ransome he pleased but he refusing to do either after all despightful usage of them slew them quick by little and little they dying after 15 daies miserable torment whereof Scanderbeg hearing entred the Turks Dominion with fire and sword sparing nothing he could by any means destroy Mahomet highly commending Balabanus sent him divers rich gifts with command to repair his Army and proceed which Balabanus diligently performing lying at Alchria sent Scanderbeg again divers presents as desirous to live in peace by him which Scanderbeg rejecting Balabanus corrupted Scanderbeg's Scouts with rewards some being Balabanus kinsmen unknown to Scanderbeg whereby he had oppressed him in the night at Orincheum if Scanderbeg going about the Camp had not perceived his coming by the horses noyse wherefore with wonderful speed he putting his Army in order after a great fight put him to flight slaying most of his Army in the chase Balabanus with a few hardly escaping which when Mahomet understood he doubted whether to send another General but considering Balabanus to be right valiant knowing well the Countrey and Scanderbeg's mortal enemy he committed unto him 14000 horse and 3000 foot to invade again Epirus promising to make him King thereof if he subdued Scanderbeg who coming to Alchria sent a third time Presents which Scanderbeg scornfully refused and lying at Alehria three Moneths he determined to adventure on him by plain force wherefore marching into the Plains nigh Sfetigrade Scanderbeg with 8000 horse and 1500 foot refused not there to fight with him and being come to handy blows the 〈◊〉 fought like raging Lyons Scanderbeg with skill care and valour performing all the parts of a worthy Chiestain But while he thus fought his horse being slain and falling under him he sorely bruised his Arm whereof he long complained The Turks also seeing him down pressed fiercely to kill him but he was soon rescued and remounted forthwith slaying Sultman a great Turkish Commander hand to hand whereupon the Turks retiring after a while plainly fled few with Balabanus escaping through the pursuits execution who returning to Mahomet he was sharply rebuked for these great overthrows But the Kings fury being over Balabanus cunningly excusing himself told Mahomet It was in vain to send such small Armies but if he would send two Captains with a puissant Army who dividing the same might at once enter in several places and one not to accept of battel except the other were at hand he by their thus enclosing Scanderbeg promised him an assured victory which well fitting Mahomet's humour he commissionated Balabanus to leavy what Army he thought sufficient and chuse as his associate which of his Captains he pleased who choosing 40000 good Souldiers and Jacob Arnauth born also in Epirus for his companion he sent him with 16000 by the way of Thessaly and Grecia himself taking the nearer way through Thrace and Macedonia into Epirus encamping in Valchal valley with 20000 horse and 4000 foot Scanderbeg having intelligence from the Turks Court of all Balabanus his intent had provided 8000 horse and 4000 foot in readiness sending out three espialls to discover in what order Balabanus lay one of whom being his Kinsman perswaded the other two in hope of reward to go over to Balabanus discovering all they knew of Scanderbeg who his espials not returning presently rode himself forth with 5 lusty Souldiers to discover their manner of lying who prying into every bush and thicket as they went descryed certain horlmen lying in secret ambush to intercept them yet so that they coming to handy-stroaks Scanderbeg and his followers were glad to flee into the next wood the Turks closely following them A great old tree being fallen a crosse the way Scanderbeg with one of his men leaped over it the other 4 not being able turning and fighting were slain one of the Turks leaping the tree followed Scanderbeg who seeing but one turned and slew him the other Turks returning and Scanderbeg with one man to his Camp who speedily made ready to go against Balabanus before Arnauth's coming and came with speed into the valley of Valchal having divided his Army into 4 squadrons between Tanusius Zacharias Peicus and himself and sending some Harquebussers and Archers before to provoke the enemy Balabanus would not stir from before his Tents expecting the coming of his fellow which Scanderbeg perceiving drew nearer and nearer to his Trenches and by continual skirmishing with those he sent out dared and braved him as if he would by force have fet him out whereat the Turks chasing were ready to rise against their General because he suffered them to be so disgraced Balabanus deferring time what he could and his fellow not comming the Turks also oft ready to issue out without his direction went out to battel himself leading the left wing betwixt whom and Scanderbeg was a fierce fight many falling on both sides in other places they stood almost as lookers on expecting the force of their Generals whereupon Scanderbeg the Turks having before given ground drawing some Troops out of the right wing and fetching a compasse charged the side of the enemies Army and withdrawing speedily set on the back of the left wing so that the Turks there fiercely charged before and behind fell in other places with a great slaughter Balabanus withstanding as long as he could and now become desperate fled out of the battel The rest fleeing also except a few escaping with Balabanus were most either slain or taken Scanderbeg had scarce divided the spoyl but he heard from his Sister then at Petrella that Arnauth was entred by the way of Belgrade burning and destroying and encamping in the lesse Tiranua's Plains wherefore he presently letting forward with his chearful Souldiers soon came where the enemy lay Jacup having removed his Camp into a corner of the Plain Scanderbeg encamped in Jacup's former place where resting one day next morning he cast before the enemies Trenches divers of the late slain Turks heads shewing them divers prisoners which Jacup beholding despairingly said I see the evil hap of Mahomet Scanderbeg sending forth 500 horse to skirmish Jacup seeing his fellow not now to be looked for came readily into the field beginning a fierce battel but Scanderbeg singling Jacup out slew him with his own hand whereupon the Turks fleeing were most slain or taken and those that escaped were by the Countrey people in their stragling either slain or taken Scanderbeg in these two battels loosing about 1000 but the Turks 24000 and 6000 taken the Epiruts being so weary of slaughter that Scanderbeg being told Balabanus might be surprized as fleeing but with one horse Cornet said O let some of our enemies live to report their own slaughter and our victory Presently after he entring into the Turks frontiers and roaming at his pleasure made havock of all in his way Then returning to Croia he brake up his Army In the mean time Mahomet procuring two Turks with great rewards to kill Seanderbeg they coming to
ease and plenty or honourably end their miseries at once for the Horsemen especially the Europeans whose Horses were starved and the Foot spent with travel and a great flux living mostly on Crabs c. with a supping of meal and Vinegar began to die in every corner Hysmael to terrific them the more sent a Herald to Selimus with some skilful Souldiers to view what they could his number Artillery and how encamped telling him seeing the Turks had no Title to Armenia c. he marvelled why he entred his Dominion but if as Alexander the great he should think so much his own as by the Sword he could win he should next day prove his fortune and others forces not inferior to his Selimus answered the manifold injuries done to the Turks by the Persians formerly and also in his Warres against Achomates might give him just cause yet he esteemed them not sufficient causes of Warre only seeking after Amurat lately spoiling Cappadocia whom if he would friendly deliver to him as mutual Laws of amity required he would peaceably return else he threatned to destroy with fire and Sword even the heart of Persia. Next day Selimus set forward in order of battel against the enemies laying about two miles off thinking so great a Prince would fight without delay yet what strength c. the Persian was of he certainly knew not for the ingenious Persians generally so loved Hysmael that not one went to the Turks whereas many revolted from Selimus to him Selimus having 80000 Horse placed Casan Bassa with his Europeans in the right Wing Sinan Bassa with his Asians in the left before them both the Acanzii in the middle the Asapi behind them the Artillery guarded with 4000 Horse lastly following himself with his Pensioners and Janizaries compassed with his small Field-pieces and Carriages commanding his Vant-guard Foot upon the enemies approach speedily to divide that the great Ordnance might play betwixt them Hysmael understanding by fugitives his enemies devices said to his chief Commanders there was no doubt of Victory if they could shun the Artillery wherefore when the Turks Foot divided they should likewise withdraw into two parts causing two great Ensigns to be displayed whither then to retire one for himself the other for Usta Ogli and the rest He had about 30000 Horse no Foot among whom were 10000 men at Arms resolute experienced mounted on couragious barbed Horses and bravely armed no Guns in which and number they were inferior to the Turks yet contemning about 300000 Turks and little reckoning of their Artillery they doubted not to give them battel being also exhorted by Hysmael to remember their former Honour c. telling them they had to do with such whose Weapons were but weak Staves and light Targets their Horses little poor jades almost dead with hunger Selimus gave notice that the long-wished for battel was come wherein if they would worthily acquit themselves they should to their immortal fame extend the Turkish Empire from the Persian Sea to Mount Caucasus but if otherwise they must not think to escape by flight through those desolate Countries where they either should perish or being taken be forced alwayes to serve the Persian Women also Euphrates Taurus and Aladeules who had shut up the passages did cut off all such hope The Asapi making place for the Artillery to play Hysmael also dividing charged the Turk's right wing so forcibly that Casan Bassa after a terrible fight with the foremost being slain and many after them that wing was forced to retire unto Selimus but Usta Ogli who had no small harm by the Ordnance as not clearing his men so speedily as Hysmael charged their left wing making great slaughter and in his couragious assail was slain with a small shot Wherewith the Turks encouraged who before gave ground renewed the battel and with their terrifying Harque-busiers drave the Persians upon the Turk 's common foot who serring together brake thorow them bearing them down with a mighty slaughter and slaying the Cannoniers who discharging at all adventure slew many of their own as of enemies so making way till they came to the right wing where Hysmael still hardly charging the European Horses they were forced to retire but now charged afresh scarce able to endure it cryed to Selimus for help who opening his carriages sent out part of his Horsemen and said to his Janizaries that dayes Victory was reserved to their valour therefore as fresh men they should assail their wearied enemies whose Horses were all on a water and the men faint under their Armour yet Selimus could say they were not very forward and whilest they leisurely set forward the Persians slew the European Horsemen down right and were ready to assail Selimus himself on every side but Sinan Bassa though his wing was sore rent came in in good time and with some fresh Troops restored the battel almost lost but chiefly by the courage of Alisbeg and his Brother Mahomet resembling their warlike Father Malcozzius Selimus still in hope commanded all the Ordnance about him to be discharged whereby such slaughter was made of his own as well as of his enemies that for dust smoak noise of the Artillery both sides almost losing sight and hearing their Horses terrified with the Ordnance not now to be ruled the battel brake off the Victory yet doubtful The Turkish Histories tearm this the onely day of doom Hysmael being wounded under his left shoulder with a small shot and withdrawing through perswasion to have it searched was the safeguard of Selimus and his Army for they following their King left the Victory thought by all to be almost gotten but Hysmael perceiving the wound was not deep he was about to charge a fresh but hearing of Oglie's death in whom was his greatest confidence his Captains also perswading him not to set light by his wound whose grief he yet felt not being warm he softly marched away as not resembling flight and passing by Tauris willed the Citizens to open the Gates to Selimus if he came rather than to fall into destruction himself marching in Media's confines The Turks having no hearts nor strength to pursue them yet took their Tents where besides much rich furniture were many Ladies and Gentlewomen who Persian-like had followed their Husbands in those Warres whom Selimus safely freed except a Wife of Hysmael whom he gave in marriage to a Bassa Some there present reported that divers Persian women were found among the dead armed whom Selimus honestly buried This notable battel in the Galderan fields nigh Coy was fought August 7th 1514. Selimus losing above 30000 men Cusun Lievetenant of Europe being one Seven Sanzacks two being the Malcozzian Brethren who were slain rescuing each other most of his European Horse the flower of his Army being almost all slain or grievously wounded yet he having the Victory by his enemies confession and having Embassadors from Coy and other Cities also from Tauris promising to relieve
of their fidelity to the Emperour Now might many and important considerations trouble the minde of Basta in so doubtful a case whom to give ayd unto but he laid hand upon the helm of good meaning and spread the Sails of such discretion as taught him that in matters of Warre a General might depart from the instructions of his Prince not concerning the end but the meanes leading thereunto especially when the present occasion suffered not so much delay as to expect counsel from far so he resolved to joyn to the confederates most in his judgement concerning his Imperiall Majesty as being the utmost scope of his so great cost and charge to keep Transilvania at his devotion wherefore arriving at Torda Septemb. 14th he joyned unto them to the great wonder of the Vayuod who being in all about 18000 strong and twelve Field pieces he determined not to give leisure to the Vayuod to call to him for more help having with him about 20000 Foot 12000 Horse and 27 Field-pieces amongst whom were divers Siculi in hope of their ancient liberty with a mixture of Cossacks Valachians Rascians and Servians people of prey whom Basta knew to be far inferiour in courage to his 18000 wherefore he set forward the sixteenth day and in two dayes march came in sight of the Vayuod who seeing some great Troops he sent to view the Enemy to be repulsed firing Mirislo a Village fast by out of which they had drawn certain small Pieces into the Camp Mirislo is two Leagues on this side Alba Julia upon the high way stretching from the side of the River Maracz to the foot of a Hill along which the River runing unequally and by the rising of the Hill maketh the ground in some places half a mile broad and more and in some shut up narrow as there where the Village standeth and where the Vayuod advantagiously lay behinde a great trench drawn from the River to the Mountain On this side where from 〈◊〉 the plain enlargeth more and more Basta encamping close to the Village opposed against the Enemie's coming three great Corps du guard two towards the Hill and one towards the River under the charge of the Major of the Field with the Artillery who there entrenched himself both sides still drawing nearer and nearer Towards the Evening September the 17th came one with Letters from the Vayuod to Basta containing He desired to know whether his arrivall in the Conspirator's Camp were by the Emperor's consent or Command or not and how it hapned he would do so considering the divers chances of War c. Who answered To morrow he would shew him his Authority alluding to the Imperiall Standard and as for the fortune and danger he referred that to the will of the Almighty the just Judge of all controversies but the mean while he exhorted him to leave that Province he had so ill governed unto the Emperour promising him free passage into Valachia and giving him time till the next morning to consider thereof after which every one might do for himself what he could The Vayuod disdaining this answer with many threatning and disgraceful words presently caused the Battel to be proclaimed against next day by sound of Drum and Trumpet Basta assuring his Camp and not onely sending but going himself to see how the Enemy lay and finding no reasonable meanes for him there to attempt any exploit by thought it best to make a retreat of about an Italian mile according to the commodiousness of the place which his purpose was much disliked by the confederate Captains to whom it seemed more safe to assault the Enemy in his Trenches than to retire before the face of an Enemy so strong and adventurous c. but Basta promised therein to shew them a more cunning kind of fight than they yet knew and the assurance which himself and the Almaines in the Rear would give in the retreat so that they should not lose one man much lesse to fall into any disorder his purpose being onely to give the Enemy the plain to shew himself openly in so the morning following the three Corps Duguard were called back and the baggage sent away whom the Transilvanians and Hungarians followed the Almaines enclosing the Ordnance in the Reare The Vayuod hereupon sent a great Troop to view them and skirmish with them which were so kept off by Musquetiers in the Reare that they could not come to do any harm though they were all the way charged by them to the great content of Basta who when he saw the Ordnance on Carriages to come out of the Village he marched softly to give the Enemy hope to overtake him having before thought of a convenient place for his men with room enough upon advantage to stay and when he might about half a mile off see the Enemy march in order of Battel he began to march towards him and having placed his men in a fit station and order according to the scituation of the place and order of the Enemy and the manner of his proceeding set down he put on his Helmet and chearfully said he trusted then to shew the Vayuod that his Trunchion could do more than his Scimitar So himself setting forward betwixt the Squadron of the Almaine Foot and the Wing of Musquetiers in the afternoon he marched fair and softly toward the Enemy who without moving expected the discharge of their Artillery whereunto the nearer the Enemy came the lesse harm it did him The Wing of Musquetiers went directly to charge the Artillery and the Squadron towards the Foot of the Hill where Basta desired forcibly to charge presently came in a Front just upon the sign given and so with his Almaine Foot and the Rutters on the right hand enclosed in behind most part of the Enemies Foot at which instant the Rutters on the left hand also so couragiously charged upon the three thousand Launces that better could not have been desired The Launces retiring without hurt and the first Volley discharged forced the Infantry and so disordered the rest whereupon the Wings charging there presently ensued a great slaughter and overthrow the Enemy losing one hundred thousand and Basta but forty and as many hurt and greater had the slaughter been if the Village and nights approach had not covered many of them that fled and stayed the pursuit of the Victors yet was there afterwards found in all as was by the Peasants reported twenty thousand slain in this Battel Basta recovered many Ensigns and much Armour before sent by the Emperour to the Vayuod with all his Tents and Baggage sending out presently many Troops of Horse every way with Proclamation to spare the lives of such Siculi as should lay down Arms many of whom were sent prisoners to divers places especially to Fogaras the Vayuod himself with some Cossacks escaping by flight On the morrow Basta sent away Count Caurioli to inform the Emperour of all particulars who seemed to be pleased yet
Sea into Italy But Bostanges with a Fleet on Ionia's coast hindered Corcutus escape so that he hid himself in a Cave nigh the Sea-side hoping to find some opportunity in few daies he living thus with Countrey-Crabs c. a good while and forced to send his man to a Shepherd's Cortage for relief was discovered to Cassumes by a Peasant seeking after his life and being apprehended was carried towards Prusa and being within a dayes journey thereof Selimus sent Kirengen Ogli called of his squint look Chior Zeinall to strangle him and bring his body to Prusa who awakening him in the dead of the night told him He was sent to see him executed which must presently be done Corcutus deeply sighing desired to be so long spared as to write a few lines to Selimus which guiltlesse he readily in Turkish verse reproved him of his most horrible cruelty upbraiding him with his Father's Nephews and thirsting after his and Achomates guiltlesse blood and concluding with bitter curses besought God justly to revenge so much innocent blood requesting the Captain the letter with his dead body might be delivered to Selimus which being next day done for he was presently strangled Selimus uncovering the face to be sure it was he took and read the paper from his hand which done he bursting into tears protested he was never so troubled at any mans death and commanding a general mourning in the Court he Princely buried his body and 3 daies after struck off 15 of the Searchers heads flinging the bodies into the Sea saying If he were driven to flee and hide himself they would not stick so to serve him Achomates at Spring set forward with his Army from Amasia being frequently excited by friends letters assuring him Selimus might be easily oppressed if with expedition he would come to Prusa the Janizaries and Europaean horse being then absent and himself as hated of God and man could not in so unexpected danger tell what best to do c. wherefore they willed him to hasten c. lest Selimus should call together his dispersed forces c. for Summer being come he must either conquer by plain battel which was hard or get him out of Cappadocia and the lesser Asia He hoping for better success as well for his own strength supply of horse from Hysmael and chiefly hoping Selimus now hated would be forsaken in time of battel yielded to his friends perswasion and being come into Galatia with above 15000 horse left his foot for haste to come after wherefore Selimus sent speedily for his horse and while he levyed common Souldiers Achomates friends with Selimus did by Letters earnestly perswade him to make haste from Paphlagonia before Selimus his Janizaries and horsemen were come he also making all speedy and possible preparation c. which letters being intercepted Selimus executing the writers caused others to be written in their names to Achomates and signed with their Seals with all speed to come on and not stay for his foot since Selimus might be easily oppressed with a few Troops if he would but shew himself to his friends who on the signal of battel would tumult kill Solimus going to fro and having them cunningly delivered Achomates giving credit much presuming on his strength left his footmen under Amurath encamping with his horse nigh Mount Horminius upon Parthenius bank Selimus going from Prusa 10000 Janizaries lately being come to him sent Sinan Bassa his Asian horse-General to prove his enemies strength who not knowing where Achomates lay through the mornings darknesse was set upon in a disadvantagious place and losing 7000 fled back with other 8000. Selimus not discomfited marched to the River Elata which running out of Horminius into Pontus watereth most large fields on the right hand called the Plains of the new Land So did Achomates who though Selimus was too strong for him yet being now encouraged and hoping upon his friends with Selimus neither retired nor expected his others coming the River was betwixt them and their number discovered yet Achomates to whom the open fields offered a safe retreat could not be perswaded to provide in time for his and his Armies safety Selimus passing the River commanded every man to be ready for battel next day and placing 1000 horse under Canoglis his wives brother sent a little before from Taurica with some choise Tartarians in ambush in a wood charged him to charge the enemy battel being joyned on their backs and when it was day he put his Army into battalia Achomates having no Foot dividing his Horse into two wings Whilst they thus stood Achomates offered Selimus to try their quarrels equity hand to hand which if refused he took God and the world to witnesse Selimus was the only cause of the blood to be shed who answered He was not to do that at Achomates appointment and though he could be content so to do his Souldiers would not suffer him c. returning the Messenger with 1000 Aspers reward Achomates charging his brother's right wing they valiantly received them but when it came to handy-blows they by the force of the Persians well armed were disordered and forced with great losse to retire Wherefore Selimus to encourage them brought on his left wing and his Janizaries also who with their shot enforced the other to retire Achomates careful couragiously coming on with fresh Troops the battel was renewed and whilst he was in great hope of victory Canoglis rising out of ambush with great out-cries caused their enemies to turn upon them the Footmen standing close charged them a Front and the Horse who had fled were for shame also returned so that Achomates being beset his Ensigns were taken many slain the rest fled and himself fleeing fell with his horse into a rainy and miry ditch and being taken could not obtain to be presently slain but was reserved to Selimus his pleasure who sent Kirengen with a Bow-string to strangle him whose dead body being brought to Selimus was royally buried at Prusa Amurath hearing on the way by the Persians who made their way thorough the Turks of what happened returned to Amasia resolving with his brother he with the Persians to flee to Hysmael Aladin to flee into Syria and so to Campsoa Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt Selimus after this soon with little trouble bringing all lesser Asia under and disposing of all things would return to Constantinople but the Plague being there hot he came to Hadrianople where he spent that Summer and the next Winter So to Constantinople the mortality being ceased 160000 having there dyed Hysmael sending for Amurath demanded why he came who by his heavy countenance and abundance of tears expressed the cause yet briefly declared That his Father Uncle and Consens had lately been murdered by the Tyrant Selimus who sought also his and his Brothers life wherefore they were glad to flee Hysmael taking him into his protection willed him to be chearful promising him ayd shortly giving him his
into Comagena then destitute of sufficient Garrisons and that Selimus then in Judea's 〈◊〉 might easily be inclosed by them both and vanquished or distressed for want and the rather for that there was no Turkish Fleet on that Coast c. Sinan the while Selimus his forerunner having 〈◊〉 divers Companies of theevish Arabians was come to Gaza the 〈◊〉 though in heart the Mamalukes yielded him their City on composition and relieved him giving him great dissembled thanks that by his meanes they were 〈◊〉 from the Mamalukes bondage ever promised to remain faithfull for so great a benefit Sinan commending their good will lodged his Army nigh the Walls within defence of the Gardens there to expect Selimus his coming And the while 〈◊〉 sought to get knowledge of that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Country chiefly of the nature of the great sanos winning by rewards the Inhabitants thereabout to procure the chief Arabians favour by large offers and to spie what the Mamalukes did at Caire c. and give him knowledge The Gazians on tother side advertized Tomombeius of Sinan's coming and that he might be oppressed before Selimus came if a strong power were sent thither and if the Mamalukes would at an appointed time set by night upon them they then sallying out would do them what harm they could with fire and sword Tomombeius presently sent Gazelles with 6000 choise Horsemen and many Arabians who having shewn himself a politique and valiant Chiefetain all held a great opinion of his valour and direction But Sinan was instantly advertised by his Intelligencers that they were coming suddenly to oppress him and would be with him within two dayes being on the 〈◊〉 But Sinan though he knew nothing yet providently suspecting the Gazians treachery silently betwixt 10 and 12 at night 〈◊〉 his Army marched about 15 miles toward Aegypt nigh which was a small Village wherein Travellers lodged for a plentious Spring 〈◊〉 rise h Sinan and Gazelles both purposed to stay there both whose fore runners brought newes that the enemy was at hand Gazelles not a little troubled and unable to fight in plain battel especially his Horses 〈◊〉 sore wearied was inforced on a new resolution yet not 〈◊〉 he chearfully exhorted his Souldiers to make ready and perform that by force which they could not by policy Sinan having somewhat sooner set his men in order as taking order before with long hopeful perswasions encouraged his to play the men not to think of flight for the wayes would be shut up chiefly to be perswaded no one could perish but whom the immortal God had appointed to die that valiant men found life in the midst of their enemies as cowards death in their safest flight Sinan placed his Harquebusiers in the wings in thin Ranks the easier to use their pieces and enclose the enemy Gazelles sent before the Arabian light Troops to trouble the enemies wings charging their middle battel with a square battel The battel was long terrible and doubtful for the Turks being glad to give ground and disordered by the Mamalukes breaking in began to look which way to flee but the Harquebusiers having repulsed the Arabians wheeling about enclosed the enemies battel whereby men and Horse were a far off slain true valour helping them not for the Mamalukes pressing forward the Turks retired labouring only to gaul them with shot Gazelles his Horses being spent the Arabians beginning to fall off and many of his valiantest men slain or wounded himself also wounded in the neck making his way thorow losing divers Ensigns fled back to Caire having lost the Governours of Alexandria and Caire with 1000 more and a great number of Arabians Sinan lost above 2000 of his best Horsemen some being noted Commanders The Turks not able to pursue there encamped near the Fountain and next day gathering the spoil fastned their enemies heads known by their long beards upon date Trees in witness of their labour and to feed the eyes of fierce Selimus shortly to passe that way They of Gaza supposing Sinan on some knowledge of the Mamalukes coming had retired early setting upon many left in the Camp most being sick and weak slew them and presently spoyled 2000 Horsemen of their Carriages putting them to flight who were sent from Selimus to Sinan who fearing he had been lost with his Army in fear retiring were slain by the Arabians neither had one escaped if Juleb sent from Selimus to Sinan with Graecian Horsemen at Rama had not repressed their fury yet they calling for more and more dwelling in the Mountains were a great Army overtaking the Turks at the Village Carasbara forcing them to fight in a place of great disadvantage for having taken straits closing in the passage of a large Valley they were before behind and on both sides at once They skilfully used Bows and Arrows with long Speares armed at both ends upon their swift Horses so that the Turks keeping close hardly defended themselves in number few Juleb opening the way by 4 pieces of Artillery speedily brought his men thorow those straits then marching more safely he skirmished a far off with them discharging his Field-pieces where he saw the thickest of those wild people yet they were still hovering in their rear slaying such as could not follow and not suffering them to refresh or take rest so that many through thirst wounds and labour died but a great number of other Turks met them unlooked for being even at last cast for Selimus having left Imbrahor Bassa upon Persia's borders and sent for supplies from Constantinople by Sea to be transported had removed from Damasco and the better to provide for Victuals and forrage every day sent before great Companies of his Army Juleb next day meeting with Selimus told him all that had hapned and what they conjectured of Sinan Bassa He now exceeding melancholy thought good to go no further before he knew how it stood with Sinan in whose fortune he had put the hope of his good success But suddenly came the Syrian Spies declaring what Sinan had done turning that melancholy into joy seeing by that Victory Aegypt laid open to him c. Next day removing to Rama he burnt by the way the dwellings Wives and Children of those Arabians who had done so much harm to his men and sending his Foot to Sinan at Gaza himself turned on the left hand to Jerusalem to visit that ancient and famous City then unpeopled desolate and defaced not inhabited by Jews but mostly by a few poor Christians who payed a wondrous yearly tribute to the Sultan of Aegypt for the possession of the holy Grave reverently worshiping the Monuments of the Prophets and having done special sacrifice to Mahomet he gave to the Christian Priests keepers thereof as to devout men money to maintain them for six moneths and afrer one nights stay marched in four dayes to Gaza having skirmishes day and night with the Arabians who where the Turks were forced for the wayes straightness
to extenuate their ranks they would be ready to skirmish and suddenly come to handiblows tumbling down upon them great stones from the Mountains their Harquebusiers through the weathers rayniness and tempestuousness serving to little purpose yet the Janizaries climbing up the hills with Pikes and driving them from their standings near the Emperors Person no 〈◊〉 hurt was done Sinan who returning had put to death the Authors of the treachery at Gaza confiscating their Goods and exacted a great sum of the People in general went to meet Selimus with his victorious Souldiers who gave to the Captains generally and particularly the 〈◊〉 common Souldiers silk Garments with a great sum of money as a reward He stayed but four dayes at Gaza and although his expedition required great haste yet his Army was to be refreshed and great provision to be made for carriage of water on Cammels backs thorow the drie solitary and light 〈◊〉 Desarts by the winde much troubling the weary passengers but such a sudden calm ensued the great rain falling few dayes before that Selimus wanted nothing no not plenty of water for the happy conduct of his Army yet the wild Arabians all along hovered about them for prey snatching up and slaying any that stragled or stayed behind but he provided an easie re-medy by placing his Field-pieces in divers parts to be upon danger discharged upon them also strong Harquebusiers in the rear-ward for defence of the weak who could but softly follow By this meanes with small losse he in 8 dayes drew nigh to Caire Sinan with his Europeans keeping a dayes journey before Into a Village called Matharea famous for plenty of excellent balm about six miles from Caire nigh the Village Rhodania Tomombeius conveighing all his new and old Artillery had drawn deep ditches a crosse the field and high way closly covering them with weak hurdles and earth and he with about 12000 Mamalukes and a multitude of Arabian Horsemen lay in convenient places that the Turks approaching might feel the force of his Ordnance before come within Arrowes shot and forthwith to set upon them disordered and entrapped so that none doubted of the success a great mischief to the Turks if the treachery of a few had not frustrated their great endeavors For 4 Epirot Mamalukes grieving at the preferment of Tomombeius whether upon malice or hope of reward c. or in that declining of their Kingdom to seek new friends fled secretly to Sinan who being born in a Village of Epirus a Sow kept in the House is reported to have bit off his Genitories being a Child sleeping in a shady place and being brought to Constantinople by the takers up of minions for 〈◊〉 Turk was presented to Mahomet the great where 〈◊〉 advanced him to his appointed honours whom she had before dismembered instructing Selimus and him especially what stratagems Tomombeius had devised whereinto they must needs fall if they forlook not the high way Wherefore by their guidance they by a great compass and unusual way came before day shewing themselves at their enemies backs in order of 〈◊〉 with their Artillery ready bent Tomombeius though above measure 〈◊〉 at the frustrating of all that he with such industry and labour had brought to pass yet being of an invincible courage entered into his wonted devices telling quickly his chief Commanders what to do the Signal for making ready was to be given the battel to be ordered the 〈◊〉 encouraged and his Ordnance to be quite contrary turned hardly at once to be directed by one and hastily to be done by many but especially the great concourse for removing of the huge iron 〈◊〉 like Ship Ordnance most troubled the well ordering of the rest with their tumultuous stir but 〈◊〉 and constancy much helped their difficulties who although twice overcome and in so suddain an accident were still of greater spirit and confidence Wherefore Tomombeius the signal being given commanded his Arabians to enclose the enemie's wings behind skirmishing with them that if possible the Turks Horsmen might be 〈◊〉 before he came to charge them 〈◊〉 his Ordnance presently to be discharged So did the Turks likewise bringing them within an arrow-shot So that for a good space they beat one upon another with their Ordnance only the Egyptians Cannoneers being almost all 〈◊〉 and many of their Field-peeces broken by the others shot For Selimus had allured many excellent Canoniers out of Italy and Germany chiefly of those Jews who were banished Spain by Ferdinand dispersing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 those devices thorough the East Jacobus Regio Lepidi was the chief a cunning Engineer who lately through the Turks rewards revolted to 〈◊〉 But after the matter brought to battel the 〈◊〉 with a most hideous cry furiously assailed the Turks in three 〈◊〉 for Selimus keeping his wont approached his enemies in form of a half Moon Mustapha 〈◊〉 the Asians in the right wing Jonuses the Europeians in the left himself the main battel Sinan the General of the field led a 〈◊〉 number of selected Horsmen 〈◊〉 five hundred 〈◊〉 Harquebusiers ready against all uncertain events So almost at once four sharp battels were made in divers places Some present report that what for clamour 〈◊〉 of Instruments of War and rising of the 〈◊〉 all were so confounded that mistaking one another they sle v many friends instead of 〈◊〉 never battels meeting with greater 〈◊〉 nor two Kings with lesse care of their persons and safety 〈◊〉 desperately shewed their strength and courage Gazellus to requite the Eurepeians for the 〈◊〉 not far from Gaza very suriously 〈◊〉 Jonuses and at first 〈◊〉 brake his first Ranks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of his Guidons and the Arabians then pressing in behind forced 〈◊〉 victorious the flower of Thrace Thessalia Epirus 〈◊〉 and Grecia to 〈◊〉 which never enemy before saw but Sinan comming speedily in with his fresh Troops 〈◊〉 the declining battel and while he was fighting couragiously in the head of his battel he was by 〈◊〉 Bidon coming in slain to rescue whose dead body while his followers laboured they were by Gazellus unfolding his Troops most slain the rest put to flight and the five hundred choise Janizaries now destitute of Horse when they had done what was possible were compassed cut in pieces and trodden under foot in a trice Mustapha in the other wing sore pressed the Egyptians left wing which valliant Helymis the Diadare and Giapal led who had lately received great harm by Selimus his overthwart Ordnance Mustapha hereupon with his whole Troops overthrew their broken Ranks and glistering with a lond voyce encouraged his Asians by valour or honourable death to recover their honour lost in the fields of Aleppo Then also Tomombeius breaking thorow the middle battle of the Turks-Horse entered among the Foot giving many a deadly wound with his Scimitar he being big and strong The Arabians also had enclosed the uttermost of the Turks forcing them in many places to turn upon them being doubtfully charged before and
