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
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
talk with the enemy bending his Artillery upon the Turks and seeing his men timorous he reproved them of cowardise and treason threatning them with shameful death if they held not out to the utmost c. But they misdoubting by the Turks running to and fro that the Castle was undermined at least imagining to smell the sent of Gunpowder were struck with such fear that nought could sâ—ay them but they would needs deliver up the Castle which when they could not perswade the resolute Captain to consent unto but sternly exclaiming against them they bound him hand and foot presently concluding with the enemy to yield so they might depart with bag and baggage and they about 700 about to depart towards Possonium and the Janizaries loosing the Captain were about to let him go also Solyman advertized of their treachery and the Captains fidelity in detestation gave them all to the Janizaries to be slain but offered Nadastus's honourable entertainment which he refusing he courteously sent him away holpen by King Johns commendation though his Sister was married to Stephen Malat his deadly enemy This bloudy execution the Turks said was not onely lawful but also to Solyman's immortal glory in the execution of justice Buda thus taken Solyman resolved forthwith to besiege Vienna the chief City of Austria sending Achomates before him with the Achanzii who running thorow Hungary and entring Austria passed by Vienna miserably burning and destroying as far as Lyntz The poor people fleeing as men and women dismayed carried with them their Children and what else they could for whatever fell into their hands was lost the old men slain the young led captive women ravished before their Husbands faces and then slain with their Children Infants ript out of their Mothers wombs others taken from their breasts were cut in pieces or thrust on sharp stake c. Solyman shortly after following them with all his Army took Altenburg Castle by the way commanding 300 of the Bohemians there in Garrison to follow his Camp He also assaulted the little City Neapolis 7 times in one day still repulsed but he forsook that and came to Vienna Septemb. 26. incamping in 5 places about it with such a multitude that from the highest Tower thereof the ground seemed to be covered 8 miles space with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 people Ferdinand besides his own forces not 〈◊〉 to oppose so mighty an enemy had craved ayd of Christian Princes his Neighbors chiefly those of the Empire who appointed Frederick Palatine of Rhexe and 〈◊〉 of Bavaria their General but the Germanes after their manner slowly serting forward Solyman the while had so belayed the City that Frederick could not get into 〈◊〉 but stayed with his Army at Chremse about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 off yet a few dayes before 20000 Horse and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come to Vienna their chief Commanders being Philip the Palsgrave Fredericks Nephew sent thither a little before by his Uncle with a few Companies of Horse and 〈◊〉 Nicholaus Count of Salma the Lord 〈◊〉 John Cazzianzer a Croatian Noble with four others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and valour of great account Vienna was somewhat strong toward the North by reason of Danubius but in other places the Ditches were drie easie to be passed the walls of Brick round without Flankers neither high nor thick neither had they as men secure cast up any rampire or Bulwark unless at the Gate of Carinthia so that of 100 great pieces and 300 others lesse a great part were of no use yet as the sudden coming of the enemy gave leave they cast up Bulwarks and planted their Ordnance thereon Abraham Bassa encamped on a Hill where stood a ruinous Castle whence he might overlook all the City yet laying out of danger of Gunshot Becrambeius lay at the Gate Purgatoria toward the Hill's rising lay Michael Ogli At the Scottish gate towards Danubius lay the Asapi with divers Companies of Janizaries who powred such showers of shot and Arrowes into the City that none could appear on the walls without danger or 〈◊〉 in the City unarmed but he was wounded Solyman lay nigh St. Marks Temple compassed with his Janizaries and Court-Souldiers defended also with the brick walls of the Gardens the Defendants sallying often out slew many while thus encamping in one of which sallies Hagen with certain old Spanish Souldiers was slain fighting valiantly at the Castle Gates and in another Zetlitz sallying out with 500 Horse even to their Trenches was taken with six others whom the Turks compelled to carry so many Heads of their slain fellows on poles and so presented to Solyman of whom he enquired many things concerning Ferdinand and where he was and whether the Princes within hoped to defend the City against his power Zetlitz answered though not so truly that Ferdinand lay not far of at Lintz expecting a great Army and that divers Princes were coming to him with great ayd And as for the Princes in the City he knew they and all the Souldiers were solemnly sworn not to give it over to the last man But as for him and the others taken with him they were in his power to kill or save yet he granted them their lives and liberties charging them to wish the Defendants in his name to yield the City which it was impossible for them long to defend against his mighty power c. and to accept before too late of safe departure with bag and baggage for he was resolved not to depart before he had taken it So he sent them away with three Hungarian Duckats a man They being received into the City related the threatnings and proud speeches of the Turk which they so disdamed as to send him no answer whereat he displeased deridingly sent them word if they wanted help he would send them the 300 Bohemians taken in Altenburge Castle who answered they needed none from him therefore he might dispose of his prisoners as he saw good wherefore he began to batter the walls with such Ordnance as he brought with him which being not great did not much harm more than to beat down the battlements of Timber hanging over the walls for small shot to play out of His great Artillery was coming up Danubius but Wolfgangus Hoder going out of Possonium with certain small Vessels set upon the Turks with such resolution that slaying many of them he sunk amongst other Vessels those battering-pieces with the Boats that brought them so losing a few men he returned with Victory the City hereby being delivered of a great danger yet another part of the Turks Fleet at the first coming up to Vienna brake down all the Bridges which joyned divers Islands together made by Danubius over which is the way from Austria unto Vienna and so kept the passage that none by land or water could go in or out without danger Solyman now fell to undermining the City which was with exceeding labour and diligence attempted in 15 places but was perceived by Drums on the ground basons filled with water and
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
agreeing that since they could not withstand such an enemy or expect ayd to yield to the present necessity c. So the Duke answered him he was ready to yield to Solyman as his vassall and to hold his Seigniory of him for 5000 Duckats yearly tribute which Lutzis accepted receiving in a years tribute this yielding of Naxos was Novemb. 11th 1537. whence Lutzis returned laden with rich spoil to Constantinople who ere long fell at odds with his Wife Solyman's Sister for keeping in his House a delicate youth in whom he took more pleasure than in her she of a great spirit and knowing him by marrying her to have been of base degree advanced to the greatest honours in great rage bitterly reproved him saying she married him to be beloved and used as his Wife not to be abused by his minions whereupon he gave her a blow on the eare causing her to be shut up in her Chamber but she came weeping and complaining to Solyman requesting to be divorced from him Solyman was so incensed that he took from him his Seal and thrust him out of all and had put him to death had not his old love and friendship stayd him yet he banished him into Macedonia where he spent his life as a poor private man Solyman to entangle the Venetians in divers places at once commanded his Lieutenants bordering on their Seigniory to vex them with all hostility In Peloponesus Cassumes besieged Mauplium and Epidaurus Barbarussa surprized ancient Botrotus in Dalmatia razing it and carrying away the Citizens Ustress of Illyria took Obroatium with the Castle of Nadin in Dalmatia the Venetians requiring the like Pisaurius and Veturius took Scardona in Dalmatia's borders putting the Turks to the Sword and overthrowing the walls they sent also Ribeus to besiege Obroatium who upon the coming of Amurathes fled and lost most of his men wherefore Pisaurius had his head struck off aboard the Admiral Galley and Ursinus Governour of Jadera upon their frontiers in Dalmatia took Ostrovilla from the Turks burning it down recovering Obroatium and by the Senates Command razing it as not well to be kept The same Autumne 1537. King Ferdinand received a great and shameful overthrow by the Turks After the battel of Mohathz the Turks kept Possega of Hungary to themselves having thereby a fit passage from Belgrade further into Hungary The Rivers Savus and Dravus inclosing this rich plentiful and populous Country on both sides It bordereth upon Croatia and Corbania which in time past had continual Warres with the Turks Garrisons in Illyria and Bosna Then was Mahometes a most valiant Captain Governour of Belgrade having the keeping of those frontiers and the protection of Hungary in the behalf of King John He the year before by force and policy took from the Christians above 30 small Castles in the Countrey joyning them to the Regiment of Belgrade one whereof called Exek for his passage over Dravus into Hungary he strongly fortified whence he fetcht abundance of prey out of Ferdinands Countrey near him Yet was there then a certain League betwixt Solyman and Ferdinand which notwithstanding did bear with taking of booty and light skirmishes without a great power or Field-pieces which Matthias and his Predecessors had long used with the Turks doing a like harm with their nimble light Horse but the Germanes now serving upon great Horses with heavy Armour received great hurt by those light skirmishes Ferdinand