accordingly who entring into the place of Counsel desired of Mahomet to know his pleasure who caused the counterfit Command to be read Mustapha giving an attentive eare but when the rest began to sit down 〈◊〉 to the Turks manner who use alwayes to stand up till any Command from the Emperour be fully read the Georgian took his leave promising to be ever ready to perform whatsoever the King should command and so being about to depart the great Usher plucking him by the sleeve would have forced him to have sit down indeed that the Lievtenant with those of Mahamets chief band that stood about him might cut off his head Mustapha crying out with his Sword having wrought the Role from his pate with his left hand at one blow cleft the 〈◊〉 head down to his very stomach to the great astonishment of all there present then 〈◊〉 at the head of he 〈◊〉 of Charemit it being defended with the roles of the Turbant the stroke slipt down by his care which it carried quite away with a peece of the 〈◊〉 and a peece of the flesh of his cheek eagerly assailing Mahomet himself whom risen up in the 〈◊〉 he wounded with five mortall wounds which yet were afterwards cunningly healed when they had brought him even to deaths door upon the rushing in of the Georgians and the fear that Mustapha had struck into the Turks every man speedily departed towards Chars whither also was brought the two wounded Bassaes and the rest that were ill handled and greatly scared Of all this treachery Mustapha sent present word to Amurath as much grieved at the false suspicion conceived 〈◊〉 him and so wrought that 〈◊〉 sent him both Cloth of Gold and a Battle-Axe all guilt Mahamet on the other side wrote at large of all his misfortunes and aggravated to the King both the treachery of Mustapha and the slender security of those wayes and Countries When Amurath understood of these calamities and losses and the apparent danger of the Fort of Teflis then like to be abandoned he in a rage rated exceedingly the Bassaes of his Court reproving their lewd Counsel and recounting his losses from time to time as if through their defaults especially of Sinan who like an improvident fool he said would needs leave his Army and like a King sit idle at Constantinople c. who when Mustapha was General most vainly boasted with the like power to fetch the Persian King out of Casbin in bonds to Amurath but had indeed performed nothing worth remembrance Sinan peremptorily answered that seeing he would needs make choyce of Mahamet Bassa an unfit man to convey this year's Succours to Teflis he was to blame none but himself As for his coming to Constantinople it was long before thought most needful both that the matter of peace might come to some good passe and if not then he had to talk with him how to compass his Enemies overthrow which yet he had no fit time to declare but was now ready to reveal if it were his pleasure Amurath was wonderfully grieved with so arrogant a reproof from a slave of his own yet he disembled his discontentment against him commanding him to disclose those his devices who propounded 〈◊〉 not to proceed in this Warre as they had done with 〈◊〉 to hold the Enemies Countries their Treasures 〈◊〉 not able to maintain so many and great Garrisons 〈◊〉 for Amurath to go in person himself and so aganst so mighty a King by opposing the person of a King the Persians would easily come to an agreement or if ot he might then proceed in his Warres and obtain 〈◊〉 glorious Conquest the effeminate King now concived an envious affection against him and a further 〈◊〉 fostered by great Ladies especially his Mother 〈◊〉 Sinan had counselled him to go in person onely 〈◊〉 meanes for the Prince his Sonne to make him 〈◊〉 Sinan and the Prince carrying great 〈◊〉 towards each other wherefore depriving him ofall charge he presently banished him to Demotica of 〈◊〉 whence he by most humble supplication obtained terward to be removed to Marmara Siaus Bassa who married Amurath's 〈◊〉 being preferred to the Visiership a personable and 〈◊〉 Hungarian but the greatest seller of Justice 〈◊〉 preferments yet a great friend to peace with the Chrians which Sinan had alwayes maligned The Persian Captains the while 〈◊〉 spoils and Enemies Ensigns were with great joy reived in Persia which was redoubled when the 〈◊〉 betwixt Mahomet and Mustapha was reported wereby every one thought the next years dangerous attents of the Turks into Persia which were feared migl be hindered whereupon the Persian King determid to march toward Heri against Abas Meriz hisonne then with him in disgrace being earnestly solicid thereto by his elder Sonne especially by Salmas his Visier so committing his defence of that side of his Kingdom to Emer Chan Governour of Tauris Himself with his Army arrived at length at Salvar which principal City he taking by force beheaded the Governour thereof though he alledged a thousand excuses and objected as many accusations against seditious Salmas and having put to death some great ones accused by the Visier as confederates in his Sonnes rebellion he arrived at last at the City of Heri very strong by situation a good Wall and deep Channels of water conveighed into it by Tamerlain there was also therein many valiant Captains Enemies to Miriz Salmas The King approaching the City left in himself many troubled passions grieving to think he should beget so graceless a Sonne and to remember the blood of his Subjects spilt upon so strange an occasion yet being more and more solicited by Salmas he attempted to understand the mind of his Sonne and if possible to get him into his hands but Abas in the mean time wrote divers Letters to his Father and Brother beseeching them to make known unto him the occasion of this their stir for if desire of rule had moved them to seek his deprivation he was alwayes ready to spend and be spent in their service acknowledging his Father to be his good Father and King but if they were induced hereto for revenging some trespasses committed by him against the Crown of Persia he was most ready to submit to any amends and yield up all the more fully to satisfie their minds with twice and thrice reading over were these affectionate Letters considered and at last both Father and Brother determined to attempt the reducing the young mans mind to some good passe whereupon they wrote back 〈◊〉 him that his causing himself to be called King of Persia and the not sending them so much as one Captain to ayd them against the Turks had onely induced them hereunto Abas glad when he understood his accusations wrote back unto them if they would faithfully promise safely to receive his Embassadors he would send them so clear information touching those accusations that they should clearly perceive he had alwayes desired and laboured the contrary and would
behind Selimus setting forward with his foot and Janizaries neither the couragious barbed Horses nor their Riders could abide their force for with their harquebusiers and pikes they so strongly be set their front that nothing could stand where that linked body swayed yet this cruel battel continued doubtful fromthe fourth hour till Sun setting every part of both Armies with divers successes enduring the fury of that fight both victors and 〈◊〉 fighting as prodigal of their lives c. So that their bodies wearied and weakened with wounds supported with anger seemed sufficient to mantain that Battel till next day if the darkness coming on had not ended that dayes slaughter Tomombeius fearing to be utterly 〈◊〉 first sounded a retreat that his Mamalukes might not seem to be put to 〈◊〉 for the fortune which deceiv'd his first hopes seemed to promise better success if as not discouraged he should renew the War The Turks enjoying their enemies tents and Ordnance pursued them till midnight It was fought Jan. 24. 1517. The Diadare was taken in flight mortally wounded and valiant Bidon having his knee broken with a 〈◊〉 his Horse being therewith slain both whom Selimus next day commanded to be slain either for their wounds thought uncurable or to revenge Sinan's death which he wondrously lamented The Turks Armies was greatly impaired even in their fortunate Battels the fourth part was consumed by sickness and Sword that day tyring many Horses besides their former long journey Wherefore not yet experiencing the 〈◊〉 disposicion nor certainly understanding where Tomombeius stayed or what he resolved staying four dayes at Matharea and Rhodania he provided for his wounded and burying his dead but not his enemies Then for more commodious watering he came into the plains between old Caire and Bulace Tomombeius encamping between new Caire and Nilus with his collected 〈◊〉 Aethiopian slaves 〈◊〉 so is and 〈◊〉 also Jews and Arabians having opened the old Armory 〈◊〉 for a 〈◊〉 War than before but having lost his 〈◊〉 with many of his 〈◊〉 Horsmen and desiring to protract the War till heat of Summer he thought not good to adventure another 〈◊〉 but resolved by night to 〈◊〉 the Turks Camp and if possible to 〈◊〉 on fire that he might attempt some notable exploit before the enemies should perceive his weak 〈◊〉 and before grown into contempt with the 〈◊〉 Aegyptians expecting but some fit occasion to 〈◊〉 also by benefit of the night to avoid the danger of their great 〈◊〉 But Selimus by some 〈◊〉 who daily 〈◊〉 him understanding hereof making great fires in his Camp kept most careful watch whereby next night Tomombeius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with no small loss of his first Troops unadvisedly going on too far and misdoubting the unwonted fires called back his hasting Troops marching into the very mouth of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on 〈◊〉 Tomombeius his chief Captains now 〈◊〉 him with his whole strength to man Caire and keep the Turks from entring wherefore the Mamalukes coming thither furnished all their 〈◊〉 and flat roofs of their Houses with all 〈◊〉 of Weapons requesting the Egyptians to take arms against their antient and 〈◊〉 enemies not to suffer themselves to be slain their goods spoiled and their wives and children to be miserably captivated since the merciless enemy if they overcame would not spare them though they stood as newters c. Many of the wealthiest as they thought the charge would be hurtful to their trades and wealth so were they ready to help their old Lords But many of the middle sort and far moe of the basest vulgar having little or nought to lose hoped to gain by others losses and remembring their about three hundred years slavery under the proud Mamalukes kept close expecting the last event secretly rejoycing that their cruel Masters should now be justly punished and the more that the revenge should be by the hazard of others lives with which they hoped shortly to fill their eyes Tomombeius with much labour and care fortified all the gates and entrances of that great and ancient City for it was not compassed with any walls appointing to every street a Captain in every publike 〈◊〉 encouraging the people and omitting nothing that could be done or devised making cheerful shew of greatest hope in so great a danger The Mamalukes also strivingly according to every ones devise caused great ditches or Timber-logs to be cast along the streets some setting up sharp Stakes in covert Trenches that the enemy falling on them unawares might be engaged others furnished the windows and fronts of their Houses in the greatest streets with Harquebusiers and all with many moe with such speed that none refused to put his hand to any labour The broadest street came strait from the East gate to the Castle and middle of the City the rest were so narrow and crooked that no great Artillery could be brought by them or Souldiers enter without great danger into this especially Tomombeius conveighed his chiefest strength for the enemy must needs come in that way but the innermost part where the Castle stood was kept with very great strong and valiant Garrison thence on all occasions to come for relief for why that greatest City could not with his then so small power be in every place sufficiently defended Selimus certainly understanding hereof drew nearer to the City with his Army exhorting them now a little to force themselves for gaining of the Rewards due to their former labours and Victories which he said would be more and greater than they had imagined telling them there was but few good Souldiers left with the desolate Sultan c. making them believe he was sent for by the Aegyptians promising to assail the Mamalukes whose name they hated upon occasion out of their houses yet saying they were not to be accounted quite overcome which lived in hope with Weapons in their hands possessed of the chief City therefore to think that in that day's fortune rested the good or bad estate of their lives honour and fortunes assuring them it would be but small labour to bring it to an end if in that new kind of fight as in other Battels they would but resolve to overcome This speech enflamed the Souldiers but hope of such prey much more So that Selimus entring by the gate Bassuela thrust in his Horse at divers places at once but brought in his Janizaries by the largest street At first Horsmen with Horsmen bloodily fought in the narrow streets but the Foot discharging their Culverings and Falcons before them among the thickest enemies cleared the street but coming to the Bà racadoes and 〈◊〉 and to remove Timber-logs c. by force they fought with force and obstinacy on both parts never in mans memory more cruel for they were not ignorant that 't was as well as for their lives and Empire as for honour Here the Turks received great losse for running on the hindermost on the formost they tumbled by heaps into the covert Trenches and were impailed