the Greeks in the Fleet said might easily be done whereby it might happen that Barbarussa would for shame come out and joyn Battel This counsel was best liked of and Auria came to Ambracia Bay so placing his Fleet 250 sayl that the Turks might easily number them At which sight Barbarussa though couragious was exceedingly moved So that an Eunuch sent by Solyman as Barbarussa's Companion seeing him to delay the time did uncivilly and proudly take him up because he would not forthwith go out of the Bay and fight with the daring Christians concluding he should beware that he fearing a most honourable death uncertain though the battel were lost drew not on himself the sure danger of a most shameful death by Solyman's displeasure Whereupon Barbarussa turning him to Salec said We ought for that I can see adventure this battel although much disadvantagious left haply we perish by the complaints of this barking Demie-man So weighing Anchor at the time that Auria was on his way toward Naupactum thinking he durst not come out who being come to Leucade the enemies Fleet was deseryed from the top of 〈◊〉 great Gallion making towards them keeping close by the shoar the crafty Turk counting it less losse if the worst should happen to lose the Galleys than the men Auria somewhat troubled hereat yet commanded the Fleet to prepare to battel and follow his Admiral Galley The Turks Fleet was come into the open 〈◊〉 in such order with 150 Galleys that Auria confessed afterwards a more firm and orderly Fleet could not have been brought out by any before which came Drogut an arch Pirate with about 20 nimble Galleys Capellus came in his long boat to Auria requesting that he with his Galleys might give the first charge whom Auria thanking and praising requested him to follow him to whom he would give a seasonable signe what to do The foremost of the Turks Galleys was come to the great Galleon the foremost of the Christian Fleet whereto were sent some Galleys from Salec to help assayl it which shooting afar off did no harm nor Bondelmerius them who suffered not a piece to be discharged expecting them to come nearer who coming accordingly were by the great and small shot glad to stay and retire Auria the while called back the Ships gone before towing out his Galleon and charging the Captains of the Galleys to make ready upon signal given yet was he not minded to fight without his ships which the enemy perceiving sought by all means to fight before the coming in of the tall ships for it was so calm that the ships could not keep way with the Galleys and the smooth water offering an opportunity for battel so that Grimannus ctyed aloud to Auria to give the signal c. who fetching a great compass held a strange course hovering about his ships of purpose to draw the enemies Galleys within danger of his great ships but Barbarussa doubting to be circumvented with some finenesse stayed his course expecting to what purpose that his strange course tended both his wings the while had begun in divers places to encounter with the Christians some still vainely assayling Bondelmerius others had sore beaten two ships with their Ordnance wherein 2 Spanish Companies were embarqued many men being slain 2 other ships laden with victual were burnt and some few men saved by their ship-boats and by swimming to the next ships In the close of the evening Salec took 2 Galleys stragling behind After which was taken the ship of Figaroa a Spaniard though his men fought most valiantly for a time whose son taken with him beautified with nature's gifts was afterwards presented to Solyman turning Turk and growing in credit obtaining his Fathers liberty after 3 years miserable imprisonment sending him home well rewarded Whilst both Fleets lay expecting their most advantage a great tempest os Thunder Lightning Rain with a fresh Easterly gale arose The Christians seeing the Turks hoysing up their small sayls hoysed up both small and great sparing no Oar to clear themselves of the enemy and that disorderly and in great haste So that Auria called a second Neptune was that day accounted no Captain Barbarussa is reported to have pursued them a while till through the night's darkness he stayed his course for the Admirals had put out their Lights in the poupes whereat he laughing said oft in Spanish Auria hath therefore put out his Light The better in the dark to hide his flight Being come to Corcyra they generally thought by that sudden storm they had avoided a great danger The Emperials to excuse Auria imputed it to the Venetians who would never take any Spaniards into their Galleys wherefore Auria doubting of them refrained battel and the rather because they had hoysed their sayls tyed to their Yards with lines which they cutting might flye which way they would Shortly after came Barbarussa to the Isle Naxus about 4 leagues from Corcyra Eastward braving the Christians Gonzaga grieving requested the 3 great Commanders for the Christian's Honour to represse their insolence at last the Venetians taking in some Spanish Companies they were to give battel in 4 squadrons but it was so long protracted that Barbarussa fearing Tempests returned about Octob. 7. into the Bay of Ambracia After which the Generals went to befiege Newcastle a strong Turkish Town in the Bay of Sinus Rizonicus the people were Dalmatians Epirots who had renounced their Religion and some Turks which they soon won with a great prey and a number of captives and 3 dayes after the Castle was also yielded the Turks covenanting in vain to depart with life and liberty This Town for all the Covenants of the League was reserved for the Emperour and Sarmentus with 4000 old Spanish Souldlers left in Garrison Capellus urging in vain the Venetians right Wherefore the grieved Senate now assured of an ill neighbour to their Town Castrum decreed to sue to Solyman for peace which they easily obtained a little while by Grittus their Duke's son and Ryncus the French Embassadour who told the Bassaes that the Venetians League with Charls was made without most of the Senates consent Barbarussa putting to sea to relieve Newcastle many of his Galleys were by a Tempest cast away on the Acroceraunian Rocks 20000 men being reported to be lost Capellus would have perswaded Auria to pursue Barbarussa so distressed which Gonzaga well liked to recompence the former disgrace but Auria not liking the matter presently hoysed sayl for Italy leaving Capellus in such a rage that he detested himself for submitting to another man wishing the Captains present never to be subject to a'stranger c. But Auria referring all he said and did to the Emperour's profit so far that Ursinus then serving the Venetian merrily said Auria had done nothing but politiquly to set the Venetians and Turks together by the ears opening a gate for a long War c. without his losing one Galley for many thought that would sort to
for the Conquest of Cyprus short before they had well tasted the pleasure thereof and all the Captains left nothing unsaid that might hearten their men on or undone that might further the Victory The Turks also though it was fallen out much contrary to their expectation encouraged with former Victories with a fair gale came orderly and gallantly on in form of a half-Moon their fortunate Ensigne yet the Sun shining full in their faces so dazled their eyes that they could not well see to direct their galleys to their most advantage They had 250 galleys 50 galliots 20 Brigandines and other small Vessels the middle battel was conducted by Haly and Partau attended on by many of great account and place and for experience at sea the chief strength of the Turkish Empire Mahomet Bey commanded the right wing with 56 galleys and Uluzales Viceroy of Algiers an old Arch-Pirate the left with 95 galleys In the rear came Dragut with 30 galleys other small vessels The middle battels and wings came directly against each other whose signal given by discharging some great pieces the Turks coming on with a hideous cry first lighted on the 6 galleasses which in their passing by so plagued them with their broad-sides of murthering shot that with great loss and divers galleys sunk they were forced to break their order and fall further off which great Carts and unserviceable Ships as the Turks accounted them they supposed to have carried little or no great Ordnance on their sides yet were they to the Turks great trouble of greatest importance for gaining of the Victory The wind also which all that day had favoured the Turks now was come about to the West pleasantly carrying the smoak in time of fight upon them The fierce enemy 〈◊〉 passing by these galleasses soon made good their disordered squadrons and with all their force assailed the Christian Fleet. The Instruments of War had scarce well sounded but all shook with confused cries noise flames of fire thundering of Artillery many being so astonied that on a sudden they almost lost the use of sight and hearing even showers of Arrowes and Darts being mixt with shot the Masts broken Sail-yards struck down Tackle rent and all confused with horrour and fear Haly ran upon the Admiral-galley with such violence as if he would have presently stemmed her but being with like force opposed they met so violently that both their beakes fell into the sea with the feaze In the Admiral-galley of the Christians were 400 select men most Captains and Antients who forcing the furious enemies to shrink back entred their galley even to the main-Mast who by new supply repulsed the Spaniards clearing their galley again many on both sides being wounded and slain Don John sending in new supply the other more lustily than before charged the Turks who with like hope and 〈◊〉 encountred them being thrice driven even to the main-Mast and by new supplies with great slaughter repulsing the Christians back again Venerius seeing the danger of the General was about to have assailed the poupe of Halyes galley but Partau opposed himself against him with his galleys so speedily that shewing as if he would charge a Front set upon his side which at first much troubled the Christians but afterwards they notably defended themselves Venerius being above 77 years old performing all the parts of a brave youthful Commander by entreating threatning and fighting in the midst of his men much moved their minds The enemy having slain many pressing on more furiously and fighting close together entred the prow of Venerius's galley now bared of Defendants who had been overcome had not Lauretanus and Malipetra speedily come to their relief whereby they which fiercely assailed the Venetian galleys were now glad to defend their own but in process of this indifferent battel these 2 worthy Captains were slain with small shot which rather enraged than discouraged their Souldiers so that they desperately pressed in upon the Turks the terrour of the batrel being turned upon the Victours 2 of their galleys being taken after their great slaughter and Partau in a Long boat escaping out of the battel Columnius also hardly assailed other Turks galleys and made great slaughter taking one and disordering the other Lignius also in the thickest of his enemies made a notable fight many an enemy falling about Fernesius Rueres Ursinus Cornea and Justinian most couragiously fighting Chiroche or Mahomet Bey coming forward against the Christian's left-left-wing was ere aware beaten with the Ordnance from the 〈◊〉 many being slain and divers of his galleys sunk and torn they standing so thick divers being also burnt with pots of wild-fire from the Galleasses to avoid whose danger and shun the dangerous shelf which the River of Achelous there falling into the sea maketh he sent a great part of his galleys under Alis to come aloof upon the back of Barbadicus who forthwith turning his 〈◊〉 received his first onset and divers galleys fast grapled together they encountred each other not only with missive weapons but with swords 6 Turks galleys fell upon Ciconia's galley and 5 upon Barbadicus's yet did they most valiantly endure that most dangerous fight Barbadicus whilst encouraging his men and fighting where most danger was was struck into the brain with an Arrow thorow the left eye being taken up for dead yet living till 3 dayes after The Turks now as Conquerers Iustily boarded the Galley and the Venetians as discouraged gave way the galley had been lost if Nanius and Porcia had not speedily come for relief and not onely clearing her but divers Turks galleys were boarded also some taken and great 〈◊〉 made Silvius was here grievously wounded in his thigh and right side Barbadicus is reported the battel ended Epaminondas-like to ask which part had got the Victory and being told the Turks Fleet was most taken the rest sunk or burnt He with eyes lifted-up gave unto God immortal thanks and ere long joyfully departed this life Ciconia as was said hardly beset was sore burnt with wild-fire and hurt in the face and was now even at the point to have been lost but was saved by sudden relief who encouraged with his weary and wounded Souldiers charged a fresh taking a principal Turkish Galley and Ensign In the same wing Contarenus doing exceeding much harm with his great 〈◊〉 Chiroche enraged ran so fiercely upon the side of his galley that with his beak he had well nigh stemmed her and grapling fast with her was like to board her whom yet the Christians repulsed with greater slaughter than was thought possible for so small a number to make the enemies being also embrewed with their bloud But after a long doubtful bartel many Turks being slain or wounded and both parties seeing Chiroche slain and the enemy destitute of fresh supplies the galley also in danger to sink through great shot they reposed their trust in 〈◊〉 nearness of the Main but turning about toward the shoare the
returning declared that the Turks Fleet being 160 Galleys 60 Galliots 4 great Ships lay in the entrance of the Bay called Sinus Argolicus about 50 miles of them which being soon discovered to make for Malea the Christians made with what speed they could toward them the Enemy being more in number but inferiour in strength his Fleet being rather nimble than strong but the Christians more firm and forward who fearing to be circumvented by the others multitude set their Ships and Galleasses before them and the Turk by how much he had the worst before was so much the carefuller of the reach of the Galleasses the Christians very much desirous of fight and to come to handy-blowes but the Turks sometime made away a pace then stayed if perhaps they might take the Galleys seperated from the Galleasses going more slowly and seeing the 〈◊〉 Fleet still coming on for 〈◊〉 they seemed to do the like but turning on the right hand kept aloof along the Coast of Malea and were quickly gone too far for the Christians to follow them especially with their heavy Ships towards Sun-setting the Turks put into a 〈◊〉 betwixt Cerigo and Harts-Island about 10 miles broad and filling it overthwart 〈◊〉 prows being turned as 〈◊〉 they had purposed nothing more than to fight but they pretended that fearing by open flight to dishonour Selimus the Christians with much labour and rowing came so near them that the great shot began to fly on both sides but when they came to dint of Sword the Turks keeping their prows upon the Christians Galleys by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 back and night approaching discharged all their Ordnance onely with Powder retiring in the 〈◊〉 unseen shewing by lights left in their Cock-boats as if the whole Fleet had still stayed neither could the Christians through the heaviness of their Galleasses but softly pursue them who returned to Cerigo The Turks 2 dayes after staying in the Bay of Taenarus now Metapon the Christians very desirous of battel the 3d day after went from Cerigo being by break of day descryed from Land by the Turks Uluzales by Warning-pieces commanding his men to go aboard and make ready who coming out of the Haven in 3 Battels no faster than the Tide drave them and oftentimes staying to draw the Christians Galleys from the Ships Uluzales fearing much the Galleasses commanded both Wings 80 Galleys apiece to fetch a great compasse on the right and left hand so to assail the Christians Wings on the sides or behind which they perceiving turned about their Galleys in the Wings their main Battel facing the Turks middle Battel Euscarinus now requested and perswaded Columnius and Lilly that not staying for the heavy ships they would with him assail the Enemies middle Battel destitute of the Wings not doubting to overthrow their greatest strength there before the Wings gon so far could joyn to the Battel again urging it with other motives his counsel was well liked with a great and general chearfulness of the Souldiers but Columnius and Lilly said flatly that without those Vessels so much feared of their Enemies they would not hazard the fortune of a Battel The Christian's Wings in turning about were a little disordered whereupon the Turks with 15 Galleys were about to charge the stragling Galleys hereupon Superantius went and fought couragiously with them with four Galleys but seeing 40 more of the Enemies making towards them he sent for 20 Galleys and two Galleasses which came presently in 18 Galleys being soon all reut and torn the dismayed Turks returning in great haste Superantius with but one Galley shot thorow returning also The Christian Fleet in following the Turkish came so nigh that they oft changed Bullets small and great Uluzales the better to frustrate the Christians endeavours who with great labour drew with them their heavy Ships sent his great Ships to Malvasia to be unrigged whereby he was able at his own pleasure to leave or take fight supplying also his whole Fleet with the Soul diers necessaries therein so that if the Christians would needs fight they must forsake their Galleasses The day declining the Enemy in seemly order as not afraid sailed to Corona the Christians retiring to Cerigo Don John the while gave the Fleet knowledge that he was come to Corcyra sharply blaming the Commanders that they stayed not for his coming and commanding them forthwith to meet him at Zante there to resolve of all matters Columnius was in such haste that he would Fuscarinus leaving all other Vessels at Cerigo should return to Don John with 100 of the best Galleys Lilly was also of that opinion But Fuscarinus more careful than the rest whom the danger of so doing more concerned would not yield to that perswasion for divers reasons but they resolved hap what would told him flatly if he would not yield unto them they would forthwith leave him and with their Galleys return to Zante as the General had commanded Newes being now brought that the Turks were in the fret of Cerigo they all resolved to passe by the Enemy in order as for Battel before having determined to leave their Ships and Galleasses at Creet and then to return to Don John The Enemy in their passing by 〈◊〉 as it were stood on their Guard than resolved for Battel Being come to Zante in 3 dayes the Don was not there but gave a command leaving there their heavy Ships to come to Cephalenia where they should not fail to meet him whereupon the grieved Venetians generally muttered that the Spaniards bearing upon their wealth were too proud in respect of themselves regarding neither the conditions of the League nor any other mans credit but trod all men underfoot c. yet they went to Cephalenia whither Don John was not yet come but that if they would joyn with his forces they should come further back to Corcyra which Message much troubled the Venetians fretting complaining as of divers things so that they had long agoe by many secret signs conjectured the Spaniards had more care to hinder and crosse other mens doings than to do any thing of themselves and that the Turks of late discouraged with the fortunate proceedings of the Christians might again rejoyce at their mishaps yet being loath to fall off from the Spaniard they kept on with the rest to Corcyra the Don laying at Spilca with 53 Galleys and 18 Ships in the utmost end of the Island who at first seemed not a little offended that they had not with more duty attended his coming and they as much complaining of his long stay and many other grievances The Fleet now consisting of 200 Galleys nine Galleasses and 36 tall Ships they all agreed to set forward against the Enemy two espialls bringing newes that the Turk's Fleet weak of men was at Navarinum they well hoped upon the sudden they might easily oppress them wherefore not to be descried sailing by night they kept aloof upon the right hand coming with great silence to the
Lippa adventuring too far for booty in the Turks Territories were discovered and so beset by Turks and Tartars billetted about Temeswar that they had no way to escape so being on every side hardly charged by them they as men resolved before to die although scarce one to twenty fought most desperately and were all slain except some few which by great fortune escaped leaving to the Enemy a right bloody Victory yet hereby was the Garrison of Lippa much weakened Whereupon the Enemy forthwith prepared to besiege the Town which Barbelus the Governour foreseeing sent in post to Sigismund requesting him speedily to send him 4 or 5000 good Souldiers to whom the Prince without delay sent 8000. Shortly after whose arrival 40000. Turks and Tartars came and enclosed Lippa on every side doing very little for certain dayes The besieged the while doing them all harm they could with their plentifull great shot but news being brought that the Transilvanian was coming with a great power hereupon they presently retired to about 2 miles from Lippa where certainly understanding the report was not nor could be true they returned more straitly besieging it than before and battered the Town with 17 pieces then giving thereunto divers desperate assaults but were still with great slaughter repulsed for the Christians with murdering pieces out of the Towers and bulwarks flanking each other made great spoil of them In the heat of one assault the Governour as of meer desperation set open one of the gates having within placed 16 pieces at the very entrance charged with murdering shot whereupon the Enemy came thronging exceeding thick and were suddenly cut down as with a Sithe and so the third and fourth time before they could clear themselves their rent limbs most miserably flying in the ayr yet was the siege continued and by often assaults very 〈◊〉 maintained But whilst the Bassa of Temeswar lay at this siege they that were left in Temeswar lived in great security In the mean time the Governour of Lugaz sent out 6000 Souldiers now in the Bassaes absence to seek after booty who coming to Temeswar speedily rifled the Suburbs slew all the Turks they lighted on and freed 1000 captives so setting the Suburbs on fire they departed which fire grew so great that it was plainly seen into the Camp at Lippa shewing as if the whole City had been on fire which so daunted the besiegers that they most disorderly fled leaving all that they had behind them the Transilvanians who were even then comming thither pursuing them slew divers and took some prisoners At which time some Hungarian Heidons that served the Prince who was now come into the confines of Hungary getting over 〈◊〉 took Plenia a small Turkish Town which they ransacked and burnt and slaying above 3000 Turks thereaabout returned with a rich prey Not long before the Christians had surprized Clissa a strong Frontier-town in Dalmatia the Bassa of Bosna layed hard siege thereto for relief whereof Lewcowitz Governour of Stiria and other Provinces thereabouts and him of Zeng embarqued 4000 Souldiers in 42. ships well appointed so setting forward and light-on a Venetian Galley bound for the Turks Camp with warlike provision they took and rifled her The Governour landing his men at Siret marched that night part of his way and all next day lay close at night setting forward again they came to the Enemies Camp before day where assailing the secure Turks in their Trenches they as amazed fled sundry wayes every man in so sudden a fear shifting for himself leaving all behind them the Christians falling presently to the spoil and not by hasty pursuit possessing themselves of an assured Victory the Turks from the Hills discovering at day-dawning their small number and disorder came down and enclosed them on every side 〈◊〉 them downright Lewcowitz with the Governour of Zeng and some others getting into Clissa where after 2 dayes stay and doubting of safety they secretly by night issued forth with 600 men hoping to recover their Fleet but the suspitious Turks had so beset the passages that of all them Leucowitz hardly with 3 others escaped The Enemy now more straitly besieged the Town than before Whereupon the besieged now despairing of relief yielded the Town upon departure with bag and baggage About which time Palfi hearing of an Assembly of some Turks Adventurers at 〈◊〉 Castle betwixt Buda and Alba-regalis set forward from Strigonium May 22. with the greatest strength he could comming thither about 3 in the afternoon where after 3 hours dangerous and most desperate assault he with much difficulty prevailed putting man woman child to the sword 50 being Janizaries but that day come thither The Bassa of Buda oft resorted to this beautifull and pleasantly scituated Castle for his pleasure wherefore Palsi much desired to take it without spoiling but the fire already raised burnt down all the goodly Buildings and left no more Victuals or other provision than what the Christians had saved for themselves Lippa being by a great chance 〈◊〉 before the Prince his comming he besieged Temeswar but 40000 Turks and Tartars came to raise the siege of that famous City Wherefore the Prince rose and went to meet them and had a terrible battel doubtful for a while yet seeming rather to encline to the Enemy who at length disordered with the Artillery and the Transilvanians charging them afresh gave ground and so fled 5000 Turks and Tartars being slain and 1500 Christians the Prince himself being for a time reported though falsly to be 〈◊〉 After this he returned to the siege leaving nothing unattempted that he could devise to win the City but news was brought him that Giaffer Bassa and the Tartars were comming with a great Army to relieve it Whereupon considering the power of the Enemy and his promised ayd not yet ready he with great grief retired with his Army to Lippa expecting supplies both of his own and friends and was there advertised that the Bassa of Mahomet's 〈◊〉 was at Belgrade with 14000 Horse and 4000 Janizaries to joyn with the Bassa of Buda to relieve Temeswar in all about 60000 and that Mahomet himself was comming after with a far greater power Wherefore leaving a strong Garrison at Lippa he returned to Alba Julia there assembling his States for repressing so puissant an Enemy Mahomet although the Tartar at first said he would not send so much as an Asse thereunto had by great gifts and his own respect with the Tartar made him now ready with a strong Army upon the Frontiers of Moldavia to meet him in Hungary to whom that Vayuod sent Presents with what Victuals he could possibly provide Mahomet also entreated with the Polonian King for his passage as also to confirm the ancient League which he knew the Emperour and other Princes sought by all means to withdraw him from He also sent an Embassadour to Michael Vayuod of Valachia both by shew of great dangers to deterr him from the Confederacy with
Constantinople who rejoyced to be sued unto by such a Prince as the Sultan was being honourably received in triumph For the solemnizing of which a great number of People were assembled at the report of an active Turk who had promised to fly a furlong from the top of an high Tower in the Tilt-yard who hovering a great while girt with a long white garment of many pleats and foldings and the Beholders crying Fly Turk fly at length finding the wind as he thought fit committed himself to the air breaking his neck armes c. whereby the Sultan's attendants could not walk the streets underided the common people crying Fly Turk fly whose insolency the smiling Emperour in favour of the grieved Sultan restrained The Emperour after the triumph which was obscured by an earth-quake gave the Sultan many rich presents with a masse of treasure who in requitall termed himself his son promising him Sebastia with its territories thrusting Dadune out of Sebastia taking from him 〈◊〉 Caesarea and Amasia but kept all to himself Jagupasan's dominions likewise falling into his hands by his death on whom he had also bent his forces And now the Sultan swelling with pride took Laodicea from the Emperour killing and carrying the people captive as he went whereupon the 〈◊〉 passing with a great army into Asia maugre the Turks most strongly fortifyed Dorileū carrying the first basket of stones on his own shoulders as also Sybleum Yet the Turks ceased not their inroads though not with such successe as before The Emperour now expostulated with the Sultan as an unthankfull man who again upbraided him with breach of promise thus open war was daily expected the Sultan managing his by expert Captaines whereas the Emperour commonly in great expeditions adventured in 〈◊〉 who in revenge of his subjects so many wrongs raised his whole power in Europe and Asia passing into Asia with his most puissant Army well appointed of all necessaries orderly marching thorow Phrygia and other places and by the old ruinous Castlc of Myriocephalon Ominous by its name Though he were circumspect yet by reason of his many Carriages c. he made but small speed the Turks destroying the Country before them and in many places poysoning the water whereof the Christians especially of the flux died The Sultan though aided by the Persian loath to adventure all on battel 's fortune made to the Emperour once and again for peace on honorable conditions who pricked forward by his Court-Gallants proudly dismissed the Embassadours willing them to tell their Master he would give him an answer under the walls of Iconium which caused the Sultan to take the Straits of Zibrica enclosed with high mountains whose vallies opening and growing straiter and straiter with superimpendent rocks on both sides almost touching each gave to the Army of necessity passing thereby from Myriocephalon a difficult passage The Emperour though he were told that the enemy had strongly possessed the streights and mountains not providing for his safety desperately entred herein John and Andronicus with others conducting the Vant-guard the drudges and carters c. following then the Emperour with the maine battle and Andronicus Contostephanus in the rear After no far entry the Turks shot as thick as hail down upon them Yet the Vant-guard casting themselvs into a three square battle and closely covering their heads with their Targets like a pent-house caused their enemies by lusty shot to retire into the mountaines and passing those streights with little or no losse encamped on the top of a commodious hill But the rest of the army not passing with such order and courage and troubled with their carriages in those rough and streight places were miserably overwhelmed by the Turks arrows falling like a shoure to their great dismaying disordering The Turks now incouraged came downe from the mountains to handy blowes on plain ground overthrowing the right wing where Baldwin breaking into the thickest of the enemy with a valiant troop to stay their fury was slain with all his followers and most of that wing Then the Turks with all their power stopped all the Christians waies who by reason of the places streightnesse could neither retire or goe forward to relieve one another their many carriages hurting themselvs were the cause of their own and others destruction the valleys full of dead bodies and the rivers running with the blood of men and beasts in an unexpressible manner and if the Christians shewed any spark of valour it was but lost the Turks shewing the head of Andronicus Bataza the Emperour's nephew who coming against the Turks of Amasia was overthrown The Emperour was now so troubled that he was at his wits end doubtful which way to turn who having often attempted to open a way for passage but in vain 〈◊〉 the same danger in staying as in going forward with a few of his best souldiers resolving to dy by many blowes given and received himself having many wounds and could not lift up his Helmet being beaten close to his head about thirty arrows sticking in his Target brake through and escaped those streights Infinite numbers of the other legions seeking to follow were slain besides many troden to death by their own companions Those that escaped one streight this passage having 7 Valleys were slain in the next the sand also raised by men and horses and by a violent wind carried both armies being as it were in darkness killed both friend and foe so that those Valleys seemed to be a burying place of Turks and Christians the most being Christians and those not all of the meanest sort The wind allaying and the day clearing wounded and whole living men were seen middle neck deep among dead carcases not able with strugling to get out with rufull voyces crying to passengers for help whom every man through fear without compassion left living as to be numbred among the dead The Emperor standing alone under a wild Pear-tree to breathe himself a common souldier came and helped him to buckle up his armour but a Turk came and took his horse by the bridle from whom the Emperour cleared himself by striking him to the ground with the truncheon of his broken lance other stragglers likewise came presently ready to seiz on him one whereof he slew with the said staff struck off anothers head with his sword keeping them off till 10 relieved him and departing toward the Vant-guard he was troubled with other Turks and heaps of dead bodies 〈◊〉 John 〈◊〉 that married his neece fighting alone encompassed slain The Turks seeing him followed him as a rich prey whom he with his 〈◊〉 company notably repulsed comming at length after much labour and more danger long looked for and most welcome unto the legions Who in his way to them ready to faint for thirst and drinking some infected water of a river with a deep sigh said Oh how unfortunatly have I tasted Christian blood whereunto an envious souldier replyed that he had
for some that could not go over on foot were in heart with him others taking part with neither commanded all the Emperour's Galleys to be strongly put to Sea to hinder Andronicus passage over Propontis and Bosphorus Contostephanus challenging the Generalship over this Fleet as his due unto whom he was without dispute glad to commit the charge thereof Then he sent one George Xiphiline as from the Emperour with Letters and instructions to Andronicus commanding him forthwith to return in peace promising him the Emperor's favour with many honours c. otherwise it might turn to his destruction Xiphiline as it is reported secretly advised Andronicus to proceed in his purpose wherewith encouraged he willed the Messenger to tell them that proud Alexius should be first displaced and called to an account that the Empresse should be shut up as a 〈◊〉 to learn amendment of life and that the Emperour should take the Government on himself not be overtopt by others c. Contostephanus few daies after carried all the Galleys to Andronicus casting Alexius into the bottom of despair Andronicus his friends openly flocked together and some scossing at Alexius passed the Strait to him returning home 〈◊〉 and joyfull filling the City with his praises After that John and Manuell sons of Andronicus were set at liberty and others laid fast in their rooms Alexius himself with all his faction were committed to the guard But Alexius by a wonderful change was about midnight conveigned to the Patriarch's house and kept with a strong guard complaining of nothing more than his keepers not suffering him to sleep whose misery the Patriarch undeservedly pitying perswaded him not to provoke his keepers by speeches to use him evilly Within few daies he was brought on a little jade with a ragged 〈◊〉 on the top of a reed in derision to the Sea-side and so to Andronicus whose eys were for his evil Government by a general consent put out Theodosius the Patriarch approaching the last of Nobles that came to Andronicus he fell down at his horses feet and rising kissed his foot calling him the Emperour's Saviour the defender of truth comparing him with John Chrysostom c. But the Pataiarch marking his stern countenance subtil nature c. quippingly said Hitherto I have heard but now I have also seen and plainly known adjoyning with a deep sigh that saying As we have heard so have we seen remembring also Emmanuel's words wherewith he had lively represented Andronicus never seen before many times to his view Andronicus all things in the City being to his mind departing from Damalum crossed the strait oftentimes singing that saying Return my soul to thy rest c. Coming to the Emperour's Countrey-house near Philopatium he most humbly prostrated himself before the Emperour with deceitful tears kissing his feet saluting his mother Xene as it were but for fashion sake staying a good while with the Emperour he desired to go to Constantinople to see his Cosen Emmanuel's grave where coming he wept bitterly and roared as it were out divers ignorant standers by saying Oh what a wonderful thing is this c. He would not be removed by his kinsman pulling him from the Tomb and secretly said something as if he had prayed some saying it was a charm Others and more truly that he triumphed over the dead Emperour with these or the like words I have thee now fast my cruel persecutor c. And now I will be revenged of thy posterity and satisfie my self as a Lion with a fat prey c. He afterwards disposing of all matters at his pleasure allowed the Emperor hunting and other delights watching him by Keepers that none should talk of any important matter with him He took all the Government to himself to drive away the contrary faction that had born sway The state of that time by his rewarding bountifully the Souldiers that helped him bestowing Offices on his children or other favourites shortly driving divers Nobles to exile depriving some of their sight casting others into prison for something or other that grieved him began to be most miserable Some accusing their nearest kinsmen for deriding Andronicus his proceedings or that without regard of him they more favoured the Emperour Yea many accusing charging others with treason were themselves charged by the accused and both clapt up together You might have seen not only his enemies but some of his best friends the same day to be crowned and beheaded graced and disgraced the wiser deeming his praises bounty and kindnesse the beginning of a mans disgrace undoing and death Emmanuel's daughter who above all others wished for his coming was first cunningly poysoned by Pterigionites a corrupted Eunuch her husband supposed also to be poysoned with the same cup. He made as if he would depart if the fair Empress Xene were not removed from her Son the incensed vulgar people flocking unto and ready to tear the Patriarch out of his cloaths if he consented not thereunto So in a Councel of his favourites she was after many false things accused of treason as to solicite Bela King of Hungary her Brother in Law by Letters to invade Branisoba and Belligrade belonging to the Empire for which she was condemned and cast into a most filthy prison Four of this Counsel being asked their opinion of her said They would know whether it was called by the Emperours consent Whereupon Andronicus in great rage starting up 〈◊〉 Lay hands on them his guard shaking their weapons at them and the people catching and pulling them were so fierce that they had much ado to escape with life The Empress now hourly expected the deadly blow Andronicus demanding of the assembled former Councel What punishment there was for betrayers of any Town or Province The answer being in writing that it was death he brake out in choller as if she had done it By and by a writing was subscribed by the Emperour labhor to write it unworthily condemning his Mother to dye Manuel his eldest son and George Augustus his kinsman saying plainly They would not see her innocent body dismembred never consenting to her death At which troubled Andronicus plucking himself by the hoary beard c. sighed at his own most miserable tyrannical estate c. Yet few daies after he commanded her to be strangled by Pterigionites and another which was done accordingly her lately adorned body was secretly raked up in the sand by the Sea-side Andronicus all being covered under pretence of common good and safety to manifest his loyalty to his cosen the Emperour perswaded the Nobility to have him solemnly Crowned who for his tender age was not yet his own shoulders at the time supporting him to and from the great Church with Crocodiles tears as if it had been for joy many accounting the young Emperour thrice happy in him So cunningly under pietie's vail shaddowed he his most execrable treachery For having got into his power both Emperour and Empire he called a Councel
pillar before the Apostles Temple in perpetual remembrance of him which overthrown by an earthquake was restored by his Son This great City sometime the Worlds beauty by the strange mutations was wonderfully defaced c. for its beauty when the Latins took it was most defaced by fire who while they had it ceased not to destroy some part or other as if they had known they should not long keep it neither did this last fire a little deform it wherefore his chief care now was to cleanse the City and first beginning to repair the Temples then filling empty houses with Inhabitants Though the chief Latins were fled yet most Tradesmen were Venetians and Pisans to whom to joyn the Genowaies and to sill the City he thought not altogether safe but assigned them 〈◊〉 now Pera on tother fide to inhabit with priviledges and a Consul of their own over every Company storing 〈◊〉 what he could with natural Greeks But though all things went as 〈◊〉 could wish yet fearing such is the torment of usurping tyrants lest the smouldred anger of the Empires right heirs should break into open force and perhaps work his confusion thought best to dispose so of Theodor's children that he might not stand in doubt Besides Mary and Theodora before married to the Despot of Epirus and the Prince of Bulgaria other two younger were in his custody Theodora and Irene whom he married to 2 Latins one of Peloponesus the other to one of Genua men of no great birth or power John the heir only remained but 10 years old whom Paleologus at first sent into Magnesia to be kept from Court lest in his right new stirrs dangerous to his estate should begin The which the 〈◊〉 took so ill that he forsook all to spend his days in a little Monastery of the Piscasins from whence 〈◊〉 drew him almost against his will making him Patriarch of Constantinople The Usurper unmindful of his former faith given 〈◊〉 to establish him and his posterity in the soveraignty caused the young 〈◊〉 eys to be put out for which barbarous cruelty Theodora his sister ceased not to stirr up the Prince of Bulgaria her husband in revenge Jathatines also weary of exile entreated him to war on the Emperour promising him a great sum if he might recover his liberty who with his own power and above 20000 Tartars sooner than could be thought over ran all Thracia leaving neither man nor beast as he went hoping also to surprize the Emperour returning from 〈◊〉 but that he in a Galley of the Latins put in by the Sea side to water arrived safely in the imperial City wherefore the Bulgarian marching to Aenum forthwith being terrified they delivered the Sultan unto him In his return they drave before them such numbers of men and cattel that for a space either 〈◊〉 or beast was not to be 〈◊〉 in the open 〈◊〉 Jathathines carried over 〈◊〉 and set at liberty soon died whom Meleck his Son succeded not but two other Mescott and Keicubades of the Selzuccian Family as were all the Turks Sultans betwixt whom Cazan the great Tartar for a yearly tribute divided the Turks Kingdom unto Mescott the Cities of Amida in Galatia Melasia in lesser Armenia c. unto Keicubades Iconium with all Countries of lesser Asia along the Sea coast So that the Turks Kingdom long flourishing in Persia Syria Palestine and Aegypt were overthrown by the Mamaluks and Tartars and now brought under in lesser Asia also the 2 weak Princes reigning but at the devotion of the Tartar In which confusion divers of power shared something of the declining Kingdom but many of the basest people only with bows and arrows with daily incursions from the Mountains straits much 〈◊〉 the adjoyning Christian Countries still gaining upon the Greeks what they lost to the Tartars for the frontier Garrisons being for want of pay disbanded and the Castles abandoned was at length a great ruin to the Greeks in lesser Asia At length a great power of them meeting in Paphlagonia to invade the Christians Paleologus sent a strong Army to stay their further coming which by unskilfulness of Captains was by the Turks who of purpose retiring had drawn the Greeks into danger of ambush utterly 〈◊〉 few or none of that multitude escaping After which victory the Turks over-ran all the Countrey to the River Sanger on whose banks Paleologus fortified divers places to keep them out of Bithynia Yet they soon 〈◊〉 all from Pontus and Galatia to the Lycian and Carian Sea to the River Eurimedon dividing them 〈◊〉 to Toparchies little acknowledging Mescot or Keicubades Many conflicts in the mean time passed between the Mamalukes and Tartars for the Soveraignty of Syria The poor Christians in doubt of both with the Armenians infested by the Mamalukes sent divers to the Pope and Western Princes for help whose prayers moved Lewis of France and Henry 3 of England topromise them aid Lewis took on him the Cross causing Philip that succeeded him Peter and John surnamed 〈◊〉 for his Mothers heaviness for her husband in her delivery his 3 Sons and most Nobles to do the like to whom the King of Navarr and 2 others joyned He set forward from 〈◊〉 March 1. 1270 staying a while at 〈◊〉 through force of weather he arrived at Carthage not the ancient City but another built after in her ruins or not far from them surprizing certain ships in the Haven but assaulting the Town he was notably repulsed On a day the Defendants making a fierce sally on the French retired by degrees to draw their enemies on The Constable coming and charging them behind and the retirers now standing they were hardly beset who made there a great fight not without extream peril which they in the City beholding hideously cried astonying their friends and enemies But the French approaching a Bulwark on the Sea side took it without resistance at which they without began to flee and them of the Town for their lives yielded it to the King Carthage won he besieged 〈◊〉 being by the way encountred by the Moors King who losing 10000 men fled resolving to keep within his 〈◊〉 walls if happily he might weaken his enemies by protacting time Lewis resolved not to stir thence the City not seeming to hold out for want considering the peoples multitude yet it held out 6 months streightly hemmed in every way after which Embassadours were sent to treat for Peace But the whiles a furious 〈◊〉 cut down the French by heaps John Triftan his youngest Son dying Aug. 25. 1270. The King shortly dyed of the Bloudy flux yet his brother Charles 〈◊〉 with fresh Souldiers somewhat lightned the French and daunred the Moors Edward Henry of England's Son came to 〈◊〉 in 10 daies with a brave Company from 〈◊〉 being joyfully received of the other Princes who a little before concluded a peace with the Moors King upon his paying a yearly tribute of 40000 Crowns to the King of Sicily and suffering