not well brooking these injuries and finding his League with Solyman at his going into Persia to be hurtful to him determined to take up Arms that if he could drive the Turks out of Possega then to go to Buda against John There were some who wished him not rashly to take up Arms against so mighty an enemy foreseeing that Solyman so provoked would do as he had of late done against the Venetians upon a light occasion but all Ferdinands Subjects were so earnest therein that they said they would never bear Arms more against the Turks if he omitted that occasion for they of Carinthia Stiria Croatia and Noricum receiving great harms thought they might easily be expulsed from Possega since Mahometes had no great power not like to have greater Autumne being almost spent So Ferdinand with the exceeding joy of his Subjects very soon raised a good Army yet supposed more strong than numerous most being select men they were 8000 Horse 16000 Foot with store of all sorts of Artillery Cazzianzer as one of great experience and famous for the defence of Vienna Ferdinand made his General for he advised by his best friends never adventured his person in any battel chiefly against the Turks by whom many Christian Kings had been formerly vanquished and slain Mahometes hearing of this preparation against him sent for divers Companies of Garrison Souldiers upon the borders requiring ayd of the Governours the 〈◊〉 being chiefly holpen by Ustorf Governour of Bosna who sent him Amurathes with a great Company of gallant Horsemen to whom were joyned some Companies of Foot of the wild and Mountain Dalmatians kept in order by Janizaries also many out of Servia and Rascia The receiver giving those willing to serve two moneths pay before hand neither wanted he ayd from Buda so that Mahometes soon gathered an Army not much inferiour to Ferdinands expecting the enemies coming at Exek Cazzianzer come as far as Caprunza upon Dravus had before well provided for victualling his Army the chief of the Countrey by the direction of the Bishop of Zagrabia promising to serve the Camp with plenty at a very low rate which the people now hindered by Mahometes by Land and water could not perform he also alluring them for a great price ready mony to bring it to his own Camp Cazzianzer scarce came from Caprunza to 〈◊〉 Castle but about 40 miles in ten dayes for the troublesome carriage of some great 〈◊〉 pieces and they were enforced to spend the Victual provided not for the beginning but the difficulties of a long protracted War wherefore he wrote sharply to the Bishop and the rest to use all possible speed and not to let the hope of a notable Victory be lost for want of Victual and there he stayed expecting its coming sending Bachitius before with 1000 Hungarian light Horse and some Italian Harquebusiers as far as Zopia Castle by taking some prisoners to searn of the enemies purpose the Turks thinking the whole Army was at hand fired the Castle fleeing down Dravus in Boats yet Bachitius took some of them of whom Cazzianzer learned what he knew by his 〈◊〉 that Mahometes encamped at Exek resolving to give him battel who setting forward came in eight dayes to Walpo Castle where he stayed seven dayes at the River Crassus till a Bridge was made to transport his Army Entring there into often Councel for his better proceeding some said it were best to leave Exek and besiege Villach Castle thereby others more wary thought it best to stay there till the expected ayd
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
surely the Tartars sight hath so frightned this coward that he thinketh every enemy to be two Most report that Tamerlane putting the men to the sword over-ran the women and Children with his horsemen in the fields except a few for prisoners Also that Bajazet losing there his eldest son of some called Orthobules in his march hearing a Sheapheard merrily reposing himself with his pipe standing long listning with a deep sigh said Oh happy Shepheard which hadst neither Orthobules nor Sebastia to lose Yet the Turks give Orthobules lost 6 years before against Casi Buchaniden They reported 12000 in all to be in Sebastia 〈◊〉 Other Cities yielded for fear of like danger whose Citizens chiefly the Christians in respect of the Greek Emperour he courteously used c. Not gone far he was certainly advertised that Bajazet coming was within 30 Leagues of him after which he marched more closely with his his Army Axalla sent Chiansen Prince of Ciarcan with 4000 Parthian horse to know if he could of the Turks Army c. and make relation to him who sending another Parthian with 500 horse before not ridden 10 leagues but heard of Bajazet's coming and susprizing Sennas understood his Armies state so marching foreward Tamerlane commanded him not to retire till the enemies arrival seen and to give him notice every hour himself resolving not to passe further being at a large plaine and Country advantagious for battel of his Army far greater than Bajazets Yet his Army being of divers Nations and not to fight against the foft Chinois but the Turks most warlique c he thought to be well advised in proceeding Wherefore he sent for Axalla to view the place who not misliking it advised him to keep Sennas as long as possible So sending word unto them to fire it upon the enemies approach and so withdraw that the enemy not desiring there to incamp might come forward to those plaines The Turks drawing near Sennas they all retired except some 100 left to fire it which done they retired in great disorder Ciarcan dividing in two parts commanded the first to receive the 100 purposely in disorder fleeing so soon as the enemies pursued them retiring altogether Himself stood in a Valley near a wood unseen where suffering 2000 horse enemies to pass by he charged them home in the reare the retirers turning on them also who thus beset fled most being slain the rest taken prisoners who were sent to Tamerlane as a present with the Bassa of Natolia who led them whom Tamerlane demanding why Bajazet shewed such contempt of his Army c. He answered his Lord was Sun upon Earth enduring no equal that he was rather astonied to see him enterprize from so far to hinder his Lords fortune the heavens bending to further it c. that he committed great folly in resisting it Tamerlane replied he was sent from Heaven to punish his rashnesse and to teach him the proud are hated of God c. Thy self said he hast felt already my Parthians Valour against thy Turkish and I have caused him already to raise Constantinoples siege and look to his own in Asia Furthermore he demanded if his Master resolved to bid him battle Be assured said he he desires nothing more and I would I might acknowledge thee in giving me leave to assist my Lord. Go said Tamerlane and tell thy Lord thou hast seen me and he shall find me on horse-back where a green ensigne is displayed The Bassa thanking him c. and returning declared he had seen him and reported all he willed him and published his courtesie who besides liberty had given him a fair furnished horse though he were to serve against him Bajazet answered he would shortly try him hoping ere the march ended to make him acknowledge his folly Next day the 2 Armies encamped within a League where the Scythians greedy and needy talked all night of the spoile the Parthians of honour the Christians of their deliverance c. All which Tamerlane hearing rejoyced to see his Souldiers hope of Victory who after the 2 watch thought to sleep a while in his pavilion But his cares not suffering he then read as ordinary in a book of his Ancessours lives not to deceive time but to imitate and decline what they worthily did or by rashnesse c. fell into After slumbring he sent for Axalla who came with divers great Captaines with whom consulting a while he mounting sent every one to their Charges to make ready At which he heard the enemy came to take his ground whose Order he desired to see to marshal his own by Causing 3000 horse to advance to begin skirmishing himself followed to lodge every part in places foreseen for his advantage Seeing the Janizaries in a square battle in midst on the 2 fronts 2 squadrons of horse seeming 30000 and another covering the Janizaries battalion he thinking this order hard to be broken said to Axalla I thought to have fought a foot but now I see it behooves me to fight on horse-back to encourage my Souldiers to open the enemies great battalion And my will is that my men come so soon as they may for I will advance with a 100000 foot-men c. Ciarcan commanded the first 40000 horse Lord Synopes a Genovois the foremost foot Axalla over 5 squadrons of horse Bajazet's Army came bravely on towards their enemies who stirred not from their place except some light horse-men as loose skirmishing before the Armies Tamerlane had notice that Bajazet meant to fight on foot in midst of 30000 Janizaries in whom he most hoped His horse were 14000 old Souldiers The Aegyptian Sultan having also sent him 30000 Mamalukes with 30000 foot whose Army marching in one front like a half moon but not so well knit as Tamerlanes seemed almost as great as his So with horrible out-cries still advancing Tameriane standing fast with great silence Young Ciarcan with his 40000 horse was in the first encounter almost wholly overthrown by the Turks most furious charge yet fighting valiantly and entring into the midst of the Janizaries was himself slain About which time Axalla with the avauntguard cutting a wing of the enemies all to pieces and his foot joyning faced the Janizaries who 〈◊〉 behaved themselves for their Prince's safety This hard fight continued one hour not any seen scattered horse-men rushing together like mountaines men dying crying and threatning all at once Tamerlane patient the while to see the event at length his men giving ground he sent 10000 horse to joyn with the 10000 for the reare ward to assist him at need and charged himself causing the foot to charge commanded by the Prince of Thanais who furiously charged the Janizaries where Bajazet yet was in whose Army were a number of mercenary Tartars called Destenses with many 1000s taken up in exiled Princes Countries who seeing some their friends others their Natural Princes in Tamerlane's Army revolted from Bajazet Who yet with his own men and the Christians from