Constantinople who rejoyced to be sued unto by such a Prince as the Sultan was being honourably received in triumph For the solemnizing of which a great number of People were assembled at the report of an active Turk who had promised to fly a furlong from the top of an high Tower in the Tilt-yard who hovering a great while girt with a long white garment of many pleats and foldings and the Beholders crying Fly Turk fly at length finding the wind as he thought fit committed himself to the air breaking his neck armes c. whereby the Sultan's attendants could not walk the streets underided the common people crying Fly Turk fly whose insolency the smiling Emperour in favour of the grieved Sultan restrained The Emperour after the triumph which was obscured by an earth-quake gave the Sultan many rich presents with a masse of treasure who in requitall termed himself his son promising him Sebastia with its territories thrusting Dadune out of Sebastia taking from him 〈◊〉 Caesarea and Amasia but kept all to himself Jagupasan's dominions likewise falling into his hands by his death on whom he had also bent his forces And now the Sultan swelling with pride took Laodicea from the Emperour killing and carrying the people captive as he went whereupon the 〈◊〉 passing with a great army into Asia maugre the Turks most strongly fortifyed Dorileū carrying the first basket of stones on his own shoulders as also Sybleum Yet the Turks ceased not their inroads though not with such successe as before The Emperour now expostulated with the Sultan as an unthankfull man who again upbraided him with breach of promise thus open war was daily expected the Sultan managing his by expert Captaines whereas the Emperour commonly in great expeditions adventured in 〈◊〉 who in revenge of his subjects so many wrongs raised his whole power in Europe and Asia passing into Asia with his most puissant Army well appointed of all necessaries orderly marching thorow Phrygia and other places and by the old ruinous Castlc of Myriocephalon Ominous by its name Though he were circumspect yet by reason of his many Carriages c. he made but small speed the Turks destroying the Country before them and in many places poysoning the water whereof the Christians especially of the flux died The Sultan though aided by the Persian loath to adventure all on battel 's fortune made to the Emperour once and again for peace on honorable conditions who pricked forward by his Court-Gallants proudly dismissed the Embassadours willing them to tell their Master he would give him an answer under the walls of Iconium which caused the Sultan to take the Straits of Zibrica enclosed with high mountains whose vallies opening and growing straiter and straiter with superimpendent rocks on both sides almost touching each gave to the Army of necessity passing thereby from Myriocephalon a difficult passage The Emperour though he were told that the enemy had strongly possessed the streights and mountains not providing for his safety desperately entred herein John and Andronicus with others conducting the Vant-guard the drudges and carters c. following then the Emperour with the maine battle and Andronicus Contostephanus in the rear After no far entry the Turks shot as thick as hail down upon them Yet the Vant-guard casting themselvs into a three square battle and closely covering their heads with their Targets like a pent-house caused their enemies by lusty shot to retire into the mountaines and passing those streights with little or no losse encamped on the top of a commodious hill But the rest of the army not passing with such order and courage and troubled with their carriages in those rough and streight places were miserably overwhelmed by the Turks arrows falling like a shoure to their great dismaying disordering The Turks now incouraged came downe from the mountains to handy blowes on plain ground overthrowing the right wing where Baldwin breaking into the thickest of the enemy with a valiant troop to stay their fury was slain with all his followers and most of that wing Then the Turks with all their power stopped all the Christians waies who by reason of the places streightnesse could neither retire or goe forward to relieve one another their many carriages hurting themselvs were the cause of their own and others destruction the valleys full of dead bodies and the rivers running with the blood of men and beasts in an unexpressible manner and if the Christians shewed any spark of valour it was but lost the Turks shewing the head of Andronicus Bataza the Emperour's nephew who coming against the Turks of Amasia was overthrown The Emperour was now so troubled that he was at his wits end doubtful which way to turn who having often attempted to open a way for passage but in vain 〈◊〉 the same danger in staying as in going forward with a few of his best souldiers resolving to dy by many blowes given and received himself having many wounds and could not lift up his Helmet being beaten close to his head about thirty arrows sticking in his Target brake through and escaped those streights Infinite numbers of the other legions seeking to follow were slain besides many troden to death by their own companions Those that escaped one streight this passage having 7 Valleys were slain in the next the sand also raised by men and horses and by a violent wind carried both armies being as it were in darkness killed both friend and foe so that those Valleys seemed to be a burying place of Turks and Christians the most being Christians and those not all of the meanest sort The wind allaying and the day clearing wounded and whole living men were seen middle neck deep among dead carcases not able with strugling to get out with rufull voyces crying to passengers for help whom every man through fear without compassion left living as to be numbred among the dead The Emperor standing alone under a wild Pear-tree to breathe himself a common souldier came and helped him to buckle up his armour but a Turk came and took his horse by the bridle from whom the Emperour cleared himself by striking him to the ground with the truncheon of his broken lance other stragglers likewise came presently ready to seiz on him one whereof he slew with the said staff struck off anothers head with his sword keeping them off till 10 relieved him and departing toward the Vant-guard he was troubled with other Turks and heaps of dead bodies 〈◊〉 John 〈◊〉 that married his neece fighting alone encompassed slain The Turks seeing him followed him as a rich prey whom he with his 〈◊〉 company notably repulsed comming at length after much labour and more danger long looked for and most welcome unto the legions Who in his way to them ready to faint for thirst and drinking some infected water of a river with a deep sigh said Oh how unfortunatly have I tasted Christian blood whereunto an envious souldier replyed that he had
for some that could not go over on foot were in heart with him others taking part with neither commanded all the Emperour's Galleys to be strongly put to Sea to hinder Andronicus passage over Propontis and Bosphorus Contostephanus challenging the Generalship over this Fleet as his due unto whom he was without dispute glad to commit the charge thereof Then he sent one George Xiphiline as from the Emperour with Letters and instructions to Andronicus commanding him forthwith to return in peace promising him the Emperor's favour with many honours c. otherwise it might turn to his destruction Xiphiline as it is reported secretly advised Andronicus to proceed in his purpose wherewith encouraged he willed the Messenger to tell them that proud Alexius should be first displaced and called to an account that the Empresse should be shut up as a 〈◊〉 to learn amendment of life and that the Emperour should take the Government on himself not be overtopt by others c. Contostephanus few daies after carried all the Galleys to Andronicus casting Alexius into the bottom of despair Andronicus his friends openly flocked together and some scossing at Alexius passed the Strait to him returning home 〈◊〉 and joyfull filling the City with his praises After that John and Manuell sons of Andronicus were set at liberty and others laid fast in their rooms Alexius himself with all his faction were committed to the guard But Alexius by a wonderful change was about midnight conveigned to the Patriarch's house and kept with a strong guard complaining of nothing more than his keepers not suffering him to sleep whose misery the Patriarch undeservedly pitying perswaded him not to provoke his keepers by speeches to use him evilly Within few daies he was brought on a little jade with a ragged 〈◊〉 on the top of a reed in derision to the Sea-side and so to Andronicus whose eys were for his evil Government by a general consent put out Theodosius the Patriarch approaching the last of Nobles that came to Andronicus he fell down at his horses feet and rising kissed his foot calling him the Emperour's Saviour the defender of truth comparing him with John Chrysostom c. But the Pataiarch marking his stern countenance subtil nature c. quippingly said Hitherto I have heard but now I have also seen and plainly known adjoyning with a deep sigh that saying As we have heard so have we seen remembring also Emmanuel's words wherewith he had lively represented Andronicus never seen before many times to his view Andronicus all things in the City being to his mind departing from Damalum crossed the strait oftentimes singing that saying Return my soul to thy rest c. Coming to the Emperour's Countrey-house near Philopatium he most humbly prostrated himself before the Emperour with deceitful tears kissing his feet saluting his mother Xene as it were but for fashion sake staying a good while with the Emperour he desired to go to Constantinople to see his Cosen Emmanuel's grave where coming he wept bitterly and roared as it were out divers ignorant standers by saying Oh what a wonderful thing is this c. He would not be removed by his kinsman pulling him from the Tomb and secretly said something as if he had prayed some saying it was a charm Others and more truly that he triumphed over the dead Emperour with these or the like words I have thee now fast my cruel persecutor c. And now I will be revenged of thy posterity and satisfie my self as a Lion with a fat prey c. He afterwards disposing of all matters at his pleasure allowed the Emperor hunting and other delights watching him by Keepers that none should talk of any important matter with him He took all the Government to himself to drive away the contrary faction that had born sway The state of that time by his rewarding bountifully the Souldiers that helped him bestowing Offices on his children or other favourites shortly driving divers Nobles to exile depriving some of their sight casting others into prison for something or other that grieved him began to be most miserable Some accusing their nearest kinsmen for deriding Andronicus his proceedings or that without regard of him they more favoured the Emperour Yea many accusing charging others with treason were themselves charged by the accused and both clapt up together You might have seen not only his enemies but some of his best friends the same day to be crowned and beheaded graced and disgraced the wiser deeming his praises bounty and kindnesse the beginning of a mans disgrace undoing and death Emmanuel's daughter who above all others wished for his coming was first cunningly poysoned by Pterigionites a corrupted Eunuch her husband supposed also to be poysoned with the same cup. He made as if he would depart if the fair Empress Xene were not removed from her Son the incensed vulgar people flocking unto and ready to tear the Patriarch out of his cloaths if he consented not thereunto So in a Councel of his favourites she was after many false things accused of treason as to solicite Bela King of Hungary her Brother in Law by Letters to invade Branisoba and Belligrade belonging to the Empire for which she was condemned and cast into a most filthy prison Four of this Counsel being asked their opinion of her said They would know whether it was called by the Emperours consent Whereupon Andronicus in great rage starting up 〈◊〉 Lay hands on them his guard shaking their weapons at them and the people catching and pulling them were so fierce that they had much ado to escape with life The Empress now hourly expected the deadly blow Andronicus demanding of the assembled former Councel What punishment there was for betrayers of any Town or Province The answer being in writing that it was death he brake out in choller as if she had done it By and by a writing was subscribed by the Emperour labhor to write it unworthily condemning his Mother to dye Manuel his eldest son and George Augustus his kinsman saying plainly They would not see her innocent body dismembred never consenting to her death At which troubled Andronicus plucking himself by the hoary beard c. sighed at his own most miserable tyrannical estate c. Yet few daies after he commanded her to be strangled by Pterigionites and another which was done accordingly her lately adorned body was secretly raked up in the sand by the Sea-side Andronicus all being covered under pretence of common good and safety to manifest his loyalty to his cosen the Emperour perswaded the Nobility to have him solemnly Crowned who for his tender age was not yet his own shoulders at the time supporting him to and from the great Church with Crocodiles tears as if it had been for joy many accounting the young Emperour thrice happy in him So cunningly under pietie's vail shaddowed he his most execrable treachery For having got into his power both Emperour and Empire he called a Councel
spoyling him of his house and wealth and converting it and the adjoyning Vineyards to a feeding place for sheep and goats The Prince was shortly Crowned as fellow in the Empire unto which the old Emperour tiding was by his horses stumbling foulely bemired in the Streets which many took as portending ill Fortune During this peace 70 Turks were driven on shoare at Chersonesus the Prince hunting there who before they would yield slew divers of his men himself long after being tormented by a wound there in the foot Who not long so contenred longed for the whole Goverment and weary to see his Grand father live so long resolved to thrust him out of Government or to dispatch him of life and State together And by his Mothers counsel sent for Michael Prince of Bulgaria his wife and his Sister to Dydimethicum in colour of a desire to see them as before to him unknown But the secret conclusion was that the Bulgarian should aid the young Emperour against his Grand-father and he him against the Servian as need should be and if he recovered the whole Empire then to give him a great sum of money with confining places So Michael loaded with rewards and promises returned home The young Emperour encouraged and knowing the Constantinopolitans and other Thracian Cities to favour him thought best to depose his Grand-father with as little stir as might be But needing money he took all from the Collectors in Thracia telling them he was an Emperour also and that the common charge was by the common purse to be discharged Then he took his way with a great power towards Constantinople pretending he was there to take order for a ship to transport Embassadours to the Sultan of Aegypt having thrust the suspected out of Office in Thracia placing in others But one most inward with him secretly fled to his Grandfather discovering all the intended treacherie c. advising him to keep him out of the City for fear of a general revolt which the Emperour comparing other reports deeming to be true complained in the anguish of his soul Revenge my quarrel O God! c. and preserve me in the imperial power which he comes to take whom I begat and advanced Then first he sent to his Nephew forbidding him entring the City and that 〈◊〉 was great folly for him to think his traiterous purposes were unknown rehearsing unto him how many occasions he had given for breaking the league with his Grand-father After that he craved aid of Crales Prince of Servia and the Despot his Son Governour of Thessalonica c. commanding him speedily with all his forces and his Nephews of Macedouia to joyn with them of Servia against the young Emperour But these Letters written in Paper were intercepted on the Straits of Christopolis and other passages yet others in fine linnen secretly sowed escaped and were delivered Nothing was done but the young Emperour for all inclined unto him was advertised thereof but he understood not what his Nephew did or intended Theodore his own son among others who honourably married in Italy and by prodigality far in debt whose debts very great he paid c. living now at Constantinople went about to betray his own Father For he especially being become a Latine in Religion and manners being rejected thought he could not do him greater despight than by revolting Demetrius the Despot calling to him his Nephews Governours of Macedonia and joyning with them spoiled