Families and serve him against the Turks grievously wasting in Asia But when they were to be furnished with all things especially with Horses Armour and Pay the Subjects were hardly charged houses searched who murmured to have their Armes taken from them and given to strangers and when they were to contribute to their pay they openly cursed them Yet at length they were shipped over into Asia under Michael the Emperours Son and companion in Empire who came and encamped about Magnesia were the Turks at first retired into Mountains and Woods that protracting time they might learn what strength they were of and what discipline they kept and pèrceiving them often to roave disorderly after prey for as Mercenaries they spoiled their friends as if they were enemies they came down at first adventuring but little but afterward came further on with greater confidence wherewith they being discouraged retired the Turks following them who were thinking one thing to be two blinded with their own fear neither were they like to do any great good who setting forth carried with them the bitter curses of their friends Michael seeing the Messagets flee retired into the Castle of Magnesia But the Messagets spoiling the Countrey as they went passed over into Europe Michael returning not many daies after to Constantinople the Turks came down and subdued all unto the Coast of Lesbos Not long after one Ronzerius sometime a notable Pirate with four tall Galleys manned with Catalonians Narbonensiaus c in the Mediterranean Sea and I slands but then a famous Captain having stood Theodore King of Sicily in great stead against Charls King of Navarre with 2000 expert Souldiers and through peace concluded betwixt them now to seek for new entertainment he offered his service to the Greek Emperour whereof he gladly accepting he came to him with 2000 good Souldiers called by the name of Catalonians He honoured Ronzerius with the name of Great Captain and gave him his 〈◊〉 Mary in marriage But one Tenza another Catalonian coming a while after with more aid he named Ronzerius Caesar Tenza Great Captain But when they were to be transported into Asia they did unspeakeable harm to the People for which they had many a bitter Curse The next spring they valiantly raised the siege of Philadelphia which was hardly bestead without and within to these Catalonians great numbers of the best Grecian Souldiers and all the Messagets were joyned so that had not the Emperour before commanded not to pursue the Turks too far 't was thought they might have soon recovered all they had taken This service done the Greeks returned home and Messagets also But the Catalonians turned their forces on them that they were sent to relieve alledging they had not their pay c. Poor people were every where spoiled wives and daughters ravished Priests and aged men tortured to confesse their store yea many that had nothing lay by the high waies begging having hands or feet c. cut off upon their greedy imagination The Emperour was much grieved but his Coffers were not able to redresse any thing Ronzerius thus spoyling Asia passed over into Europe and leaving his Army at Calipolis he went to Michael then at Orestias with 200 to demand or with threats to extort his pay with whose insolency he now more offended his Souldiers present compassing him in slew him with some others the rest fleeing to Calipolis Neither was the Catalonians pride abated by Ronzerius his death but was cause of greater evills for they first slew all the Citizens of Calipolis making it their refuge then manning 8 Galleys under the leading of Tenza they robbed and spoyled the Merchants ships passing to and from Constantinople the rest the mean time forraging the Countrey But Tenza was overthrown shortly after by a Genoway Fleet himself being taken yet afterwards redeemed Now the Catalonians somewhat discouraged kept themselvs certain daies within their wals not knowing well what to do for they feared both the Messagets and Thracians for outrages upon whom they despaired of the Emperouur's favour But the expectation of Michael's coming to assault them most terrifyed them for fear of whom they cast a deep ditch about the City with a strong Counterlcarp But the Emperour delaying his coming they maliciously craved aid of the Turks dwelling in Asia on the other side of the Streight who sent them 500 good Souldiets other fugitives following with whom themselves being 3000 they forraged the Country and brought great heards of Cattell with their Keepers into the City This was the first coming of the Turks into Europe that I read of and the beginning of those miseries wherewith the Christian Commonweal hath been ever since most grievously afflicted and in great part overwhelmed These now lying about Cypsella and Apri Michael with his Souldiers with the Messagets and Turcopuli encamped at Apri These Turcopuli were about a 1000 Turks which Jathathiues left behind him when he was delivered from the Emperour by the Tartars who had become Christians The Emperour advertised of the enemies approach put his Army in order whose Captains divided their battle as their enemies into 3 parts The Emperour riding from place to place encouraged his men The Sun rising the enemies much inferiour in number began to come on But the Messagets whether by a fore-agreement or on a sudden treason withdrew as idle beholders as did also the Turcopuli the Greeks being hereby discouraged in the very battles joyning The Emperour intreated the Captains by name not to be so suddenly discouraged but they still shrinking he turned himself to his few foot that were left saying Now worthy men is death better then life c. Valiantly charging the enemies his horse was slain but one of his followers remonted him on his own horse with the loss of his life The Emperour fleeing to his Father to Dydimoticum was joyfully received but sharply reproved for adventuring so far The enemies pursuing slew some and took others next day divided the spoyl forraging the Country at pleasure The Turcopuli revolting were enrolled in Chalel's Regiment who was a Turk Shortly after the Catalonians mutinied Tenza and Pharenza disdained to be commanded by Recafort their Generall Tenza was slain Pharenza glad to flee to Andronicus who honourably entertained him The Messagets were now also having done the Greeks more harm then the Turks about to return with Wives Children and wealth beyond Ister for whom the Turcopuli and Catalonians laid wait as they passed the streights of Mount Hemus where they slew almost all of them recompencing themselves with their spoyl for the wrongs received by them before in dividing the Greeks spoyl And being proud of their Victory at Apri spoyled all along the Sea coast and the inland Country also Forraging Thracia they brake into Macedonia and wintred about Cassandria à City then desolate At spring they removed purposing to spoyl especially Thessalonica wherein they were by the Emperour's foresight prevented and finding a forsaken Countrey
Commanders commending his Fathers quiet life c. protesting he was heartily grieved thereat The 〈◊〉 discouraged sent for peace which was concluded on such conditions as he pleased The great Cham of Tartary now growing old sent to him divers presents offered him his onely daughter and with her to proclaim him heir apparant of his Empire as in right he was being his Brothers son Which Tamerlane gladly accepting was afterwards done being supported by his Father in-law while he lived and succeding him after his death Yet the while he wanted not envious Competitours who now onwards of his way against the King of China Calix of great power in the great Chams Court with a puissant Army seized on great Cambalu the Citizens also disdaining to be governed by the Zagataian Tartar Tamerlane returning with most of his Army met the Rebel who had 80000 horse and 100000 foot and above 50000 being on both sides slain overthrew him himself being beaten to the ground took him and beheaded him His state newly confirmed by his Victory he proceeded in war against China breaking down their strong wall of 400 Leagues long and entred their Country overcoming the King leading 350000 with the slaughter of 50000 of his men took him and yet wisely moderating his Fortune shortly freed him yet as having taken half his kingdome leaving Ormar his Lievtenant and imposing other conditions with 300000 Crowns yearly tribute So returning in triumph to the old Emperour at 〈◊〉 glad to see him and his daughter who had still accompanied him The War against Bajazet resolved on he sent Axalla to Sachetay or Zagati to begin assembling of forces that at first of the spring he might set foreward He procured from his Father in-law a 100000 foot and 80000 horse hoping to have as many from Sachetay besides 50000 from the Lords that would accompany him and divers other supplies expected also he would oft say he was appointed by God to abate the Othoman pride So departing towards Samarchand his Empires seat he left the great Emperours forces to come to Ozara the place of general meeting The Moscovite requested sent him 15000 horse with a sum of money and to passe thorow his necessary Territories Axalla the Livetenant general had the while assembled all the Army at Ozara whom Tamerlane sent for to Samarchand to conferre about setting forward for by his advice he did all things without him nothing who wanted not the envy of the Court but his virtues 〈◊〉 and worthy services supported him against malice who having largely discoursed with him about the Armies estate and order they shortly departed to Ozara where Tamerlane consulted with his most expert Captaines whether to lead his Army towards Capha by the Moscovites Coasts or on tother side the Caspian Sea by Persia's skirts It was in the end resolved to passe though the longer way by the Moscovite so to the Georgians and Therizonda thence into the Othoman Kings Country From Ozara he came to Maranis staying 3 daies for Odmars forces from China receiving news thereof paying and generally mustring his Army He conveighed Victual's and most of his Furniture by the Caspian Sea a great ease to his Army to passe some 20 Leagues thorow places without victuals and water His Army extended 20 Leagues At the river Edel he stayed at 〈◊〉 while his Army passed over at Mechet and 2 bridges made for that purpose The Circassians and Georgians now offered him all assistance they could he passing that way The Georgians being Christians a great and warlique 〈◊〉 long tributaries to the Greek Emperours tributaries and sometimes confederates to the Persians but the Turks enemies Axalla drew great number of them to his Princes service whom being tall beautiful strong couragious and expert he not a little esteemed who had 〈◊〉 resisted the Othoman Power by their rough Countries advantage Tamerlane was by these with all necessaries relieved In marching thorow whose Countries he so severely ordered his Souldiers that if any had taken injurionsly but an Apple or the like he died for it 'T is reported a woman complaining of a little milk taken from her he ript up the Souldiers stomach where it lately drunk being found he sent her away contenting her who otherwise had surely died Which severity of many accounted extreame cruelty was the preservation of his Army 〈◊〉 Camp now as a well governed City was stored with all things Artificers and Merchants from far and Country people receiving present money and safely departing Then coming to Bachichich and staying 8 dayes to refresh he 〈◊〉 400000 horse and 600000 foot or as some present affirme 300000 horse and 500000 foot whom he generally paide orating what orders and military discipline whereof he was curious he would have kept Then also every Common Souldier might more boldly behold him than on other dayes Who passing the Georgians and comming to Buysabuich Axalla who led the head of the Army came to him with news that Bajazet raysing Constantinople siege was resolved to come to battle in Asia trusting more to the experience than multitude of his Souldiers whom Tamerlane could hardly be perswaded would adventure out of Europe but rather there protract time to weary him at which he not insolently rejoycing said a small number well conducted did oft carry the victory from a confused multitude staying 3 dayes his Souldiers still marching passed over Euphrates the rather to maintain his Army on the enemies spoile All Cities yielding he favourably received those refusing he used with all extremity 〈◊〉 strong Sebastia where some of his fore-runners were cut off and the gates in contempt set open Tamerlaxe offended sent certain horsemen upon his displeasure so to bear themselves that he might find the City taken or the gates shut for nothing was more dreadful to his men than his displeasure if any in hunting gave way to the Lyon or Bear for fear and slew him not he was sure to dye and to turn his back on the enemy was to run on his own death The garrison Turks seeing these Tartarians not many issued out to meet them who were so charged by them that retiring for haste they shut out part their own lest the enemy following should have entred of with them who were slain by the Tartarians Shortly after came Tamerlane and sitting down before it lay still 7 daies the defendants thinking he intended to distresse it by long siege But about the 8th day the walls c. in many places undermined were suddenly overthrown leaving large breaches to enter The Turks forthwith yielded in hope of their lives but he as the Turks report commanding deep pits to be digged buried quick all the people of the City and utterly rased it Then he bid 〈◊〉 the Governour spared onely for that purpose to go tell his Master what he had there seen which tragedy he relating Bajazet demanded of him wch Army he thought the bigger he answered Tamerlane had the greater number Bajazet in great Choler replyed
〈◊〉 you though but few than if you were many Now they are come with innumerable Legions yet more than the Janizaries are no good Souldiers among them the rest as enforced serve them for fear c. We are not to fight for other mens houses and altars but for our own c. That God is able with his little finger if he will to destroy all the Turks in the World but he first makes proof of our courage for defence of his name that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he may 〈◊〉 it with his own fight 〈◊〉 They fight for their Prophet Authour of all 〈◊〉 for spoyle and 〈◊〉 destruction of 〈◊〉 other mens Kingdomes enlarging their 〈◊〉 worldly 〈◊〉 But we contrary wise c. A little refreshing your selves with a repast as you stand on the 〈◊〉 given thrice calling aloud upon the name of Christ sight as 〈◊〉 you can with like 〈◊〉 that He fought for your redemption c. for Christ will be 〈◊〉 present with us who believe me and so hope will not onely deliver us this day out of the Turks hands but load us with their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so bring all home in safety with much joy and 〈◊〉 The Bassa encouraged his 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 former Victories not to degenerate from their Ancestours and themselves to whom 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 interpreter had foretold the Empire of the whole World c. He filled them with hope of great spoyle promising to the Valiant whole Villages c. with great 〈◊〉 as they should deserve He assured them of Victory their enemies being weak and themselves a great number if they would fight it out like men That 〈◊〉 overcome Huniades whom he had found the most Valiant and skillful Christian Captaine nothing should 〈◊〉 their farther conquests willing them above all 〈◊〉 to seek 〈◊〉 him promising to him 〈◊〉 killed him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Both Armies being come within 〈◊〉 of a 〈◊〉 the signal given the battle began 〈◊〉 seeing the enemie cast his first battle in forme of a wedge the 〈◊〉 to divide them they in forme of a pare of Sheers were ready 〈◊〉 them where both sides encountred with a 〈◊〉 and outcry never more terrible They fought a while in the light horsemens wings with like hope but the Turks better acquainted with that kind of 〈◊〉 better appointed exceeding in number enforced the Christians to retire to the men 〈◊〉 force where was made a most terrible fight most of the Turks light horsemen were slain for they could not abide the men at armes force though but 〈◊〉 in Comparison of them so that the Turks in both wings began to faint But the battle yet wavering the Janizaries with men at armes and troopes of light 〈◊〉 compassed the Christian men at armes standing in the main battle where the old Janizaries with 〈◊〉 cut their horses legs asunder many of whom falling were made shorter by the head likewise the Janizaries were themselves trodden under foot Whereupon blood ran like Rivers most of the Janizaries being 〈◊〉 and many Christians also The Bassa yet in hope the Hungarians would faint with long fight came on with the 〈◊〉 ward and a number 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Souldiers left for guarding his baggage It was after four 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He commanded them to compasse in the Hnngarians c. vainly boasting it would be the last battle ever they would fight Haniadis suffering part of his men to be 〈◊〉 caused the 〈◊〉 to thrust in with armed Carts c. behind the enemies and afterwards with fresh supplies renewed the batele The fight was great and though the Turks slaughter great 〈◊〉 not much feeling 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multitude still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desperately till the 〈◊〉 wing seeing themselves compassed with waggons and thence 〈◊〉 with shot c. fearing the danger 〈◊〉 shrunk from the fight The Hungarians now more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their fainting enemies 〈◊〉 encouraging them in the waggons to approach them nearer the 〈◊〉 hardly 〈◊〉 and fighting disorderly first retired presently after fled They that were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in c. all perished The lest wing discouraged 〈◊〉 likewise the Hungarians fiercely following The 〈◊〉 strucken with dispaire fled with some Janizaries kept for his persons safeguard whom so many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 followed the rest flying 〈◊〉 woods and 〈◊〉 either perished with hunger or 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 flain 〈◊〉 half the Army 〈◊〉 over 〈◊〉 Huniades content with so great a Victory 〈◊〉 them not far but with their Campes spoyle greatly enriched himself and his Souldiers 5000 〈◊〉 taken prisoners and 〈◊〉 Ensignes Huniades caused prayers with thanksgiving to be made for 3 dayes in 〈◊〉 those 3 〈◊〉 and hanged up at Vascape where the battle was fought certain Turks Ensignes Trophies of Victory It was the 〈◊〉 ever any Christian 〈◊〉 obtained against the Turk Many Inhabitants 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 for a season for fear of infection by the Turks 〈◊〉 wherewith the 〈◊〉 covered Then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in triumph he presented 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. which he 〈◊〉 receiving and highly commending his Valour its 〈◊〉 shortly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amurath a 〈◊〉 before 〈◊〉 a proud Embassage to 〈◊〉 offering peace on 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 or paying him a yearly 〈◊〉 the King upon the 〈◊〉 report of the Victory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the issue of matters he would shortly in person come and give him further answer And for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 power or desire of revenge 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his Kingdome with 〈◊〉 the Popes Legate sent 〈◊〉 thither to stir up the Hungarians against the Turks he propounded the danger 〈◊〉 and how it might be averted 〈◊〉 requested by the King to 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 first spake Since the Turkish 〈◊〉 began to rage in Europe no newes was more welcome to the 〈◊〉 Bishop c. than Uladistaus his being chosen King of Hungary for a fitter could not the Hungarians any where have found c. The Kingdom is by your force and valour my mediation and the Queen's death well pacified but yet the Turkish Tyranny c. is to be repressed c. If so great an Army was vanquished by one of thy Captain 's power but small what is to be hoped of thee most mighty King if thou shalt lead thine Armies in person under the Protection of Christ Jesus The eyes of all Christian Princes are upon thee c. And albeit the Common cause of Religion require thee to be a revenger c. yet Hungary and Poland's necessity no lesse enforce it of which one is miserably vexed with the Turke out of Servia and Dalmatia the other out of Moldavia and Valachia You lack not worthy Captaines money which shall be brought unto you from all part not lusty and couragious Souldiers not policy not for tune c. you want nothing but will It 's an Expedition necessary religious profitable and honourable wherein are all ample rewards in this life and the life to come Wherefore I beseech you by the faith of Christ by love of your Children health of your Kingdome c. with valiant
taken as it was meant doubted whether to leave him to his fortune 〈◊〉 casting off the Turkish League to joyn with him but at length resolved he 〈◊〉 to the King That he prayed the hope of his friends help failed him nor at his need c. that his resolution which he could not by perswasion alter he would as times suddenness and his ability permited gladly further and so presented to him his Son with 4000 horsemen preferring also to him two lusty young men perfect guides with two horses of incredible swiftness and with standing tears said Take this small gift in good part c. I pray God they be given in vain yet if necessity shall force thee to use them thou shalt find them serviceable Uladislaus marching towards Thracia took many places by the way the Turks yielding for fear coming to Sumium and Pezechium the Garrisons stood upon their guard but besieging and taking them by assault he put 5000 Turks to the sword The Bassaes terrified requested Amurath to leave his obscure life and to levy his greatest power in Asia for defence in Europe blaming him for committing the Government to so young a Prince as Mahomet many great ones scorning to obey him Amurath awaked left his Cloyster speedily gathering a strong Army and finding Hellespontus Straits stopped by the Venetians and Pope's Galleys was at his wits end But at Bosphorus Straits he found conveyance some write he payed the Gennoways for passage a Duckat for a Turk amounting to 100000 Duckets Others affirm by bribing the Defendants of the passage Being got over he joyning his Asian and European forces in 7 daies encamped within 4 miles of Varna in Bulgaria whither Uladislaus hearing of his coming had retired having taken it but a little before with others on the Sea-coast And before in hope he could not possibly find passage consulted now with his Commanders what course to take many were so discouraged with the fame of his coming they advised him to return and not oppose so small an Army against such a world of people reported But others chiefly 〈◊〉 said It was not for his honour first to invade and to turn his back upon the first report of their coming wishing him rather to remember the good fortune of his former wars that he learned by experience not to be moved with the enemies multitude c. Whereupon the King resolved to try the fortune of the field And committing the ordering of all his forces to Huniades he carefully disposed the 〈◊〉 guarding one side with a marsh the other with carriages the rear with a steep hill that the Army could not be compassed with the 〈◊〉 of their enemies The Turks approaching began to skirmish which fight was long maintained with a 〈◊〉 fortune the ground being covered and stained with dead bodies and blood At length joyning closer Huniades had with his Transilvanian and Ualachian horse put to flight both the Turkish wings so that Amurath was about to flee had he not by a Souldier holding the Reins of his Bridle been stayed The Captains and Prelats encouraged by Huniades his successe foolishly left their appointed 〈◊〉 pursuing disorderly nor gone far they were hardly encountred by a party of Turks in a valley fast by Lesco one of the most valiant Hungarians was slain the Bishop of Veradium that first disordered the battel 〈◊〉 thorow a Fenne after strugling with his horse was strangled in the mud The Bishop of Agria was then lost with many Church-men The Cardinal with others retiring 〈◊〉 their standings and assailed by the Turks they were by the King and Huniades coming with great slaughter forced to retire Amurath in extream danger beholding the Crucifix in the voluntary Christians Ensigns plucked forth the writing of the late League and holding it up with eys to Heaven said Behold thou crucified Christ this is the League thy Christians have without cause 〈◊〉 If thou be a God c shew thy power upon thy 〈◊〉 people who in their deeds deny thee The King in heat hardly perswaded by Huniades to return from the bloody pursuit coming to the Camp found Julian and others overcharged with the Turks who there fought couragiously backt by the Amurath's last refuge There began a most cruel fight many slain on both sides The victory stood long doubtful at length the Turks shrunk back where the King and Huniades fought But in the left side they so prevailed the Christians were ready to flee which Huniades perceiving speedily with his presence there restored the battel then returning to the King who repulsing a number of Turks was come to the Janizaries There was a 1000 deaths to be seen c. in which confnsion young Uladislam brake in among them then also Amurath by a French Knight was wounded with a Pike and asfailed with his fword but being speedily rescued the Knight was slain and performing all parts of a worthy Souldier his horse being slain he was forthwith slain and his head struck off by Ferizes was presented to Amurath who on a Launces point proclaiming it the head of the Christian King the Christians discouraged therewith fled Huniades after vain attempts to rescue the Kings body gave place to necessity fleeing over the Mountains into woods thence got over into Ualachia and imprisoned by Dracula as some write who after enlargement aiding Danus against him and his Son they were slain and Danus put in his room Julian the Cardinal was found by the way side half stripped and mortally wounded sharply reproved by Gregory Sanose as author of that perfidious war Many fleeing Christians were slain but more drowned in the Fenns perishing by cold and hunger in woods or fell at length into Turkish slavery The number slain in this battel was great as the little hills raised of bones bodies do 〈◊〉 declare Most agree that scarce a third of the Christians Army escaped The Turks multitude was made lesse by at least 30000 For Amurath very sad answered those demanding why he was no merrier after such a victory That he wished not at so great a price to gain many such Yet he erected a Pillar where the King was 〈◊〉 inscribing all that was done This battel was fought near 〈◊〉 a place fatal to many Warriers Novemb. 10. 1444. Some impute this losse to Huniades's fleeing out of the battel with 10000 horse but it seemeth to be devised to excuse the Clergies foul dealing the report not agreeing with his noble disposition Amurath returning to Hadrianople and solemnly burying the body of the Vice-Roy 〈◊〉 Europe slain in the battel resigned his Kingdom again to Mahomet living a solitary life at Magnesia vowing so to do in the fear of the late battel but after a short time he returned to Hadrianople resuming the Government to the great discontent of his ambitious Son Scanderbeg yet in Servia's Borders hearing what happened to the Hungarians was exceedingly grieved resolving to return into Epirus yet breaking into the Despots Country he did
exceeding harm Returning home he relieved many Hungarians and 〈◊〉 escaped from the slaughter and repairing to him providing to Ragusa thence to return into their Countries Thus was Scanderbeg by the Despot's treachery stayed from being at the bloudy battel of Varna to the unspeakable losse of the Christian 〈◊〉 Of the two Huniades was accounted the better Commander and the more politick for his greater years which was well countrevailed by Scanderbeg's good fortune and by experience afterwards gotten Amurath was exceedingly moved at Scanderbeg's proceedings and his great harms in Macedonia c. yet still dreading the Hungarians himself through years desirous of rest and the young years of his Son Mahomet with Scanderbeg's fortune and Huniades his malice he proved by Letters mixt with threats and feigned courtesies to draw him into some peace for a time to be the better revenged at leasure shewing that he never wanted preferments to 〈◊〉 on him most unkind Scanderbeg 〈◊〉 now he had so highly offended him he knew not what 〈◊〉 words to use unto him c. that it grieved him to rehearse his manifold and horrible treasons c. if his mind would suffer them to be covered with silence yet he thought good to advertize him lest his heat when he had lost himself should overthrow him with his unlucky Kingdom Did he think his late outrages should escape his revenging hands that he gracelesse man should amend and not farther expect whether his indignation will break out that the allurements of his good fortune should not so puff up his foolish desires c. that his misery afterwards may move even his greatest enemies or himself to compassion that he should remember his courtesies and make him no longer sorry that he so ill bestowed the same That letting passe his souls health which he esteemed as nothing and 〈◊〉 Laws by him despised What had he ever wanted at his hands of all things most delighting mens desires c. For all these benefits that he shewed himself but a very 〈◊〉 brought up in his own bosome But the love of his Countrey moved him which if he had asked would he have denied him which he often proffered unto him but he had rather gain it by treachery than receive it from him by 〈◊〉 That he now pardoned him all chiefly for that the time he faithfully served him was longer than the time of offending him That his Fathers Kingdom he gives unto him on condition of restoring him the other Towns of Epirus by himself honourably won That restoring all taken from the Prince of Servia and recompencing him for other harms and never violating any his friends or aiding his enemies he should eyer stand in his favour as before That he knew his strength and had before his eyes the Hungarian fortune That he might conferr with Airadin his trusty Messenger to understand more to write at large what he intended to do Scanderbeg knowing the old Fox wrought nothing simply of good meaning he called 〈◊〉 unto him and after many publick and private discourses to sound his meaning c. he shewed him the strength of his Camp that the crafty Messenger might not think he was afraid of his Master Then complaining of Amurath's dealing against his Father Brethren and himself he sent him away with such a writing That as Amurath had exceeded him in many courtesies so he would now exceed him in temperate speech that his Letters and Messenger gave him more occasion of smile than choller whilst at first accusing him of ingratitude and treason he presently seemed 〈◊〉 of his souls health himself being a defender of a most damnable errour and as a conquerour to a vanquished enemy propounding many conditions which he scorned to hear That he imputed his rayling to his great age way ward nature and conceived grief c. Yet wherefore did he so exclaim against him Did he call his needful departing a treachery his native Countrys recovering a villany That if Amurath's kindnesse toward him were compared with his miseries his good deserts would be overwhelmed with his greater tyrannies That he took away his Fathers Kingdom murdered his brethren vowed him to death when he little feared it c. How long did he think he would endure his insolent bondage which yet he many years endured not refusing his commands c. That simply believing his words and deeds to be void of fraud when his cankered malice began apparently to shew it self he also glosed with him till he found occasion ro recover his liberty yet these are but trifles to what he had laid up in hope and resolution therefore ceasing his threats he shou'd not tell him of the Hungarian fortune c. Amurath herewith and conferring with Airadin was filled with wrath yet to give no token of fear stroking often his beard as when thoroughly angry chearfully dissembling he said Thou desirest wicked man some honourable death We will give it thee Wee will be present at the burial of our 〈◊〉 child c. Thou shalt not complain thou diedst an obscure death And because of many then great occurrents he sent Ferises with 9000 choise horsmen to keep Scanderbeg in doing and spoyl his Countrey what he could For all whose haste Scanderbeg hearing thereof placed 1500 footmen in ambush on the mountains leading into the valley of Novea and 2000 horsemen as he thought most fit Ferizes descending those woody and bushy mountains by broken and stony waies was set upon by the foot suddenly arising 760 Turks were in this conflict taken a number slain and Ferises with the rest fleeing cryed still out Better some saved than all lost Scanderbeg pursuing him into Macedonia rewarded his Souldiers with its spoyl Amurath grieved presently sent Mustapha with a supply of 6000 to take Ferises charge in no case to enter far but to burn and spoyl Epirus frontiers accounting it good service if but the trees and fruits had felt his anger Mustapha by continual Scouts warily entred the Valley of Novea entrenching upon the rising of a hill placing espialls on the mountains tops to give notice of the enemy by signs reserving 4000 horse in his Camp he sent about 9000 to forrage and spoil charging every one on pain of death to retire thither upon sign given The Turkish Army making havock of all that fire and sword could destroy Scanderbeg drawing near the Valley was advertized by a wounded Epirot Souldier of all the enemies doings who considering Mustapha's wary proceedings resolved by force suddenly to afsault him in his trenches before his Souldiers could return to the Camp and speedily entring the Valley was discovered by the espialls giving a sign to the Camp whence it was given to the dispersed Souldiers most of whom being strayed and busied in spoyl heard or saw it not Scanderbeg's Souldiers following those that heard it and terrifying them with his name many were slain in entring the Camp with their booties and the Turks trenches presently assaulted and they beaten from
to Croia who leaving 2000 Souldiers upon the borders for defence they so kept in the 〈◊〉 at Sfetigrade that they could not look out but were intercepted and slain and within sew dayes besieging Sfetigrade a month was repulsed in two great assaults losing 500 men Amurath sending with speed to recall his dispersed Armie Scanderbeg returned to Croia Winter approaching wherein he put 2000 of his best Souldiers under famous Uranocontes storing the City with a year's Victuall greatly helped therein by the Venetians and others The like care he had of the rest being advertised by secret friends in Court of the Turks great preparation against him at beginning of the Spring who by the latter end of March had ready an Army of 160000 men of which he sent 40000 under politique 〈◊〉 into Epirus in beginning of April 1450. who with great speed and without let comming to Croia strongly encamped neere the pleasant plaine Tyranna and keeping close attended that no new supply should be conveyed into the City for he was expresly forbidden to attempt any thing against Scanderbeg himself After 20 dayes Amurath through age oft marching but 5 miles a day came thither with his Army filling the Country round about And after 4 dayes setling his Camp he sent two Messengers offering the Governour if he would yield to depart with his Souldiers with bag and baggage 200000 aspers to himself with an honourable place among his great Bassaes and the Citizens to enjoy all their former liberties promising greater They being commanded to deliver their message without the Gates he scornfully rejected their offers and the Souldiers shamefully 〈◊〉 them Amurath more offended at this than the refusall commanded ten great Artillery pieces to be cast for by reason of the high Mountaines he brought none ready made but store of mettall in masse This work being in 15 〈◊〉 perfected 6 he 〈◊〉 against the East side toward the plaine 4 against the Gate in which places onely Croia was subject to battery In 4 dayes Amurath had in both places beaten downe halfe the Wall and sore shaken the rest The Turks encouraged with great cheerfullnesse made ready for assault striving who should shew himself most foreward And Mahomet besides his Fathers rewards promised a 100000 Aspers to him that first set an Ensigne upon the Walls The Garrison nothing dismaied comforted and encouraged each other to endure all manner of perill especially Uranocontes who shaking some Souldiers by the hand said These were the fortresses of their City c. What honour triumph should they hope for if these Walls standing whole they should shroud under their defence and not they defended by them So can Cowards defend and Sheep not feare the Wolves rage c. That men of worth shun such things which being kept or lost yield like praise that things ready to fall need shoaring and there appeareth valour Therefore their valiant right hands should instead of dead Walls oppose their 〈◊〉 armed bodyes against the enemies force That he in the thickest should view and judge of every mans courage Yet that their former hopes were little or nothing by these breaches diminished For that the rising of the hill though not so high as in other places doth serve them at great advantage to charge their enemies That this breach will encourage the Barbarians to climbe up c whereof so many shall be easily slaine as they shall but aime at 〈◊〉 that onely those 2 places can be assaulted How will so many valiant Souldiers bestow themselves in so little roome Yet let them play the men and in one conflict weaken the Tyrants strength and burst his proud heart c. Uranocontes setting all thiugs in order and repairing the breaches as well as possible they rested that night In the morning the Turks cheerfully assaulted both breaches but it being well begun Scanderbeg had suddenly broke in on the Turks Campe with 5000 slaying 600 Turks and was spoyling their Tents which rumour made them with lesse courage to assault Amurath for more suretie sent 〈◊〉 with 4000 into the Camp saying Nothing could be too sure against that wild beast Mahomet also hasted thither against his Father's will But Moses knowing himself too weak had before retired into the Mountaines having done great harme losing but ten men Scanderbeg here forgetting himself so engaged that being on every side enclosed yet valiantly breaking thorow he escaped the great danger recovering the Mountaines This was the greatest oversight of Scanderbeg in all his Wars When all was quieted Amurath brought all his forces to the Walls with multitude of Archers and small shot labouring to drive away the defendants Then likewise other common Souldiers brought Scaling ladders c. The 〈◊〉 and others following ready to mount them But the Garrison Souldiers made such slaughter that had not the Captaines spared neither stripes nor wounds they would presently have retired Hereby the Ladders were with great slaughter set up and the Turks came to handie blowes at the breaches who being with their Ladders tumbled down the Mountaine with horrible slaughter and discomfiture that none would set one foot forward again though fierce young Mahomet caused them that returned to be slain These common Souldiers are most miserable Christians now under the Turks slavery of whom the Turks draw great multitudes in their Wars commonly unarmed because 〈◊〉 daring well to trust them they carry all the baggage fetch wood and water serve for Pioneers when 〈◊〉 is in field they with weapons are thrust into the fore-front to blunt their enemies swords if a City be to be besieged serving to fill ditches with their dead bodies and if they shrinke more cruelly used by their commanders than enemies Amurath stood in doubt whether he had better retrait but being enraged he gave a fresh assault with divers of his better companies But Uranocontes placing 〈◊〉 men in the breaches they repulsed the Turks with a double slaughter till the King not able longer to behold it sounded a retraite having lost 8000 men without any notable harme to the defendants Mahomet burning with 〈◊〉 drew most of the best Souldiers into that quarter neerest Scanderbeg intrenching on the Mountaine of Tumenist that if he should againe there assail the Campe he might hardly do great harme or himself escape Whereupon Scanderbeg left Moses with 500 where he lay ordering him in the night 〈◊〉 assail the quarter where Mahomet lay and speedily retire to the Mountaine Himself with about 8000 fetching a compasse by secret waies came to Mountecle the farther side of the Turks Armie Moses at the hour assailed the Campe with the tumult of some great Armie Scanderbeg at the instant breaking into the other side there made such a slaughter that Croia's losse was forgot in comparison of this Moses doing little harme safely retired and Scanderbeg making great spoil timely returned scarce losing one man Amurath 〈◊〉 this withdrew most of his small Ordinance into his trenches against Scanderbegs sudden