friends come to see thee or intreat for thee thou must needs have ill deserved of them as of others Yet if I should set thee at liberty would they receive thee as their Soveraign Bajazet answered Were I at liberty thou shouldst see that I want neither courage nor means to revenge my wrongs and to make those disobedient and forgetfull know their duties better Which made Tamerlan keep a straiter hand over him Then restoring to the Mahometan Princes Tachretin Isfendiar Germian and others all their inheritance with something more as he did divers Cities and Countreys of Natolia to the Greek Emperour for 400000 Duckats of Gold and 800000 Franks of silver yearly tribute and enriching his Army with Othoman spoiles in Asia he turned against the Aegyptian Sultan who had aided Bajazet and entring into Syria near Aleppo before yielded to him was fought a mortal battle the Sultan having an 100000 foot and 74000 horse whereof 30000 were Mamalukes Axalla with the Vant-guard hardly distressed was taken but rescued forthwith by Tamerlane who if he had not come on with fresh forces that day might have ended his good fortune After long fight 80000 being slain the Sultan fled Tamerlane pursuing him 3 leagues and sending Axalla with 40000 horse and 50000 foot to pursue along Arabia's coast himself the while with 60000 horse and 100000 foot had all Cities by the Sea coast as he went yielded to him as Magata Aman c. onely Damasco refused Prince Zamadzen strongly defending the same but Tamerlane overthrowing part of the Wall by battery won it by assault the Castle almost impregnable yet remaining but the retired multitude soon pinched with hunger and many dead the rest for their lives offered to yield to whom he would not shew mercy so that most dying the rest yielded without condition and were almost all slain Which severity made them bring the keys of their Cities to him 30 leagues off and contribution to his army Thence he turned towards Jerusalem the City driving out the Sultan's Garrison Chorazin at first stood on their guard but afterwards dismayed and submitting they found mercy where leaving certain men in garrison for repressing the troublesome Mamalukes he rode to Jerusalem to visit the Sepulchre and make his oblations where joyfully received seeking out all antiquities and conducted to all places thereabouts as Pilgrims gave to the Sepulchre and devout there many rich gifts to the contentment of all but the Jews who blamed him whom he called the accursed of God He heard the Sultan gathering his forces was in Aegypt fortifying especially Alexandria and Tamerlane's Army the while came towards Damiata which he would not leav behind him though perswaded by some as thought impregnable so commanding Axalla to set on it himself followed after Axalla declaring to the Inhabitants most Christians Tamerlane's courtesy and what Religion himself held and made many Greek Captains tell them of their misery under the Moors and Mamalukes which so prevailed that by night they mastering a quarter of the City delivered a Gate to Axalla who entring slew or took all the Mamalukes gaining the City Tamerlane yet on his march hearing of this was in good hope of a happy end in Aegypt for he knew this haven might serve him with victuals out of all Greece He left there two thousand of the Emperour's Souldiers taking Oath for obedience His Vant-guard marched towards Alexandria and passing the River turned even instantly to Cair to the Sultan's great astonishment But using diligence as Tamerlane approached he entredthe City to defend it with 40000 horse and 60000 foot whereby the City ready to revolt was again confirmed Tamerlan could not stay long before it for want of victuals yet making a great trench to cover his horse c. he drew near it giving divers on-sets to try the enemies confidence and to see the affection of the Citizens especially of the slaves to whom he promised liberty One day he shewed his Army in battle array before it to seek occasion to fight hoping also if the Sultan came forth some revolt might happen within he having made known to the Citizens he came not to hurt them but to destroy the Mamalukes But none came forth neither was any stir raised in the City for the Sultan resolved to weary him out with lying still Who resolved to force him even in his greatest Cities heart though not to be done without great adventure He purposing first to take one City for it 's divided into 3 advanced by little and little still fighting Having brought his foot to the place of onset for t was fortifyed onely with ditches and trenches he commanded the Prince of Thanais to begin with 50000 and there began a most terrible fight Axalla setching a compasse passed the trenches on another quarter of the City with small resistance leaving 30000 to fill the ditches and make way for the horse to enter advancing himself against 20000 sent by the Sultan to stop him Thanais being almost beat back by the Mamalukes But the way being made plain and 10000 horse entred who charged on their backs where the Sultan was and seconded by 10000 moe Tamerlane following with all his power the Sultan retired into the next City The fight was 7 hours above 16000 of the Sultan's being slain and betwixt 7 8000 of Tamerlane's who now sounded a retrait hoping next day to win the rest as he did For Thanais forcing their trenches in one place and Axalla in another the Sultan after a great fight abandoned the City encamping by Nilus purposing to passe it and flee to Alexandria whom Tamerlane followed with his horse and a few foot whose service he had promised to reward hardly drawn from their fellows spoiling the City against whom the Sultan opposed on a narrow cawsey 12 or 15000 slaves to favour his passage who stood fast but at length forced by their enemies increasing not without great losse they took the River with a weapon in one hand and swimming with the other to the bank The Sultan fleeing with 18000 horse not fled or drowned is reported to comforchis men saying tha they were not men but Gods that vanquished them Divers Mamalukes being taken and brought to Tamerlane he demanded if they would serve him now their Master was fled which they refused yet he freed them for their fidelity every man after 24 hours spoyl was commanded to his quarters He set all the Citizens at liberty leaving 10000 good souldiers with many others whereof he caried great multitudes c. to keep the City his Army passed the river to follow the Sultan Axalla before with the avauntguard and Chanais with the rest himself going by water greatly pleased to see the river's sometimes swist course and in an instant scarce moving The Alexandrians hearing of his coming besought the Sultan to withdraw into Lybia whither for barrenness he could not greatly follow they resolving no more to resist so great a force promising to
absence who was gone a dayes march before saw they could not shun battle yet Carambey coming down upon them put themselves in the best order they could c. Carambey sending his horse down a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was made in which many on both sides were slain The 〈◊〉 men at armes with the Hungarian light horse men fought but as how 〈◊〉 to dye The Turks stood hard to it for a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 length being hardly laied to they began to give ground Carambey coming in with new supplies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 roughly sometimes perswading fairely 〈◊〉 them that were fleeing Huniades and the Despot when they perceived the enemy a little to faint cryed 〈◊〉 Victory c. And sent some companies of foot who climbing up among the bushes paunched the Turks horses with half pikes c. as they passed by them Here began the battle to decline the bolder 〈◊〉 which were come into the Valleys compassed with the men at armes hardly recovered the hill Carambey the while performed all the parts of a Valiant and worthy Captaine and couragiously fighting in the thickest of his enemies stayed for a time the lost battle At last deceived by the snow he fell into a bogge and was taken prisoner by a common Souldier Many great ones were taken besides Carambey but more slain and most in the flight few escaped but such as fled to the mountains to them that were left to desend the passage In the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seeing such a man as Carambey though to him unknown led prisoner asked the Souldier 〈◊〉 would sell him who asked for him 10 〈◊〉 Huniades giving him 400 sent him to his tent 〈◊〉 him with chearful words The Despot coming that night to the 〈◊〉 began to talk with him in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and guessing by his talk Who he was asked Huniades how he would ransome him who said he cost him 400 Duckats but he valued him at 40000 which the Despot offered to pay The 〈◊〉 report that Uladislaus was present and commanded as chief in this battle yet Hungarian writers whose credit we follow report as before Shortly after Huniades and the Despot confulted with the King for removing the Turks Garrisons left to keep the passages and to prosecute the War Uladislaus considering the Difficulty and his Souldiers necessity thought good 〈◊〉 with to return But they the one for honour the other hoping to recover his lost Kingdome said The Turks were in any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be removed c. alleadging the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 courage of his Souldiers Whose valour lest the King should seem to distrust he commanded to set forward The Kings battle first mounted the hill often stayed by its roughnesse c. Huniades in searching found a crooked way whereby with his men he got to the top even with their enemies But being come to the desired place they found such a deep wide gaping rock 〈◊〉 as was not to be passed or filled up yet being very near they attempted by crossbow-shot c. to remove the Turks who were at first so annoyed and discomfited they were almost at the point to forsake the passe had not Alis Beg encouraged and taught them by shrowding under the broken rooks c. to save themselves from the shot Huniades had sent up other Companies by another more steep way who by too much disadvantage were easily rejected At length seeing the vain attempt and desperate danger he by the Kings command sounding a retreat retired down to the Turks rejoycing Next day the cold raging and wants increasing the King consulted with the 〈◊〉 for hasting their return into places of greater plenty whereunto 〈◊〉 now easily yielded the rest spake against it blaming them c. promising he would find money for all things needful So said the Legate also But the Souldiers could