the young Emperour's friends there confiscating the estates and exiling all with-standers Young Andronicus was not Idle but secretly sent out edicts into all parts proclaiming releasement from all tributes and payments promising in the Souldiers the augmenting their pay c. which bruited most were moved inviting him secretly to hasten into the City who by Embassadours srom Rhegium requested leave of the Emperour to come in or to send him some of the chief and better sort to whom he might speak his mind Which requests being both dangerous he chose the easier sending forth two Noble Senatours two Bishops and two other Prelates and four chief Burgesses of the City to whom he openlydelivered this crafty speech It is not unknown that 〈◊〉 my Subjects have been more dear to me then I to my self Let any tell me how I came by these wounds but in fight with the enemies of my Country For I strucken with a piercing grief seeing the poor Christians some barbaronsly slain some carried into Captivity the rest driven out of Houses and Cities the old Emperour through great years being become slothful went out either by some honourable death to end my self or to stand my Country in some stead For he that hath long reigned wordly things 〈◊〉 in change must at length be loathsome to his sub jects c. My Grand-father having reigned so long is become hateful yet not regarding to discharge himself of such a burthen 〈◊〉 to relieve the declining Empire nor grieving to see its successours die before him for my Father is dead and happily I may die before I receive any profit thereof I neither flatly deny nor altogether confesse my ambition in departing from my Grand father for might I see the Empire increase c. I could willingly content my self But seeing the Empire decline 〈◊〉 ill to worse c. What deem ye me to think For most ease their present grief with future hope but to me is not left such vain hope At length I requested but 1000 men at armes to preserve the Citties of Bithynia which he denied me taking me ever since for his enemy I have another request for 8000 Duckats to content my Souldiers which granted I will dismisse my forces holding my self contented Then discoursing with them apart with great hopes he sent them away who proclayming his praises in the City more enflamed the people than before Wherewith the old Emperour was exceedingly vexed fearing to be slain in some sudden concourse Yet he thought best to hear the Patriarchs and Bishops counsel to whom he declared That if he were sure after deposing himself to see his people well Governed and himself live in safty he should much preferre a quiet life before an Empire But how can I safely commit to my Nephew so great a charge who giving his power to unskilful men and flinging away his possessions among them liveth himself in penury regarding nothing more than his dogs and kites I will never willingly cast away my subjects and my self I have loved him more than my self purposing to leave him heir and successour of my wisdome and Empire But he contemning my good counsel hath lifted up his hand against a Grandfather so well deserving Wherefore 〈◊〉 ought to censure him unworthy of the Empire and communion of the faithful that so as ashamed he may lovingly return c. The conclusion of his former speech is feigned and crafty not agreeing with the reproaches given me in all that speech c. Upon this most of them agreed he
remain his in heart and to make it on the first occasion appear Wherefore he hoping time would bring some change determined to retire and departing with standing tears often said God was angry c. That he must needs suffer the overthrow of his Estate c. Yet he hoped to return and deliver his pecple from bondage c. Tamerlane staying long here sent Axalla to pursue him grieved he could not get him This bruite passing with Axalla into Lybia so feared all Africa that 22 Moores Kings sent thinking he followed to offer obedience the Sultan still flying off the nearest Tamerlane took hostages the rest faith given contented him After this Tamerlane desired to see his native Country the rather moved by his Wive's request his Father in-laws sicknesse his Own age and his wearied Souldiers desires The stay was Calibes his coming whom he for his deserts appointed governour of all his conquests in Aegypt and Syria who was making way along Euphrates for the conquest of Mesopotamia and Persia and being sent for came to Alexandria whither the whole Army was assembled Tamerlane leaving Zamalzan Cal bes his Lievtenant general Governour with 6000 horse and 10000 foot departed to Cair leaving Calibes 40000 horse and 50000 foot and instructing him how he would have those Kingdomes Governed dismissed him seeming very sorry to leave him So setting forward he with a few turned aside to Jerusalem tarrying 11 dayes visiting Christ's 〈◊〉 whom he called the Christians god and the ruines of Salomon's Temple wondring c. but grieved not to see them in their former beauty despising the Jews who so cruelly murdered Him that came to save them he commanded Jerusalem to be free from all subsidies and garrisons giving great gifts to and honouring the Monasteries Thence he came to Damasco which infected with Jezides opinion an arch heretique with the Mahometans and ill affected to him he razed digging up and burning Jezides his bones and filling his before-honoured grave with dung So marching and blasting the world as he went he passed Euphrates and conquering Mesopotamia with Babylon and all Persia he returned loaded with spoil to Samarchand Bajazet having layen 2 years in miserable thraldome did violently beat out his braines against the barrs of the iron cage inclosing him in 1399. Yet of his death are divers reports that he through sorrow died of an Ague that he poysoned himself the Turks affirming an unlikely report that first poysoned by Tamerlane he was freed dying 3 〈◊〉 after His body at Mahomets request his son sent to Asprapolis was conveyed to Prusa and buried in a Chappel without the City Eastward where also Despina lyeth Tamerlane and Bajazet both began from the Tartars Bajazet being the 4th from Othoman and Tamerlane the 4th from great Zingis both of great power and like spirit c. above measure ambitious the ground of all troubles raised by them to the Worlds astonishment Yet Bajazet's virtues were much obscured by his Choler and waywardnesse c. He used commonly to say His treasures was his Childrens meat not his Souldiers pay which was by a Souldier cast in his teeth when he raged to see himself forsaken by them in the great battel Whereas Tamerlanes virtues were graced with divers of like nature no man more kind to his friends or more dreadful to his enemies c. Bajazet is to be accounted more fortunate than the Conquerour his enemie having ever since one lineally to succeed in his Kingdome and Empire as at this day Whereas Tamerlane's Empire divided by him among his sons shortly after his death decayed rent asunder by ambition and civil discord and not long after with his posterity rooted out by Usun Cassanes the Persian King The Life of Mahomet I. 5th King of the Turks and Restorer of their sore Shaken Kingdome SOme write Bajazet had 2 sons Orchanes or Calepinus 〈◊〉 in the 2d year of his Reign and Mahomet who possessed his Brothers Kingdom Others that Orchanes and Mahomet were Calepinus's sons who died Reigning 6 years that Orchanes slain by his Uncle Mustapha Mahomet in revenge slew him possessing the Kingdome Others reckon 7 sons of Bajazet with their uncertain succession I shall leave these divers reports with the History following to the credit they shall find with considerate Readers Neither the Greek Historiographers nor John Leunclavius a great traveller among the Turks do mention Calepinus or Orchanes But in mine opinion the great confusion of the Turkish Kingdome wrought by Tamerlane with the civil discord afterwards arising among Bajazet's sons for the restless Room of Soveraignity c. might give just occasion of such divers reports some reckoning such as never were to have succeeded in Government Wherefore leaving Calepinus and Orchanes c. I following the Turkish Historie's authority reckon this Mahomet a younger son of Bajazet 5th King 〈◊〉 Turks who after his fathers Captivity about 10 years was after great and dangerous wat 's solely invested in that Kingdome Bajazet as the Turkish Kings had by divers wives and concubins 7 sons Erthogrul the eldest was lost against Casi 〈◊〉 Mustapha slain against Tamerlane Casa the youngest a child when his father was taken and afterwards with Fatine his Sister died hostage to the Emperour Solyman conveyed out of the battle into Europe was saluted Sultan Mahomet fleeing to 〈◊〉 was Governour in his fathers time there Isa after 〈◊〉 departure seized on Prusa Musa was taken with his father and afterwards freed by Tamerlane Places about Aniasia with a great part of Cappadocia were so troublesome after Tamerlan's Victory that keeping watch and ward continually many wearied and despairing of better times voluntarily exiled themselves which much grieved Mahomet but 15 years old Wherefore consulting what course to take it was thought best to get farther off into stronger places and while their enemies departed not to cut them short by policy For though Tamerlane lay at Caria yet his Captaines 〈◊〉 and spoyled at pleasure over lesser Asia Hereupon he departed to Derby encountring by the way with Cara 〈◊〉 Isfendiars Kinsman whom he put to 〈◊〉 with great slaughter Thence going to Kereden he sent a sple into Tamerlan's Camp afterwards consulting of farther proceedings Some thought he were best withdraw into the mountaines of 〈◊〉 Asia till Tamerlan's departure Others thought those mountaines no places to trust to and therefore to return to Amasia there to live protecting his subjects and not leave them a prey to stragling Tartars which 〈◊〉 he following and ready to set forward the spie returned certifying of Bajazets health but for the straight guard over him he could not speak with him that Tamerlane 〈◊〉 all that part of Asia Mahomet had not long 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 heard Caradulets Chach was with 20000 coming to spoile his Country given him by Tamerlane Wherefore he speedily sent a spie before his forces who hastily returning told him Cara lay at Aegiolus but with a small power having dispersed his Army to seek after
could content his mind or revive his Spirits so that oppressed with melanchollyconceits he became sick for griefe Whereupon by some's Counsell he sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace for 10000 duckats yearly tribute thinking hereby well to save his honour which being utterly refused greatly increased his sicknesse Scanderbeg to grieve him the more c daily assailed the Campe which he often suspected by alarums and tumults languishing with the griefe thereof Feeling he could not longer live g ievously complained that all his former life was so blemished who repressing the Hungarians fury and almost nullifying the Grecians pride and name was enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle and in sight of his contemptible enemie Then he gave his Son Mahomet many grave advertisements commending him to the faithfullnesse of his Bassaes weaknesse and teares oft upon sight of him interrupting his speech Yet forcing himself he warned him of what now most grieved him That his example be a warning to him not to contemne his never so weak enemy c whereby he had purchased this calamity and for ever blemished the honour of the Othoman Kings c. That this Trait or should then have been suppressed when first he recovered his wicked Kingdome c. Ali Bassa nor the other Generalls should not have been sent against him c That they entered into 〈◊〉 160000 strong c but now how many tents stand empty c. That the destinies had vowed his Spirits to Epirus as to him fatall But why did he impute these impediments and chances to himself for this mischievous seed first began when the Hungarians with others rose up against him So whilst he could not take order for all important affaires at once this enemy grew great That fortune never deceived his endeavours more than in this Therefore he charged his Son that for so great and stately a patrimony as he should receive not to leave his death unrevenged of this enemy Shortly after becomming speechlesse c he breathed out his Ghost to the Christians great joy in Autumne 1450 85 years old as most write reigning 28 or as some 30 about 5 months after Croia's siege Thus 〈◊〉 great Amurath dead almost in despaire Who had fought greater battels who gained greater Victories or obtained more glorious Triumphs than he c. But oh how far was he now changed from the man he then was how far did his last speeches differ from his forepassed life full of base passionate complaints beseeming some vile 〈◊〉 overtaken with despaire and yet afraide to die He lyeth now dead a gastly stinking Carcale c and of such infinite riches such stately honours c his fraile body enjoyeth nothing The Turks say he died miraculously forewarned of his death at Hadrianople others that he died in Asia with an Apoplexie surfeiting of immoderate Wine But Marinus Barlesius who lived in his time in Scodra fast by Epirus sets it downe as aforesaid Mahomet fearing some innovation at home presently returning to Hadrianople buryed his body with great solemnity on the West of Prusa lying in a Chappel without a roofe his grave not differing from the common Turks which they say he so commanded that Gods blessing might come to him by the Sun and Moones shining and raine and dewes falling on his grave He mightily enlarged the Turkish Kingdome for the better establishing whereof in his owne house he in the beginning of his reigne by manifold favours began to bind to himself men of forreigne Coùntryes his Servants And whereas the Othoman Kings had mostly or altogether raised their Janizaries and other Court Souldiers of Christians Children taken in War he seeing how serviceable they were plotted how to make an Armie of such his own Creatures c wherefore taking from the Christians every 5th Child he placed the fairest and aptest in his own Seraglio the rest in other like places where being instructed in Mahometane Religion then in all seats of Armes of these he made Horsemen c to guard his person naming he better sort Spahi-Oglani 〈◊〉 is his Sons the Knights Of these he made Bassaes Generals and Governours with all great Officers dispersing the rest and greatest part into every Country of his Dominion in Asia to be brought up in hardnesse and painefull labour out of whom he choosing the most lusty and able they were taught to handle all manner of weapons added to the other upon occasion calling them his Sons binding them of all sorts so fast to him by continual pay c. that he might account so many Sons as Souldiers A great policy from a deep judgment to weaken the Christians by taking their Children of greatest hope and to keep in awe his own natural Subjects also Amurath's successours keeping and increasing this Custome have not only kept the Empire in their Family but so maintained their State that they are feared obeyed and honoured as Gods c. Hence it comes to passe that the better of them called Turks but indeed Christians children desire to be called Musulmans that is right believers holding it a reproach to be called Turks For they knowing there is not one natural Turk among all in authority c. but he is borne a Christian either of father or Grandfather avouch those only to be Turks living in Natolia all Merchants Mechanicks or poor labourers c. Yea many of the Grand-Signiors had Christian Mothers accounting it in the greatest part of their Nobility 〈◊〉 great King was wonderfully beloved and noless after death lamented more faithful of his word than any before or after him melancholick rather politick than valiant yet both a great dissembler painful in travel exceeding wayward and testy many imputing it to his age He had 6 Sons Achmetes Aladin Mahomet Hasan or Chasan Urchan and Achmetes the younger three of whom died before him The Life of Mahomet II. 7th King and first Emperour of Turks for his many victories surnamed the Great IT was thought that Mahomet who being about 21 years old succeeded his Father in 1450 and the supposed Son of the Prince of Servia's Daughter a Christian would have embraced the Christian Religion but embracing in shew the Mahometan abhorring the Christian he greatly reckoned not of either and worshipping no God but Fortune he derided such as thought God had any care of worldly men so that he kept no League Promise or Oath longer than stood with his profit and pleasure The Bassaes and others of great Authority to whom Amurath's Government was never grievous inwardly lamented his death doubting Mahomet's fierce nature c. But the Court gallants in hope of preferment were glad to see him on his Fathers Seat and the vulgar exceedingly rejoyced in him Then also the Janizaries as their 〈◊〉 is spoyling the Christians and Jews easily obtained pardon whereupon he was by them and other Court Souldiers triumphantly saluted King which approbation is a greater assurance of their Kingdom than to be
