Provinces of Glauture and Taperestan which till then resisted the designs and invasions of the Tartars As soon as Talismahar understood that the Army was approaching into his Country he resolved to draw towards them with his Cavalry and Infantry to strengthen the places which might stop and hold out against the Enemy He had with him thirty thousand good stout horse able to make resistance commanded as they were by an experienced General The Tartarian Army was tired out with their tedious journey and continual march besides they wanted provisions in this season in the beginning of the winter not fit for a Camp But Talismahar was chiefly troubled at the unconstancy of the Inhabitants of Tauris who were inclinable if any mishap should fall upon his Army to rise in armes against him and mutiny in the City This apprehension staid him in the place and caused him to send against the Tartars his Cavalry under the command of his Lieutenant named Camares a man of experience and faithful He order'd him to weary his enemies as much as possible and not to venture to fight but upon surprizals and in cases of advantage For Talismahar knew for certain that a great Army that must needs cover over a great compass of ground could not but scatter about His design therefore was to cut off the loose Troops and the skirts of the Army The Emperour foresaw his intent therefore he wisely commanded Axalla to be upon his guard and to take heed lest his men should be surprized unawares for he was already in the Country belonging to Tauris and had sent his summons to a Town named Cafechion which Camares had strengthen'd with a party of Souldiers The Governour refused to yield which caus'd Axalla to block up the place and with all speed he raised a mount on a sudden from whence the Tartars discovered their enemies upon the walls and killed great numbers of them But this disadvantage was so far from affrighting them that it seem'd to encourage them the more So that Axalla weary of their obstinacy commanded a general Assault which forced them rather by the numbers of the besiegers than for want of courage in the besieged The Tartarians spared none within the Walls but kill'd every man Whiles they were busily imployed in plundering the Town Camares arriv'd with a party of horse to relieve it not knowing that it was taken In his way he met with ten thousand Horse sent to wait in the road For Axalla had imagin'd he would make this attempt Camares sent four thousand of his men to attack them which they performed so couragiously that they drove them to their body of horse where Axalla was in person in the mean whiles Camares staid with the rest of his Army in good order animating and encouraging his men But when he saw what had happen'd he was afraid of the coming of the whole Tartarian Army therefore he sounded a retreat and marched still in good order with an eye upon Axalla's motion not to be surprized This experienced Captain soon perceived his intent therefore he order'd six thousand Parthian horse to follow close after him and to assault if they could the enemies Cavalry which was accordingly performed with courage The fight therefore was renewed between these six thousand Parthians and the four thousand enemies horse without any appearance of victory on either side but they still continued in their retreat observing a good order till they came to the passage of a River where Camares seem'd to intrench himself for that purpose he drew up all his men in order of battel and seized upon all the passages sending often his Troops to relieve them that were too hardly beset by the Tartarians but in the mean while Axalla had caused his Infantry to advance and to force one of the passages but they found that Camares with his men were gone a great way having left behind them a garrison in Gorgechin a small Town able to hold out eight or ten dayes this was the way that he took to weary and tire out the Tartarian Army besides he made a destruction every where of provisions and fodder that his enemies Army might meet with no relief in their march hoping by this crafty proceeding to lengthen the war But the Inhabitants of Gorgechin had no such resolution they had fresh before their eyes the sad example of a neighbouring Town sufficiently punished for its obstinacy in resisting the Tartarian Army they were not willing to fall into the same calamity but to improve the folly of their neighbours This caused them to desire to capitulate which was granted and the Town yielded up Axalla there understood that Camares was at Archiech ten leagues off He detached ten thousand Parthian Horse six thousand Scythian and ten thousand chosen Stradiots to see to surprize him The better to compass his design he sent a report before that Gorgechin did yet hold out against him in expectation of being relieved only to cause Camares to stay He advanced still with that chosen party and gave order to the rest of his Army to follow speedily after him By this subtlety he surprized the Enemies unawares in a morning as they lay encamped about a Country Town In the way he met with a thousand Horse whom he put to flight and pursued as far as their Camp Then he drew up his men in battle in the avenues and wayes thereabouts that his enemies might not escape without fighting And because they were so pen'd up that there was but one way for Camares to retreat with his Army Axalla placed there all his infantry in the enemies view when he understood that Camares had nothing but horse with him he caused several Trenches to be drawn to hinder the horse from getting out Of all these passages he had sent word to the Emperour who was marching speedily after him having sent before in all haste the Prince of Tanais with twenty thousand horse Camares thought that the whole Army had surrounded him seeing therefore a necessity either to yield without resistance or fight with disadvantage there being but one way for him to escape out which was also strongly guarded he resolved to save himself betimes For that purpose he had made a Trench a long a little hill under which he drew up his men with a full purpose to break through four thousand Tartarian horse placed there to guard that passage He thought that he could easily cut in pieces so small a number that stood in his way Therefore about midnight the Moon yielding a great light as Axalla was riding about to visit his Guards with two thousand Horse he understood that the Enemy was kindling fires about that Trench He soon perceived their intent therefore he gave orders to have all his Horsemen ready mounted This could not be so soon done but the enemies were making a way through the Guards at the passage They assaulted them at first with two thousand Horse who found the Tartars
have neither their Courage nor Virtue They are but a rabble led on by Insolency and Brutality who would never be so audacious were it not for their numbers I shall only recommend to you the remembrance of your Ancestors Glory and these considerations that your Prince is in the Encounter with you that he never knew what it is to run away or flye from an Enemy that he hath made you pass over the River never to go back without Victory in your Hands and that he puts all his trust upon your undaunted Courages and Faithfulness These words caus'd strange Transports in the minds of the Souldiers which made them break out into loud cries to be led on to the Battel Their furiousness was so great that they were not to be kept in at the sight of the Enemy Odmar soon satisfied them by sending to Tamerlan for the Sign and word of Command when he saw the time convenient but he was prevented by the Moscovites who charged first and gave a furious onset The Parthians received them with an undaunted resolution which had caused them to give back if Odmar at that time had not by his fall disorder'd his squadron By this accident his Cavalry began to shake and was afterwards broken and himself hurried away in the Croud so that he was forced after a considerable loss of Men to shelter himself under the left Wing of his Infantry on that side of the Mountain whither the Prince had sent already six thousand Horse as a recruit When he was mounted again he rallied all his Men that he could pick up and fell upon the sides of the Moscovites Army where the Hungarians were who this day behaved themselves so bravely that only with three thousand Men they broke through Tamerlan's Battel At this he retreated according to the Parthians manner which made the Enemies imagin them to run away This fond conceit had so puft them up that they thought the Victory to be already in their Hands But assoon as the Reer was come up led by the Prince of Tanais who had rallied together about fourteen thousand Horse and all the Foot he obliged the Moscovites to run away in their turn after such extraordinary resistance that one may justly say that their Vertue and Courage was forced to yield to the greater number When the Parthians perceiv'd that Victory smil'd upon them they pursued their advantage so fiercely that their Enemies had neither time to rally nor to understand themselves Tamerlan was here wounded in the Forehead and near the left Eye having left two Horses kill'd under him The Moscovites Army was totally routed many Lords and chief Officers taken Prisoners the Emperour himself was once fallen into the Hands of a Parthian Souldier incognito but he happily sav'd himself and met with ten thousand Horse that had not been broken with them he retreated ten Leagues and for his greater security he pass'd over a River in the Night beyond which he rallied together all that he could save of his Army His Cavalry behav'd themselves in the Battel like Men of Courage but when they saw themselves forsaken of the Foot in the hottest Encounter when they were fiercely charged and Fortune seem'd to turn them her back they were then forc'd to yield to the Conquerour They suffer'd therefore more than the Infantry that sav'd themselves along the Mountains in the dark of the night which favour'd them in all their flight Tamerlan having pursued them three Leagues return'd to the Field where he solemnly gave God the praise for the Victory obtained The next day assoon as it was light he review'd all his Army and understood that he had lost not above seven or eight thousand Horse and between three and four thousand Foot whereas the Moscovites wanted seven and twenty thousand Foot and about fifteen or sixteen thousand Horse We must acknowledge that Odmar this day was the safety of his Prince and of the whole Army and that after his disgrace he behaved himself wonderfully well and wisely in that he assaulted the Enemy upon the Flanks when they had beaten both the Van and the Main Battel and were going to fall upon the Reer led by the Prince of Tanais under whose Wings Tamerlan was retreated If Odmar had not acted in this manner the Moscovites would have doubtless and with ease defeated the Reer and won the honour of that glorious day By this 't is easie to understand how great is the advantage of that Commander who having pitch'd upon a Field and chosen a favourable Ground and Place waits stedfastly for his Enemies coming chiefly when he hath both Wind and Sun to fight with him Tamerlan forgot not to mind his Souldiers and Captains of this happiness It is also certain that when the Reer is well commanded it is able to restore the Battel when it is in a most desPerate condition and to snatch the Victory out of the hands of the stoutest Enemies Assoon as Tamerlan as I have already said had given thanks to God and taken a review of his Army he commanded all the dead both his own men and the Enemies to be buried and afterwards he rewarded all those that had well behaved themselves in the Fight But his joy for the Victory was qualified with the grief for the death of Haly he was killed with an Arrow as he was going to the Fight after that he had gain'd the Mountain and performed Actions worthy of an Immortal Glory Tamerlan caus'd his Body to be embalmed and to remain with him in his own Tent till he return'd to Samarcande where he caused a stately Sepulchre to be made for him which renders his name famous in succeeding Ages and gave a beginning to the glorious Structures which he caused afterwards to be erected in his Capital City and which have made it to be one of the most famous Cities of the World Tamerlan after this Victory was not puft up with Pride as some of his Age are in such great successes many times they are so apt to forget themselves that they become unsufferable to their best Friends But after the slaughter when he beheld so many thousands reeking in their Blood he lamented at the hard and unavoidable fate of such as command in great Armies and addressing himself to those that were about him O how happy is my Father in his choice of Peace and in preferring a solitary and quiet life to this troublesome painful and cruel employment of a Souldier which he must sometimes embrace that governs a Kingdom Is it not grievous that such an one cannot purchase to himself Glory but by the Death of so many millions of his own Species and oftentimes the destruction of his dearest Friends In this manner Tamerlan receiv'd with displeasure such bloody successes purchas'd at the price of so many lives In the mean while he supply'd the duties of his place and gave Orders to advance into the Moscovites Country marching after their flying Army that
you shall with your Army assault a place that I will appoint that your Souldiers may become Masters of a Mountain over against the Enemy which will gall them for when the Chineses shall see that they are assaulted behind and before they will no longer guard the Wall but will suffer you to enter and assist those that I shall lead in and for your security and my fidelity which I promise I will give you my only Son in hostage together with two young Daughters and my Wife and for my Brother I am perswaded he will follow my directions and serve you every where as affectionately as my self When this Lord had ended his discourse the Prince was wonderfully satisfied and began to hope that his design would take effect but he desired that the business should be managed so secretly that he suffered not the Prince of Tanais to know by what means the Lord of Vauchefeu would give an entry into China to his men none was admitted to his Conference but only an Interpreter This Lord went away very well contented with his gifts and Tamerlan's Kindness and respects to him The Prince of Tanais had orders to conduct and guard him with all possible honour and civility Tamerlan likewise return'd to his head Quarters The next day he discover'd all the Plot to Odmar but before he would venture upon the Execution he desired to understand from Calibes what he had learned concerning the intentions and preparations of the Chineses in obedience to his Command he spoke to him in this manner Worthy Prince I am ready to put in execution without examining all your Commands as your most obedient slave if therefore you desire from me to know what I have understood concerning the present State of China having had sufficient time to learn during six Months that I commanded your Armies upon the Borders to defend them against the Inroads of the Enemies I must tell you that the King of China that reigns now is a Prince of a great reputation gain'd by his inlarging the limits of his Empire more than any of his Predecessors before him He is proud and insolent for he names himself The Lord of the World but all his strength consists in the defence and guarding of this famous Wall which stops us here I confess 't is great and is as I judge guarded by fifty or threescore thousand men in Garrison along these Mountains They are the best Souldiers of the Kingdom so that I judge it not possible to force away through without endangering your whole Army I have heard that about the Lake of Hogeen there is an easie way to go into that Kingdom but we must march seven or eight days to it and go through strait passages long and tedious for so numerous an Army as yours is so that the King of China would have time to provide for his defence He thinks at present that none opposes him but I alone and that I am here but only to defend the Country by your orders for my part I think that it is the best for you to direct your course that way it is doubtless the most secure for the conveniency of Provisions the strength of War and of an Army without which there is no marching to a Fight with Courage This noble Prince is my judgment of that you desire to know of me I cannot discourse of the Country till we enter into it The Prince who knew more listened with attention and discovered nothing to him nor any body else about him of that which he had discoursed with the Lord of Vauchefu When every one had spoken his mind he answer'd That the great God whose Glory he maintain'd against such wicked Idolaters would assist his good intentions strengthen the Courages of his Souldiers and would facilitate that which they look'd upon to be difficult or impossible In this manner the Prince discover'd his designs and the strength of his Army which consisted more in cunning than in courage more in the Foxes Taile than in the Lions Skin Thus the Emperour craftily concealed the assured means that he had to open a passage to his Enemies that being ignorant of the facility to overcome them they might ascribe the good success to his conduct alone and by that means that his Reputation might be more increas'd and his Wisdom Skill and Courage more esteem'd But before he attempted this great design he gave rich presents to the Kings Princes and Lords that were there with him to win them and appointed next the Rendezvous of his Army Assoon as it was together in one Body he drew out fifty thousand men of his best Troops making the Prince of Tanais their Captain and gave him for Assistant Axalla the Genoese an experienced Commander faithful and courageous for his interest he desired the Prince to act nothing without his advice and to believe him in every thing At the Day of the departure the Lord of Vauchefu came with his Brother to meet the Emperour they assur'd him that the success would answer his expectation for they had been to visit the way which was to be forc'd and that led into the Kingdom of China they had found it as unprovided as they expected The Prince after a short Conference upon the place resolved to march in person with all his Army and draw near to this famous Wall over against Quaquifou whiles the fifty thousand chosen men commanded by the Prince of Tanais and Axalla should gain the passage into the Country in that order that he had prescribed to them which was that Axalla should lead twenty thousand men in the Van and the Prince of Tanais should follow in the Reer with thirty thousand and that each Party should have with them one of the Lords of China to guide them that the Enterprise might be the easier After this they left the Prince and march'd ten Leagues to the passage which they took without resistance a little while they stopt there to rest themselves and then went on ten Leagues farther to the place where the Chineses were to guard the Wall They never dream'd of any such surprise but minded only those that were commanded by Tamerlan they hop'd well that the great advantages which they had would enable them to repell all the assaults of Tamerlan's Army They found themselves deceived and at a loss for no sooner did the Prince's Army draw near to their Walls but they saw at the same time Axalla coming to them by another way with twenty thousand men seconded by the Prince of Tanais with another Body They went directly to assault them but the Chineses in that urgent occasion divided their Army and unfurnished the Wall which gave an opportunity to Odmar to win it with his Infantry which he commanded that day he made such speed that the Chineses found themselves on a sudden encompassed about with two Armies when Axalla begun the onset The Battel was Bloody the Chineses were totally routed by this noble
Christian before the Prince of Tanais with his Troops could overtake them so weak was the Enemies resistance This Victory enrich'd all the Souldiers of Tamerlan's Army for they found much Gold about them upon their Clothes Arms and Horses one of the King of China's Kinsmen who was stiled King was taken Prisoner with the chief Commanders that were saved from the furious slaughter which was made amongst them The sadness of this overthrow spread every where and soon came to the Ears of the King of China who was then at Quanton It filled all his Court with Sorrow Displeasure and Fear every one wept for his Friend or his Relation but this Prince who had always till then thought himself the happiest of all men was inwardly surpris'd without discovering himself to any of his Court as a man that commanded himself and his passions he gave orders to gather his Souldiers from all Parts and sent for his Priests that kept his holy things commanding them as their Lord in a passionate manner to offer Sacrifices for him to the Gods and chiefly to the Sun the greatest of the Gods whom they think to be immortal impassible the Cause and Author of their Beings that appears to men only for their benefit he sent likewise his orders round about the Neighbouring Provinces of his Empire to call together all that were able to bear Arms appointing them their Rendezvous at Pekin He imagined that Tamerlan would direct his course that way for it was the next City to his Camp and the great Lord of China called the Xianxi fail'd not to be ready with his fifty thousand Men to strengthen such as were to guard the Wall He hasted to oppose Tamerlan in his March into the Country and as his Men were all Horse well acquainted with the By-ways and narrow Passages they were a continual plague to Tamerlan's Army This wise Prince to secure his retreat caus'd the Wall and all the Forts that were there builded to be demolished that the passages might be open for the Garrisons they had all submitted themselves to the Conquerour after the Victory He treated the people of the Mountains so lovingly that he caus'd them almost to forget that they were under a new Lord. He rewarded well the Lord Vauchefu by giving a little County wherein were seven good Towns as Archii Ymulii Falisqâ—â—iem Fulii Cohensin Quialii Pulii and Quiamlu all which were adjoining to this Lords former Territories so that the Inhabitants were so much the more willing to obey him He made him also Governour of the Province next to that of the Xianxi and declared to him by his liberality that he was a Prince of his word his Brother he intended afterwards to gratifie This kind dealing of Tamerlan was very advantageous to him in making way for his succeeding Conquests for he that will subdue Kingdoms and Lands with ease must first conquer the hearts of the Inhabitants The Chineses are great admirers of those vertues that are not practised by them as of Love Affability Kindness and Mercy which Tamerlan's Souldiers were ordered to express to them and which is contrary to that cruel dealing with which they use to treat their Enemies that fall into their hands this Custom they borrow from the Indians their Neighbours When therefore they saw that this Prince handled them in a manner contrary to theirs and that he expressed so much affection for them they began to admire and honour him After the destruction of the Forts Tamerlan took advice which way he should march with his Army He had heard that the King of China had furnished his strong places and that with as many Men as he could gather together he was in his way to meet and fight him This news caus'd him to be not well resolved what course to take first whether he should assault a Town in sight of so powerful an Army or whether he should leave behind him places unconquer'd which might cut off all his Provisions and march directly to fight the King of China's numerous Army In this irresolution he desired to know his Officers minds He called them together and propos'd to them the business which could not be quickly resolved because of the diversity of opinions but at last this advice prevailed above the rest that no Town was to be left behind that they were to make speed and take it before the Battel that the Army might draw from thence Comfort Assistance and Provisions and that in case the Enemy would be so bold as to offer to relieve it that then they would hazard a Battel for this is the ordinary practice of a Conquerour and Assailant to venture a fight with the Enemy as it is the wisdom of the assaulted to decline it and never to yield to it but in necessity for by delays and light skirmishes and without engaging in a whole Body the Conquerour and Assailant is weaken'd and tyred out and by this means Fortune is oftentimes forc'd to declare for him and side with the assaulted The King of China ought in reason to have taken this course if he had been well advised but his ill fortune suffered him not as we shall see by the following Relation This design to march forward being resolved upon in a Council of War the Army went streight to Pekin to lay siege to it This is a great rich and populous Town well walled and adorned with many stately Structures Tamerlan thought that the King of China would rather venture a Battel than lose this City out of his hands He flatter'd himself with the hopes of winning it and the victory at once for the wonderful riches that were in it encouraged the greedy Souldiers to venture their lives boldly chiefly the Tartarians who are unsatiable for Prey and Plunder Odmar was order'd to march forward with fourteen thousand Horse to surround it and hinder the importation of Provisions that they might be useful to their own Army Axalla was appointed to follow him with all the Infantry amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand Men which he commanded as chief Collonel This Office given to him as a reward of his former services caus'd him to be look'd upon both in the Army and in the Court Tamerlan followed next with all his Horse and with his Engines his Artillery and Ammunitions Odmar went the first day twenty Leagues so that when he came to the Walls of Pekin the Citizens expected their King before the Tartarians He took into his custody all the Beasts thereabouts and seated himself in a convenient place to wait for the coming of the whole Army leaving the City between himself and them In the mean while to affright the Enemy and learn news he sent many Parties abroad and about three or four days after the Infantry led by Axalla came to him They sent then their Summons into the Town to command them to yield threatning That the Citizens should otherwise suffer all the Calamities that usually happen in cases
of resistance when they are overcome They returned this answer That they would live and dye faithful Subjects to their Prince This strong resolution proceeded from a new Colony that the Chineses had setled there of their own people after they had driven away the ancient Inhabitants who forty years before had been conquered by the Father of the Cham of Tartary and were his Subjects so that in the City there was no remembrance of the Tartarian Empire but in the Country round about they had a love for their old Masters for the Deputies of the little Towns came to submit themselves to Tamerlan This caus'd his Army to be full of all manner of Provisions and in such plenty that in the Province of Catay they could not have more this gave him great hopes and assurance of the success of his Enterprise for without doubt the want of Provisions and Forrage is the ruine of the greatest Armies and that which disappoints their most likely designs Thus the large and proud City of Pekin was regularly besieged and our Infantry commanded to draw near the Walls round about within a Musquet shot This dreadful sight of so many Enemies affrighted neither the Citizens nor the Garrison Tamerlan left nothing unattempted to reduce them and they used their utmost endeavour to defend themselves as much as could be expected from brave and resolute men In the mean while Axalla went to view a Suburb encompassed about with a Wall about half a League round when he had seen it he wisely imagin'd that the keeping of it would not be easie for the Inhabitants who would hazard too much in defending it he resolved therefore to assault it in the Night when he had first told the Prince All his men were ready at the first Watch with their Ladders and needful Weapons When the time was come the Assault was made in several places and the Tartars were beaten of but at last Axalla enter'd the Suburbs and cut in pieces all that were found in Arms about eight thousand men many of his Souldiers were killed before the Walls in the place where they expected them most likely to enter but in that which they won scarce any body was killed on their side The Plunder was rich and given to the Souldiers This loss together with the Courages of our men terrified the Inhabitants of the City and surprised them strangely so that then they began to despair of their safety of which they doubted not before They found themselves disappointed in their expectation of the coming of their Prince who had promis'd to be with them in fifteen days which were expired They saw this dreadful Army gaining every day Ground upon them and in a Post that commanded their City and from whence with the Artillery they intended and were preparing to batter it These considerations funk deep into many timerous Souls of the chief of the Town who desired more to gain the favour of the Conquerour by yielding in time than to deserve his displeasure by a long a fruitless and too obstinate a resistance But the Governour a great Lord of the Country well respected by his Prince assur'd them that the King was at hand that he would not fail to relieve and succour them in due time that they were not yet in any great danger that the City was yet theirs that the loss of one of its Suburbs was their advantage rather than a loss be-because the keeping of it was difficult and dangerous that now all their Forces were together to defend themselves and beat off the Enemy that for his part he was fully resolved to hazard his Estate and Life and give his Prince all the signs that he could desire of his Courage and faithfulness This discourse coming from such a noble and worthy person who acted himself what he required from them made a great impression upon the minds of the people and obliged them all to return to defend their Walls with a resolution to bury themselves in the ruines of their City rather than to yield basely Pekin is a large Town of a difficult access scituate in a plain surrounded with Mountains at a considerable distance There is only a Hill on the North-side which is nigh the Walls a River runs at the Foot of this Hill and near to it are the Suburbs that were storm'd so that on that side it was not easie to relieve the City or put into it any succours because the Tartarian Army commanded all the passages of the Mountains which were of old the Borders of China when Pekin belong'd to Tartary and serv'd as a Bridle to stop the Inroads of the Chineses They had no other way to succour the Town but along the River over which the Tartars had built many Bridges for the conveniency of their Army that kept the passages of the Mountains so that it was impossible for the Chineses to relieve the Town without the hazard of a Battel which Tamerlan desired and which should be the aim of all Conquerours in his Power and Condition In this posture the Army being passed before the City Odmar Calibes and the Prince of Tanais were often sent out with Parties into the Country to learn and understand something of the Enemy and to cause the Cavalry to subsist the better and keep the Provisions in the Camp for a greater necessity Besides the Souldiers were commanded to provide themselves before-hand with great stores of Victuals that they might be better able to subsist and not be obliged to raise the siege for any want in case the Enemy did offer to beset them This caus'd them to plunder several small Towns that would not bring them in Provisions so that though the Tartarian Army was numerous they had plenty of all things In the mean while the Chineses were more in number and stronger advancing towards us by little and little Tamerlan intended to meet them himself with his Cavalry and to leave the greatest part of his Infantry before the City to continue the siege which he prosecuted vigorously but the Inhabitants resisted and fought with Courage But to trie once more to win the Walls he commanded to plant against it all his Engines of War and to make a breach that his Souldiers might come to a handy-fight and assault the City with more ease This proceeding waken'd the resolutions of the besieged and terrified them wonderfully chiefly a Mount which was raised upon some ruines about a Bow-shot from the Walls upon an high place From thence the Tartars saw and discover'd the Guards within and shot into the City so that by day none dar'd appear upon the Walls This inconveniency oblig'd them to watch and work more carefully in their own preservation For that purpose they began to retrench themselves to secure their Bodies by a Wall that was to be two and twenty Foot high as many broad and fifty Foot in length As soon as the Besiegers perceived it they thought it not convenient to stay
