greatest Monarch of the World he seem'd thereby to confine all his ambition to this little Territory and preferr'd a small Portion of the Caspian Sea to a large Compass of Ground limited by Scythia and China and all the Countries conquer'd by his Master though he were well-beloved by the Souldiers and highly respected by all other Persons The Army continued sometimes about Mechet to refresh themselves The Prince till that time had employed himself in Hunting having left the whole Command of the Army to Axalla but now he took charge of it himself and caused it to march forward towards the holy Mountains where the Circassians and Georgians sent Ambassadours to him to offer him their assistance These People are numerous all professing the Christian Faith They have been always Tributaries to the Roman Emperour since the time that they were conquer'd by Pompey before that they were under the Jurisdiction of Mithridates whom this Roman General overcame They were joyful to receive Tamerlan's Army because his design was to free the Grecian Empire from the Tyranny of the Ottoman Family Axalla perswaded a great many of that Country to joyn themselves with the Army for they are noted for their courage and strength They are a sort of People tall well-set Bodies and very Warlike they have often resisted the Power of the Turks partly by their stoutness and partly by the scituation of their Country which is Craggy and Mountainous At the first noise of War they burn their Houses and waste the Country so that they are able to withstand by that means the Assaults of a powerful Enemy The Emperour was well pleased to behold these proper Men with their long Hair and took a delight to understand their Warlike Dispositions and Actions Therefore he gave an express Command That his Army should not do any injury to that Country They were at that time part of the Empire of Trapezuntium which belonged to Greece The Prince was received every-where with Honour and his Army supplyed with Provisions as much as could be desired here It was reported for certain That Constantinople was besieged by Bajazet who with a very powerful Army was set down before it and kept in the Emperour Paleologue and that all his Dominions were in a great danger to be lost The Turkish Prince could not believe that Tamerlan dared oppose his Designs Therefore when the fame of the Tartarian Armies coming spread about amongst his Souldiers he forbid by his Proclamation any person so much as to mention the Tartarian Army so highly did his proud mind despise and contemn it All the Inhabitants of the Country where this Army pass'd prais'd the Souldiery and wish'd them all happiness because they were orderly quiet peaceable and just in their dealings If a Souldier had stole but an Apple he was sure to dye for it without Mercy This severity was observed in all the March because this expedition was undertaken for no other purpose but to deliver these people from the fears and slavery of the Turks and force proud Bajazet to listen to some reason In this order the Army came to Bachichich where it stopt to take some refreshment eight days There the Embassadors of Guines a Man highly esteem'd for his Holiness met the Prince They offered him in their Masters name all the help and assistance that he could desire or want in this expedition they brought him some beautiful Horses and assur'd him in their Master's name that he should succeed in his designs for Guines was a learned Astrologer and a Prophet in those Parts The Emperour declar'd to them That he thought himself honoured by their coming in Embassy from such a Prince therefore he sent a rich Present of rare Furs and some Golden Plate Here at Bachichich he mustered and viewed his Army and gave them all their Pay both Horse and Foot exhorting them to behave themselves valiantly It was his constant practice to do so at such times He caus'd them also to exercise themselves with feigned Fights that they might be more expert and keep their order he was very careful of this which he recommended always to his Captains In those days every private souldier had the liberty to behold their Emperour with more confidence than at other times for the Prince gave them access and seem'd to cast off the Majesty and State which at other times hinder'd their approach that he might converse the more familiarly with them and encourage them to be brave and couragious At the departure of the Army from Bachichich it consisted of three hundred thousand Horse and five hundred thousand Foot of several Nations Tamerlan had heard how the Turks had conquered all Greece he imagined therefore That as soon as Bajazet should hear of their approach he would depart out of Asia into Europe for his security as Wisdom and Reason oblig'd him had he been well-advised but his Pride and Presumption caus'd him to take a contrary course to all the Rules of the Art of War for as soon as Tamerlan's Army was at Buisabuich beyond the Country of the Georgians Axalla left the Van which he commanded to ride back to the Prince to acquaint him with Tydings that he knew would please him That Bajazet had left the siege of Constantinople and was marching with all diligence to protect the Countries of Asia That he intended to fight him and that for that purpose he had sent for all the Troops that were in Greece and gathered all the Souldiers that he could possibly get from all Parts He did not trust so much to their Numbers as to the Courages Boldness Skill and Experience of his Janisaries who had been train'd up in War and knew not what it is to flye away The Emperour was joyful at this news but not insolent for he foresaw the Event of a Battel and confessed That a small number well-govern'd and bravely led on is able to carry away the Victory from a more numerous Army Three days he stop'd at Buisabuich whiles his Troops were drawing towards Euphrates that they might pass over that River and live in the Enemies Country and ease that of the Confederates Here the Prince sent an Express to the Emperour his Uncle to inform him of the raising of the siege
THE HISTORY OF TAMERLAN The GREAT Taken out of ALHACENT the Emperour's Historian and some other Arabian Manuscripts By the Lord de Sainctyon Now Englished by M. D'Assigny B. D. LONDON Printed for S. Heyrick at Grays-Inn-Gate in Holburn 1679. TO THE HIGH-BORN PRINCE HIS GRACE JAMES Duke of Monmouth c. IF Tamerlan the Great were this day alive he would doubtless approve of this most worthy Choice that I have here made of your Graces Noble Person and Name to place at the Frontispiece of this exact Narrative of his Life and Conquests He was a Soveraign Prince of an Heroick Spirit of an undaunted Courage and of an admirable Conduct in War He was call'd betimes to make use of these great Virtues at the Head of an Army where Providence always Crowned his Actions with Success At first he rose out of a small Province of Asia but in a few years he spread the Glory of his Name and Victories all over that part of the World He was a Prince so exact in the Execution of Justice and of so singular a Piety and Goodness that the Christian Profession as well as his own Religion flourished all over his Dominions under his Protection And his greatest Enemies thought themselves happy at last to have been Conquer'd and to be Govern'd by a Tamerlan The whole Nation Great Sir if not the whole World sees your Graces Noble Soul enrich'd with the same extraordinary Virtues and divine Qualities Providence hath also led you out betimes and caused you to march after Tamerlan in the same Paths of Honour The safety of Europe hath called your Grace into the Field to shew your Valour and Conduct to give Laws to unruly Enemies and set Bounds to the unjust Greatness of ambitious Neighbours Your Graces noble Mind your Courage your Fame and Victories appear to us as glorious in this Northern World under our Monarch of Great-Britain as Tamerlan's ever did either under the King of Parthia his Father or the Grand Cham of Tartary his Vncle And your Graces sincere Devotion for our Protestant Religion your mild and courteous Behaviour your great Affection and daily Services for the English Nation have render'd your Name Sacred every where in City and Country and caused us all to look upon you as a second Tamerlan Did Providence put into your Hands the same Power Opportunities and Authority we should doubtless see through your Graces Wisdom and Courage the English Name render'd as famous all over Europe and as dreadful to our proud and insulting Neighbours as ever the Parthian was to the Moscovites the Turks the Mammeluks and other Barbarians forced to submit to the Empire of Tamerlan the Great This notable Resemblance together with your Graces Affability Mildness and most sweet Disposition hath encourag'd me to this Presumption for which the greatness of my respects the Excellency of the History and the Nobility of the Subject will I hope mediate for and obtain a pardon from your Graces goodness If I may be so happy in this Address to give your Grace some little satisfaction and delight you in the reading of the brave Exploits of this Heroe as Alexander was in the perusal of the War-like Actions of Achilles and cause your Grace to cast an Eye of Favour upon this small Treatise and its mean Author I shall attain to the chief End aimed at by this Dedication God preserve your Grace for the good of this Nation and give me leave to be in word and deed with all humility and submission Great Sir Your Graces most humble most faithful and devoted Servant M. D'Assigny THE HISTORY OF TAMERLAN the Great THE Divine Providence seems to take a delight sometimes to surprise and startle the minds of men with the strange and unexpected Revolutions and great Changes that happen in the World Such as are the terrible Earth-quakes that bury Cities and Provinces in their Ruines the irresistable Floods that carry all before them the sad Fires that turn into Ashes in the twinkling of an Eye the beautiful Works and the proud Fabricks of many Ages This Divine and wise Providence seems also to take a delight to produce in the World in the greatest times of need those admirable souls and Great Men who come as Blessings to Mankind to banish away all Confusion and Disorder and settle Peace and Happiness amongst men like so many skilful Physicians they come to purge Nature from all its ill humours Cyrus Alexander and Caesar were Agents of this Divine Providence employed for that charitable purpose So likewise when Bajazet that cruel Emperour of the Turks destroyed the Provinces of Asia and Europe and made a havock of his Neighbours Gods Providence chose Tamerlan the Great to give a check to his Pride and Cruelty and stop him in his full career wherein he intended to Conquer the World The History of this great Hero I shall now represent that it may encourage and direct all Martial Spirits in the Employment of War and inform the rest of the World with a just and true Account of the brave and glorious Actions of this Noble Conquerour CHAP. I. Of the Birth and first Years of Tamerlan TAmerlan signifies Celestial Grace He was the Son of Og King of Zagatay or of the Parthians Nephew of the Grand Cham of Tartary and not the Son of a vile Shepherd and Robber as his Enemies have basely invented to discredit him out of malice or ignorance that the geatest Revenues and Riches of the Eastern Kings consist in the number of their Flocks and Herds rather than in their Golden Mines which nevertheless are also there to be found in their Dominions The Province of Zagatay or Sachetay lies West from the Sogdians and is properly the ancient Parthia The chief City is Samarcande seated upon the River Issarle It grew so mighty in riches and number of men as well as in beauty during the Reign of this Prince that it may now be compared to any other City of Asia When Tamerlan was happily born in his person were discoverable from his Infancy so many rare signs of a great Courage and of a sweet Disposition that gladded the heart of his old Father and obliged him to incourage those Gifts of Nature by the tuition and teaching of the rarest persons and Doctors of the Country After a good and speedy proficiency this young Prince became the delight the love and the wonder of his people Before he was full fifteen he had learned from his Masters all that they could teach him for the exercise of his body or to grace his mind He had some insight in the Mysteries of Astrology and skill in Talismanical Figures which is called the Astrology or Divinity of Zoroaster and of the Bactrians and which since hath been much us'd by the Arabians aswell as in riding of a Horse handling of a Lance drawing of a Bow and wrestling The King his Father looked upon him then as worthy to Govern the Kingdom in which he