fight at the breaches and starve at home Wherefore the Emperour commanding a view to be taken of all Corne in the City such store was found in many's hands that it appeared the dearth then beginning to increas proceeded rather of covetousnesse than true want this store the Emperour proportionably divided at reasonable prizes so easing the people's murmuring The Greek mercenaries also refused longer to go to the Walls than sure of daily pay the Church-plate c being converted into money to content them For the Emperour requesting to borrow money of his Subjects they would still swear they had it not as poor for want of Trade which their enemies finding in abundance wondred at their wealth and derided their folly But this was their 〈◊〉 dealing with their Emperours in that declining state as well appeared in Baldwins time But the Emperour advertised of the Enemie's purpose first commended their defence to the Almighty's protection by fasting and prayer then by Justinianus his direction appointed every commander to his certain place The City beset and the defendants but few the Walls could be in many places but slenderly 〈◊〉 The greatest and best strength were for defence of the utter Wall Justinianus with 300 Genowales and some chosen Greeks undertook that battered 〈◊〉 the Roman Gate against which Mahomet with his 〈◊〉 lay The Emperour neer Justinian for defence of another part shutting fast up the Gates of the inner Wall that the defendants should have no hope but in their valour Thus they laying all night a little before day the Turks began the 〈◊〉 who pressing fast and not seeing in the dark to defend themselves were without number wounded or slain but these were of the common and worst Souldiers Upon the day's appearance the City was at one instant on every side most furiously assaulted they delivering their Arrowes and shot so thick that the light was darkned others mounting the Ladders came even to handy stroakes The Christians with no lesse courage 〈◊〉 them down with great stones c and soon whelmed them with shot darts c that they were ready to retire 〈◊〉 sending in fresh supplyes of 〈◊〉 c his last 〈◊〉 the terrible assault began afresh The King calling on and promising the forward Captaines Golden Mountaines to others threatning terrible death so that though the Turks lay dead by heapes yet others pressing on over them either slew or wereslaine In this conflict Justinianus being wounded in the Arme and losing much blood withdrew himself without any to supply his room getting into the City by the Gate Romana in the inner Wall pretending for binding up his wound but indeed wholly discouraged Upon 〈◊〉 departure the Souldiers dismaied fled to the same Gate with which sight others ran by heapes also But striving to get in at once they so wedged in each other that in the presse and confusion 800 were trodden or thrust to death The Emperour also fleeing 〈◊〉 the rest there ended his dayes Whose body shortly found and known by his apparell his head was presented to the Tyrant by whose command it was afterwards as a trophie of Victory carried about in the Camp and City The Turks advancing their Ensignes on the Walls cryed Victory entring by the breach like a flood and entring the City by the Gate opened for Justinianus and by a breach they had before made cutting in pieces all in their way they became Lords of that Imperiall City Some few Christians preferring death before Turkish slavery sold their lives deare to their Enemies Many 1000 of men women and Children perished in this fury Many fleeing into Sophia's Temple were all slain except a few reserved to more grievous purposes than death it self The Ornaments and Jewells of that sumptuous Temple were pluckt down and carryed away it self converted at present into a stable c the Image of the Crucifix was with a Turks Cap on its head shot at with Arrowes carried about their Camp in derision with Drums playing rayling and spitting at it calling it the Christians God Others ransacked private houses to whom all things were lawfull that stood with their lust c. What tongue were able to expresse the misery of that time c. But the hidden Treasure and Riches there found passeth credit that its a proverb at this day if any grow suddenly Rich to say He hath been at the sacking of Constantinople Yea the Citizens had not care so much as to fortifie the inner Wall of the City but suffered those having the charge thereof to turn most of the money into their own purses as appeared by Manuel Grageras and by Neophytus who soore gathered 70000 Florens all a 〈◊〉 prey to the Turks After three dayes ransacking every corner of the City the Souldiers returned into the Camp driving the Christian Captives before them as droves of 〈◊〉 a spectacle no lesse lamentable than the sacking of the City c There might Parents Children Husbands Wives see the wofull misery of their Children Parents Wives and Husbands and one friend another Yet not able to mourn together being in the thraldome of divers cruell Masters The Souldiers retired Mahomet with great Triumph entered the City void of Christian Inhabitants making a sumptuous feast unto his great Captaines where surcharged with excesse he caused divers chiefe Captaines men and women many of the Emperours race to be in his presence put to death which cruelty he daily used till he destroyed all the Greek Nobility in his power with the chiefe of the Citizens divers Uenetian Senatours with their Governour Baiulus and many 〈◊〉 Merchants c. were likewife murthered So that of 47 Venetian Senatours there unluckily shut up a few found favour with exceeding ransoms Amongst these was one Lucas Leontares of late great Chancellour of Constantinople whom the Tyrant seemed to blame that he perswaded not the Emperour in time to seek peace on any condition or to have yielded He said his Master was encouraged by the Venetians and Citizins of Pera he also drew out Bassa's letters to the Emperour delivering them to Mahomet hoping for favour thereby But his eldest Son then living was executed in his sight the youngest reserved for the Tyrants lust and his own head struck off with the rest Justinianus escaping to Chios within few dayes died of griefe rather than his wound Isidore the Pope's Legat simply apparelled redeemed himself for a small ransome This Cityes glory continued many 100 years till by civill discord and private gaine it was by little and little weakned yet holding the title of an Empire 1221 years till by this Mahomet overthrown with the Christian Easterne Empire May 29. 1453. Constantine having reigned about 8 years remaining since the seat of the Turkish Emperours The Citizens of Pera doubting the same misery sent 〈◊〉 to Mahomet offering him their keyes and to become his Subjects Of which he accepting took possession thereof by Zoganus who establishing the Turks government confiscated the goods of all fled
being but few were partly taken and cast over board few getting to Land saved themselves in Woods c. The Venetians now couragiously assailed the breach and having twice gained the top of the Rampiers were yet beaten down the French looking on many valiant ones being there slain and hurt A Pinnace then coming with news that the Master of the Rhodes was coming with his Galleys to the siege the Admirals determined to maintain it till then But Ravesten next day changing his purpose departed to Chios thence towards Italy and by a terrible tempest the Admiral-Galley with two others and 800 Souldiers were lost the Admiral himself with 40 others being by a chance saved who recovered Tarentum with his weather-beaten Fleet. Pisaurius forsaken and the Master of the Rhodes not coming departed to Chios thence to Paros where finding the Master of the Rhodes he imputed the not winning of Mytilene to the French-inconstancy who also where they came blamed him as much or more who in 1502 comming to Melos found one Richius a Turkish arch-Pirate who being driven a shore was taken by the Islanders whom for his exceeding cruelty towards some Christians Pisaurius tyed to a spit and had him roasted to death with a small fire so wintering at Corcyra And next Spring with some Galleys sent him by Pope Alexander sailed to Neritos now St. Maura parted from the firm Land with a little fret of the Sea by the Corinthians who suddenly surprizing it cast up two great Trenches so that 3000 Turks horse coming at low water over the strait were with losse repulsed whereupon the City and Island was yielded to Pisanrius The Venetians weary of the war sent Manesius to Bajazet for Peace who stood on such rearms that nought was concluded yet he got Ba jazet to send with him an Embassadour to Venice to propound his own conditions who having audience twice his unreasonable conditions were by the Senate rejected and himself dismissed Next year 1503 they sent an Embassadour to Ba jazet who through his subjects complaints of harms received from the Venetians and want of trade fearing also troubles in Asia hearkened more willingly to peace than before Phriscus returning honourably rewarded by Bajazet and with far more reasonable conditions the Venetians sent Gritti well known to Ba jazet for his former traffique and whose life was spared at the winning of Modon at Cherseogles intercession who concluded a peace That the Venetians should deliver up Neritos and Leucadia reserving the Isle Cephalenia only and that Ba jazet should restore all Merchants goods taken in the wars and they safely to traffique in the Euxine Sea having their Consul at Constantinople as formerly also their Territory to be separated from the Turks by certain bounds This firm peace was in 1503 after 5 years wars in which year Ba jazet with a great and puissant Army met at Sophia purposed as was thought to invade Hungaria but doubting the successe he leaving Achmetes with his Asians went with the rest to reduce the rebellious of Albania sending a Fleet to stop the Sea passages but the people fleeing into the rockie Mountains did the Turks much harm who yet mounting those difficult places slew an exceeding number of them carrying away all women and children and desolating the Countrey with fire and sword thence returning to Manastirum Ba jazet on the way met with a Dervislar or beggarly Turkish Monk apparrelled but with two sheeps-skins and a great ring in each ear who approaching him as for an alms assailed him with a short Scimiter under his habit but Bajazet's horse starting at the hobgoblins approach he partly avoided the blow yet somewhat wounded who being about to double his stroke Ishender striking him down with his Mace he was rent in pieces by the Souldiers wherefore all of that order were banished his Empire After these troubles Bajazet quietly spent most of his time in Philosophies study and conference with the learned to which he was naturally most inclined though his state and men of warrs desire drew him oft involuntarily into the field the Civil government being referred to his three chief Bassaes. After 5 years thus spent of a neglected spark arose a great fire in Asia kindled by 2 Persians Chasen Cheliffe and Schach Culi his boy who fleeing thither under a shew of holinesse raised such diversity of opinions about Mahomet's true successour and afterwards such rebellion as that the one yet remains the other was with great blood-shed in a good while not appeased The ground of which troubles and the mortal wars between Hysmael Sophie of Persia and Selimus 1 was from one Haidar or Harduelles honourably descended among the Persians who Usan Cassanes there reigning contemning honour riches pleasure c. led such a strict life that the vulgar wondring at that in him which they neither could or would imitate began to have him in singular admiration Multitudes resorting to Tauris out of Persia and Armenia to see this accounted new Prophet who reviving the opinion of Giuni inveighed against the opinion concerning Mahomet's true successours perswading the people as if inspired that no Mahometan should inherit Heaven after death but the followers of Haly Mahomets true successours and fellow in writing to whose mind he was privie whose writings were authentical therefore only to be honoured rejecting 〈◊〉 Omer and Osman with their writings as accursed whom the Turks do honour as his true successours and interpreters as also Haly whom the Persians only acknowledge praying for him and cursing the other in their prayers which difference is a chief cause of their mortal wars and not the divers interpretation of their Law Usun Cassanes either moved with Haiders vertues or to win the hearts of the multitude gave him Martha begotten of Despina Calo-Joannes of Trapezond his Daughter who was freely to exetcise Christian Religion as the Emperour covenanted with Usun whereby Martha was a Christian also who soon bare Haider a Son called Hysmael whom she so trained up in her Principles that he obtaining the Kingdom of Persia never found fault with the Christians Religion Haider graced with this marriage grew into greater estimation than before so that his doctrine and followers increasing Jacup succeeding his dead father Usun distrusted left the Persians secretly favouring their ancient Kings posterity should raise some dangerous rebellion before he was well settled Wherefore he caused Haider his brother in Law to be secretly murdered with fire and sword persecuted the professours of that new doctrine Hysmael then a child escaping his Uncles fury fled to Pyrchales his Fathers friend ruling in a small Territory of Hyrcania Amongst others that fled Chasan Shelif and Schach Culi afterwards surnamed Cuselbas came into the lesser Armenia dwelling at the Mountain Antitaurus at whose foot the broken rocks have obscure Caves made by art and nature which place being called Tekeili divers historians have called Schach Culi Techellis The place being very wholesome and pleasant for