nor be perswaded to slay crying out It was not their Captaines c. but them that starved for hunger as for the Despot in hope of recovering his Kingdome he perswaded things impossible Need they said could not be vanquished but Winter past they would willingly return to the War The King sending his baggage before retired the way he came the Turks following and assayling them in the reare on both sides did and received harm The Army loaded with spoil could make no great hast and passing thorow a great thick wood full of bogs c. they left fome strong men at armes as a wall against the pursuers whom the Turks fiercely charging there was a great 〈◊〉 and tumult raised to which noise many 〈◊〉 returning in skirmishing fell into the bogs c. hardly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out Besides there were many crooked turnings c. with so sleep deseents that their horses lay heeles overhead overthrown with their Rides that they were often forced to fight on foot About 80 men at armes were lost besides the Turks slain were taken a 120 all presently slain The King fearing his Army in so long and troublesome a march should be consumed with hunger c. caused all things of the carriages and 〈◊〉 serving rather for burthen than use to be burnt all 〈◊〉 of them whom he lost as of the enemy to be 〈◊〉 and all weak beasts of burthen to be killed So the Army marched more speedily nor so much subject to 〈◊〉 At length Uladislaus arriving at Belgrade stayed some daies well to refrésh thence passing the River Savus he came to Buda of all joyfully received The Legate and Huniades went on his right hand the Despot on his left c. Before the King at his coming to the City went the notable Turks 〈◊〉 Carambey next before him bound in chaines with them also the enemies Ensigns and saved spoyles Huniades came behind the King between the Legate and Despot in a triumphant robe as next to the King best deserving c. Before all went the Prelates and Priests singing Hymns c. Uladislaus alighred at the gate going on foot to a 〈◊〉 giving there 〈◊〉 thanks and hanging up the enemies Ensigns part of the 〈◊〉 in remembrance of so notable a Victory c. Then he went to his pallace in the Castle and duely commending ever man especially Huniades gave them leave to depart Thus the Hungarians report yet the Turks dissemblers of their losses call the Bassa overthrown Cassanes and the noble prisoner Mechmet Beg Sanzacit of Ancyra called of some Carambey after his Father's name Out of this Turkish slaughter escaped that Valiant 〈◊〉 George Castriot called Scanderbeg whose mind had long desired to break out of the Turks thraldome and be revenged of Amurath's intolerable injuries being often animated thereto by secret letters and messengers from Epirus but wisely dissembled the same un o Amurath till now under the leading of Carambey in such a confusion he took occasion to put in practise what he had long plotted Scanderbeg a little before imparting the matter to some 〈◊〉 Country men especially to Amessa his brothers son of great courage had a 〈◊〉 eye on the 〈◊〉 chief Secretaries flight
〈◊〉 now they must fight for their lives liberty c. That Amurath's first pastage would be this way that the first fruits of this war is theirs that if they bear couragious hearts they might beat down the haughty enemies strength and discourage his high conceits who will not lay long here except the way-ward old man will foolishly gage all his forces for such is the scituation and strength of this City that it may easily set at naught an angry enemy Therefore to resolve with themselves c. That it seldom chanceth fortune to fail sound advice or vertue and they had all things which politick care could provide sor their safety that they might be encouraged with the very sight one of another and himself would not be far off a silent beholder and encourager of their vertue where though he might not try this wars fortun in plain field yet he would trouble the enemies designs with many a hot skirmish that he will first feed their hardiness with his base Souldiers blood the easier to entrap and oppresse their rashness but his crafty devices are by great policy and consideration to be frustrated For that victory should be to him lamentable bought with Souldiers blood c. That if they suffered not themselves to be conquered of the Sultan he would praise and honour his subjects as conquerours Having thus encouraged their minds he visited other Cities returning to his Army near Croia Amurath the mean time his Army of 150000 was assembled at Hadrianople whereof many were pioniers c. He sending 40000 Light-horsmen before him to encamp before the City Scanderbeg with 4000 horse 1000 foot took his way towards Sfetigrade strongly encamping within 7 miles thereof whence with Moses and Tanusius he went by blind waies till from the top of a hill he might discover how the enemy lay encamped returning back he the night following drawing as near the Turks as he could placed his Army in the Woods and Valleys unperceived Then he sent Moses and Musache with 30 of the best horsemen as if but common Souldiers driving horses laden with Corne by a by-way and secretly to 〈◊〉 into the City Being discovered and set upon they fled on purpose but Moses seeing themselves 〈◊〉 but with a like number returning back he slew five chasing the rest to the Campe whose Genetall sending 〈◊〉 horse to pursue them they soon recovered sight of them Moses of purpose slowly hastening the Turks drawing nigh Moses leaving the Horses fled yet drawing them on till brought where the Army lay in 〈◊〉 by whom being with great slaughter put to flight 2000 were slain and 1000 Horses taken but 22 Christians being lost Amurath came 8 dayes after the beginning of May 1449. and encamping his baser 〈◊〉 at the foot of the Hill himself lay with his 〈◊〉 c. farther off After one day he towards evening sent a Meslenger to the City to speak with the Governour whom he requested the Souldiers might goe further off having something to say to him in 〈◊〉 Perlat merrily answering said He had not learned to hear any message from his Enemy by night not at any time else out of the Garrisons hearing tomorrow if thy Master please I will heare thee at large commanding him to depart from the Walls Amurath more hoping to gaine the City by large offers than by great force dissembled his wrath sending that Messenger with a grave 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Epirus who with 5 men being received into the City and brought into Maries Temple where after insinuating eloquence he augmented the terrour of Amurath's power exhorting them to yield the City promising the Citizens to live in all respects as under Scanderbeg before that Perlat should have most honourable preferments with many rich gifts the Souldiers safely to depart whither they would and 300000 〈◊〉 among them But the Governour replied That 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 had not been delivered to resolute men it might 〈◊〉 have wrought some effect c. But since no ill 〈◊〉 of Scanderbeg's nor good desert of Amuraths 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Stranger before their naturall Prince had passed c. his Master should first proceed in his action 〈◊〉 down their Walls make havock of their men c. But it were almost to be laughed at if they should cowardly accept of these conditions before any assault given c. that Amurath had better get back to Hadrianople to spend his old years in quiet and not provoke them his fatall enemies c that he would never forget his faith given to the last drop of blood 't was reward enough to him if living to defend the City or loosing life to leave his guiltlesse soule at liberty c. Then 〈◊〉 the Bassa he led him thorow the City on purpose to shew him the store of Victualls So sending him away much discontented to his Master who exceeding wroth 〈◊〉 the City three dayes together and making a small breach he gave a most terrible assault by his common Souldiers the Asapi thereby to give easier Victory to his Janizaries and better Souldiers whilst these are slaine by 〈◊〉 at the breach the Janizaries attempted the Wall in another place who first difficultly crawling up the steep Rock then mounting their Scaling ladders they were with huge stones c. 〈◊〉 down to the bottom and miserably slain Many with their Scaling ladders were thrust from the Wall carrying others behind them with them Some taking hold of the Battlements lost fingers hands most their lives Many farther off were wounded also with 〈◊〉 The Turks discouraged began to withdraw but the Captains by exhorting and threatning some and beating others the assault was renewed not with such courage yet no lesse slaughter the defendants shouting from the Walls Amurath sent Feri Bassa with 3000 chosen Souldiers to renew the fight who without regard of danger brought them to the Walls whom the defendants overwhelmed with Stones Timber Wild-fire c. Yet Feri Bassa slew divers and had not the Governour with a fresh company speedily come to the place had entered Amurath seeing the great slaughter and no hope retired into his Campe Yet not ceasing to give the like vaine attempt The Captaine of the Janizaries perceiving a part of the City seeming impregnable to be commonly but slenderly manned told Amurath he would assay it secretly by night wherewith the King pleased it was silently put in execution The Governour advertised hereof by the watch repaired thither with a great Company beholding the Turks climbing and helping up each other by that desperate way But being come to the top of the Rock they were suddenly overwhelmed and violently forced downe most being crushed to death and many of the rest slaine with shot wherewith Amurath was exceedingly grieved Scanderbeg still removing as best served his purpose brake sometimes into one quarter of their Campe sometimes into another and was straight way gone againe Being the latter end of June come within 8 miles he sent Moses like a