till this work should be finished but rather to try Fortune and endeavour by an assault to win the Walls In prosecution of this design and resolution the Prince sent for Axalla into his own Quarters because it concern'd him most in regard of his Office and because during this siege he had been most active he told him his intentions desiring him to prepare himself and his men for the next morning As soon as Axalla had drawn out his Souldiers he assaulted the Wall which was stoutly defended by the besieged but at last this Captains Valour assisted by twenty thousand of his Men took it by force and fortified himself there He could scarce keep back his Souldiers in their heat and fury from breaking in further according to the commands of Tamerlan which he was perswaded to give for two reasons First because he did not desire that the City should be won by assault for it was rich and full of all good things he was therefore afraid that the Enemies Army should come at that Instant when his Souldiers were busie in plundering the houses which would have caused their utter overthrow for rich Souldiers who have much to lose can never fight well Secondly he stopt his men from taking the City by assault because he intended to make of it a Magazine to furnish his Army and carry on his designs with greater security The loss of the Wall abated not the Courages of the besieged they defended themselves as obstinately and bravely as before in hopes of receiving speedily some succours from their King who was near at hand as they were rightly inform'd But in their greatest expectations the accident of a shot cast from one of the Engines which struck down a piece of Wood and wounded the Governour dangerously caus'd them to lose their Courages This worthy person so affectionate to his Prince and Country died of this Wound a few hours after leaving his Souldiers without heart or resolution for this brave Commander by his example and perswasions obliged them to hold out so long This unexpected accident forc'd them to consent to a Treaty with the Emperour before he should hear any news of their misfortune and of the loss of the numbers of men who had been killed in defending the Wall They expected better and more honourable Articles Tamerlan began to be weary with the long siege eight days were spent since the last assault and he saw no change in the Citizens resolutions and understood not that the King of China made any haste to fight him but when the King heard the Governour of Pekin was kill'd he was afraid of the consequence this made him draw towards the Besiegers with more speed with his Army in Battel Axalla who lodged upon the Wall perceived the Enemy first he went therefore to inform the Prince he rejoyced to hear such good news but his joy was much more increased when he saw the Deputies of the City who came to yield themselves and their City into his hands The Emperour receiv'd them with his wonted kindness promising the Inhabitants his protection if they would continue to him faithful but he threatned them with severe punishments if they offer'd to revolt The Articles were agreed to the Garrison in number about eighteen thousand men went out they were the remainder of thirty thousand in the beginning of the siege which lasted two full Months The Citizens were confirmed in all their priviledges and were mightily taken and enamoured with the sweet and loving disposition of their new Lord. At this same time the King of China who was at hand with all his Army understood that the City was delivered up by the Garrison that he met in his way The Lieutenant Governour he commanded to be executed with many Captains for their Cowardice but he pardonned the Souldiers who were not so guilty He commanded all his Army to stop their march in the very place where he received the news of this Cities surrender thinking more convenient to wait for Tamerlan there in a Ground that lay well for his Forces to draw up The Tartars spent eight days in repairing the breaches and furnishing the Town with all necessaries fit to abide a siege whatever happened The Emperour also mustered his whole Army paid off his Souldiers increased their Wages and rewarded every man according to his deservings he ascribed the honour of this Conquest so considerable to the cares and wise conduct of Axalla therefore he offer'd him the Government over this City and the Country which he had already conquered but he very fairly refused it desiring the Prince to bestow it upon some other Body because he desired no other reward but to bear a share in the labours of his Master whose Glory should be his chief aim and desire This answer pleased the Prince for he had offer'd it to him only because he had well deserved it but he was not willing that he should take it for he was desirous to have him always nigh his person knowing that he was courageous faithful and ingenious and well experienced in the Affairs of War When he refus'd it the Prince of Tanais accepted it with the Title of Vice-Roy Tamerlan having set all things in good order and dispatched some Messengers to the Emperour his Uncle and all his Friends to inform them of his happy successes and satisfied his Souldiers who were ten thousand men less than before he caus'd Prayers solemnly to be offer'd up to the God of Hosts during a whole day After this he march'd to find the Enemy who was with all his Army of his Subjects and Allies at Sintehâ— As soon as the King of China had understood that our Army was passed over the River of Culifu he caus'd it to be proclaimed all over his Camp that every one should be ready to fight for he did not desire to see the Tartarians farther in his Country to eat it up and destroy it But there was no Wisdom in that resolution for it caus'd him to lose his own advantages and run head-long into the mischief that was at hand for had he lengthened the War as he ought the many and strong Towns which were to be besieged one after another would have undermined Tamerlan's Army and render'd it unable to stand against his fresh Troops and for the Tartars they could not in reason advance so far as to leave behind them any one Town which might have cut off their Provisions Reason and Justice obliges Commanders of an Army to deal in this manner otherwise they may soon destroy the most flourishing Army Therefore the Emperour could not but say privately to some about him not in a boasting manner for he never us'd to boast of the greatest advantages that he hath had over his Enemies That the King of China was ill advised to desire a Battel that he would doubtless have cause to repent of this folly at his leisure because his Souldiers were not to be compared to his Men in
Strength and Courage When the King of China understood that the Tartars were marching towards him he advanc'd with his Army to meet them in such a glorious manner as if he had intended only to shew them his Grandeur and Riches Nothing appear'd to the Eye but Gold and Silver in his Army and the Chariot upon which he was mounted was so beset with Diamonds Rubies and Pearls that it was not possible stedfastly to fix the Eye upon it in the Sun This Prince of about thirty three years old had been brought up from his infancy in the delights and pleasures of the Court and not in the troubles of the War which requires a Body inur'd to pains and hardened against the inconveniences of the Seasons He was in his discourses insolent from his Mouth drop'd nothing but Threatnings Words of Contempt and Defiance complaining that he had been surpris'd by the Tartars and engag'd in a War without notice given as it is the Custom of his people Three or four of his Neighbouring Kings accompanied him in the same State and Splendour so that the hopes of such rich Spoils as were to be gotten with the Victory strangely encouraged the Tartarian Souldiers to behave themselves like men Whiles the two Armies were drawing nearer together Tamerlan took the Town of Thiauchevoi in his march which happened to be very useful to his Army in regard of its good scituation in the midst of Waters and Pasture Grounds for Cattel so that when Tamerlan saw it first he resolved to pitch there his Tents and see whether the Enemy would have so much boldness to attempt upon him in that place that would prove disadvantageous to him To engage the Chineses the sooner to a Battel he sent them a defiance and at the same time laid siege to Panihu which was a little behind him This Town was strong and well furnished with a stout Garrison Panihu was distant from Thiachevoi about ten Leagues so that it had not been convenient for the Emperour to return and assault it himself for then he had been forc'd to turn his Back to the Enemy he judg'd it therefore more fit for him to beset it with his Troops of Horse for these two Reasons First to hinder the Enemy from breaking in upon his Army and next that he might with more ease approach nearer to the King of China But this Precaution was not needful nor the Consultation that happen'd thereupon for when Odmar was return'd he assur'd him that the Chineses were within a Days March and that in all likely-hood the Battel would be the Day following At this news the Prince sends for Calibes who was with ten thousand Horse before Panihu commanding him to come to him with speed In the mean while he was careful to provide all things needful and to seek his advantages to win the Victory The Army advanc'd softly within a League of Thiauchevoi and the next day understood for certain that the Chineses were in their march towards him The Emperour with a merry Countenance as soon as he had acquainted Odmar with the Order that he intended to observe and drawn up his Men in the Field that he had chosen look'd upon the Enemy in their march at the head of six thousand Horse with which he advanc'd before his Army having Calibes with him He used thus to view the Enemy himself without trusting to other Mens Eyes He endeavour'd to draw them into the Field where his Army was ready for the Battel When he had well considered this vast Army he commanded Calibes as soon as he should be assaulted to retreat back in good order and draw the Chineses nearer to the Tartarian Troops He returned afterwards to his Army to prepare them for the fight disposing of his Infantry upon the decline of the Hill with their Artillery to defend them They were in number sixscore thousand men armed according to the Christians fashion under several Captains who obeyed Axalla as their Lieutenant-General The Cavalry was drawn up in a plain Ground having their Enemy at their right hand and their Infantry at the left to withdraw towards it in case of necessity They were in number fourscore thousand Horse Caliâ—â—es with the Tartars led the Van He was to command thirty thousand divided into three Bodies of ten thousand a-piece who had orders to join to him as soon as he should have drawn the Enemy into the Field according to the Prince's Orders Odmar was commanded to second him with thirty thousand more and Tamerlan led the Reer which he placed near one of the Wings of the Foot which he look'd upon as the chief strength of his Army His intention was to let those threescore thousand Horse begin the Battel led on by those two great Commanders He hop'd when they should have broken the Enemy or shaken them he would quickly defeat them He commanded them therefore to advance forward staying behind with his Infantry and twenty thousand chosen Horse able to win another Battel if his Men had been beaten When these things were thus order'd Calibes by retreating from the Enemy drew them on forward but sometimes he charg'd them home It was a beautiful sight to behold that great Army stronger than ours full of armed Chariots with which the Chineses expected to get a great advantage over Tamerlan's Army The Chineses were full of Gold and Silver their Armour Horses and Cloths were so loaden that the Tartars had just cause to wonder In the mean while the Emperour's Eye was every where he was well pleased to see Calibes execute his Orders so punctually and to behold the Chineses draw towards him in good order He endeavour'd to understand in what place their King was for that purpose he had near him the Lord of Vauchefu who was well acquainted with their Rules and Manners This Lord caus'd the Prince to take notice that they had but one Body which was not divided into Van and Reer and that the King was in the middle of his Chariots and Infantry Upon this Tamerlan turn'd back to his Men telling them That they must scatter that Golden Cloud and that the King of China must give them a share of his Riches As soon as he had spoken these words he gave not time to the Enemy to rest after a march of a long League but sent order to Calibes to begin to charge with his Van-guard and that he should send back his ten thousand wearied Horse to him Calibes could not prevail upon them to retreat but they as soon as the signal was given desired earnestly to go in the Front and give the first On-set under the Command of a young Lord named Ziocoatanes This Lord charg'd the formost of the Chineses Army so stoutly that he made them give back The Battel was Bloody for every one endeavour'd to shew his Courage and fight for the honour of their Prince and the safety of their Nation In an hours time it was not known which Party had
them one hundred thousand Crowns for their releasement That no Chinese within his Territories should hereafter be kept Prisoner or sold as a Slave That there should be a free Trade between both Kingdoms That the King of China should leave as Hostages for the performance of the Treaty his Brother and the two Kings that were Prisoners and besides them twelve other Lords of China who should be exchang'd every year by a like number that should take their rooms and bring with them the Tribute of two hundred thousand Crowns These conditions though hard and grievous were accepted because they were not in a condition to refuse them for their Armies were destroyed their strength was weakened the best Men and the flower of their Army kill'd or wounded and the remainder were affrighted their King taken two Battels lost the two chief Cities of the Kingdom snatch'd out of their hands and all their chief Passages at their Enemies command In regard therefore that they were threatened with a general desolation and all the Country was full of fears and apprehensions they reckon'd that favour was shewed to them to spare that which was left of their Kingdom which would infallibly and totally be ruin'd if the Peace was not concluded and their King set at liberty They were well inform'd that the Emperours Army was to be recruited with other fresh Troops that were in their march towards the Army All these things considered caus'd them to resolve and yield to the conditions required without any further debate taking a strong resolution to bear with patience the Yoke of their Bondage until such time as they should have a favourable opportunity to assert again their own liberties and free themselves from the Tartars In the mean while the Prince had dispatch'd two thousand Horse with a Commission to bring with them the King of China from Burda that he might swear to the Peace in Freedom At Quanton he took the Oath Tamerlan departed immediately to Pekin carrying with him all the Hostages and amongst the rest the Kings eldest Son and Brother The King went into his Kingdom to appoint all things for the performance of the Articles agreed upon He was received by his People with strange transports of joy insomuch that they seem'd to adore him Tamerlan's vigilancy was mindful of every thing that might secure his conquered Countries He look'd upon Odmar as the fittest Person to leave behind him and govern in his absence he made him therefore his Vice-Roy giving him an absolute power over all the Country with thirty thousand Horse and fifty thousand Foot well furnish'd with all needful things they were to be dispers'd into all the Garrisons and Strong-holds He wish'd him to make his ordinary abode at Quanton to cause good and strong Guards to be kept all along the River and to build a Fort at Dermio to secure that place He recommended to him the Person of the Lord of Vauchefu who had express'd so much zeal and affection to him in this War and so much experience in Publick Affairs for his Brother he was willing to keep him near his own Person and give him an Estate in Sachetay where he enrich'd and enobled him He invited also several of the Inhabitants of Quanton and of other places to serve him with an intention to settle them in his own Country and send thither Parthians in their stead to arm himself by that means against their inconstancy All things having been thus order'd the Army took the way to Cambalu but before they began to march the Prince sent to the Emperour his Uncle to inform him of his happy successes and return In this Court were several jealous Heads that blam'd Tamerlan for what he had done because he had not subdued and destroyed all China But they understood not the difficulties that were to be overcome and that it is not always good to pursue things to the uttermost that turnings of Fortune are too ordinary that such as would have too much more than they ought lose often what they might have kept with honour and safety In trurh by keeping what he had conquer'd Tamerlan could justly name himself King of China He had in his Possession two of the most beautiful and greatest Cities of the Kingdom with an infinite number of lesser Towns with an hundred Leagues in the Country limited with a great River which could not hinder him from going over to the Enemies at his pleasure and yet stop'd them from coming into his Dominions without danger and trouble in regard of the easiness of the guard and defence of it The King of China could not fail to pay his yearly Tribute but he must at the same time draw upon himself the inconveniences of his Army So that by this Peace Tamerlan got more honour and deserved more praises than if he had destroyed all China with Fire and Sword and ruined a People that had yielded themselves into his Hands so freely to pay him Tribute One thing chiefly surprised the Chineses and caus'd them to be strangely grieved It was the Command that the Prince gave Odmar before his departure to break down all the Idols that should be found within his conquer'd Country for he order'd them all to worship but one only God according to the Custom of the Parthians unto whose Religion he wish'd that they would join and accustom themselves The People expected no such proceedings but they hoped to enjoy all their ancient liberty in all respects but now they saw that they must of necessity yield to this Order seeing that the Prince had left Odmar to Command them one of the wisest and most experienced Captains of his Empire who had always a care to observe and put in execution his Lords Commands When Odmar took his farewel of the Prince he humbled himself as low as his Feet according to the Custom of the Country but the Prince raised him up with a smiling Countenance I perceive saith he that thou art become a Chinese seeing that thou offerest to worship me as they do their King but the greatest worship that I require of thee is that thou shouldest put my Commands in execution I intreat thee above all things to establish amongst my new Subjects the Honour and Service of God and next my Authority and remember that all these Persons that I leave at thy command have been subdued by the Sword and not by Love or their own Inclinations so that they are to be kept in and under by fear and not to be trusted too far I recommend my affairs to thy care Farewel The Assistants took notice at this separation that the Prince never left any Body with so much regret and displeasure as he did then Odmar But it was absolutely needful to leave such an one as he was in this Country a Man of that extraordinary wisdom faithfulness and experience The Army in their return homewards carried with them all their sick People and after two days March they
took Tana which belong'd to the Genoeses he recover'd Aches and Lopeso three considerable Towns which the Prince bestowed upon Axalla willing him to fortifie them and furnish them with all necessaries Some may wonder what moved this Genoese Prince who had refus'd the Government of the Kingdom of China and many considerable Towns to accept now a small Territory with more satisfaction and to prefer such narrow Limits to greater Dominions This discovers that strong affection that we have naturally for the Country where we came first into the World Axalla accepted of this Gift the rather because he might hereafter retire himself in Capha in case of necessity Though he held the second place and was next to the greatest Monarch of the World he seem'd thereby to confine all his ambition to this little Territory and preferr'd a small Portion of the Caspian Sea to a large Compass of Ground limited by Scythia and China and all the Countries conquer'd by his Master though he were well-beloved by the Souldiers and highly respected by all other Persons The Army continued sometimes about Mechet to refresh themselves The Prince till that time had employed himself in Hunting having left the whole Command of the Army to Axalla but now he took charge of it himself and caused it to march forward towards the holy Mountains where the Circassians and Georgians sent Ambassadours to him to offer him their assistance These People are numerous all professing the Christian Faith They have been always Tributaries to the Roman Emperour since the time that they were conquer'd by Pompey before that they were under the Jurisdiction of Mithridates whom this Roman General overcame They were joyful to receive Tamerlan's Army because his design was to free the Grecian Empire from the Tyranny of the Ottoman Family Axalla perswaded a great many of that Country to joyn themselves with the Army for they are noted for their courage and strength They are a sort of People tall well-set Bodies and very Warlike they have often resisted the Power of the Turks partly by their stoutness and partly by the scituation of their Country which is Craggy and Mountainous At the first noise of War they burn their Houses and waste the Country so that they are able to withstand by that means the Assaults of a powerful Enemy The Emperour was well pleased to behold these proper Men with their long Hair and took a delight to understand their Warlike Dispositions and Actions Therefore he gave an express Command That his Army should not do any injury to that Country They were at that time part of the Empire of Trapezuntium which belonged to Greece The Prince was received every-where with Honour and his Army supplyed with Provisions as much as could be desired here It was reported for certain That Constantinople was besieged by Bajazet who with a very powerful Army was set down before it and kept in the Emperour Paleologue and that all his Dominions were in a great danger to be lost The Turkish Prince could not believe that Tamerlan dared oppose his Designs Therefore when the fame of the Tartarian Armies coming spread about amongst his Souldiers he forbid by his Proclamation any person so much as to mention the Tartarian Army so highly did his proud mind despise and contemn it All the Inhabitants of the Country where this Army pass'd prais'd the Souldiery and wish'd them all happiness because they were orderly quiet peaceable and just in their dealings If a Souldier had stole but an Apple he was sure to dye for it without Mercy This severity was observed in all the March because this expedition was undertaken for no other purpose but to deliver these people from the fears and slavery of the Turks and force proud Bajazet to listen to some reason In this order the Army came to Bachichich where it stopt to take some refreshment eight days There the Embassadors of Guines a Man highly esteem'd for his Holiness met the Prince They offered him in their Masters name all the help and assistance that he could desire or want in this expedition they brought him some beautiful Horses and assur'd him in their Master's name that he should succeed in his designs for Guines was a learned Astrologer and a Prophet in those Parts The Emperour declar'd to them That he thought himself honoured by their coming in Embassy from such a Prince therefore he sent a rich Present of rare Furs and some Golden Plate Here at Bachichich he mustered and viewed his Army and gave them all their Pay both Horse and Foot exhorting them to behave themselves valiantly It was his constant practice to do so at such times He caus'd them also to exercise themselves with feigned Fights that they might be more expert and keep their order he was very careful of this which he recommended always to his Captains In those days every private souldier had the liberty to behold their Emperour with more confidence than at other times for the Prince gave them access and seem'd to cast off the Majesty and State which at other times hinder'd their approach that he might converse the more familiarly with them and encourage them to be brave and couragious At the departure of the Army from Bachichich it consisted of three hundred thousand Horse and five hundred thousand Foot of several Nations Tamerlan had heard how the Turks had conquered all Greece he imagined therefore That as soon as Bajazet should hear of their approach he would depart out of Asia into Europe for his security as Wisdom and Reason oblig'd him had he been well-advised but his Pride and Presumption caus'd him to take a contrary course to all the Rules of the Art of War for as soon as Tamerlan's Army was at Buisabuich beyond the Country of the Georgians Axalla left the Van which he commanded to ride back to the Prince to acquaint him with Tydings that he knew would please him That Bajazet had left the siege of Constantinople and was marching with all diligence to protect the Countries of Asia That he intended to fight him and that for that purpose he had sent for all the Troops that were in Greece and gathered all the Souldiers that he could possibly get from all Parts He did not trust so much to their Numbers as to the Courages Boldness Skill and Experience of his Janisaries who had been train'd up in War and knew not what it is to flye away The Emperour was joyful at this news but not insolent for he foresaw the Event of a Battel and confessed That a small number well-govern'd and bravely led on is able to carry away the Victory from a more numerous Army Three days he stop'd at Buisabuich whiles his Troops were drawing towards Euphrates that they might pass over that River and live in the Enemies Country and ease that of the Confederates Here the Prince sent an Express to the Emperour his Uncle to inform him of the raising of the siege
of Constantinople and of the resolution of the Turks to fight him in a pitch'd Battle He intreated him not knowing certainly the hazard of War to prevent the worst and give order that the Borders of the Empire might be well-guarded and secured with Souldiers That the Cavalry might be always ready with their Horses because the Neighbouring people who are wont to fawn upon the Conquerour in his prosperity change their minds insult and labour to spoil them when Fortune begins to frown Therefore wise Princes when they are ready to adventure their Army in a considerable Battle always labour to secure the entry of their Dominions for fear that victorious Enemy in pursuance of his advantage should deprive him of the power of recovering his loss by winning from him his Country This was Tamerlan's constant practice in such occasions He was more careful to call upon his people and advise them to provide for their defence than to send them notice of his Victory The Army left Buisabuich after that a Council of War had been held of the chief Officers and noblest Persons whom the Prince was wont to call together to propose his designs and desire their advice By this means he won their Affections which he knew how to reward such persons as were the farthest from him did sometimes receive Testimonies and Marks of his goodness and of his esteem with which he honoured them in the places where the Army continued a while and when it was at a stand But chiefly the Officers of Forraign Nations and of his Allies did often receive expressions of his bounty He did frequently invite them to eat at his Table where he did converse with them in a very obliging manner setting aside for a while all gravity and incommodious reservedness Amongst these strangers the Lord of Vauchefu a Chinese was one of the most esteemed and honoured by him He often said That the Vertue and Courage of Axalla together with the Affection of this Lord had made him Master of one of the noblest Kingdoms of Asia Therefore to shew how thankful he was the Prince had him often near his person and discours'd with him concerning the Customes and Manners of the People through whose Country they march'd This Lord brought with him some Troops out of China which kept company with the rest of the Army and observed the same Order and Discipline Thus the Army arrived at Garga where it pass'd over the River Euphrates the Van having gone over before at Chinserig The Rendezvous of the whole Army was appointed at Gianich which was surrendred at the first summons There Tamerlan understood That Bajazet was within thirty Leagues of that place which caus'd the Tartars to march more warily and more compact together The greatest part of the Cities and Towns in the way were yielded up into the Prince's Hands who treated them very kindly but those that offered to resist were severely punish'd if the Inhabitants were Turks but the Christians were commonly pardoned and set at liberty for the sake of the Emperour Emanuel Paleologue whom the Prince was resolved to gratifie in all things Axalla according to his orders caused them to take an Oath of Allegiance to this Prince whom he intended to re-establish in possession of his whole Empire and punish his dreadful Enemy whose ambition carried him to attempt the ruine and destruction of the once flourishing Empire of Greece without minding how much the Tartars were obliged to defend it This War undertaken by Tamerlan against him who was commonly called the Thunder-bolt of Heaven could not have a more just and reasonable ground for besides the horrid Cruelties that he committed upon both Sexes he endeavoured to take away the Empire from a Confederate Prince under a pretence of pacifying the troubles and rob one who had never offended him He often flattered him with fair promises which he never fulfill'd so that he had reduc'd him to that extremity that of a large Empire he had only a few small Towns remaining to him about Constantinople unto which he had laid Siege This undertaking therefore of Tamerlan was very honourable to free this Emperour from an apparent Tyranny and Oppression and to pluck out of the unmerciful Hands of so barbarous an Enemy a flourishing Empire and the most Magnificent City of the World In the prosecution of so honourable a design he expected with good reason the blessing and assistance of the great God of Hosts In this little digression I have thought fit to shew the greatness of his courage that led and inclined him naturally to help the feeble oppressed with unlawful Powers and to oblige the proud to listen to reason in imitation of God unto whom all Soveraigns should endeavour to be like The Army left Granich with joy and assurance of success Axalla who Commanded the Van sent before Chianson Prince of Ciarran with four thousand Parthian Horse to learn some certain news of the Enemy He commanded to destroy all places thereabouts with Fire and Sword and to bring him word where Bajazet was and what manner of Country was beyond Sannas This Captain who was highly esteem'd in the Army and Commanded in Axalla's absence the Van-Guard sent before his Party five hundred Horse Commanded by a Parthian Captain who had not gone above ten Leagues but he had news of the Enemy for as soon as he had surpris'd Sannas he was told that the Turkish Army was at Taraya in their march to meet Tamerlan Axalla sent notice of this to the Prince who commanded him to keep the place till the Turks were come up and to let him understand every hour all the news that he could learn Tamerlan had no desire to march any further because he was already in a large and spacious Field fit for a Battel He was forc'd to precaution himself and take care of his great business because he had to do with a War-like People us'd to fight against Christians a cunning People that want nothing to manage the business of War He consider'd therefore that though his Army was more numerous than his Enemies it was compos'd of many Nations who were to be govern'd with discretion for they were then to fight not with the Chinese a delicate and effeminate People but with true Souldiers who had no other hopes but in Victory Therefore the Prince forgot nothing that might be useful to him and help him in his business for that purpose he sent Axalla to take a view of the Ground unto which he intended to draw Bajazet to have his advice whether it were fit for a Battel It is scituated between the Sea or the Pontus Euxinus and Gianich near Sannas on the one hand it is bounded by a little River that runs into Euphrates He sent him word again to have a care to keep Sannas as long as he could and that in case they could not keep it they should set Fire to the Houses and burn it that the Enemy might not stop