could content his mind or revive his Spirits so that oppressed with melanchollyconceits he became sick for griefe Whereupon by some's Counsell he sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace for 10000 duckats yearly tribute thinking hereby well to save his honour which being utterly refused greatly increased his sicknesse Scanderbeg to grieve him the more c daily assailed the Campe which he often suspected by alarums and tumults languishing with the griefe thereof Feeling he could not longer live g ievously complained that all his former life was so blemished who repressing the Hungarians fury and almost nullifying the Grecians pride and name was enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle and in sight of his contemptible enemie Then he gave his Son Mahomet many grave advertisements commending him to the faithfullnesse of his Bassaes weaknesse and teares oft upon sight of him interrupting his speech Yet forcing himself he warned him of what now most grieved him That his example be a warning to him not to contemne his never so weak enemy c whereby he had purchased this calamity and for ever blemished the honour of the Othoman Kings c. That this Trait or should then have been suppressed when first he recovered his wicked Kingdome c. Ali Bassa nor the other Generalls should not have been sent against him c That they entered into 〈◊〉 160000 strong c but now how many tents stand empty c. That the destinies had vowed his Spirits to Epirus as to him fatall But why did he impute these impediments and chances to himself for this mischievous seed first began when the Hungarians with others rose up against him So whilst he could not take order for all important affaires at once this enemy grew great That fortune never deceived his endeavours more than in this Therefore he charged his Son that for so great and stately a patrimony as he should receive not to leave his death unrevenged of this enemy Shortly after becomming speechlesse c he breathed out his Ghost to the Christians great joy in Autumne 1450 85 years old as most write reigning 28 or as some 30 about 5 months after Croia's siege Thus 〈◊〉 great Amurath dead almost in despaire Who had fought greater battels who gained greater Victories or obtained more glorious Triumphs than he c. But oh how far was he now changed from the man he then was how far did his last speeches differ from his forepassed life full of base passionate complaints beseeming some vile 〈◊〉 overtaken with despaire and yet afraide to die He lyeth now dead a gastly stinking Carcale c and of such infinite riches such stately honours c his fraile body enjoyeth nothing The Turks say he died miraculously forewarned of his death at Hadrianople others that he died in Asia with an Apoplexie surfeiting of immoderate Wine But Marinus Barlesius who lived in his time in Scodra fast by Epirus sets it downe as aforesaid Mahomet fearing some innovation at home presently returning to Hadrianople buryed his body with great solemnity on the West of Prusa lying in a Chappel without a roofe his grave not differing from the common Turks which they say he so commanded that Gods blessing might come to him by the Sun and Moones shining and raine and dewes falling on his grave He mightily enlarged the Turkish Kingdome for the better establishing whereof in his owne house he in the beginning of his reigne by manifold favours began to bind to himself men of forreigne Coùntryes his Servants And whereas the Othoman Kings had mostly or altogether raised their Janizaries and other Court Souldiers of Christians Children taken in War he seeing how serviceable they were plotted how to make an Armie of such his own Creatures c wherefore taking from the Christians every 5th Child he placed the fairest and aptest in his own Seraglio the rest in other like places where being instructed in Mahometane Religion then in all seats of Armes of these he made Horsemen c to guard his person naming he better sort Spahi-Oglani 〈◊〉 is his Sons the Knights Of these he made Bassaes Generals and Governours with all great Officers dispersing the rest and greatest part into every Country of his Dominion in Asia to be brought up in hardnesse and painefull labour out of whom he choosing the most lusty and able they were taught to handle all manner of weapons added to the other upon occasion calling them his Sons binding them of all sorts so fast to him by continual pay c. that he might account so many Sons as Souldiers A great policy from a deep judgment to weaken the Christians by taking their Children of greatest hope and to keep in awe his own natural Subjects also Amurath's successours keeping and increasing this Custome have not only kept the Empire in their Family but so maintained their State that they are feared obeyed and honoured as Gods c. Hence it comes to passe that the better of them called Turks but indeed Christians children desire to be called Musulmans that is right believers holding it a reproach to be called Turks For they knowing there is not one natural Turk among all in authority c. but he is borne a Christian either of father or Grandfather avouch those only to be Turks living in Natolia all Merchants Mechanicks or poor labourers c. Yea many of the Grand-Signiors had Christian Mothers accounting it in the greatest part of their Nobility 〈◊〉 great King was wonderfully beloved and noless after death lamented more faithful of his word than any before or after him melancholick rather politick than valiant yet both a great dissembler painful in travel exceeding wayward and testy many imputing it to his age He had 6 Sons Achmetes Aladin Mahomet Hasan or Chasan Urchan and Achmetes the younger three of whom died before him The Life of Mahomet II. 7th King and first Emperour of Turks for his many victories surnamed the Great IT was thought that Mahomet who being about 21 years old succeeded his Father in 1450 and the supposed Son of the Prince of Servia's Daughter a Christian would have embraced the Christian Religion but embracing in shew the Mahometan abhorring the Christian he greatly reckoned not of either and worshipping no God but Fortune he derided such as thought God had any care of worldly men so that he kept no League Promise or Oath longer than stood with his profit and pleasure The Bassaes and others of great Authority to whom Amurath's Government was never grievous inwardly lamented his death doubting Mahomet's fierce nature c. But the Court gallants in hope of preferment were glad to see him on his Fathers Seat and the vulgar exceedingly rejoyced in him Then also the Janizaries as their 〈◊〉 is spoyling the Christians and Jews easily obtained pardon whereupon he was by them and other Court Souldiers triumphantly saluted King which approbation is a greater assurance of their Kingdom than to be
repoled great confidence He provided 200 Ships and Galleys that no relief should be brought to the City out of Hungary by the Rivers Danubius and Savius and landing his Souldiers farther up Danubius spoyled along the River side Shortly after encamping before it he at first terribly assaulted but finding greater resistance then he imagined he entrenched his Army and provided against sudden salleys then laying a part of the wall flat by the fury of his great Artillery the Defendants with great labour repaired it rather stronger than before Huniades the while sent a Fleet well appointed from Buda down Danubius which taking 20 sail of Turks and discomfiting the rest they ran on ground near their camps which were set on fire as not to come into the Hungarians power Hereby the Christians at pleasure conveighed all necessaries by water to Belgrade Huniades also with 5000 and a Minorate Fryar by whose perswasion 40000 Voluntiers were come to that war entred that way with their followers Mahomet resolutely bent determined next day to give a general assault but as they were preparing all things for the service Carazi Bassa his best man of war was slain from the Town Mahomet being exceedingly troubled herewith as ominous yet next day early he with the sound of Trumpets c. brought on his Janizaries to the breach who without great resistance entred there and in divers other places For Huniades ordered the Defendants upon the first charge to retire towards the City as discouraged on purpose to draw the enemies faster on to their destruction so that great numbers being entred the retirers at the sign appointed turning again fiercely charged them and Huniades issuing out 〈◊〉 oppressed the Turks that few escaped not being slain or taken the rest with exceeding slaughter beaten from the Walls Huniades with the Fryar's Souldiers presently sallying out so charged the Turks defending the great Ordnance that they with great slaughter left them to their enemies The Tyrant couragiously charging to recover them again was so repulsed and beaten with murthering shot from the City that he was glad when got into his Trenches A great part of the Army was in this hurly speedily transported over Danubius joyning with Huniades laying without the walls who now assailed their Trenches as if presently to enter their Camp which the Tyrant disdaining went out and valiantly beat him back to the Ordinance from whence he was again driven to his Trenches which manner of fight was indifferently maintained till the day almost spent Chasanes Captain of the Janizaries was herein slain and Mahomet himself sore wounded under his left pap and carried into his Pavilion for dead But comming to himself and considering his losse in that siege c. departed with great silence in the night still looking behind when the Hungarians should have pursued and troubled him Here were slain 40000. his best Souldiers besides Commanders so that he would shake his head c. wishing he had never seen that City where he and his Father received so great dishonor This notable Victory was August 6th 1456. Huniades shortly after died of a hurt in these Warres or as some of the plague then rife in Hungary who would in any case be carried to the Temple to receive the Sacrament before his departure saying the Lord should not come to his Servants house but the Servant to the House of his Lord. He was the first Christian Captain shewing the Turks were to be overcome obtaining more great Victories over them than any before him He was honourably buried at Alba Julia in St. Stephens Temple greatly lamented of all good men Mahomet soon after the taking Constantinople putting a great Fleet to Sea surprized divers Islands in the Aegeum and hardly besieged Rhodes At which time Calixtus the 3d Pope aided by the Genowayes for the grudge of Pera taken put to Sea sixteen tall Ships and Gallies under Patriach Lodovicus who recovered 〈◊〉 from the Turks with other small Islands and encountring them near the Island Rhodes sunk and took divers forcing them to forsake the Rhodes spoyling for three years after at pleasure the Turks frontiers along the Sea coast of lesser Asia terrifying the effeminate people and returning with many prisoners and much spoil Mahomet after that began diligently to prepare against spring to subdue the Aegeum Islands chiefly those near Peloponesus Embassadors from Usuncassanes the Persian King arrived the while with divers rich presents among which were a pair of playing Tables whose men and dice were of inestimable prerious stones and workmanship found in the Persian Kings Treasures that Usun had 〈◊〉 and bereft and left there by Tamerlane Their Embassage was that those two mighty Princes might joyn and live in amity and that David Emperour of Trapezond being forced to pay Mahomet a tribute by his Asian Lieutenant he should not now look for it seeing that Empire after Davids death belonged to him in his Wives right Davids elder Brothers Daughter requiring him not to molest him so should he be his faithful confederate otherwise his mighty enemy Mahomet envying the Persian rising and now disdaining his peremptory requests dismissed them with this answer He would ere long be personally in Asia to teach Usun what to request of a greater than himself This was the ground of the mortall Warres ensuing between these two Mahomet now altering his determination for the Aegeum Isles most under the Venetians protection sent his Admiral with one hundred and fifty Sail into the Euxine now the black Sea to anchor before Paphlagonia's chief City to expect him with his Army by Land who was come thither before he was looked for Ismael a Mahometan Prince governing all thereabout on whom Mahomet bent his forces as being in league with Usun though he had 400 great Artillery Pieces and 10000 Souldiers for his defence yet doubting how to endure the siege yielded to him the City with all his Dominions in lieu of Philopopolis in Thrace with the adjoyning Country This was the last of the Isfendiars long reigning in Pontus Thence he marched to Trapezond in Pontus where the Constantinopolitan Emperours had their Deputies whilest commanding as farre as Parthia but it declining one Isaac fleeing from Constantinople and taking the Government of Trapezond with Pontus and Cappadocia c. was first called King but afterwards he and his Successors Emperors David Comnenus then raigned Mahomet hardly besieged Trapezond for 30 dayes by Sea and Land burnt its Suburbs as at Sinope The fearful Emperour offered to yield his whole Empire to him on condition of taking his Daughter to Wife and for some other Province yielding a sufficient yearly profit Mahomet perceiving his enemie's weakness attempted the City by force which not sorting they again parled at last it was agreed the Emperour on the Turks saith for his return should meet him without the City for some good attonement who as soon as he came out Mahomet faith not to be kept with Christians detained him a prisoner
executing divers Hungarians yet after ten years being inlarged he died in battel against the Turks Mahomet sent the same Fleet into the Aegeum to take the Islands who before under the Constantinopolitan had put themselves now under the Venetian especially Mitylene pretending its Prince harbored the Italian Pirates and others buying prisoners and booty taken from the Turks at Sea and along the Sea-coast also that he slaying his eldest Brother unjustly governed Himself passing into Asia came to Possidium over against Mitylene Landing his small Army over the narrow Strait he soon over-ran and spoiled the Island captivating all its Inhabitants who being sold at Constantinople were thence dispersed Then besieging the Prince in the City Mitylene he battered it twenty seven dayes and the defendants by sharp assaults greatly diminished the Prince offered to yield up all in the Isle for some other Province of like value which Mahomet accepting solemnly sware to perform The Prince humbly comming forth excused himself for receiving the men of Warre that they might not spoil his own Country denying he had bought or shared any of their prizes Mahomet seemingly contented cheared him with good words yet all being delivered into his hands he put to death many of the chief Citizens cutting three hundred Pirates in the middle and placing Garisons he returned carrying the Prince with him and all the better sort with all the wealth leaving his Garrisons with a few of the poorest people Being arrived he closly imprisoned the Prince with his cousin used in killing his Brother who in danger of their lives every houre offered renouncing Christianity to turn Turk Mahomet in rich Apparel triumphantly circumcising them set them at liberty yet bearing the old grudge soon clapt them fast again cruelly putting them to death Shortly after Stephen King of Bosna who through the Turks support had wrongfully obtained it against his two brethren refused to pay Mahomet his promised tribute wherefore entring Bosna he besieged Dorobiza which taken one part of the people he gave slaves to his men of War sending another to Constantinople a third to inhabite the City Marching to Jaziga now Jaica the chiefe City it was delivered after four months on composition Here taking the Kings Brother and Sister with most of the Nobles he sent them in Triumph to Constantinople The lesser Cityes yielded also Mahomet sent Mahometes Bassa to pursue the King retired into the farthest parts who so inclosed him before he was aware that he could not escape a thing thought impossible The King taking refuge of Clyssa was so hardly laid to that he yielded himself on the Bassaes solemne oath conceived in writing that he being honourably used should not be hurt by the Emperour The Bassa carryed him about with him till he possessed all Bosna whose Master was offended with him for engà ging his Faith so far The poor King departing was suddenly sent for who doubting carryed the Bassas Oath in writing yet the faithlesse Tyrant most cruelly put him to death or as some slew him quick Bosna was subverted by Mahomet in 1464 who reducing it into a province returned in great triumph to Constantinople with many a wofull Captive and that Kingdom 's wealth Mahomet in the beginning of his reigne sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace so he would pay him the yearly tribute demanded by Amurath rather to prove his confidence than in hope to have it granted Scanderbeg scornfully rejecting this entred into the Turks bordered dominion wasting the Country returning with spoyl Mahomet in revenge sent Amesa with 12000 Horse into Epirus to do the like of whose comming he understanding lay close with 6000 on the Mountain Modrissa The Turks by night being almost gotten to its rough and sleep top were suddenly charged and with great slaughter driven down amaine their horses being rather their hinderance Being come to the foot they were againe fiercely assailed by Scanderbeg on one side and his Nephew Amesa on the other who before had placed themselves advantagiously So that the Turks soone overthrowne were put to flight 7000 were slaine Amesa their Generall taken with divers Captaines and sent to Croia where was great triumph and feasting for joy Scanderbeg then enlarging Amesa and the rest to be partakers thereof and using them with all courtesie during their abode Amesa requested he might send to Mahomet how the case stood with them and to procure their ransome which Scanderbeg granting set downe at 13000 Duckats The newes sore grieved the Tyrant but seeing the Armies remainder most of their Ensignes and Armour lost and Amesa's messenger he enraged denied any thing for ransome imputing all to his treachery folly or cowardise Yet he was perswaded by his Bassaes and other Amesaes friends to think better of him and to send his ransome lest he should discourage other Captaines who might haply fall into like danger on receipt whereof they freed were conveyed out of Epirus Scanderbeg dividing the mony among his Souldiers The Tyrant determining to send another Army and promising great rewards c to the vanquisher of Scanderbeg among others Debrias in great favour by great sute obtained that charge promising confidently to make a better beginning than others before sent requiring no more power than was sent the yeare before But Amesa setting forth Scanderbegs virtues and valour with his Souldiers courage Debrias was content with a new supply having 14000 with whom marching to Polagus and encamping with great security being not yet come into Enemies Country Scanderbeg chose 6000 of his best Horsemen and marching 〈◊〉 all speed came by night where the Turks lay to be upon them before aware But by the Moon-light he was timely discried yet the sudden approach and strange attempt oismaied the whole Army But Debrias encouraging his Souldiers sent light Horse-men to receive the first charge till he might set his Army in order betwixt whom and others of Scanderbeg's a sharp skirmish beginning Scanderbeg doubting seconded them with fresh Troops under Amesa by whose comming the Turks were chased even to their main battell In which Moses had following too fast been enclosed had not Amesa stayed his fury blamed by Scanderbeg commending such forewardnesse in a private Souldier not in so great a Commander Scanderbeg now fiercely affailed the Turks with his Army Debrias so encouraged his Souldiers that Scanderbegs fortune was even at a stand till Musachius with resolute Troops out of the left wing so charged that he sore disordered the side of the Turks Army which Debrias perceiving came to that place cheering them up with his presence and valour seeming the life of his Army Scanderbeg the while mainly charging the Enemies front they began in their Generalls absence to loose order and give ground Moses then breaking into the thickest threw amongst his followers a taken Ensigne who thereby so pressed on their Enemies that they discouraged and disordered were almost ready to 〈◊〉 Debrias here-upon hastening to encourage his Souldiers among the foremost was
Croia to prove if the Citizens yielding would receive Amesa as King else to threaten them with a continual siege and their Countries utter destruction Scanderbeg from the Mountain delighted with the sight of the Turks security and disorder encouraged and martialled his Souldiers But first he secretly descending with a few the rest soon following suddenly slew all the Turks Scouts but one who running swiftly into the Camp crying out Scanderbeg was comming the Turks scarce believed he was so nigh who following as fast as he could was in a moment fallen in among the unarmed greatly slaying and filling the Camp with sudden 〈◊〉 Amesa with some half armed some on foot first made head against Scanderbeg the Bassa doing what he might to arm and put his men in order But the Souldiers comming down from the Woods the while with horrible shouts and noyse of warlike Instruments so dismayed the Turks that fearing all Epirus with the adjoyning Countries were come they began to flee on every side Amesa cryed aloud telling them Such vain terrors were not to be feared c. and slaying many by his own valour The Bassa coming to aid Amesa hardly charged Moses with his horse Tanusius and Emmanuel with their foot so encountred him that with great loss he retired to his Trenches 〈◊〉 couragiously withstanding his Uncle and heartning them on with hope of speedy relief if they would a while endure their enemies fury who would presently be discouraged if not prevailing in their first attempt the Turks were again encouraged But Scanderbeg prevailing on them and no help come for many were 〈◊〉 arming coming and others put to flight they fled also Scanderbeg's horse made great slaughter in the chase and took Amesa Before Scanderbeg came with 1000 foot and some horse to aid Moses he had put the Bassa with his Army to flight whom Scanderbeg following he looked not behind him till out of Epirus Amongst the many here taken was Mesites a Zanzack 20 the fairest Enfigns were taken besides prisoners Other spoils taken almost incredible Those who write most of the Turks slain reckon 30000 they who least 20000. But 60 Christians were lost There was a sudden alteration of worldly things Scanderbeg possessing the Bassa's rich Pavilion his Captains enjoying Tents c. Amesa who the same day overran part of Aemathia and was honoured and called a King is now led bound to his Uncle as a slave speechle confounded whose misery moved most to compassion and forced reares from many Scanderbeg next day burying the slain Turks that the Country might not be infected he returned in triumph to Croia whom the Countrey people from the Woods and Mountains meeting as others out of Cities they were full of his praises The Captives with hands bound behind went before him except those carrying the Ensigns Next the Bassa's Pavillion supported as in field Then came Scanderbeg with the Sanzack Amesa following for he had humbly obtained not to be carried among the captives Lastly the victorious Souldiers every one with a spare horse 〈◊〉 with spoil So being joyfully received at Croia he brake up his Army Amesa being afterwards condemned to perpetual prison was sent to A 〈◊〉 to be kept at Naples with whom was sent an honourable present of the spoil Amesa remaining a year there in prison Scanderbeg Alphonsus dying requested Ferdinand his Son to restore him to him who being imprisoned at Croia but not so straitly as before for Scanderbeg began to forget the injury at last through his supplication c. pardoned his life restored his liberty and took him into former favour But Amesa fearing what would become of his wife and children if he 〈◊〉 used it with humble thanks brake his mind to his Uncle That whereas he had graciously regarded his life and welfare he ought also to to be careful of the life of others to wit his wife a nd children who when Mahomet should perceive that he was fallen from him shall pay the guilt of his 〈◊〉 Wherefore he was by some device to be deceived to preserve those pledges till some fit occasion to redeem them That by his leave he would flee as breaking 〈◊〉 making the greatest shew of his wonted loyalty to 〈◊〉 c. That at length with his wife and children he might escape from him wherein he might much help him if as grieved he seemed highly offended with the Keepers that in the mean time he would stand him instead of a faithful intelligencer Scanderbeg refused not his request but said Amesa since we have granted thee life c we will not prohibit thee the preservation of them who may justly call on thee as a debtor for their welfare Go thy way proceed and reform while thou hast space we now believe thee and like of this device thou shalt but deceive thy self if thou longer follow the barbarous King when thou shalt return no greater pleasure thou shalt be with us as heretofore Amesa escaping that night and the Keepers sharply rebuked easily perswaded Mahomet he was by chance escaped with all 〈◊〉 told him yet for his ill success he was not so graced of him as before But whether Amesa neglected his promise or found no opportunity he soon after dyed at Constantinople thought to be poysoned Mahomet no longer enduring the sight of him for the notable overthrow in Aemathia wherewith being much grieved he justly blamed the Bassaes security whose credit with him better passed it over than was supposed Mahomet would have emplyoed all his forces upon Scanderbeg but besides great wars arising between him and the Venetians he was informed the Christian Princes were strongly confederating against him wherefore he by those sent to redeem the prisoners by the Sanzack cunningly perswaded Scanderbeg to require peace of him that if he did but ask it it would be long obtained Scanderbeg utterly refusing to do it Mahomet sent Sinam and Hamur each with 14000 into Macedonia for defence of his borders on Epirus but by no means to enter Epirus or provoke Scanderbeg whereby the Epirots enjoy'd the fruits of peace almost 2 years so that old injuries wearing out those Captains mediating 2 years peace was concluded betwixt them in which time Scanderbeg notably aided Ferdinand in Apulia against the French The time of peace expired Mahomet all things going well with him sending new supplies to Sinam commanded him to make war on Scanderbeg who 〈◊〉 Epirus with 20000 was utterly overthrown but few escaping with 〈◊〉 Presently after Asam was with 30000 vanquished by Scanderbeg at Ocrida in which battel Asam sore wounded yielded himself to Scanderbeg and afterwards 〈◊〉 by him 〈◊〉 following Asam with 18000 losing part saved himself by flight with the rest After which Caraza an old Captain Scanderbeg's companion in Amurath's time requested Mahomet he might prove his fortune against him assuring him of better success whose long experience put Mahomet in such hope that he levied 10000 more then Caraza at first required
against him with all their force c. from which whether he could escape or not he knew not yet if following his advise he casting off Mahometane superstition would embrace the faith of Christ he might make his name and Empire of great greater c. Scanderbeg about this time receiving letters from the Pope that he with Christian Princes would withour delay come into Epirus with a strong Army most joyfully denouncing war against the Turk brake into his Dominion burning and destroying before him and returning laden with spoil Mahomet likewise perusing Scanderbeg's Letters and hearing of the late spoil became exceeding melancholy which increased as not seeing the wonted chearfulnesse in his Men of Warre yet he levied a great Army fortifying his strong holds c. Sending also Seremet Bassa with 14000 men to attend onely on Scanderbeg upon Epirus borders who accordingly came unto Ocrida now Alchria in Macedonia lodging some in the City the rest in convenient places there abouts Scanderbeg 〈◊〉 ignorant hereof marched in the night towards Ocriba with 12000 men laying in ambush three miles off and on break of day sent out 500 Horse under two expert Captaines commanding them if the Enemy came forth to fight they should retire as if they fled so to traine him on which was so well performed that the Bassa with all his power was drawn to the place where Scanderbeg lay who rising suddenly up in the battell were slaine 10000 Turks the Treasurer with 12 of great note being taken and being brought bound Scanderbeg ransom'd them for 40000 Duckats And returning with triumph he expected the Armies comming out of Italy But Pope Pius being on the way with a great Armie and come to Ancona on the Sea side whither Christopher Duke of Venice came to him with 10 Galleys he sickning with a Fever died in 1464 whereupon the Armie was dispersed to the exceeding griefe of many Princes and no lesse joy of the Turks Lauretanus his yeare being expired Victor Capella was sent Generall of the Venetians at Sea who sayling out of Euboea soon took the City Aulis in Peloponesus and Larsum with the Isle of Himber Then he by night surprised Athens now Sethinae carrying away all the people as Prisoners with its rich spoile into Euboea where being perswaded that if he but shewed himself before Patras the Christians there would deliver it him he departing thence landed 4000 foot under Barbaricus and 200 horse under Ragius who being come within a mile of Patras and many of them scattering abroad seeking for pillage the Turks Garrisons setting on them with Horse easily overthrew them Barbaricus being slaine and Ragius taken and empailed alive upon a sharpe stake Scarce 1000 of them all escaping to the Galleys Victor was herewith greatly discomfited yet in hope few dayes after he attempted Patras againe but losing 1000 of his men and the rest fleeing to the Fleet he departed with great dishonour suddenly dying in Euboea oppressed with melancholly The Venetians being much troubled with these hard proceedings solicited Matthias King of Hungary to joyne in league with them and to take up Armes against the common Enemy offering him a great summe besides a large yearly Pension for which he should defend all of theirs betwixt the Rhetian Alpes and the Adriatique against Turkish invasion This Matthias was the younger Son of Huniades whose elder Brother Uladislaus having for injuries done to him and his Brother slaine Ulricus Count of Cilia Uncle to Ladislaus King of Bohemia and Hungaria was afterwards most cruelly executed in Bohemia by the said Ladislaus Matthias being kept in Prison and had not young Ladislaus been taken away by untimely death had been partaker of his Brother's fortune But he dying Matthias for love to Huniades was while imprisoned at Prague by a military election chosen King of Hungary where he reigned 38 years and was a far greater terrour to the Turks than his Father notably enlarging that Kingdome c. And forgetting all unkindnesse of the Venetians who had refused often to aide the Hungarian Kings in like case saying they received no harme from the Turk c he undertook the protection of their aforesaid territory and passing over Danubius at Belgrade next Spring with a puissant Armie he razed the Turks Forts thereabouts and wasting Servia returned laden with spoil and 20000 Captives maintayning great Warrs both with Mahomet and his Son Bajazet wherein he most commonly returned victorious Mahomet now in revenge of Scanderbegs proceeding and Seremet his late overthrow sent Balabanus an Epirot borne and from a Captive Boy as he was keeping Cattell brought up in servitude among the Turks with 15000 Horse and 3000 Foot to invade Epirus who being the first that gained the top of the Wall at the taking of Constantinople was afterwards of Mahomet greatly esteemed and comming to 〈◊〉 on Epirus frontiers he sent Presents to Scanderbeg as if he desired peaceably to lye upon the borders yet waiting to do him the greatest mischiefe Scanderbeg seeing into his malice rejecting his gifts sent him a Spade Mattock and Flaile c in derision willing him to follow his Fathers trade of life c which Balabanus taking in very ill part he determined to set on Scanderbeg suddenly in the night who lay not far off but he knowing thereof by his Scouts set forward to meet him which Balabanus perceiving stayed encamping within two miles of him who lay in the valley Valchal but with 4000 Horse and 1500 Foot though choise Souldiers they thus laying in view of each other Scanderbeg cheerfully encouraging his Souldiers straitly charged them if the Enemy should flee or retire they should not pursue them beyond the hills straits whereby the Enemy lay guessing he would leave an Ambush in the rough and wooddy hill adjoyning Then retiring unto a Rising a good way behind his former place for the grounds advantage if the Enemy should follow to fight Balabanus chinking verily he fled for feare set forward in such haste that being come where Scanderbeg stayed his men were greatly disordered Scanderbegs Souldiers receiving them with great courage there was a fierce battell a great while doubtfull with much slaughter on both sides yet the Turks being at last put to flight they were with much slaughter chased to those Straits where Scanderbeg had commanded his men to stay but some of his chiefe Captaines unadvisedly pursuing them they were beset with their Enemyes arising out of Ambush and after a long desperate fighting taken and brought to Balabanus who forthwith sent them to Constantinople Mahomet when he heard of their taking being reported with joy to have said Now I am sure Scanderbeg's strength is broken The chief taken were Moses of Dibria next to Scanderbeg himself with 7 other every one of them able to conduct an Army all in Epirus so lamented this losse that the victory was not accounted of Scanderbeg presently sent to Mahomet requesting him he might redeem them by exchange or for what
and Osman with their writings began to be contemned and Haly exalted as the true Successor commanding his Subjects to wear some red Hatband-lace on their Hats to be known from other Mahometans which they still observing are called Cuselba's or Red-heads and was soon so beloved and honoured that his sayings and commands were accounted Oracles and Lawes they swearing by his head solemnly to confirm any thing saying Hysmael grant thy desire when they wished any one well upon whose Coyn was on one side words to this effect There are no Gods but one and Mahomet is his Messenger on the other side Hysmacl the Vicar of God Chasan Chelife and Techellis the while in 1508 having gathered a great Army invaded the Turks Dominion for now such a desire of that new superstition possessed the peoples mindes in general that 10000 of them met first at the City Tascia at the foot of Antitaurus or else at Attalia on a Fair day where they executed the chief Magistrate setting his quarters on 4. of the highest Towers of the City all swearing never to forsake their Captains nor refuse any hazard for honour of their most holy Religion as they would have it These Ring-leaders considering the money brought in by the Countrey people was not sufficient to maintain such a multitude gave their followers proclaimed-leave to 〈◊〉 the Countrey and live on the spoil of those who received not their new Doctrine whereupon bringing store of Cattel c. into the Camp they their multitude increasing entred Lycaonia and roaming up and down many dayes the whole Country so feared them that those in the Villages fled with Wives Children and Goods into Iconium for Proclamations were set up proposing large blessings spiritual and temporal to such as followed their established Doctrine in Persia but to the obstinate after their Sword once drawn utter destruction so that the Inhabitants thereabouts for one cause or other resorted daily to them While the Turks were preparing to suppress them some Troops of Horse came timely to these Prophets from Hysmael who a little before by Messengers had exhorted them couragiously to proceed in so religious an enterprise promising them skilful leaders and Coyn from time to time for Hysmael bearing an old grudge against Ba jazet for former Warres betwixt Turks and Persians disagreeing also in their Superstition and heat of youth pricking him on greatly desired in this his prosperous success to have occasion of warring with him sending Embassadors to the State of Venice to joyn with them in league as before with Usun Cassanes his Grandfather chiefly requesting them to send him men skilful in casting Ordnance and with their Fleet to trouble Ba jazet by Sea he promising by filling Asia the lesse with his Land-Army to give them occasion of recovering all places they lost in the late Warres tothe Turks The Venetians answered they would never forget the ancient league c. being wondrous glad that Hysmael was the Turks enemy c. But the Embassadors such was the badness of the Venetians State and condition obtaining no more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded returned to Cyprus thence to Syria where having secret conference with Zenus Governour of the Venetian Merchants at Damasco Ba jazet grievously complained unto Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan for suffering not as a confederate them to passe thorow Syria to the Christians their common enemies to stir them up to warre whereupon Zeuus with all the Merchants at Tripolis Aleppo Beritus and Alexandria were carried in bonds to Cairo where often answering in Chains to what was laid to their charge after a year's suffering manifold despight hardly escaped with life and liberty Chasan and Techellis well strengthened and comming to Iconium wasting the Country drew a multitude to receive their Doctrine Wherefore Orchanes and Mahomet Ba jazets Nephews governing those Countries gathering their forces came into field against them but they youthfully and hastily joyning battel in a disadvantagious place were put to flight and had not these wanted Artillery and Engines requisite they would have besieged Iconium Also Corcutus then levying an Army about Thyatira c. 〈◊〉 not set foreward against the Rebels though dispersed fast by him These Prophets entring at last into Bythinia met near the River Sangarius with Caragoses the Asian Viceroy comming against them with a great Army commanding Achomates or Achmates Ba jazets eldest Sonne Governour of Cappadocia and Pontus with his power to follow at the back of the Rebels but Techellis marching with all possible speed was upon Caragoses near Mount Horminus before he was well aware then taking up more Souldiers who thought it not honourable to refuse battel though his Army consisted most of rude Countrey people suddenly taken up most unarmed and called Asapi but he reposed his greatest confidence in his ancient Horsmen's valour and the Rebels most consisted of Foot Techellis exhorted his Souldiers couragiously to defend their lives and Religion by Victory as having no new power or Cities of refuge there to flie unto c. who giving a terrible shout as chearful set upon their enemies The Viceroy placed his foot in the middle and his Horse in the Wings to compasse-in his enemy but Techellis set all his Foot in a square battel and the Horse for a reserve who with their red Hats as if bloody terrified the Viceroy's fresh-water-Souldiers fleeing in half an houre The Turkish Horse although they had slain many and somewhat disordered the battel yet Techellis his men beginning to kill their Horses with their Pikes and lay hard at them they fled also then the Persian horse as yet lookers on following the chase slew many enclosing the Viceroy stayinghis Horsemen who for the dust could not well discern them so that he had bin taken if not rescued by his Guard 7000 Turks Foot were slain all their Ensigns with store of provision taken Chasan Techellis resting a day marched to Cutaie as it were in the midst of lesser Asia the Viceroy's seat who fled thither the Countrey also having for fear conveighed thither most of their wealth Techellis placing such Field pieces he had before taken in battel and his Archers in fit places for annoying the Defendants caused scaling-ladders to be set up proclaiming the Citie 's spoil to his Souldiers if they could take it with greater rewards to them that first recovered the wall 's top Wherefore fearing nothing they strove who first should get up the Ladders c. the Defendants casting down on them Stones Timber Fire Scalding-water Lime Sand c. wherewith though many were killed and spoiled yet others stept up in their place none shrinking back for the Viceroy on one side and Techellis on the other were eye-witnesses of every mans valour the Viceroy all being in danger personally performing all parts of a couragious Souldier but the Defendants at last wearied and most wounded Techellis brake into the City in two places over heaps of dead