Christian before the Prince of Tanais with his Troops could overtake them so weak was the Enemies resistance This Victory enrich'd all the Souldiers of Tamerlan's Army for they found much Gold about them upon their Clothes Arms and Horses one of the King of China's Kinsmen who was stiled King was taken Prisoner with the chief Commanders that were saved from the furious slaughter which was made amongst them The sadness of this overthrow spread every where and soon came to the Ears of the King of China who was then at Quanton It filled all his Court with Sorrow Displeasure and Fear every one wept for his Friend or his Relation but this Prince who had always till then thought himself the happiest of all men was inwardly surpris'd without discovering himself to any of his Court as a man that commanded himself and his passions he gave orders to gather his Souldiers from all Parts and sent for his Priests that kept his holy things commanding them as their Lord in a passionate manner to offer Sacrifices for him to the Gods and chiefly to the Sun the greatest of the Gods whom they think to be immortal impassible the Cause and Author of their Beings that appears to men only for their benefit he sent likewise his orders round about the Neighbouring Provinces of his Empire to call together all that were able to bear Arms appointing them their Rendezvous at Pekin He imagined that Tamerlan would direct his course that way for it was the next City to his Camp and the great Lord of China called the Xianxi fail'd not to be ready with his fifty thousand Men to strengthen such as were to guard the Wall He hasted to oppose Tamerlan in his March into the Country and as his Men were all Horse well acquainted with the By-ways and narrow Passages they were a continual plague to Tamerlan's Army This wise Prince to secure his retreat caus'd the Wall and all the Forts that were there builded to be demolished that the passages might be open for the Garrisons they had all submitted themselves to the Conquerour after the Victory He treated the people of the Mountains so lovingly that he caus'd them almost to forget that they were under a new Lord. He rewarded well the Lord Vauchefu by giving a little County wherein were seven good Towns as Archii Ymulii Falisqâ—â—iem Fulii Cohensin Quialii Pulii and Quiamlu all which were adjoining to this Lords former Territories so that the Inhabitants were so much the more willing to obey him He made him also Governour of the Province next to that of the Xianxi and declared to him by his liberality that he was a Prince of his word his Brother he intended afterwards to gratifie This kind dealing of Tamerlan was very advantageous to him in making way for his succeeding Conquests for he that will subdue Kingdoms and Lands with ease must first conquer the hearts of the Inhabitants The Chineses are great admirers of those vertues that are not practised by them as of Love Affability Kindness and Mercy which Tamerlan's Souldiers were ordered to express to them and which is contrary to that cruel dealing with which they use to treat their Enemies that fall into their hands this Custom they borrow from the Indians their Neighbours When therefore they saw that this Prince handled them in a manner contrary to theirs and that he expressed so much affection for them they began to admire and honour him After the destruction of the Forts Tamerlan took advice which way he should march with his Army He had heard that the King of China had furnished his strong places and that with as many Men as he could gather together he was in his way to meet and fight him This news caus'd him to be not well resolved what course to take first whether he should assault a Town in sight of so powerful an Army or whether he should leave behind him places unconquer'd which might cut off all his Provisions and march directly to fight the King of China's numerous Army In this irresolution he desired to know his Officers minds He called them together and propos'd to them the business which could not be quickly resolved because of the diversity of opinions but at last this advice prevailed above the rest that no Town was to be left behind that they were to make speed and take it before the Battel that the Army might draw from thence Comfort Assistance and Provisions and that in case the Enemy would be so bold as to offer to relieve it that then they would hazard a Battel for this is the ordinary practice of a Conquerour and Assailant to venture a fight with the Enemy as it is the wisdom of the assaulted to decline it and never to yield to it but in necessity for by delays and light skirmishes and without engaging in a whole Body the Conquerour and Assailant is weaken'd and tyred out and by this means Fortune is oftentimes forc'd to declare for him and side with the assaulted The King of China ought in reason to have taken this course if he had been well advised but his ill fortune suffered him not as we shall see by the following Relation This design to march forward being resolved upon in a Council of War the Army went streight to Pekin to lay siege to it This is a great rich and populous Town well walled and adorned with many stately Structures Tamerlan thought that the King of China would rather venture a Battel than lose this City out of his hands He flatter'd himself with the hopes of winning it and the victory at once for the wonderful riches that were in it encouraged the greedy Souldiers to venture their lives boldly chiefly the Tartarians who are unsatiable for Prey and Plunder Odmar was order'd to march forward with fourteen thousand Horse to surround it and hinder the importation of Provisions that they might be useful to their own Army Axalla was appointed to follow him with all the Infantry amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand Men which he commanded as chief Collonel This Office given to him as a reward of his former services caus'd him to be look'd upon both in the Army and in the Court Tamerlan followed next with all his Horse and with his Engines his Artillery and Ammunitions Odmar went the first day twenty Leagues so that when he came to the Walls of Pekin the Citizens expected their King before the Tartarians He took into his custody all the Beasts thereabouts and seated himself in a convenient place to wait for the coming of the whole Army leaving the City between himself and them In the mean while to affright the Enemy and learn news he sent many Parties abroad and about three or four days after the Infantry led by Axalla came to him They sent then their Summons into the Town to command them to yield threatning That the Citizens should otherwise suffer all the Calamities that usually happen in cases
of resistance when they are overcome They returned this answer That they would live and dye faithful Subjects to their Prince This strong resolution proceeded from a new Colony that the Chineses had setled there of their own people after they had driven away the ancient Inhabitants who forty years before had been conquered by the Father of the Cham of Tartary and were his Subjects so that in the City there was no remembrance of the Tartarian Empire but in the Country round about they had a love for their old Masters for the Deputies of the little Towns came to submit themselves to Tamerlan This caus'd his Army to be full of all manner of Provisions and in such plenty that in the Province of Catay they could not have more this gave him great hopes and assurance of the success of his Enterprise for without doubt the want of Provisions and Forrage is the ruine of the greatest Armies and that which disappoints their most likely designs Thus the large and proud City of Pekin was regularly besieged and our Infantry commanded to draw near the Walls round about within a Musquet shot This dreadful sight of so many Enemies affrighted neither the Citizens nor the Garrison Tamerlan left nothing unattempted to reduce them and they used their utmost endeavour to defend themselves as much as could be expected from brave and resolute men In the mean while Axalla went to view a Suburb encompassed about with a Wall about half a League round when he had seen it he wisely imagin'd that the keeping of it would not be easie for the Inhabitants who would hazard too much in defending it he resolved therefore to assault it in the Night when he had first told the Prince All his men were ready at the first Watch with their Ladders and needful Weapons When the time was come the Assault was made in several places and the Tartars were beaten of but at last Axalla enter'd the Suburbs and cut in pieces all that were found in Arms about eight thousand men many of his Souldiers were killed before the Walls in the place where they expected them most likely to enter but in that which they won scarce any body was killed on their side The Plunder was rich and given to the Souldiers This loss together with the Courages of our men terrified the Inhabitants of the City and surprised them strangely so that then they began to despair of their safety of which they doubted not before They found themselves disappointed in their expectation of the coming of their Prince who had promis'd to be with them in fifteen days which were expired They saw this dreadful Army gaining every day Ground upon them and in a Post that commanded their City and from whence with the Artillery they intended and were preparing to batter it These considerations funk deep into many timerous Souls of the chief of the Town who desired more to gain the favour of the Conquerour by yielding in time than to deserve his displeasure by a long a fruitless and too obstinate a resistance But the Governour a great Lord of the Country well respected by his Prince assur'd them that the King was at hand that he would not fail to relieve and succour them in due time that they were not yet in any great danger that the City was yet theirs that the loss of one of its Suburbs was their advantage rather than a loss be-because the keeping of it was difficult and dangerous that now all their Forces were together to defend themselves and beat off the Enemy that for his part he was fully resolved to hazard his Estate and Life and give his Prince all the signs that he could desire of his Courage and faithfulness This discourse coming from such a noble and worthy person who acted himself what he required from them made a great impression upon the minds of the people and obliged them all to return to defend their Walls with a resolution to bury