by Scanderbeg encountered hand to hand and slain Wherewith the Army discouraged fled Moses and Musachius killing more in 〈◊〉 than was in battell 4120 Turks were slain and some taken but few or no Christians so that Scanderbeg accounted it a Victory given All spoile and prisoners were equally divided among the Souldiers Moses had Debrias his horse and Armour Musachius a Prisoner seeming of some account given them whose prisoner drawing 200 Duckats out of a little bag about him for his agreed-ransome Musachius told him he must provide another seeing that money was taken with his person The Turk alleadged the agreement already made which controversie Scanderbeg hearing and smiling said They contended for what was by right his for said he I gave thee Musachius the prisoner which I knew but not the mońey which I knew not of And to the Turk the concealement makes it not thine who by law of Armes hast lost thy self with all about thee Thus he brirging them both in doubt awarded Musachius the money and to the Turk his liberty who departing with his horse and Armes spake honourably of so noble a Conquerour After this Scanderbeg triumphantly returned to Croia Mahomet being very melancholly with this newes seeing the many Souldiers that returned he could not endure the sight of them The Captaines generally envied Debreas his hardinesse or hated his insolency Amesa was glad his proud successour took part of his ill fortune The men of war offered to spend their lives in that service to their revengefull King which he seeming not to refuse had yet plotted another manner of revenge whereby his Father had brought great matters to passe He hoped to find some Chiefetain in Epirus whom wealth or promotion might allure against Scanderbegs life or state Moses of Dibria accounted the next best Captain to Scanderbeg and most inward with him he most desired to alienate from him because he commonly lay in Dibria on the very frontiers Wherefore he commanded the Governour of Sfetigrade to devise by all meanes to withdraw and allure Moses promising him also great preferment if he could win him Who at last thinking upon a shrewd-headed Christian in Sfetigrade whom therefore he might use unsuspected and winning him by great gifts and promises to undertake it sent him away fully instructed who obtaining to speak with Moses in private after some discourse began to utter his poyson shewing him as from the Governour that the Turks Emperour could not but honour him though his enemie for his valour and prowesse and marvelling he could be commanded by Scanderbeg whose state was by him chiefely upholden wherèas if he would follow Mahomet he should soon find entertainment to be preferred before Scanderbegs state or if Epirus its soveraigntie better pleased him he might easily be advanced thereto by joyning to Mahomet's great power Moses praises and favour with the Turk well pleased him But the hope of Epirus Kingdome moved him more than all Yet he made no semblance of liking or disliking which the wily messenger taking for a secret consent and departing promised shortly to returne to him againe After this many troubled thoughts arising in Moses c he in short time seemed to the wiser altogether metamorphosed Some asking the cause of the Messenger ' s comming he answered to receive intelligence from him concerning the good of the State which was holden for true The Messenger comming againe brought presents secretly beseeming the Great Turk with his message better 〈◊〉 Moses is reported to have received nought but the Treason it self answering he could not but accept the Turks favours and for the rest he should not thenceforth find him any great enemy commanding the Messenger no more to repaire to him for feare of suspition Scanderbeg comming into Dibria to see how things stood and to consult about besieging of Sfetigrade Moses to avert him therefrom told him he lately understood by a Messenger thence that the City was so well stored of all things that it were but lost labour to attempt it advising him rather to besiege Belgrade not on Danubius but in the confines of Epirus distant from Sfetigrade about 140 miles Which Scanderbeg resolving on and his Souldiers not so fit for besieging of Townes he sent two Embassadours to pray aide out of Italy from his old friend Alphonsus King of Naples with presents and letters declaring that his Souldiers knew not how to deale with Walls that the Italians had skill in that service that there were certaine Townes of their enemies in Epirus which eye-sore he long desired to take out of his sight c. Therefore Alphonsus should lend him Harquebusiers and Canoneers for of other Souldiers he had plenty That he did so lovingly embrace his former kindnesse c that he could sometimes wish him that fortune which as the common saying is proveth but getteth not friends that he might more certainely prove how much he was to him devoted Scanderbeg purposing also to use Moses his service in the siege he found many excuses to stay at Dibria alleadging it was to be thought the Turk would invade some part of Epirus to withdraw them from Belgrade that no part lay neerer and in more danger than Dibria that he could not do better service than to see to that Country's safety in which 〈◊〉 most of his living lay These Treasonable excuses were thought reasonable and he commended for his care authorized also to augment the Garrison upon occasion Scanderbeg finishing his preparation the Embassadours returned from Alphonsus with much more aide than was requested for he reckoned Epirus but 60 miles from his dominions the strongest Walls of Apulia as it afterwards appeared when the Turks took Otranto He wrote 〈◊〉 loving letters to Scanderbeg c and to make bold 〈◊〉 all things as his own merrily writing that his Italian Souldiers could fight better with women then men and walls therefore the Epirots were best take heed c. Scanderbeg now furnished encamped before Belgrade with 14000 good Souldiers which he soone so 〈◊〉 that the Turks promised to deliver it up if not relieved before 16 dayes truce During which time Scanderbeg encamped on a hill neere the Towne with 3000 〈◊〉 and 1000 foot appointing Musachius and Tanusius to remove into a Plain farther off for more fresh aire in that hot season also he ordered 25 Scouts to watch continually on the highest Mountain to give warning of the Enemies comming by making a fire Mahomet now ready to passe into Asia against the Emperour of Trapezond and grieving to lose Belgrade holding on his intended journey 〈◊〉 sent Sebalias a Bassa with 40000 Horse to relieve it promising him great rewards for Scanderbeg dead or alive This Bassa alwayes accounted more politique than forward came on so fast by great journeys that he prevented the same of his comming intercepting or corrupting the Watch on the Mountaines that no expected signe was given So that those in the plaines had not leisure to bridle their horses
or put on their Armour Musachius armed c as the Enemyes approach would permit doubting whether to fight or flee but seeing alike danger in both he resolutely received the Enemy's charge At length seeing his men slaine by heapes he fiercely attempted to break thorow to Scanderbegs Mountain but no way being to be made he fought till he and all with him were slaine Tanusius also after divers vaine attempts to rescue his Cousin Musachius exhorted all left to 〈◊〉 in which many were slaine for the Enemy filled all places and eagerly pursued Scanderbeg was about many times to descend the hill to help them or have died with them 〈◊〉 his Captaines earnestly requesting him not to thrust himself and them into perill of assured death Sebalias following Tanusius with most of his Army ' except few and such as rifled the dead Scanderbeg comming downe with his 4000 slew all Turks in his way and cut off a great number afterwards in the rear So that Sebalias leaving the chase turned upon his pursuing Enemy and 〈◊〉 a sharp skirmish begun sounded a 〈◊〉 to call together his dispersed Souldiers the better to encounter his dangerous Enemy Scanderbeg assembling his remainder and valiantly encountering the Turks thinking now to end these Wars 〈◊〉 with his own hand Achmat and Barach two valiant Turks who had sworne to Mahomet Scanderbegs death if they met him Many Turks were here slaine Night drawing on Sebalias retired to a Mountaine nigh the City and Scanderbeg to another almost two miles off and in dead of the night returned into Epirus leaving strong Garrisons on all strait passages 〈◊〉 the Bassa should break into Epirus This was the onely and greatest overthrow Scanderbeg hitherto received losing 2000 Horse and 3000 Foot most of whom were the Italians with his Tents and great Artillery and about 80taken 3000 Turks were slain also Next day Sebalias buried the bodyes of the slain Turks but left the yet-breathing-Christians cutting off their hands and feet among the dead Musachius his head and others thought of the better sort were cut off and because of the heat of the weather being flayed and stuffed Sebalias carried them as Tropheys to Constantinople Repairing Belgrades Walls and adding 700 fresh Souldiers to the old Garrison he returned causing as he entred the City the Christian Captives to be led in Chaines before him after whom were the taken Ensignes with the heads on Launces then all the spoil Himself with 〈◊〉 Sou diers were received with such applause as Conquering some great Kingdome Sebalias praises was in every mans month he onely they said shewing Scanderbeg was to be overcome No preferment or reward was thought too great to countervaile his desert Most of the Captives being sold the rest were thrust alive on sharpe stakes hang'd on iron hooks and otherwise tortured to death Moses after Scanderbegs losse thought it a most fit time now to revolt but he thought good if possible to allure some others into his Treason both to diminish his own infamy and to appear with more credit before the Turks Wherefore at first seeming very pensive for Scanderbeg and Epirus with many words he set forth to his utmost Mahomets power but to those more inward with him he discovered Mahomets great favour and offered 〈◊〉 c. assuring them of the like also if they would conforme yet he found none but a few of the baser sort which hearkened to or followed him Wherefore he fearing now to be discovered fled by night to Sfet'grade with those base ones thence by the Governours passe to Constantinople where arriving a little before Sebalias Mahomet joyfully received him c At the first report whereof Scanderbeg as astonied stood speechlesse but pawsing a while said no more but that he could easily excuse Moses he being carried away with that which might alienate a constant man commanding divers aggravating his 〈◊〉 to hold their peace wishing all Treason and ill fortune were gone with Moses Scanderbeg went into Dibria diligently enquiring if any of his partakers 〈◊〉 be found But finding none he much rejoyced and things being set in order 〈◊〉 to Croia Moses solicited Mahomet