Hysmael was Majestical Selimus tyrannical Hysmael courteous Selimus churlish in devotion and gravity neither suffered he his Wives to come to Court nor using their Company but for procreation sake and that as was thought without any great countenance for he being more delighted with unnatural pleasure thought a mans minde and body to be not a little weakned with the allurements of Women scoffing also many times at his Father Ba jazet who he said was so drowned in the study of Averroes determining nothing certainly of the souls nature and the Heavens motions that he desired rather the name of a sharp disputer amongst the idle professors of Philosophy than of a renowned Chiefetain amongst his valiant Souldiers A Persian Ambassador finding him pleasant asked him Why he wore not his beard long as Ba jazet and others to seem of greater Majesty who answered He liked not to carry such an unnecessary handful whereby his Bassaes might at pleasure lead him up and down the Court as they did his Father for Selimus followed no advice but his own in what ever he undertook The cause why Hysmael out of so many large Provinces for he had under his Dominion Armenia the greater Sulthania Persia Assyria Mesopotamia Media and Parthia Armenia being the chiefest which yields the Persian his best foot Persia his choyce Horsemen chiefly from Scyras next to them from Assyria whose chief City is Bagdat or Babylon the Medes and Parthians being the best Archers next to the Scythians brought now so small an Army against Selimus was because to win his peoples hearts he had remitted a great part of his Customs and Tributes so that he wanting money could not raise such an Army as otherwise he might out of those populous Countries yielding plentifully all necessaries for mans use But in 1515 Selimus wintring at Amasia raised such a power in Europe and Asia that at first of the Spring he entred again into the Persian Confines with a greater Army and that sooner than either that part of Armenia's cold would suffer or the enemy thought he could have done who thought in any case to be Master of strong Ciamassum standing on the first entrance into Armenia thereby as of some holds thereabouts to open a fair way into his enemies Countrey Hysmael being then gone against the rebellious Hyrcanians Bactrians c. Selimus making a Bridge over Euphrates laid hard siege to Ciamassum before they were well aware driving the Defendants from the Walls with their Harquebusiers and Archers and still bringing on fresh men others then also breaking open the Gates and scaling the walls in divers places the Defendants retired into the Market-place where though spent and wounded they resolutely fought it out to the last man Having taken and ransacked the Town with two small Castles for fear abandoned he thought good to enter no farther till he had chased out Aladeules who fearing his own estate hearing Selimus was come soon raised a great Army for his defence purposing to do as formerly Wherefore Selimus leaving a Garrison at Ciamassum retired to Antitaurus where his enemies were reported to lay Aladeule's people were fierce and warlike who could profit little by Husbandry yet bred Horses and Cammels in Pasture-bearing places but most of their living stood in hunting and stealing His chief City was Maras which may be thought so called from the fair River Marsias running thorow it out of the Mountain 〈◊〉 who seeing Selimus enter his frontiers brought down about 15000 Horsemen into a large Valley ordering his great store of Foot to keep the Mountains on the right and left there advantagiously expecting his coming Selimus considered the places disadvantage yet presuming on his strength and multitude commanded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch Generall of his European Horse in stead of Casan to charge the enemy afront with a square battel because of the places straightness himself with the Janizaries and Asian Horse following after Aladeule's Souldiers also fought valiantly in the head of the battel and having spent their Arrows stood close keeping the grounds advantage so repulsing the Turks old Souldiers that they seemed little or nought to prevail for they could not enclose them on either side and the Foot grievously wounding the Turks from the sides of the Hills with darts and Arrows Selimus seeing such strong resistance contrary to expectation sent some Harquebusiers to relieve their Fellows and the Janizaries at that instant to mount the Hill The Aladeulians terrified with the shot fled into the Mountains and Woods fast by yet the most slaughter was of the Foot who the Horse being fled and the Janizaries coming up the Hills did with much difficulty by steep and broken wayes clamber up the Mountains as surprized with sudden fear the Turks killed them to the going down of the Sun the swift Horsemen retiring into further and stronger places with little losse Aladeules thinking it now best to protract the Warre as the Turks pursued him burning the Cottages he fled from Mountain to Mountain not offering battel but in advantagious places wherefore Selimus fearing want of Victual or intrapping on the 7th day left off the pursuit and himself conveniently encamping sent Sinan carrying Victuals with him with all speed and policy to hunt after the King himself And the while inquiring of the Captives of Aladeules strength c. found he had taken with him his best Horse and Foot commanding the people to forsake the Villages to leave all desolate and intrenching himself on a strong Rock with store of Provision resolved not to give battel till he had drawn them where their multitude should little avail but to increase their Iosse also they said he feared to be betrayed by Alisbeg General of his Horse who first fled for Aladeules had treacherously murdered his Father upon a suspition of his aspiring the Kingdom Selimus striking off their Irons laded them with gifts and promises and sent them to Alis to perswade him in so fit a time to revenge his Fathers death which if he should perform by some notable exploit he should have both credit with him and the Kingdom these imparting the matter to Sinan he soon wrought with Alis pricked on with desire of a Kingdom and Selimus his rewards that he went over to Sinan with a great part of the best Horsemen whereby the rest for rewards came all by degrees over to the Bassa Aladeules thus unexpectedly circumvented reposed his hope in secret flight but they pursuing him as he fled hiding himself at last drew him out of a Cave betrayed by the Peasants and being brought to Selimus was in few dayes put to death and his head in derision carried about afterwards thorow lesser Asia then sent to the Venetians as a witness of his Victory Selimus reduced all his Kingdom into a Province of 3 parts to every part a Sanzack Alisbeg to be chief over the rest wanting nothing of a King but the name only And leaving Sinan there commanded him after he
resolved to dare him battel He lay encamped on the River Singa almost 10 miles from the City that his Souldiers using the benefit of the River and removed from the Cities pleasures might yet be relieved with the plenty thereof The Mamalukes were scarce 12000 yet every one according to his place had more servants well furnished Besides their cunning and furniture in their fighting their Horses were strong couragious and swift and so docible that at signs and speeches of the Rider they would reach him with their teeth from the ground a Launce Arrow c. and run upon the enemy with open mouth lashing at him with their heels and had learned not to be afraid of anything Campson made 4 battels Cayerbeius led the first it being in his Province Sybeius Governour of Damasco called for his activity Balvano that is a Tumbler the second After them who were to charge both the Turkish wings at once followed Gazelles with the third Campson all glistering himself led the fourth almost a mile and half behind The last was to defend the Camp Selimus ordered his Asian horse in the right wing his European in the left his Janizaries and Artillery in the main battel before whom between the wings he placed his valiant Pensioners serving that day amongst them not used so to do Cayerbeius gave a hot charge upon the Europeans and by and by as if to compasse in that wing wheeled a great way about behind them where lighting on a great company of drugdes c. with Cammels and Carriages he made there a great stir with little slaughter Sybeius turning his Troops on the left hand entred overthwart the ranks of the other wing where having made great slaughter of the Asian Horse they furiously bare down all before them till they came to their Ensigns in the midst neither could Mustapha the Beglerbeg nor the Imbrahar Bassa or Master of the horse by any means stay the rest from flight So Sybeius now thrusting in betwixt the foot and the Pensioners backs brought great fear on the whole main battel the matter being extreamly dangerous for Selimus was hereby almost cut off from his Foot the Janizaries being also hardly charged by Gazelles setting on the head of their battel But by the seasonable coming in of Sinan Bassa with many fresh troops being but lightly charged by Cayerbeius the traytor the Mamalukes fury was repressed the Turks encouraged and the victory soon wrung out of their hands Selimus then discharging his Artillery amongst them their Horses somewhat troubled could not be so well ruled as before themselves though wondrous couragious being oppressed with the multitude of their enemies yet serring close they brake thorough the midst of them with great slaughter of the Europeans and hurt of the Pensioners speedily fleeing toward the Camp and City Sinan following with the readiest Troops for Selimus who that day seemd greater than himself riding up and down called earnestly upon them to urge the victory Campson on the way coming for relief or to partake of victory heard by those that fled That Cayerbeius was revolted his Army overthrown and his Souldiers flight not to be stayed 't was also reported that the enemies multitude and their Artilleries force were not to be encountred Whereat the proud old man who never rasted of ill hap was ready for grief to sink down and forthwith his own men and the pursuing enemy coming upon him who without regard overthrew whomsoever they met he being corpulent of great years and besides his weighty Armour troubled with a rupture through hear and grief fainted in that presse and falling down was troden to death The 〈◊〉 of Damasco and Tripolis fighting behind to represse the pursuers force were slain Selymus erecting a few Tents in the field keeping most of his men in Arms slept not that night as not yet assured of his victory lest the Mamalukes should set upon his Camp knowing they were put to flight rather by Cayerbeius his treachery and fury of his Ordnance than by valour Gazelles and others hearing of Campson's death baiting their Horses hasted from Aleppo to Damasco Next day Selimus giving his enemies rich Tents to his Souldiers for a prey had Aleppo delivered to him by Cayerbeius and to win the Citizens hearts the more granted them greater priviledges than formerly This noted battel wherein not above 1000 Mamalukes were slain but of their servants c. many more whose foggy fat Horses brought up in cold Stables fainted with the scorching heat so that many betook themselves to their feet and were easily slain was fought Aug. 17. 1516 on which day two years he obtained the victory against Hysmael in the Calderan fields He lost 3000 Horsemen although Sinan by Cayerbeius his Treason escaped with small losse Campson's body being found two dayes after was laid in open place that such as believed him alive might be out of hope of his return from Caire and others revolted might be the more confirmed and afrer three dayes thus laying and beginning to grow noysome it was simply buried in the most ancient Temple of Aleppo Selimus sent Jonuses Bassa to pursue his enemies to Damasco who himself came thither few dayes after his enemies being fled to Cair They of Damasco not thinking it good to hazard their lives with that Cities great Wealth opened to him the Gates other Sea-Cities as Tripolis Berytus Sidon Ptolemais c. yielding themselves in like manner Not long after he held a great Counsel in his Camp under its walls for he brought not his Souldiers in for troubling the Cities State and the great Trade then very securely there kept by Merchants of divers Countries And so severe was his Discipline that 〈◊〉 Orchards and 〈◊〉 it being 〈◊〉 rested without a 〈◊〉 untouched whereby his Camp had 〈◊〉 of all necessaries at reasonable prices And taking men skilled in the Lawes and Customs of the Country with Embassadors of all Cities he decided the Syrians greatest controversies appointing Governours viewing the Tributes and Customs abrogating many old ones due seeming unreasonable or grievous Having refreshed his Army especially his Horses grown lean he most desirous of conquering Aegypt sent Sinan into Judea with 15000 Horse and a selected Regiment of Harquebusiers to try the passage and open a way to Gaza thought to be troublesome for the wild roaming Arabians Gaza 〈◊〉 nigh the Sea towards Aegypt not farre from the Sandy Desarts The Mamalukes the while assembled generally at Caire without contention 〈◊〉 Tomombeius or Tuman-bai a Curcassian their King being Diadare or next in office before He thinking his own Majesty and the Mamalukes remaining hopes to be wholly reposed in Arms with great industry provided Armor Weapons and Horses casting store of Ordnance and mustering great Companies of his slaves entertain ng many Moors and Arabians Hiring also men skilful to go thorow the Palmyren Desarts into Mesopotamia and so to Hysmael requesting him by Letters to invade Asia the lesse or speedily to break
in despight of the Cross upon it they laboured with continual shot to beat it down Solyman coming to the Camp Aug. 28. more grieved to see the signes of cowardise and the great disorder than he did take pleasure and hope of 200000 men in his Army yet moderating his indignation he called them together causing them to be disarmed and compassing them in with 15000 Harquebufiers brought with him he stept up into a high Royal Seat and pausing a good while he thought it enough to correct the multitude with sharp words uttering after silence made a cholerick speech calling them Slaves for he could not afford to call them Souldiers asking them what kind of men they were become c. If any one he said at home should have but named the Rhodes among their Feasts and pots c. they could then brag to pull it down but when he here proved their courage it was nothing but perhaps they thought the Rhodians so soon as they saw their Ensignes before their gates would yield but that infamous denn was full of most cruel beasts whose madness they should never tame without much labour and bloodshed yet said he I shall tame them or else here spend my dayes wishing himself his Empire and strength for ever cursed and if he did or said otherwise So pardoning all their former offences he sware them all again to his obedience all things being afterwards done with better success and more care First planting divers great guns they shot up huge stones into the ayr which might falling down break whatever they lighted on Villerius was like to be slain hereby yet with 200 such shot there was but ten men slain which Apella a traiterous fugitive declared to the enemy as he confessed upon examination for which he was executed The Turks planted also 40 great battering Pieces 12 being Basilisks the Basilisk killing man and beast with his sight with these they battered continually but being somewhat far off did little harm They then likwise laying battery against Nicholas Tower defending the Haven on the right hand where stood the great Colossus it was valiantly defended by Guido a Frenchman with 200 Souldiers 30 being Knights The Turks Artillery being soon dismounted with their shot and many Gunners slain so that laying still all day they began to batter it by night but the Defendants warily observing so aptly placed their Ordnance that the Turks 〈◊〉 their doings were by some means discovered so after 500 shot bestowed and a small breach made which they durst not attempt they abandoned the place Pyrrhus was busie in working Mines 35 whereof were frustrated by counter-mines many being lost on both sides therein yet the English Bulwark was Sept. 4. in part blown up the violence whereof seemed at first an Earthquake and divers English were overwhelmed the Turks attempting to enter were with great slaughter repulsed but Mustapha crying out of their cowardise renewed the assault with supplies where for a while was a most cruel fight The Townsmen and Women casting down upon the Turks fire stones timber c. So that not able longer to endure it they ran away not looking for a signe of retreat the Ordnance wondrously slaughtering them as they fled some write almost 2000 Turks were slain at this assault amongst them the Master of their Ordnance the Christians also losing besides a few others 50 Knights of the Order Septemb. 9. Solyman by Mustapha's perswasion commanded a fresh assault which was with greater resolution than the first 7 Ensignes being broken into the Bulwark the Defendants giving ground but the Master coming in with his Ensigne and Knights drave them out again Mustapha couragiously restored the Battel with new supplies other Captains forcing the retired Souldiers to fight Then began a more cruel fight than ever before and more dangerous to the Christians for the Turks much shot but in that extremity none regarded either danger or life it continued three hours at length Mustapha losing two thousand with three Noble men whom Solyman specially favoured the Spaniards beating them out of their Flankers retired Few Christians were slain in comparison but Cluis the Ensign bearer being shot blind had not Ruiavix a Knight most couragiously rescued it the Ensign of the Order had been lost After this Mustapha began to grow in contempt with Solyman and Pyrrhus to keep his credit continually battered the Mount nigh the Italian Bulwark with 17 great Pieces Then also Cassius Governour of Bythinia laboured by undermining to over-throw the French Bulwark but was frustrated by Chierus his countenance and Pyrrhus in a hot assault gaining the Mount and greatly affrightning the City was with great loss repulsed and caused by Solyman to retire the Governour of Solyman's Lievtenant General being slain for which he was exceeding pensive Mustapha determined if possible by a third assault of the English Bulwark to recover his credit agreeing with Achimetes at the same time to assault the Spanish who suddenly blowing up part of those Walls and entring presently in the thick of the dust and smoak recovered the Rampiers-top Mustapha also hardly charging the English a doubtful fight was made in both places The Rhodians manfully repulsed the enemy forcing him with shame to retire many English were slain and Preianes sore hurt having slain many Turks 2 of Mustapha's Ensignes were taken by 〈◊〉 commendatour of the Germane Knights Achimetes having set up his Ensignes by valonr and some Ordnance placed by Martiningus in the Houses before the breach and by shot out of the Flankers on both sides he was forced also to retire Sept. 23. They hoping through a Mine made against the Avergne Bulwark to win the City were upon their approach at the blowing of it up met with by a countermine so that being in a place of great disadvantage they returned with some hurt yet their expert Captains conjecturing the wall might be inwardly shaken by the mine though not outwardly perceived violently battered there all that day and night after making a large breach that night was heard an unwonted noise in the Camp which the Rhodians rightly conjectured a sign of some great assault to be shortly given for Solyman resolving next day with all his Force to assault the new breach after a melancholly walking in his Tent sent for the chief Commanders declaring unto them that though they needed not any exhortation yet the enemie's desperate madness made him speak to them a few words by effectual persuasion and large promises to hearten on his men to the winning of the City rent shaken beaten down and they wearied and worn out c. worthily seeming unto his Souldiers of invincible force and courage for in taking that one City they should make entrance upon the matter into all Dominions of the Christians and enjoy store of Warlike provision with a rich City and a Haven of all others most commodious c. And as for them he said considering he had by their valour and wisdom lately
subdued Belgrade he rested in great hope those fierce and obstinate Christians should not be able long to defend themselves in their Dens and lurking places The Captains making known the Emperours pleasure proclaimed the spoil of that rich City to the 〈◊〉 s a prey Solyman layd him down on his Pallet to take rest but Villerius all night in Arms viewed all the City encouraging his Souldiers to remember they watched for Countrey life and liberty A Christian serving a Turk secretly warning the Watchmen of a general assault next day Villerius calling his Knights to prevent rashness and fearfulness said He was glad the time was come when in one battel they might be justly accounted the defenders of the Christian Commonwealth the Turks presumed upon their multitude but if they measured valour not by number but courage a few resolute would overcome a multitude of cowards that they knew their manner of fight c. Wherefore remembring their birth and what opinion the Christian Common-wealth hath had of them they should furiously fight as if their slaves bore Arms against them necessity as well as wrong enforcing them for they were in an Island whence was no escape and in a City whose rent walls defended them not so much as their Weapons therefore to morrow should give them a joyful Victory or a most honourable death The enemies approach made him cease every one hastening to his charge they with a horrible cry fiercely assailed 5 stations 10000 Turks being appointed to a Place Mustapha calling on Mahomet and promising his men the spoil assailed the English whence he had been thrice repulsed Pyrrhus 〈◊〉 ed the Italian a cruel and deadly fight was in both places also Women Children and aged men bringing stones burning-Pitch-Barrels hoops with wild-fire scalding Oyl and boyling Pitch on whomsoever it fell so scalded them that 〈◊〉 down their weapons to tear off their Cloaths many rent off the skin and flesh besides the deadly shot which fell never in vain Villerius having well relieved the Italians station at first hardly distressed left Monterollus a Knight with company convenient and went to the English hardly laid to by Mustapha but having well relieved that place a cry ran that the Spanish Bulwark was possessed by the enemy at which heavy newes he leaving Gombaulus with a choyse Company hasted thither with his Guard which he found taken for some Turks at the first hiding for fear at the Bulwarks foot among the stones beaten down by battery Achimetes hotly charging the Spaniards on the right hand not medling with the Bulwark it self those in the Bulwark seeing their fellowes distressed fast by left the Bulwark and went to that place The hidden Turks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 silent over them secretly crawling up the battered walls got in 〈◊〉 before discovered suddenly slaying a few 〈◊〉 Souldier in removing a great piece and overthrowing the Christiań Ensigns which the Turks 〈◊〉 seeing made great hast thorow the Town-Ditch to get into the Bulwark but were so cut off by shot from the flankers that few got up Villerius nothing fearing resolutely scaled the same and Caponus a Spaniard with Menotius a Frenchman breaking in by a Gate not yet bolted whom they 〈◊〉 not they forced to mischief themselves for 〈◊〉 over the walls It was two 〈◊〉 in the enemies possession Villerius leaving there a sufficient number went with the rest where the Spaeniards sore charged by Achimetes had much adoe to hold out who encouraged with his sight valiantly repulsed their enemies It were long to tell the hard fight and adventures at the Avergnoys and Narbonenses stations but the Turks laying slain by heaps Solyman beholding it from his standing made of high Masts and no hope of Victory caused a retreat welcom to both sides to be sounded divers Knights with 150 common Souldiers were slain in this six houres assault and 2000 Turks Solyman was so much offended hereat that falling into a rage especially against Mustapha as an unfaithful Counsellour and chief perswader of that unlucky Warre commanded him to be put forthwith to death in his presence which sudden dreadful doom on so light occasion upon such a man struck such terrour in all present that none durst so much as sigh in pittying his case The Executioner ready Pyrrhus presuming of his great favour 〈◊〉 forth earnestly requested him to spare his life wherewith Solyman was so wrathful and for sending for him to Constantinople that he commanded him to be executed also All the rest seeing the danger fell down at the Tyrants feet craving pardon saying The enemies ground had already drunk too much Turkish blood c. Solyman at this general intercession pausing a little granted them their lives Pyrrhus for his age and wisdom and Mustapha for his Wife 's Solymans Sisters sake once Bostanges his Wife The Turks great Fleet all the while lay before the Haven not doing any thing for the Admiral no man of Warre seeing all fortified durst not try to enter or besiege the Castles suffering also Victual and Ammunition to be conveighed into the City 〈◊〉 though by Achimetes mediation Solyman spared him from a most cruel death yet on the poupe of the Admiral Galley he receiving an 100 stripes with a cudgel was thrust out of office The remembrance of so many unfortunate assaults c. so grieved Solyman that being ready to raise the siege he also lay 〈◊〉 speechless with fainting and a great while alter would not be spoken withall till Abraham his minion recomforted him and perswaded him to continue the siege time working that which the Sword could not suddenly subdue Solyman building a Castle upon Mount Philermus in sight of the City Letters were shot in the while revealing many of Solymans secretest Counsels and promising a great mans revolt which the Rhodians gathered to be Mustapha not forgetting the late injury but tyding coming that Cayerbeius was dead Solyman sent Mustapha to be Governour of Aegypt thereby pleasing him no letters coming into the City after that It now seemed that the Turks purposed by long siege rather than assault to take the Town yet the watchers in their Trenches would sometimes offer the Souldiers on the walls great rewards to yield sometimes threats and would politickly say Solyman desiring onely revenge upon the Latines meant no harm to the Greeks October was now begun Rain Thunder c. and mighty Tempests fell so abundantly that the wearied Turks were now discouraged the Admiral being forced for the Seas roughness to slip his Anchors and run his Gallies on ground In these troubles Achimetes one of his valiantest Captains comforted Solyman promising if he would continue shortly to make open way into the City who thereupon assembling his fainting-Souldiers 〈◊〉 his Pavilion thus 〈◊〉 that he knew what great things they had endured for his honour c. that the threatenings of the Heavens did perswade him to give them leave to lay down Arms but they were first to consider whether it were not a
took 300 Janizaries left in those Ships by the sudden departure of their fellows Josuphus an old Captain of a 1000 being one to whom Auria at Corone gave a fair Suit and Chain of Gold freeing him without ransom to provoke the Turks to the like The Moor and the other Captains wondrously blamed Lutzis for not fighting then with the Christians but he said he had special charge from Solyman not to come to the hazard of a battel The besiegers by Land upon Auria's approach fled Mendoza taking great store of Victual and Warlique provision left behind them So Auria furnishing the City with store of necessaries committed its defence to Macicaus and his mutinous Spaniards comforting and exhorting the Greeks to patience in the calamities of war telling them the Emperour next Spring would free them from Turkish bondage by warring in Peloponesus by Sea and Land So embarking the old Spanish Garrison he came even braving the Turks Admiral before Modon but seeing he could not be allured out or assailed as he lay he departed to Corcyra and so to Messana in Sicilie Few dayes after which Assambeg waiting for Venetian Merchants Ships from Syria met with Canalis on Creet Coast and fighting a cruel battel by night of the Moors 13 Gallies 4 were sunk 3 taken the rest fleeing to Alexandria having lost most of their rowers 300 Janizaries going to Caire were slain and 1000 other Turks of all taken scarce one was saved the Moor wounded in the face was for safety glad to discover himself for the traffiquing Venctians shew least favour to Pirates then was care taken for his wounds and both Canalis and the Moor began notably to dissemble the matter to each other as mistaking c. yet the Venetians sought to excuse it to Solyman as done by error and mischance who accepted thereof saying Canalis had well done to repulse the wrong offered him Three of Auria's Gallies staying behind the rest were on Apulia's Coast carried away by Sinam surnamed the Jew a notable Pirate also In winter they of Corone beginning to want Victuals chiefly Wine and flesh the Turks having blocked up the City by Land the Souldiers requested Macicaus they not hoping for relief elsewhere before April to lead them forth to some service against the enemy but Macićaus mindful of his charge sought by many reasons to disswade them c. yet the matter was so urged by Touarres and Hermosilla great Captains and by a general importunity that they yielded to their desire protesting he did it against his will A forward man herein was one Barbatins a valiant Greek who speaking the Turks Language also best knew the by-wayes undertaking in dead of the night to bring them to the enemies undiscovered So Macicaus charging Liscanius and Mendosius not to suffer any to go out of the City lest the enemy should know set forward about 10 at night towards Andrussa resting all next day in a secret wooddy valley they set forward again at night and came to Andrussa before day in which Town of no great strength lay one Caranus with 3000 Foot half Janizaries and in the Suburbs Achomates with 1000 choise Horsemen Macicaus went directly to the Town to surprize it Hermosilla the while standing still with some Spaniards over against the Horsemen discovered them by their light matches who awaking the careless Watchmen an Alarum was raised in the Suburbs Hermosilla setting upon the Horsemen slew many before they could arm and firing the Stables many Turks perished with Horses and Arms. Through the terrible noyse especially of the Horses which burnt tied or breaking loose ran up and down with tails and mains on fire there was an Alarum in the Town the Turks getting to the Walls before the Spaniards could enter Macicaus striving to break in at a Postern was shot in the head and slain with divers others near him the Turks sallying out upon the small number forced them to retire to Hermosilla by whose direction they retired in so good order that those most forward to pursue caused others by their death to make least haste Achomates hasting thither also with 200 Harquebusiers taken up behind his Horsemen and too hotly pressing on to be revenged was slain with a Bullet so these Horsemen returned from further pursuit The wearied Spaniards and Greeks retiring still as ready to fight returned to Corone The Turkish Garrison presently after removing to Megalopolis now Londarium they of Corone came to Andrussa and buried their slain fellows burying honourably Macicaus's Head at Corone which the Turks had set on a pole Not long after the Plague growing hot with many other difficulties the Spaniards embarking themselves and Ordnance with such Greeks as would go in Ships come with Corn out of Sicilie left Corone empty to the Turks whilest the Emperour drawn diversly with consideration of his honour in keeping it and of his profit in giving it up stood too long in resolving yet thought not to be done without his secret consent and the rather because the deserters of the place received no disgrace thereby Solyman in 1534 purposing to turn his forces against the Persians having done him much hurt in his frontiers renewed his League with the Venetians and some other Christian Princes but he was most careful of his interest in Hungary it being reported that King John through his Subjects solicitation 〈◊〉 peace with Ferdinand so he might enjoy the Kingdom during life afterwards to remain to Ferdinand and his Heirs wherefore Solyman that nothing might be done unknown in his absence sent Aloyfius Grittus as his Lieutenant to be assistant to John and so as that without him he might conclude nothing in matters of State With this Commission Grittus entred Transilvania much about Solyman's going against the Persian with 7000 Attendants Batianus and Docia Hungarian Captains with their Companies being two also many being Janizaries At his first coming he sent out his Command to the Governours in that Province charging them to repair to him as Solymans Deputy c. Cibachus Bishop of Veradium was then Vayuod of Transilvania whose small 〈◊〉 to welcom him c. very much offended Grittus who so desired at his first entrance to have his Authority confirme in the mindes of the vulgar by the ready attendance of the Governour But it was 〈◊〉 that the Bishop upon a Christian Zeal detested the Turks friendship lest that fruitful Countrey should by some meanes fall into their hands Grittus at Baxonia heard that the Vayuod was coming with a great Train encamping about 10 miles off with divers gallant Troops of Horsemen insomuch as the Bishops Retinue made shew of a good Army which mooved Grittus exceedingly that he should be forced openly to parley with him as with an enemy When these two great ones had met together in the fields and dined without any shew of friendship Grittus covertly threatned to be revenged on all who should make so light of his Authority and departing
it 't was not so strong as they supposed The Emperour after few dayes consulting and preparing things resolved without delay to assault it with all his forces for many reasons chiefly for that his men began to grow sickly scorched as it were all the day and almost starved with cold by night and exceeding dewes commonly wetting them to the skin neither was there good water or fresh Victual to be had in that sandy and barren Soil other than out of the Fleet for the water was so unpleasant and brackish that sick and whole were glad of a Crab to quench extream thirst yet much relief was timely sent from Sicilie and Naples the Bisket also chiefly in the Spanish Gallies was grown hoary and unwholsom about July 15th he began to place his battery defended with Gabions and Caske of Sand. Aurias divided his Gallies into three Squadrons which should by turns beat on the Castle his great Ships at Anchor thundred from their fore-Castles with great Ordnance Vastius divided Spaniards Italians and Germans apart for assault There was never strong place since Guns were invented assailed with greater force preparation or industry The Earth seeming not onely to quake but even by and by to swallow them up the Sea beginning to rage and foam as in a great storm the Air became thick and dark with smoak from day-break till noon the Cannon and Culvering never ceased so that the Vamures were beat down the Castle saultable and many Turkish Cannoniers and Cannons buried in the Walls ruines which being perceived upon a Signal given the Artillery ceasing the breach was assailed and the Walls scaled and with such resolution that the Turks having done what was possible by casting down Darts Wild-fire c. upon them climbing up at length as despairing fled Sinan and the other Captains fled forth at the further side by a Woodden Bridge and so by Land to Tunis which way most of his men followed him The rest were slain or driven into the Lake where they were slain coming to Land by Horsemen or in swiming shot by the Harquebusiers the Lake being even covered with dead bodies This Castle with all its Warlike Provision and all Barbarussa's great Fleet his and his Pyrates greatest grief Charls gained with small losse Barbarussa troubled and terrified sternly and scornfully received Sinan and the rest reviling and calling them faint-hearted Cowards so soon giving over so strong a place Sinan answered when they were to withstand the Devil and his furies c. it ought not to seem strange if they sought to escape Neither did they count it a disgrace as men that minded again to fight from which danger if himself had been present he would have accounted it very good discretion to escape Hairadin now began more temperately to request every one of them couragiously to stand fast to him well hoping that the great supply of Moorish foot and Numidian Horse at hand once come the enemy should not long joy in taking Guletta Then he wholly indeavoured to prepare things needful for Warre bountifully bestowing his Treasures among the Moores and Numidians to confirm the well-affected and to win the doubtful Muleasses the while with a small retinue came into the Emperour's Camp he sitting royally in his Pavilion who being admitted with a Myter and a green and blew silk Garment he tall and manly tawny so squint-eyed that he seemed to look spitefully kissing Charls his hand sat down with his legs close under him upon a Carpet on the ground after his Countries fashion speaking unto him by an Interpreter that he was come thither not by any desert of his their different Religion so requiring yet he verily thought not but by the appointment of the most high God whom both did with like devotion worship to take revenge of the most perfidious cruel Tyrant and Pyrate whom he saw as good as vanquished Guletta and his Navy being taken c. which would be the more to his comfort hoping thereby to be restored by him into his Fathers Kingdom which he most humbly requested of his justice and honour not refusing to pay him tribute and to acknowledge himself his Vassal of which the remembrance of so great a benefit never to be forgotten of him and his Posterity was a most great assurance he abhorring the name of unthankful and experimentally finding how much his State and People might be assured to him by his near Garrisons in Sicilie and Sardinia The Emperour answered he was come into Africk to revenge the injuries done oft by Barbarussa upon his Frontiers and to root out the most mischievous Pirates which by his Saviour's goodness had taken such effect that he doubted not soon to obtain a perfect Victory and then he would grant him what should stand with the convenience of his affaires c. so he would not falsifie his faith which he might well suspect if he specially trusted not that such a benefit would alway remain in his heroical mind being assured that that power which restored him his Kingdom could take it from him if his unthankfulness deserved it Muleasses before the Emperour used a full gravity and grace in his Speech but exceeding courteous to the Generall and other Captains riding up and down with them and shewing himself a very good Horseman and of great activity He would also reason with learned men after Averroes of the nature of things the Heavens motion and Starres power he had a Tent appointed him and honourable allowance Vastius courteously brought him when desirous into all places of the Camp to see all things and orders there demanding of him whether that puissant Army brought to his great good he judged sufficient to subdue the enemy Muleasses chiefly wondered at the number and order of the great Ordnance next at the wondrous plenty of things and the Souldiers quietness in buying them Ere long they learned of him many things well serving for their better proceeding which things orderly reported to the Emperour confirmed his former hope of the desired Victory so that carefully forecasting he resolved forthwith to besiege Tunis But whilest he was preparing they daily skirmished with the Numidians once like to come to a Battel for the Moores planting Field-pieces among the Olive Gardens shot continually into the Camp wherefore the Emperour leaving enough to keep his Camp and Trenches went forth with his Horsemen and the rest sending Montegius General of the Spanish Horsmen before who were most but raw Souldiers These skirmished a while with the enemy but seeing themselves hardly charged and Montegius greatly wounded they fled in the Emperour's sight to the men at Arms coming after them The enemy at first would desperately charge then retire to avoid their enemies force and by and by turn again with a fresh charge the light Horsemen fleeing Charls came on couragiously with his men at Arms whereby they were put to flight and their Field-pieces taken Here the Emperour standing formost gave the Signal crying
and Victual were come but the greater number prevailed for going to Exek delay breeding danger saying there was strength and Victual enough for obtaining of the Victory c. The young Souldiers having no proof of the Turk's manner of fight thought two dayes staying a long delay of so ready a Victory wherefore the Army was mustered and 10000 Horsemen found for divers Germane Troops were come to the Camp a more gallant Company seldom seen so suddenly raised but the Foot were scarce 8000 many being sick and others weary who lingringly stole away and generally those left moyled with dirt wet with rain almost starved with cold and pinched with hunger were thought scarce able to endure the hardness of the Warre Command was given every Souldier to carry with him three dayes Victuals and Proclamation made none on pain of death to take any Turk prisoner though yielding or charge himself with any spoil for the Captains would afterwards divide that among them Thus setting forward they the third day encamped in a Valley three miles from Exck next day some Turks appearing were by the Ordnance repulsed the day following the enemy sallyed out with oft skirmishes many being flain on both sides but more wounded of the Christians certain 〈◊〉 being mingled with the Turk's Horsemen wherefore the General forbad all such light skirmishes commanding his Cannoniers so to place his Ordnance that the Turks sallying forth received great hurt thereby That day came the Bishop with his Horsemen and a certain provision of Victual well easing their fear Mahometes now to annoy them by other meanes sent many small Boats manned with Harquebusiers and small Ordnance into the lake nigh the Camp to keep them from watering and shooting oft into the Camp nigh which was a Hill having a Village wherein were some Turkish Companies to skirmish upon occasion with the Christians to displace whom the Army was put in battalia and the Ordnance bent upon them whereupon the Turks firing the Town retired to Exek The Christians being come up the hill might see Exek about two miles off in a fair plain near Dravus which low ground was so subject to the Castle that it was thought too dangerous to attempt that way to batter the Castle but descrying a rising ground on tother side of the City they thought best on that side to plant their battery against it but to come thither was thought a matter of no small trouble for the 3 miles foul and troublesom compasse they were to fetch and the Army being like soon to feel want of Victual which would hardly be had the enemy besetting every passage and scouring about wherefore some thought it best to stay there till more supplies were come but others said the enemy was but barely victualled himself which they understood by some Christian fugitives and that Mahometes had put his chief substance into Boats purposing to flee after 3 dayes siege they thinking the Forrest would well enough be passed thorow beside winter coming so fast on suffered no delay wherefore next day the Army marched in good order through the Forrest Which Mahometes perceiving sent forth a 1000 light Horsemen and some Companies of Janizaries to trouble them suddenly charging the reareward being Bohemians and Italians the first quickly 〈◊〉 the other hardly endured the charge but being relieved by men at Arms they put the Turks to flight so the Army with small losse came to the place desired where after placing all things in order for the siege they offered the enemy battel But he reported not above 16000 strong kept within the Town shooting at them with his Ordnance they also with two great Pieces on the Hill shot thorow both Walls and Bulwark to the Defendants great terrour Having stood almost all day vainly expecting their coming forth to fight returned at night into their Camp for Mahometes kept in his earnest Souldiers knowing the Christians want of Victual the fugitives reporting also that Solyman charged him upon pain of a most shameful death to defend it to the last The Christians in few dayes began to feel a general want neither saw they plainly how to be relieved so that they began to fear some general mischief Baltazar Pamphilus a Noble Hungarian sitting in Counsel advised them for relief of the Army presently to remove to Hermande Castle about ten miles from Exek with whose provision not like to be small they might refresh their whole Army and so proceed further as occasion required Fast by the Castle was a prety little walled Town without flankers easily he said with the Castle to be taken who was sent with some Companies thither which at his first coming was surrendred to him but no such store of Victual as he hoped for therein yet were there some Vessels of Wine to the great relief of the weak men Hereupon the Camp removed from Exek about 10 at night but very disorderly yet the Turks stirred not out misdoubting some deceit The Army being come the Victual was equally divided and next morning battery laid against the Castle which but 20 Turks defended half a day then yielding on composition but there was found in it but two Barrels of meal and two of Millet Then the very Captains hung their heads as struck with fear who found nought but a few Women and Children there and scarce Victual enough in Town and Castle to serve two dayes yet they fed the Souldiers with better hope after the Bridge over Bodrog running by the Town was repaired which the Turks had broken so Carpenters and every man helping it was in 3 dayes repaired Next day the Bridge overcharged with the wondrous weight of the 7th Battering-piece began to break so that they brake it carrying it away by pieces All things being passed over the Bridge was again broken that the enemy should not pursue them that much the nearest way Cazzianzer himself upon debate thought the great Ordnance were best be broken promising to new cast them of his own charge As for scaling-ladders c. they burnt them but most thought it not best to break those goodly Pieces but to march on thorow Possega to Juvancha which Town with Gara Castle fast by stored with provision they said would easily be taken before the Turks could come so far about the Lake and a great shame it were to return doing nothing Cazzianzer with great toil came by night to Juvancha but 3 miles off where the Turks with exceeding speed at the same time arrived The Turks fleeing out of a small Town nigh the Castle the Christians received in the Souldiers who so filled themselves with Wine that they were hardly driven out to the Camp which Town the Turks that night burnt with what the Christians had there left and in the dawning of the day began hotly to skirmish with the Christians especially in the Bohemians quarter whom Rascinius grieved with a Troop of his best Horse forced to flee but they soon returning and being relieved beset