themselves in the ruines of their City rather than to yield basely Pekin is a large Town of a difficult access scituate in a plain surrounded with Mountains at a considerable distance There is only a Hill on the North-side which is nigh the Walls a River runs at the Foot of this Hill and near to it are the Suburbs that were storm'd so that on that side it was not easie to relieve the City or put into it any succours because the Tartarian Army commanded all the passages of the Mountains which were of old the Borders of China when Pekin belong'd to Tartary and serv'd as a Bridle to stop the Inroads of the Chineses They had no other way to succour the Town but along the River over which the Tartars had built many Bridges for the conveniency of their Army that kept the passages of the Mountains so that it was impossible for the Chineses to relieve the Town without the hazard of a Battel which Tamerlan desired and which should be the aim of all Conquerours in his Power and Condition In this posture the Army being passed before the City Odmar Calibes and the Prince of Tanais were often sent out with Parties into the Country to learn and understand something of the Enemy and to cause the Cavalry to subsist the better and keep the Provisions in the Camp for a greater necessity Besides the Souldiers were commanded to provide themselves before-hand with great stores of Victuals that they might be better able to subsist and not be obliged to raise the siege for any want in case the Enemy did offer to beset them This caus'd them to plunder several small Towns that would not bring them in Provisions so that though the Tartarian Army was numerous they had plenty of all things In the mean while the Chineses were more in number and stronger advancing towards us by little and little Tamerlan intended to meet them himself with his Cavalry and to leave the greatest part of his Infantry before the City to continue the siege which he prosecuted vigorously but the Inhabitants resisted and fought with Courage But to trie once more to win the Walls he commanded to plant against it all his Engines of War and to make a breach that his Souldiers might come to a handy-fight and assault the City with more ease This proceeding waken'd the resolutions of the besieged and terrified them wonderfully chiefly a Mount which was raised upon some ruines about a Bow-shot from the Walls upon an high place From thence the Tartars saw and discover'd the Guards within and shot into the City so that by day none dar'd appear upon the Walls This inconveniency oblig'd them to watch and work more carefully in their own preservation For that purpose they began to retrench themselves to secure their Bodies by a Wall that was to be two and twenty Foot high as many broad and fifty Foot in length As soon as the Besiegers perceived it they thought it not convenient to stay
got the advantage but at last when Calibes had been wounded and his Squadrons broken the Enemy for a time seem'd to have won the Victory The Prince who was an Eye-witness of this first charge before he withdrew back to his Reer saw this dishonour without any alteration in his Countenance His mind was so setled and unmoveable in prosperity and adversity he only said That the vast numbers of his Enemy though in a Confusion had oppress'd the courages of his men These thirty thousand Horse already defeated were almost all Tartarians that fight not in the same manner as the Parthians nor in that good order Two thousand of them retreated with their wounded Commander behind the Prince who caused his Wound to be search'd before him and ordered him to go back behind his Infantry with the other wounded Men where a great many other Tartars rallied That which Calibes could not perform with the Tartars Odmar did with the Parthians he charg'd and broke into the Enemies with that fury that he made a way through their whole Army and afterwards fell upon one of their Wings forcing them to retreat to their Chariots where the King was in person It had been wisdom to stop there or turn another way but his fury made him think nothing impossible for his Courage to perform this perswasion caus'd him to assault that dreadful Barricade that kept in the King of China who had march'd forward to help his Cavalry in their Retreat and obliged them to rally after they had been broken by Odmar But in this Attempt he found a strong resistance and lost a great many Men to no purpose This caused him to stop his Men and send to the Prince for Infantry and Artillery with which he assur'd him that he should gain the Victory At this news the Prince commanded his Party to stand and sent him fifty thousand Foot with some of his Artillery under the Command of Axalla whom he had order'd to force the Barricado of Chariots This brave Captain with all speed march'd up to Odmar and having put his Artillery in the Front with which he caus'd such a disorder amongst the Chariots that their Governours oblig'd the King to fight the Tartars He had an hundred and fifty thousand Men about his Person but Axalla was not terrified with this vast number of Enemies he was thereby more encouraged to fight so that he was never observ'd to have behaved himself more bravely and with greater success In the mean while Odmar slept not he knew that the Kings Cavalry that he had broken were rallied behind their Body of Foot he charg'd them again afresh scatter'd and put them to flight At the same time Tamerlan came in with a choise Body of Horse and the rest of his Infantry which he had commanded to advance to succour Axalla without any delay he charg'd and cut all in pieces that stood before him getting as far as the second Barricado of Chariots where the King of China was with forty thousand Men untouch'd Here the Fight was cruel for two or three hours every one striving to overcome but at last the Reserve of Horse with which the Prince had charg'd so vigorously assisting the Foot in good time got the Victory and put the Chineses to flight The Day was won in this manner after a bloody Fight of eight hours the Night put a stop to the Slaughter and favour'd the Chineses in their Retreat Their Camp was taken and plunder'd by the Tartars the King himself wounded with an Arrow in the Arm became a Prisoner two Kings that assisted him lost their Lives in the Hurly-burly and two others were taken with him This compleat Victory enrich'd the Souldiers with Plunder The Spoils were infinite and inestimable nothing but Precious Stones and Vessels of Gold and Silver appear'd every where with such rich and beautiful Chariots that they could not be too much admir'd After this happy success the Prince rode round about the Field as well to hinder more Effusion of Blood as to rally his Men and place his Guards he unburden'd himself of the rest of his cares upon Axalla leaving the King of China in his Custody in the middle of his Infantry He intended to see him the next day in the mean whiles he gave order to have him cured of his Wound and well treated There was nothing more beautiful to the Eye than the rich Armour which the Chineses had put on that day and the many Ornaments with which they had trimmed themselves for the diversity of colours yielded at a distance the most satisfying prospect in the World Their Army was more numerous than the Tartars but they had neither the dexterity nor the courage of Tamerlan's Men. They say that the King had in the Field three hundred and fifty thousand Horse and two hundred thousand Foot but the most part of them were unskilful Brutes who suffer'd themselves to be butcher'd without resistance and without making use of their Numbers for they had no knowledge in the Art of War or so little that they were not much the better for it Threescore thousand Men died in this Battle Tamerlan gave his orders for the burying of the dead and for thanks to be given to God for the Victory afterwards he caus'd all the wounded to be carefully healed of both Armies He went to visit Calibes who was ill with the Infection of the Air and of a Wound which hinder'd him not from performing his duty and commanding the Van as carefully as if he had been in perfect health The Prince was well pleas'd with him he look'd upon him as the chief Commander next to himself amongst the Tartarians for he was so well beloved by them that he was very well obeyed Tamerlan received news that one of the King of China's Brothers was fled with fifteen thousand Horse he sent thirty thousand to pursue him and commanded Panihu at the same time to yield This City readily obeyed sending their Keys which caused the Army to advance forward into the Country Tamerlan had been almost a day and a night on Horseback from which he lighted about two a Clock in the Morning they brought to him a Loaf of Bread and Water for he never drank any Wine afterwards he laid himself down upon a Carpet discoursing with his Officers afterwards till Sun-rising I was saith Alhacent always near him at that time and could never hear the least word from his Mouth which might discover any pride that he took in his good success he only pitied the King of China because of his unhapiness caused by his refusal of surrendring into his Hands what belong'd to him by right He told Odmar that God had led him as it were by the Hand to obtain that day without the loss of any of his chief Officers a great Victory that he was sorry for the death of his other Souldiers but he thought them happy because they had lost their Lives in the service of
the Rivers side and had pierced through to the Bridge of Boats they began to break and sink it They had a great Ship in the manner of a Fire-ship coming down with the Stream as soon as it was within a convenient distance the Tartars set it on fire This flaming Engine carried with the strength of the Water beat with fury against the Bridge broke some of the Boats scattered others and burn'd those that were nearest This strange sight astonish'd the Chineses that were passed over the River because they saw no hopes of saving themselves by a Retreat Twenty thousand of them were kill'd in the place and amongst the rest the Prince of Cochinchine at the first On-set where he behaved himself like a Man of courage The Brother of the King of China saw his Men destroyed and drowned and himself unable to assist them Though he had lost in this Encounter but the third part of his Army and had yet one hundred thousand fresh Men there was no likelihood that he would hazard to fight with them against Tamerlan who commanded the Head of the Prince of Cochinchine to be cut off and to be sent to the Inhabitants of Quanton for he was one of the noblest Subjects of the Empire this sight therefore would be able to make them believe the Victory that they might not expect any other succours Axalla besieged them so close and gave them so little time that though they endeavoured to defend themselves vigorously and were continually at handy-blows with his Men they found themselves every day weaker and their Enemies draw by degrees nearer to their Walls When they found themselves thus wearied with watching and fighting and no likelihood of safety by an obstinate resistance they resolved to fly to the Conquerours mercy They sent word to Axalla that they desir'd to treat with him He sent them word back again that they had more reason to rely upon the Emperours mercy than their own strength and that for his part he would so order the business that they should have no cause to repent of their resolutions After a few Messages and Discourses of yielding they desired eight days to send to the Brother of the King of China to acquaint him with their estate and condition