chance to be increas'd and the Rebels grown so numerous that they may perhaps be too powerful for their inconsiderate Prince Six months were spent since Tamerlan's leaving of Samarcand This time seem'd tedious to some whose earnest desire to see their Country gave them a longing to march that way This caused many of them to murmur in the Camp because the Prince began to undertake a War in a far Country which would not suddenly end This report which might have had a dangerous sequel obliged Prince Axalla to acquaint the Emperour therewith He presently called his Army together as soon as they were arrived to a place convenient and spake to them at the general muster in such terms as were able to oblige them to undergo all hardship for their Princes service As soon as they were arrived at Calestrie a general review was order'd where the Emperour was in person and spoke to the Parthians in this language Tamerlan's Speech to the Parthians I Cannot imagine my dear Companions that the desire of seeing again your Native Country is so violent in you or that you are weary to purchase more Glory to our Nation seeing that all the people of the World adventure all things for that advantage which you have in hand we have together for many years obtain'd great Victories which have rais'd the Parthians in reputation above all other Nations and spread their fame round about the World If you be weary to fight under my Command Tamerlan shall accomplish his glorious designs by other Nations than his own and the Parthian so much renown'd by the late successes obtained upon many people shall see themselves forgotten or miserably despised through the shame that you shall have brought upon them I cannot think any such thing of you fellow Souldiers whose Reputation is spread all over the World I will not nor ought not to believe it Follow me therefore and let us go courageously and fight the Mamelucks You know very well though they live at a distance from us they have endeavoured to withstand our successes by joyning their forces with the Ottoman Armies to oppose us Will you suffer me to revenge my self upon them without your help Would you have the Tartarians and my Allies have a share in my Victories whilst you shall go and be idle at home Will you lose the benefit of so glorious an enterprise As soon as the Prince had ended his speech all the Parthians cryed out with a loud voice that they would die with him and that saying they had attended upon him in China they would now follow him all over the world but they intreated him to have compassion of their Wounds of their gray hairs so as at last to set some bounds to their labors and his Conquests This he promis'd them in such an obliging and mild manner that they were all very well satisfied The Emperour spoke not a word to the others for they were glad of the advantage they had over the Parthians to have seen them ready to disband and forsake the Army So that when Tamerlan rode before the Scythian Cavalry they all cried with one voice Victorious Emperour what mean you March on March on we will follow all over the World These words gave a great contentment to the Prince for the Parthians and Scythians were his best Souldiers He was therefore glad of an opportunity to encrease their emulation To oblige them the more to be faithful to him the Prince commanded a strict inquiry to be made for all persons diseased or wounded and besides their ordinary salary he appointed them and others to receive from the Treasurer of the Army extraordinary wages Then the Army marched forward with much joy and assurance of success The Vanguard commanded by Axalla and Andronicus went before Tamerlan had news how that the Sultan of Egypt was very active in gathering his men together to defend himself and his Country though he could easily guesse how difficult a matter it was to stop the Terror and fury of a victorious Army that had overthrown the most dreadful Monarch of all Asia These considerations made the Mamelucks look about But the Sultan was a young Prince promoted to that high dignity by his extroardinary courage and rare Vertues but he had no great insight in War But since his Election he had not given any proof of his valour and affection to his people He saw himself the Lord of a large Continent and of many strong Towers well provided and fortified therefore out of an high conceit of his own greatness and of the confidence that he had in himself he resolved to try whether fortune would favour him but rather than to lose so fair an opportunity of declaring his courage he was willing to hazard his own ruine As the wining of a battle was all his hopes he made for that purpose all necessary preparations to be ready to fight when ever he should be required and in case the victory should fall to his Enemies share he had so order'd his affairs that he might fly to some safe and secure place of advantage where he might recover his loss and be in a Condition to venture a second Battel As soon as the Emperour was well informed of his intention he advised with Axalla and Andronicus which way he should turn the head of his army that he might force the Enemy to come the sooner to a battle It was resolved by them that it should take the way through Caramania and march strait to Gevolach This was the first frontier Town belonging to the Mamelucks and nearest to the Turks dominions who had conquer'd all the Countrey as far as that place when the peace had been concluded between these two Nations Bajazet had endeavoured to have it that he may receive sure succours that way from the Sultan and strengthen himself the more against the powerful enemy that was coming against him Therefore this Town which was of a strong scituation had been furnish'd with all necessaries by the Sultan for a stout resistance Axalla advancing with his Van-guard sent a Summons to the Townsmen to yeild speedily or to expect a severe punishment for their foolish confidence and temerity The Inhabitants return'd this answer That they were obedient Subjects and had express orders to fight it out and resist as long as they could and that they would rather suffer death than fail in their duty and fidelity to their Prince and Country When the Emperour heard their obstinacy he was wrath that a small Town should be so bold as to attempt to stop his power seeing that he had met with no place able to resist him since his departure from Samarcand for all Cities sent him their Keys when he was yet at a distance from them But seem'd to dissemble a while his displeasure and commanded Axalla to go beyond it towards Aleppo which willingly was surrender'd because there was no other Garrison there but of the natural Inhabitants In the
bodies and that the wrinkles which appeared upon his face told him that his youthful days began to pass away and that this decline made him fear that Fortune would retake from all that she had given him He was the more earnest and passionate to return home because he was resolved to imbellish the City of Samarcand and eternize there his name and memory for that purpose he saught every where for all skilful Artists and men of industry and of comely Bodies and Countenances to carry them to this City that they might adorn it and cause it to be distinguish'd from all others As this had been his Cradle he was resolved to make it his Tomb and to restore to the same ground that which he had borrowed from it A certain Heathen unto whom the Prince had shewn the stately Sepulcher that he built for his body which this man wondred at and ask'd him where he would build another for his Soul The Prince with his eyes lifted up towards heaven answered him That his Soul should return to the place from whence it was taken seeing that it was of a Divine Substance I may take notice of one remarkable passage more he was reproved by a noted Priest of the Mahometan Faith because he forced not all the People that he subdued to make profession of the same Religion My Friend replied Tamerlan to him I shall never do that I cannot but think that God delights in the diversity of Religions amongst men He hates only those that have no Religion or that deny him such Persons I would willingly banish out of the World It is not but that I am fully perswaded that the way and method of my worshipping of him is the most pleasing to him But I shall give liberty to every one in all places of my Empire to adore him as they all believe that he ought to be in case their intent be to honour him alone and not to disgrace him by irreverence Therefore he thought that every one ought to continue in the Religion where he was born and brought up in case one only God was worshipped I thought fit to publish these particulars of Tamerlans Religion for there was no man that spoke of God with more respect and dread which was so great that none could imagine a more sincere and more extraordinary devotion than that which he expressed outwardly To return to the history The Emperour received news that Calibes in whole place the great Chamberlain govern'd the Army was in his way and near Alexandria which report caused an universal joy all over the Army for his coming was likely to hasten their departure to their native Country where they should rest from their labours and dangers after the conquests of so many Nations Axalla was commanded at the same time to return with his Army and the parties that were dispersed abroad had orders sent them to gather together in one body the Emperor thought fit to take out of Alexandria seven or eight thousand Inhabitans placing other people in their stead and to leave in Garrison six thousand horse and ten thousand foot Whiles these things were doing Calibes arrived and was received by the Prince in that kind manner that his services had deserved he gave him his Commission and Instructions what to do in his absence and placed him under him as his Lieutenant General in Alexandria and the Country round about Zamolzan a man of great reputation he appointed forty thousand horse and fifty thousand foot to remain behind with Calibes Some of them were placed in Garrisons in the strong Castles and near the Sea-side and the rest were to be in readiness together in one body and to be commanded by Zamolzan until Calibes should return from Cairo whither the Prince intended to lead him to take possession there of his Government of Aegypt and Syria and of all the Countries of Lybia and Barbary which had submitted to him When the Emperour had thus settled all things and understood that all his new subjects were ravish'd in admiration of his kindness moderation and justice and were not sorry to be govern'd and overcome by a Prince so worthy to command because of his rare qualities and good inclinations when he had caused the Inhabitans of Cairo Alexandria and Syria and of the Country thereabouts to swear to be faithful to him he caused his Army to march homewards The Van was commanded by Axalla and the body of the Army by the Prince of Tanais he had given his orders to Calibes how he desired that he should behave himself in his Government and at his departure he embraced him as a friend From Cairo he marched strait to Jerusalem whither he returned with few of his followers he staid there eleven dayes to visit again the Sepulcher of Jesus Christ the God of Christians every day he went thither to perform his devotions He caused also some of the Ground of this place to be carried with him to Samarcand to honour and sanctifie as he said the places there of devotion He visited again the ruines of the Temple of Soloman that he might after that model build one like to it at Samarcand When he considered this City which heretofore was the Royal Palace of David and Solomon he lamented to look upon the ruines because it was not yet in its former splendor and glory which caus'd it to be admired heretofore by all the World Such was the Love and Inclination that he had for things esteem'd Holy and Religious He had a contempt for the Jews and could not endure them for he expressed a detestation of their cruelty in murdering him who came to save them The Emperour therefore out of his affection for Jerusalem made it a free City without taxes or subsides or Garrison He gave great gifts to the Monasteries whom he respected while he continued there As soon as the great Chamberlain was received as General in the Army which Calibes had left him he went to besiege Meleg a Town scituate upon the River Euphrates but when he had batter'd the Walls and reduc'd the Inhabitants to great wants he was forced to raise the Seige for the City was releived by the Princes of Quillean and Caldar and others who had united together being thereunto incouraged by a false report that the Emperour had been defeated This news had caused all the neighbouring Provinces to rise up in Arms before they were afraid to stir but now they gathered together in an Army and march'd against the great Chamberlan to fight him he had no orders from Tamerlan to adventure his Army in a battle he therefore retreated back and retrench'd himself along the River Euphrates waiting there for the coming of the Enemies They attempted several times in vain to force him to go out of the Trenches But he sent News to the Emperour of the present posture of his affairs that he might have some succour sent him for he thought that the Enemies would not
to annoy them with his Artillery which he caused to be planted there as likewise to hinder Axalla from placing any Troops upon it because it was able to do a kindness to him that should have it first As soon as it was day Axalla had news that there was a stirring in the Turks Camp more than ordinary as if they intended to decamp To understand the truth he put himself at the head of twenty thousand Horse and with them he advanced to observe their motion resolved to fight them if they intended to retreat But when he took notice nearer of their Actions he perceived their purpose he called therefore the Prince of Tanais and Sinopes telling them that he was not willing that the Turks should intrench themselves upon the Hill which he shewed them because it would be prejudicial to his Army and that therefore it was requisite to drive them from thence before they were there well setled Sinopes had immediately orders to assault them with twenty thousand of the stoutest Infantry of the Army Axalla doubted not of the Victory if he could but succeed in this attempt upon those that were upon the Hill which was scituate in such a place that the Horse were not able to get near it because of a morish ground lying round about near a league from the Hill But the foot could march up with ease Axalla had great hopes of success because he knew the courages of his Infantry that he employed which was the stoutest in the World and the noble and brave soul of Sinopes their Captain who led them on and would do all that could be expected from a skilful and resolute Commander The Tartarian Army stood in order of battle over against the Turks The Infantry was Commanded to advance that it might back Sinopes and be ready at his motion to assist him He was resolved if the Enemy was obstinate to defend this Hill to fight on foot and to employ all his might and force to drive him from thence The Prince of Tanais was at the Head of his Cavalry over against the Turks Horse Neither of them was able to do any good to those that were to fight for the possession of the Hill Sinopes by Axalla's advice had taken a Compass round under a high piece of ground which hindered the enemies from receiving his motion whiles he stood ready to assist them So that Sinopes broke in upon them with his twenty thousand foot and disordered them before they were aware An Enemy surprised is half overcome The Turks astonished with this suddain onset knew not whither all the Infantry or but a part had assaulted them This conceit filled them with apprehensions At that time the rest of the Army stood in order of battle at one end of the Marsh and both Armies were in sight of one another very silent but when the Turks perceived what was acted upon the Hill they made all haste to help their Comrades and ressist the Tartars The Bassa being a very skiful Commander sent away all his Infantry to sâ—â—ccour his men who had been broken at the first charge of the Tartarian foot and had left them the possession of the Top of the Hill By this means they got the advantage of the ground so that they encountered the Turks with more ease whereas the Turks stood upon a shelving ground which hindered them from using their Weapons with that advantage as the others could But the great companies of Janisaries who were marching to the assistance of their companions had doubtless overpowr'd the Tartarian foot in possession of the Mountain if Axalla upon sight of their approach had not dispatch'd away at the same moment twenty thousand more to renew the fight and keep up his mens courages against the Janisaries And after them he provided five and twenty thousand more that he might march himself at their Head as soon as he should see any more advancing the Hill from the Ottoman Army for that purpose he alighted off from his Horse to command them in person When the Prince of Tanais understood his intent that he would hazard his person in the battle upon the Hill he sent to intreat him to leave that to one of his Collonels of the foot and to stay behind to give his orders telling him That the whole Army made him the same request Axalla reply'd that the business then in action was of a high concernment and that if the Hill were once gain'd the Victory would follow with ease And that he was resolved to obey his orders that day and become his Souldier At that instant the rest of the Turks foot was observed to move These were most of them Janisaries they gave a furious assault to the Tartarian foot but when Axalla came in with a chosen party he beat them back and won all the Hill Before his departure he caused Trenches to be drawn on that side which look'd towards the Turks Army and left there to command Sinopes who had purchased to himself much honour and glory by his brave conduct The Tartarians lost in the several assaults between fifteen and sixteen thousand men but the Turks near thirty thousand The fight lasted from eight a Clock in the morning till night The Cavalry all that while stood still without action looking upon the passages upon the Hill for they could not advance to it because of the deep Marsh The Turks discouraged with this loss departed the next night marching back ten long leagues before they stop'd The Prince of Tanais Stucan and the light Horse followed them close at the heels and Axalla with the rest of his Army made after them and incamped near the Sea about two leagues distant from the Turks who were drawing towards Caramania As soon as the Bassa had recollected his Spirits and was returned to himself he resolved to incamp and intrench his Army But the Prince of Tanais angry that he had not been concerned in the Glory of the day before would not give him the leasure to fortifie himself Therefore he advanced forward to fight him so far and with such indiscretion that when the rest of his Army behind were about to fix their Tents news came to them that the Prince was ingaged against the Turks and that unless he was speedily relieved he would be cut off with his party This Report caus'd Axalla to sound a march and with his Cavalry to advance before when he was come to the banks of a small River in his way he saw the Prince of Tanais's mistake in venturing over before he had sent to see what enemies were on the other side for the crafty Turks had ordered ten thousand Persian Horse to stop the Princes party by skirmishing with them They behaved themselves so bravely that if the Bassa had not sent away more to relieve the Persians the Tartarians had cut them all in pieces But as his intent was but to keep them busie and employed and to hinder them from all
employed him a little after and the rather because he saw himself aged and weak and desired nothing more but to sequester himself from business and to serve God the rest of his days in the contemplation of his glorious Works But before he accomplished this great Design though he had for his Son all the esteem and good opinion that he deserv'd he was not so unadvised as to venture in such young hands the Government of his Realm without a precaution and sufficient provision for his advice and counsel for if he had done otherwise he would have but expos'd his Kingdom to those dangers and losses which are not easily repair'd To prevent all mischiefs of that nature he placed near his Son to ease and direct him in the management of Affairs Odmar and Haly the two greatest and wisest men of the Kingdom noted for their Noble Birth and for their Experience in Affairs aswell as for their other Vertues and fidelity to his Interest Tamerlan received these two great persons from his Father as the tokens of his love and since he never undertook any thing without their advice He embrac'd them always with so much respect and affection that for fear of forgetting one after his decease he wore his Ring upon his Finger aswell to call to mind the good services that he had received from him as to hinder him from forgetting two rare Precepts which he had given him when he was to sit in Judgment and to do justice to his Subjects This noble way of acting soon won him the hearts of all his Subjects so that they looked upon him as their life and soul From hence we may observe That a mild and loving disposition together with an acknowledgment of good deeds is the strongest Charm that a Prince can use to win the souls of his people and get their prayers and affections In his young days and at his first coming to the Crown he enjoyed quiet and peace at home through his Fathers care to scatter and send at a distance all troublesome spirits who might have disturbed the State But this peaceable time he employed rather in Study than in his Divertisements instead of spending his hours in a Bath the greatest delight of the Parthians he spent them in reading of Arabian Books and in meditating the Precepts of Astrology at such moments only when he had finished his weightier Employments relating to the Government of his Kingdom In the discharge of which he often said That his good Genius did assist and help him and that having so much favour from Heaven he could not but succeed in all his Designs He had so great a care of and so much esteem for divine matters and things and for whatsoever concern'd the Religion of his Forefathers that he would not be perswaded to suffer any alteration Nevertheless he gave liberty to all Religions that teach to worship one God Creator of all things giving this as his Reason That his Divine Majesty did delight to be served and adored in divers manners But he was a declared and an irreconcileable Enemy of Idols and Idolaters whom he always vexed He was of a middle stature his shoulders were but narrow his legs beautiful his body full and well set a comely face with good features and his eyes so full of goodness mildness and majesty together that it was no easie matter to look stedfastly upon them Therefore the Prince was wont to turn away out of modesty his eyes from him that spoke to him that he might finish his discourse with more confidence He had but little hair upon his Lips and Chin it was curl'd very thick and of a fine Ash-colour he wore it long contrary to the custom of the Tartars who shave their Heads before leaving but some few locks behind which they cover over with their Caps but he had almost always his head uncovered Therefore when one of his Favourites asked him why he had not his Head shav'd as other persons of his Country he answered Vnderstand my Friend one thing which I will tell thee because I will thereby acknowledge thy affection to me That my Mother was of the Race of Samson therefore in remembrance of my Forefather she hath commanded me to preserve my hair This is the cause of my long hair This secret being afterwards spread abroad gain'd to him the respect of all his Subjects chiefly of his Army who imagin'd therefore some extraordinary vertue in his hair This belief was confirmed by his wonderful skill and strength in wrestling because the strongest Tartars were not to be compared to him and that such as were foiled thought it an honour though overcome to struggle with a Prince of so much reputation This being the right description of Tamerlan it is easie to be imagin'd that rest and a quiet life was not pleasing to him But though his aim was at Glory and Honour he chose rather to check his Martial temper than to invade his Neighbours and trouble their Peace without cause Providence that had adopted him suffered not long his courage to be without exercise It led him upon this great Theatre of the World there to appear in an eminent manner We shall see him next in his first goings out CHAP. II. Tamerlan's War with the Moscovites THE Moscovites broke the Peace they were weary of that Rest which they had long enjoyed thinking themselves therefore so dreadful that all their Neighbours were to stand in awe of them They made some In roads upon the Territories that are on this side of Cazan and Astracam and that border upon both Empires They had never received any dammage from these Inhabitants Their intention was only to conquer them without any Right or Claim They enter'd therefore amongst them with their Army and cau'sd every thing to pass through Fire and Sword sparing neither Towns nor Villages besides they plunder'd a City bordering upon Zagatay or Sachetay and under Tamerlan's protection In this surprise these poor Inhabitants being not able to stop the fury of those Northern Barbarians sought a remedy from their Tears and Complaints and from the Power and Justice of their Protector Tamerlan was sensible of their wrongs and the affront done to his Person and Government by the Insolency of the Moscovites who had discover'd so little regard of him He promis'd therefore to punish them and check their cruelty and boldness For that intent he takes advice what to do in this juncture from his two faithful Counsellors who encouraged him to declare an open War with the Moscovites in defence of his People and Confederates In the mean time Odmar and Haly according to their Princes expectation and Orders were busie in gathering together all their Troops dispersed in Garrisons to raise new Souldiers and form a considerable Body with the assistance of their Allies At the first beginning of the Spring Tamerlan at the Head of his Army marches against his Enemies who were encamped upon the Borders near the
River Maspha The Moscovites were in all one hundred thousand Foot and fourscore thousand Horse most of them old Souldiers who had been in many Encounters with their Neighbours Of this fourscore thousand Horse ten thousand were Polanders sent from the King of Poland newly re-united by a League with the Moscovites Besides there were eight thousand Hungarians and many Noblemen of that Nation under the command of a great Lord called Vladislaus Tamerlan had in his Army threescore thousand Horse and one hundred and fifty thousand Foot-men brought up in Armes but they were not to be compar'd with the Moscovites who had exercis'd themselves in several Campagns whereas the Parthians never saw an Enemy during the Government of their King Og who had always been at peace with all the World At the sight of the Enemy Tamerlan's warlike Courage and Martial fury was kept in by the fear of a mistake He thought it therefore wisdom to take a view of their Camp by which he understood that he could not go to them without passing at the foot of a little Hill which they were possessed of before his coming They had planted there six thousand of their Foot who might have strangely gawl'd Tamerlan's men had they attempted to set upon the Moscovites on that side and yet they were necessitated to begin the assault there but first Tamerlan judg'd contrary to the judgment of his Privy Council that they were first to beat the Enemy from that advantageous Post and that without engaging themselves in a Battel The Moscovites were so well fortified in this place that it was no easie matter to force them Tamerlan therefore draws them down by a Stratagem He gave Orders to twenty thousand Foot commanded by Haly seemingly to assault the Hill and when he saw the rest of the Army drawing near to their assistance he caused his whole Army to pass over the River of Rosna by that means he reduced the Enemy to a necessity of fighting This proceeding of Tamerlan was succeeded by two advantages First it put his Cavalry in security from the Guns and Darts of this little Hill unto which they had been otherwise expos'd Next it caus'd him to succeed in his design of ending this War which the Moscovite was resolved to protract He was perswaded that he could draw away his Men from this Post at his pleasure in case of necessity and that in a Night as he was wont he could retreat back twenty Leagues But he found by experience this to be a real truth That humane wisdom in that very moment when it is the most enlightned is but dark and blind These two Armies in the mean while were in sight of one another without engaging for they stood at a stand looking at what pass'd upon the Hill where the Parthians recruited from time to time and in season endeavour'd to drive from thence the Moscovites who being assisted with continual succours made a stout resistance The Fight lasted two hours with equal advantage on both sides for both Parties were encouraged by the many Witnesses that beheld them But Haly at last took this equality for an affront or a kind of defeat This made him call upon his Men to do their uttermost to force Victory to declare for them They obeyed his perswasion and gave such a vigorous onset that their Enemies weary and tired out with the former assaults began to give back by degrees which when Tamerlan's Men perceived his Parthians set upon them so stoutly that the others had no time to rally again together but shamefully fled and forsook their Station This unexpected disgrace instead of affrighting the Moscovites and filling them with fears which are the usual sequels of such kind of defeats filled them with impatiency to be revenged and make amends for their losses chiefly because they were reduced to a necessity of fighting by the nearness of the Enemies approach who had pass'd the River for that purpose and from whom there was no flying with safety This made them passionately desire the signal The Moscovites Army was thus embatteled The Van led by the Prince of Russia the Emperours Son was composed of five and twenty thousand Horse Poles Hungarians and Moscovites in a Body They charged with their Lances in double Files leaving behind a sufficient distance to retreat but this prov'd to their disadvantage The main Battel where their greatest strength was consisted of forty thousand Horse followed by all their Infantry The Emperour was there in Person with the greatest part of the Lords of his Court The Reer was a great Squadron of ten thousand Horse in a square Body of their best and compleatest Troops Tamerlan's Army march'd in another order This Prince had divided all his Cavalry into nineteen squadrons every one consisting of six thousand Horse only his own squadron had ten thousand and his Infantry stood in Battalions Odmar led the Van of nine squadrons of Horse having forty thousand Foot upon the Wings twenty thousand on each hand The Body was commanded by Tamerlan having ten squadrons of Horse his own in the middle and fifty thousand Foot all chosen Men the ablest of his Army The Prince of Tanais his Cousin brought up the Reer having forty thousand Foot in six Divisions and three thousand Horse named Oliacks or Dragoons to second them The Parthians encouraged with a prosperous success upon the Hill waited for nothing but for the Signal to fall on their Enemies And Tamerlan himself when he saw them advance in so good order to save them the trouble of marching part of the way met them in the middle sending his orders to Odmar to go forward But this wise and experienced Captain who alone was authorised by his credit and long experience in War to oppose the desires of his Prince sent him back word that he would stop where he was that he would wait upon the Hill for the Enemy and would not lose the advantage gain'd already of the higher Ground of the Wind and Sun Three things that help'd them to win the day and that incommoded so much the Moscovites Army that during the Encounter they had always Dust in their Eyes so that by this means they were less able to see to the wants of their Army Though at this time Tamerlan saw nothing in the Countenances and on the Faces of his Souldiers but that which promis'd success and happiness yet to annimate them the more he thought it fit to speak to them in this manner Tamerlan's Speech to his Army 'T IS neither for Riches my dear Companions nor for larger Bounds to my Empire that we are to fight this Day 'T is for that which is far more excellent and noble 'T is for the Glory and Honour of our Nation 'T is to shew these Enemies before us that we are the same Parthians who put a stop to the Roman Conquests the same who were not to be daunted by those Lords of the World These that stand against you