Numidians from the Mountains skirmished afar off with small danger but much trouble to the Spaniards and at night they never left shooting and where they saw fire came Arrows thick as Hail so that the Spaniards put out their fires silently expecting the day which being come by the perswasion of Sandes the Camp-Master they climbing up the Mountains put the Numidians to flight laying there as it were encamped in the Shepheards-Cottages but that day such a multitude flocked about them that they were glad to fight in a Ring yet their fiercenesse was soon repressed by the Sicilian Companies of bright-armed pike-men and Harquebusiers close by them the Numidian Foot are most youths half-naked using nought but Darts of wondrous ninblenesse fighting mingled with their Horsmen who use long spears armed at both ends As the Emperour was beholding the unshipping of the Warlike necessaries a storm of wind and rain began about 6 in the afternoon holding on all that night with such rage that the whole Army at land was wondrously troubled and a great part of the Fleet driven aground perished 3 Italian Companies who lay without the Trenches against sudden assault were exceedingly overcome with extremity of the weather for they could neither well stand nor lye down sinking up at every step to the calf of the leg in mire upon these the enemy perceiving their distress sallyed out at day-dawning and so charged them that their match and powder being wet they all fled but a few Pikemen quickly slain they pursuing the rest over the Trenches into the Camp Whereupon Columna being sent thither with certain Companies over the Bridge the Enemy did indeed or in shew disorderly retire Gonzaga the Viceroy comming in also and angry with them that fled perswaded them to recompence their flight by driving the enemy to his own door which Columna said could not be done without great peril but Gonzaga thinking also that perhaps the enemy being hastily pursued they might together with them enter the City without danger of the Artillery Spinula led forth the other Italian Companies who put them to flight pursuing them to the very gates where many shut out for fear escaped some to another Gate some to the Mountains But then they began to overwhelm them with darts and shot from the Walls with terrible outcryes and those shut out returned again to fight they also within sallyed forth hardly charging them who gauled with shot from the Walls and rent in sunder with the Ordnance fled most disorderly for they were but raw Souldiers Assan also sallying out pursued the chase with his Turkish-troops and Moorish-foot only some Knights of the Rhodes fought valiantly retiring orderly and Spinula with others making a stand at a little Bridge somewhat stayed the enemy saving the lives of many The hindermost Italians covered the fields with their dead bodies for half a mile chiefly those who fled toward the sea who were slain by the Numidians who beholding the ship-wrack were come down for prey but the foremost Companies fled in so much haste that no Leader performing the duty of an advised Captain all seemed at once lost both at sea and land only the Emperour was that day the greatest Captain for he in good time came on with the Germans sending before 3 Ensigns to stay the flight and guard his Camp beyond the bridge over the ditch but these as if afraid of the Turks white Caps never wont to turn their backs shamefully fled for company with the Italians then the Emperour galloping forth with his sword drawn reproved them setting forward with his Germans stoutly speaking to them When will you fellow-Souldiers shew your faces if now when you should fight c. in presence of your Emperour you fear a few disordered and naked Barbarians Immediately hereupon they issued out against the enemy who moved with their coming stood a while and began to retire many of their men hasting to the sea-side in hope of a more certain prey where no enemy was to be feared for the blustring winds had made such huge billows that the ships put from their Anchors fell foul of each other and were lost or beaten in pieces upon the Main in sight of the Army so that the sea-coast from Algiers to Cercello lay full of dead men Horses and ribs of ships the Numidians coming down and slaying all that came alive to land In few hours was lost above 140 ships and all the small Boats and Carvels Some Galleys having from mid-night to noon next day by painfulness and skill rid it out being no longer able to endure the rage of the tempest ran a ground but the men swimming to land were by the Numidian Horsmen slain There did Freemen commend their lives and Liberty with tears to their own Galley-slaves by their entreaty to be saved from the cruelty of the Numidians yet most chose rather to abide che danger of the sea than to hasten their end by the enemies hand whereby many Galley's were saved which should otherwise have been run on ground but the Jannetin Auria his Galley being driven on the sands the Emperour not enduring to see so valiant a man slain by the Moors in sight of Auria his Uncle sent a Captain with 3 Italian Bands to the sea-side whereby the Moons were put to slight and they in the Galley saved but many others trusting to the rescue of the Souldiers ran their Galleys on ground and had not some bold Captains with their drawn-swords threatned death to the Galley slaves and Marriners most of the Galleys had likewise perished Auria angry at the Emperour for undertaking that great expedition unseasonably strove invincibly against the violence of the tempest bestowing some under the Hatches who requested him to save himself whatever became of his Galley Also 4 Galleys of Ursinus Earl of Anguillaria as many Rhodian tid it out Some also of 〈◊〉 Naples and Spain endured it yet was there fifteen great Galleys cast away whereby besides the losse of so many ships the Tempest still enduring the whole Army was utterly discouraged for all their Victuals was lost wanting Tents to shroud them in such perpetual rain and dirt and a heavier care troubled them doubting how to return home yet the notable courage of the Emperour still kept the distressed men in hope who having assured his Camp He commanded the wearied Captains chiefly the Duke of Alba to take rest comforting the wounded and causing them to be cherished in the Tents yet standing not sparing any pains being in his Armour and thorow wet About 3000 men were lost 5 being forward Captains and 3 Knights of the Rhodes but many more hurt Shortly after Auria foreseeing a tempest departed with his remainder to the Cape Metafusium advising the Emperour to march thither by land who first commanded all the draught-Horses then the Horses for service to be killed and divided among the hungry Souldiers they having plenty of the broken ships to make fire of
telling him he had seen the signs of safe landing he next day returned again to Gaulos On which day a Christian captive fled to St. Angelo and told Valetta the Turks would prove their last fortune in astaulting Michaels Castle next day and if they had not answerable success forthwith to be gone Mustapha promising 5 Talents of Gold to those who first advanced their Ensigns on the Walls and promote them higher and to reward the rest according to their desert Valetta first gave thanks to God for such discoveries from time to time then preparing necessaries for repulsing the enemy but the Turks all that day battered the new City and the shipping in the Haven sinking one great ship Garzias in the morning arrived at Malta landing his Forces and going forward with them about half a mile instructed the chief Commanders what was to be done all things to be in the King of Spain's name but till they came to the Great Master So exhorting them to play the men he left them marching to Melita in sight whereof he came with all his Fleet they of the City discharging all their Ordnance which was answered from the Fleet twice Then he returned into Sicily to take in the Duke of Urbins companies and some Spanish Bands and so to return to attend the Turks Fleet 's departure as good as half overthrown Assoon as the Turks heard the Army was landed there arose a wondrous confusion among them some crying Arm arm and others To be gone the greatest number burning the Engines and Fortifications with all speed embarqued their Ordnance and baggage which they in St. Angelo perceiving sallyed out without command to Burmola where some Turks fleeing from a huge piece of Ordnance which they kept they drew it within their Walls and had the new-come Forces charged the enemy as they disorderly ran to their Galleys perhaps they had found occasion of Victory or taken most of their Artillery but they thought it not convenient to leave the things brought for relief of the besieged which for roughnesse of the way and want of Horses were hardly carried Sept. 11. a Genuan fugitive came in haste telling Valetta that 1000 Turks were marching to meet with the Christians on the way whereupon he sent Souldiers to St. Elmo Castle to set upon an Ensign of the Order who found 24 great Peeces which they could not for haste remove Mustapha being landed from Marza Moxet at St. Paul's Port with 7000 men by the Fleet and being falsly informed the Christians were not above 3000 marched toward Melita and at the rising of a Hill both Armies meeting gave a great shout the formost beginning Battel a few being slain on both sides but the Christians growing on them in number and strength they fled the Christians killing of them to their Galleys where striving who to get in first about 400 were drowned besides 1800 slain The Turks lay in the Haven all next day and most of the night following and upon shooting of a great piece hoysed sayl leaving Malta sore wasted losing in all about 24000 most being their best Souldiers About 5000 Christians were slain besides 240 Knights honourably buried The Turks spending 78000 great shot in battery All things considered a man shall scarce find a place these many years more mightily impugned or with greater valour and resolution defended Valetta thus acquitted commanded publike prayers with thanksgiving to be made to the giver of all Victory then rewarded the Valiant commended the rest thanked all relieved the sick and wounded bewailed the spoil provided for reparation of Breaches c. And yet in all this was not secure but because of the great harms and the enemies return next year feared He by Letters to divers Princes chiefly to the grand Priors of the Order in divers Countries requested help containing also briefly in his Letter to George grand Prior of Germany and founder of Elmo Castle what hath been largely written in this History And being bountifully relieved by those he wrote to he both repaired and with Fortifications strengthened places subject to the enemies force Solyman exceeding angry with the Governour of Chios Island who during the siege had intelligence with Valetta revealing many of the Turk's designs also for detaining 2 years Tribure 20000 Duckats and not sending his wonted Presents to the Bassaes commanded Piall to prepare his Fleet and take that Island into his own hand who April 15 1566. with 80 Galleys there arrived Whereupon the chief men sent him Embassadours with presents offering him the Haven and whatever he should require who kindly accepting thereof and landing sent for the Governor and 12 Citizens as if he had some special matter to confer about from Solyman before he went thence for Malta or Italy who coming to him with great fear he cast them into Irons the Souldiers taking the Town-Hall pulling down the Towns-Ensign having in it St. George with a Red-crosse and setting up one of the Turks and so was it thorow the whole Island Then rifling the Temples they consecrated them after their manner The Governour and Senators with their Families were sent to Constantinople the vulgar to tarry there or depart So Piall placing a Turkish Governour and a strong Garrison departed from that fertile Island for Italy burning and destroying the Villages along Apulia and carrying the people into captivity so returning John the Vayuod of Transilvania grieved with the harms from the Emperours Captains whereof he was the cause and vainly hoping from Solyman to have most part of Hungarie calling himself King thereof ceased not to solicite him to come personally to make a full Conquest summoning the Nobility and Burgesses as if by Solymans appointment to meet at Thorda March 9. about matters for the common good which Swendi the Emperours Lievtenant hearing counter-manded them perswading the Hungarians not to listen to the Vayuods and Turks charms tending to destruction but to obey Maximilian who purposed to protect them in peace Hence it was that the remainders of this sore-shaken Kingdome divided began afresh to work each others confusion serving the Turks for a further encroachment who then surprized Ainastch in the Captain and some of the Souldiers absence putting all to the sword but they were by valiant Serinus at Sigeth after 4 hours hard fight overthrown and put to flight not long after they ranged up and down fetching in booty and doing much harm Wherefore Maximilian appointed his Captains to raise such Forces in Germany as were lately granted him by the Princes and States of the Empire at Augusta going himself to Vienna for Solyman was set forward with a mighty Army and come to Belgrade where the Vayuod of Transilvania met him kissing his Hand and commending himself and all his State to his protection Then did Swendi hardly besiege Husth in the borders of Transilvania and the Bassa of Buda on the other side besieging Palotta had by 8 days continual battery greatly endangered it though valiantly
Aurias's opinion as Sfortia who said Nothing was to be done as might rashly expose unto casualty or power of the enemy the Fortune Majesty of the Christian Common weal greatly hazarded in that Fleet that longer stay might bring further danger c. Upon which so fowl a disagreement the Fleet began to return back every Admiral now by himself leading his own Fleet Auria after 2 dayes wondrous tossing at sea came to Caprathos thence with much ado arriving in Creet whence by a Messenger he requested leave of Columnus presently to return home who answered He would give him none charging him to keep company with the rest of the Fleet till it were past Zant for if they should not passe safely by their enemies Countrey it should be imputed to his dishonor who had forsaken his friends and not to them but Auria answered The welfare of Sicily and Naples consisted in that Fleet 's safety and therefore he could not stay to go with their heavy Galleasses and other ships which must oft be towed Yet it was deemed he sought occasion accounting himself the better man at sea to withdraw from the command of Columnus After a while thus reasoning the matter Auria without leave came to Messana in Sicily the other two not staying long after him but with much trouble at sea Columnus arrived in Italy and Zanius at Corcyra In this idle expedition many thousands of valiant men lost their lives of divers diseases from change of diet and the weathers unseasonablenesse in that hot Climate Marteningus with most of his 3000 Souldiers sent for defence of Famagusta perishing also Barbaricus was sent to Corcyra to discharge Zanius of his Admiralship and send him prisoner to Venice Venerius Governour of the Isle being put in his room The Bassaes at sea were not a little proud of the Christians Fleet 's departure yet the seas growing rough and no enemy appearing they left 7 Galleys before Famagusta to hinder it from relief that way departing themselves Piall with the greatest part to Constantinople and Haly with the rest to the Rhodes fraughting a great Gallion and 2 tall ships with the richest of the spoil of Nicosia and choise of the prisoners for a present to Selimus but being ready to hoyse sail as they were carrying out of the Gallion some barrels of Gunpowder which Mustapha had commanded to be landed a Noble Woman Captive fired the powder which rent the Gallion with the other two ships in pieces blowing up all that was therein none escaping with life but the Master of the Gallion and 2 captives but the Bassaes following their resolution Piall came to Constantinople where such preparation was then and all winter making as if Selimus next year purposed some greater matter While Venerius yet lay at Corcyra the theevish and needy Acroceraunians promised to deliver to him the strong Castle of Caymera kept by 300 Turks if with a few Galleys and fit number of foot he would come into the Bay of Ambracia offering him good Hostages for performance who forthwith went thither landing a Company of Horsmen and 3000 Foot and presently 1000 of those Mountain-people coming to them they took the Hill repulsing the Turks coming for relief of the Castle they therein next night let themselves down with Ropes but were all taken or slain a strong Christian Garrison being put into it Ere long Couragious Quirinus the Vice-Admiral besieged a strong Castle in Peloponesus by sea and Land which the Turks had built 2 years before to trouble the Christian passage He took it in 5 hours putting 500 Turks to the sword and razing it carried away 25 great Ordnance into Zant. While Mustapha lay before Famagusta Bragadine the Governour and Balcone a most expert Captain beholding the Turks great Army with-their cunning Fortification were much moved Wherefore they entreated Ragazonius Bishop of the City to go to the Senate in so great danger to crave their ayd joyning to him Donatus a noble Cypriot he was at first loath in such danger to leave his Flock but was at length overcome by entreaty and tears and loosing out of the Haven about Sun-setting with a fair gale passed thorow the Turks Fleet laying at Anchor Being come to Venice he declared to the Senate as before to Zanius at Creet the danger of the City the Enemie's strength and Defendants weaknesse against such a multitude and want of necessaries to hold out c. Zanius then Admiral sent 4 tall ships laden with Victual and Gunpowder with 1700 choise Souldiers from Creet to Famagusta appointing Quirinus with 12 of the best Galleys to conduct them thither Zanius at his departure to Venice though he knew it required haste yet left it to his discretion when and how to perform that service who the seas being then full of the Turks Galleys stayed till Winter was well spent and so setting forward Jan. 17. 1571. He kept aloof from the ships who came directly before Famagusta hoping the Turks Galleys might be drawn further into the sea in hope of booty himself fitly staying out of sight The Turks upon Day-dawning made hastily toward them from the Harbours mouth but Quirinus desirous to fight with them shewed himself before the enemy came nigh the ships who presently with all speed retired But Quirinus following them faster they were glad to run 3 Galleys aground and get ashoar which 3 he beat to pieces with his Ordnance sore gauling the other 4. The Haven cleared he brought the ships with the supply to Famagusta for which there was great joy Quirinus coming forth again and roaming up and down at pleasure took 2 enemies ships coming to the Camp richly laden enriching his Souldiers therewith doing great harm in divers places along the coast of Pamphylia so returning to Famagusta he perswaded the Garrison to remember their wonted valour that the Christian Fleet would be with them next summer to raise the siege So having in 20 dayes dispatched that he came for he departed to Creet in 5 dayes Selimus having knowledge hereof was so highly displeased that he beheaded the Governour of Chios disgracing the Governour of the Rhodes who should have kept those seas He displaced also Piall Bassa making Partau Admiral because it was supposed he might have the year before discomfited the Christian Fleet at Creet As for Philip the King of Spain his joyning with the Venetians and Pope Pius 5th who greatly favoured their cause in perpetual League and Confederation as it was tearmed against the common enemy he referred it to 2 Cardinals and Zunica his Embassadour sent to Rome for that purpose where also to that end then lay Surianus the Venetian Embassadour to whom the Pope joyned divers Cardinals to compose such differences as should arise betwixt the Commissioners for the King and the Venetians but so soon as they were set together in Consultation They began to jarre about the capitulation of the said League The ostner they sate the farther off if one
Christians entring the galley and slaying or driving over-board almost all lest made an end of Chiroche half-dead with fresh wounds Divers and doubtful was the whole face of the battel in one place the Vanquished lifted up and in another the Victorious overthrown All was full of terrour errour sorrow and confusion yet the 〈◊〉 at length began to appear much superiour in strength and courage the Turks seeming rather to defend themselves than assail their enemies Bacianus in the rear ever as need required sent in ayd The Turks seeing the Christian General 's galley hardly charged on the prow by Haly almost bared of men in the poupe fetched a compass to board her abath whereupon Bacianus comming speedily in with some galleys stayed their course and having discharged many vollies of shot and a multitude of Arrows and Darts grapling together they came to the sword where Bacianus much encouraged his men by words presence and valour and received 2 shot in his Targuet many were slain on both sides the Spaniards though with great loss repulsed in attempting to enter the Turks galleys yet overcame valour by pertinacy and overthrowing and slaying their enemies enjoyed their galleys After 3 hours dreadful fight between Haly and Don John the Christians began to faint and were in danger to have been overcome but the Don upon a sign given to the 400 of his best and select Souldiers reserved under the Hatches against all events they started out and with a terrible cry desperately assailed the enemy almost spent with labour and Wounds who astonied confounded and with great slaughter vanquished the Turks possessing the galley Haly shot into the Head and all bloody was brought to Don John who seeing him ready to die had his Head struck off which on the point of a spear himself held up aloft as a Trophey of Victory and to terrifie the other Turks who fast by fought yet right valiantly which they beholding and a flag of the Crosse being in the top of their General 's Galley the Christians also crying Victory thorow the Army they with might and main made towards the Land not much above a mile off whom Canalis and Quirinus hardly pursuing sunk and took divers of their Galleys Partau's Son by staying the rest had time to run his Galley on ground and forsake her with his men as did others also the Galleys becoming a prey to the Christians Caracoza in this hot conflict a famous renegate Pyrate who had long done exceeding mischief was slain by Buzzacharinus of Padua Requisenius also took the Galley of Haly's two Sons with themselves one being 23 the other 13 years old and the Nephews of Selimus who though strongly guarded with Janizaries fled as exceedingly afraid upon this discomfiture of the main Battel The chained Christian slaves breaking off their geives and loosing each other with any Weapons that came to hand notably furthered the Victory yet was the Battel doubtful betwixt Auria and Uluzales in the right Wing the Turks having almost two Galleys for one Auria whatever the cause was upon signal of Battel given shrunk farther from the rest of the Battel but it seemes his purpose was to countervail by policie what he wanted in strength it seemed most strange to the Turks yet he fell off farther hovering aloof and seeming to wait some advantagious opportunity a galeasse of Pisa the while laying before him with 〈◊〉 much troubled the Enemy Uluzales also so extended his Wing as if he would have compassed in Auria yet offered not Battel but rather expected some advantage might be given him who had not lain so long but 12 Venetian Galleys withdrawing from Auria and roaming without order fell into his danger which he speedily enclosing boarded them 〈◊〉 the Defendants and took the Galleys many of the Knights of St. Stephen being here most valiantly fighting slain Superantius most of his men being slain and himself mortally wounded and his Galley almost taken blew up themselves with a great number of the Enemies 〈◊〉 The Victors in the middle Battel hearing the noyse turned thitherward to ayd Auria but one after another as they had cleared themselves of the Enemy Justinian Admiral of the Malta Galleys being foremost most terribly encountred with three Turks Galleys Uluzales sending in three others to help their fellows so Justinian hardly beset with six Galleys having lost 50 Knights and an Ensign with much adoe hardly defended himself but the Galley given for lost two other Malta Galleys who were upon point by fight to take three other Turks Galleys with all speed came to relieve their Admirall who was yet alive but shot with three Arrows whereby the Turks were repulsed and the Galley rescued Uluzales hearing of the overthrow of their main Batrel and right Wing leaving the Galleys he had taken was the first in that Wing that fled Cardonius suddenly appearing at his back labouring to stay the flight of the hindermost Galleys till other victorious Galleys were come in but 15 of the Turks Captains enraged with such unwonted disgrace unexpectedly turned about renewing the Battel and in a trice almost all Cardonius's men were 〈◊〉 the Galley was not taken for that the three Admiralls being near at hand and Auria coming fast on Uluzales giving over the fight fled apace yet carrying away a Galley of Cyprus and a Knights Ensign as a witness of his valour to Selimus The Christians pursued them so long as there was hope to overtake any though weary of almost five houres fight but it was more than time to see to their weary and wounded men and night coming fast on the old Pyrate under its Covert escaped into the Bay of Lepanto with 30 or 40 Galleys The number of Turks lost could hardly be known many being drowned and some slain swimming though some mercy most prevailing took the Turks prisoners Guarnerius reporteth 32000 to have perished others not past half-so many to have been slain the chief being Haly the General Chiroche Cassanes with his Son Malamur Gider Cassambeius Governours of Islands Provi Aga Mustapha the Treasurer Caracozae with many others chief prisoners were Halies Sons sent as Presents to the Pope the eldest dying by the way at Naples the younger he kept prisoner and Mecbmet Bey Governour of Eubaea and about 3500 taken also The chief escaping were Partau Bassa and Uluzales afterwards certainly known to flee but with 25 Galleys and 10 Galliots 16 Galleys were taken 40 sunk or burnt of Galliots and other small Vessels were taken about 60. The Admirall Galley taken scarce any in the whole Ocean for beauty and richness was comparable unto her Haly's Casket with 600 Duckats therein and a yearly Pension of 300 Duckats being given to the Greek that slew him and was also Knighted by Don John he had also the burrel of the Turks Standard which at his return to Venice he sold to a Goldsmith the Senate redeeming it for a Duckat an ounce It was massive silver guilt and engraven with
Countrey all Hostility John dissembling his grief had him brought to his appointed Lodging telling him upon mature deliberation had with his Nobility and Council in so important a matter he would soon answer him and deeply considering that in the Turks Faith was no assurance and if he should grant to pay so heavy a Tribute in so great poverty of his Kingdom wasted with civil War Selimus happily so long as any man would give more would next year exact a greater and in the end such a one as he with his Subjects could not pay He call'd together his Nobility and States declaring to them the sum of the Embassadours Message and his own considerations thereof saying 't were better for them in his opinion for he was not to pay it but they and their posterity to lose their lives with Wives and Children than to suffer so great an Indignity which base servitude if he heard from them that they listed not to endure He would so provide as to pay the barbarous Tyrant no tribute at all so they were not wanting to themselves he being always ready to lay down his life for the welfare of them and the Common-weile A secret sorrow and unwonted silence as it were oppressed the whole Assembly at length they murmured against the Turks unreasonableness and thought the Vayuod had truly spoken of the intollerableness thereof Whereupon they offered him upon their owne charge to meet the Enemy upon the bank of Danubius and in defence of life and liberty to fight it out to the last man He commending their fidelity and taking of them an Oath for performance gave the Embassadour a short answer saying Himself would willingly yield Selimus the required Tribute did he not know the minds of his people to abhor the same c. Wherefore he should tell his Lord Selimus That he most humbly requested him not to take it ill whose amity he wished might rather be to him an Ornament and Refuge than a disgrace or hinderance c. The Embassadour being sent away unrewarded the Vayuod began forthwith to raise his Army sending to Henry Valoys King of Poland afterward the French King certifying him of the dangerous estate of Moldavia the surest Bulwark of the Polonian Kingdom requesting him That as those Kings for their own safety had anciently protected that Country so he would now give him aid or at least to give leave to such of his Subjects as were willing to serve for entertainment to come unto him Who answered Since his Predecessours had for above a hundred years been in League with the Turk he could do neither The Vayuod was much troubled with this answer yet he sent to 1200 Polonian Cossacks Suiercevius being chief who having long layen in hope of prey upon the side of Borysthenes were returning empty home offering them great entertainment of which they gladly accepted without the Kings knowledge They are light-Horsmen laying most commonly upon the Borders of Poland towards the Tartars hardy and valiant men whose best living is spoil taken from the Enemy for though the Turks and Tartars are most commonly in League with the Polonians yet do they oft in great numbers suddenly break into Podolia and Russia part of their Kingdom and do great harm if they be not in time repressed or cut off by the said Cossacks Selimus being exceedingly enraged with the Vayuods answer and the more by the angry Ambassadour who because he was no more regarded nor rewarded incensed him against him to the utmost sent 30000 Turks and 2000 Hungarians to the Palatine of Transalpina who joyning them with his own Forces should take John and sending him in Bonds to Constantinople place his brother Peter in his place He with an Army of about 102000 fighting men swimming over the River Moldavus and little fearing or regarding the sudden comming of the Vayvod let his men lay disorderly and dispersed along the River side to refresh themselves being weary Whereof some Scouts certifying the Vayuod then at dinner He glad forthwith sent Suiercevius with his Cossacks and 5000 other Light-Horsmen more certainly to descry the Enemie's doings and manner of laying Himself with the rest following 〈◊〉 after Suiercevius approaching very silently enclosed 500 of the enemie's Scouts ere they were aware taking them all and straightly examining them of the state of their Army and Camp who for fear confessed the Palatine 〈◊〉 securely resting his Army chiefly that with greater strength he might set upon John with his fresh Souldiers declaring their number and that they might easily be overthrown Suiervercevius requested John with all speed to hasten his comming for a most notable and assured Victory Who comming without delay commanded Suiercevius to give the first onset upon the Enemy purposing himself to charge them on the other side in three places who with a terrible out-cry set upon the secure Enemies who dismayed with the unexpected danger knew not which way to flee or how to resist The Vayuod the while on the other side of the Camp came and bare down all before him The Enemies Horses being far from them in rich Pastures they unarmed were miserably slain few or none escaping besides the Palatine and Peter who with much ado getting Horses swam over the River and came to the Castle of Brailovia in Valachia The Vayuod giving to his Souldiers the great Riches there found and staying four dayes to refresh his wearied men then entring the Palatine's Countrey he took many places putting all in his way to the sword of all sexes and Ages and burning all as he went so that all that part of the Countrey was terribly covered with smoak and fire John commending his men in executing all kind of cruelty and perswading them so still to prosecute the Victory for enriching of themselves and hearing that 〈◊〉 Palvtins and his Brother were in Brailovia Castle he forthwith marched thither The City stands upon Danubius the Castle having a strong Garrison of Turks as the Key of the Countrey The Vayuod sent Letters by two Valachian Captives to the Captain to deliver to him the Palatine and Peter his mortal Enemies who never wronged by him had invaded his Countrey otherwise he threatened never to depart till to his farther hurt he had constrained him to yield them whereto he bluntly answered by four Turks by whom he sent twenty great and small shot with two Arrowes saying Except he did raise his siege betime he would feed him and his followers with such Dishes as those whereupon they gorged should all dangerously surfeit and cast The Vayuod moved commanded their Noses Lips and Eares to be cut off and their seet to be sastened with Nailes to a long piece of Timber so to be set up before the City with their Heads downward shewing also to the Captain that sent them That himself with his Guests should be so served if they fell into his Hands Immediately after he taking the City by assault no Man Babe or Mother were taken
to mercy nor any living thing spared Much rich spoyl becomming a prey for it was a place much frequented and had enjoyed long peace which John razed to the ground not daring to adventure upon the Castle being well fortified and furnished While he was busied in the spoyl of Brailovia newes came of 15000 Turks comming to relieve the Castle Who forthwith sent Suiercevius with his Cossacks and other 8000 Horse against them who suddenly comming upon them slew almost fourteen thousand chasing the rest unto Teina Castle Whereof Suiercevius certified John and of another great Turkish power comming which might easily be overthrown if he leaving the siege would without delay come and joyn Forces who went accordingly to Suiercevius and upon conference besieged Teina which City taken without much labour he left not one alive therein and by the service of Suiercevius overthrew the Turks coming towards Brailovia Selimus much troubled and doubting to be thrust quite out of Valachia prepared new Forces appointing general supplications to be made to Mahomet for his better successe the undoubted sign of his fear John now purposing for a while to break up his great Army called to him Czarnieviche his old Friend to whom he with a kind speech committed part of his Army to wit thirteen thousand of his choise Souldiers to lay upon the side of Danubius to keep the Turks from passing again over charging him to let him from time to time understand with all expedition of every motion of the Enemy and taking his leave of him with a kisse gave leave to most of his Souldiers to depart yet to be alwayes ready upon occasion Czarnieviche promising the utmost of his Faithfull devoire went towards Danubius most carefully there keeping the passages Ere long great numbers of Turks were come and coming down to the other side yet none adventured the River because of Czarnieviche Wheresore the Bassa sent with the Army dispatch to him some pickt-out men to sound if he might be drawn over in secret to talk with him sending him besides his safe conduct 〈◊〉 thousand Hungarian Duckats for a present who shortly after secretly passing the River had conference 〈◊〉 Peter the Palatines Brother To whom he declaring in how great danger the Vayuod stood and how highly Selimus was offended with him cunningly from divers Motives perswaded him to give the Turks passage over Danubius Czarnieviche overcome with his Golden Promises withdrew his Forces further off from the River as if it had been for his more safety two hundred thousand Turks well appointed of all necessaries passing quietly over Then he posted to and certified John that the Turks trusting to their multitude had passed the River against whom he could not make Head Wherefore he should speedily go against them with what Forces he had ready which joyned to his might easily overthrow them The Vayuod glad demanded what strength they might be of Not above 12000 said he already come over but are still comming and will before thy comming be above 15000. John raising his siege from before Teina Castle in four dayes came and encamped within three miles off the Enemy sending Suiercevius with his Cossacks and Jeremias with six thousand Horse to view their Camp and understand what might be of their designes who lighting on about six thousand Turkish 〈◊〉 after a light skirmish put them to flight and taking one who felt himself wounded to death he told them the Turks were not many but the Cossacks conjecturing by so great a number of Scouts the untruth of that report soon certifyed the Vayuod thereof wishing him in time to provide for safety and not too much to trust Czarnieviche whom they had a good while suspected but he answered only He knew whom he trusted 〈◊〉 that it was not now time to doubt or be affraid c. So fortifying his Camp near a Lake for more convenient watring of his Army he set forward with all his power against the Enemy and coming to a Hill whence he thought to have descried his enemies number and laying he could descry but four Companies of Scouts who withdrew also on purpose out of sight to the Army which lay in a low Valley behind a Hill John suspecting the enemy to be at hand divided his 30000 Horse into 30 Companies placing Field pieces before each of them and placing his many rude and homely but most faithfull Foot by themselves So marching on from another Hill he might easily descry the Turks huge Army and how Czatnieviche's treason had deceived him whereupon he sending for him he sent back word he could not then come the Enemy being so nigh but he should forthwith see him in field as forward as the forwardest against the Enemy but upon the signal of Battel given on both sides he first setting forward as if to have given the onset caused his Ensign to be let fall and his men with their Caps on the points of their speares and swords to bow down whom the Turks with speares and Lances on High joyfully received The rest of the Army almost discouraged hastily retired to the Vayuod crying out All was lost all was lost but he nothing discouraged willed them couragiously to follow him They in all things exceeding the Enemy except in number which alwayes gave not the Victory The Turks upon joyning of 〈◊〉 thrust the revolting Moldavians shrinking back perforce into the front slaying them that hung back on whom John most furiously discharged his Field-pieces most of them being 〈◊〉 over whose dead bodies the Turks coming on were at first notably encountred begining to retire but indeed on purpose to draw the Moldavians within danger of their Ordnance Ambushes covertly placed which Suiercevius perceiving with 〈◊〉 ado stayed their further pursuit The Turks comming on again with no lesse fury than at first the Christians made with them a most cruel Battel many falling on both sides but after long fight the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with multitude gave ground and then betook 〈◊〉 to flight most of them being 〈◊〉 in a hard 〈◊〉 and but 250 Cossacks left The Vayuod with 20000 〈◊〉 and such 〈◊〉 as had joyned to them after the 〈◊〉 retired and fortified himself in the ruines of a Town which he but a little before razed the Turks the same night so besetting his Camp with a multitude of men that no man could go in or out Next day June 11th the Turks shooting divers great shot into his Camp to small purpose and considering the danger of 〈◊〉 him in his strength sent to him to perswade him without delay to yield himself and repose more trust in the mercy of the Turks than in his own broken forces 〈◊〉 being so beset c. Who answered he knew into what danger he was brought rather by treason than the 〈◊〉 valour yet had he a strong power of most valiant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men who would sell their lives dear to the Turks however to avoid the further shedding of blood he could be