and that if within fifteen days they were not relieved they promised to yield up the City upon condition that Tamerlan should maintain their Priviledges and treat them in the same manner as the Kings of China had done before Axalla returned them this Answer That he had power to treat with them and receive them favourably when-ever they would fly to the mercy of his Prince And that though the time they required was long he would nevertheless inform him of their desires and write for them But that immediately without delays they ought to give him Hostages for his security and that upon that condition all Acts of Hostility should cease and that he would grant them a Truce till he understood further of his Princes mind He sent therefore to Tamerlan to acquaint him with this good news which he received with much more joy than for the late Victory obtained of the Enemy He granted all that the Inhabitants of Quanton had desired at the Request of Axalla sending him a Commission to end this business as he should judge most convenient In the mean while the Prince was watching to observe what motion and course the Kings Brother would take after his late overthrow He intended if he did not forsake the Banks of the River to pass over and pursue him to the Sea side After three or four days staying he was advised by his Captains to get over the Water only with his Cavalry His intent was to march three or four Leagues into the Country to hinder the Chineses from seeking a Ford which they intended that they might more speedily succour Quanton that was besieged This fear quickly ceased as soon as the Prince of China had seen the Tartars on his side of the River for not thinking himself safe near so powerful an Enemy he retreated with speed towards the Sea sheltering himself amongst the Mountains into which the Cavalry could not easily approach and where his Army could intrench and fortifie themselves with ease When he was come to that place and had rested his Men he consulted with the Grandees of China that were about him what resolution was best to be taken They advis'd him to seek the fairest means and for that purpose that he should send to Tamerlan Overtures of Peace to ransom the King and save the rest of the Provinces telling him that he should endeavour to purchase Peace with Gold or Silver seeing that so much Blood had been spilt in vain That they perceived that the Gods were wroth with their Nation seeing that they had favour'd their Enemies so apparently and therefore they had best yield to necessity and to the conditions that Tamerlan would impose upon them for that purpose the Kings brother sent for a safe Conduct for such as he should send to treat with Tamerlan which was readily granted to as many as he should appoint In the mean while Quanton was surrender'd into Axalla's Hands who caused the Garrison to depart and received the Inhabitants in the protection of Tamerlan and all such as were willing to stay there without Armour He march'd into the City amidst the general applause of the People who were desirous to see their new Prince They received him very honourably Axalla put thirty thousand Men there in Garrison giving them some Money to supply their necessities until the Army could Muster and receive the three Months pay due to them which amounted to eight hundred thousand Tentins which are worth four hundred and fifty thousand Crowns or thereabouts The Inhabitants of Quanton readily paid this Money Whilst these things were acted the Emperour sent Alhacent to Axalla He found him treating and feasting his Captains in expectation of his Princes commands which he brought to him to stay at Quanton and send him all the Infantry He took this course to fright and strike a terrour into his Enemies the sooner who might perceive after the taking of that City when the Army should be all in a Body that Tamerlan's intent was to march further into the Country and conquer more of the Kingdom He thought this to be the best way to succeed in his design to oblige them the sooner to seek an honourable Peace and settle his own interest in those Parts Alhacent returned back from Quanton to the Prince being much satisfied to have seen that beautiful and great City so well fortified and so populous standing in a fruitful Soil abounding in all manner of good things The Army was two Months and a half about it without suffering any want of Provisions and might have continued there three or four Weeks with ease and plenty for there was no lack of any thing in the City unless it were of Men for many had been
them one hundred thousand Crowns for their releasement That no Chinese within his Territories should hereafter be kept Prisoner or sold as a Slave That there should be a free Trade between both Kingdoms That the King of China should leave as Hostages for the performance of the Treaty his Brother and the two Kings that were Prisoners and besides them twelve other Lords of China who should be exchang'd every year by a like number that should take their rooms and bring with them the Tribute of two hundred thousand Crowns These conditions though hard and grievous were accepted because they were not in a condition to refuse them for their Armies were destroyed their strength was weakened the best Men and the flower of their Army kill'd or wounded and the remainder were affrighted their King taken two Battels lost the two chief Cities of the Kingdom snatch'd out of their hands and all their chief Passages at their Enemies command In regard therefore that they were threatened with a general desolation and all the Country was full of fears and apprehensions they reckon'd that favour was shewed to them to spare that which was left of their Kingdom which would infallibly and totally be ruin'd if the Peace was not concluded and their King set at liberty They were well inform'd that the Emperours Army was to be recruited with other fresh Troops that were in their march towards the Army All these things considered caus'd them to resolve and yield to the conditions required without any further debate taking a strong resolution to bear with patience the Yoke of their Bondage until such time as they should have a favourable opportunity to assert again their own liberties and free themselves from the Tartars In the mean while the Prince had dispatch'd two thousand Horse with a Commission to bring with them the King of China from Burda that he might swear to the Peace in Freedom At Quanton he took the Oath Tamerlan departed immediately to Pekin carrying with him all the Hostages and amongst the rest the Kings eldest Son and Brother The King went into his Kingdom to appoint all things for the performance of the Articles agreed upon He was received by his People with strange transports of joy insomuch that they seem'd to adore him Tamerlan's vigilancy was mindful of every thing that might secure his conquered Countries He look'd upon Odmar as the fittest Person to leave behind him and govern in his absence he made him therefore his Vice-Roy giving him an absolute power over all the Country with thirty thousand Horse and fifty thousand Foot well furnish'd with all needful things they were to be dispers'd into all the Garrisons and Strong-holds He wish'd him to make his ordinary abode at Quanton to cause good and strong Guards to be kept all along the River and to build a Fort at Dermio to secure that place He recommended to him the Person of the Lord of Vauchefu who had express'd so much zeal and affection to him in this War and so much experience in Publick Affairs for his Brother he was willing to keep him near his own Person and give him an Estate in Sachetay where he enrich'd and enobled him He invited also several of the Inhabitants of Quanton and of other places to serve him with an intention to settle them in his own Country and send thither Parthians in their stead to arm himself by that means against their inconstancy All things having been thus order'd the Army took the way to Cambalu but before they began to march the Prince sent to the Emperour his Uncle to inform him of his happy successes and return In this Court were several jealous Heads that blam'd Tamerlan for what he had done because he had not subdued and destroyed all China But they understood not the difficulties that were to be overcome and that it is not always good to pursue things to the uttermost that turnings of Fortune are too ordinary that such as would have too much more than they ought lose often what they might have kept with honour and safety In trurh by keeping what he had conquer'd Tamerlan could justly name himself King of China He had in his Possession two of the most beautiful and greatest Cities of the Kingdom with an infinite number of lesser Towns with an hundred Leagues in the Country limited with a great River which could not hinder him from going over to the Enemies at his pleasure and yet stop'd them from coming into his Dominions without danger and trouble in regard of the easiness of the guard and defence of it The King of China could not fail to pay his yearly Tribute but he must at the same time draw upon himself the inconveniences of his Army So that by this Peace Tamerlan got more honour and deserved more praises than if he had destroyed all China with Fire and Sword and ruined a People that had yielded themselves into his Hands so freely to pay him Tribute One thing chiefly surprised the Chineses and caus'd them to be strangely grieved It was the Command that the Prince gave Odmar before his departure to break down all the Idols that should be found within his conquer'd Country for he order'd them all to worship but one only God according to the Custom of the Parthians unto whose Religion he wish'd that they would join and accustom themselves The People expected no such proceedings but they hoped to enjoy all their ancient liberty in all respects but now they saw that they must of necessity yield to this Order seeing that the Prince had left Odmar to Command them one of the wisest and most experienced Captains of his Empire who had always a care to observe and put in execution his Lords Commands When Odmar took his farewel of the Prince he humbled himself as low as his Feet according to the Custom of the Country but the Prince raised him up with a smiling Countenance I perceive saith he that thou art become a Chinese seeing that thou offerest to worship me as they do their King but the greatest worship that I require of thee is that thou shouldest put my Commands in execution I intreat thee above all things to establish amongst my new Subjects the Honour and Service of God and next my Authority and remember that all these Persons that I leave at thy command have been subdued by the Sword and not by Love or their own Inclinations so that they are to be kept in and under by fear and not to be trusted too far I recommend my affairs to thy care Farewel The Assistants took notice at this separation that the Prince never left any Body with so much regret and displeasure as he did then Odmar But it was absolutely needful to leave such an one as he was in this Country a Man of that extraordinary wisdom faithfulness and experience The Army in their return homewards carried with them all their sick People and after two days March they