arrival he met there with the Embassadours of several Princes some were come to congratulate him upon his new Promotion others to make a League with him others to avoid his displeasure that they might not have him for an Enemy The most pleasing Embassie was that of the Emperour of Moscovy for besides the stately gifts several beautiful Horses and the richest Furs of the Country as black Foxes and Sables which the Embassadours brought he saw himself freed from the apprehension which he had conceiv'd upon the news that this Prince did gather together his Army He understood that it was to march against Poland and some other Neighbours The Poles solicited in vain the Prince by their Envoys and by some of the chief of the Court whom they had gain'd to send Succours They alledg'd to perswade him that the Moscovite was but a reconciled Enemy that he would quickly become more dreadful if he met with success in this attempt and if he could overcome so great a Kingdom as Poland is to add it to his former Dominions that then it would be too late to seek a remedy to prevent an evil which was now to be hindered by sending some succours and assistance to the Polanders who would ever after become the Parthians Scouts on that side of their Empire and watch over the actions of their common Enemy Besides it is a general rule amongst Princes not to suffer their Neighbours to grow too great for fear of the usual consequence These reasons made no impression upon Tamerlan's mind This was all the answer he return'd That he had given to the Moscovite the dearest thing that he had in the world namely his Faith and that he would not be the first to break it but if on the other part he did offer to violate the Treaty he knew how to punish and bring him to reason seeing that he had been able to overcome him when he had nothing but the Kingdom of the Parthians which is but a little Province of Tartaria and that now that he was become the Lord of so great an Empire he had less reason to stand in fear of him that he was fully perswaded that in observing the rules of Equity and Justice with all the world he had reason to expect that his Sword would be able to make way into new Empires and other Kingdoms and that whiles the Moscovites were imployed and busie in their designs he would endeavour to proceed on in his purposes to get to himself honour and glory that the Peace concluded and sworn to the Moscovites was known to all the Neighbours and should never be broken by him besides that it was honourable to himself and advantagious to his people He told them that he knew for certain that God punishes commonly Princes who lightly ingage themselves in unjust wars and quarrels and that this Lesson having been learn'd and carefully practis'd by his Fore-fathers had been a means to raise and establish his Family and caused it to continue for three hundred years safe and secure by this observation of the Rules of Justice so that in all that time none of his Predecessors have ever been cross'd with unsuccessful attempts for the God of Hosts is a lover of Right and Justice He told them that if he had as some declar'd so great a delight in War and so earnest a desire to appear in action he had means enough without committing injustice to satisfie his mind by requiring from some of his Neighbours the Lands which they had taken from the King his Father who had never demanded any restitution out of a carelesness for the world or an earnest inclination for Peace that in case of a refusal it would be just and glorious for him to recover his poor Subjects and free them from the tyranny of an unlawful Power Odmar who had been one of the most earnest persons to perswade him to assist the Polanders with an intention to weaken the Moscovites yielded or seem'd at least to yield to these reasons He was mightily ravish'd with the justice and equity of Tamerlan's discourse and to consider how he moderated his courage with the Rules of Reason And though the judgment of many of the wisest of the Privy Council grounding their opinions upon the antipathy of both Nations and the difference of Religions was contrary to that of Tamerlan they could not prevail to make him alter his resolution Odmar alone knowing the cause strengthen'd it the more so that it overcame the advice of those who supported their opinion by undeniable Maxims of State and the experience of many Ages Tamerlane nevertheless understood very well that they had good reasons on their side and that by resisting their judgments he acted against the rules of humane wisdom and it may be he had followed their advice if it had not been for another great design which he had found the Great Cham was the first Author of it in a Conference at Quinsay he caus'd him to resolve upon it only Odmar had been privy to it for there discoursing of the weighty Affairs of the Empire they took together a resolution to carry the War into China as well to drive those people into their ancient bounds over which they had pass'd as to secure on that side the Empire of Tartary In the mean whiles preparations were secretly made for this great Enterprise for which the Prince had a mighty fancy without discovering his mind He depended upon the succours which the Emperour his Uncle had promis'd and with which he was confident to re-establish the Tartarians in their ancient possessions and that he should gain the Victory because he had Justice on his side which doubtless would favour him in his undertaking Whatever inclination he had naturally for War he had thought it a crime to ingage himself in a quarrel only out of a motive of ambition or for pleasure and he had look'd upon himself as the Author of all those desolations disorders and miseries which accompany and follow War Therefore he often desired of God the Spirit of Wisdom and Discretion and the power to overcome his own passions which he would sometimes say was a more glorious Victory for a Prince than that which wins for him Kingdoms and Empires Therefore when he could find Justice on his side and see that she did incourage his strong inclination for War then his Soul was fully satisfied in it self sending forth out of his eyes and upon his countenance certain motions which signified his joy and inward contentment chiefly when he was to demand his own Territories to free his Subjects from slavery or deliver his Allies from an apparent oppression There was never a Prince less guilty of presumption he was never angry when his judgment was oppos'd but rather well pleas'd when he was overcome by stronger reasons than his own therefore he honour'd and respected so highly wise and vertuous men that without any regard to their Rank or Dignity as
the march under the Command of Calibes and for fear the rumour of his Distemper should cause any disturbance in the Empire unto which he was newly promoted he was careful to inform by Messengers very often his Uncle of the condition and temper of his Body He had good cause to suspect that a certain great Lord of the Country named Calix was neither his Friend nor content with his Promotion because he had not been with him to acknowledge and render him homage as the other Lords of the Empire Though at that time men discours'd of Calix in a manner that was able to beget a jealousie in Tamerlan his good disposition would not suffer him to take any notice of it neither did he think it convenient to attempt any thing during his Uncles Life or trouble the Peace of an Empire newly put into his hands Some thought that what he had done was out of policy to oblige more strongly to himself the hearts of his new Subjects who had already a love for him and to render himself more dreadful to those that were angry at his Promotion he had craftily suffered this Cloud to gather together and the beginnings of a Civil War to ripen that he might gain to himself more honour credit and reputation by dissipating and destroying it that he was able to stifle it in the Cradle for Empires are gotten and kept by the affections of the Souldiery by treating them well and civilly as his manner was and that it was easie to disappoint such as are of a stirring nature with a little patience for in time they may be destroyed in divers Expeditions or they may be removed into several quarters far from the places where they have credit or they may be imployed in long and tedious services where they may alter their minds and the power of doing mischief In the mean while Tamerlan's delays and long abode in one place was subject to divers censures some thought it was caus'd only by his distemper others better inform'd imagin'd that it was the product of a faithful advice and good knowledge of that which was acting against him which doubtless would break out as soon as he should be on the other side of the Mountains of Pasanfu Calix expected this with great longing as soon as he had understood that the Forces of the Grand Cham were beyond the River of Meau that runs on the other side of the Mountains and that they were incamp'd at Bouprou he thought it high time to discover his design For this purpose he gather'd together his chief and most intimate Friends declaring to them that now the time was come to disappoint all the intentions of the Parthian who purposed to subdue them and keep them under his Command that seeing their Emperour was so unadvis'd of his own head without the approbation of those who ought to have a share in such Elections they for their parts should not neglect so fair an opportunity of redeeming their precious Liberties that Tamerlan was diseased the Grand Cham aged the greatest part of his Army at a distance and that there could not be offer'd a fitter opportunity to set on foot such a design that their Enterprise was so likely to succeed that as soon as they should set footing in the Province of Cattay that the whole Country would declare for him because his Father had govern'd it many years and because the Inhabitants not knowing Tamerlan would believe all that he should tell them that the Province of Zagatay was at a great distance from them that Tamerlan would have much ado with the powerful Enemy who had mock'd his Embassie sent to prevent the War therefore their Enterprise would doubtless succeed happily when he should have sent to assure the Great Cham that their intentions were not against his Person or Government with promises not to forget the Allegiance and Fidelity which they had sworn to keep for him their armed posture being only to shake off the yoak of the Parthians their ancient and unreconcileable Enemies whose Tyranny they would never be perswaded to endure Moreover he assured them that the Emperours decrepitage and weak body loving ease and rest would not intermeddle in this quarrel because he had no Heirs-male to succeed him And that it was easie to destroy Tamerlan's Army by waiting for him at his return and besieging of the Streights of Tenduits after his Forces should be weakned by the Encounters with the Chineses for then they would endeavour to retreat into the Province of Zagatay out of which it was no â—â—ficult matter to keep them by besieging those â—â—ow passages Calix's Speech had a good colour it was strengthen'd with many Reasons and Insinuations He had spent a whole year in winning the peoples favour that he might be able to use them in due time He prepar'd all manner of Ammunitions and had spar'd no cost nor labour to compass his design But though all things were carried secretly without any noise Tamerlan had intelligence of all these practises against his Person At first he made light of it or seem'd so to do wisely concealing all the reports of the Rebellion of this ambitious Fool that it might break out to the eyes of the World and render Calix more guilty and himself less blameable by bearing Arms in his Uncles Dominions whose displeasure he was loath to draw upon himself It is very likely that he could have prevented this mischief in its beginning but he had good cause to deal otherwise His long abode at Cachobach near a Months time because of his indisposition as was pretended had a good reason In the mean while the Tartarians Army commanded by Calibes hearing of the mighty preparations and intentions of the Chineses to assault them murmured because they were idle and let slip the opportunity of shewing their courages to their Enemy and their new Prince The Commanders endeavoured to pacifie and quiet the Souldiers martial disposition with news that came at every foot of some unexpected obstacle that staid Tamerlan from joyning with them It was easie to imagine that his quick and speedy temper in executing his resolutions was stopt by the knowledge of Calix's Conspiracyâ—â— and that he delayed the time only that he might have a favourable occasion to punish him Nevertheless he was willing that Calix should believe that he was pass'd beyond the Mountains to assault the famous Wall defended by all the Armies of the Chineses for that purpose he gave an express Command that care should be taken that none might forsake the Reer to give notice where he was with his Camp This wise proceeding succeeded well for Calix imagining that his Enemy was at a vast distance encountring with the Chineses though he was on this side of the Mountains cast off all dissimulation and with as much indiscretion as he had hitherto shewn wisdom in his secresie commanded all his Forces to march against the Prince to surprise and intangle him But all
of Tartary but also of the whole World The rumour of his march spread every where amongst the people and as the Moon which never continues two days the same this report increas'd and decreas'd according to the affections of the Authors and Entertainers of it But this caus'd the most passionate persons for Calix's Interest to grow cold and alter their intentions The Inhabitants also of this great City gather'd together in Companies some of five hundred others of a thousand others of two thousand to consult but not able to come to any setled resolution for they were afraid of Tamerlan's just displeasure having incens'd him by their baseness and infidelity for they had been sworn unto him and by the Emperours Command had acknowledged him for their Lord. They said amongst themselves that he was lawfully descended from so many Monarchs who had reigned over them very justly therefore their troubled Consciences fancied him at their Gates ready to punish them for having rashly open'd them to a Rebel who had plotted against his lawful Prince Whiles these people were thus justly troubled with several disquieting apprehensions Tamerlan expecting the Forces that he had sent for out of his own Kingdom of Zagatay drew nearer by degrees to the City of Cambalu His Army had pass'd Caindu and march'd strait to Calalia The Inhabitants of Cambalu had been deceived with the deceitful promises of Calix and as many persons do they had flattered themselves with large expectations of prosperity without thinking how deceitful the affairs of the World are and how subject to change When therefore they saw the Prince upon their borders they were mightily perplex'd with fear and displeasure for their Rebellion As soon as Calix understood it he went out of the City with a firm resolution to fight Tamerlan with all his Army He gathered his men from all parts intending to try the fortune of a Battel At the same time he received ill news from the Court that the Emperour was so far from being pleased with his undertaking that he had commanded his Souldiers in considerable numbers to gather together out of all the Garrisons and to march to help his Nephew unto whom in his most desperate sickness when he thought to have left the world he had sent his Imperial Ring giving out an express Command that all his Subjects should obey him as his own Person This news together with that of Tamerlan's approach caused him to hasten to hazard all in a Battel For that intent he took out of Cambalu fifty thousand men partly Inhabitants and partly Garrison Souldiers plac'd there by the Emperour This Garrison was in number thirty thousand Calix had won them by the means of their Officers and Governours who were of his Party and had consented to deliver up into his hands this great City When all his Souldiers were together in a Body they amounted to fourscore thousand Horse and one hundred thousand Foot His design was so well ordered that if the Moscovites whom he had sollicited under-hand had answer'd his expectations and enter'd into the Province of Zagatay to stop the march of the Parthians Army in whom Tamerlan had the greatest confidence it is certain that Calix might have put this Prince to a non-plus chiefly because he had the City of Cambalu to assist and favour him It is therefore very dangerous for such as govern to anger great ones or not to mind their behaviour If their displeasure be incouraged by their Credit and Interest in the Provinces they are more inclineable to stir and cause disturbances We must here acknowledge that the Emperour of Moscovy was a great Friend to Tamerlan in this occasion by refusing to assist a rebellious Subject against his lawful Prince He had in vain endeavoured to disswade him from his wicked purpose and reduce him to obedience Odmar much taken with this just proceeding was wont to speak of it often to Tamerlan so that he was an useful Instrument to preserve friendship between these two Princes As soon as the Succours of the Parthians were come to Tamerlan he march'd with diligence against Calix He understood by the means of two thousand Horse whom he had sent before that the Enemy came to meet him in good order This news caus'd him to detach two thousand more to seise upon the passage of a River named Brior as well to secure his Provisions as to stop there and suffer the Rebels to think upon their fault which either a little time would infallibly call to mind or the want of food unto which he hoped to reduce them or at least to put them in disorder In this particular Rebellious Armies differ much from Royal Armies where Order and Discipline joyn hand in hand and preserve Union and Plenty In this march of the Prince against Calix he forgot not the Command of the Emperour his Uncle to make a notable example of this Rebel and of his Confederates to secure by that means the peace of his Empire and of his days This consideration made him act with caution that he might not miscarry in any thing He saw that his own Army did increase every day by the arrival of new Levies from all parts whereas the Enemies Army wanted already Provisions because they could scarce have any from Cambalu a Wilderness lying between the City and the Camp and certain Mountains at the end of the Wilderness where a Subject of the Grand Cham commanded named Cangi This Lord had promis'd to let the Provisions pass when Calix was in his Territories but as soon as he was at a distance he refused it and took all that came into his hands he had a greater power to perform this because Tamerlan had sent him four thousand Horse to guard him and his Country This grievous accident which Calix never could foresee caus'd him to resolve upon a Battel But Tamerlan understanding his wants and the cause of his speedy resolution had seized all the Passes and Fords of the River of Brior for his own Army it had fourteen miles behind it a fat and a plentiful Country besides the Salt Lake and the River of Ostan which was beyond so that he could stay till the Enemy did assault him for this wise and experienced Prince judg'd it advantagious to him to suffer the Enemy to spend himself and his Provisions by degrees The two Armies stood two Months looking upon one another All this time was spent in light skirmishes When Calix understood the intent of Tamerlan he resolv'd to return back to Cambalu where he knew that he should have all things in abundance and the rather because he understood that some practices were acting against him there As soon as the Prince perceiv'd it he pass'd over the River with all his Army which consisted of one hundred and fifty thousand Horse and two hundred thousand Foot After that he had consulted his chief Officers he resolved to try the fortune of a Battel This resolution was grounded chiefly
upon two reasons first because he was afraid that Calix would return and spend the Winter at Cambalu where he should be forc'd to go and fight him This would cause the total destruction of that famous City for he doubted not of the Victory secondly because if he did win that City by assault he was afraid that his Army should grow too rich and wealthy with the plunder and by that means would be less fit for the great Actions in the prosecution of which he intended further to imploy them This resolution that he was forc'd to take griev'd him he was not willing to enter into the possession of his Empire by Bloodshed and Cruelty This consideration caus'd him once more to summon Calix and advise him to lay down his Arms with promises of pardon and to receive him into his favour The unadvised Calix whose courage was not contemptible slighted all these gracious offers his ambition render'd him cruel to himself and caus'd him to look upon all other conditions of life under that of a Soveraign as unworthy of him He could not submit but chose rather though but for a day as a Prince to govern than to live many years as a Subject He could not trust nor relye totally upon the promises of his Prince with whose generosity and good nature he was never acquainted He thought the destiny of men in his condition condemns them either to a fatal Ruine or raises them up to a Throne Tamerlan's Army went over to Chincy marching seven Leagues as soon as the Enemy understood it they alter'd their design and returned back with an intention to venture a Battel It is reported that Calix turning himself then to some of his followers told them with his eyes lifted up to Heaven that in all his life-time he had never received a more pleasing news The Parthians saith he have pass'd over the River and are coming towards us If therefore Tamerlan who dallied with us before will suffer us now to end our Quarrel by a Fight my happiness is great whatever be the event it must needs procure me an immortal glory If the advantage happen on my side what Prince is there in all Asia that may contend with or be compared to me for I shall be Lord of all Tartary and Zagatay for I fight against the Armies of these two Kingdoms which I have divided but if I be overcome the greatness of my undertaking will leave behind me a great deal of Reputation in the world seeing that I have stopt with my Army during two Months between the Rivers of Brior and Ostan all the Armies of Zagatay Therefore if we chance to lose the Victory it will prove for our honour During this discourse his Attendants took notice in his looks of a Noble Air which made him esteem'd and admir'd of every one When the Armies drew near the Scouts met and those of Tamerlan's Army were driven back into their Camp which accident vext Odmar that commanded then the Van. The Prince told him that at the approach of the Enemy he ought to have increas'd the numbers he excus'd himself in that he imagin'd that Calix would not be so bold as to advance three Leagues towards the Army at that instant The next day was spent in giving out Orders to every one The Captains went about in the Ranks exhorting their Souldiers to behave themselves well and both Captains and Souldiers incouraged one another to fight valiantly by declaring the Encounters where they had been already Calix was forty years of age much respected because of the Nobility of his Blood and the considerable Rank that he held in his Country The Emperour esteem'd him so much for his experience in War that before Tamerlan appeared in Tartary he was always look'd upon as worthy of the Empire The Armies stood one against another for eight hours in the morning skirmishing sometimes according to the Tartarian manner before the Battel A great Plain and even ground lay between them Odmar commanded the Van where were sixty thousand Foot and forty thousand Horse which he separated into four great Squadrons causing one to go before the other to the Fight Tamerlan marched on in the same Order but his Squadrons were stronger The Infantry of the Van and of the Main Body were on the right hand and on the left He had taken out of his Army to make up the Reer six thousand Parthians and two thousand Tartarians giving the Command to Axalla a Genoese but as I have said had been brought up with him from his Infancy He had by his affection for him by his vertue experience and valour deserved his Princes esteem and confidence Tamerlan order'd him not to fight but in the extremity and to have a care to gather together all that should be broken in the Army Axalla performed this so exactly that he did this day notable service to his Prince He was no less esteem'd by the Men of War though he professed a Religion contrary to theirs for he was a Christian and imitated by many whom he had sent for out of Georgia and beyond the Pontus Euxinus these accompanied him with their courages and persons in the Battel Calix on the other side was Eloquent and naturally a great Speaker he incourag'd therefore his Souldiers with the honour and liberty of their Nation to play their parts like men and follow his example He had divided his Army into three Bodies only he had placed his Infantry at the right hand and his Cavalry at the left he himself was in the middle Body surrounded with his Foot as with a Circle according to our manner of fighting Odmar a crafty and experienced Commander stopt when he saw the Enemy coming and observed their motion but when he perceived that their greatest Body was shaken at the onset of his first Squadron he caused his two others the one to charge at the right hand and the other at the left They were so furious and happy as to put the three Bodies of Calix's Army into a disorder so that they were forc'd to reunite in one At that time Tamerlan came in and cut in pieces all that stood before him nothing was able to resist his fury he made way through the thickest of his Enemies some he put to flight others he laid in heaps the cries and lamentations of the dying were heard in every place the disorder and hurley-burley was generally all over the Field here you might have seen weak Squadrons disarming others more numerous there you might have beheld Troops of Horses taken by such as were more greedy of prey than honour every where Tamerlan's Army seem'd to have gain'd the Victory when fifteen thousand fresh Troops led by Calix himself came into the Field and gave a furious charge upon the Princes Battalion and broke it all to pieces This Reserve proceeded from some that at the first onset fled to the Carts and Carriages where they had rallied whiles Tamerlan's men were pursuing
the victory and killing When therefore this Body of Horse appear'd first Tamerlan's Army being in disorder they had no great difficulty to overcome them The Victory was almost lost This oblig'd him to retreat in fighting according to the manner of the Parthians The Prince had been dismounted but rescued at the same moment which caus'd him to look to his Reer which could not yet come up to him His Infantry had open'd it self when he gave the onset It had not yet been assaulted but only upon the skirts in the several Encounters At the same time therefore that Calix pursued so vigorously the Princes Army that by a stout resistance had lessen'd the number of the Enemy Axalla who commanded the Reserve or the Reer came up to the Infantry which had scarce been ingag'd in the fight The Clouds of dust hindered Calix from perceiving this Body that was in the Reer and that was falling upon him and his men who advanc'd in very good order bearing all down before them At that very instant these words were often heard repeated Give back give back give back Axalla had commanded a thousand or twelve hundred of his Body to advance and free the Prince They charg'd home to the Enemy so bravely that Calix began to conjecture what would become of his Empire of his Glory and ambitious designs by what was then acted The displeasure made him pensive a little moment but resolution caus'd him to send a Party to stop the Enemies fury while he rallied his scattered Troops He gathered together about eleven thousand with them he thought to have beaten Tamerlan's Reer But he was not a little troubled because the dust hinder'd him from distinguishing the Foot from the Horse he imagin'd therefore that all Axalla's Party were Horse In this occasion he shew'd his courage and resolution with a setled countenance by exhorting his men to play their parts and pursue their good fortune which they had already and assuring them that the remainder of Tamerlan's men before them were nothing but such as had already fled who endeavoured to rally and that with a stout onset it was easie to hinder them Whiles he was speaking his Party increas'd But Axalla considering that his Master had put into his hands that day the fortune of two great Empires was resolved to answer his expectation by hazarding his life for his interest and glory with a resolution of dying upon the place or of carrying away the Victory he call'd to such as were nearest to him to follow his example therefore with an incredible fury he broke through the Squadron led by Calix This Prince was wounded with a Lance in the mouth when he had performed the duty of a Commander and common Souldier and express'd sufficiently his undaunted courage In the hurley-burley he was taken Prisoner by Axalla himself It was immediately nois'd abroad all over the Field together with the advantages that Tamerlan had obtain'd for he himself had defeated a Body of Horse by charging them in the Flank Axalla before had broken them but they were rallied together again and had not Tamerlan seasonably come in they might have snatch'd the Victory out of his hands This bad news broke the hearts as well as the Troops of the Enemy that fled immediately upon it In this Fight there died above fifty thousand men on both sides so that Tamerlan purchas'd the Victory at a dear rate and was forc'd to confess that in all his life-time he never was more likely to be undone than at that time He imbrac'd and extoll'd Axalla for his couragious behaviour and wise Conduct that day This Noble Captain presented Calix before him wounded with a Lance in the Mouth and with an Arrow in his Side Tamerlan ask'd him some questions but Calix's pride and insolency would make no answer pretending that he could not well speak He was kept till the next day the last of his life for he was judg'd worthy to die by a Council of War His Head was chopt off and sent as a Present to the Inhabitants of Cambalu All the other Commanders were treated in the same manner There was a necessity for this severity to hinder all Civil Broils from rising again it was therefore needful to cut off the Chieftains After the Fight Tamerlan's Army meeting with no resistance march'd into the Province of Catay which is full of all kind of Fruits Grass Beasts and Fowl more than in any other part of Tartaria The Prince gave a severe Command to all his Souldiers not to offer to abuse the Inhabitants whom he would deal with as with his best Subjects The Cities of Cangi Sochgi Gonzae Tagin Togara and Congu that had revolted staid not for a Summons to yield but wisely sent their Deputies to Tamerlan to implore his mercy This good Prince forgave them requiring nothing from them but that they should furnish his Army with Provisions telling them that for the future they should be better advised than to be so easily perswaded with the empty promises of ambitious persons who would endeavour to draw them from that obedience which they owe to their Lord and Master This kind and courteous dealing being divulg'd all over the Provinces wrought a great change in the minds of those who expecting no favour from Tamerlan's hands were yet resolved to venture all and ruine themselves and their Country The Citizens of Cambalu had taken this strange resolution to sell their lives at a dear rate if they were to lose them for this City was full of those Mutineers who knew themselves as guilty as their Commanders that had been punish'd already expecting therefore no mercy for themselves they thought it might mitigate their punishment if they could but draw into it the rest of their Citizens But this kind and gracious dealing of their Prince put other thoughts into their Souls and rais'd their hopes Nevertheless the Armies approach to the City increas'd daily the fears and apprehensions of the people Tamerlan had notice of all that was there acted from those that favour'd his Interest They sent him word that at last every one was resolved to obey the Conquerour and perform his Commands therefore he left his Army at Gonza only thirty thousand men he order'd to march thither to fill up the ordinary Garrison When they were enter'd they put all things in a good posture and caus'd every one to submit to the Princes pleasure without murmuring He himself was received into the City two hours after his Garrison in a triumphing manner for the Inhabitants laboured in this occasion to make him forget the wrong they had done him He had only pardon'd the meaner sort of people the rest he left to the will of the Emperour his Uncle unto whom he had dispatch'd a Messenger to inform him of the Victory of Calix's death and of the imprisonment of some of the chief Commanders and Leaders of the Faction and to desire to know what punishment he would have