c. with 500 Servants departed towards Hadrianople to have gone to Dimotica not far thence and wholsomly scituated Selimus bringing him about two miles on his way returned possessing the Pallace Whilest Bajazet was travelling not above five or six miles a day then about 76 or 80 years old and for pain c. sometime staying two or three dayes in a place Selimus doubted if he should passe over into Asia Bajazet might the while possess Constantinople and the Empire wherefore before his going he secretly compacted with Hamon a Jew Bajazet's chief Physitian to poyson him promising him a reward of 10 Duckets a day for life and threatning him with most cruel death if he did not secretly and speedily work it when he had done to return to him the Jew comming to Bajazet very weak told him he would prepare a potion to restore and strengthen him if he would early next morning take it Bajazet not mistrusting his old Physitian said He would gladly take it Hamon comming stood waiting till he should awake but he still sleeping the Jew awaking him said the time was almost past c. Bajazet willing him to bring it Hamon took the assay having before taken a preservative drank it up he bidding the waiters to keep him well covered not to give him drink till he had well sweat and so fled to Constantinople Bajazet feeling most grievous gripings in his stomach gave up the Ghost in 1512. 〈◊〉 30 years the Turks say he died naturally but Genoway serving then in his Chamber reports plain tokens of poyson were to be seen on his dead body Selinus having all his Treasures buried Bajazet's body with the greatest solemnity in a Chappel he built nigh the great Mahometan Temple at Constantinople all his Servants but five who attired themselves in mourning were restored to their former places they being imprisonned two of them being put to death the other saved by Solyman Selimus his Sonne and two Bassaes sute who being stript of all were enrolled for common Souldiers Utrius a Genoway being one who after ten years captivity escaping difficultly and returning into Italy wrote a History of what he had seen there Hamon expecting his reward was beheaded by Selimus his Command saying He would not stick for reward to do the like against himself when opportunity offered The Life of Selimus the I the third and most Warlike Emperour of the Turks SElimus fully possessed of the Empire first viewed the Turkish King 's abundant heaped up Treasures and gave to the Court-Souldiers 3 millions of Duckats augmenting the Horsmens pay 4 aspers a day and the Footmens two whereby he greatly assured their minds unto him then passing with a great Army into Asia Sloyman his only Sonne to govern Constantinople he came to Ancyra in Galatia hoping to oppress Achomates but he considering his unableness fled into the Mountains of Cappadocia taking up men by the way praying ayd of all sorts though strangers to him to make head against Selimus and recover Asia Selimus doing very little that Summer because of the winter cold and snows near Taurus Achomates also fleeing from place to place sending his European Horse towards the Sea-coast and the Janizaries to Constantinople wintered with the rest at Prusa who then continued the league concluded by Bajazet with the Hungarian Polonian and Venetian and calling to him five of his Brothers Sonnes between 16 and 20 years old except Musa not past 7 Mahometes whom Achomates had upon Bajazet's death freed being about 20 who for his feature and courage was accounted the Paragon of the Othoman Family c. He demanded of divers Doctors and Lawyers whether 〈◊〉 not better 5 8 or 10. to be taken away than the whole Empire with great blood-shed to be rent asunder c. who fearing displeasure answered It were better for in a general calamity those few must needs perish with the rest upon which colour he leading those five Nephews into Prusa Castle by 5 of his Captains they were in the night strangled Mahometes is said to have slain one sent to kill him with his penknife wounding the other for dead Selimus being in a Chamber fast by sent in others who first binding him then strangled him their bodies were buried at Prusa which cruelty so offended most that many martial men for some daies absented from his sight as from some raging Lyon Amurat and Aladin Achomates Sons only remained of all the Nephews whom he purposed suddenly to surprize besides his two brethren of the Othoman Family These young Princes had recovered Amasia whence they were expulsed by Selimus when Achomates fled wherefore Selimus sent Usegi Bassa with 5000 horse who by great travel might suddenly take them the City being neigther well walled nor furnished for defence Achomates also being absent in taking up Souldiers But Mustapha the old Bassa now detesting his execrable tyranny by secret and speedy Messengers warned them of Usegi his coming c. who advertizing Achomates thereof lay in ambush for them So that the Bassa fell at unawares into the midst of his enemies and Achomates also following him most of his men being slain he with other Captains were taken prisoners and committed to safe custody But some of Achomates Souldiers scoffing the prisoners told them how the matter had been carried boasting they wanted not friends most inward with Selimus who favouring the Better Cause would not long suffer the Beast to rage all which when ransomed they reported But Usegi still in prison secretly informed Selimus that Mustapha was the only cause of that losse who of late envying at Mustapha's authority caused him to be in his sight without trial strangled and his body cast out into the street a rare spectacle of the worlds uncertainty and example of disloyalty Achomates in revenge executed Usegi setting all the rest at liberty Selimus at Spring resolving on the destruction of Corcutus spending his time in quiet contemplation at Magnesia giving out he would make a sudden inroad into Cappadocia set forward from Prusa with 1000 horsemen whereof Antonius Maenavinus a Genoway Author of this History was one and keeping on the right hand the Souldiers perceived they were to go for Lydia and Ionia A valiant Souldier sometimes of Corcutus his Court secretly and speedily coming to Magnesia gave him warning of his Brothers coming Corcutns richly rewarding him fled with two servants to the Sea-side hoping for passage into Crete or Rhodes Next day early Selinms came to Magnesia's Castle hoping to find Corcutus in his bed but being deceived he in a rage examined his servants c. with cruel torments getting it out of them that he warned by a Souldier was fled they knew not whither Wherefore Selimus caused a diligent search for 15 daies all over the Countrey and along the Sea-coast but not hearing of him he sent all Corcutus his treasure c. to Constantinople and leaving there a Captain with 1000 horse he returned to Prusa supposing he was fled by
ease and plenty or honourably end their miseries at once for the Horsemen especially the Europeans whose Horses were starved and the Foot spent with travel and a great flux living mostly on Crabs c. with a supping of meal and Vinegar began to die in every corner Hysmael to terrific them the more sent a Herald to Selimus with some skilful Souldiers to view what they could his number Artillery and how encamped telling him seeing the Turks had no Title to Armenia c. he marvelled why he entred his Dominion but if as Alexander the great he should think so much his own as by the Sword he could win he should next day prove his fortune and others forces not inferior to his Selimus answered the manifold injuries done to the Turks by the Persians formerly and also in his Warres against Achomates might give him just cause yet he esteemed them not sufficient causes of Warre only seeking after Amurat lately spoiling Cappadocia whom if he would friendly deliver to him as mutual Laws of amity required he would peaceably return else he threatned to destroy with fire and Sword even the heart of Persia. Next day Selimus set forward in order of battel against the enemies laying about two miles off thinking so great a Prince would fight without delay yet what strength c. the Persian was of he certainly knew not for the ingenious Persians generally so loved Hysmael that not one went to the Turks whereas many revolted from Selimus to him Selimus having 80000 Horse placed Casan Bassa with his Europeans in the right Wing Sinan Bassa with his Asians in the left before them both the Acanzii in the middle the Asapi behind them the Artillery guarded with 4000 Horse lastly following himself with his Pensioners and Janizaries compassed with his small Field-pieces and Carriages commanding his Vant-guard Foot upon the enemies approach speedily to divide that the great Ordnance might play betwixt them Hysmael understanding by fugitives his enemies devices said to his chief Commanders there was no doubt of Victory if they could shun the Artillery wherefore when the Turks Foot divided they should likewise withdraw into two parts causing two great Ensigns to be displayed whither then to retire one for himself the other for Usta Ogli and the rest He had about 30000 Horse no Foot among whom were 10000 men at Arms resolute experienced mounted on couragious barbed Horses and bravely armed no Guns in which and number they were inferior to the Turks yet contemning about 300000 Turks and little reckoning of their Artillery they doubted not to give them battel being also exhorted by Hysmael to remember their former Honour c. telling them they had to do with such whose Weapons were but weak Staves and light Targets their Horses little poor jades almost dead with hunger Selimus gave notice that the long-wished for battel was come wherein if they would worthily acquit themselves they should to their immortal fame extend the Turkish Empire from the Persian Sea to Mount Caucasus but if otherwise they must not think to escape by flight through those desolate Countries where they either should perish or being taken be forced alwayes to serve the Persian Women also Euphrates Taurus and Aladeules who had shut up the passages did cut off all such hope The Asapi making place for the Artillery to play Hysmael also dividing charged the Turk's right wing so forcibly that Casan Bassa after a terrible fight with the foremost being slain and many after them that wing was forced to retire unto Selimus but Usta Ogli who had no small harm by the Ordnance as not clearing his men so speedily as Hysmael charged their left wing making great slaughter and in his couragious assail was slain with a small shot Wherewith the Turks encouraged who before gave ground renewed the battel and with their terrifying Harque-busiers drave the Persians upon the Turk 's common foot who serring together brake thorow them bearing them down with a mighty slaughter and slaying the Cannoniers who discharging at all adventure slew many of their own as of enemies so making way till they came to the right wing where Hysmael still hardly charging the European Horses they were forced to retire but now charged afresh scarce able to endure it cryed to Selimus for help who opening his carriages sent out part of his Horsemen and said to his Janizaries that dayes Victory was reserved to their valour therefore as fresh men they should assail their wearied enemies whose Horses were all on a water and the men faint under their Armour yet Selimus could say they were not very forward and whilest they leisurely set forward the Persians slew the European Horsemen down right and were ready to assail Selimus himself on every side but Sinan Bassa though his wing was sore rent came in in good time and with some fresh Troops restored the battel almost lost but chiefly by the courage of Alisbeg and his Brother Mahomet resembling their warlike Father Malcozzius Selimus still in hope commanded all the Ordnance about him to be discharged whereby such slaughter was made of his own as well as of his enemies that for dust smoak noise of the Artillery both sides almost losing sight and hearing their Horses terrified with the Ordnance not now to be ruled the battel brake off the Victory yet doubtful The Turkish Histories tearm this the onely day of doom Hysmael being wounded under his left shoulder with a small shot and withdrawing through perswasion to have it searched was the safeguard of Selimus and his Army for they following their King left the Victory thought by all to be almost gotten but Hysmael perceiving the wound was not deep he was about to charge a fresh but hearing of Oglie's death in whom was his greatest confidence his Captains also perswading him not to set light by his wound whose grief he yet felt not being warm he softly marched away as not resembling flight and passing by Tauris willed the Citizens to open the Gates to Selimus if he came rather than to fall into destruction himself marching in Media's confines The Turks having no hearts nor strength to pursue them yet took their Tents where besides much rich furniture were many Ladies and Gentlewomen who Persian-like had followed their Husbands in those Warres whom Selimus safely freed except a Wife of Hysmael whom he gave in marriage to a Bassa Some there present reported that divers Persian women were found among the dead armed whom Selimus honestly buried This notable battel in the Galderan fields nigh Coy was fought August 7th 1514. Selimus losing above 30000 men Cusun Lievetenant of Europe being one Seven Sanzacks two being the Malcozzian Brethren who were slain rescuing each other most of his European Horse the flower of his Army being almost all slain or grievously wounded yet he having the Victory by his enemies confession and having Embassadors from Coy and other Cities also from Tauris promising to relieve