to proceed in his Warrs against Scanderbeg promising to spend his life therein But he delaying him till next Spring diligently observed the while Moses talke and behaviour and oft discoursed with him about that Warr's management and finding undoubted signes of a minde for his service he at Spring committed 15000 Horse to him for invading Epirus for a greater number he required not These Souldiers through the opinion of their new Generall and hope by his meanes of friends there to joyne with them were the willinger to goe So Moses furnished 〈◊〉 an Army of his own choosing c. marching thorow Thrace and Macedonia came and entred into Dibria Whom Scanderbeg stood not to encounter upon policy he being privy to his stratagems but with true valour Both Armies standing ranged in order a Messenger came to Scanderbeg to know if any one durst fight hand to hand with one of the Turks whose name was Ahemaze 〈◊〉 the generall battell Upon his challenge Zacharias Groppe hastily stepping forth requested Scanderbeg he might be the man who embracing commending and wishing him good fortune gave him leave Whom as he was Arming his companions wished onely the fortune of Manessi He put upon his Armour many rich Jewells c. The Turkish Champion no sooner was come forth in great bravery but Zacharias bravely mounted was as ready to charge him to whom Ahemaze said It was time enough to hasten his death requesting to talke with him So propounding the conditions before to Manessi Zacharias in no better sort accepted them Thus agreed and withdrawing a good distance from each other they ran together with such force they they brake their Launces and were both horse and man overthrowne who nimbly recovering assailed each other on foot with their 〈◊〉 After many sturdy stroakes without hurt being so strongly Armed and their swords being beaten out of their hands they grapled with their hands After long strugling Zacharias overthrowing the Turk thrust him into the throat with his dagger and slew him then cutting off his head with a sword whereat the Christians shouting discomfited the Turks Zacharias returning with spoil and presenting to Scanderbeg the Turks head was by him afterwards honourably rewarded Into this place came Moses and aloud challenged Scanderbeg hand to hand but seeing him ready to come forth he with shame returned into his Armie Presently after both Armies joyned battell where at first onset the Turks vanguard gave ground whom Moses relieved with supplies here and there with his presence restoring the battell Yet the Epirots still prevailing with great slaughter came to the strength of their battaile Moses his best Souldiers and last refuge here the Turks fought very couragiously and Moses warily observing Scanderbeg directed his forces if possible to slay him one of whose couragious Souldiers with his Horsemans staffe bare him
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
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
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
him and do what he commanded he marched thither to see and possess himself of that chief City two dayes journey from Coy The Citizens being ready brought them store of Victuals into the Suburbs Selimus not holding it safe to lodge within that populous City only kept the Gates with a strong Guard Some say Selimus went not into Tauris but in a common Souldiers habit others that he banqueted in the Kings Pallace discoursing with the Taurisians about his Victory And purposing to winter in Armenia he asked his great Captains how they liked of it who for fear referred themselves to him Only Musthapha chief Bassa said t were good to know the mindes of the Janizaries Court-Souldiers wherefore Selimus commanded him out of his sight and degraded him sending a Jester after him in disgrace who cut off part of his Tulipant that hung down but the Janizaries much offended with the indignity rose in arms telling Selimus they would not winter so farre from home in the enemie's Countrey therefore he were best betime consider of it they being resolved to forsake him if he did not speedily return Selimus much troubled and hearing Hysmael was comming upon him with a greater power and considering with what difficulty and danger he escaped in the last battel c. and suspecting the fidelity of the Taurisians he resolved to return into Cappadocia wherefore exacting from them a great Masse of money against his promise he speedily retired towards Euphrates a longer way than he came carrying away 3000 Families the best artificers chiefly those skilled in making Armour and Weapons fearing to return by the head of Araxis c. for meeting the Albanian and Iberian Horsemen Hysmael followed him with such speed that he left his Carriages and such as could not endure such a march behind him yet he overtook no part of his Army till come to Euphrates where he was transporting his Foot in divers small Boats made many swimming over for haste upon bladders some on broken pieces of their Carriages burst in sunder to that end Selimus got over in a little Boat causing the Horsemen at once to take the River to break the streams force whereby his Foot and burthened Cammels got over lesse dangerously and some Field-pieces also with lesse difficulty yet the Georgian Horsemen coming in sight before all got over raised such a fear that 2000 Turks were in their haste drowned divers Ordnance sticking in the mud and much baggage carried away with the River The Georgians drew out the Turkish trash pursuing them no farther Hysmael rejoycing that chasing away his enemies he recovered much of the Ordnance that did him such hurt Selimus his passage was much more dangerous at Antitaurus than he thought of for Aladeules waiting for his prey had taken all strait passages of that Mountain-Countrey whose savage people assailing them every night robbed their Carriages so fleeing into the thick Woods rocky aud Mountainous Aladeules fraudulently excusing him self as if done by the people used to such robberies against his will yet saying he would chastise the Authours so soon as found And sending a little provision for some dayes he spoiled the Turks by night by his Souldiers upon advantage which Selimus could not prevent wherefore purposing to be in time revenged he with much adoe came to Trapezond thence to Amosia repairing his sore weakened Army that winter Thus Jovius reports the said Warres whom others since have mostly followed yet Manavinus a Genoway who served therein doth much otherwise report the same Selimus saith he with about 300000 coming to Euphrates the Bridge was broken down by Amurat and his enemies encamped on the farther side having new supplies from Hysmael so that the Persians were about 90000 Horse and Foot most having two serviceable Horses apiece neither could Selimus any way learn whether Hysmael were there of which he most feared raising greater forces Wherefore repairing the Bridge he sent over Casan and Sinan Bassa's who encamped as they thought convenient next morning Amurat two houres before Sun-rising suddenly assailed Casan in his Trenches discomfiting them and taking their Tents whereupon such a terror came on Sinan that his men swam over with great danger to the rest Selimus troubled hereat placed his Artillery along the hither most bank of Euphrates and to hide them ranged some Souldiers before them as if presently to passe over but upon a signall should withdraw from the Ordnance bent upon the enemy many of whom being over-charged burst in sunder slaying divers Turks also many Horses and Mules terrified with the noyse leapt into the River and were drowned with their Riders The Porsians also having great losse retired farther off for fear So Selimus passing over marched toward the enemy whom the Persians notably encountred The Fight was long doubtful and much blood shed on both fides and had not the nights approach broke it off the Persians through multitude rather then valour had been greatly overthrown but now they escaped the Turk's pursuit Selimus leaving his Carriages c. with his Foot marched with his Horse suddenly to surprise Tauris before the fame of the battel the Persians being as careful of their affaires The day before 10000 fresh Horsemen were comming to Hysmael who placing them in the Turks way commanded them upon their approach to flee Selimus in the morning descrying them supposing they were such as could not follow the rest exhorted them couragiously to pursue them of which being about mid day weary they stayed at a little River to refresh then again pursuing leaving those who could not follow hoping before night to ransack rich Tauris The Persian Horsemen in ambush set the while on the Turks Foot thought to be secure greatly slaughtering them taking all Selimus his Treasure and Artillery Which being by Posts made known to him about two at night and that the enemy was following him he wonderfully abashed began to retire The 10000 Persians now turning on the Turks charged them hardly who being enclosed before and behind received a great overthrow and losing their Ensigns brake out sidewayes and fled Selimus also fleeing and passing Euphrates brake down the Bridge fearing further pursuit and coming to Amasia with trouble and danger assembled the reliques of his discomfited Army such as could not follow in flight being all slain by the Persians The Genoway concludeth that Hysmael did not more rejoyce hereat than himself hoping now to free himself of thraldom as he did For fleeing into Trapezond he thence had passage to Hadrianople thence by Land to Salonica thence transported into Chios whence he returned to Genua after ten years captivity part as a page in jazet's privy Chamber the rest a Court-Souldier under Selimus Jonius compares these two great Princes together Hysmael and Selimus who for royal discent strength of body courage of mind riches power were equall thereby obtaining like fame and renown but in conditions and qualities of minde and Martial Discipline much differing for
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