inflicted upon those of Cambalu who had been the greatest Mutineers By this kind and insinuating dealing he purchas'd to himself in this great City the reputation of a merciful and gracious Prince He gain'd also the love of every one by courting them chiefly those who had been faithful to his Party After eight days stay in this place he went away with a thousand prayers and praises which were again reiterated a little after when news came from the Emperour that he would have Justice done upon the Authors of the Rebellion This was perform'd in the Cham's Name and by his Officers two hundred of the Inhabitants were executed and their Heads were lifted up in the publick view for an example to all such as should afterwards attempt to rebel This cruelty of the Great Cham condemn'd by the common people caus'd them to extol the goodness of Tamerlan who by this yielding to his Uncles will laid a greater Obligation upon him and nevertheless purchas'd to himself the universal esteem of the Country In the mean while the Emperour began to rise from his sick Bed which caus'd him to have an earnest desire to see the Prince who delayed this Interview till he had been with his Army where he intended to advise whether it were not best to stay first and expect what news he should receive from his Army upon the borders of China Thus he went as far from Cambalu as he could that he might not be thought to have any hand in the execution of the Citizens In this manner this dangerous and Civil War was ended to the advantage of Tamerlan whose diligence had been notable in the extinguishing of it One may justly say that he conquer'd this great Empire for there was a dangerous and a general conspiracy and rising against him His vigilancy disappointed all his Enemies In such like cases speedy and early appearances in the Field are of the highest importance for a Princes Affairs to incourage his own Party to terrifie such as are wavering and to prevent all false reports with which the common people are usually cozen'd His chief endeavour should be to perswade and make it appear that the Rebels are not to be fear'd and that he himself dreads them not but this he can never do unless he commands his own Army By this means he will have a great advantage over the Rebels It is not to be imagin'd that a Revolt is to be stifled by weak Remonstrances for that perswasion savours of as much indiscretion as the Authors of the Rebellion have had craft to cause their injustice to be entertain'd under the notion of Equity Therefore without delays a Soveraign Prince must fall upon the Rebels scatter and destroy them with the fear of a speedy punishment By no means let him be prevail'd upon to grant pardon to the Chieftains of the Rebellion Tamerlan dealt in this manner with Calix He knew his designs a great while before he was in a capacity to put them in execution therefore he provided a timely remedy a powerful Army in the Province of Zagatay to be ready to march at his first Command In the mean while he pretended to be busie in his Expedition against China that he might by that means better discover the chief of the Rebellion and their wicked intentions by this act of wisdom he disappointed Calix who doubtless might have prevail'd upon a negligent and weak Prince given to his pleasures But Tamerlan had better qualities he found the benefit of his cares and vigilancy for before this he was not well setled in the Empire but by this Victory he became such an undoubted Successor and Owner of it that the death of the Great Cham could not cause any alteration or opposition of his Right From hence it is easie to conclude that as his kindness and moderation were strong Chains to bind the hearts and souls of his good Subjects his courage and severity knew how to punish the Rebels and seditious persons and bring them to obedience As soon therefore as Tamerlan had overtaken his Army Odmar who expected him and caus'd them to march in good order and slowly received him with the Captains and Souldiers with acclamations and expressions of joy calling him in the Tartarian Language Most great and victorious Emperour In the way he discours'd with his Captains concerning the Greatness and Beauty of the City of Cambaliâ—â— till he was come into the Tent prepar'd for him where he remain'd alone with Odmar He told him all that had been acted in that rebellious City afterwards he desir'd his advice whether he should visit the Great Cham his Uncle at that time or no. Odmar understood by his words that he remembred what Honours he had received at Quinsay when he was there and that he had a secret inclination to spend the Winter with the young Empress and to go in the Spring into China But as he was an Enemy of Flattery and loved his Prince entirely as one of his most faithful and chief Officers he spoke to him boldly in this manner Brave and Invincible Emperour let all the world understand I beseech you that Tamerlan knows how to use his Victory as well as to gain it Do not you mind that the Army which you have left upon the borders of China is busily imployed in fighting with the Enemy above six months that the Chief Commander is a Tartarian and one of the most considerable of his Nation Know you not that the Tartarians and Parthians never think a Prince worthy to reign if he cannot go with them to the War And do you not consider that you have undertaken this War to increase the glory of him who hath made you his Successor and inlarge the bounds of his Empire by re-taking the Lands which the Chineses have usurped It concerns you therefore in gratitude to recover them with speed Consider likewise that your Glory and Reputation will appear to him greater at a distance than near at hand and more pleasing because it will at a distance tend to inlarge his Empire and render his Affairs more prosperous whereas near at hand your Fame will but diminish his Reputation and it may be cause a jealousie in him Princes sometimes are subject to change and by a sudden repentance to strive to ruine the person whom they have exalted too high What need have you to undertake a journey so much destructive to your Honour and Glory Is it not better to spend the Winter bravely in your Tent with your Army than in the stately Palaces of Qâ—â—insay in an Effeminate Court where such as are not afraid to slander will not spare you but will ask where you have left your Army whether you threaten the King of China only at a distance who in your absence may perhaps cut all your Troops in pieces In such a case what a trouble will it be to gather together your dispersed Army bâ—â—sides your example will have an influence upon the
Mountains deprived of the benefit of that Prey which they were wont to make in that Kingdom by their frequent Inroads They always brought back Herds of Cattel with which China abounds above all other places because of its good temperature being neither too cold nor too hot This Consideration together with that of their honour engag'd in the recovery of the Provinces which the Emperour of the Tartarians esteemed and valued at a high rate obliged Tamerlan to prosecute this Enterprise to please his Uncle and new Subjects and satisfie his own Passion The Army march'd softly to avoid wearisomness and in thirty Days got as far as Cipribit where news came to them of Calibes who was in his way to meet the Prince that entertain'd him very kindly He told him of all his happy Successes and then taking him aside he discover'd to him his design and Calibes gave him an account of all that he had done against the Enemy The next day the Prince took Horse and rid as far as Pazanfu where Calibes Army was quarter'd They had often encounter'd with the Chineses in Skirmishes and small Parties and by the experience they had got they judg'd themselves better Souldiers than their Enemies in Courage and Skill He caused them all to appear upon the Parade going from one Rank to another he took notice of every Souldiers Countenance and Behaviour he caused them to muster next and receive their Pay they return'd him Thanks Acclamations and Wishes for his health When Calibes left his Army to go and meet Tamerlan he had left the chief Command with the Prince of Tanais General of the Parthians who thought himself obliged by this opportunity to give some Testimony of his Zeal and Courage He went out with a small party and met with four thousand Horse commanded by the Kings Brother of China He drew them cunningly to the Fight and charg'd them so vigorously and successfully that he broke their Order and put them to flight The Night favour'd their Retreat they left behind five or six hundred dead to pay for their Companions and witness the Victory and Courage of the Prince of Tanais who return'd from this Encounter with many Horses and other Spoils taken from these Barbarians Tamerlan receiv'd him kindly and caress'd him in that obliging manner that his late generous Action had deserved and many others for he scarce suffered them to breathe He was the Son of one of Tamerlan's Sisters His noble Qualities as well as his Birth gain'd him the Love and Respects of all men He was yet but young but he had already done great Services to his Prince chiefly in that famous Battel against the Moscovites where he commanded the Reer for he was a good and experienced Commander The Prince of Tanais as we have represented him out of an earnest desire of Glory let slip no occasion to manifest his Courage and Skill in Arms As he was nearest to the Enemy he had an opportunity to discover in what places the Wall that stopt the Tartarians Inroads might be assaulted He had sent some Spies into China by secret and by-ways in the Mountains that are at the passage From them he understood all that happened there but his prudence had succeeded chiefly in winning by his insinuations one of the greatest Lords of the Mountains named The Lord of Vauchefu This Lord was displeas'd with the passages of the Chineses and Tartarians over his Ground or rather he had been won with the picture that the Prince of Tanais had given him of Tamerlan and of his obliging disposition This caus'd him to change his Master and make an agreement with the Tartars He went and discovered his mind to him who had first spoken to him of it telling him that he was ready to serve the Emperour and assist his Army against the Chineses The Prince of Tanais having kept this secret from Calibes discover'd it first to Tamerlan who with great joy sent for this Lord to speak with him He was mightily pleas'd with this invitation and appointed a day for this honourable Enterview Tamerlan without moving his Army went to visit the Quarters of the Prince of Tanais near the River of Lanquenne at the place appointed The Lord of Vauchefeu came to him thither to pay him his respects to offer him his Services with protestations of his faithfulness to his interest The Prince by his Interpreters told him that he would protect him against all his Enemies and that he would give him such Testimonies of his Love that he should never have cause to repent his kind offer after this Vauchefu discover'd to him a secret passage that he knew and leads into China by which it was easie to go in and surprise the Souldiers that were to guard the Wall That which troubled the Prince most was that Calibes an old and tryed Captain had represented this passage after a diligent search difficult to be won and that it was kept with fifty thousand of the best Souldiers of China the King was there in person and always on horseback to oblige every one to be diligent and ready and that the Forces he had there were sufficient to guard the Wall against all the World if it should offer to be assaulted The Prince gain'd this Lord by his kindness and gifts which were the richest Furs of Tartary many beautiful Horses and all the rarest things that he had with these he purchas'd his Affections and oblig'd him to discover his mind in these terms Know for certain mighty Prince that you will but trifle away the time if you believe it possible by force of Arms alone to force and win the Wall which the Chineses have built to hinder the Inroads of your Subjects let your Courages be never so great let them be heightened by your example and the remembrance of your former Victories and of the people that you have overcome let them be never so obedient to your orders which have obliged them to contemn the greatest dangers and death it self In a word all the skill of these worthy men whom you alone are worthy to command all these advantages will not prevail against the Wall of the Chineses which is guarded by fifty thousand men of the best Souldiers and which at the least notice shall be assisted by fifty thousand more commanded by Xianxi and when you shall be engag'd in fight with them weary and tyred out the King himself will come with two hundred thousand Horse and two hundred thousand Foot to assault you Suppose you should beat him also this cannot be without much Blood-shed on your side and then it will not advantage you much But to shew you great Prince that I am wholly yours and that the Civilities and Respects of your People have won my heart I will discover to you a way for fifty thousand men whom I will lead into China my self They shall fall upon those that guard the Wall before they are aware In the mean whiles
the Mountains to Burday a City that had been always faithful to the Tartars and that they should there keep them till they had further order Malaxan Axalla's Lieutenant General was to command that Party by him the Prince writ to the Emperour his Uncle and to his Viceroy of Sachetay to acquaint them with his happy success and Victory where he had lost but few of his Men but the Chineses many By this means he freed himself from a great many Chariots and Baggage that incumber'd his Army sending them with the Prisoners He order'd also the Recruits to be hastened and forty thousand Foot to be gathered in Parthia and thirty thousand Horse in Tartaria that they might come to him before the Forces of the King of China could be able to make head to stop him He advis'd what was best to be done upon this news and it was resolved That Quanton should be spedily besieg'd and if it were possible to shut up the Kings Brother in the City This place is one of the chiefest of the Kingdom very populous and naturally strong It was about forty Leagues from the Field where the Battel was fought Odmar took in his way thither many small Towns without opposition and was march'd as far as the Walls dispersing his Troops round about with an intention not to depart without the Prince's order to whom he had dispatch'd a Messenger to understand his pleasure An universal fright had seiz'd upon the hearts of all the Inhabitants of the Kingdom though the Kings Brother endeavour'd to settle their minds and oblige them to take Courage The Humanity of Tamerlan and the Civilities that he had expressed to the King of China and to the rest of his Prisoners being nois'd abroad in the Country satisfied their minds and made them bear their misfortune with patience Every one knew already that the Prince was of a mild and obliging temper that he took a great delight in shewing his mercy to such as deserved or desired it by their behaviour and repentance and that when he was angry by an indiscreet fierceness he was loth to be cruel and rough to any But in regard his design was to bring down the proud and to raise up the humble he observ'd an equality in his Rewards and Punishments to prevent by that means all occasions and inclinations of mischief He had another good quality that caus'd him to be admir'd and cherish'd by all the World he was a religious observer of his word and no Person durst attempt to make him break it without deserving his displeasure The fame of so many good qualities and of so rare a Virtue in Tamerlan spreading about amongst the ignorant Chineses produc'd this good effect that when once they had obtain'd his word they depended upon it as if he had put it immediately in execution This is of an high importance to settle the interest of a Conquerour amongst his new Subjects After all these orders given Tamerlan commanded publick Prayers to be said to implore the Divine assistance He distributed Moneys afterwards to the Captains that they might have a care to heal the wounded and provide necessaries for them and with the rest of his Army in good order march'd towards Quanton He had order'd Odmar to Post himself on the other side of the Town to hinder the Kings Brother from carrying into it his succours in case he should attempt to put any in willing him to oppose himself with all his power and to fight him in case of necessity for he inform'd him that he was coming with the Army to besiege that City At this same time the Kings Brother sent Embassadours to Tamerlan to Know how the King did and to desire leave to visit him Tamerlan was glad of this request because he feared that he would have Proclaim'd himself King of China and by that means have created him much more trouble than his elder Brother In the mean while the Prince of China having understood in what condition the Citizens of Quanton were he resolved to succour them and adventure another Battel because as he thought he had the Troops of his Allies and his own Army numerous enough to do this business for that purpose he march'd straight to Porchio scituate upon a great River where he intended to build a Bridge with Boats having Materials in abundance As soon as Tamerlan had understood his motion he caus'd a Ditch to be made at the end of the Bridge that was over the River with a Fortification to prevent all sudden attempts placing there three or four thousand of his best Souldiers to Guard it In the mean while as the Enemy drew near he stood with his Army drawn up on this side the River and took notice of their countenance and motion Both Armies continued in this manner ten or twelve days without performing any thing worthy of notice At last Tamerlan had news brought him that the Kings Brother had gathered together a great many Boats and was making of a Bridge at a narrow place called Cambin about ten Leagues from his Camp At first he took no notice that he knew it staying in the same place with his Troops without attempting any thing but when he understood for certain that the Bridge was perfected he gave order to fifteen thousand Horse to attack such as were passed over the River commanding his Body of Foot to follow after He had left behind him at Porchio as many as were needful to secure his Camp the rest of his Horse Commanded by the Prince brought up the Reer He stop'd or advanc'd his Army according to the news that he received at every foot in his March of the number and posture of his Enemies that had pass'd over the River About Midnight they left their Camp and came to their Rendezvous about Noon Odmar was there half an hour before the rest but as soon as he understood that there was no more of the Chineses on his side of the River than he was able to beat he stop'd with his Party without medling with them because he wish'd that more would adventure over and he staid for Tamerlan's coming He thought fit to send some Scouts to understand how their number increas'd when he perceived that there were about fifty thousand passed over the River he sent news of it to Tamerlan who was at hand and march'd directly to attack them His coming was not expected for they knew nothing of his March He found them in disorder so that at the first On-set he put them to flight Some of them resisted with courage but not so stoutly as they might have done in so advantageous a Post as they were in for they had the River on the one side and a large Marsh on the other side It is certain that if they had but known their strength and the advantage of the place a small resistance had been able to stop the Tartarians But as soon as Tamerlan's Infantry had got as far as
there but advance towards the Plain where he was resolved to expect him because he was stronger than Bajazet in Horse At last Bajazet's great Army incourag'd with the hopes of victory and a desire to engage began to assault the Tartars in Sannas but the greatest part of them were gone only some hundreds of Horse having kindled the Fire at the Enemy's approach fled with all speed in some disorder The Prince of Ciarcan having divided his Party into two Bodies and given special order to the first that as soon as they should see the hundred Horse issue out of Sannas and fly away that they should receive them and retreat behind him for he had Posted himself in a Valley with the other Body of Horse near a Wood from whence he saw two thousand Turkish Horse the Scouts of their Army pass by him He charg'd them in the Rear so speedily and with that courage that when they saw themselves so briskly assaulted and had not the time to look about they yielded and fought but faintly retreating many of them were killed and taken Prisoners This was the first Encounter between the Turks and Tartars wherein the Victory fell to the latter All the Prisoners were sent to Tamerlan and amongst them the Bassa of Natolia their Commander The Prince spoke to him and ask'd him what had caused Bajazet to forget himself so strangely as not to regard him and to despise his Army that he hoped that in a few days he should find one that would bring down his pride and make him more tractable The Bassa answer'd that his Lord was the Son of the World that he could not endure a Partner and that for his part he had good cause to wonder at Tamerlan for undertaking so long and dangerous an Expedition to stop the Progress of his Prince's good successes whom Heaven favour'd and to whom all the World yielded obedience and that there was no discretion in him to withstand him Nay said Tamerlan I am sent and appointed by God to chastise this proud Man and to teach him that Insolency deserves the vengeance of Heaven and that God delights as much to abase the proud as to raise the humble Souls That the raising of the Siege of Constantinople was a beginning of his success against his Master And thou may'st said he though I pity thy misfortune understand what a difference there is between my Parthian Horse and that of Bajazet ' s. But thinkest thou that thy Master will fight with me The Bassa reply'd He desires nothing more passionately Afterwards he fell down at Tamerlan's Feet with these words Noble Prince I intreat you suffer me out of your generosity to assist my Prince that day Tamerlan soon yielding to his Request answered in this manner Go and tell thy Master that thou hast seen me and that I shall be in Fight in that place where there shall be a green Flag hung out The Bassa surprised with such a noble Grant promis'd him when he took his leave that next to his Lord and Master there was no Person in the World that he would serve with more affection and sooner than him At his return to the Turkish Army he told Bajazet all the discourse that he had with Tamerlan and chiefly he told what he had wish'd him to say to him We shall understand all these things very shortly reply'd Bajazet and before I have done I will make him repent of his folly The Bassa acknowledg'd the favour that he had received from Tamerlan and publish'd every-where his Grandeur and Goodness extolling highly his Generosity in giving him a very beautiful Horse though he knew that he would use him in fighting against him The next day the Turkish Army marched two Leagues to come in sight of the Tartars who were at Even about a League distant from it expecting the day following in which the great Dispute was to be The Night was not very peaceable the noise of Men and the neighing of Horses filled the Air and caused every one to desire the return of the Sun to give liberty to their courages to act in this Field of Mars The Scythians that love Prey and Plunder were encourag'd by their Leaders to behave themselves valiantly in hopes of the rich Spoils which the Victory would deliver into their Hands The Parthians who were ambitious of the glory and honour of their Nation were obliged to do their uttermost endeavour to overcome the Turks who alone were able to dispute with them for the Empire of Asia The Christians who were very numerous in the Tartarian Army for they were near the fourth part were animated with a hatred against their mortal Enemy whose defeat would prove the liberty of Greece In this manner in the night the several Nations encourag'd one another according to their several dispositions The Prince walk'd about his Camp in the night hearkening to their Discourses which rejoyced his heart because they had a certain assurance of obtaining the Victory Alhacent walk'd along with him The Prince told him That the night before his Fight with the Muscovites his Camp was full of Songs of Triumph and Rejoycings and that none of the Souldiers could sleep which caus'd him to be perswaded of the Victory he obtain'd I see said he the same presage now of the next days happiness and success When he had gone round his Camp he return'd to his Tent at the end of the second Watch and laid himself down upon a Carpet to take a little rest but could not sleep for he was impatient to see the appearance of the next day In the mean whiles he commanded Alhacent to bring him the Book which he commonly read containing the Histories of the Actions of his Forefathers and the worthy deeds of the most famous men of his Country He lighted in opening of the Book upon the Relation of a great Battel which his Grand-father lost fighting against the Persians which he thought before to win and had got it had he not attacked them indiscreetly and neglected the advantages that were offered him trusting too much to his own and his peoples Courages He commanded Alhacent to read over that passage once more with this saying I read often this description of that Battel before I engage in a fight that I might not trust so much to my Lyons Skin that I neglect the use of the Foxes Tail to cover my head That this fault of my Grand father in leaving his advantagious ground against the advice and intreaties of his Servants to assault an Enemy in his Trenches might cause me to be more wary and cautious A little after he ask'd whether it were day and sent for his great Chamberlain to cause the Trumpet to sound that his Horses might be made ready He rested himself a little longer and ask'd for Axalla who came to him with several other Lords and chief Officers of his Army He advis'd with them what was best to observe and took Horse sending them
all to their several Commands Immediately after news came to him That the Turks were drawing near and entring into the Field He was very desirous to see them in their march that he might be better able to order his Army according to that manner He moved them from the place where he stood sending before three thousand Horse to begin a light skirmish whiles he appointed to every one his Rank and Place In this view of the Enemy he had taken notice That the Turkish Infantry named Janisaries kept the middle having upon each Wing two Bodies of Horse amounting to about thirty thousand and that there was another Body that went before and covered all the Foot This order seem'd to him very strong and not easie to be broken I was once resolved said he to Axalla to fight on foot but now I see I must be on Horseback to encourage my men to break through that great Body of Janisaries which I shall suffer advance as far as they please I will have fifty thousand Foot on each Wing and forty thousand Horse of my best Cavalry in the middle behind them there shall be fifty thousand Horse in three Bodies which you shall command and I will follow and second you with fourscore thousand Horse more where I intend to be in person behind me I will have one hundred thousand Foot who shall march in two Battalions the Reer shall be composed of forty thousand Horse and fifty thousand Foot who shall not strike a stroke till I shall want them The reserve shall be ten thousand of my stoutest Horse whom I will send to the places that shall have most need The Prince of Ciarcan a famous Commander of great worth led the first forty thousand Horse The Lord Synopes a Genoese and Relation of Axalla his Lieutenant-General of the Infantry a Captain of a great Reputation was at the Head of the first Infantry Prince Axalla followed him with fifty thousand Horse Bajazet's Army seem'd to be very beautiful and numerous marching towards the Tartars who stood to their Ground without stirring only some single Troops Scythians and Muscovites went sometimes between the two Armies to skirmish a little but these bold Fellows performed nothing of consequence for the winning of the Victory At that moment a Spy was taken who inform'd Tamerlan That Bajazet who was then on Horseback encouraging his Men intended to fight that day amongst his Janisaries a-foot These Janisaries are certain brave and faithful Souldiers brought up from their Infancy in Feats of Armes and chosen out of all the Christian Nations beautiful and strong of Body and of a good Constitution They are train'd up from their Child-hood together and are esteem'd invincible They fight for their Prince and Lord with a strange resolution in the form of a Half-Moon about his Person They were then about thirty thousand in number Bajazet confided most in them not regarding the rest of his Infantry which was numerous for they were People gathered together from several places He had a brave Company of Horse about one hundred and forty thousand very well experienced in all manner of Fights He had also above thirty thousand Mameluks very good Horsemen and forty thousand Foot sent to him from the Souldan of Egypt to help him So that his Army seem'd to be as great as Tamerlan's which stood closer together and march'd in several Lines whereas Bajazet's had but one and appear'd in one Front It march'd on with a great noise and grievous threatnings whereas Tamerlan's Army observed a great silence in expectation of the Signal As soon as publick Prayers were ended the Emperour appear'd in the Van to be witness of the first On-set causing Axalla to advance forward he himself returned to his resolved Station when he had called upon every one to behave themselves well It is not to be imagin'd how furiously the Turks assaulted the Prince of Ciarcan who had orders not to fight until the Enemy were in their march and had begun to attack him The place was a large Plain of a vast extent where the advantage was equal for both Parties only there was a River on Tamerlan's left hand which he look'd upon as a benefit to his Army so that he gave an express and a strict Command not to suffer the Turks to take it from them because of that side which he esteem'd the best for his Men to fight It was always his Practise in War to suffer his Enemy to begin the Encounter therefore he ordered the Commanders of his Van-Guard to stay till the Enemy did first assault them In the mean while the Prince of Ciarcan with his forty thousand Horse was almost overthrown He did all that could have been expected from a great courage and a judicious Commander He broke into the middle of the Janisaries where Bajazet was and disorder'd them but his valour that overturn'd all things in his way was soon stop'd with an Arrow that struck him to the heart At that time Axalla went on with his Men and charg'd one of the Enemies Wings where he meeting with no great resistance cut them all to pieces His Infantry came then up to him according to appointment and with it he assaulted the Janisaries The Prince considering the difficult Task that Axalla was to have sent him ten thousand Horse out of his Body as well to favour the rallying of such as should be disorder'd as to charge a Body of Foot which were marching on to help the Janisaries who behaved themselves gallantly for the glory and safety of their Prince The Fight lasted a full hour before any Person did offer to retreat The Turks and the Parthians with a wonderful obstinacy killed one another in heaps Men and Horses covered the Ground in their Gore-Blood lying one upon another Here you might have seen some falling dead upon those that they had newly kill'd There you might have beheld some breathing out their last Gasp with threatning looks In every place were heard lamentations groans and the cryes of the wounded and dying Souldiers The Prince beheld this fight patiently looking for the end but when he perceived that his Men decreas'd and seem'd to be too weak he sent ten thousand Horse to second the ten thousand appointed for the Reserve and commanded them to fall on as soon as they should see that need requir'd In the mean while the Emperour enter'd into the Battel with his Party and broke through all that stood in his way and the Infantry Commanded by the Prince of Tanais advanc'd and assaulted the Janisaries where Bajazet was yet in Person They found no easie work to overthrow them but when the Emperour had again charged them the second time and followed by his Reer he overcame them rather by his number than by valour or courage for they performed all that could be expected from brave Men but so many Onsets one upon the Neck of another by fresh Souldiers oppress'd them Bajazet forsook this Body