had appointed those persons to be ready to help him at the same moment that he should have accomplish'd his wicked purpose at a distance the Prince perceived him drawing towards his person he ask'd him what he desired for he wonder'd to see him in this place which was designed only for such as could not have access at other times to his person as Soldiers and the meaner sort of people and not for a man of the quality of Arsembei He could not imagine what might be the cause of this appearance He observ'd him again and saw that his countenance chang'd its colour which caus'd him to fix his eyes upon him and take notice of his motion Arsembei at that instant with his drawn Sword in his hand ran to him but the Prince drew his likewise as speedily and leaping back two or three paces to avoid the stroak with a back blow he cut almost in two the Varlets arm lifted up to aim at him at that moment every one ran to help and succour the Prince The first man struck him down with a blow upon the head the wound was not mortal the Emperour would not suffer him to be kill'd there that he might learn from him his associates but this Villain broke out into Lamentation and complaint at the destiny of his good Master because this last attempt an expression of his affection for â—â—im had been useless The Prince ask'd him wherefore he had spared him in a just War and in the fight to assassinate him now in a treacherous manner after so many protestations of his service and love but he made no other answer but this Let me dy let me dy The great Cady or Lord Cheif Justice seiz'd upon him who together with the Lords of the privy Council examin'd him In the mean while the City and Camp were all in Arms. And the Princes Guards were mounted on Horseback All the Guards were doubled the Haven was secured and the Emperour went home to his Lodgings glad of so narrow an escape without harm from so a great danger But the Captains and Souldiers crowded about the Palace with an earnest desire to behold him with their eyes offering to face the Guards that would not suffer them to enter They ask'd to look upon him with threatning words for they would have thought him dead had they not seen him The Prince had a mind to rest himself but at last he was forc'd to yield to their impatient desires He went out to them assuring them that he was well and in health but the Army was not satisfied he was constrain'd to get on horseback and to ride about the Camp Then the apprehensions that had possessed the Souls of the Officers and Souldiers vanish'd away by the presence of him who they loved as tenderly as their lives and were succeeded by extraordinary motions of joy so that the Sky was filled with their loud acclamations and expressions of gladness The Offender was examined at the rack he confessed all the design and required courageously that he might be brought to his end according to his deposition they went to seek the places where his associates were yet in number about three hundred they were all bound and carried to prison and inquiry was made for all others round about the City Some of the Inhabitants who had been acquainted with the business and had received Letters from the Sultan were not spared But the Prince who was naturally an Enemy to all cruelty seeing that there was likely much blood to be spill'd resolved to depart out of Alexandria with an intent not to return to the City again till all the guilty persons should be discovered and punish'd This great City appeared with a sad countenance In every Corner persons were taken and all suspected inhabitants were led to prison As soon as they were convicted they were executed publickly Arsembei suffered first He was strangled and for a remembrance of his horrid Treason his head was fixt upon a Pole in the Market place and his Body quartered All the Complices were dealt with in the same manner but some of the Citizens that were unsuspected were cast into prison and afterwards sold for slaves and transported into another Country This was the end of this Tragedy which was to begin by the Princes life but the Majesty of his looks and his courageous resistance help'd to save him I have oftentimes saith Alhacent heard him confess that when Arsambei stood before him he imagined that this Villain had some wicked design in his mind and that if he had not been afraid to break his promise that he had given him and injure that Reputation that he held in the World he would have caused him to have been stayed as soon as he saw him appear but he thought it sufficient to look upon him He protested for his part that he feared no assassinations That he had a good Angel at his Elbows meaning his guardian Angel whom he named Meaniel he said that he had orders from God to preserve him from all ambushes He caused his Image to be carried in his colours and pluck'd down all signs of the Cressant the badge of the Ottoman Family and instead thereof he erected an image of his Guardian Angel All this time Axalla was not idle He had marched a great way into Africa with the Army and had subdued all the lower part of Lybia The Emperour went thither and finding it a delicious Country he staid there to refresh his Army and dispers'd them about that they might have more conveniency Onely Axalla was with the Body of an Army So that in expectation of the arrival of Calibes he was busie in setting these conquered Countries in peace The heats at that time were so violent that the Souldiers were much the worse particularly the Parthians who live in a Country inclinable to cold more than to heat When the Prince understood that all was quiet in Alexandria he return'd to the City where at his first arrival several Ambassadors came to him from the Lords and Princes of Lybia and Barbary to submit to him and acknowledge him for their Soveraign Tamerlan requir'd Hostages from all whose Countries where bordering upon Aegypt but he desired from the rest nothing but their Faith and some outward expressions of their good will Thus every one yielded homage to this new Monarch and by their submissions publish'd abroad the largeness of his Dominions After all this the Prince seem'd to have a stronger inclination than ever he had before to return into his own Country Age and Labour incline us naturally to seek for rest He often said that he had heard his Father declare That when a man is five and forty if Fortune hath favour'd him till then he ought if he be wise to rest satisfied with the favours he hath received and endeavour only to preserve what he hath than to get more That unconstant Fortune at that age is apt to change as suddenly as our
Nation than to make Posterity to understand that an Emperour of that Nation came from a far Country on purpose to give a check to the boldness and insolency of Bajazet and to free the Nobility of Greece from his unmerciful Tyranny and though I could have taken all their Country into my hand with ease I have abstained from the surprisal of a Great Empire and of the most beautiful City of the world so that I have neglected all the motions of ambition to follow the rules of Justice and equity I may with reason boast that I have not gained a more glorious Victory than this though I have conquered so many Nations and differing people and that my Armies have alwayes been happy and successful It is an ordinary thing to win battles and subdue Kingdomes and Empires many have performed these things before me but few of those Conquerours are to be found who have caused their ambition to submit and be ruled by their justice they have for the most part when power was in their hands for their conveniency seized upon other mens estates and plundered the Provinces belonging to other men I shall recommend this example to Posterity that equity hath been alwayes the rule of my actions the faith I keep to my enemies makes them to become my most assured friends what effect think you that it will have upon those who are already mine Will not my honourable and just proceedings secure and increase my well wishers Approve therefore my dealing and perswade me not for the future to act contrary to it The Chancellour who was a wise man but inclinable to ambition submitted to such strong reasons and departed He told Alhacent immediately after all the particulars of this discourse he hath therefore inserted it in his History that the World might know the excellent temper and the noble courage of this Prince Therefore he who shall see in him so many rare vertues will not easily ascribe to meer chance or blind fortune which favours wicked men as often as it doth the best natures his great successes and glorious conquests but he will doubtless confess that his prosperities were blessings of Heaven and rewards of his Piety and Vertues in this life When the Emperour was at Damascus he utterly ruined that City because it had resisted him his Army lodg'd there eight days Axalla who expected him there had orders to send six thousand horse to the assistance of the great Chamberlain That he might pass more securely and more boldly over Euphrates to the siege of Meleg he took it in three days as well as Raffan All the Country thereabouts submited to the Prince but chiefly the Cities upon the River Euphrates The Prince of Tanais commanded his party to stay for him at the passage that he might march with all his forces together towards the Emperour who embraced him very kindly and in the presence of all his chief Officers extolled his valour and courage He sent him afterwards to his Government with order to send back the six thousand horse which had been sent to him that they might joyn with the Van-guard commanded by Axalla from whence they had been taken The whole Army marched in a line Axalla upon the right hand the great Chamberlain upon the left and the Emperour in the middle of the Troops The Prince of Tanais was with him I shall not busie my self in reckoning up all the Cavalry and Companies of Infantry in the Army nor the great Captains and Princes who commanded there for fear of being too prolix in this narration I shall only say that the Emperour arrived at Meleg where he went over Euphrates and separated ten thousand horse and fifteen thousand foot to send back to Calibes that he might use them in case of need The Prince of Aracen had the command of them He was ordered first to march to Babylon and take it The Emperour remain'd still at Meleg to wait and see the success of this Commission from Babylon the Prince of Aracen was to send to Calibes to know whether he should not want greater assistances for Tamerlan had notice that the Sultan was in motion with a strong party Calibes sent word that he saw no likelihood of any Rebellion because from all parts everyone submitted to the Empire of Tamerlan After a few days repose in the same place he caus'd his Army to march directly towards Armeniâ—â— sending a party through Diabreroth to chastise some petty Kings who had revolted from him and subdue the Provinces that reach as far as the mouth of Euphrates All these things succeeded very happily and the little Kings sent their Ambassadours to yield and promise him obedience But for the better understanding of this History we must know that since the Christian or Roman Empire these people had been govern'd sometimes by the Turks sometimes by the Sultans now by the Caliphs at another time by the Lieutenant Generals of the Romans so has the strongest alwaies held and commanded them they were continually pillaged and ruined by the several invasions of Forreign Armies But the Emperour seized into his hands the passages over Euphrates that he might with more case succour Aegypt in case of need which happen'd but little after for the Army was not farther than Armenia when a messenger came post from Calibes to desire help The Prince of Aracen was immediately dispatch'd and sent towards Aegypt and Tamerlan went himself to Babylon to terrifie the more the Inhabitants in case they would offer to withstand him and to assure them of his bounty and mercy in case they would accept of it He sent away Axalla with the Vanguard in the way towards Armenia to proceed on without contrary orders In Eleven dayes Tamerlan marched to Babylon which yeilded as all other places thereabouts He appointed the great Chamberlain to fortifie Romedat because it was an advantageous post and gave him the Government of all the Country near Euphrates as far as Armenia recommending to him the Inhabitants of Babylon who had shewn a great respect to their new Master for they were for the most part descended from the Tartars For this City heretofore was taken by the Prince of Sachetay his Father who transported thither a Parthian Collony to sâ—â—cure it but since that time they were so much vex'd by the Persians and Mamelucks that they were obliged to submit to them Nevertheless they had a great affection for their Country and a remembrance of their Country-men for this cause was the Prince favourable to them and look'd not upon their City as a conquered place but as his own Patrimony newly recovered from the Enemy It was first taken by Sahali one of his Fathers Lieutenant Generals who had left a good name and esteem behind him in Sachetay because of his great services that he render'd to his Country From this City the Prince made haste towards Armenia for Axalla had sent him word that a Persian Prince named Guines was coming to make