over grown Woods on one side and deep Valleys and craggy Rocks on the other would astonish a constant Beholder Simon and Aliculi Chan with eight thousand Souldiers understanding by their espials of his comming with this ayd had scattered themselves all along the said Strait but Nassan to avoid that danger entred with his Army into the Wood to discover what might be plotted against him and was hardly charged by the Enemy and constrained to fight with a 1000 windings and turnings with great slaughter of his men who in the skirmish were driven so far that down they fell and were presently slain Nassan having with much ado passed this Strait burning with desire of revenge would needs stay near those Straits as if to refresh his 〈◊〉 Army appointing Resvan with some Bands of Souldiers to lay in ambush attentive to every stir of the enemy Simon and Aliculi Chan on the third day imagining this their stay was for fear gave a fresh onset upon the Flank of Nassan's squadrons who giving Resvan a signe speedily compassed in his Enemies taking some alive cutting in pieces others and put the rest to flight Aliculi rashly charging upon the face of Nassan was taken Next day the 11th after his departure from Chars he arrived at Teflis where he found some besieged Turks dead some sick for through Famine they devoured even the very skins of Horses sheep and dogs whom Nassan comforted with gifts and good words exhorting them to constancy in the service of their King whose honour was never more then there to be respected and because the Souldiers did all mislike Mahomet Bassa whom Mustapha had left Governour of that Fort he put Amet Bassa in his place and so having filled up the Garrison and set all things in order he returned and being come to the Strait of Tomanis was advertised by Scouts that it was so strongly possessed by the Enemy as not to be passed thorow Nassan perplexed and doubtful which way to turn himself Aliculi Chan to purchase his liberty which he covenanted for before hand offered to shew him a safe and short cut whereby he might without danger pass with his Army so bending on the right-hand he guided him through strange and uncouth places not meeting so much as one Enemy but when the Persian Duke put the Turk in mind of his promised liberty he with deep and fained sighs protested he was sorry he could not perform what he had promised since it lay not in his power to free any man taken in battel by the Souldiers of his Soveraign yet gave him his Faith to use all the most earnest means he could with Mustapha to procure his liberty Simon imagined that the Turks had taken this new way but being certified by his spies that it was so indeed he enflamed with rage for their great fortune fell upon the rear which he wholly destroyed leading away all the People Horses and all the Treasure of Mahomet and Nassan Bassaes As for Aliculi he was sent away in the Front and so not to be rescued Nassan came from Teflis to Chars in 8 dayes presenting Aliculi to Mustapha and recounting unto him whatsoever had happened in that expedition Allouli was sent prisoner by Mustapha to Erzirum Castle and ere long himself returned to the said Erzirum with his Army sore weakened and discontented which he presently discharged About the time that these things were doing Amurath to make a safer and easier passage for his Forces into Georgia sent Uluzales with a great Fléet to Mengrelia of old Colchis who fortifying in the River Fassa laid such a beginning that it is now one of the Turks Beglerbegships Though those Fortifications were soon after his departure for the present demolished by the Mengrelians and here ended the stirs of this Year 1579. Of all these successes Mustapha sent advertisement to Amurath and because he had the yeer before perswaded him that Georgia and its people were brought under his Obedience that he should not marvel at so many losses and Battels declared unto him that all these troubles were not raised by the home-bred Georgians but by Aliculi and Simon sent out of Persia. Amurath reading all that Mustapha had written with great delight sent to Nassan a Battel-Axe all gilt and full of Stones A Target of Gold and Pearl and a rich Garment of Cloth of Gold in reward of his good service and ordered Aliculi to be kept where he was in diligent and safe custody The Persian Kings care for Turkish Invasions which much troubled him was doubled with domestical fears Mirik Salmas his chief Visier still filling his Head with jealousie that Abas Miriz his son Governour of Iteri was about in these troubles to proclaim himself King of Persia to the great Ignominy of his Father and prejudice of Emerhanze his eldest Brother to whom Salmas had married a Daughter of his who the better to perswade the King to commit Abaz to prison or bereave him of all Authority discovered unto him how little Abaz had respected him in divers occasions not having sent forth one man in these late Wars but forbad those of his Jurisdiction to come to Casbin when summoned to have passed with Emer Namke into Sirvan they answered Abaz their Lord who enjoyned them not to stir was not only called King of Iteri but had given out he meant to claim the succession in the whole Kingdom The King carried away with leight belief of these complaints made more effectual by means of divers great Ladies and other usual devices continually thought to repress the boldness of his disobedient Son yet not forgetting to prepare against the Turks as might stay their passage to Tauris if they purposed so to do But Mustapha laying at Erzirum many grievous complaints were made of him to Amurath whereby he took from him his General-ship calling him to Court to give accompt of his actions who sending such a strong power to succour Teflis Amurath conjectured the affaires of Georgia not to be so secure as he had informed him whose Souldiers also in an uproar accused him of improvidence and prodigality because now this second year he had with so much ado gathered such a number of Souldiers together to the vast charge of their Lord and yet performed nothing worthy the glory of Amurath or answerable to so great a charge The Emperour for the great favours he bare unto him his antient Tutour would never have construed these complaints so hardly as to have deprived him of his place if the inveterate envy of Sinan Bassa had not ministred force to these hard accusations for he was a most ancient enemy to Mustapha and in all things thought himself his match both in courage and years yea and did not stick to think himself his better to for in the enterprize of Glamen in Arabia he did that which Mustapha neither durst nor knew how to put in execution for which ever after one envying at anothers glory both in word and deed
and a Panther two great dead Crocodiles a Chaire of Massey gold richly set with precious stones a rich Casket many packs of most fine Cloaths woollen and silks other Cloaths with Gold and Silver fringe and the Barbarian cutwork most fine 〈◊〉 of Alexandria and all the Harquebusses besides sundry rich presents he gave to the great Ladies reported to be worth 200000 Sultinues But it shall not be altogether impertinent to declare what passed between the aforesaid Zanzack of Jerusalem and the Arabians of Palestine a little before the coming of 〈◊〉 into those quarters In the 〈◊〉 of Sodome and in the 〈◊〉 not onely 〈◊〉 the Lake Asphaltites and Damasco but also in the Plaines of 〈◊〉 Samaria and divers other Townes there do haunt and live certain Arabian Captains who over-run at pleasure all the Countries round about even as far as Rama and Joppa committing grievous out-rages against the Inhabitants and upon their goods and wealth as also on strangers and travellers yea they dare to assault the fenced Cities they are good Horsmen without Armour their Horses very swift themselves bold and 〈◊〉 Thieves who having Intelligence that the strong Zanzacks of Jerusalem would joyn with all the 〈◊〉 thereabouts and with his Father Veis to work their destruction by sundry Invasions upon him even to the Gates of Jerusalem They provoked him to come out into the fields compacting with a Subbassi of 〈◊〉 their friend to animate the Zanzack thereunto by promising him good success Whereupon the ambitious young man having armed a hundred of his Vassals and raised all the Horsmen under his Government in number 600 made a road towards Jericho sending before defiance unto the Arabians who comming with their Arrows and Indian Canes overwhelmed his Harquebusiers and the 〈◊〉 being yet at the hottest the Traiterous Subbassi fled towards Bethlehem leaving the Souldiers of Jerusalem in the Arabians hands 〈◊〉 most of them and the Zanzack scarce saving himself by flight who informed of the Subbassi his fraud fained that he would try his Forces against them Whereby the Subbassi came armed unto him suspecting no mischief but being come the Zanzack took him and presently caused him to be flayed quick But Osman having gathered together too huge an Army 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should want victual for so great a multitude neither so fearing the Persian forces drew out about 4000 Persons such as he thought least able to endure travel who according to every ones ability redeeming the ordinary perills of the Warrs returned home So Osman had about 180000 men in his Army with whom he departed from Erzirum in Aug. 1585 towards Tauris yet continuing the speech for Nasivan but he had scarce marched two dayes but divers Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople upbraided him of great improvidence and telling him They had already that day wanted their allowance of Corn for their Horses so that if in the beginning of so long a journy they began to feel such want they could not tell why he meant to lead so great a Company so far as Nasivan nor by what cunning he had presumed to sustain so great an Army Osman quietly heard them causing the Barley desired to be delivered among them and severely punishing the Officers for allowance of Corn who began to make Merchandize of the common provision So proceeding on his journy he arrived upon the Calderan Plaines where he took a generall view of his Army wanting a number who by reason of sickness were forced to stay behind from hence he went not towards Nasivan but directly to Tauris which the a foresaid Souldiers hearing fell into a great rage reviling Osman with most insolent speech to his face calling him Villain and 〈◊〉 as not brooking his Lyes and Deceit But if he had changed his Opinion upon good advice for the enterprize of Tauris why did he dismisse so many Souldiers Did he think by suffering others to redeem their Liberties to encrease his Riches to set their lives to sale and make them 〈◊〉 to the Persians At these arrogant speeches the Generall was exceedingly troubled seeing his good meaning to advance the Majesty of his King so ill taken by his best Souldiers and upon good advice he sorbare 〈◊〉 and punishment but sending for many Captaines and chief 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 those seditious he perswaded them that the former speech for Nasivan was not raised by him nor was he minded then to go to Tauris but all he had done was 〈◊〉 fulfill the command of the Sultan who had charged him so to do to lessen the Persians preparations neither need they to fear that the Souldiers dismissed might weaken the Army for they themselves were not only sufficient to pierce into Tauris but to daunt their Enemies even with their Looks and those that were discharged had but purged the Hoast of all cowardice By this mild answer the Souldiers were sufficiently pacified but much better when he had bestowed amongst them all a small quantity of monies for now they became so willing and couragious that they durst venture to the 〈◊〉 parts of all the Persian Kingdom The General went towards Coy in the midst between Tauris and the Marshan Meer where he refreshed his Army with all things then he passed to Maraut plentifull of all necessaries thence towards Saffion a fruitful place whence he began to discover Tauris Great was the joy of the Souldiers and those of Greece and Constantinople did highly commend the advice in giving out the rumor of Nasivan for Tauris as the onely meanes whereby they were in quiet come so far so that every man without fear proudly plotted to themselves all insolent and outragious actions that use to proceed from those barbarous Victors especially the Van-guard who descended down towards pleasant Gardens full of all sorts of Trees Springs and Fruits and satisfying their Appetites they withdrew to a little River near a Bridge called the Bridge of salt Water at pleasure attending the comming of the Army But the Persian Prince Emir Hamsey having closely couched himself with 10000 good Souldiers suddenly set upon them with such speed courage and fury that in a manner without resistance he dispersed them killing about 7000 and with many Prisoners Horses Slaves sundry Ensignes and Drums he withdrew back towards his blind Father who lay encamped about 12 miles from Tauris with about 50000 Souldiers Aliculi had but 4000 left in Tauris for the Persian King could not leavy above 64000 men for the Turkomans because of the death of Emir-chan would not be brought to defend that City whereof Aliculi their Capital Enemy was Governor and from Isheilam and Meri there came not one Souldier so that the Persian King had 〈◊〉 stomack to meet the Turks in plain Battel but sought by all politick meanes to weaken and annoy his strong Enemy Osman dispatching Sinan Bassa and the Bassa of Charaemit with 14000 Souldiers to pursue the Victorious Prince they used such expedition that they overtook him in the way towards his
preferments and honours so they would lay down Arms and no more take them up but in his service but they well knew the promises of faithless Princes cost them nothing but words so that they not onely refused to yield him their obedience as he desired but even to have peace with him upon any conditions Hereupon he thought best to offer the Christians that which the other had refused hoping that peace with the one should be the ruine of the other and to ease him of a care how to give an honest and honourable way thereunto the French Embassador Leger was then entreating with the great Bassaes for the deliverance of Count Isolan whom Mahomet thought a fit man to deal with the Emperour concerning a Treaty of peace to be had whereupon he set him at liberty with charge that he should discreetly and faithfully deal with the Emperour about it which if he should effect to Mahomets content then to remain free otherwise to return into his former captivity for whom the French Embassador became a pledge Achmet Bassa also wrote to Collonitz for the negotiation of this peace telling him if they were not resolved to surrender Strigonium before they began to treat of any other matter he need not trouble himself to give any answer to those Letters saying also if they should continue to pay the Tribute for the time to come and discharge the Arrerages for the time past it should be commodious for the Turks and honourable for the Imperials besides he said peace should be entreated of with the great Cham of Tartary who was commanded by the Turkish Emperour upon just and reasonable conditions to entertain the same and never more but in peaceable manner to come into Hungary Collonitz forthwith sent these Letters to the Emperour requesting him to consider what answer he would have given The Emperour commanded him to embrace the occasion and to try whether the Turks desire were agreeable to their words or not Collonitz hereupon with some of the best Commanders in the Army entred into a Treaty of peace with the Turks whose demands tended so much to the hurt and dishonour of the Emperour that they even at first shut up the way to all further conference for after their proud manner they unreasonably demanded to have Transilvania Strigonium and Pesth restored to them for which they offered to deliver Agria and Canisia pibble for Pearls so that they departed on both sides as they came also while this Treaty was in hand the Turks gathered together great store of Men and Ammunition at Belgrade to convoy much Victuals to put into Buda whereof Collonitz hearing ceased further to treat and betook himself to his Arms to do what they might for the hindering their purpose for Buda where there was now such want that the Turks having eaten all their Horses and rifled the Governours House for Victuals resolved to abandon the City if not relieved within few dayes The Christians embarqued their Footmen upon the River under Alimeine Governour of Strigonium and Sultze Governour of Pesth Whilest Collonitz with the Horsemen scoured along the Banks of the River and Aug. 22 near to Mohatsch fell upon the head of the Turk's Army led by Murat Bassa six thousand in number two thousand being Janizaries who laying encamped upon an even plain he forthwith charged them where after many notable charges the Turks retired toward the Body of their Army in great hast whom Collonitz followed with like heat as he had charged them but ill followed by his friends who sought after the spoil instead of pursuing their Enemies so that the Turks perceiving the fewness of the pursuers turned about and even right hardly charged them who were now glad themselves to retire yet so as without any great losse received Howbeit the Turks came on so fast and couragiously that they had defeated the Christians had not the Haiducks out of their Boats resolutely come to their relief whereupon the Turks again retired whom the Christians furiously charged and pursued even to their great Camp and so returned with the glory of the Field and spoil of their Enemies Bassa's red Cornet being taken with two Field-pieces seven hundred Turks being slain and 120 taken Saxar Beg being one who upon examination confessed that Hassan the day before came into the Camp dining with the great Cham after which he discoursing with him among other great matters of his return into his Countrey was much against the same till they had victualled Buda whereunto he was he said in honour and duty bound to give his assistance the losse of this good place being of so great importance to the great Sultan otherwise his ayd had bin unto him rather hurtful than profitable c. He also assured them that the Bassa purposed to new fortifie three frontier Castles and so to go to the Siege of Pesth which done to besiege Strigonium which yet he doubted to win this year winter approaching and a great part of his forces being far off that the Tartars were far from the Camp where the Bassa of Asia leading the reconciled Rebels of Asia and him of Caramania 6000 Janizaries were in few dayes expected which Confession though not altogether true yet time shewed it carried some shew of probability few Christians in Comparison of the Turks were slain It was noted that the Souldiers of Col. Sultze refused to pursue the Enemy whether fearing some ambush or disdaining to follow Gen. Collonitz the reasons perhaps why Sultze stayed them from the pursuit Collonitz most bravely behaved himself in this Conflict sometime forcing the charge and again staying his men in their retreat so that oft lost among his Enemies and again returning he escaped death as it were by a miracle and from being taken by chance and doubtless had the rest after his example prosecuted their good fortune the Enemy had been quite overthrown and themselves been both victorious and rich for besides the spoils by them gotten they might have carried away a whole years pay due to the Garrison of Buda which the fearful Turks had left in their Camp which upon the recovery of their courage they recovered with much more Russworm the Christian Army being assembled about Septemb. 4th sent forth two most trusty and expert Souldiers to understand of the Turks affaires and designes who in Turkish Habit were in their Army 8 dayes unsuspected and returning back declared to the General that the Turks Army was very great but not such as that which last year besieged Pesth that they lay encamped at large which made them seem the greater being well provided of Ordnance that Hassan commanded as General having brought with him 12000 Janizaries besides his Horsemen and reconciled Rebels in Asia daily looked for that the great Tartar Han was to Hassan's great discontent already returned homewards with Christian booty and prisoners to appease a Rebellion raised by his Nephew who by his Uncle given in Hostage to Mahomet had found
meanes to escape from Constantinople hoping now in his Uncle's absence from Tartary to place himself in his Throne and that the Tartars being denied boats by the Turks to pass Danubius with many opprobrious Speeches for his departure Asa Conard had made a floating Bridge of great 〈◊〉 whereby he passed over his Foot his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over Who boasted as he went that he had trodden underfoot all the requests of Hassan Bassa Besides they had seen six great Vessels upon the River ten lesser following them manned with 3000 well armed men 300 being Janizaries to conduct the Munition and the Victuals that was to follow up the River if the Christians should attempt any thing against the same Lastly that the Turks Army by reason of many great lets could not this year be great Wherefore the Turks Captaines came unwillingly to these Warres accounting it a happinesse if they might in this Expedition but take Pesth Hereupon the Christians were so encouraged as if they had bin to fight with men already discouraged The Hussars of Strigonium the while going forth met with 400 Turkish Forragers who at first made a most gallant fight together but the skilfull and couragious Husfars at length brake the Turks ranks a 120 laying dead on the ground most of the rest being taken with 130 good serviceable Horses Sultz also marching from the Camp with 300 men discovered a 100 of those brave Horsmen lately come out of Asia with Zellaly the Rebell who were with 300 Janizaries upon a bravery come over Danubius to view the Christian Camp Sultze to draw these on sent forth 50 Horse as it were to discover the Country thereabouts who meeting with the Turks as if by chance were by them forthwith charged 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comming suddenly on and hotly charging them they thinking the Christians to be more than they were having left some fifty dead on the place as men dismayed fled in which flight such as were not slain were drowned 〈◊〉 the River Rusworm wisely doubting lest Hassan should lodge his Army between Vicegrade and Buda and so Victual Buda at pleasure made a strong Fort of an old Temple betwixt these two lodging therein a Regiment of 〈◊〉 building another at the Head thereof in the Isle of Vicegrade and so that these 2 Forts might one 〈◊〉 the other the Fort in the Ifle also kept the passage upon 〈◊〉 open for bringing necessaries to the Christian Camp 4000 well armed Italians being put therein then he made a Bridge of boats extending from the Camp to the Isle for relief of the Fort and thence passed over the River to Vacia a small Town needful to be kept Ere long the Bassa sent 10000 Horse and Foot to take the first of these Forts which they supposed to be but weak who were so received by the Lansquenet's Harquebusses that the whole Fort seemed to be on fire Whereupon the Turks dismayed and having lost some men and more hurt sounded a retreat and returned Then the Turks made a Bridge over 〈◊〉 hoping thereby to pass over and annoy the Christians on th' other side whom Rusworm let alone without interruption but enformed by his Espials of the very time when they were about to pass over he laid 4000 〈◊〉 and 2000 Reisters in Ambush behind great store of 〈◊〉 Reeds growing upon the Banks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having with them 4 Culverings ready charged Collonitz with his Regiment laying behind their Prince 〈◊〉 with some French Gentlemen who followed him into those Wars to see service In the Head there was also Lord 〈◊〉 a French man with his few but valourous private followers upon the flanks lay 4 Carabin Troops of French 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 The Turks passing over were of purpose charged by some few Christian Forrainers whom the Turks pressing still on hoped to overtake and cut in pieces The Footmen the while having perceived ten thousand Turks to be come over making towards them the 〈◊〉 upon the Bank first discharged upon them slaying some few yet the Turks passing on slew about 24 of them marching directly towards the Christians but in passing by they were suddenly and hardly assailed by the Lansquenets and Reisters also the Horsmen now come in 〈◊〉 somewhat disordered them before they were well aware The scattered Walloons also now rallied on another side furiously charged their Enemies the Culverins not ceasing to open the Turks flanks with the loss of a number of them likewise Collonitz charging them afront caused them to give ground the Carabins the while charging upon their flanks the Walloons behind who thus beset and out of hope to be relieved fled amain to have recovered the Bridge 2000 in fight and flight being 〈◊〉 5000 driven into the River and drowned and the rest taken prisoners one Bassa of great 〈◊〉 was slain with many other Commanders of great note and 1500 Janizaries 4 Fieldpieces 30 Ensignes 2 Coronets brave Horses much fair Armour rich Apparrell and good Scimitars being also taken This much abated the courage and hope of the other Turks and encreased the same in the Christians for this years good success About this time Mahomet putting a Fleet to Sea against the King of Fez was assured that the same with Tempest sore beaten to avoid shipwrack was returned to the Fort from whence it loosed and that with sickness and great losses The like or worse hap also then befell another Fleet which he set out into the Euxine Sea to defend those 〈◊〉 from being spoiled by the Asian Rebels which did there great harm for though Sellaly was by the Strait of Dardanelli of old Hellespont come with 12000 good Souldiers on t of Asia into Hungary to do his Lord service yet the chief Rebell both now and divers years after maintained a most cruell and dangerous War to the great hinderance of the Sultans Affairs and the Rebell seeming as if he would have submitted himself and come into Europe as did Zellaly had some Galleys sent him for transporting him and his Souldiers in who possessed thereof slew all those therein keeping the Galleys So that the Rebels were now up in greater number and did more harm than ever being the more encouraged by the example of Hassan Bassa not him the Generall in Hungary who sent against these Rebels had for a time kept them under but now by Mahomet displaced and another sent to succeed him he discontented so incensed his Souldiers against him that when he came most of them were ready to turn their Weapons upon him At length falling together by the eares about the old Generall and the new a number were slain all of the richer sort spoiled and the Sultans service neglected but the new Generall at last prevailing Hassan with his partakers were glad to flee yet afterwards collecting the dispersed Souldiers and joyning with the Rebells held still a good Army on foot doing what harm he could The Persian King also taking advantage by all these troubles besieged Tauris kept with a most strong
part returned the like losses to the Christians for while the Turks lodged in the Isle of Vicegrade Collonitz so annoyed them with 8 great Field-pieces that they were about to forsake the place which the more to force them to do he embarqued himself with 600 Haiducks landing by night near them with great silence thinking to have surprized them but by the dayes coming on the Turks were aware thereof issuing out of their Trenches and with all their Force charging him who made Head against them though he had not men enow to withstand the least part of his Enemies upon which his so great resolution the Turks stood a great while in doubt to charge them the Field-pieces which Collonitz had brought with him served him to good purpose the fight endured 2 hours at length the Christians oppressed with number rather than vanquished left their pieces disorderly retiring to their Boats the Turks slaying 400 Haiducks in eager pursuit the rest with much ado recovering their Boats hardly defending their Generall from the Enemies fury yet were the most forward and couragious Turks in that fight slain also as was known by some prisoners afterwards taken To prevent the like attempt the Turks cast up great Trenches in the Isle along the Bank of the River kept by some of their best Souldiers till the dis-lodgement of the Camp to lay before Buda The Turks before this had built a 〈◊〉 of Boats at Lamascin to pass into Stiria where they did great harm to strengthen which they built 2 strong Forts at the 〈◊〉 ends thereof this Bridge Trantmestorfe Governour of Stiria undertaking to break with his Troops and ayd brought by Serinus right furiously assailed one of these Forts before they therein were well aware of his coming causing the greatest noise possible to be made with Warlique Instruments as if it had bin some great Army The Turks terrified without much resistance quitted the place fleeing over the Bridge to the other Fort which the Christians presently with 3 Cannons out of the Conquered Fort battered and a Breach being made and scaling Ladders set up they on every side assaulted the Fort which the Turks for 5 hours valiantly endured many being on both sides slain at last the Turks with much flaughter overcome the Fort was taken most Turks therein being slain the rest taken and then were both the Forts razed the Bridge broken the Boats whereof it was made all burnt and some Ordnance therein found broken and cast into the River At which time Lugaze a place of great importance for the Emperour and very near the Turks was by the Transilvanians delivered to Basta whence he sending Scouts toward Belgrade they brought in certain prisoners Who said That Hassan Bassa had writ to 〈◊〉 Bassa of Temeswar That the present state of things so requiring he should only attend the preservation of this Town and that himself having re victualled Buda purposed for this year to return hoping of peace to be ere long concluded betwixt the Sultan and Emperour The Christians desirous in what they might to hinder Buda's re-victualling October 17. after shooting of three Warning pieces took the field and so stood ready ranged to give or accept of Battel before whom Count Reingrave was sent with his Regiment to discover the 〈◊〉 of the Enemy and receive his first charge if occasion required whose Scouts about noon discovered a Turkish Troop whom the Scouts supposing to have bin the fore-runners of the Turks Army and by them almost surprized by a hasty retreat put the whole Army in an alarm which came bravely on in hope to have tried the matter by true labour and to have made that day for ever famous by their Victory but the Turks resolved only upon safeguard of themselves and Victualling of Buda kept themselves within their Tents and Trenches So the Christians most of the day in vain expecting their comming returned into their Camp The same day a Spy was taken thought to be a Turk yet one of their own men who better informed them of the Turks resolucion for the shunning of battell both for the losses received and for divers other unlucky accidents which made them misdoubt some ill successes in the end of this Expedition yet the Christians not much trusting to these reports still kept their Army in readiness Howbeit the time passed but in light skirmishes and vain Alarms betwixt the 2 Armies till at length Buda being by the River stored with Victuals Hassan Bassa with much silence by night rose with his Army retiring towards Belgrade Next day the Enemies sudden departure being perceived the Christian General consulted with his great Commanders What were best to be done in so unexpected an Occurrent Some thought it best to pursue them others disswading it and others propounding some other notable 〈◊〉 at last it was resolved Not to hazard any Troops in pursuing their Enemies hardly to be overtaken but to attempt some one of their strong Holds Hatwan being thought the most necessary place being so seated as that besides the great harm it did to the Christians thereabouts it much hindered both Advertisements and Victuals to be brought to Pesthe Whereupon they forthwith razing St. Andrews and Vicegrade Forts with all their power set 〈◊〉 toward Hatwan beyond Danubius toward the North about 8 Leagues from Buda which Maximilian taking in 1594. for the irrepairable losses the Christians had received from this Garrison caused it to be then dismantled and made unserviceable for the Wars after which for all that the Turks had new fortified it with Walls made of Wood and Faggots with earth rammed in betwixt them stronger and better able to endure the Cannon than Walls of stone in which sort the Turks use most commonly to fortifie such places as they mean to defend At the Christians first comming unto it Sultz with 300 Lansquenets and Grasold with part of his Italian Regiment were sent before to begin to make the approaches which they did by forcing of a Water-mill not past a Musquet shot from the Town the Turks the while sallying out had with them a sharp Combat hand to hand many losing their lives Grasold himself being slain with a smal shot to the great hurt of the whole Army specially of the Italians yet at last the Turks were forced confusedly to retire into the Town losing a number also The Christians proceeded in making their approaches and placing their Gabions to recover their Cannon wherein the Turks greatly hurt them with great small shot chiefly with murdering pieces charged with nailes Yet by the comming in of the Army the approaches next day were brought on and the battery planted so near that the Turks could not without most manifest danger and loss any more sally out While the diligent Christians took from the besieged their Water the Cannon furiously battered the Walls The Turk discouraged and out of hope of relief thought it best by 〈◊〉 while their strength was whole to prevent the
danger of a Breach and Assault sent 2 of their chief men to treat at first Demanding to depart safely with bag and baggage but it was answered They should only with life and liberty 〈◊〉 gone with some few hundreds of their worst Horses to carry them whither they meant to retire and to deliver into the Christians hands all Renegates in the Town the Generall threatning the like misery asat the former siege if they should expect the dreadfull event of a generall assault So that they accepted of these hard conditions and full of sorrow and heaviness departed with their Families November 29 being safely conducted to Solnock The Christians entring the Town found great store of Victuals Munition Corn and other necessaries and the shops stored with weapons shot and powder with 24 pieces of Ordnance ready mounted but without resolution all these are but of small force and with which they are able to do much The place thus furnished well considered seemed almost impossible to be forced especially Winter being come on which might have brought many intolerable storms and difficulties upon the besiegers So that every man with eyes cast up gave God the praise for taking away the Turks courages in so great advantages encreasing the Christians in no less difficulties The Christian Generall put into it 1000 Lansquenets and 500 Hungarian Horse and Foot then he retired toward Pesth which he relieved with Victuals there billeting that 〈◊〉 The Troops of 〈◊〉 Geisberg and Rover to preserve it also against the devices and practices of those of Buda for regaining thereof Lord Rusworm breaking up his Army near Strigonium sent sixty four brave Ensignes all that he this year gained from the Turks with great triumph to Vienna for a Present to Matthias who greatly thanked both the Generall and Souldiers and bountifully rewarded them that brought them they of Vienna also highly commending Rusworm and not a little rejoycing to see those braving Ensignes now in their power The Army being broken up a number of Souldiers especially of Colonel Altmein's Regiment comming for Booty most cruelly rifled and spoiled the Villages and Inhabitants both Christians and Turks who by the Emperours command were charged at Widhof and 230 of them brought in prisoners to Vienna 34 of whom were for Example hanged and the rest cashiered Count Reingrave's Regiment were put into the Villages of Chiante and Ternavy where besides the troubles they had with the Neighbouring Turks the very Country-Inhabitants oft-times and that for little or no occasion right furiously charged them as their mortal Enemies so that these valiant men still forced to buy their bread with the price of their bloud used the Christians as they did the Turks but in these small and often fights some good number of men on one side or other were every day slain Wherefore these Souldiers resolved to go seek their living elswhere and the rather for that Captain Clinchamp's Troop the best in the Regiment was one night furiously assailed and almost surprized by the Peasants Wherefore they departed into Austria without Victuals Apparrell or Mony their pay due for 17 months being kept from them a cruelty full of covetousness and a covetousness full of cruelty but great was the Wisdome of Angustus upholding of his State who laid up the publique Revenue apart by it self to defray the publique charge and his own private for his private uses These poor Souldiers craved leave of the Bishop of Bresburg to passe by his Suburbs without doing any harm which he granting they passed accordingly Wherefore the Bishop furnished them with Boats to pass over the River dividing Hungary from Austria but 1500 of the Peasants of Austria assembled together and cast up a Fort upon the Bank with three Faulcons to keep them from comming over for a while courteously requested passage of them promising all good behaviour in passing quietly thorow their Country who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the danger of their lives if they should attempt the passage Whereupon these provoked Martiall men turning the head of their baggages toward the Fort as if they would have there passed while the Peasants stood gazing upon them Camgaillard with his Troop swam over a little higher up unperceived Chinchampe with his following also they were much troubled with flakes of Ice the Rivers deepness steepness of the Banks and many difficulties yet being got over they suddenly and furiously charged these Peasants 300 of them being soon slain upon the place as many hurt the rest put to flight which done the rest of the Troops passed the River 7 weeks were they in Austria and longer had stayed but that upon complaint and request of the people they receiving 9 months pay for 17 had leave to depart a great oversight to disband at once so many men as not their like among all the Emperour's Garrison for when necessity called for them again the Emperour could raise but 3 Troops of all that strong Regiment they being sundrywayes dispersed one whereof Camgaillard had the second Marades a Spaniard the third John Paul an Italian who all had before done good service in Reingraves Regiment This year 1603 ended with divers conflicts favouring the Christians 300 Haiducks seeking for booty met with a very rich Company of Turks the Governour of Mohatz being one all whom they cut in pieces who most cruelly had before spoiled them of their Parents Lands and Goods They took also the Governour of Capan with his Son and 24 other rich Turks 170 Horses for service and 8 fat Oxen which drew forth others to seek for the like Of whom certain Troops met the Gouernour of Batzwar come out against them with his Garrison in which hot fight at first the Turks seemed to have the better but at last the Christians cut them in pieces divers prisoners being 〈◊〉 3 Ensignes and many rich spoils after which the Vayuod of Moldavia sent news that the Tartars having with all cruelty wasted that Country the Inhabitants desperate generally joyned in Arms with him to try their last Fortune and fighting with the Tartars slew a number upon the place put the rest to flight and chased them out of the Country So notably revenging their former losses Neither were the Turks in this cold time of the year idle The Bassa Beged hearing that Basta lay with his Troops dispersed about Lippa in great security by reason of the extremity of the time acquainted 3 other Turkish Commanders with the matter who with 5000 men set all forward hoping suddenly to have surprized him but he had his Spies still abroad who advising him of their purpose and comming he collected his Forces and set forward to meet them and in a place of disadvantage suddenly charged them round fearing no such thing so that as dismayed after some small resistance they fled above 1100 Turks being slain the rest perishing in the river 〈◊〉 a few only with the Bassa by speed escaping 20 Captains were taken a few other prisoners but
to take Belgiosa with a purpose to have used him most hardly The Visier Bassa to grace that little he had done this year in Hungary borrowed of Botscay the rest of the Ensigns with Petsie and the other Noble Captives and confidently afterwards had them presented to Sultan Achmat as taken by himself in recompence whereof he left three thousand Turks and Tartars with Botscay to ayd him Basta having set all things in order at Strigonium marched with 14000 men toward Cassovia with purpose to suppress the rebellion in upper Hungary ere it should spread further yet the Rebels being very much increased had took in most of the strong places there the people almost generally favouring their quarrel carrying the face of Religion with suppressing of the Germane Government and hearing that Belgiosa was fled into 〈◊〉 Castle they demanded him of Turson the Captain to be deservedly punished promising to do Turson no harm so he would take part with them which if he should refuse yet safely to conduct him whither he would out of his Castle so he would forthwith resolve but otherwise they threatned to spoil his Countrey kill his people raise his Castle and make himself an example howbeit he refused to deliver Belgiosa or accept of any of their offers Wherefore they laboriously repairing the broken way betwixt Cassovia and the Castle brought thence great Ordnance and straitly besieged it whom Turson with his thundring shot so welcomed that receiving great harm they with the greatest part of their Army resolved to go to Presburg to reform it and some other places by the way being perswaded that this Captain so shut up would at length yield of himself But while they lay at this siege some of them went to spoil a religious House there by but they returned almost empty-handed the Priests having for fear of them carried with them all their best substance into the Castle also upon the report of their coming to Presburg almost all the Priests and Jesuites there and thereabouts fled with their substance to VIENNA where they scarce thought themselves safe till six hundred men as a supply were put into that strong City Basta coming and encamping about three miles from Filek followed the Rebels toward Budnock who upon his coming retired from besieging divers strong places who also leaving Budnoc Castle gathered together in great number near Ramosambat intending to fight with Basta who by a Herauld courteously advised them to change their mindes and return to their former allegiance but finding them obstinate he marched forward forcibly charging certain Companies of them who kept the passage of Filek they at first valiantly defended it till oppressed with number and four hundred being slain they were worsted and fled Nemet their Captain being among others taken in flight whom Basta hanging up by the heels a while with the Ensigns he took set up about him had him taken down and beheaded 50 of Basta his men were slain also many more hurt among whom was Collonitz being hurt in his shoulder and foot Basta marching on met with other Companies of Haiducks with whom he had many a hot skirmish for three dayes together so that burning many of his Carriages Tents c. He was very careful how to get out of their hands yet he couragiously both endured their fierce and increasing assaults and also Novemb. 28. charged them again in order of Battel who 〈◊〉 a thick mist being not able to perceive their Enemies attempts and how to turn themselves were as dismayd easily put to flight whom Basta fiercely pursuing in lesse than three houres one thousand five hundred of them were slain with a few of Basta's men also Frederick Earl of Solmes being one and the Count of Erback wounded Hereupon the Rebels at the siege of Zipse Castle forthwith retired to Leusta but Basta going and recovering St. Andrewes and gartisoning it somewhat daunted and repressed the Haiducks in those quarters and through the unseasonable time of the year wrote to reclaim the Cassovians to their allegiance offering pardon for all past 〈◊〉 they would acknowledge their fault and admit of an Imperial Garrison So also he wrote to those of Eperia hoping by gaining those strong Towns safely to winter in them with his Army but the Cassovians having 6000 in Garrison and not fearing then to be besieged Botscay being also reported 40000 strong utterly refused Basta's motion wherefore he came nearer to the City seeking rather by fair meanes to perswade them than by force to constrain them but they obstinate and with their Ordnance troubling his Camp sending Count Hohenloh and Rotvitz before to Eperia to command them to receive in the Emperours Souldiers and relieve them what they could Decemb. 5th himself followed with the rest of his Army and after much talk with the chief of the City it was unexpectedly agreed that Basta assuring them of the free exercise of their Religion the good behaviour of his Souldiers and to defend them from the injury of their Enemies they should open their Gates to and relieve the Imperials and continue their allegiance as before a thing most welcom to the almost dead and starved Souldiers Leusta Barbeld and Zebena following the Example of Eperia Thither with great danger 〈◊〉 Sigefride Collonitz of great Authority in those parts to confer with Basta about appe sing these troubles who by Letters to the States and Nobility of Hungary in vain perswaded them to lay down Arms and return to the Emperours obedience For remedy of great wants in the Imperial Camp 30 Wagons loaded with money and Cloth had been sent from Vienna under the Conduct of Count Solmes and others to whom Tanhusar joyned 1500 Hussars for fear of the Haiducks but the Convoy being come into a thick Wood about two miles from Filek 〈◊〉 Hussars set upon the Wagoners and made great slaughter of those that were about to resist them so that Solmes had much adoe to get away so they drave away the Wagons to Botscay's Camp Tanhusar with such Hussars as had no hand in so foul a treachery pursuing them but recovered onely 10 Wagons of Cloth which the Traitors had left whose Horses they had put into the Wagons with the money reported 130000 Florens to make the more haste Botscay having received so great and unexpected sum divided it among his Souldiers for their further encouragement This newes at first filled the Emperours Souldiers with grief and disdain against the Hussars but afterwards with wrath against their own Commanders as deeming it a devised report to deceive them So that they were ready all to mutinie and forsake the service to the utter perill of their Captains and of the whole Province wherefore Basta strove by fair words and promises to appease them which not serving he with some thousands of Duckats and Wagons of Cloth taken up at Leusta and other Towns wisely contented them the old Souldiers being before half naked Shortly after the Imperials surprizing a Castle thereabouts