of Janisaries and took Horse wounded but he fell into the Hands of Axalla unto whom he yielded himself Prisoner thinking he had been Tamerlan He was at first taken for some great Lord of the Turkish Army Twenty thousand of the Tartars never acted but after the Fight in pursuit of the flying Enemy whom they kill'd by heaps The Prince had his Horse run through and kill'd with a Lance but he was quickly mounted again One may justly say that his Conduct alone won the Victory for had his Army ingag'd all at once they had been in that strange confusion that might have overthrown them but his cunning to weary the Turks in fighting and recruit his own Parties when they were in want got him the Victory Threescore thousand Men were kill'd of the Turks and about twenty thousand Tartars The Prince of Ciarcan and the Captain of the Georgians both lost their Lives to the great sorrow of the whole Army Calibes that brave Commander who brought up the Reer was vex'd to meet with such small resistance and to have had so little hand in the Action The Despot of Servia a Christian who fought for Bajazet was taken Prisoner every one prais'd him for having well behaved himself that day The prince received him very kindly after that he had blamed him for serving Bajazet against him that intended nothing but to assist and set at liberty his Emperour The Despot answered That what he had done was not out of Duty or Inclination for the good of Bajazet but only for fear of losing his Dominions which he saw were exposed to the ambition and at the mercy of him to whom all the World before seem'd to yield obedience Tamerlan pretty well satisfied with this excuse gave him his freedom to depart when he thought convenient The Emperour had a great care to secure Bajazet's Children and to cause their Father to be cured of his Wounds afterwards he commanded him to be brought before him Bajazet shewed no sign of humility The Prince seem'd to be displeas'd at his proud carriage he told him therefore That his Life depended upon his will and with a word-speaking he could take it from him Speak the word I intreat thee reply'd Bajazet for it will be my greatest happiness How comest thou said Tamerlan to him to be so bold to take away the Empire from the Prince of Greece The desire of glory answer'd Bajazet and of enlarging my Kingdom But wherefore said the Prince dost thou commit so many Cruelties and use thy conquered Subjects so barbarously as to spare neither Age nor Sex I act thus answered he to terrifie mine Enemies the more For the same Reason replyd'd the Prince thou shalt be treated in the same manner With that he sent him away and turned to his Commanders Behold said he a proud and haughty Man that deserves to be punish'd and made an Example to all such cruel and barbarous People as he is I confess God hath this day subdued and put in my power a great Enemy I am bound to return him thanks Afterwards he sent for Bajazet's Children to be brought to him he seem'd to pity their misfortune and commanded them to be civilly and courteously treated as the Children of a great Monarch He commanded next that to bury the dead The Body of the Prince of Ciarcan was found amongst the Janisaries where he was ingag'd Tamerlan express'd a great deal of sorrow for the loss of this young Prince who was his Kinsman and likely to do him great service A great number of Captains were killed this day and almost all the Officers of the Turks for the Fight was fierce and bloody for the Fight continued from seven a Clock in the Morning till four in the Afternoon and then it was not well known who should win the Victory On the third day after the Fight the Army march'd away for the first was employed in burying the dead every one render'd that Duty to their Friends and Kindred The Body of the Prince of Ciarcan was Embalmed and conducted with a Guard of two thousand Horse to Samarcande to be there kept till the Emperour's return The other Corpses were buried in Sannas with honour Axalla was grieved for the death of his Kinsman a brave bold and couragious young Man well beloved of the Prince His Command was given to his Brother who shewed then great signs of a noble courage Alhacent saith That he could not but make that day a Reflexion upon the unconstancy and vanity of worldly things sufficiently represented in this Battel At the beginning Bajazet the dreadful Emperour of the Turks thought himself above all changes of Fortune having met with nothing on Earth able to withstand his Power but a few hours after he is cast down and with a blow his flourishing Estate overthrown when he least expected it This caused him to confess since that he had been deservedly punished for having despised great Armies and placed all his confidence in the valour of his Horsemen and of his Janisaries He was three days as it were in a despairing condition fretting and tormenting himself he sought to kill himself and called for Death to deliver him out of his Captivity Tamerlan who was the mildest the most courteous and compassionate Prince yet could he not be perswaded to pity him for he dealt with him as with a furious Beast so that when he mounted upon his Horse upon solemn Festivals Bajazet was brought to him that his Shoulder might serve him as a step to leap upon his Horse This he did not out of any Ostentation but only to humble Bajazet and discover to him the folly of Men who seek in themselves and not in God all their greatness and confidence The next day the Army marched the way that leads to Bursa whither the sad remains of Bajazet's Army were fled under the Command of Bassa Mustapha All the Country through which Tamerlan pass'd submitted He commanded all the Fortresses to be demolish'd and punish'd severely those that offered to withstand him and endure a Siege Tamerlan had caus'd several Pris'ners to be led in Chains after the Body of the Prince of Ciarcan to Samarcande He intended to enlarge that City and increase the Inhabitants that it might be a Testimony of his Glory and a Monument of his Grandeur to future Ages For that purpose he had caus'd many Chineses taken in the former Battels to be carried thither and some he had invited out of Pekin and Quanton This famous Battel that overthrew Bajazet filled all his Subjects with fears and obliged them to submit to the Conquerour Nothing was able to resist Tamerlan till he arrived with his Army before Bursa whither his defeated Troops were fled and shut up with two of his Male Children very young In the mean while Axalla advanc'd forward with forty thousand Horse and an hundred thousand Foot without any incumbrance or Baggage with them he hinder'd the Enemy from rallying and made a terrible
mean while Tamerlan being highly incens'd at this great affront of those of Gevolach was resolved to besiege it for that purpose he caus'd it to be surrounded and his Infantry to make their approaches by the means of his Engines and Artillery They gave a furious assault but were driven back with the loss of about twelve hundred Tamerlan more angry than before at this repulse caused the Town to be assaulted the second time the Prince was then wounded but mauger the enemies stout resistance Tamerlans men won the Walls from whence they shot continually and killed a great many within At this same time the Prince was informed that the Sultan was hastening to succour and relieve Gevolach according to his promise to the Inhabitants This news caus'd him to repent that he had suffer'd Axalla to advance so far before the rest of the Army To amend his fault he resolved to go and joyn with him hoping by this means to surprize the Enemy who doubtless would think that Axalla was alone and would not imagine that Tamerlan could be so near at hand for this purpose he left the Prince of Taenais with thirty thousand men to continue the siege and march'd with the rest of his Army without baggage towards Borgas There he heard that the Sultan was gone over the River at Confingan with about threescore and fourteen thousand horse and one hundred thousand foot In pursuance of his design he understood at Aleppo the place where the Enemy was encamp'd intending to surprize him for that purpose he sent Axalla about half a dayes journey before and followed him with the remainder of the Army Fourteen or fifteen of the Scouts were cut in pieces before their Comrades could help them because the wayes were uneven and crooked The Enemy was misinform'd they Imagin'd that only the Troops about Aleppo were near them which Axalla commanded They fell therefore upon him sooner than he expected without delay he gave notice of it to the Emperor at the same instant intreating him to make all speed and advance forward and that he would endeavour to dally with the Enemy to give him more time to come up to him and for that intent he would pitch upon a convenient ground to fight At this news the Prince dispatch'd away Calibes with twenty thousand horse they were so happy as to joyn with the rest in good time because of a long and narrow passage which led into a valley through which the Enemies were forced to go softly This accident gave time to Axalla to send Tamerlan word and to post himself in the most favourable place that the Country afforded for otherwise he had been constrain'd to retreat back to the Emperour in the best order that he could possibly observe Having therefore planted himself in that place he assaulted the Enemy with small parties as they came down from the Mountain For at the bottom they intended likewise to draw up their men for the fight in the mean whiles Cabiles was come in with his Ten thousand horse which encouraged Axalla the more for before he had but thirty thousand horse and Ten thousand more led by Andronicus but these were for the most part of Albania very good Souldiers This Prince desired of Axalla to grant him the first on-set which he dar'd not to refuse him for fear of displeasing him He begun the fight so furiously that he overthrew and killed a great many Enemies but he was one of the first killed mortally wounded in this charge and unhappily killed for want of a timely releif He was without doubt a Prince of an Heroick Spirit for in that tender age he shewed sufficiently that he did not degenerate from the Honor and Noble minds of his Ancestors Axalla succeeded him with his Body of horse partly Parthians partly Christians who were paid by Tamerlan with this Body he prevailed so well upon the Sultans Troups that he scatter'd them and broke in as far as the Infantry where he had need of new courage and resolutions to withstand the fury of that body of foot But his party who had been alwayes used to overcome wherever he led them ingaged against the foot which so much success that they had almost defeated them and put them to flight but Axalla recalled them back In the heat of the Battle a body of five and twenty thousand of the Enemies horse where the Sultan was in person charg'd Calibes furiously and was received with the same gallantry at that instant Axalla return'd back from the Infantry which he had left half overthrown and seeing Calibes ingaged and worsted he assaulted the Mamelucks upon the Flanks and disorder'd them but a body of fifteen thousand horse which stood behind the infantry with orders not to fight but when they saw great need broke in upon Axalla's party in the same manner put them in disorder kill'd Axallas horse wounded him and took him Prisoner A cowardly horse man at that instant without staying to observe what followed clap'd spur to his horse and with all speed went to meet the Emperour to tell him this news which afflicted him to the heart because he repos'd himself much upon Axalla's courage skill and experience This caus'd him therefore to make the more haste he came into the Battle so seasonably that had he not arriv'd as he did the Victory had been lost he had sent before Ten thousand horse and followed with five and twenty thousand more of his stoutest Souldiers besides he had five and twenty thousand of his Auxillary Troops upon the Wings His coming chang'd the face of the battle for the Sultan not knowing any thing of this body of men that were going to fall upon him he being not able to discover them at a distance because of a Valley through which they passed he was strangely surpris'd when he saw them first appear at that very time when the Troops Commanded by Calibes and Axalla resisted in a disorder The ten thousand Horse sent before came in fresh and charg'd the Mamelucks who thought they had already won the day the Emperour also at that instant followed with all his Cavalry and Infantry So that the Sultan was forc'd to sound a retreat for he was not able to withstand so great a fury and saw that the whole Army was come against him Then he perceived but too late his rashness and unadvisedness in that he had not sent to view his enemies Army In the mean while Axalla had disingaged himself from the Souldier that had taken him prisoner He was a foot a little while but being known by one of his men he was mounted again and they understood that he had but a light wound The Emperour to hinder the Sultan from rallying his men pursued his Victory three full leagues This unhappy Prince had three Horses kill'd under him in the ingagement where he perform'd the duty both of a Captain and of a common Souldier But he had committed a fault that was not
Army Calibes had orders sent him to besiege them and scatter the Troops that gathered themselvs together about that place to incommode and rob the persons who brought provisions to the Army This retreat of the Sultan into Arabia was but a meer pretence and a flying report He was gone into Aegypt towards Cairo having left behind several parties to disturb and assault the Army in their march and chiefly in the narrow lanes and passages He caus'd a grievous destruction to be made in the Country round about to famish the Army but Tamerlan's Cavalry followed him so closse at the heels that he had not time to do all the mischief that he intended The Inhabitants also for their own as well as for the enemies sake opposed and hindred the full execution of his design When the Emperour was at Miserit he caused a Proclamation to be made to forbid any to go beyond Jordan that he might the better preserve the Country from whence his Army had their Provisions He went as he had Promised to Jerusalem in the company of his greatest Favourites guarded with a party of Horse to visit as a religious Prince that Sepulcher which is honoured by all the Nations of the world and to present his gifts When he was in the City where the Inhabitants received him with all possible honours he saught for all the Antiquities of the old Temple of Solomon and was led as the Pilgrims through all the places where Christ had preach'd and wrought Miracles When he had ended his Prayers at the Sepulcher he gave large gifts Two things chiefly gave him great content when he inquir'd of certain Monks and Religious Men at the Sepulcher where their Lords Body was He is said they in Heaven at the right hand of God Then turning to his Mahumetan Train he ask'd them where they thought that this Prophet was The Cherif that stood next to him replyed that he was a true God that he was gone before to sit in the first place in Heaven where he should be received also As he came from Heaven so he was departed thither again Then the Prince fell upon his knees and held his Name in great veneration And at his return to Samarcand he built him a sumptuous Temple taking a great delight to hear men tell of his Miracles and commanded that some should mention them often in his hearing The other thing that gave him a delight and admiration was when in viewing all the places of devotion he came to that at last where Christ leaving his Disciples ascended up into the glories of Heaven There he left behind the fashion of his foot which caus'd him to wonder at it extraordinarily And when one told him that a Pilgrim had been here ravish'd in Spirit he thought him happy Axalla with many other Christians were then with him In this manner Tamerlan by visiting the holy places and relicks gave a great satisfaction to all the people but the Jews could not indure but exclaim'd against him openly He had never any affection for them but named them Wicked Men and Cursed of God He loved to see men sincere in their piety and devotions and was glad to have seen Axalla so liberal of his offerings to the holy Sepulcher In the mean whiles the Army was in their march to Tema towards Aegypt the Emperour had notice that the Slutan gathered his Troops togeher from all parts and was then at Alexandria He himself after the performance of his devotions followed the Army and commanded the Van-guard to go towards Damietta He had been told that it was not to be taken by force The Sultan had secur'd it with a strong Garrison It was a maritine Town one of the most noted of all Aegypt so that it was in great reputation Many of the Emperours followers labour'd to diswade him from attempting it advising him to adventure upon something else telling him that it was no discreetion to run his numerous army into a narrow peice of Land but that he should rather march higher into the Country but all their reasons could not perswade him from going thither for he judged that there was nothing that could put a stop to his good Fortune He therefore commanded Axalla to block up the Town and he followed him thither with the remainder of the Army When Axalla was there he sent in a summons commanding them to submit and declaring to the Christian Inhabitants who were there very numerous what a folly it would be for them to oppose his Emperours power That his mildness and goodness should rather oblige them to free themselves from the Tyranny of the Moors and Mamelucks who oppressed them beyond measure He told them that he was a Christian as well as they and therefore should be alwayes very glad to serve them He caused also some of the Greek Captains to argue the case with them They dealt so effectually that they perswaded them to adventure their lives and endeavour to drive out of their City the Mamelucks and all those who held for the Sultan They delayed not in the execution of this design but with their weapons in their hands they got the command of one quarter of the City and open'd one of the Gates to Axalla All the Mamelucks were either kill'd or taken Pris'ners and Damietta was yeilded to the Prince This News which the Emperour received in his march caused him to expect a happy success in the prosecution of his great design He could not have hoped for such an easie accomplishment of it if this strong City had been in the Enemies hands for by its advantageous scituation upon one of the branches of Nilus it would have ruin'd his Army and cut off all their provisions But now that it was in his power he could reasonably expect from all parts of Greece as the Emperour Emanuel had promis'd him all manner of things necessary for his Souldiers which were already coming to him by Damietta He appointed there a strong Garrison of two thousand Grecians with a Governour to keep for him the City They took the Oath of fidelity The Prince found this place according to his mind and stronger than he had at first imagin'd The Inhabitants of Larissa submitted likewise and would not stand out against his invincible power Garrisons were placed in all the places scituate near he Sea that provisions might not be hinder'd to be brought to the Army This was one of his greatest cares to provide well for so vast a multitude that they might not want Tamerlan stopt a few dayes in Damietta but sent his vanguard towards Alexandria but immediately after he followed them and caused them to march about towards Grand Cairo The Sultan who had provided himself for a stout resistance in Alexandria was surpris'd to hear of this unexpected charge he had no time to deliberate but with all speed made what haste he could to prevent Tamerlan He enter'd into Cairo as the Army was in sight of it with
a strong resolution to stop the entry of the Tartars and preserve the passage of the River that leads to Alexandria It was reported that the Sultan gat into Cairo with forty thousand horse and threescore thousand foot but Tamerlan could not believe it However he arriv'd there in very good time to preserve his interest for the Tartarian Army was at Buldat seven leagues from the City at that time the slaves who are very numerous there had an intent to revolt and open to us a gate which they might have done with ease had not the Sultans coming hinder'd them This therefore was a great let to the success of the Tartarian Army and the consequence of it troubled them not a little for fear of not being able to get provisions which if they had happen'd to fail them they had been forced to raise their siege and depart Notwithstanding the Prince whose courage nothing could terrifie drew near to the City with all his Army causing them to intrench themselves chiefly to preserve his Cavalry from sudden attempts He caused several attempts to be made upon the City wherein his men had alwayes the advantage by these assaults he had a trial of their courages and resolutions and endeavoured to offer an opportunity to the slaves to venture out and acquaint him with the posture of affaires within the City The Emperour was afraid of what might happen and of the tediousness of the Siege therefore for that reason as well as to try the disposition of his Enemy if he might oblige him to venture out drew up his Army before the City He hop'd that if he had been so bold as to venture out during that absence there might be some stirring and revolt in the City amongst the Inhabitants weary of the Tyranny of the Mamelucks or amongst the Slaves unto whom underhand he had promised their freedome None dared look out all the benefit that he reap'd by this action was but to understand more fully the situation of Cairo and shew the Inhabitants the strength and number of his invincible Army But at the same time he caused them to be dealt withal by Slaves of their own Nation who flying from us unto the City caus'd them to understand that the Emperour intended not to ruin them that he had no intention but to fight with the Mamelucks his enemies This underhand dealing caus'd such an impression in their minds that they all agreed to free themselves from the company of these troublesome Guests When the Emperour understood what success of this subtil negotiation he resolved to draw near with his Infantry at half a mile from the Town that his approach might encourage the Citizens the more for thâ—â—y had sent word that they would rise in arms and fight for us against our enemies and theirs Upon this news he sent for the Cheiftains of his Army to open to them his mind to hear their advice and give them the necessary orders for the carrying on of his design with success He told them that he was come before that City imagining that it had been unprovided and without any Garrison easie to be won that it had been able if taken to have caus'd his Army to subsist a long time and procure them great advantages but that being prevented by the Mamelucks who were got in possession of it with all their Army there was two great inconveniences that would attend upon him if he did continue in the siege the first was the difficulty of getting provisions for by endeavouring to famish the besieged he run the hazard of starving his own Army The second inconveniency was the excessive heats of the approaching Season which would prove so much the more dangerous to his men because they were not us'd to them and if diseases and distempers should enter amongst them they would ruin him and his designs He told them also that he had resolved to confine all his desires to Cairo and Alexandria and to proceed no further in his Conquests That after the subduing of these two places he would return to Samarcand loaden with the Spoils of Asia That it would be a shame to them to flie away from an enemy whom they had lately beaten and who to avoid the sight of them had wandered up and down the Mountains and Desarts two Months That they were got into that City because they trusted more to the strength of its walls and bulworks than to their weapons and courages That it did become them to shew the vanity of this confidence of the Mamelucks for if they shelter'd themselves in strong-Holds and Walls the Parthians and Tartarians had a more numerous Army than theirs and stouter courages more used to overcome all difficulties therefore they were able to render those heaps of stones and mortar useless for at the first assault they would be able to leap over all the walls and barracado's with which the Enemies had fortified the streets of the City that all these things would not be able to secure the Mamelucks from fear and from flying before them That if they would attach their enemies unexpectedly whiles they thought themselves safe within their Walls and not to be forced That the very surprising attempt would half overcome them It is far more honourable said he to them to assault them than to fly away from them shamefully and and turn our backs to those who have seen our faces so often to their loss This is a special favour that the great God of hosts hath granted to us these twenty years that we have been fighting with many Warlike people that we have never turned them our backs We must therefore disown the Parthian name and forget all our former Victories and glory if we forsake this Siege and depart for it is certain in such a case our enemies would never fail to pursue us and cut short our provisions and to publish abroad to our eternal shame our flight this would cause many of those that fight for us forsake us in our need and turn against us and we should see those who have yeilded to us betray us and become our enemies The Emperour made this discourse to his Captains to give them to understand that there was but two wayes to take either to forsake the City and the Seige or to fight with the Enemy This speech astonish'd them with the Novelty and the greatness of the enterprise for they had never endeavoured to force an Army retrench'd within strong Walls and they were afraid of the sequel of such an attempt Nevertheless their honour and reputation which they saw ingag'd prevail'd upon them and caus'd them to contemn all the dangers and death it self which they foresaw as infallible Whiles every one was thinking upon the enterprise with their heads hanging down with a great silence Tamerlan desired Axalla to speak and discover his mind which he did in this manner Worthy Prince wherefore do you desire to search our minds Do you not yet
be so bold to adventure upon him in his strength But they were so proud to have obliged him to depart from before Meleg that they resolved to assault his Camp and the rather because they imagin'd that they had filled his Army with fears and apprehensions They thought to succeed and to increase thereby the Glory of their Souldiers because the Chamberlain was but a young man whom they judged to be without experience in War and fitter for a peaceable Court where he had been train'd up than for a Camp and an Army They had never been so bold if Calibes had yet commanded there for amongst all the Commanders of Tamerlan Calibes was look'd upon to be the most experienced and valiant Captain next to Axalla In a morning therefore they lodg'd their Army near the Chamberlains Camp He had given a strict command that no Soldier should offer to go out but to resist stoutly if they were assaulted He drew up all his men in order of battle and with the advice and direction of some of his chief Officers placed them in such a manner that he could succour and relieve them in any place where they might be assaulted in this posture they waited for the Enemy who made to them with fury and great cryes There was fifty thousand foot divided into two parties that they might attack the Camp in two several places But the Tartarian Camp was so ordered that there was a place for the Cavalry to go out and fight under the shelter of the Trenches The Enemies had not minded it therefore they had sent away theirs beyond a small River whether they imagin'd that the Tartars would retreat in haste for fear of their foot and by that means they would pursue and cut them off In the Chamberlains Camp were eighteen thousand horse and forty thousand foot with a great deal of baggage and many prisoners whom the great Chamberlain had caused to work so briskly in the Trenches that they were stronger than the Walls of the Town of Meleg The fight lasted three hours the Tartars defended themselves bravely And so many of the Enemies Army were destroyed that the Chamberlain imagin'd that he was able to assault them in his turn for that purpose whiles his men dallied with the assailours to keep them in heart he commanded out his Cavalry by that way mentioned before which broke in upon the Enemies infantry so furiously that they killed them at their pleasure till they were weary At that instant he understood that the Enemies Horse were coming back over the River to help their foot which caused him to sound a retreat into the Trenches for he was not willing to hazard any thing but upon good terms knowing that this Cavalry was composed of thirty thousand men The Enemy lost this day five and twenty thousand of their best Souldiers not only by the sally of the Horse but also at the assaulting of the Camp The General or chief Commander of this expedition being the King of Armenia named Eleazar lost his Life in giving great testimonies of his courage and valour As soon as the Emperour had received the news sent to him from the great Chamberlain of the rising of the Princes of Persia and Armenia and of the relief of Meleg he dispatched away Axallae with the Parthians Cavalry but he had not marched three dayes journy but he received the news of their overthrow He sent word of it to Tamerlan expecting at Damascus other orders As soon as the Emperour understood these things he caused them to be publish'd abroad and sent word to Calibes that he might by dispersing the news amongst the Troops satisfy all discontented minds who were perswaded that the Chamberlains Army was totally defeated the Emperour expressed more joy of this Victory than for all that he ever won in his own person some think that it proceeded from a satisfaction to have not been mistaken in the choice he made of the great Chamberlain to act in an employ that seem'd to be beyond the capacity of a young man for had he miscarried many would have exclaimed against the Prince to have pitched upon him his wise conduct and valour won him the praises of every one and of Tamerlan also who could not forbear to commend him It was then reported that the Emperour having a great desire to reâ—â—urn to his Kingdome and Patrimony that he might secure it by his presence for fear that a longer absence or some other disgrace should beget an inclination in some of his people to be troublesome was resolved for the future to govern his Armies by his Lieutenants and therefore before the Winter he would pass over the Mountains of Imaus He sent orders to Axalla to return and stop in the road in all strong places of Judea he places his Garrisons and in Syria Of other Cities that he had no mind to guard he pulled down the Walls some people whom he suspected he carried with him put others in their room and in several Provinces he made new Collonies as he had done in Aegypt and elsewhere He sent home about this time the succours of the Greek Emperour he caused the meanest Souldier to receive his pay and treated so liberally the Officers of the late Prince Andronicus that they departed wonderfully well satisfied that Tamerlan was as much to be admired for his magnificences And gratitude as for his other rare qualities about this time his Chancellour whose advice he followed in many things moved him in this juncture of time to seize upon the Empire of Greece before he returned to Tartary shewing him how needful those Countries would be to him now that he had conquered the Territories of the Sultan that great Princes are not to keep their word and promises no longer than they are useful for their Countery He represented to him that he was the man whom all the World look'd upon as their Prince that many Nations lived peacably under his protection that he ought not to neglect an advantage which would procure to the Parthians and Tartarians much honour and glory and that it was needful for him to take that Empire into his hands that he might make Constantinople the chief seat of all the conquered Countries that he might have nothing but the Sea to limit his dominions Tamerlan returned him this answer that he desired that the Empire of the Parthians might have narrower bounds in observing the rules of Justice than to inlarge them by the commission of a crime That the Emperour of Greece was his friend his neighbour and his Ally that if he did offer to forget himself and break the bonds of aimity that tied them together and the faith which had been solemnly sworn he would make him experience his power and that God would doubtless assist him in the prosecution of a just cause I think said he to him my friend I cannot do any thing more honourable and more glorious for my Empire and for the Parthian