peace with him and render him homage for his Country This news caused him with all speed to march towards him and out of a respect to him to meet him in the way For Tamerlan had a great esteem for him because of his reputation of holiness he thought himself happy to be acquainted with such a religious and devout person He left the conduct of the Army with the Prince of Tanais to follow him softly advancing before to the place where Axalla waited for Guines to receive and welcome him The Emperour had also dispatched the Prince of Liseaceau and his Chancellour to assure him of his affection and joy to see him For he was resolved to shew him all the honour that he could possibly express and to gratifie him in all things Tamerlan had news brought him that he was hard by coming to him with a mean attendance accompanied with beasts of all kinds with which he said he instructed men The Emperour went to meet him in great State As soon as Guines perceived him at a distance he lifted up his eyes to Heaven and prayed for the Princes greatness and the propagation of his Prophets Religion but he excommunicated and cursed the Turks as the Enemies of his Faith The Emperour was surprised to see him in such a contemptible garb and appearance but he was so far from despising him for it that he honoured him the more And because he was naturally a great admirer of such sort of people he gave him a present which the other accepted with Joy He gave him fifteen or sixteen thousand Prisoners taken from the Enemy that he might instruct them in the Principles of his Religion This gift was so much the more grateful to him because thereby his power increas'd and he hoped to make these men imitate his manners and receive his Doctrine But this seeming devotion was not so pleasing to the Courtiers as it was to the Emperour For they had good reason to blame the proceedings of this Persian Prince who under a colour of holiness and piety knew how to take from his neighbours their Country and Estates They blamed also Tamerlan for suffering himself to be cozen'd with his hypocrisies and govern'd by that subtil Bigot But when all things are considered that reverence that is due to Religion and Tamerlans charitable thoughts of others answerable to his own sincerity will cause all wonder to cease for his undeserved respects to this great Cheat. I am not of opinion of those that believe that a Sovereign Prince might ought not to have so much regard to Religion for it is a thing that never any man had cause to complain of It was not without design that Guines visited the Emperour with all that outward appearance of humility and devotion Onely his private benefit caused him to take on this Mask He was not strong enough to maintain a neutrality or stop the passage of the Army He desired therefore to insinuate himself into the favour and obtain the protection of its chief Commander And as he found the Prince inclinable to Piety he thought that the best means to secure his interest would be to make a profession of Vertue and Religion He seldome went from the Emperours Elbows and declared himself to be the Protectour of the Nations that confine upon Persia exhorting them all to imitate his example and yield obedience to the Emperour This forced and interested humility proved advantageous to him and to his successours for it laid a foundation to his and their future greatness by his means all Persia submitted to him Tauris onely excepted This is a great rich and powerful City having a great many Towns belonging to it It was governed by a Commonwealth and could not suffer the rising greatness of Guines whose designs it labour'd to thwart There was a Captain named Talismahar chosen by the Inhabitants for the General of their Militia And at that juncture of time they had made him their Soveraign to command them in chief This Captain understood how welcome Guines had been to the Prince and that without doubt he would not fail to solicite him to besiege Tauris and alter the Government But he hoped that Tamerlan very passionate for his return would not insist nor continue obstinate in this design if he should perceive the people resolved in a couragious defence As soon as he had setled every thing in his new principality he dispatched away Embassadours to Tamerlan to understand his intentions They had orders to tell him that Guines by a pretence of devotion and reformation in Religion usurped the lands of his neighbours and by a damnable hypocrisie seized upon other mens estates and inheritances The Emperour seem'd to be surprised to hear that which he desired not to believe concerning Guines and sent back word to Talismahar to come to him in person and accuse Guines of the things he laid to his charge He sent him also word that he intended to re-enter into the possession of his ancient Rights in Persia and that he would force all those that would offer to withstand him or refuse to render what belong'd to him He was very attentive to the Embassadours discourse for by it he discover'd the means to enlarge his Empire through their divisions He understood likewise That the Cloak of Religion is fit to hide many base Cheats But he would not discover his intentions only he march'd forward with Guines in his company and wheresoever he went all people and persons submitted and yielded obedience According to his usual custome he put new Colonies into all fortified Towns which might give him any jealousie The examample of Guines had a great influence upon all the Inhabitants to oblige them to obey Tamerlans Commands But his most earnest desire was to get Tauris a considerable City for its greatness strength and power and the chief of the Country He endeavoured to win it by policy for he sent thither his Agents to promise Talismahar another Government in his Empire Which doubtless he would have accepted willingly had it not been for Guines his mortal Enemy whom he saw so welcome to the Prince The fear therefore of his malice caused him to perswade the Inhabitants to endure all miseries rather than to fall under the command of that false Prophet The Emperour was vexed to understand their resolution and that Guines's favour with him and company was the greatest obstacle to the surrending of this great City Tamerlan acquainted him with it very kindly to be sooner rid of him for that purpose he loaded him with honours and gifts and obliged him to return to his own Country after fourteen or fifteen days abode with him Guines's Country stretches it self from Sancausan as far as the Caspian Sea Axalla was then commanded to go forward with his Vanguard into the Territory of Tauris to destroy all that should offer to make any resistance with fire and sword By this means and the advice of Guines he subdued the
The prisoners went before and amongst them was Bajazet the Turkish Emperour who was chain'd for fear that he should offer violence to himself This was an instance of the Worlds unconstancy but his misfortune had neither made him milder nor more tractable In his lowest misery he abated nothing of his pride and haughty mind All the people of the Country through which Tamerlan passed sung forth his praises and loaded him with Prayers and Blessings for his Victories At last he arrived at Samarcand with all the riches and spoils and was received in a most glorious manner Near two months were spent in feastings playes and all manner of publick rejoycings The Emperour then called to mind a Vow that he had made to build a most glorious Temple with an Hospital Accordingly he now laid the foundations and Dedicated it to the Only Immutable and Incomprehensible GOD. And for the better carrying on of the work he had sent for all the able Artists to employ them in building this Temple and Hospital and in other glorious structures for the embellishing of this great City for he had an intent to enlarge Samarcand and to render it as big again as it was before for that purpose he had marked out the streets and caused ground to be given to such as desired to build and if persons were poor and not able he deliver'd to them out of his Exchequer monies to carry on their work He gave liberty to all prisoners that would dwell in the City and settle their abode and granted large priviledges to all the Citizens And though he spent much time in ordering the affairs of this new City he neglected not to manage and preserve the affections of his Souldiers He had caused all the names of the worthiest of them who had behav'd themselves well to be recorded which Records he now called for and when they expected no such matter he gave them gifts and things answerable to their behaviour and services and promoted some to employments sutable to their Capacities and Talents Whiles he staid at Samarcand the Auxilliary Troops of the Moscovites were refreshing themselves Afterwards he dismissed them with their full Wages and desired them to return his thanks to their Prince Sinopes a Nephew of Prince Axalla was ordered to conduct them through the Emperours Country that they might not be disorderly and to renew the Alliance with the Great Duke that he might be secure of the borders of Paâ—â—thia whiles he should be further at a distance At this time Tamerlan discovered in his privy Council the old Emperours death He caused his obsequies to be performed in the most glorious manner answerable to his Unkles deservings and grandeur He spent eight dayes in these funeral Ceremonies and afterwards left Bajazet in the keeping of the Governour of Sachetay at Samarcand to go and visit the Empress his Wife But as his greatest desire was to live in Peace and Union with his Neighbours and Allies and to preserve the Countries that he had conquered he thought fit for that purpose to send Nâ—â—bazes one of his most understanding Ministers to continue with the Prince of Tanais and assist him with advice either in War or for the suppression of the Cabals which might rise to disquiet his Government and Kingdome or about the borders and to help him to carry on the Emperours interest and designs During his absence nothing had happened amiss but he charged Nobazes to have a special care to cause order and discipline to be observed amongst his Souldiers as the best means to make them capable of the services he expected from them The Emperour departed for