as he ought to be whereby besides his friendship he should reap more glory by a sure and honourable peace than by a dangerous war Though the Embassadours knew Selimus would not for any threats give over his enterprize yet that being the sooner dispatched they might truly advertize Selimus of the Sultans sudden coming he seemed wondrously to like of his motion and to give good hope by their perswasions to induce Selimus his liking c. So being by Campson rewarded they departed travelling day and night till they came to Selimus who was come to Caesaria Campson also came into Comagena unto Aleppo at this day a famous City for its commodious scituation much frequented by Marchants from the farthest part of the world but the City Birtha at Euphrates of late time bounded the Aegyptian Sultan's Kingdom from the Persian Selimus understanding by his Embassadours both of the comming and number of his enemies also the Sultan's proud answer thought good to convert his forces another way than 〈◊〉 Wherefore making shew as if he would have gone against the Persian he sent before part of his Army with his Carriages to Suassia formerly Sebastae standing in the Persians frontiers but turning on the right hand purposed to passe Taurus and suddenly into Comagena to come upon Campson before he were well aware wherefore he cheerfully declared to his Janizaries other Court Souldiers what he resolved to do with the Reasons perswading them the victory would be easily atchieved if they couragiously and with speed would get up to the top of the Mountains and recover those difficult passages not fearing the vain names of 〈◊〉 for why said he the strength of those horsemen is long since decayed and gone the old Mamalukes who in Caytheius his time were of some fame are all dead c. To overcome said he indeed wholly consisteth in their courage and valour who deem nothing more honourable or better than to spend their 〈◊〉 for the honour of their Prince and Country Here the Janizaries 〈◊〉 their weapons cryed our He should conduct them whither he would they being ready to overcome all difficulties and endure all labours and dangers Selimus by the people finding the easiest passages resolved to passe the Mountain in three places and by opening streight passages by the people and Souldiers and making rough waies smooth encouraging by reward those Souldiers who took extraordinary pains therein in 5 daies all his Army baggage and Carriages got over the mountain into Comagena's Plains for where Taurus takes the name of Amanus it is not exceeding high nor yet impassible Alis Beg the betrayer of Aladeules being sent for with a strong power of Horse speedily over-ran all at the foot of Amanus and Taurus thereby to understand of the people and those they could take where Campson lay also by keeping the passages to do what possible that Selimus his coming might not be 〈◊〉 Campson who had vainly and proudly flattered himself could not be perswaded Selimus was come over Mount Amanus till he had certain news that he was encamped with a most puissant Army within 2 daies march of him Then as sore troubled he sometimes hoped well and by and by was as half dismayed And being exceeding careful of his honour and himself doubted whether to retire into more safe places or to hazzard a battel though on great disadvantage for besides the Mamalukes Military glory above 300 years himself being 77 years old was not willing to reserve his last daies to shame and obloquie One Jamburd Gazelles above others valiant experienced and Governour of Apamia thought to fight with the Turks most expert Souldiers with so small a power was desperately dangerous also that 't was good speedily to retire choosing 〈◊〉 as the fittest place for war whither they might easily retire the Turks not able hastily to follow them for their Foot and Carriages and calling thither all the Mamalukes in 〈◊〉 and Aegypt and entertaining the Arabians to protract the war till Winter when the enemy would want victual neither was it to be feared Aleppo though but reasonably furnished could be presently taken the enemy having but small field-pieces Besides aid would soon come from the Persians out of Mesopotamia and Hysmael was like enough to break into Asia the lesse they might also upon request have great Artillery from Rhodes and Cyprus against the common enemy afterwards he said Campson if he saw meet might on eeven hand give battel but seeing the most 〈◊〉 motions of the greatest wars did commonly by politick delay grow calm he should not make too much haste since the errours of war often chancing through Chieftain's rashnes might be lamen ed and detested but hardly or never recovered or amended This grave speech much moved the Sultan and others but the fool-hardy Mamalukes began to leap dance and rejoyce that now they might prove their 〈◊〉 and win themselves honour a time long wished for by notable 〈◊〉 of their enemies to advance Campsons Majesty far above the fame of 〈◊〉 Some chief ones also upon flattery and boasting alleadged how they overthrew the Turks great Army at Taurus perswading him the victory would be easily gotten Chiefly Cayerbeius Governour of the Province and 〈◊〉 afterward preferred by Selimus to the greatest honours of Aegypt extolling the Mamalukes and extenuating the enemy strove to the utmost to overthrow Gazelles wholsome Counsel for he grudged in heart against Campson who had poysoned his brother next to himself in power and of an aspiring mind Cayerbeius doubting the same on himself when summoned to a Parliament at Caire feigned himself sick Campson offended hereat thought best to wait for a fitter opportunity to take away that proud man c. either coming to Aleppo upon occasion of that war or of going in person to Euphrates for the Sultans accounted themselves unworthy of that name before they had encamped their Army at Byrtha and with solemn pomp forced their horses into the River to drink thereby to shew they were ready by Arms to prove all to be theirs along Euphrates from Taurus to Arabia's desarts 〈◊〉 this wars consideration caused him to deferr his wrath against Cayerbeius till the end thereof lest the Mamalukes should revolt or some mutiny be raised in Aleppo he keeping there a strong Citidal built on a hills rising in the middle of the City with a sure Garrison Many of Campson's secret friends the while advised Cayerbeius to beware of the Sultan c. who without delay sent secretly to Selimus declaring the cause of his grief promising to come to him upon occasion and to deliver to him the Castle with the heart of the Citizens and all his own Horsmen for performance of promise on both sides required Hostages also advertising him of the Sultan's strength in any case to give him battel before he had a greater power Selimus condiscended to all promising him far greater things than he required Campson through the General consent of his Souldiers
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
behind Selimus setting forward with his foot and Janizaries neither the couragious barbed Horses nor their Riders could abide their force for with their harquebusiers and pikes they so strongly be set their front that nothing could stand where that linked body swayed yet this cruel battel continued doubtful fromthe fourth hour till Sun setting every part of both Armies with divers successes enduring the fury of that fight both victors and 〈◊〉 fighting as prodigal of their lives c. So that their bodies wearied and weakened with wounds supported with anger seemed sufficient to mantain that Battel till next day if the darkness coming on had not ended that dayes slaughter Tomombeius fearing to be utterly 〈◊〉 first sounded a retreat that his Mamalukes might not seem to be put to 〈◊〉 for the fortune which deceiv'd his first hopes seemed to promise better success if as not discouraged he should renew the War The Turks enjoying their enemies tents and Ordnance pursued them till midnight It was fought Jan. 24. 1517. The Diadare was taken in flight mortally wounded and valiant Bidon having his knee broken with a 〈◊〉 his Horse being therewith slain both whom Selimus next day commanded to be slain either for their wounds thought uncurable or to revenge Sinan's death which he wondrously lamented The Turks Armies was greatly impaired even in their fortunate Battels the fourth part was consumed by sickness and Sword that day tyring many Horses besides their former long journey Wherefore not yet experiencing the 〈◊〉 disposicion nor certainly understanding where Tomombeius stayed or what he resolved staying four dayes at Matharea and Rhodania he provided for his wounded and burying his dead but not his enemies Then for more commodious watering he came into the plains between old Caire and Bulace Tomombeius encamping between new Caire and Nilus with his collected 〈◊〉 Aethiopian slaves 〈◊〉 so is and 〈◊〉 also Jews and Arabians having opened the old Armory 〈◊〉 for a 〈◊〉 War than before but having lost his 〈◊〉 with many of his 〈◊〉 Horsmen and desiring to protract the War till heat of Summer he thought not good to adventure another 〈◊〉 but resolved by night to 〈◊〉 the Turks Camp and if possible to 〈◊〉 on fire that he might attempt some notable exploit before the enemies should perceive his weak 〈◊〉 and before grown into contempt with the 〈◊〉 Aegyptians expecting but some fit occasion to 〈◊〉 also by benefit of the night to avoid the danger of their great 〈◊〉 But Selimus by some 〈◊〉 who daily 〈◊〉 him understanding hereof making great fires in his Camp kept most careful watch whereby next night Tomombeius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with no small loss of his first Troops unadvisedly going on too far and misdoubting the unwonted fires called back his hasting Troops marching into the very mouth of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on 〈◊〉 Tomombeius his chief Captains now 〈◊〉 him with his whole strength to man Caire and keep the Turks from entring wherefore the Mamalukes coming thither furnished all their 〈◊〉 and flat roofs of their Houses with all 〈◊〉 of Weapons requesting the Egyptians to take arms against their antient and 〈◊〉 enemies not to suffer themselves to be slain their goods spoiled and their wives and children to be miserably captivated since the merciless enemy if they overcame would not spare them though they stood as newters c. Many of the wealthiest as they thought the charge would be hurtful to their trades and wealth so were they ready to help their old Lords But many of the middle sort and far moe of the basest vulgar having little or nought to lose hoped to gain by others losses and remembring their about three hundred years slavery under the proud Mamalukes kept close expecting the last event secretly rejoycing that their cruel Masters should now be justly punished and the more that the revenge should be by the hazard of others lives with which they hoped shortly to fill their eyes Tomombeius with