for the most part a foot and unprovided so that they easily ran over them But as they were advancing they met with another Trench which had been drawn in opposition to theirs This stopp'd them a while and gave time and leasure to the Tartars to arm and succour their Companions Their enemies wanted no courage to resist and assault them for they won the Trenches which they laboured with the assistance of some foot to level In this place the hurly burly was great and the fight bloudy for the Infantry being suddainly broken could not easily rally but were almost all cut in peices But as they advanced further than they should have done they gave an occasion and time to six thousand of Axalla's horse who were upon Guard about half a mile distant to come in good time to charge them in disorder In this manner Camares passed over the first Trenches and was advancing forward to disingage his men when Axalla came in suddainly to him with two or three thousand horse whom he had found ready seeing therefore the danger of his men he charged without dispute the enemy who was looking about for a way to retreat with no intent to hazard a battle Doubtless they had escaped through a passage where they thought there had been no body if they had not met with six thousand men whom Axalla had appointed to stop there Cameres attackt them in vain he was driven back with loss which caused him to try another place lower with a purpose to fight his way through if he could not break through otherwise When he saw himself pursued so close at the heels by Axalla with seven thousand Parthian horse and Stradiots he faced about with twelve or thirteen thousand men that he had yet left and then like a furious beast in despair he fell upon Axalla's party In this moment of time he shewed his wisdome and courage and received the enemies charge without losing much ground At the second charge Axalla's horse was killed under him with a Lance but he was as soon mounted again had it not been for the coming in of Damacen whom he expected and who had orders to follow him with eight or ten thousand fresh horse he had been forced to a retreat When this party came in they found Axalla's men broken though they yet obstinately held out against the furious enemy But the coming of these fresh Troops routed and utterly defeated them When Camares saw unto what necessity he was driven he endeavoured to rally all his broken Army and to make way through his enemies but in this last attempt he was killed in the fight performing actions worthy of an immortal Name All this was done in the night by the light of the Moon The Prince of Tanais was then in the Camp to guard it The next day the Emperour himself arrived where the battle was fought when he saw the number of the slain he could not sufficiently praise Axalla for his wisdome care and carriage but he would not pardon the unworthiness the negligence and slothfulness of those Captains that were then upon the Guard who had been surprized unawares He caused two to be examin'd and tried they were found guilty and punished according to the Law of Arms. The Inhabitants of Archiecho had received into their Town five or six thousand of the sad remains of the Persian Army but when they saw the rest defeated and Camares head they had no courage to withstand or make resistance they desired therefore Articles The Emperour granted them peace upon condition that those Souldiers that were within their Walls should not return to Tauris but to any other place whither they desired to go They intreated leave to march to Lovain and promised to perform whatsoever the Inhabitants of Tauris should agree to This misfortune of Camares astonish'd them all they could not but wonder that he had shut himself up If he had had as they thought more discretion he had easily found work for the Enemy a while and doubtless in a retreat he might have met with an opportunity to fall upon the Tartars with advantage At that instant the Emperour caused his Army to decamp and went to lodge at eight leagues from Tauris The body of the Army was at Sederva and the Van at Chiara As soon as Axalla had appeared with his Vanguard before the Walls of Tauris The whole City was full of fears but much more when Tamerlan had sent in a Trumpeter with a message They were then in their Town house The faction of Guines though the weakest began to lift up their heads when they saw the contrary party troubled requiring earnestly that the Emperours commands might be obeyed When they saw the others wavering they seized upon one of the Gates of Tauris resolved to let in Tamerlan with his Army for they trusted in his generosity and good disposition But that we may better understand in what trouble these people were in we must know that as soon as they heard that Tamerlan was upon their borders they chose Talismahar for their Prince who before had been but their General They swore to him to die rather a thousand deaths than to yield to the Empire of the Tartars or to hearken to any accommodation when they saw how all things were changed they repented of their former resolution and of the choice they had made so unconstant are the minds of the common people They were so much the more dissatisfied with Talismahar because before he had declared that he was strong enough not only to withstand the Tartarians but also to drive them again into their Country Now all these promises seem'd to be but vain on the contrary they saw the enemies Army victorious and full of many sorts of people Camares and his men lately overthrown and the Tartars drawing near their Walls to block them up and punish them if they offered to resist They knew also that the Emperour had sent them word that if they would submit to him he would deal with them kindly and not suffer the Army to approach nearer than four leagues of their City Their Priests were the most obstinate to hold out for fear of being constrain'd to submit to the reformation of Guines But his superstitions began to appear less frightful to these Inhabitants They commonly said to one another Shall we for fear of that which may chance never to happen run headlong into our certain ruine Shall we be any longer cozen'd with the promises of our new Prince who hath been defeated Have we not heard of the plundering of Cairo and of the many Towns which Tamerlan hath conquered Who knows whither he will force us to be under Guines Whither he will not rather choose to keep us in his own hands that we may watch over that ambitious Prince whose wicked designs he perceiveâ—â— cloak'd with an appearance of Devotion and counterfeit Piety Let us free our selves from these fears by a bold resolution Let us
in such occasions he desired to express more honor to her Father that the Empress should accompany the body with him they walked together This he did to give a greater authority to the Empress in the Eyes of the World that in case God should take him away before their Children were at Age she might be thought worthy to govern the Empire during their minority as he himself judged her by all the publick signs that he could give in all occasions The Prince was so much taken with her behaviour and vertuous carriage that he would not love any other women nor suffer his affections to wander up and down upon meaner objects Here he had fixed his mind here he had confined his desires and appetite He look'd with contempt upon all other neither their beauty nor the charms of Wit nor the amorous inclinations of the female Sex could prevail upon his inflexible soul and oblige him to that variety of amours in which men of his Religion and Elevation commonly indulge themselves For as he was naturally very chast he intended no other thing by his Marriage but to have Children to perpetuate his Name and Family and succeed him in the Empire As soon as the funeral Ceremonies were over and the Emperours Corps laid in the Sepulcher of his Ancestors he returned to Cambalu spending the Winter in Races in Tilts and hunting all manner of Beasts He had piâ—â—ched upon that City as nearest to China from whence he desired to hear News often intending to go thither the following Summer if necessity required for he was resolved to take care to preserve what he had Conquered there by his valour and good Fortune and to enjoy the fruits of his Labours He was likewise busie in perfecting the buildings that he had begun at Samarcand and in compleating them as soon as he could In the mean while Axalla dwelt at Quinzay well beloved of the Souldiers and Inhabitants They had an affection for him because of his Mildness Liberality Courage Justice and other admirable qualities They all knew what credit he had with the Emperour Therefore they made their address to him to intreat him to perswade the Emperour that they might have the advantage to see him in their City and to choose it for to bring up the Prince his Son At his request the Emperour granted them their desire appointing Axalla to govern him with all the Country of Quinzay as far as the Sea beyond Cambalu which contains above four hundred Leagues and more than three hundred Cities with an infinite number of Towns and Villages This was properly the Empire of his deceased Unkle He made Axalla Lieutenant General under the Prince his Son and made him likewise the Governour of his person so great a Confidence he had in his Virtue Fidelity and Abilities In this manner he rewarded him for his notable Services and for the great Victories that he had got for him by his Vertue Experience and Courage He looked upon him therefore as most able to teach his Son the Art of Keeping and Governing those many Nations which Axalla had helped to Conquer CHAP. VII Cairo relieved with Provisions and Souldiers when besieged by the Sultan His overthrow and Death The Emperours Journey to Quinzay The Settlement of his affairs in China WHiles the Emperour was ordering his affairs at Cambalu news was brought him that the Sultan had besieged Cairo three moneths with a powerful Army and that the Inhabitants of that great City were so far from favouring his designs that they were very zealous and courageous in their defence for Tamerlans interest For that purpose he had placed there a great many strangers Without this precaution doubtless in this juncture there had been many Seditions and Plots for the betraying of the City because Calibes had not then forces enough to oblige the Sultan to raise his Siege without other assistance But in regard this business was of the greatest consequence for the Empires preservation he sent to the Prince of Tanais Vice-Roy of Persia to send him a party This Prince was alwayes desirous to purchase glory and ready to obey his Emperours orders who had commanded him to assist his neighbour in time of need He gathered up therefore his dispersed Troops old Souldiers Parthians and Tartars to the Number of about one hundred thousand who had accompanied the Emperour in all his Battles and Victories They were desirous of Axalla's presence but next to him they thought none was better able to command them than the Prince of Tanais the Emperours Cosen German who had been trained up under Axalla for in all the greatest difficulties and dangers where Axalla had gained so much honour this Prince had accompanied and learned from him the uneasie and hazardous Trade of War In which he had in the Judgements of all men profited so much that Axalla and he were looked upon as the two Eyes of the Empire and Tamerlan the Head they were theâ—â—ore seated at the two most dangerous extremities of this great body one in Syria the other in Quinzay With this considerable body of an Army unto which were added some Troops of the great Chamberlain which were at Babylon the Prince of Tanais marched into Syria towards Aleppo where he met with Calibes and found that he had got together two hundred thousand good Souldiers The Sultan was not ignorant that this Army was drawing to him which had formerly overthrown him but he conceived some hopes because Tamerlan was not there in person nor his good fortune which alwaies accompanied him and because he was to fight with a young Prince full of life and courage whose too greedy desire of honour might oblige him to undertake things too hastily or unadvisedly He resolved therefore to be wary and by his late misfortune to learn not to hazard a battle in plain ground but to wait for his enemies behind his Trenches For that intent he drew his Trenches along the River of Nilus for onely by that way the City expected to be relieved for it was not probable that so many mouths could be supplied with necessaries by Carts or Camels or by any other carriage by Land Therefore he digg'd his Trenches with ease because the Prince with his Army marched but softly His most judicious Commanders advised him not to approach too near the Town till the provisions were ready to be carried in For that purpose the Prince of Tanais and Calibes had sent Purveyours round about Syria and upon the Sea Coast and about the Islands of Greece to make provisions of Corn wâ—â— was to be carried to Alexandria and from thence to Cairo All their orders had been punctually executed In the mean while the army was coming on which as soon as the enemy perceived upon the banks of Nilus where the Sultan lay with his Souldiers on both sides with a bridge of Boats stretched over the River he withdrew himself into his fortifications When the Prince was in sight of Cairo he
found that the enemy could not incompass about all the Walls that were too large but left a passage free to go in or out of the City He went therefore in carrying with him several Carts and Beasts loaden with provisions which he distributed by his Commissaries into all places that wanted By this he understood that they had all things sufficient for fifteen dayes A Council of War was then called where it was resolved that they should endeavour to famish the Sultan by cutting off his provisions which he drew from three or four Towns which had yielded to him again and sollicited him to besiege Cairo assuring him that it was to be taken with the Engine of Hunger For this purpose whiles things and necessaries were providing at Alexandria to be sent to Cairo whiles a Fleet of Ships of War were making ready to fight with the Sultans Fleet he posted himself above Cairo and sent a Summons to the Inhabitants of Maviare commanding them to yield to the Emperour of Asia his Master threatning Fire and Sword if they offered to resist Their refusal caused the Army to besiege them and with all speed to make their approaches there was a Tower very strong that hindered the Tartars proceedings for from thence the besieged cast upon them artificial fires and killed a great many men The chief Engenier went to view this Tower and offered the Prince of Tanais to undermine it in four dayes which accordingly was performed When the Tower was down they searched the Wall which was found but weak and unable to resist the violence of the Engines which soon cast a great part to the ground This encouraged the Tartars to assault the Town They won and plundered it and put all to the Sword except Women and Children The other Towns terrified with this speedy expedition seeing no likelihood of succours to be expected from the Sultan were yeilded up at the first Summons and admitted to composition The Prince of Tanais placed in these Towns between two and three thousand horse and four thousand foot He judged next that he was to lose no time but with all speed relieve Cairo for fear it should be â—â—educed to necessity with his Army He saw that the Sultan as a judicious Commander had so ordered his affairs as either to cause him to perish for want or to render his attempts vain The Governour of the Towns lately taken might have held out longer as they were able and had promised the Sultan who had furnished them with all that they had required A delay of fifteen days had forced Tanais to forsake Cairo and the best part of Aegypt The Sultan was not totally discouraged though he had reason to be troubled at this infidelity and want of resolution He sent for his Commissaries of Provisions to know what he had in store from them he understood that he had enough for thirty days He drove away from his army all useless and idle persons setting theâ—â— on the other side of the River there to shift for themselves and ly at his enemies mercy such as were not to be useful to him in the fight He had news of the coming of the naval Army from Alexandria which caused him to provide betimes to oppose it In the mean time the Prince of Tanais incamped with his Army beneath Ethied and Sebeis near a River which was a stream or a branch of Nilus and was fordable in divers places But the Sultan was with his Army at Buldao wheâ—â— he had strongly intrenched himself near the River on both sides of it His Army containeâ—â— threescore thousand foot and forty thousand horse the only remains of his former unhappy Troopâ—â— He had caused them to expect the retaking of Cairo which would probably have open'd him a way for the recovering of his Kingdome But when all passages in the upper Aegypt were stopp'd and nothing came to them from thence they began then to despair of success The Sultan labourâ—â— to prevent all discontents which might from hence arise by assuring his Souldiers that in fifteen days for the most the Tartarian Army would be constrain'd to depart for want of Provisions and that then the City would be forced to yield for hunger This perswasion caused them to abide still in their Trenches without attempting any thing for their chiefest care was to provide for their own security near the River They had a great number of armed boats all over the River to stop the coming of any relief to the City When the Prince of Tanais saw that the enemy was so strongly fortified in his Trenches that it was not possibly to force him without running the hazard of a misfortune he employed his men in making another Trench and other fortifications for his own Camp like that of the Enemies For it is against all policy and prudence to stand with a naked Army near and against an enemies Army well intrench'd The Tartarians were three times stronger than the Sultan both in horse and foot but they were obliged for their safety to continue thus incamped near them because they waited and expected the coming of Calibes who was with the Fleet with an intention to carry in Provisions into Cairo And the Prince of Tanais was to assist him by Land whiles he should endeavour to make his way by water to the City Every day some parties went out to skirmish with the Enemies to oblige them to keep closer together in their Camp and to understand the best place for to assault it when the time should serve At last the Prince of Tanais had news of the coming of Calibes who desired him to send him twelve thousand of his Army and imbark them privately at a rendevouz unknown to the enemy for Calibes trusted not too much upon the Troops which he had picked up at Alexandria and because he intended to fight in person upon the River to open away for his Ships or to perish in the attempt he was resolved to have such persons to assist him whom he knew to be brave and resolute men The Prince of Tanais could have wished that Calibes had yeilded to him the honour of commanding the Fleet but all his Captains represented to him that it belonged to him to chuse because he was in his own Government and that the chiefest and fiercest action was likely to be at Land That doubtless the Sultan would send men aboard his Ships to help them that in this case the Trenches would be less guarded and more easie to be taken for the two Armies were but two thousand paces from one another And that in all likelihood the day would not pass without an encounter at Land The Prince of Tanais desired it with passion as a young Hero passionate to win honour But to qualifie this natural heat within him the Emperour had placed near his person two great Lords to keep in his courage and not suffer it to run headlong but to advise him and lead on the
Souldiers who were accustomed to Tamerlans good fortune and ready to attempt the greatest difficulties and overcome the most apparent dangers â—â—anais sent therefore thirteen or fourteen thousand of his stoutest Souldiers to Calibes under the command of Sinopes Axalla's nephew Major General of the Infantry or rather Axalla's Lieutenant who had that office all over the Empire and when the Emperour himself commanded in chief Sinopes was a man of a great reputation having much improved himself in Axalla's tuition When the Prince of Tanais judged that the Fleet was at hand near the Enemies Bridge fortified and strengthened with Chains and Ropes he caused all his horse to be ready and drew up his Infantry sending forty thousand men to a place that he had taken notice of less guarded than the rest For the Enemies seeing him incamp'd between them and the City they imagin'd that the greatest assault would be there therefore they provided that side accordingly They had neglected to fortifie a little Hill which was of a great advantage to the party that should have the command of it Therefore the Prince of Tanais sent this day to assault and take it He had employed his men upon the water only to deceive the Sultan for after the taking of the Hill he marched forward to the second Trenches as if it had been his design to assault and force them also but it was onely to cause the Sultan to look that way for he thought the whole Army had been there he prepared therefore for to defend himself on that side Whiles the Tartarian Army by Land was thus at handy-blows with the enemy their Naval forces broke in upon the Boats after a small resistance overthrew them before they could receive any help For in the beginning of the dispute the Tartars perceived that there was an Island in the River where the Sultan had raised a battery to shoot against them they assaulted and carried it forcing their enemies to retreat into their Trenches by this means they lost the advantage of this place which was fit to defend their bridge against the Tartarian Navy Next to the Island they assaulted the bridge but at the first onset Calibes was sunk and drowned and his party in disorder and discouraged but Sinopes who commanded under him growing more desperate by this loss renewed the fight with a greater resolution and utterly broke the bridge setting the Fire to it with a Boat full of Wild-Fire This courage of Sinopes forced Victory to declare for him and opened a passage for the Navy to the City in view of the Enemies who could no longer hinder or stop it for the Fleet lying under the Island and some Engines that were placed upon the Land shot into the Camp so that they could not lift up nor shew their heads This loss of Calibes was much lamented for he was a man that had rendered great services to the Emperour who loved him well and trusted him His body was sought for amongst many others that perished in the Waters but none could distinguish it It was thought that twenty thousand men died on both sides that day for few escaped of Calibes left Wing Sinopes gain'd much honor and reputation by his good conduct and undaunted courage This action gave a beginning to his preferment It deserved to be well rewarded for there was no possibility of relieving the City but by that way for being in great want and so large many convoys had been required to furnish it with Provisions till the succeeding harvest unto which there was then three months Afterwards Sinopes incamped in the Island with some of the Army to hinder the enemies passage over the River Nevertheless for all his watchfulness the next night being very dark they passed over to the other bank undiscovered in order to their retreat which every one imagin'd would not be by Land for they had no Towns on that side nor intelligence in Cairo nor Alexandria every thing was changed against them So that had they resolved to go that way they must first have overthrown the Tartarian Army which was too difficult a Task for them They were therefore obliged to pass over the River and retreat that way for only on that side they had yet a Town that held for them In the mean while the Prince of Tanais had alwaies a watchful eye upon the Sultan and his designs But he was as much troubled what to do In case the enemies after their passage over the River had obstinately hovered about Cairo He had been then constrained to remain there also and so numerous an Army had famish'd that great City which had Provisions but for eight days It was resolved in Council that the Army should decamp as soon as possible seeing that the City had been relieved They thought that the enemies Army being less in number and better provided with Provisions would stay upon the place a longer time It was therefore concluded that the Army should be divided into two bodies and should attend on the further bank and the hither side and that Sinopes should stay in the Island to favour all the Convoys and Ships of Provision intended to sail to Cairo and hinder the enemies attempts upon them This resolution was taken and kept very secret But when the enemies had spent all their Provisions they sought to retreat as well as the Tartars which they endeavoured to perform in the night All the Boats and Ships which they had near the banks they made ready to go aboard but the Eve before they seem'd to resolve to march into Syria for that purpose they sent out of their Trenches some parties to assault the most advanced Guards as if they had intended to open a passage that way by force of Arms. Whiles this is doing a great part of their Army were ready at the Rivers side to go over In the beginning of the night Fires were discovered more than ordinary upon the bank and most part of their Army was carried over Sinopes could never hinder them for the nights obscurity helped them in their retreat The Sultan passed over first leaving behind him his Lieutenant General to keep the Camp with all his Infantry As soon as the day appeared it was known that a part of their Army was on the other side The Prince of Tanais was willing to attack those that were left behind in the Camp but the oldest and most experienced Captains were not of his opinion They said that it was no easie matter to face threescore thousand men in strong Trenches And that it would be more wisdome to send a supply of men and Engines to Sinopes to strengthen him that he might stop the passage of such as would afterwards venture to go over Nevertheless it was resolved that when the remainder should endeavour to follow after their Companions and their Prince that then the Tartarian Army should break into their Camp and charge them in their retreat The Sultan seeing that his passage
had been successful sent word to the remainder of his army to adventure over the night following and that as many as could should get aboard And to incourage his men the more and hasten them he passed over again himself to them for he knew nothing of the supply of men which Sinopes had received from the Land Army As soon as Sinopes saw the enemies he charged them desperately without delay The Sultan himself was wounded in performing the duty of a great Captain he passed over the water with a great number of his men to joyn with the other party In this dispute the Sultan lost a great many men and some Boats were sunk only twenty thousand were remaining behind in their Camp without any hopes of retreat to their Prince The Tartars assaulted and won their next Trenches but the innermost were so well fortified and guarded that the Commanders thought it no wisdome to venture upon them but rather to stay where they were than to hazard all upon an uncertainty They incamp'd therefore within the Trenches in expectation of that which they were to have by reason and the rules of War sooner than by force Which happen'd accordingly for as soon as the enemies saw themselves pen'd up and not able to look about by reason of the Tartars approaches they sent to desire to parlâ—â—y with them which was granted They sent to the Prince of Tanais a Parthian Officer who had a long time served under him but being left behind sick and taken by the Sultan he enter'd himself in his service After some demonstrations of his strength this Prince had made him Major General of his Infantry He desired to speak with the Prince of Tanais He told him that he had been sent with his Comrades from the Troops which he besieged to intreat him to shew them mercy and not to spill any more humane blood but without it to accept of the Victory which they offered into his hands upon the conditions that he should propose As the Prince of Tanais was visiting the Trenches he heard the offer of this Collonel with Joy He gave them liberty upon this condition that for the time to come they should be Subjects and Slaves to the Emperour and serve him in his Wars wheresoever they should be commanded All which they promised to perform Some were commissioned by the Prince of Tanais to receive their Oath Only the Lieutenant Geneneral of the Sultan and some other Captains departed in a Ship the night before to follow after their Master This Prince as we have taken notice was wounded at the passage of the River which caused him to retreat with his Cavalry twenty leagues to a place that belong'd to him yet As soon as he was arrived he died of his wounds to the great sorrow of his followers The Prince of Tanais who as soon as he could pursued him entered into this place named Palema a few dayes after his death and finding that he was not buried shed Tears for his unhappy end commanding that he should be interred according to his Quality and received very courteously all his Servants He had left behind him a Son who had carried with him all that would not yield to the Emperour They fled to the borders of Lybia into certain Towns of a difficult access because of the Wilderness that lies in the way to them There these poor men lived in hopes to be revenged of the Tartars and one day to restore their broken and ruined fortunes In this manner ended this last War with the Mameluâ—â—ks The Emperour was so troubled at it that he once resolved to march thither him-himself but the news of the Victory and of the Sultans death hindered him The Prince of Tanais was mightily applauded for his prudent conduct but Calibes's unhappy death dasht all the Emperours joy He was so worthy a man that he could not be sufficiently lamented chiefly by Tamerlan who lost in him a faithful servant and and a Great Captain The Prince of Tanais had his Offices and Government bestowed upon him with order to make his ordinary abode in Syria and Aegypt to watch and look over them and keep those Provinces in peace Sinopes was made Major General of the Imperial army which was commanded to return into Persia under the leading of the great Chamberlain who came to the Army at the close of the War with a considerable body of men For it was Tamerlans custome to cause one Army to march after another towards the places that wanted assistance This happy success of his Lieutenants shewed how much it concerns a Prince to dwell in the midst of his Dominions that he might with more ease and more speedily send forth his succours to defend any part or Corner The King of China was then at the Emperours Court to wait upon him according to the Articles of agreement concluded with him which he confirmed in the Princes presence and swore obedience and did him homage The Emperour endeavoured to render himself dreadful to this Heathen King who never kept his promises but when he pleased by shewing him his strong Towns well furnished with people He was astonished to see so many men cloathed so simply chiefly the Emperour that wore nothing but a garment of coloured Cloath without any Ornament He took notice also that all his attendants and Officers about him look'd as so many Kings by their Majestick contenances and behaviour Whiles he was at the Court news came of the Victory obtained upon the Sultan he was eye witness of the publick rejoycings which lasted eight dayes spent in sports feasting and other divertisements after that he returned to his own Country The Emperour gave order next to distribute double pay to his Army which was returning out of Aegypt into Persia with the Great Chamberlain and Sinopes Major General Afterwards he went to Quinzay to see his Son and satisfie the impatient wishes of this great City that desired passionately to enjoy him His presence was also needful to regulate all affairs as he had done in other places Axalla had no mind to be too busie because he had to do with a numerous people inclinable to commotions He was therefore afraid so far to concern himself as to give Tamerlan a disgust or cause the people to murmur Therefore he often spoke it that the ordering of the publick affairs was a great business which none was capable of but the Emperour For the intent of Tamerlan was to appoint the same Laws every where in his great Empire to command the use of the same Weights and Measures that the same Tributes should be setled in all parts according to each mans ability resolving as soon as his Incomes were regulated that he would make provision of Victuals which should be carried from place to place according as his Army should need He was wont to compare an Army with the humane body saying that the Captains were to be look'd upon as the head the Souldiers as the