Quinzay with all the Court and his ordinary guard of forty thousand horse and threescore thousand foot After several days march he arrived through the acclamations and publick rejoycings of all the people at Câ—â—mbalu where he received the news of a battle won by Odmar from one of the Generals of the King of China He gave him an account by letters that in pursuance of the Victory he had taken three or four great Cities of that Kingdome So that the King had been forced to sue for peace the second time Odmar desired therefore instructions upon what conditions he should grant him peace The Emperour sent him these conditions which he should require That the King of China should pay him all the arrears of the Tribute of the former years unto which he was engaged by the first peace That he should be obliged to come to him and render him homage as a vassal of the Empire That whiles he should be in the way the Army should depart That all the Towns taken in this last War should be restored three onely excepted at the Emperours choice That for all other things they should be reduced to the same condition as they were before this last breaking out and that upon this condition he should pay the Emperours Army six moneths with all the charges of this War which he had kindled of his own accord The Emperour at the same time considered how to reward Odmar for his services he imagin'd no better way than to promote him to the honour of his Alliance by giving him his own Sister in Marriage He sent her therefore with a stately equipage and Train So great a token of his respects and love he conceived would ingage him the more to be true faithful and careful for his Princes interest and person and the good of his Empire It is not to be imagin'd with what state and in what glory Tamerlan was welcomed into Cambalu for the Inhabitants of this great City to take away from him the remembrance of their former rebellion endeavoured beyond all others to express their zeal and affection for him The Prince was so well pleased with them that he restored all their priviledges which had been taken from them during Calix's revolt Every where when he passed by there was nothing heard but Prayers and Blessings from all the people and thankful expressions from himself for he labour'd to win the hearts of his Subjects of this great Empire which was fallen into his hands Not only the Towns and Cities did ring with applauses and shouts of joy but also the Country round about were glad to see him well and safely returned when he passed by the Herds these are certain Families that have no setled abode but wander up and down the fields when they are weary in one place they travel to another and alwayes stop where they meet with most grass for their Cattle The Empress came to Cambalu to meet the Emperour having left behind Axalla at Quinzay to command in her absence And because this great City is nearest to mount Althay where the Scythian Emperours called Great Chams are usually interred from this City The Emperour caused the Corps of his deceased Unkle to be carried with all the Pomp and State imaginable He himself followed the Herse and though it is not usual to see women
in such occasions he desired to express more honor to her Father that the Empress should accompany the body with him they walked together This he did to give a greater authority to the Empress in the Eyes of the World that in case God should take him away before their Children were at Age she might be thought worthy to govern the Empire during their minority as he himself judged her by all the publick signs that he could give in all occasions The Prince was so much taken with her behaviour and vertuous carriage that he would not love any other women nor suffer his affections to wander up and down upon meaner objects Here he had fixed his mind here he had confined his desires and appetite He look'd with contempt upon all other neither their beauty nor the charms of Wit nor the amorous inclinations of the female Sex could prevail upon his inflexible soul and oblige him to that variety of amours in which men of his Religion and Elevation commonly indulge themselves For as he was naturally very chast he intended no other thing by his Marriage but to have Children to perpetuate his Name and Family and succeed him in the Empire As soon as the funeral Ceremonies were over and the Emperours Corps laid in the Sepulcher of his Ancestors he returned to Cambalu spending the Winter in Races in Tilts and hunting all manner of Beasts He had piâ—â—ched upon that City as nearest to China from whence he desired to hear News often intending to go thither the following Summer if necessity required for he was resolved to take care to preserve what he had Conquered there by his valour and good Fortune and to enjoy the fruits of his Labours He was likewise busie in perfecting the buildings that he had begun at Samarcand and in compleating them as soon as he could In the mean while Axalla dwelt at Quinzay well beloved of the Souldiers and Inhabitants They had an affection for him because of his Mildness Liberality Courage Justice and other admirable qualities They all knew what credit he had with the Emperour Therefore they made their address to him to intreat him to perswade the Emperour that they might have the advantage to see him in their City and to choose it for to bring up the Prince his Son At his request the Emperour granted them their desire appointing Axalla to govern him with all the Country of Quinzay as far as the Sea beyond Cambalu which contains above four hundred Leagues and more than three hundred Cities with an infinite number of Towns and Villages This was properly the Empire of his deceased Unkle He made Axalla Lieutenant General under the Prince his Son and made him likewise the Governour of his person so great a Confidence he had in his Virtue Fidelity and Abilities In this manner he rewarded him for his notable Services and for the great Victories that he had got for him by his Vertue Experience and Courage He looked upon him therefore as most able to teach his Son the Art of Keeping and Governing those many Nations which Axalla had helped to Conquer CHAP. VII Cairo relieved with Provisions and Souldiers when besieged by the Sultan His overthrow and Death The Emperours Journey to Quinzay The Settlement of his affairs in China WHiles the Emperour was ordering his affairs at Cambalu news was brought him that the Sultan had besieged Cairo three moneths with a powerful Army and that the Inhabitants of that great City were so far from favouring his designs that they were very zealous and courageous in their defence for Tamerlans interest For that purpose he had placed there a great many strangers Without this precaution doubtless in this juncture there had been many Seditions and Plots for the betraying of the City because Calibes had not then forces enough to oblige the Sultan to raise his Siege without other assistance But in regard this business was of the greatest consequence for the Empires preservation he sent to the Prince of Tanais Vice-Roy of Persia to send him a party This Prince was alwayes desirous to purchase glory and ready to obey his Emperours orders who had commanded him to assist his neighbour in time of need He gathered up therefore his dispersed Troops old Souldiers Parthians and Tartars to the Number of about one hundred thousand who had accompanied the Emperour in all his Battles and Victories They were desirous of Axalla's presence but next to him they thought none was better able to command them than the Prince of Tanais the Emperours Cosen German who had been trained up under Axalla for in all the greatest difficulties and dangers where Axalla had gained so much honour this Prince had accompanied and learned from him the uneasie and hazardous Trade of War In which he had in the Judgements of all men profited so much that Axalla and he were looked upon as the two Eyes of the Empire and Tamerlan the Head they were theâ—â—ore seated at the two most dangerous extremities of this great body one in Syria the other in Quinzay With this considerable body of an Army unto which were added some Troops of the great Chamberlain which were at Babylon the Prince of Tanais marched into Syria towards Aleppo where he met with Calibes and found that he had got together two hundred thousand good Souldiers The Sultan was not ignorant that this Army was drawing to him which had formerly overthrown him but he conceived some hopes because Tamerlan was not there in person nor his good fortune which alwaies accompanied him and because he was to fight with a young Prince full of life and courage whose too greedy desire of honour might oblige him to undertake things too hastily or unadvisedly He resolved therefore to be wary and by his late misfortune to learn not to hazard a battle in plain ground but to wait for his enemies behind his Trenches For that intent he drew his Trenches along the River of Nilus for onely by that way the City expected to be relieved for it was not probable that so many mouths could be supplied with necessaries by Carts or Camels or by any other carriage by Land Therefore he digg'd his Trenches with ease because the Prince with his Army marched but softly His most judicious Commanders advised him not to approach too near the Town till the provisions were ready to be carried in For that purpose the Prince of Tanais and Calibes had sent Purveyours round about Syria and upon the Sea Coast and about the Islands of Greece to make provisions of Corn wâ—â— was to be carried to Alexandria and from thence to Cairo All their orders had been punctually executed In the mean while the army was coming on which as soon as the enemy perceived upon the banks of Nilus where the Sultan lay with his Souldiers on both sides with a bridge of Boats stretched over the River he withdrew himself into his fortifications When the Prince was in sight of Cairo he