Tents covered the places round about and brought a 〈◊〉 Fleet up the River every man began to doubt of his own safety This fear was encreased by Messengers from Solyman who hearing of what Nations the Garrison consisted sent three Renegates of his Guard a Spaniard Italian and German to speak to their Countreymen in their own Language They offered great rewards and 〈◊〉 to such as would yield in time denouncing all torture and extremities to those who endured the Summons of a Cannon It was answered by the Captains those faithful and valiant Souldiers were not to be won with Gifts nor terrified with threats The same day the Ordnance was planted on the Hill before the Gate and all the weakest 〈◊〉 of the Walls so well pickt out to be assaulted that it s to be thought the Christians wanted faith among themselves Salamanca d strusting the Suburb's Fortifications retired into the City contrary to what he had boasted Achomates 〈◊〉 that part next the Bishop's Gardens Ulames the Towre next the Gate toward Buda the Asapi were brought on to dig Trenches and cast up Mounts the 〈◊〉 was so discharged without 〈◊〉 that the Towre with much of the Wall near it fell down as if shaken with a terrible Earth-quake the 〈◊〉 Janizaries also fetching off any man that stood on the Walls many further off being grievously wounded with Arrowes falling from high and the 〈◊〉 broken with the great shot killed or maimed the Souldiers near hand wherefore they forsook the uttermost Wall casting up new Fortifications within The enemy also thrice desperately assailed the breach but still with losse repulsed Bultazes Sanzack of Selymeria a man of great account being lost Many the while who came up the River with necessaries for the Army went ashoare and lay in the Suburbs with great security wherefore they in the City suddenly sallying out slew many before they could arm driving the rest to their Fleet so that there was about 200 slain Zymar the Persian Admiral in rescuing them being slain with a small shot While the Turks did with greater force daily assail the City and the 〈◊〉 despairing of relief more and more discouraged an old Calabrian Engineer fled out to the Turks who satisfied them in all their questions directing them in planting their batteries in the most convenient places It fortuned that a gilt Brazen Crosse on the Steeple of the Cathedrall was by the Turk 's shooting thereat at length beaten down wherefore Solyman is reported taking it as a token of good luck presently to cry out Strigonium is won Liscanus and Salamanca secretly conferring together resolved to give up the Town for Liscanus was no great Souldier yet by spoil exceeding rich and therefore thought it folly to buy the name of resolute Captain with the losse of life and wealth the like feeling was also in Salamanca This secret purpose was noised among the Souldiers a third part being slain or weak with wounds or sickness yet they thought generally they were able still to 〈◊〉 the Town but the under-Captains c. flatteringly liked the motion rather to yield on reasonable termes than to expose themselves to most certain death and not better Ferdinands cause Ere long an Auncient was by night let down over the Wall and receiving the Turk's faith called forth Salamanca who coming out went to Achomates commanding before he went them who defended the Water-Towre of great danger for safety of their lives to get into the City who hastily retiring the vigilant Turks suddenly breaking in slew such as were not gone possessing the Castle but Salamanca when he had stood upon many nice termes with the Bassaes obtained onely without delay to yield and put themselves wholly on Solyman's mercy so being there stayed he wrote to Liscanus how he sped wishing him if he loved his safety to yield the City without further termes Liscanus hereupon declared to the Souldiers the necessity of yielding up and what hope of life and liberty but whilest the angry Souldiers stood as in a doubt Halis Commander of the Janizaries came not sternly requiring the Gate to be opened to him according to Salamanca's agreement which was done and the keys delivered to him they entring peaceably possessed themselves of the Walls and fortresses chusing all the beardless youths out of the Souldiers commanding the rest to cast down their Weapons in a place appointedw hich they did expecting nothing but some cruel execution which fear was the more increased by a strange accident for while with their Harquebusses they cast their flasks of powder also one of them suddenly took fire of a match which firing the rest blew abroad that heap of Weapons among the Janizaries whereupon they slew divers Christians till Halis perswaded 't was rather by chance than malice commanded them to stay their fury Then he proclaimed that all Christians who would serve Solyman should have places answerable with large entertainment yet were there but seventy which accepted the offer for fear of their lives whom Halis sent down the River with the culled out youths to Buda the other helped the Turks to cleanse the Castle but Liscanus was glad to give Halis the Chain of Gold he took from Perenus he requiring it as of military courtesie a strange Ornament with the Turks hoping thereby to save his other Coyn but when the covetous Coward was about to depart with his Horses of service and Saddles cunningly stuffed full of Gold the Turk laughing at him took them also so furnished saying He who was to go by water needed no Horses The rest were conveighed over Danubius travelling to Possonium where Count Salma by Ferdinand's Command committed Liscanus and Salamanca and some others to custody to answer their cowardly yielding up the City which Solyman entred Aug. 10. 1543 and turning the Christian Temples into Mahometane first sacrificed for his Victory as before at Buda and speedily so fortified it as if to take away all hope of recovery thereof deriding the Germans negligence who keeping it 14 years had not fortified it Solyman leaving Ossainus Governour there sent his Tartarian Horse to spoil the Countrey as farre as Alba Regalis going himself to besiege Tatta Castle 〈◊〉 terrified Souldiers upon the first Summons yielded and quietly departed the Castle the Turks keeping their Provinces under by few but very strong holds being presently rased to the ground Torniellus causing Hanniball the Captain to lose his head for his cowardly yielding up his charge thereby to admonish others Solyman marched thence to 〈◊〉 Regalis which stands more into the Land than Buda and Strigonium strongly seated in midst of a Lake but not so wholsomly especially in Summer From the City thorow the Lake lay three broad and high Causies built with fair Houses and Gardens on each side at the end of every Causey toward the Land were strong Bulwarks which the Citizens used not to watch but in dangerous times of Warre the City thus standing and compassed about with a
ayd of Selimus who sent Partau Bassa his Lievtenant in Romania with his forces into Transilvania but Embassadors being coming from Maximilian he recalled him till he had heard the effect of that embassage The Bassa of Buda also sent Presents to the Emperour requesting him to remove some Captains from the Frontiers lest they should interrupt the Treaty of peace purposed promising to put to death all Turks as should raise any new troubles he wrote also to Count Salma marvelling why Maximilian was about to treat with his Lord of peace whilest Swendi raged in Transilvania then under his protection saying If he proceeded Selimus would turn all his forces that way requesting him to perswade the Emperour to take some easier course promising he would travel with his Master better to like of peace than Warre wishing him to do the like Which the Emperour hearing of commanded Swendi from the siege of Husth and to be quiet till he might understand what the Turk proposed Both Maximilian and Selimus were secretly desirous of peace for Maximilian wanted money and Selymus beside other troubles was to appease a great and dangerous Rebellion in Arabia faelix where the people having slain the Bassaes and Zanzacks were ready to cast off the Turkish obedience the Persians being reported ready to warre on him neither could he send any 〈◊〉 Army into Hungary for want of many necessary 〈◊〉 in a Countrey so impoverished So it was at last concluded by Messengers sent up and down to Constantinople that if Maximilian would send Embassadors with the Tribute yet behind for Hungary and a large Commission for a Treaty Selimus should give them his safe Conduct with liberty to return in case of Peace or Warre which agreed to Selymus set at liberty L. Albert de Vuis Embassadour Lieger six years in Constantinople who had been so closely imprisoned in his own House that beside Watch and Ward there kept his Windows were boorded up that neither he nor any of his Houshold should look out any whither but into the Court onely Maximilian for the bringing so weighty matter about chose Lord Verantius of Agria of his Counsel for Hungary his Embassador who being 63 years old besides his great learning had the experience of 27 Embassages alwayes contenting his Prince and now returning from Selimus with good success was by Maximilian created a Prince of the Empire and Bishop of Agria to whom he joyned Teusenbatch a most honourable Baron one of his Counsellors also for the Warres who with full instructions taking leave of the Emperour then holding a Parliament at Presburg set forward with a great and honourable Retinue July 1. 1567 and came to Comara but a League from the Turks Frontiers and being met by an Aga of the Turks with a Chiaus in some Galleys with Turkish Souldiers they sailed to Strigonium by whose Governour they were denyed landing for which he was 〈◊〉 rebuked by the Bassa of Buda Next day they with five Leagues-sailing came to Buda in whose Castle layeth a Captain with 500 Souldiers or not so many who loseth his Head if he stir from his charge having also Commission to deny the Bassa himself entrance unless he come very slightly accompanied and next morning after 〈◊〉 the Bassa with two great gilt Cups a Clock all curiously wrought in Gold and one thousand Dollars they delivered a Speech in the Italian Tongue after the Emperours Letters and greetings that for the common benefit of their Subjects in Hungary the Emperour requested him to continue his dealing for peace and to give safe conduct unto them till come to the Turk's Court and so having stayed two dayes at Buda the Bassa sent with them his Chechai the Steward of his House and Becram the aforesaid Chiaus with a Guard and some Janizaries who were also to provide all necessaries for them and their Horses at the Turk's charges so they came down the River to Belgrade July 18. thence 〈◊〉 their Coaches they gathered fast upon Constantinople Aug. 22. where many Spabies and Chiausais of the Court with a number of Janizaries and other Souldiers came to meet them conducting them to their Lodgings about the midst of the City where Lord De Vuis having long looked for their coming most joyfully received them who Aug. 28. went all three to visit Muhamet or Mehemet the chief Visier giving him Presents and besides the Contents of the Emperours Letters declared to him the cause of their coming c. turning the blame of the late Warres upon others Neither was the Bassa to seek of good words That day also they saluted Partau and Ferat Bassaes giving them Presents and next day visited Acomat Piall and Muhamet the other three Visier Bassaes with Presents Then to set their 〈◊〉 on foot they Septemb. 4th closed with Mehemet who had the especial ordering of State-matters yet because they must first do Selimus Reverence and deliver him the presents with the Emperour's Letters for few dayes there was no point of their business handled but Selimus returning from hunting Septemb. 21. they were appointed to have audience 〈◊〉 Court chusing but 12 persons out of their followers to attend them for they to whom this charge was committed said they might bring no more before so great a Prince The Presents were 15 Cups all of silver and guilt two exceeding pretious Clocks and 45000 Dollars for the Tribute behind They were honourably conducted to the Court and thorow two Gates of the Pallace before they entred the third Gate Which leadeth into the privy Pallace of the Turkish Emperour into which none entreth but the Capitzi Bassa or chief Porter who keeps this Gate and the Cesigniers that serve in his meat with the Bassaes and some few great men and that onely when they have some great business or sent for by the Sultan who himself with his Eunuchs and the young Pages his Minions in the Eunuch's Custody have here continual abiding Being entred in the Capitzi caused them to stay setting them about five paces asunder in a little room passing delicate between the Gate and the more inward Lodgings on both sides whereof certain little Birds onely were heard to warble out their sweet notes and flicker up and down the green Trees of the Gardens Selymus was in great Majesty set in an under-Chamber adjoyning to the Room where in the Embassadours followers attended whereinto he might look thorow a little Window The Embassadors entring in were led one after another to make their Reverence 〈◊〉 him and the while certain of the Capitzi with the Presents in their hands fetching a compass before the Window mustered them in his sight all this while not the least sound being raised Their followers were fetcht in one by one and having done their Reverence were sent out another way into the Court the Capitzi Bassa and the Odda Bassa taking them by the Arms and Neck leading them apace and by the way softly feeling their wrists and hands lest they might have
cryed aloud that when they lacked meat rather than yield they would eat Christians of whom Marotti should be the first The Government of the Army was now committed to the Lord Redern both valiant and learned who though very sickly came to the Camp Aug. 8th where hearing that the Rebels brought to great extremity purposed by night to flee kept a more vigilant and strong Watch next night about two houres before day they began to issue out and were suffered to go out as unperceived but Nadasti the Earl of Thurne and Count Solmes were presently sent after them who in three places overtaking them near the great Wood Packem slew most of them Dela Mota being slain by Solmes because he would not yield and his Head presented to the Generall The Hussars found out 200 Walloons in the Wood who though they made strong resistance a while yet at last were forced to yield The Hussars also upon another passage light upon 200 more of them who because they were more desperate than the rest the General sent 〈◊〉 Horse more upon them so that they were allmost all slain divers also were slain in coming forth and in Marshes about the Town Motta's Lievtenant and other chief Commanders were by Lo Redern delivered to the Provost Martiall dividing the rest at the Souldiers Request into divers parts of the Army to be executed from whom they could there scarce hold their hands But being brought to Rab and leave given to do what they would with them they impaled some brake some upon the Wheel cutting off some of their skins as it were into thongs so powring into the wounds Vinegar Salt and Pepper of some they cut off their privities some they roasted putting some upon the Tenalia on some they dropped molten pitch then burnt them to death with Gunpowder hanging others on Iron-hooks some they set in the ground up to the Chin bowling at their Heads with Iron Bullets the 〈◊〉 nothing but deriding them in all these torments the wretches the while confessing the hainousness of their offence and craving for death as a favour Whilest some were tortured others were brought to see the same misery to be by them endured One Peter Orsy caused one of these mutiniers to be sowed up in a Mare 's Belly with his Head hanging out and so to be roasted in which torment he lived 3 houres then was the loathsom body so roasted given to others starving upon the Wheel to eat At this time also many a hot and bloudy skirmish passed betwixt the Christians and Turks in one place or other of Hungary Amongst the rest one Horbath 〈◊〉 Lievtenant with 150 men and Thussi going to seek for booty Thussi hearing the Turks were abroad to surprize certain Haiducks stayed fast in a secret place Horbath going on another way now the Bassa of Sigeth by chance met with Horbath overthrowing him and slaying most of his men Horbath hardly escaping But Thussi hearing this skirmish and hasting thither found the Bassa in the Field on foot viewing the slain upon whom he came so suddenly and forcibly that the Bassa had much adoe disorderly to take Horse and without much resistance to 〈◊〉 whom the Hungarians fiercely pursuing slew many Turks and the Bassa himself whose Head Horbath