necessaries themselves and pay for them without wronging any body and let those that shall break these orders be punish'd severely I would have also my Army be incamp'd in Persia because the people are there more inclinable to rebellion than elsewhere and not so willing to obey and because Syria iâ—â— near adjoyning The Army therefore will be sooner ready to carry a remedy to the troubles that may arise in those parts After this discourse to Axalla the Emperour told Odmar that by putting as he did his Son into his hands he did put his dearest treasure and the chief of all his Riches and gave him the command of the two thirds of his Empire That he could not shew him a greater assurance of being well satisfied with his former services than by delivering unto him this precious Pawn That he should command in Chief in his richest Provinces where the people should honour and respect him as himself That all things were quiet and in peace and fit for his weakness and years He sent also for his Chancellour who was not present when these things were concluded He commanded him to cause two Commissions to be drawn one for Odmar to be Governour of his Eldest Son and his Vice-Roy in all the Country of Quinzay and Cambalu as far as the Sea and the Mountains bordering upon China and another for Axalla to be Lieutenant General of his Army with an express command to every Province where it was to march to obey him as himself The news of this Commission given to Prince Axalla being noised abroad every where as far as the Camp made the Souldiers and Captains rejoyce in an extraordinary manner Every one was glad of it not only because of the worth and deservings of the General but also because of the good turns and expressions of his affection which he had given to every one Chiefly Sinopes was overjoyed to hear this pleasing news because he was related to Axalla and had been promoted by him to the chiefest Commands of the Army Odmar was left at Cambalu to prepare for his Journey to Quinzay and was mightily glad of his employment The Emperour gave him Instructions how he should behave himself in his Government for the publick good He commanded him that as soon as the Young Prince his Son should attain to ten years of Age that he should bring him up in business and that he should acquaint him with all affairs that he might learn betimes to do service to his Country but before that Age he would not suffer him to know any thing of business but that he should live as Children of his Age. He was called Cam Sentrochio or Tajochien which word in the Parthian tongue signifies the Love of Men. This Name had been given him by the Old Emperour his Grand-Father in his Fathers absence And this Name was not improper for he was mighty well beloved chiefly in the Province of his Nativity from whence his Father could never take him to carry him to Samarcande where the Empress his Mother lived for the Inhabitants of Quinzay imagin'd that if they lost the sight of him they should lose all Therefore the Emperour was willing to gratifie so extraordinary an affection and their earnest intreaties to leave him at Quinzay When Tamerlan had setled all his affairs he took the way to Samercande where he intended to make his constant abode and to enrich and embellish this place of his Nativity that it might be worthy of his successours and that there they might constantly dwell The Prince was grown solitary for his inclination to devotion had inclined him to a melancholly temper He was so much delighted with contemplation and was weaned so much from the disturbances of Courts and Armies that some think that he would have forsaken the society of men had not a Principle of honour and the interest of his Family retained him He was therefore so far from thinking upon any new expedition that all his thoughts were employed how to keep what he had Conquer'd for he was afraid of the unconstancy of Fortune that had alwayes smiled upon him He knew that her frowns are not to be avoided if men are not contented with the favours that she hath bestowed upon them but still press her for more and weary her by their importunities But we must not ascribe to Fortune alone all the happiness and the continual successes of Tamerlan but to God to the Great God of Hosâ—â—s for whom he had a great respect and reverence Therefore God favoured all his designs gave victory to his Armies and defeated all his enemies In the mean while Axalla was glad of his Commission was busie in reducing the Imperial Army to that posture that the Emperour desired For this purpose he gathered together all the Old Souldiers who had been disbanded and who had been too long at rest in his judgement with them he formed a new Militia He sent towards Moscovy to take from the Frontiers some Troops of horse for his own Guard for he knew their faithfulness and courage He march'd some dayes in the way with the Emperour discoursing with him about the concerns of his Army And to that which he proposed to the Prince he either diminish'd or added what he judged convenient for without flattery one may very safely say that no man was more skilful in affairs of War than Tamerlan Axalla was esteem'd next to him best able to contrive or execute in the same manner and as punctually as the Prince was wont to do great designs The Emperour in his march was very slow that all his attendants who were many in number might follow him and because of a great deal of baggage and carriages Axalla only was weary of this slow pace he long'd to be at Samarcande where he was to enter into his office So that when the Prince who loved hunting because it is an image of War and an exercise that prepares the body for greater labours was desirous to stay in any place fit for this sport Axalla endeavoured to draw him from it as much as he could towards Samarcand Tamerlan arrived thither about the end of the Summer The Empress had been brought to bed and was up again The whole City for the birth of this young Prince and for the safe arrival of the Emperour was full of sports playes and other divertisements which were again renewed at the Childs Circumcision But Axalla endeavoured to lose no time he sollicited the Emperour and his Ministers to furnish him with his Instructions for in the greatest times of pleasures the Emperour had his hours which he spent in the publick affairs from which nothing could take him off When all things were ready Axalla took his leave of his Imperial Majesty to go to the Camp He had with him twenty thousand horse most young men of the Court for the Emperour desired these young blades to be brought up rather in the exercise of Arms than in the pleasures of
his dayes in the City of Samarcande and the news was brought to the Turks they took his second Son named Callepin to advance him upon his Fathers Throne This promotion together with the fair hopes that he gave of his person had encouraged them to raise a powerful Army to retake again Natolia which they judged the easier to accomplish because the divisions of the Greek Emperours family would not suffer him to intermedle in the War for his Brothers were in Rebellion against him and kept him so employed that he had no leasure to look abroad to the affairs of Asia But Axalla being informed of their designs sent word to the Emperour to acquaint him with all their proceedings This attempt of the Turks was not only against the Greek Empire but also against Tamerlan who saw himself obliged to prevent the mischief intended Democares was secretly employed to gather together Souldiers in Persia to send them to Callepin with whom he purposed to joyn with his party Axalla could not well proceed before he had the Emperours orders in so weighty a business He sent him word that his Army was in as good a condition as could be expected and ready for action And that he thought it best to meet the enemy in his own Country and not expect hâ—â—s coming into Persia for all the frontiers were secure and in peace but in Persia the Inhabitants were unconstant and not well confirmed in their obedience He sent word also to the Emperour that Lichibanes the Governour of Natolia had taken away all his Souldiers out of Bursa pulled down the fortifications because he was not able to keep it and that he was retreated with all his Cavalry and Infantry to the foot of the Mountains which he had seised with a resolution there to expect the orders of his Imperial Majesty with more men which he wonted because in all the Provinces there was no Town of any strength to make a resistance against the enemy When the Emperour heard all these things he called together his Council where it was resolved that Prince Axalla should without delay with his Army march into Natolia to joyn with Lichibanes That Odmar with the forces of Quinzay and Cambalu should go thither through the borders of Moscovia and Zerisanes should strengthen his Army with twenty thousand horse That an Embassadour should be dispatched to the Prince of Moscovia to desire the ten thousand horse which he was obliged by his Treaty of Peace to send in such like occasions to assist Tamerlan That the Prince of Tanais likewise should secure his Government and take with him all his horse to meet the Army at the rendevouz That in the mean while the Governour of Babylon should raise twenty thousand horse and fifty thousand foot in Persia besides other levies should be made in all other Provinces That to hasten him the more Commissions should be sent him from the Emperour with Commissioners to choose proper and able men some to bear arms others for the works and labours of the Camp Orders were also sent to all the chief Cities of the Empire commanding the Magistrates to make provisions of victuals and other necessaries and convey them safe to the Army by men appointed for that purpose Zamay also the Governour of Sachetay was ordered to go with all speed to Deristan to receive all the Troops that should come thither with the provisions for the belly and other necessaries for Souldiers and send them to the Army The Emperour caused it to be raised abroad that he would be himself at the Head of his Army and punish the Turks for their bold attempts In the mean while the Imperial Army was marching to the borders increasing dayly by the accession of new Troops Axalla their General was overjoyed to be employed in this glorious expedition he had secret orders to put a period to this War and not to expect the Emperours coming who advanced towards the Army with a slow pace being retarded by the indisposition of his body tormented with a disease He was desirous that Axalla should put an end to this War for that purpose he had given him the whole Command over so much of his Treasure as was needful as well as over the Army The Prince of Tanais who had orders to secure his Government and then to joyn with Axalla sent several parties of horse before him to the Imperial Army with ten thousand foot which he took out of Tauris and eight thousand horse They were commanded by a Lord named Abiran a faithful Servant of the Emperours and Axalla's real Friend In his way through Armenia he drew out of the Garrisons twenty thousand horse to joyn them with the Imperial Army which consisted then of fourscore thousand horse and one hundred thousand foot Tamerlan had as many more gathered out of Moscovy and the province of Sachetay but he could not in six months joyn with Axalla for he was so diseased that he could not make more haste There were some fears amongst his Courtiers that his distemper would increase and grow more dangerous and that it would oblige him to return to Samarcande because the pain which he felt in his side became every day worse and worse so that it tormented his body and had taken away his stomack by degrees he grew feebler None but his chief Officers and Domesticks knew this they were all afraid of death which was not to be avoided A certain Astrologer had foretold that immediately before his death he should win a battle against all the East Another sent him word to take heed of the thirteenth day of the Moon and the ninth moneth of the year These predictions made the Emperour believe that he should die in a battle and not in his bed but this thought of leaving the World did in no wise trouble him but often would speak of his mortality and of the debt he owed to Nature He was expecting every day Odmar who was coming to him with the Young Prince his Son for as he said he intended to present him to the Army and to shew him those persons who were to serve him as soon as God should take him out of the World But he was very desirous to embrace him once more before he gave up the Ghost and send him afterwards to the Empress his Mother to Samarcande with Odmar And though his disease was very troublesome he had taken a resolution if need required to go over the Bosphore of Thracia to Canstantinople and into Greece to encourage his men by his presence to endeavour to cut off and root out all that dangerous brood of Turks and secure his interest by that means in his new Conquests from all future invasion Whiles the Emperour staid for the Prince his Son with a great longing Axalla was busie in his Army spur'd on with an earnest desire of Glory He was so speedy that he entered into Turcomaniae at the same time as fifteen thousand Georgians strong and
warlike men overtook his Army He marched to Gorga where the Governour of the Provinces met him to welcome him and receive from him the Orders that Axalla had to deliver to him in the Emperours name but he would not undertake any thing till the coming of the Prince of Tanais for that purpose he made all speed possible with fifteen thousand horse and thirty thousand foot which he brought with him As soon as he was come up with his party to the Imperial Army Axalla according to Tamerlans orders gave the Prince the command of the Vanguard The Governour of the Country had the Rear He was a person well esteem'd by the Emperour because of his virtuous disposition His Government reached as far as Persia and Syria But that we may better understand this part of the History we must take notice that as soon as Tamerlan had conquered all Natolia he gave a great part of it back to the Greek Emperour upon condition that he should pay as a Tribute every year four hundred thousand Ducats of Gold and eight hundred thousands Livers of Silver Axalla sent therefore to this Prince to acquaint him with his coming to Gorga where he gathered all the Troops together which Tamerlan sent from all parts to make up the body of an Army which he himself was in his march to command to do him the same good Offices which he had formerly done to his Father therefore he intreated him to reconcile the differences of his own family to prevent a forreign evil which increased visibly to the eye and which would cast him into the same inconveniency as his Father was before him if he did not remedy it betimes He sent to advise him that if he did not quench the domestick dissentions and troubles of his family he would but give an advantage to his mortal enemy who would become stronger through his weakness and troubles This seasonable and wholesome advice made no impression upon the minds of this Prince or of his Brothers They had shared the Empire amongst themselves and were at variance about their portions contrary to their desires they help'd to increase and enlarge the Turkish Empire whereof the Prince was likely to succeed their Father without being any wayes related to him They were so foolish as to be Jealous of Tamerlan's Embassadours and angry at the message for they believed at first that the succours that Axalla brought were not above ten or twelve thousand horse but when they understood from the mouth of the Embassador an able and a wise man that the Army had so many thousand horse and foot as to make a dreadful body instead of rejoycing or expressing their thankfulness they began to fear that Tamerlan had sent his men against them as well as against Callepin Neither the remembrance of Tamerlans former generosity expressed to their deceased Father nor the Embassadours endeavours to assure them of the Emperours good and sincere intentions to do them no harm could not remove these ill grounded suspitions out of their minds They were so blind and brutish that they would not admit of a Truce amongst themselves so great was their hatred for one another At the return of this useless Embassie Axalla understood where Callepin lay with his Army and how many men he had Therefore after the general musters he marched to seek out the Enemy in Caramania Callepin was at first astonished at the dilligent proceedings of the Army but much more when at the return of the scouts he understood its order discipline and number of men for he had imagined that it would not be above ten or twelve thousand men When he had learned the truth he called together his Council All the Commanders advised that Callepin who was the only person alive of the Ottoman family should not hazard his person in the battle that he was to be desired to stay at a distance and see the consequence and end of the fight That though his Army was strong and powerful because the Persians and Mamelucks two warlike Nations made up the greatest part of it It was to be feared if things succceded not well with them they would conclude a peace to the prejudice of the Turks with the victorious enemy When Callepin understood that the Emperour in person was advancing after Axalla with another Army as numerous and as brave as the former he began to repent that he had awakened the drowsie Lyon The Greek Emperour also imagining that all this Army was designed to take from him his Country as well as to drive away the Turks sent to conclude a league with Callepin which after it was agreed too the Turk desired some succours to help him against Tamerlans Army which was there purposely to defend the Greek from the Turk the common enemy of both He alleadged these reasons to strengthen his ridiculous fancy That in all appearance the Emperour would not be content with such narrow limits to his Empire as the Egean Sea but would enlarge it beyond Constantinople That they ought to joyn together for the security of their dominions and repulse that ambitious Prince into his own Nest in Tartary That he could not approve his Fathers proceedings nor would follow his footsteps for after his Fathers decease he had refused to give any encouragement to Tamerlans Governour in Natolia That his Army had advanced into that Province without his knowledge and consent and therefore he should endeavoâ—â—r to beat him out He laboured to make the Turk sensible of these things that he might conclude a confederacy with him to his own ruin but the Tartars were so advanced that tho they had both â—â— desire to joyn they could not have then the means for the Ottoman Army could not give back without destroying themselves There was a necessity for them to fight The greatest part were Persians and Mamelucks and banish'd men driven but of their Country because they would not submit to Tamerlan It was therefore very dangerous for them to delay the battle or to retreat The Bassa who commanded in the Turkish army had fifteen thousand Persian Horse good fighting men and thirty thousand Foot led by the Prince of Tauris one of the banished men The Mamelucks were in number about twenty thousand Horse commanded by him that was chosen their Sultan who near five years had been making war in Arabia but had been driven from thence by Tamerâ—â—an's men and entertained by Callepin whose Confederate he was in hopes that if their affairs succeeded he might receive from him such assiâ—â—tance as might help him to recover Syria and Egypt and all the Dominions of the Mamelucks Besides these there were twenty five thousand Turkish Horse and thirty thousand foot with six thousand more that Callepin had chosen for his Guard The grand Bassa was an experienced Warriour and a brave Commander With these Troops he imagin'd himself able to overthrow the enemies Army And was the more encouraged to fight because he supposed that
the greatest part of the Tartarian Forces were no cordial Friends of the â—â—arthians nor well wishers to their Empire This Bassa was the same who had been taken the day before the great Battle where Bajazet was made Prisoner unto whom Tamerlan gave his freedom and a stately horse He boasted amongst his own men that he was acquainted with the Tartarians manner of fighting and that the greatest advantage which they had obtained was by the taking of Bajazet but that more had been killed on their side than on the Turks which was very true Therefore in the Counsel of affairs which Callepin had called together this was his advice that they should not suffer their Prince to be in the Army the day of the fight for fear that he should fall into the same misfortune as his Father before him Now in the Survey and Mustering of the Emperours Army Axalla found that it had fourscore thousand Horse and one hundred and threescore thousand Foot Threescore thousand were old Troops kept in pay by Tamerlan brave Souldiers accustomed to fight Sinopes an excellent and a skillful Commander led fourscore thousand Foot chosen men of a stout resolution As soon therefore as the enemy drew so near that Axalla had notice of their march he called a Council of War and caused his Army to advance softly towards them He knew that Goualach about thirty leagues off from the place where he was with his men was an advantageous pâ—â—st to him who should first recover it he caused therefore all his Army very desirous of a battle to march thither The Turks went slowly and would not forsake the Sea-side that furnished them with plenty of all manner of provisions In the Tartarian Army there was no such abundance for want began to be a complaint Axalla commanded a Parthian Captain named Stucan a Collonel of the light horse to advance towards the Turks and to observe their motion that he might not be surprized unawares This Officer a man fit for a great undertaking very active and ingenious had under his command a Soldier of that Country where the Turks were then incamp'd who understanding the language of the place and being faithful to his Leader was able to do him service in a design that he had thought upon and imagin'd to be fâ—â—sable But before he would attempt it he took advise with Prince Axalla who approved of it and encouraged him to accomplish it For that purpose Stucan with three thousand Horse advances before his Army ten leagues as far as Regeni where he met with some Turks whom he made Prisoners and by them he understood that the Van of the Turks Army was in sight He went out upon a high ground to take notice of it and resolved in the dark to enter into their Camp by the means of this Souldier that knew the language and should pretend that he had been sent to shew the way to two thousand Persian Horse which he brought with him and at the same moment Stucan with his followers should enter in amongst the Turks and surprise them in disorder All this happened according to the project and their expectation for two hundred men going before with this Souldier they entered in amongst the Turks and were immediately followed by Stucan and his party that killed above three thousand of the Van-guard The rest were afraid to stir for though all the Cavalry mounted at the first Alarm they were not so bold as to pursue after Stucan in his retreat but stood to their ground imagining that the whole Army was at hand They chose rather to lose a few fore-runners and loose Troops than to indanger their whole body When day began to break the Turks Bassa wondered at his mistake and to understand that onely three thousand Horse had done that execution and disorder'd his Army for he learn'd that the Tartarians were yet about ten leagues from his Camp He was highly incensed at this affront When therefore he understood by some Runawayes that provisions were but scarce in the Tartarian Army he resolved to wait for it in the place where he was and to fortifie himself in such a manner that he might not be forced to fight against his will For by that delay he hoped to waste all Axalla's provisions and so to weary him as to oblige him to retreat back again Now Axalla imagin'd not that the Bassa was so well informed of the condition of his Army but to prevent that design he purposed to lay a snare for him and cause him to fall into it A little after his Army marched within five leagues of the Turks Whiles the Trenches were making Axalla drew up his men in order of battle and advanced with them within two leagues of the Turks Army in a plain ground from whence he went in person to take notice how they lay intrenched in their Camp from whence they had their provisions and what road their Convoys of victuals and their Purveyours kept When he had well observed all particulars he resolved either to force the enemies to fight him or to lodge between them and the Sea so to cut off their provisions For that purpose he advanced with his Army to their Trenches as if he had an intent to assault them In the mean while without noise he had employed some to fortifie a Camp and prepare lodgings for his Army towards the Sea The Bassa would not look out of his Camp therefore he knew not what was preparing He had taken notice that the Tartarian Army had faced him eight hours in order of battle and expected to be assaulted in his Trenches which he earnestly desired but when instead of that news came to him that they were incamp'd near his fortifications between him and the Sea in a place where they would intercept all his provisions and that he should not be able to recover any without great danger and difficulty he was strangely surprised and astonished which caused him to call together the Officers of his Army to advise what to do in this juncture It was there resolved that if they understood that the Tartars would hinder them from all correspondency with the Sea that then they must fight but before it was resolved to endeavour by strong Guards and parties to draw provisions into the Camp according to this advice the Bassa as soon as day appeared sent out six thousand Horse of his best Souldiers towards the Sea with orders if they met with any opposition that then they should return into the Camp They hapned to light upon the Tartarian main Guard that charged them so vigorously that they were beaten back and forced to return faster than they came on When the Bassa saw what had happen'd he understood the Tartars design and that there was a necessity for him to hazard a fight Therefore the next night he drew out some of his Army to take possession of a Hill which was nearer to him than to his enemies with an intent
possibilities of a retreat he dispatched away twenty thousand Horse more to second the Persians who seem'd to be almost all broken Then the Tartars were forced to give back with great loss if the Lord D' Halicen had not come in with a fresh party to assist the Prince of Tanais they had been routed for the Prince lost two Horses under him and was mounted upon the third Stucan was kill'd and all his light Horsemen overthrown When Axalla perceived the fault of the Prince of Tanais he was in dispair to see so glorious a Victory which God had given him useless or lost through other mens miscarriage and folly Turning therefore to his men in haste Now my dear Comrades Cryed he we must fight not so much for the glory of the Parthians as for their lives and safety and for the preservation of the whole Army Go said he to a body of ten thousand Horse which he commanded to ride forward Go and keep up the fight I will follow to relieve you or dye with you that our enemies may see that we will not part with the Victory out of our hands at so cheap a rate A few minutes after he advanced at the Head of forty thousand Horse divided into thâ—â—ee bodies which marched all three in a front keeping a Trot. And with them he charged the Turks who were already grown insolent and proud of their success For since the first onset of the Prince of Tanais they had alwaies had an advantage upon him and overthrown him in the third charge this poor Prince was cast to the ground and left as dead so that his fall had left them the Victory had not the ten thousand Horse sent by Axalla given a furious onset and beaten the enemies back By this means Axalla had time to advance He was desirous to revenge the Parthians losses and snatch the Victory out of the Turks hands and because it was then within two hours of night the shortness of the time required them to make haste He marched therefore strait to the Enemy with an intent to oblige him to fight At that time the Bassa having yet had no hand in the action wondered to see his men instead of driving before the ten thousand Horse led by the Lord of Halicen give back and retreat He advanced therefore with fifteen thousand fresh Horse with a resolution to end the difference and gain the Victory His first charge caused the Tartars and Parthians to give back but Axalla entered into the fight in that moment with all his Horse and forced the Bassa's men to give ground for they were not able to abide the furious onset of the Parthians who had a full intent to be reveng'd for the loss of their Companions for that purpose they cut in pieces a great many Spahis and of the rest of the Turkish Caâ—â—alry A Governour of Natolia named Lenauen who commanded a reserve of ten thousand Horse coming up to Axalla to joyn with him adventured against the Turks but to his loss for he had been broken and his men disorder'd The greatest part of them rallied near Axalla's person and charged with him to be reveng'd They drove back the Turks Cavalry with that success that they made them run in upon their Infantry and forsook them immediately afterwards Fear had so great a power upon their minds and infused a swiftness into their heels The Tartarian Horse seeing all out of order amongst the Turks foot dallied not with them but broke in amongst the thickest had it not been for the dark night they would have killed every man of them Above twenty thousand most part Janisaries retreated in good order they got over a River and hindered by that means the Tartarian Horse from obtaining so compleat a Victory as they desired The next day as soon as it appeared Axalla sent a party of Horse with the Governour of Natolia to pursue after the flying Turks and to hinder them from rallying together in one body It was a difficult matter to overtake them for they had marched all night without stopping and that in good Order commanded by the Captain of the Janisaries named the Aga. They complained of their Horsemen who had forsaken them basely when they were couragiously resolved to die for the Service of their Prince rather than to yield or give ground Axalla remaining still behind upon the bloudy field caus'd all the dead to be put into the ground the wounded to be taken care of and sent the Prince of Tanais into a secure place to be healed of a dangerous wound in his Leg received by an Arrow He marched next after the Turks for he had heard that the Bassa had got together near fourteen thousand Horse And that he might be able to follow them with more speed he left behind him all his bag and baggage And to separate them from the body of Janisaries he took a nearer way to them that he might get in with them before they were joyned together The Janisaries also marching a great pace got as far as the Sea side Axalla had commanded ten thousand Horse to follow them and all his foot that had not yet been ingaged to pursue and hinder them from escaping if it were possible They had marched a great way before and frustrated all the speed that could be made after them at Gallipoli they took Shipping and sailed over into Europe to seek for Callepin who was mightily incensed against the Bassa for he accused him for having forsaken his Army by a shameful slight because he had not chosen an Honourable death to the safety of his Life In this last ingagement the Turks lost above five and forty thousand men and Axalla about twenty thousand In both his courage and prudent acting met with great success and happiness Much was ascribed to chance and fortune Stucan was found dead under his Horse and his Buckler over his Face His death was much lamented all over the Army though his furiousness and indiscretion was likely to have ruined them all They rejoyced all for the safety of the Prince of Tanais who had been as it wâ—â—e snatched out of the Jawes of death by a Miracle Axalla congratulated him for his deliverance but afterwards with mild and yet significant words shewed him his unadvisedness in venturing to fight as he did and obliged him to purchase the Victory at a very dear Rate with the loss of twenty thousand men whereas they might have gained it without any danger or spilling of blood with a little patience The Prince of Tanais laid the fault upon Stucan and his light Horse who were advanced too far and protested that he imagined not the body of the enemies Army so near him as it was Prince Axalla told him that the fear of what might happen had obliged him to draw with his Army as near to the River as he could All these great successes and Victories which were able to puff up the minds of the