feet and hands Mony was the strength and the spirits which keeps this body in motion and food as the belly from whence it was entertain'd Therefore he said that when an Army can represent a perfect man in all respects it is invincible because it fights when it pleaseth and may chuse whether it will hazard any thing but upon good terms When an Army miscarries this proceeds from some imperfection in the body which may be lame or wounded or from the starved belly or the diseased head Therefore when he sent the Prince of Tanais against the Sultan he was afraid of the head and of the belly of his Army For the Prince was but young and his men unfurnished with necessary provisions for he was wont a year before hand when he intended to make War to gather up stores of food and fill up his Magazins now this year they had neglected this piece of policy his victory therefore he ascribed to his good fortune which was loath to forsake him rather than to the Wisdome of his young General When the Emperour was near Qâ—â—inzay Axalla went out to meet him at two dayes journey from the City with the greatest Lords of the Country and the chief Citizens whiles the rest were making ready to welcome him in the most magnificent manner that they were able This City is one of the richest in the world and one of the largest very well scituated upon small Islands or Channels cut from one end to the other with stately buildings and a great many bridges for the convenience of the Inhabitants It is a place of so great Trade that there comes to it continually all sorts of Goods Stuffs Precious Stones and chiefly spices Tamerlan at his first arrival was presented with the richest things of the City They were valued above two Millions of Gold to not reckon many other rare things which were given him as tokens of their subjection to him and affection for him He seem'd to be very desirous to see his Son who was then but about seven years old He was brought up with much state and with the care answerable to his Quality When he was first brought to him he took notice that his head was carefully covered but he commanded that they should keep it uncovered because as he said He that is called by his birth to govern Nations ought to use himself to heat and cold and to painful exercise and not to indulge himself in an effeminate life Some told him that the Child was but tender what reply'd the Emperour will you make him a Woman If he be not able to endure the troubles and inconveniencies of War he is not worthy to succeed me for there must be no dainty and soft Prince to keep up the Empire of the Parthians He had sent the Empress to Samarcand to be there brought to bed she was received with all the honours due to her Dignity and the affection that the people could express This was the first time of her visiting of this City A little after the Emperour had news brought him that she was safely delivered of her second Son which he publish'd abroad and seem'd to rejoyce at it appointing Tilts and magnificent Sports to express his gladness for several dayes In this time nothing but feastings and publick divertisements were seen in all parts The Emperour himself took a great delight in such pastimes because it gave him an opportunity to shew the agility of his body and his dexterity to his Court and people for he was judged the more worthy to command them the more he excelled in such like exercises After a months abode in Quinzay and after he had visited the maritine Towns near adjoyning he went to Samarcande travelling softly for in the Road he employed himself in hunting all sorts of beasts and yet in the mean while took a great care to provide for the safety of the Empire for it was his usual saying that Pleasures and Sports were to him as Wings to lift him up and ease him from the Labours which God had put upon him for the preservation of his Subjects in peace The Inhabitants of Quinzay had so sincere a Love for him that when he called them together to oblige them to receive and submit to his new Laws they made no difficulty to yeild to him but embrac'd them with as much respect and devotion as if they had been commanded by God himself for their reverence and affection for his person made them submit Whiles he continued in the City the most part of the people were employed in looking upon him as the chief object of their affections Some of his Courtiers took notice of it particularly Axalla Therefore they told him that this City was worthy of his constant abode Not at all reply'd the Emperour if they did alwayes see me they would quickly despise me for it is a Maxime of State that the Soveraign of this great City must not come to it oftner than once in ten years and then he must act as if he were upon a Theatre in view of all the World he must act a serious and grave person because the Inhabitants are naturally apt to be disgusted with their Prince He ought therefore if he will be esteem'd to seek to give them the best impression that he can Before his leaving of Quinzay he sent with all speed Prince Axalla towards China with a Commission to examine and end some differences between Odmar and the King of that Countrey that he might be able by his Wisdome to compose them and give him a just account at his return As he had a great affection for his faithful servants he long'd to see Odmar with him who had been absent many years He desired him to take the time of Axalla's abode in those parts The Emperour was resolved not to leave Cambalu till after Axalla's return from China This was a very pleasing and an honourable Commission to be sent into those parts where his courage was so well known and fresh in the remembrance of all the Inhabitants by his late noble exploits but he was overjoyed to go thither that he might do service to Odmar his intimate friend Tamerlan had an excellent maxime but contrary to that of most Princes he laboured to keep all his Servants at Unity and recommended to them love to one another and faithfulness in his service The chief cause that obliged the Emperour to send Axalla into China was to put a period to a dispute between that King and Odmar about the restitution of a place which had been promised to the King There seem'd to be some personal differences between them So that Axalla was judged as the most pleasing person to this King to terminate this affair because of his mildness and courteous behaviour When Axalla was upon the borders he met with Prince Odmar waiting for him who received him with great Pomp and State and feasted him three dayes After this he gave him an
destroy the ancient discipline had brought in forreign customes not fit to be observed by the Parthians and Tartarians When therefore he had called together all the Chief Commanders and other Officers he represented to them the disorders intreating them to endeavour with him a reformation to bring all things to their first State and re-establish the ancient discipline which obliged them to be confined within their Camp and there to cause their Souldiers to subsist who were grown heavy and idle by their abode in Cities and Garrisons whereas in the Camp the Souldier is used to work every one in his turn to strengthen their fortifications For which purpose there were alwaies in the Imperial Armies thirty thousand men appointed To avoid all confusion in the receiving of orders amongst the Infantry he gave an under Officer to every ten Souldiers which Officer was to be governed by another who was over one hundred men And he was to be commanded by a Collonel who had a thousand and he by another Superior Officer who had ten thousand under him but all were to be govern'd by the Major General Amongst the Cavalry there was this Order one hundred horse men were commanded by a Captain who was under a Collonel that was to be over a thousand and he to be under a Superior Officer that commanded ten thousand So that orders were to be distributed all over the Camp by the several Officers from the General That he might better establish this order he muster'd all his Army and setled it in that manner It contained threescore thousand foot commanded by six chief Collonels under the General and forty thousand horse with four chief Officers Amongst them were a thousand light horse named Stradiots Besides these the General had his particular Guards to wait upon his person they were in number two thousand horse and four thousand foot This was the condition of the Army styled Imperial the others had not that name That which was in Syria was composed of twenty thousand horse and forty thousand foot That of China had the same number and that about Cambalu were as many There were two others one upon the borders of Moscovy and the other towards the Chersonessus each containing the same number of men These inferior Armies were not to keep the Field but when need required but the Imperial Army was one entire in one Body governed as we have said before and able to strengthen the others and assist them in case of need Axalla who could by no means endure idleness employed all his care to settle in good order the Army under his Command and endeavoured to find out all the Engines of War and Artillery used by Christians with so much success as well to attack as to defend Cities and Towns In these arts he endeavoured to be skilful and for that purpose he made use of the Jews For by their Trade in all parts they brought to him all the new Inventions that they could meet with in forreign Countries to communicate them to others to whom they were unknown That which pleased him most was the Invention of Guns which a Grecian brought him after the death of Andronicus with Powder which he tried in the presence of all the Army to their great astonishment for they could not imagine how it came to pass that it should have so great a power and strength The advantages expected from it caused the Emperour to be at a great expence to purchase some from Christians and to fetch persons out of Europe that could make Gun-powder and cast Canon and other pieces of Artillery In the Tartarian Army before this they had certain Engines able to cast great stones or other shot with an incredible swiftness but that was not to be compared to great Guns and Powder The Emperour commanded that the honour of bringing in this new Invention should be ascribed to Prince Axalla and caused it to be recorded in the History of his time for a remembrance of this great service which he had render'd him by this Invention for the glory and increase of his Empire The Emperour was not ungrateful to him for he gave him above a million of yearly Rent besides other gifts Odmar had almost as much And the Revenues of the Prince of Tanais were very great I shall not mention the pensions of many other persons who were rewarded beyond their deservings The meanest Souldier that shewed himself couragious by some noted action was sure of a recompence which encouraged all the rest to behave themselves well and opened a way for him to rise to the highest Dignities of the Empire In this manner honours and rewards were distributed equally according to every mans merits This Justice which Tamerlan religiously observed was like a Chain that bound together all the several parts of the Empire so that they were thereby kept from falling asunder and united against all assaults and attempts As soon as War was kindled it was speedily extinguished because every one brought his helping hand to stop the progress There was an admirable order established in all the new Conquests that the people could not easily rebel But when any revolt happen'd against all expectation and precaution the severe punishment of the first offenders frighted the rest into a peaceable compliance By this means through the courage and wise conduct of the Prince this Empire was become the greatest and most flourishing of the whole World and was doubtless at its highest pitch and growth Tamerlan was become heavy by the number of his years His Children were advancing in age and all men began to adore the rising Suns but the Emperours affection for them hindered him from being Jealous or displeased for the extraordinary respects paid to their persons He was afraid that after his decease indiscretion flattery or wicked Counsels would separate and divide their hearts with the Empire which he delivered to them in peace This fear made him often sigh and wish for a third Son that he might be able to reconcile the two others together when they shall be divided as it happens often in great families This foresight of the time to come proved to be well grounded for in a moment this great Monarchy was overthrown by the divisions and hatred of the two brethren who could never be reconciled About this time news came of a revolt at Babylon but Prince Axalla's suddain appearance there stifled all commotions in their beginning and returned to his Camp A little after he had another occasion offered him to express his valour for Natolia began to revolt to the Turks with some of the neighbouring Provinces He sent to Tamerlan to give him information and receive his orders to march thither with his Army to pacifie all troubles and settle the Country in peace CHAP. VIII Callepin Bajazet's Son promoted to the Empire after his Fathers death His War with Tamerlan He is defeated by Axalla Tamerlan's sickness and death AS soon as Bajazet had ended