sent to Serinus who by Thussi himself sent it to Matthias This Bassa about 36 years old was for his strength valour and experience of a common Souldier made a Bassa whose Head being shewn to the Bassa of Buda a prisoner at Vienna he demanded whether he knew it or not sighing answered he knew it well to be the Bassa of Sigeth his Head a braver man than whom the Sultan had not in all his Empire earnestly desiring to know how he was slain and ere long a great party out of Strigonium and other places having taken a great booty from the Turks at a Fair at Gombar and thinking to passe Danubius in hope of a greater 700 of them being passed over were by the new Bassa of Sigeth with 5000 Turks overthrown yet was the Bassa himself with two 〈◊〉 and 500 Turks slain and but 50 Christians left dead upon the place the rest disorderly retiring to their Boats being most drowned The free Haiducks also surprizing and firing Jula the Turks fleeing into the Castle for haste thrust so many from the Bridge into the Castle-ditch that one might have gone dry-foot over upon the bodies of the drowned They took there also 600 prisoners with much booty delivering 200 Christian Captives and though they were hardly pursued by other Turks yet they safely retired with their booty But Cardinal Bator being overthrown and slain and Transilvania reduced to the Emperour's obedience the Vayuod of Valachia forthwith certified him of all his proceedings and success also of his purpose to invade 〈◊〉 for it was commonly reported and believed that Sigismund ayded by Turks Tartars 〈◊〉 and Moldavians would now attempt some greater matter for recovery of Transilvania for divers of his Spics also being taken besides his Letters found about them to the Nobility and States perswading them to revolt from the Vayuod unto him who meant shortly to come with a great Army to repulse him confessed that Sigismund had been in Transilvania disguised to confer with divers friends about it The Emperour honourably receiving the Vayuods Embassadors confirmed unto him the Government of Transilvania sending him also divers Presents yet forbidding him to invade Moldavia for fear of raising a new and dangerous War against the Polonians also wherefore the Vayuods stayed his intended expedition yet he sent some good forces to the Frontiers of Moldavia for fear of Sigismund whom he heard even then to lay upon the same After a few moneths Husraim Aga with five other eminent Turks came to Cronsta where the Vayuod then lay as Embassadors from Mahomet with a great Retinue whom he with 4000 brave Horsemen went half a mile to meet the Foot standing on both sides of the street from the Gate of the City whereby they were to enter even to the Vayuods Lodging where stood his Guard in red and white silk So meeting they both alighted saluting each other the Embassador presently embracing the Vayuod ungirt his Scimitar and in the Sultans name put another about him most richly garnished with Gold and precious Stones He also presented him with a fair Plume of black Hearnes feathers mixt with some white which he would not put upon his Head in the Field though he most earnestly requested him causing it to be carried before him also with two very fair red 〈◊〉 likewise he gave him two exceeding faire Horses richly furnished with four others and a most fair Faulcon The Vayuod had 10 very fair spare-Horses led before him at whose entrance all the great Ordnance was discharged with great vollies of small shot so the Embassador riding on his left hand being brought to his Lodging six of his chief followers were presented with six rich Robes of Cloth
Impe ialls in their Camp whereof they timely advertised so received them at their coming that after a small fight they fled whom the Imperials so 〈◊〉 towards Canisia that they slew above 1000 took about 200 with 1500 Horse and leaving sufficient Garrisons on that side of the Countrey 〈◊〉 towards Vienna Decemb. 6th the Emperours Commissioners at Comara receiving Letters from the Bassa of Buda some of them next day went by water thither where after much talk they found little difficulty about a peace onely the Turks said they could determine nothing without the 〈◊〉 and consent of the Hungarians so they returned full of hope to Comara as did Forgat from Botscay who being ready to go from Kirpay 〈◊〉 Cassovia gave power to Illishascius for furtherance of the Treaty who having Letters of safe conduct from the ARCH DUKE went to 〈◊〉 about the end of December where he talked an hour and half with the Arch-Duke and every day after conferred with the Councellors 4 houres at last composing all differences touching the peace except five Articles concerning freedom of Religion in any wise required by the Hungarians The Haiducks in Hungary began the next year 1606 with great harm in upper Hungary tyrannizing upon all sorts of men and giving divers assaults to divers Cities were valiantly repulsed by the Polonians and Cossacks 〈◊〉 Defendants yet did they no small harm to the Country-people wherefore the King of Poland upon complaint obtained by his Embassador to Botscay that those 〈◊〉 should be recalled Illishaschius had so well dealt in the Treaty of peace that about the end of Jan. it should have been published at Vienna but that some chief Clergymen would not consent to the free exercise of Religion to all but onely to the Nobility whereupon the Hungarian Commissioners being about to return greatly discontented nothing being concluded the Emperours Deputies at length agreed that the free Exercise both of the reformed as well as the Romish Religion should be permitted to all men throughout Hungary as it was in Maximilians and Ferdinand's time concerning which point Letters were delivered to Illishascius all other points being put off to the Assembly of the States of Hungary shortly to be holden at Presburg About the beginning of March the Spahi at Constantinople requested of the Visier that they might take up their Pension of the Husband men in the Countrey which though he denied as commanded by the Sultan in few dayes to pay every one in money yet they presumed to trouble the Countrey and do the Farmers great harm wherefore the Sultan beheaded and hanged some of the chief leaders of them drowning others first bound in Chains so striking no small fear into the other common Souldiers but the Rebellion in Asia encreasing and those Rebels secretly favouring and furthering the proceedings of the Persian the Sultan forthwith sent sent for the Visier to go into Asia against them both committing the while the managing of the Warre in Hungary unto his Lievtenant March 18th being appointed for the Turks and Emperours Commissioners to meet at Rab to further the peace not past 50 Turks coming to the Gate desired to be let in whom the Christians being about to receive a Sentinel it being a thick mist perceived 3000 more Turks lurking thereby and giving an Alarm 〈◊〉 their treachery who retired the Ordnance being discharged after them Next moneth Messengers came from Eperia to Vienna declaring that the City was now so on every side beset by the Rebels that no provision could more come thereunto by which meanes they had lately obtained Tokay where the Souldiers eating their shooes and leather-Jerkins had killed two Boyes to eat and cast lots among themselves which should be killed to eat Ruber the Governour was forced to yield whom Botscay is said to have offered much money c. to take his part but he refused all protesting even unto death to abide faithful to the Emperour About which time 〈◊〉 wrote to a great man at Vienna declaring that Botscay without the consent of the States of Hungary could determine nothing of the peace who had oft told him rather than to submit to a forraign power for ever to put themselves under Turkish protection yet he promised that though he had got the great displeasure of the 〈◊〉 he would yet seek by all meanes to draw the States in their next Assembly unto him whereby that which was concluded at Vienna about Religion should not be reversed for many he said feared that particular would not be performed wherefore they would not be perswaded from Turkish protection till they were secured both in their Religion and ancient priviledges and that they would not endure a forraign Governour with whom they could not talk nor Clergy men to vote in civil affaires therefore he thought it very needful for the Emperour herein to gratifie them and that 〈◊〉 being now left to Botscay he should appoint such a Governour over Hungary as those States should require for there was no hope of peace with the Turks unless Botscay and the States undertook the Treaty since they by a shew of peace were oft discovered but to seek for their own advantages But the Rebels seeing Illishachius labour so much about peace in scorn called him Cripelishacius as inclining too much to the Germanes which he took so ill that he departed to Eperia not purposing to be present at the next Assembly But Botscay pacifying and recalling him he there so notably spake to the States that all began to hope and wish for peace more than before The Turks the while assembling at Belgrade expected the end of this Treaty and Letters from the Sultan to Botscay were also intercepted advising him to joyn with his forces and seize upon Austria Bohemia and 〈◊〉 for he could be content with Hungary and Transilvania leaving the other Provinces unto Botscay About which time the Tartars were about to inroad into Polonia but when by often incursions they had not a little troubled the Haiducks they resolved thenceforth to fight both against Turks and Tartars so that the Turks coming to assault Lippa the Haiducks leaving the Town fortified the Castle with men and bestowing others in Caves and Cellars in the Town layed much Gunpowder in the streets the Turks entring unresisted hasted to take the Castle but the while the Powder taking fire blew up a number of them and those who lay hid forthwith breaking out made of the Turks a great slaughter and so cleared the Town The Estates of Austria considering their great harms received both from the Rebels and Emperours mutinous Souldiers and no more to rely upon forrain protection still to seek when they had most need in a generall Assembly agreed to have 2000 Horse and 8000 Foot alwayes in readiyess 50 Pesants 〈◊〉 one of those Souldiers And much about this 〈◊〉 Illishaschius having Letters of safe conduct from the Arch-Duke came again to Vienna more largely to confer with the Emperours Deputies
a colour of going against the Infidels Wherefore at first all Merchants Turks Jews or Turkish Subjects though Christians if they entred the gulph to Traffique or furnish Venice they took them dividing their goods and must pay a great ransom or die miserably all the Ports of the Venetian State whence they had Victuals these Pirates soon after shut up the Turks now traffiquing no more they began to set upon the Venetian ships forcing the Merchants by torments to say the goods belonged to the Turks though their chief booty came from Christians And having drawn many to them they ere long out of covetousness and for the more pretence that they might be supported in Princes Courts entred with all violence into the Turks Country thorow the Venetian's to whom they were as hurtful as to them from whom they carried rich spoils and many prisoners If they came nigh the Maritime coasts by Sea all rich and good things were subject to their greediness whence grew the aforesaid complaint and threatning of the Venetian which afterwards bred a cruell War betwixt that State and the Arch. Duke Ferdinand of Grets and then Emperour who seemed to support them to engage the Venetian against the Turk Novemb. 15. 1617. Sultan Achmat 30 years old and Raigning 15 died being of a good constitution and complexion enclining to be fat strong and active exceeding any of his Court in casting a Horsmans Mace of 9 or 10 li there being 2 pillars set up in a Court of the Seraglio in memory of his dexterity he was ambitious and proud which some hold befitting his 〈◊〉 not so cruell as many of his Predecessors much given to sensuality entertaining 3000 Concubines and Virgins the fairest Daughters of Christians he kept for hawking in Greece and Natolia 40000 Faulkoners with good yearly pensions his Huntsmen being as many and chargeable Mahomet his Father according to their Law once a day to practise some manual Trade made Arrows and Achmat Horn-rings used in drawing of Bowes This is in the morning after their prayers but 't is but for form for the Sultans scarce make one of these in a year The Raign of Mustapha the first ninth Emperour of the Turks ALthough the Custom of the Turkish Emperors was to have neither Brother or Nephew alive unless saving themselves by flight yet the Court Officers concluded it was not fit Mustapha Achmats younger Brother should die for that their Emperour being but 15 years old they feared that dying in his nonage without children able to Govern the Empire might fall into combustion and ruin through civil Wars so Mustapha's life was preserved yet so as to remain still a prisoner in some of the Chambers of the Seraglio and before Achmat had children no cruel Decree was made against him but he continued his contemplation without any liberty but when Achmat had issue he oft propounded the putting Mustapha to death which was often concluded It 's written his death was one evening agreed on and to be executed next day but Achmat was so frighted in the night with Apparitions and fearfull dreams that he said Since that resolution alone had so terrified him he believed his torments would much encrease if put in execution Wherefore he commanded his Brother should live Another time Achmat out of a Window beheld Mustapha whom he had permitted to walk in the Gardens with his Guard and one near him to 〈◊〉 him told him 't was dangerous to suffer his so great liberty Whereupon in a rage he took his Bow and Arrow being a very expert Archer as the Turks generally are ayming to kill his Brother but at that instant he felt such pain in his arm and shoulder as not able to let loose his Arrow saying aloud Mahomet would not have Mustapha to die He had 3 Chambers for Contemplation whose whole delight was to read the Arabian Books of their Doctors in divers Sciences Achmat let him sometimes take the ayr of his Gardens calling him to consult with him of State-affairs taking his advice knowing him of a sound judgement But Achmat falling grievously sick his Bassaes and Counsellors perswaded him to take some good course for the succession His young children were not capable to govern and besides the Sultana their Mother was dead but Mustapha's Mother was yet living who lest her Honour should be Ecclipsed by Government of the Bassaes during the Childrens minority perswaded dying Achmat to make Mustapha his Successour So on his dying day he calling sor Mustapha entreated him to take the Government upon him presently after his death who amazed answered in much fear and humility He might not accept of that Honour since the Empire of right belonged to his eldest Son Achmat disabled his Son for so great a Government both for his age and capacity recommending the Sultanaes children unto him entreating him to use them as he had him leaving the other children to his discretion soon after which words he died and Mustapha 25 years old Osman Achmats eldest son being but 12 was proclaimed Sultan Cham who at first thought he had been in a dream causing the Persian Embassadour to be set at liberty whom Achmat had restrained contrary to the publike Faith then he sent speedily to the Bassa of Buda to entertain the Treaty of peace made with the Emperour inviolably yet during his short Raign he behaved himself insolently and cruelly for he ill entreating the Baron of Mole or Sancie French Embassadour set Guards upon him as a prisoner imprisoning and torturing his people and that upon this occasion Prince Coreskie being brought to Constantinople the G. Seignior was exceedingly pleased for his very Enemies held him for one of the most valiant and redoubted Princes of Christendom Wherefore he was confined to the Towers of the black-Sea five miles from Constantinople appointed for prisoners of great Quality and Importance being shut up with Rigaut a French Captain in a small Chamber on the top of a Tower wherein was a Window for a man to passe thorow yet without Barrs as being so high Coreski was much solicited by the Turk to turn Renegado but he wovld rather die in tedious Captivity than do such an act against God and his Conscience which made the King of Poland write to the French Embassadour to be a meanes that he might be freed from Captivity at any Ransom which the Embassadour durst not undertake though much desiring it as having no charge from his King The Emperour's Embassadour did what possibly he could but the Turk would by no means release him so as his Friends despaired of his liberty But there had been a Lady taken out of Podolia with her fair young Daughter and a maid servant by the Tartars who selling them to a Turk he brought them to Constantinople to make profit This Lady a Christian not hearing of her Husband in nine months went with her Daughter to the French Embassadour's House at Pera to crave his assistance where his Secretary Martin