off his Head April 14th Anne Glover Sir Thomas's Wife was buried with such solemnity at Constantinople as the like had not been since the 〈◊〉 conquered it and most Nations in the World were present the Sermon was under a Cypress-Tree in a large Garden and though but few understood it yet whereas the Jesuites and Fryers had possest Turks Jewes and others that the English since the change of their Religion had neither Temples nor form of service hereby they perceived both and that more decently than they so that the Jesuites durst not for a while after walk the streets the Turks threatning them for so much belying the English The Body was carried from Pera to the English Graves almost a mile off a great number of all Nations following her to the Grave the Tomb being of fair Marble with an Epitaph upon it This year in June the Duke of Florence his Galleys running over the Archipelago forced and spoiled the Castle of Lango carrying away 1200 prisoners Mechmet Bassa the Admiral advertized of these spoyls by the daily complaints of Turks who lost their shipping and of many other Enterprises attempted on his Masters Countries set sayl in August with 33 great Galleys commanding all Bays in the Archipelago to joyn with him with what Galleys they could make but while he is there busied the Russian Pirates descending into the Euxine spoiled the Turks Coasts there At Land Constantine of Moldavia annoyed all that depended on the Turk part of the King of Polands great Army which mutinied for pay spoiled Podolia and a 〈◊〉 Prince angry that Achmat preferred his Cousin before him in the Realm of the Procopians with five thousand souldiers spoiled the Rivers of Moldavia under the Turks Dominion as he did in the Gulph of Nicopolis At this time Tomsho having bin chosen Vayuod of Moldavia Constantine arming the Countrey over-ran it made havock of all detaining 2 Capigi prisoners whom the Sultan had sent to him with a prohibition not to trouble Tomsho but he carryed them with him into Poland whither he went to demand succours and by the aid of Potosty his brother in law obtained from the K. of Poland to be supported against Tomsho his Competitor They resolved to send an Ambassador to Constantinople to intreat Achmat to call back Tomsho that Constantine might quietly enjoy Moldavia and to acquaint him with the right the Polonians had by their Capitulations with the Turks to name a Prince in that Country This Ambassador arriving thought to be soon dispatched either by a Grant or Denial and was visited by all Christian Ambassadors there but after 6 weeks instead of audience he was arrested and kept prisoner not to be freed till the two Capigi were released Now that Valachia Moldavia yea and Transilvania are continually tost and turmoild the Sultan imployes all his thoughts how to make himself Soveraign of these Provinces and to possess all betwixt Danubius the Sarmatian Mountains the River 〈◊〉 and the Euxine drawing Forces about Belgrade under Bassa Belzergi commanding the Tartars to enter Moldavia and sending a Fleet towards the mouth of Danubius which made the Frigots of Russia to dislodge Bator of Transilvania was then besieging Cromstad but through the tediousness thereof he sent Giezy Embassador to the Sultans Port to demand succours from him against the Town who practised Treason against Bator to make the Sultan absolute Soveraign of Transilvania they concluding Belzergi should enter it with his Army and Giezi to joyn with him with some Troops and to deliver to him Varadin Lippa and some other strong places for which he should have Bator's place and under the Authority of Achmat. But the crafty Bassa of Buda hearing that Bator had some vent of this practise that he being now in great fear had raised his siege and was read to crave relief from the Palatine of Hungary and finding that to depose Bator would be more difficult than they expected diverted Belzergi ftom attempting any thing against him it was also said that the Bassa would not attempt any thing in Transilvania by reason of the Election of the Emperour Matthias whereof the Bassa of Buda was assured by his Embassador sent with the Presents to the Sultan who was honourably entertained by him at Buda and safely conducted to Constantinople Belzergi Bassa hearing that Constantinople had been in Poland to crave assistance resolved to 〈◊〉 his forces toward Moldavia But we must know that in one thousand six hundred and eight Jeremy Prince of Moldavia dying committed the Government to his Brother Simeon during the minority of his three Sonnes Constantine the eldest being but eight years old His three Daughters married three Polonian Princes Simeon governed till 1611 who deceasing young Constantine by his Mother's perswasion entred the Government at which time there was at Constantinople one Stephano or Tomsho who had long practised the favour of Mehemet a Visier Bassa and Chimacham and of some others by money and otherwise falsly suggesting he was the Sonne of Aaron who had been Vayuod before Jeremy and he so prevailed that the grand Seignior admitted him to the Principality and the Visier informing him that Constantine had rashly thrust himself into the Government nor would own him for his Soveraign nor pay the 4000 Chequines yearly Tribute he sent Fousseyen Aga with 20000 Turks and Tartars to expel 〈◊〉 and settle Stephen or Tomsho who marched so secretly that they had almost surprized him yet with 10000 men he would attend the issue The Aga let him know his Commission threatning if he would not let him proclaim Stephen Vayuod and yield him the City Yas he would cut him in pieces Constantine answered by Potoskies advice The Sultan was abused for if he understood that his Predecessor had granted to Jeremy and Simeon that he should succeed his Father ' 〈◊〉 not credible he would seek to dispossess him without hearing and put in his place one who had falsely supposed himself the Sonne of Aaron neither had he refused the Sultan for his Soveraign or denied the wonted Tribute but if the Aga would needs proceed he hoped the true God of Battail would not suffer an Usurper to prevail over a lawful Prince Fousseyen being corrupted by Stephen with Presents and promises advanced so that next day they joyned Battel but the Moldavians opprest with multitude could not make it good Potoskie intreated Constantine to save himself and let him finish the Battel but he would not be perswaded so they both charged again and defeated many of the Turks Forces but through a supply of 2000 Horse they were forced to yield to their enemies mercy Constantine sell to the Tartars share but as they led him away he lept into the River Niestre either to save himself or not to survive the disgrace Potoskie was kept in the black Tower at Constantinople till 1616. So none daring to oppose Fousseyen's forces he proclaimed Stephen Prince of Moldavia in the City Yas and
poisoned him seizing upon his Realm The King of Fez seeing afar off this Tempest the fear of the like calamity much afflicted him but the Xeriffs with the fourth part of the rich spoiles lull his distrust asleep sending him also the Tribute due for Morrocco Hamet is called King of Morrocco Mahomet King of Sus and by a good mutual Intelligence became fearfull to all those Countries and then plainly denied the King of Fez the Tribute of Morrocco saying They were issued from Mahomet's line The King of Fez seeing the Xeriffs had abused the liberty he gave them besieged the City Morrocco with 18000 men but he was chased away and his Army defeated at the passage of a River Then these two Brethren through peace and idlenesse quarrelled and fought where Mahomet after 2 bloudy Battels took Hamet depriving him of his Realm made him die in prison Then he turned the Arms wherewith he had vanquished his elder Brother against the King of Fez vanquishing and taking him and depriving him both of Realm and Life Thus the Xeriffs became Soveraigns of Fez and Morrocco These Victories made Mahomet fearfull but his posterity was miserable for Cidan was expelled by his Brother Kequi but afterwards Kequi was defeated by Cidan and forced to save his life in 1610 in Algarbe in Kequi's son hereupon retires towards the Mountains in Sus making daily incursions upon his Uncles Territories with 4000 Arabians Horse and Foot that joyned with him but finding this too long a course for Conquest he made use of a Prophesie forged in his ambition and to work an Impression in the peoples minds he sent some religious Mahometans to preach from place to place that one Flaquere of a holy life gave a son of his a Drumm of admirable Virtue commanding him to keep it carefully till a Prince called Abdalla expelled by the injustice of his own bloud should come into Morrocco and then he should beat it and the people might safely go to war at the sound thereof that it should give peace to the Realm and settle all its Customs and ancient Laws Which Prophesie they said was now accomplished This encreased Abdalla's party Wherefore Cidan sent a great Army against him into Sus under Alcas Elmy to hinder his progress upon whose approach Abdalla retiring towards the Mountains thence so charged the Enemy that he in few dayes cut off 5000 whereby his Troops daily encreasing Cidan must go against him with new Forces defeating and shying him in 1612. Gotardus writes that this miraculous Abdalla whom he calls Muley Hamet was charmed with devillish-Incantations freed from all outward Force carrying himself for a Divine Prophet he instancing in sundry prrticulars concerning him Yet having gotten some Victories against Cidan and taken the Town of Morocco in the end his Art failing him he was slain as aforesaid In Algier a wondrous drought had so devoured the Fruits of the earth as there was an exceeding Famine throughout the Land the Turks ascribing the cause sometimes to their sins then to the Moors who came out of Spain and sometimes to the licentiousness of Christians in those places Wherefore the Judge ordered all Turks to pray devoutly to their Prophet for Rain the Moors to depart within 3 dayes on pain of death and all Christians to shave their Heads and Beards which was speedily executed But the Moors who through sickness or otherwise could not depart Algier at that time were cut in pieces For 13 dayes the Turks made Processions without Turbants crying and howling for rain but God held the pipes of Heaven yet stopped Bernard Murroy of the Order of Redemption of Captives hearing the Turks would revenge their miseries upon them and ruin a little Chappel which the Christian slaves had in the prison obtained through the French Consull leave from the Dovan or Judge to make Processions and to pray to God for the dew of Heaven They so continued 5 dayes but on the 4th day May 8. there fell abundance of Rain so that they seeing their prayers heard in midst of the Enemies of their Faith gave exceeding thanks to God Yet were these sleaves still detained by this accident Murroy with 2 others of the same Order had redeemed 136 but being ready to embarque them the Galleys of Genoa landed some men nigh Algier taking the Bassa's Son with many Turks and a very fair Slave a Virgin of Algier of a Noble Family and when the rest were redeemed by a Frigat sent by the Bassa the Virgin was detained by a Genoway-Captain who retired into an adjoyning Isle there to satisfie his desires with more ease upon her Whereupon the Bassa of Algier put the 136 slaves again into Irons with those 3 that redeemed them However the Genowayes flattering his lust say His desire to win her to God and make her a Christian made him to keep her so carefully But a Capuchin Florentine Fryer lost his life at Tunes by the cruelty of the Moors retired thither out of Spain He being a slave daily waited for mony to redeem him but one day disputing with a Morisque about Christian Religion he said among divers Turks His Religion was better than Mahomets which being reported to the Cadi they prest him with such clamours that he sentenced the Capuchin to death so they stripping him naked led him thorow Tunes out of the Town some spitting in his Face others casting dirt at him then tying him to a post and a Morrabour or religious Turk saying He that gave him not one blow with a stone should be no good Turk they stoned him to death burning his Body and throwing the ashes into the wind After this 4 French-men slaves in the Island Chios in the chief Galley belonging to the Governour or Bey resolved to carry that Galley with themselves into some Port of Christendom drawing to their party the Captain being a Florentine Renegado they were to do it when they went to cut wood but the Scribe either through treachery or indiscretion being on Land said aloud Hoe we shall return into Christendom A Turk near reported these words to the Patron who presently apprehending the Scribe drew from him the whole enterprize sending 100 men to seize upon the four French slaves and the Captain but these 5 made such resistance that if the other slaves who were most Moldavians or Borderers on the Black-sea had had courage their design had well succeeded yet they slew 15. wounding many the French men were all slain and the Florentine taken whom they continued 6 hours in most violent torments he still calling upon Jesus Christ even to the last gasp and detesting the falshood of Mahomets Law this was in Octob. A little before the States of the United Provinces and Count Maurice seeing the losses of their Ships in the Mediterranean and a great number of their men made slaves sent Cornelius Hage Embassadour to Constantinople who being forced to fetch a great circuit because of some creatures to the Pope and
sent a Troop of Cossacks to discover who brought word the Enemy was ranged in Battel having 20 Cannons in front Yet Alexander was not much amazed because the General of Artillery had assured him he would annoy his men as little as he could desiring to serve him and so be revenged of Stephano who had beheaded his Brother in Law upon a false suspect Stephano to discover the Princes Army sent 1200 Tartars and 2 or 300 Moldavians who being seen a far off in that plain Alexander sent 500 Cossacks and 400 Polonian Lances to encounter them who at first seemed to retire to draw them by degrees from their Camp and being about a League off stood thinking they durst not charge them but they fell so upon them that they slew most of them not above 5 or 600 escaping to their Camp causing great amazement The Princes Army was much encouraged hereby increasing daily as is usual in civil Warre Presently after the Prince meaning to advance toward the Enemy his fore-ward was stayed by 1000 Horse who had seized on a narrow passage betwixt a Poole and a Marish but certain Moldavians advising to send some Horse by an unknown way to surprise them behind the Cossacks speedily went Moldavians guiding them who coming undiscovered within 50 paces charged them and being seconded by the fore-ward of the 1000 Horse there returned not above 50 to their Camp Alexander now coming with his Army within Cannon-shot Visnoviskie thought they must make an inclosure with Carts having no retreating place within 10 Leagues which Stephano discovering shot through that Fort some being flain and some hurt the Prince answered him but to small purpose night surprizing them and having but 8 small Pieces Visnoviskie spent the night in encouraging his Souldiers from their former encounters against their Enemies who though more in number yet were most Peasants which successes were assurances that God would use them to punish the tyrannies of Stephano and then every one should return loaden with rich spoils and recompences from Alexander Hereat the Souldiers all protested rather to die than fail of their duties the Princess also comforted the Colonel and Captain with the intelligence from the Generall of the Artillery Next day while they put their Armies in Battel Alexanders men had the odds in divers skirmishes Visnoviskie was Alexanders Generall as most capable who seeing Stephanoes Horse in three Squadrons and the Tartars most advanced ordered the Cossacks to encounter them discreetly done for they both charge freely are covered with but skins of Beasts to seem as fearful as they can observe no order using cries fearful to the unaccustomed and being broken seldom return to charge The Polish Lanciers called Housarskie being 1500 well armed and led by Coreskie were set on the right hand against 3000 Horse the Hungarian Foot about 3000 were in midst of the Army with the Cannon upon a little Hill on the left were the other Chivalry led by Alexander and Visnoviskie the Baggage being a little behind in the Camp Stephano disposing his Army began about nine in the morning to play with his Cannon but the Bullers flew over Alexanders men who thereupon bad the Cossacks charge the Tartars whom they defeated at which time 2000 Horse charging the Foot that guarded Stephano's Cannon slew most taking the rest and so possest his Cannon who seeing his Infantry also indangered caused 3000 Horse to advance but Coreskie charged them so furiously that he slew almost half and routed the rest Presently after another Squadron followed whereupon Coreskie seeing his men wearied and tired retired towards his Camp Then came Alexander and Visnoviskie to encounter these and that with the more courage because sure that Stephano was there during this quarter of an houres charge Coreskie breathed collecting what men he could to succour those in fight who were almost tired and Alexander far ingaged who now recovering their Forces their amazed Enemies that were alive were put to flight But Stephano a coward had retired to the rest of his Foot who had not yet fought seeming rather to die there than flee yet seeing the issue of this last charge he soon fled having not struck a stroak The Foot that remained about 4000 yielded to mercy crying aloud God save Alexander Vayuod of Moldavia That day Prince Alexander entred into Yas and in the Castle was proclaimed by all the Boyers Vayuod which before he would never accept of Next day hearing that many of the chief of Yas were fled into Mountains and Forrests to attend the event he sent Boyers to invite them home with all assurance causing part of his Army to be quartered in the Countrey and 500 Horse and 1500 Foot under Coreskie were sent to Vasseloy for that Stephano had fled that way and might return Some of the Artillery were sent into Poland some put into the Fort of Cochina as it were the Arsenall of Moldavia Alexander called his chief Nobles to Counsel to resolve what to do to maintain him in his Estate who concluded among other things he should send an Embassador to the G. Seignior to let him know he never intended to take Arms against him but was sought to by the Boyers for the unspeakable cruelties of the Vayuod Stephano c. they were also to inform him that Stephano had 〈◊〉 suggested that he was Sonne to a Prince of Moldavia that he was not truly informed that his predecessors had promised Jeremie and 〈◊〉 that his Sons should succeed him if not unworthy and did pay the yearly Tribute which was offered by 〈◊〉 to Houssine Aga Alexander promising to pay it hereafter and if need were to give his Brother Bougdan as a pledge during the first year The Embassadors going by Transilvania lest they should be hindered by Men of Warre then troubling all Thrace came to Buda and went to salute that Bassa who being a special friend to Stephano imprisoned them and then sent them to Braille whither Stephano had fled who they say gave him 15000 Chequines reward causing their Heads to be cut off one night after Supper and their bodies to be cast into Danow whereby the Sultan was not truly advertised of passages in Moldavia and Alexander's offers so that he sware his ruine Stephano with 4000 men from Michna Vayuod of Valachia and the reliques of his scattered Forces marcht towards Moldavia wherefore Coreskie was sent with 6000 Horse to Ticouch a strong Frontier Town Alexander and Visnoviskie staying at Yas to prevent all alterations in favour of Stephano Within few dayes the Prince hearing that those of Horreova a small Countrey in Moldavia had joyned with a great Troop of Tartars to come and invest him sent Visnoviskie to encounter them who meeting them two Leagues off the City slew half of them and put the rest to flight a great number were taken the Horreoveans being brought to Yas as in triumph 800 Tartars and others were found slain and but 50 Polonians with some 100 hurt Alexander
gave thanks to God and were very joyfull Soon after News came to Yas that the Sultan had appointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Moldavia much better than Valachia sending Skinder Bassa with a powerful army to settle him and expel Alexander And June 25. 1616. he came to Tergovist where was Michna with great preparations the Bassa entred with 30 or 40 Musicians on horseback making but silly musick and many Pages who for cloaks ware Leopards Lions and Tigers skins his army being about twenty thousand men Turks and Tartars to whom Michna joyned with ten thousand horse and 〈◊〉 Being come into the Castle after many complements the Bassa and Michna entred into a great Hall where he presented him his Letters Patents and a Robe his Master had sent him Michna putting it on in presence of his Nobles and being proclaimed Prince and Vayuod of Moldavia with many ceremonies Then Michna led the Bassa into another great Hall where was a Feast prepared offering to serve him but he made him sit down right against him July 2d they marched into Moldavia but the Princess Alexanders Mother maintained that the Bassa came onely to bring the Patents to her Son by reason of Bassa's former Letters was the cause of their utter ruine About which time Zolchelchy the Polish Kings General through Envie and private Interest wrote to Michna and the Bassa if they would promise him to procure the eldest Son of Simeon living with him to be Prince of Valachia he would so weaken Alexander's Army that he must yield or flee which granted he wrote to some Cossack Captains to come speedily into Poland to go with Uladislam their Kings Son chose Duke of Muscovie who would go thither with a great Army through some crosses and they should be very well paid Wherefore concealing that Invitation they began to mutiny saying If they had not money speedily they would be gone 8000 of whom went early in the morning with great store of cattel and the spoils they had gotten Likewise Bicho Alexanders General whether through fear or being corrupted retired toward the Enemy with two thousand horse Hereupon many advised Alexander to retreat yea Michna for fear of his false Prophets fore-warning wrote and advised him to retire into Poland before his Army approached nearer Alexander went to counsel July 25. but they could not resolve most of the Army demanding their pay or they would not fight which they took for a pretext of retreating The mean while Michna's Vanguard of Tartars approaching made them march from Yas towards Cochina but the Tartars having notice went and charged them in the Rear where Potoskie having slain many with his own hand was at last slain with an arrow ' Tischevich coming speedily with a Troop of Cossacks suriously slew 800 Tartars on the place routing the rest Alexander answered Michna's Letter That contrary to his promise he had craved aid of the Turks to dispossess him of Moldavia to which his predecessors never laid claim neither could they according to the Laws and Conventions when the Moldavians submitted to the Sultan none to be Vayuod there unless there born also he minded him that he might have dispossessed him of Valachia when he entred Bonza which he would not sending him all his rich moveabls and that if he abused his present Power God would not let him go unpunished and though his Army were far lesse than his yet he feared them not putting his chief confidence in the Almighty who had used them oft to abate the Turks Pride which he should abhorre if a true Christian rather than joyn to satisfie his ambition Skinder Bassa seeing this Letter and incensed Commanded his Lievtenant to pursue the Poles with 12000 choyse Men who being then at Cotnard Alexander hereupon made them advance towards 〈◊〉 at which time Cherban's Chancellour who came with 150 Horse to assure him that his Master was coming with 5 or 6000 to ayd him was pursued by the Turks near Yas onely himself and one more escaping So that Alexander could have no sure News of Cherban Coreski also who stayed with 2500 Horse not far from Cotnard was encountred by a great Troop which he could not discover for a little Mountain he charged some of them But one Troop being defeated another succeding he must retreat yet he slew almost 6000 Enemies not above 250 of his own being lost The Turkish Commander amazed hereat collecting his Men joyned with 15000 others sent from Yas approaching very near to the Polonians where encouraging his Men he sent a Challenge to Coreski by a Captain whom he confest the most Valiant of all the Polonians who coming and delivering his Charge Coreskie though he could not stand or sit on Horse-back for his wounds would have accepted the Challenge if Alexander and the rest had not caused him to excuse himself through indisposition shewing what the event of such a Combat did import the Princesses also instantly intreating and his dearest Spouse who was much afflicted for his wounds Tischevich intreated leave of Alexander that he might accept thereof for his cousin Coreskie which grantred he sent to know if the Turks General would own it which he did knowing what Tischevich was The Combat was to be betwixt the Armies within a quarter of a League of each other and neither Party to be assisted The Turks General being about 50 paces from his Army washed his Mouth Eyes Nose Ears and privy Parts believing after his Law that it would serve as a purifying then praying toward the East and so mounting richly Armed and Furnished marched softly towards Tischevich who attended him they began with Bowes and Arrowes not hurting each other till Tischevich shooting the Turk thorow with a Petronel in his striving to rise he rodd over him wounding him in the right Arm and at next blow slew him then cutting off his head he carried it to Alexander The Poles were very joyful and the Turks much amazed advertising the Bassa and Michna they must bring all the Army and Cannon if they would be revenged In the mean time Bicho the Traytor with 2000 Tartars and Moldavians got before the 〈◊〉 to hinder their passage from Cotnard to Michna's Army investing them on the right hand and the Turks behind so that they had but on the left a Wood to favour their retrait who being so invironed Resolved to Fortifie themselves with their Ca t s and Carriages but they were but 5 or 6000 to 22 or 23000 as they were thought to be true Cherban and Bossi were within 2 dayes journey with 10 or 12000 Men which made the Enemy the more to advance who coming near their Camp and desiring onely to take the Princes and Princesses prisoners with the chief Nobles summoned the Polonians to deliver them into their hands the rest to depart with Bag and Baggage But they all answered They would rather die than commit such base treachery Hereupon some Canons were discharged a great number of Poles being slain and wounded
restored to Muleasses They declaring that whole war shewed there wanted neither valour nor direction but only fortune Solyman accepted their excuse taking them up prostrate at his feet commending them c. bidding them be of good cheer saying he would find occasion for them to recompence that disgrace c. Coming to Bosphorus strait Abraham had in sign of triumph caused along the shoar Persian-silk to be laid for him to tread upon as he went aboard the Galley whence he passed over with triumph to Constantinople Envy soon discovering in Court Solymans changed countenance on Abraham some now sought by all secret means to work his confusion especially Solyman's mother and Roxalana who perceived her design of preferring her own son Bajazet to the Empire after Solymans death was much crossed by him who most sought for Mustapha's preferment the eldest son by another woman but that which most impaired his credit with Solyman was a report raised that he in heart a Christian did in all things favour such and therefore perswaded Solyman to undertake the Persian war and to encrease the su pition that he about that time caused one Nicholas a Venetian Merchant who came to him oft while at Babylon with secret Letters c not unsuspected to be murthered in the night and cast into the sea because he should not discover that which might hurt him Abraham being bid to a supper about March 14. it 's said after supper Solyman fell into a great rage with him for mis-governing the State turning his Treasures to his own private and having traiterous intelligence with Christian Princes sternly shewing him for proof his own intercepted Letters often furiously asking him if he knew not that hand and seal all which he confessed craving pardon at his feet yet the same night as he was slumbering on a Pallare in the Court through heavinesse an Eunuch cut his throat with a crooked knife which Solyman himself delivered him He was murthered sleeping because Solyman had sworn to him he would never kill him whilst he lived the Mufty saying he might kill him sleeping being then accounted as dead c It s reported Solyman looking on his dead body bitterly cursed it causing it to be cast into the sea with a great weight tied on it His abundance of wealth being next day seized on and a small part appointed for his Wife the vulgar devising on him infamous songs and slanderous reports as of a Traytour defacing with stones and mire the Trophies of the Hungarian Victory which he had most statelily erected before his sumptuous House He was murthered March 15 1536 It was commonly reported and justly feared that Barbarussa would the next Summer with all his Forces invade Sicily Italics Garnerie and then attempt the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples To represse which and for safety of the Christian's Frontiers much subject to the Rapines of Turkish Pirates Charls the Emperour whilst Solyman was busied yet in the Persian wars resolved in person with a puissant Army to passe into Africk and to dispossesse the Pirate of his new-got Kingdom of Tunis Wherefore he levying 8000 foot and 7000 Horse in Spain came to Barcelona before expectation Among many Nobles there was chiefly Ferdinand Duke of Alba whose forwardnesse with desire to revenge his Father Garcias's death slain by the Moors at Girapolis made his Countrey-men hope he would prove a worthy Chieftain as he did Auria the while alone knowing the Emperours full purpose had with speed rigged up a great Fleet of Ships and Galleys very well furnished joyning also 17 Galleys and 3 Galleasses of his own and embarquing therein the Flower of Genna and Liguria they cheerfully offering themselves and coming to Barcelona whither came also Lewis the King of Portugal's Brother whose sister Charls had married with 25 Caravels ships used in their Indian Voyages one being a huge Galleon wherein were 2000 Portugals besides Marrinets also 60 sayl of tall Ships out of the Low-countries with a number of condemned men spared to serve in the Galleys Also Pope Paul the 3d. sent 10 Galleys under Sursinus and the Master of Malta sent his Fleet also Then did Davalus Vastius the Emperour's Land-General take up 5000 new Souldiers in Italy led by the Count of Sarne and other famous Captains The old Spanish Garrisons in Lombardie were there left under Leva though the Emperour's best Commander he not daring so well to trust the French and Swissers who were so near that Countrey Then also came old Eberstern to Vastius with 8000 Germans to Genua divers serving voluntarily of their own charges With these and the Italians Vastius embarquing at Portus Veneris in Liguria had perswaded them patiently to endure the Sea and to comfort themselves with the hope of Victory in Africa c. So coming to Naples the Viceroy and divers Nobles had of their own charges built or furnished some one Galley some more for that service accounted sacred both the old Souldiers and lusty youths of that Kingdom won by Vastius's courtesie most cheerfully offering themselves but some mutinous Souldiers found fault with their wages and weary of the Sea fearing dangers in so long a Voyage perswaded the multitude to run away the Authors of which mutiny Vastius thrust into sacks and cast into the sea in their sight So from Naples he came to Palermo in Sicily The Emperour also came from Barcelona to Mago port in Minorca Isle thence to Caralis in Sardinia whither Vastius was a little before come Charls ere long passed with a Westerly wind into the Port Utica or Farina in Africk in entring whereof the Emperours Galley struck on the sand sticking fast which troubled him the more seeing his Father Philip was so like to be cast away on Englands coast sayling out of the Low countries into Spain yet by Aurias's direction they quickly got off to all their great joy So departing from Utica he doubled the Promontorie of Carthage anchoring before Aquaria or the Water-Castle so called of a Well beneath it The Moors who from Hills and Watch Towers had viewed the Fleet and its course advertised Barbarussa that the Christians were coming against him with an innumerable Fleet for they were almost seven hundred sayl 82 being great Galleys but he was most troubled hearing often that the most mighty Christian Emperour was personally there with such a world of people that Italy and Spain seemed to be left bare of able men which certain Mahometans slaves swimming ashoare in the night reported for the proud Turks never thought the Emperour would have so adventnred especially in an unknown barren and scorching Countrey c. wherein he was confirmed by Prefenda a German who was a prisoner at large in Tunis of whom Barbarussa 〈◊〉 him with hope of liberty if he would declare had learned many things but now in his rage he charging him bitterly that he had persidiously told him lies for truth concerning the Emperour commanded him to be execused Then forthwith
casting about how to withstand his puissant enemy he first of all calling to Council his Sea-Captains in whom he most confided shewed them that they as valiant men and acquainted with dangerns were not to doubt of the Victory since he saw it as good as already gotten having before for the same reasons perswaded himself that if Charls had not be in half mad he would not have undertaken so desperate and doubtful a Warre and encouraging them in a short speech most earnestly required this one thing that they should most valiantly defend the strong Castle of Guletta as the most assured defence both of the City the whole Kingdom and especially their Navy which lay there in safe harbour c. They all answered they would most chearfully perform what ever he pleased to command nor to do any thing unbeseeming most valiant men Guletta Castle stands in the bottom of Carthage-Bay on a point of Land where the Sea on the side by a narrow strait runneth into Tunis-Lake but now the Castle is parted on the West side also by the Sea begun by Barbarussa but perfected by others commanding both sides He now put into it strongly fortified Sinan of Smyrna a Jew of greatest account Haidinus for his fury surnamed Caccia Diabolo Salec of Ionia Tabacches of Laodicea and Giaffer a Captain of the Janizaries most expert and resolute Captains The Emperour commanded his men to be landed with all speed which was so done that the Moores terrified with their cry and not able to abide their shot were beaten from shoare suffering them to land quietly first the Spanish then the Italians and last the Germanes whom Vastius caused presently to encamp strictly charging none to straggle till the Horse and Ordnance were landed the Emperour chearfully landing also Vastius the while sent out some to view the neer places and se k out the Cisterns and Fountains of waters once serving Carthage with whom the Moores chiefly the swift subtile and painful Numidian Horsemen oft skirmished and though but naked yet on all advantages furiously assailed them with Arrows and Darts unawares and overloaded with Armour sparing none that fell into their hands two of whom were Spinnula a Ligurian Captain and Noble Carectus slain by Vastius's side as they viewed notwithstanding Charls himself would needs with a small Troop view the places even in sight of the Numidians every where pricking up and down though he was often perswaded not to expose himself to endanger his person and the common safety Vastius brought the Army nigh the Castle casting up a rolling trench as he came to defend his men which was done by all sorts yea many Captains set to their hands for the Emperour was a beholder and chearful commender of labour and forwardness and the busie enemy ever ready to take advantage oft sallying out and defying them even at their very Trenches When all Commanders were to be appointed to their several charges the Count of Sarne requested Vastius to have the Mount neerest the Castle a place of most danger but of greatest honour whereat the Spaniards much repined he set up his rich Tent on the top of the Mount in the enemie's sight there laying with his Italians Ere long Salec with some Companies salsied forth upon that Mount as if he would have assailed it raising a great Alarm yet after Vollies of shot on both sides he retired as if constrained whereupon the Count bitterly in rage reproving some Captains not so forward to pursue them ran furiously down the rest for shame following him slaying divers enemies Salec now turning about said to his Souldiers The wished advantage is now offered c. wherefore shew your selves valiant not letting one of these proud fresh-water Souldiers escape alive or unwounded which said they making a stand so hardly charged the Italians that they fled The Count fighting valiantly with his Kinsman was slain with many others and others slain in flight the Turks entring so far into the Trenches that they carried away the riches of the Count's Tent No Spaniard once stirring out of their places to help the Italians His Head and right hand Salec sent to Barbarussa Vastius comforted the grieved Italians imputing that losse onely to the Count's rashness for which he had worthily payd the price but he sharply reproved the Spaniards as merciless men c. The Turks by often great shot shewed joy for this Victory but Tabacches soon after sallying out in day-dawning got to the top of the Spaniards Trenches before they were aware slaying some sleeping some idly sitting others arming themselves who with their sudden cry made the rest which lay near to flee out of their Trenches where the Turks taking their trash slaying and wounding many with Mendosa a Captain carried away Sarmentus's Ensign on the top of the Trench The Alarm caused the Emperour to come running in his Armour sharply reproving them who forsook the place and greatly offended with those who kept such negligent watch against such an enemy This disgrace of the old Spaniards well comforted the Italians The tumult appeased Vastius calling their chief Captains into his Tent said He was sory and ashamed to say it They who elsewhere alwayes valiant were grown wholly out of order and heartless c. the Italians worthily laughing at their negligence who yesterday smiled at their unskilful forwardness Wherefore he exhorted and straightly commanded them speedily to prepare their Minds and Weapons for atchieving some new honour c. They all answered they would so behave themselves that he should not desire greater courage c. in men desirous of honour and commendation 'T was not long but Giaffer of exceeding courage and strength issued forth with Janizaries and Moorish Archers about noon assailing the utmost Trenches hoping in that broyling heat to find them unprepared The Spaniards then kept such negligent Watch that they discharged their shot and Arrows on them from the rampiers top before they were well aware but the Drum striking up some Harquebusiers brake out in two places at once as Vastius had commanded seconding them with Halbardiers keeping his Squadrons to rescue his Harquebusiers if they were forced to retire The Skirmish was valiantly maintained on both sides till Giaffer desperately fighting among the foremost Janizaries was slain with two Bullets at once for whole body the Janizaries most cruelly fought many being slain on both sides upon the carcase at length being forced to flee they were so fiercely followed that they of Guletta shut out almost a fourth part of their own men lest the Christians should enter with them Abila an Ensign-bearer advanced his Ensign to the top of a Rampier and was slain but his Ensign was saved by a Souldier Upon their retreat they lost most for the Turks discharged their shot on them very fast which they could not before for their own men This abated the Turk's pride and gave hope the Castle would be gained without great losse perceiving being nigh