returned to the 〈◊〉 which made a Breach for 3 men to enter in Front Candale entred first with all his Troop suddenly running to the Port of the Retrait to apply a Petard which also made a Breach the Turks amazed fled to their Walls some retiring into their Towers and others into the Barricadoes in the street they planted also 2 Ladders on the lower part of the Town one breaking with the loss of those upon it by the other though the Turks charged them behind many got up the Walls making their way whilst others taking the Turks Cornet made the rest flee to the Mountains The Knights with those of the Galley of Mary Magd. came not to the Tower upon the Hill till the Petard had wrought effect so the Turks being retired thither they found very great resistance besides the Horse charging them behind thrice they planted their Ladders and could not make them hold Wherefore the valiant Commander Commis Lanzoni would go to some other place but retreating the last he was slain with two Musquet Bullets Those of the Galley of St. John vanquished the 2 Galleys in the Port whereof Inghirami a sign being given him went to take possession The fight in the Fort Towers and at the Barracadoes was hot but at last after 4 hours the Christians obtained an absolute Victory which as it could not be made without the loss of their Enemies so 55 of them were wounded De Vic a French man being one some Gentlemen were slain among whom was Bossierre a French man valourous in this action the sorrow for whose death was generall 2 other brave French men were 〈◊〉 also So carrying their dead wounded to their Galleys and emptying the Fort of all its Artillery Munition and Victuals and beating down the Florentines Heads they set all the Houses on fire shipping with their Booties 350 Turks-slaves and freeing about 250 Christians from Irons As Inghirami sailed towards Ligorne a Turkish Caramousall fell among their Fleet the Patrons Galley infesting it but the Turks made such resistance that above 80 Christians were hurt or slain Candale fighting alone at the prow but the Caramousall being taken and entred it split and sunk suddenly They encountred also with some smaller Vessels taking them and arriving happily at their Port. Aug. 12. after Octaviae General of the Galleys of Sicily by that Viceroy's command parted from Palermo with 8 good Galleys toward the Levant touching first upon Cerigo where he heard that the Turkish Admiral with 30 Galleys was bending toward the Isle Negropont where 60 others attended him also that the Galleys of Rhodes prepared to joyn with him all to fall upon 〈◊〉 against the Turks Rebels Yet he sailed to Nicaria Island understanding there that the Turks Admiral would send 12 Galleys to Rhodes to guard some Vessels of the Fleet which came from Alexandria 2 of which 12 were sent by their Captain to Chio. Octavio resolving to charge those 10 rowed as secretly as he could along the shoar of Natolia comming at break of day to the Cape de-Corvo 20 miles from Chio sending out his long-Boat to discover but the while espying 10 Turkish Galleys he was so diligent that at Sun-rising he had invested them discharging all his Ordnance he with his own Galley joyned with the Turks Standard Galley The Spaniards entring and slaying all that resisted going from the prow to the poop where the Bey or chief Commander stood they forced him to yield The other Galley the while so charged the Turks that they took 5 great Vessels and fled towards Land the Turks having scarce leisure to leap ashoar left them to the pursuing Spaniards the other 3 escaped so 7 were taken with a very rich Booty above 1000 Christian slaves freed and the Turks inchained in their places The most no ed prisoners were Sinan Bey Commander of the 10 Galleys the Bey of Alexandria son to Piali Bassa and some 〈◊〉 and Patrons of Galleys This Summer the Emp. Matthias being gone to an Assembly at Presburg Sigismuud Bator 〈◊〉 Prince of Transilvania living a private life at 〈◊〉 there died of an Apoplexy At Presburg the States of Hungary consulted of fortifying and well manning their frontier-Towns doubting of the Turks fidelity but there was some question upon a decree to the contrary of admitting Germans into Garrison at last they concluded They should be equally admitted with the Hungarians all others to be excluded The Turks the while had burnt and spoiled many Villages in Hungary and Transilvania carrying away many captives c. so that all feared a new War but Achmat hearing upon his way toward Transilvania that Bethlem Gabor was owned Prince under his protection returned yet chiefly because the 〈◊〉 Rebels had burnt and spoiled many places and an Arabian usurping the Title of King had collected 50000 Rebels over-running spoiling his Country threatning his Dominions with greater ruines besides the Portugals and Spaniards making incursions near the red-Sea had taken and spoiled Aden but Achmat approaching Constantinople the Plague was so hot that he stayed at Hadrianople till the end of this year and then came unto the City where he most stately entered and passing before the Mosques the Talismans sacrificed Sheep and Oxen upon Altars in his presence for his prosperity then cutting them in pieces they gave them to the people The G. Seignior after this great plague yet apprehending the infection by the advice of some had all the dogs of Constantinople transported to Scutary in Asia every Housholder being to bring in his dog first to the Cadi and to receive a Tuscary or Ticket for his passage or else to pay 4 Chequines whereby 50000 dogs were transported The reason hereof was for that he found in the acts of his Father that he had sent them all away 30 years before for fear Allowance of bread and flesh was carried every day to sustain them which not sufficing the Inhabitants were much oppressed and ready to mutiny but by his Muphti's advice they were transported to an uninhabited-Island where they all perished The G. Seignior had propounded to his Muphti they might be slain who answered Every dog had a soul and so not fit to kill them A Jew turning Turk soon after bought Grapes of another Turk they falling to blows about the weighing of them the Jew beat the other which he bare very patiently to encourage him it seems in his new Religion for Another Jew came to the Turk demanding Why he suffered himself to be so abused Who answered Thou shalt beat me as much if thou wilt turn Musulman In October at the Turks Bairan or Easter observed twice a year a Turk having drunk Wine too freely was carried before the Visier who seeing the fact verified commanded boiling Lead to be powred into his mouth and eares which was speedily executed Sarder Bassa being retired out of Transilvania with his Turks some nearly allyed to Gabriel Bator to revenge his death caused some alterations and others had
surprized Hust and other places in the Emperour's Name Wherefore the Sultan wrote to the Nobles and States of that Province telling them among other things That he held Bethlem Gabor worthy to succeed Bator and enjoy Transilvania where he purposed to do no wrong there nor suffer it to be done by any other and therefore he would have the Emperour advertised That if he meant to have the peace preserved he should cause those places to be presently restored to the Prince or signifie his mind to him by Letters Of the Rebels in Asia Facardin Emir of Sidon hearing that the Bassa of Damas and the Bassa of the sea came to fall upon him with a mighty Army left his eldest son with Forces in Sidon and other Forts about it and with 3 ships retired into Europe with his 4 Wives 10 Sons 70 Turks and 14000 pound weight of Gold he went from Ligorne to Florence under the protection of Cosmo the G. Duke kissing his Hands and presenting him with a very curious Cutlass enrich't with stones 2 Jewels to his Dutchess worth 6000 Crowns Cosmo received this Turk with all kind of 〈◊〉 defraying his charge and furnishing him with mony They say that Emir made many good Overtures for setling the Christians in Asia and Cosmo had proved the good intentions of most Christian Princes by many generous enterprizes against the Turk but one Prince cannot do all Novemb. 10. A fearfull Tempest full of Winds Thunder and Lightning caused the loss of many Vessels in the Port of Genoa the loss being above 800000 Crowns with a number of persons drowned Naples was not free and the Malta Galleys with many other Vessels had great loss The Sultan having this 2 years had great loss in the Mediterranean by the Galleys of Naples Malta Florence and in the Euxine by the Cassocks charged the Christian Armenians to build him 9 Galleys at their own costs and the Grecians 20 such is the Tyrannie of the Turk over the poor Christians Nassuf the Visier re 〈◊〉 with his Prince from Hadrianople many Janzaries conspired to kill him as he should enter in at the North gate placing themselves there to that end but the Sultan called for him to speak with him keeping him by him till entred into the City whereby he escaped Nassuf shortly after invited the Sultan to a sumptuous Peast and few dayes after he caused all the Crosses in the Temple of Sophia to be thrown down and the Images defaced which had stood entire ever since the Christians Government The year before the Persian King had put to death 1200 Armenians the English Embassadour's Chaplain desirous of the reason conferred with the Armenian Patriarch at Constantinople for there are 2 one being under the Persian and the other at Constantinople under the Turk who told him it was by an Armenian who had counterfeited Letters from the Armenian Patriarch offering to acknowledge the Pope for his and his Churches Head entreating him to write to the King of Persia to give them free leave to do it The Pope bountifully rewarding the Messenger wrote to the King to let them use their consciences who in a rage caused many Armenians to be put to death saying If they would be Obedient to the Pope he would expect no service from them yet the Papists said 't was doue by the Patriarch but the Armenians by a counterfeit Rogue Soon after there arrived a Circassian a Georgian Bishop and a Mingrelian Embassadour at Constantinople complaining of the Persians oppression and cruelty and imploring Succours from the Sultan and straitway came a Persian Embassadour whom the Sultan would not hear till all differences were ended betwixt himself and the Emperour who having sent Gasparo once a servant to the English Embassadour to treat with him at length all matters were reconciled The Year 1614. began with great Prodigies in Hungary and Silesia over Vienna the Heavens were most fearfully red and darkened but all these signes had none other effect this year but the ruin of Nassuf Bassa Grand Visier of the Turkish Empire who being the Son of a Greek Priest and a Tribute child the Turks exacting from the Christians one of three was sold for three Chequines not above 24 s. to an Eunuch at Constantinople And afterwards pleasing the Sultana in overseeing the Building of her stately Mosque she made him Governour of her Houshold thence he was made Capigi Bassa by the Sultan and then Bassa of Aleppo and soon after Governour of all 〈◊〉 where his Ambition made him practise with the King of Persia an ancient Enemy to his Master who dissembling the Knowledge of his treachery the more to gain him made him after Muraths death G. Visier giving him all his goods and making him his Generall against the Persian promised him his Daughter He entring Persia forced Ka Abbas that King to conclude a peace beneficiall to his Master He presents a Million of Gold to his Emperour is well received at the Seraglio and married the Sultans Daughter but he fearing his Spirit commands Bostangi Bassa to execute him about the end of the year Nassuf was then sick at his House whither Bostangi goes with but 7 or 8 men because of suspition demanding to speak with him who excused himself by his servants by reason of sickness the Bostangi replied He could not return to the Sultan who sent him to have certain news of his health before he had seen him Nassuf hereat distrusted yet believing whatever happened to him was inevitable bid them let him enter who at first complemented with him and asked him about his health and then drew forth a Command to Nassuf to deliver the Seal of the Empire which done he drew out another enjoyning him to send the Sultan his Head Nassuf crying aloud desired to speak with him but the Bostangi said He had no such Commission then he entreats him to let him wash himself in the next Chamber that his sonl according to the Turks belief might not depart in pollution this being also denied him the 7 or 8 Capigies invironed his Bed to whom at last he turning himself willed them to do their duties Whereupon they cast a cord about his neck to strangle him but his fatness not suffering them to take away his life presently they cut his throat His designs tended to the ruin of the Christians perswading his Master to break peace with the Emperor the French King and the Venetians promising him to make him Monarch of the whole World that he might keep his spirit in action make himself necessary to his Master and live more safely in Combustions than in a Calm Whereas the Envy and Malice of his Enemies gave him many furious assaults Achmat took his riches into his Chasna or Treasury among which were found about two Bushels of Pearls and Diamonds His death is otherwise related by one then in Constantinople The Sultan dissembled his great discontent against him till some fit opportunity yet Nassuf