much labour and care fortified all the gates and entrances of that great and ancient City for it was not compassed with any walls appointing to every street a Captain in every publike 〈◊〉 encouraging the people and omitting nothing that could be done or devised making cheerful shew of greatest hope in so great a danger The Mamalukes also strivingly according to every ones devise caused great ditches or Timber-logs to be cast along the streets some setting up sharp Stakes in covert Trenches that the enemy falling on them unawares might be engaged others furnished the windows and fronts of their Houses in the greatest streets with Harquebusiers and all with many moe with such speed that none refused to put his hand to any labour The broadest street came strait from the East gate to the Castle and middle of the City the rest were so narrow and crooked that no great Artillery could be brought by them or Souldiers enter without great danger into this especially Tomombeius conveighed his chiefest strength for the enemy must needs come in that way but the innermost part where the Castle stood was kept with very great strong and valiant Garrison thence on all occasions to come for relief for why that greatest City could not with his then so small power be in every place sufficiently defended Selimus certainly understanding hereof drew nearer to the City with his Army exhorting them now a little to force themselves for gaining of the Rewards due to their former labours and Victories which he said would be more and greater than they had imagined telling them there was but few good Souldiers left with the desolate Sultan c. making them believe he was sent for by the Aegyptians promising to assail the Mamalukes whose name they hated upon occasion out of their houses yet saying they were not to be accounted quite overcome which lived in hope with Weapons in their hands possessed of the chief City therefore to think that in that day's fortune rested the good or bad estate of their lives honour and fortunes assuring them it would be but small labour to bring it to an end if in that new kind of fight as in other Battels they would but resolve to overcome This speech enflamed the Souldiers but hope of such prey much more So that Selimus entring by the gate Bassuela thrust in his Horse at divers places at once but brought in his Janizaries by the largest street At first Horsmen with Horsmen bloodily fought in the narrow streets but the Foot discharging their Culverings and Falcons before them among the thickest enemies cleared the street but coming to the Bà racadoes and 〈◊〉 and to remove Timber-logs c. by force they fought with force and obstinacy on both parts never in mans memory more cruel for they were not ignorant that 't was as well as for their lives and Empire as for honour Here the Turks received great losse for running on the hindermost on the formost they tumbled by heaps into the covert Trenches and were impailed
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
following slew 4000 Christian prisoners lest he should be hindred in flight and dividing into two parts set forward about midnight to escape out of the enclosed Valleys One part of his Army led by Ferises going Southward with incredible labour cut a way thorough the thick Woods coming with little loss to Solyman into Stiria Cason with 8000 Turks breaking out of Storamberg Valley chanced on the Palatine who with 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse and some Field-pieces brake them slaying a great number Casons Ensigne being taken and himself fighting in the rear for others to escape was slain Whose gallant Head piece presented to the Emperour confirmed the report Those who there escaped falling into the hands of Lewis and Marquess of Brandenburg and of Hungarian Horsmen led by Turacus who killing them 7 miles insulting over them in their own Language and of the Countrey people about Vesprinium and the lake of Balaton it was thought not one escaped to Solyman The Emperour hearing Solyman was gone as far as Gratia called a Councel in Lintz Castle to know wherher 't were best to follow the enemy From Lintz to Gratia is 3 good dayes-journey of bad rough way Some said 't was best to fight the Turks in that uneven Mountain-countrey whose chief strength being Horse should stand them in smal stead their Foot being in eriour to the Christians The Emperour presently sent Apontius a Spaniard to view that passage who soon brought word that all the Countrey was desolate and sor fear forsaken but where the enemy lay he could not certainly learn whereupon they concluded to go all to Vienna to view the Army and fight the enemy if he returned Some disliked that saying Charls should in that distress of Stiria and Carinthie rather pursue his enemy but others said t was one thing to invade and another to defend c. Charls being come to Vienna and viewing the Army found therein 260000 men 120000 being counted old Souldiers It was thought that so many worthy Captains and valiant Souldiers were never before in man's memory together in one Camp all the Flowre and strength of Germany from Vistula to Rhene from the Ocean to the Alps were sent or voluntarily came thither A thing never before heard of c. Besides the great number of Spaniards and Burgundians the Bohemians lay not far off with the Silesians and Moravians There were also some Troops of Polonians as voluntary men King Sigismund winking thereat as if without his knowledge being careful not rashly to break his League with Solyman This Army lay in a great field near Vienna in an excellent order ready to receive the enemy which many Gentlemen beholding wept for joy conceiving assured hope of Victory if the Turk with all his Forces durst joyn in Battel But Solyman advertised of the Emperours strength and manner of laying got over the River 〈◊〉 and at Marpurg by Bridges suddenly made passed over Dravus and so to Belgrade thence to Constantinople leaving here and there some remembrance of his cruelty and still looking behind him if the Emperour were not at his heels when as a few Dalmatian and Croatian Horse pursued his Rear It s reported he carried 30000 into captivity besides many thousand slain Charls now determined speedily to return into Italy though Ferdinand earnestly intreated him first to employ those great Forces against King John who might then have been easily thrust out of all but Winter approoching and the plague in the Camp yea in his Court he continued in his purpose yet leaving behind him all the Italians who with Ferdinands own Forces were thought sufficient for the Hungarian War One Maramaldus was appointed General over those Italians but no order taken for their pay Other Captains thought themselves disgraced by Maramaldus's preferment whereby the under-Captains and Officers said plainly they would not go into Hungary except Ferdinand himself went or Vastius or Leva were their General and the Souldiers said They would ask leave to depart if they had not 3 months pay knowing they should never get it of poor King Ferdinand Vastius greatly perswaded them to remember the faith of Souldiers c. saying Valiant Souldiers never wanted pay furnishing themselves by Victories with all necessaries and that they had no just cause to mislike Maramaldus being an old Captain of great experience and placed by the Emperour as most sufficient having well appeased them and being gone to Vienna to take order for remedying of all difficulties night the nurse of sedition gave farther scope to the mutinous Souldiers There was then brought to the Camp very coorse hoary moulded bread which some on their Speares point shewed to their fellows in great choler rayling against King Ferdinand c. And a little before a Spanish common Souldier casting the like bread at Vastius's feet in the Generalls Tent bitterly cursing the Emperour and Ferdinand had raised a wondrous tumult wherefore the Italians flocking together gave many hard speeches about their pay Victualls and the War's difficulty and setting up one Marconius upon a heap of Saddles he was by divers Captains requested frankly to speak what he thought concerned all their safety and welfare where he is reported to have uttered a seditious Oration unto them at which very time a great Blazing-Starre was seen at Vienna which the said Marconius called a terrible and bloudy Comet shooting he said his Beams toward Italy But his Speech ended the Souldiers highly commending it a confused noyse was heard throughout them but the Drums presently striking up a march they go forward towards Neostat Six Captains drew after them 8000 Souldiers the rest for shame and fear staying with Maramaldus Vastius and divers great Companies hearing thereof posted after them 6 miles requesting them to stay and not dishonour themselves with so foul a fact saying their pay was ready and mingling prayers with grievous threats but they as inraged sternly discharged some small shot upon them Vastius was oft in danger to be slain so that in the end he was glad to forsake them Ferdinand hereby for that time disappointed of hope to recover the Hungarian Kingdom wrote to his Stirian and Carinthian Subjects to shew them no courtesie in their passagee whereupon ensued great hurt on both sides yet the Italians at length recovered Tiliaventum in Italies borders where disbanding they returned to their dwellings Charls also breaking up his Army at Vienna appointed Gonzaga to go formost with the light Horse with whom himself went Vastius following with the Spaniards two dayes after came the Cardinal with the biggest Train Lastly the mercenary Germans so returning safe into Italy This was the end of Solyman and Charls the 5th their wondrous preparations in 1532 some marvellous alteration being expected and the more for that then a great Blazing-Starre appeared for 15 dayes In the mean time Andreas Auria with 35 tall Ships and 48 Galleys and 25000 good Souldiers greatly annoyed the Turks in Peloponesus who near Zant Island met with
others of great place and reputation But the greatest slaughter was of the Bohemians by the breaking in of old Garrison Troops with their Scimitars and iron Mazes The Foot being sore gauled by Janizaries and Archers of the Asapi discharging on them in their march from a Woody Bank were on tother side so charged by Amurathes troops of Bosna that they were at last broken and slain without mercy Lodronius was driven into a marsh where after sore wounding and almost fast in the mud having done his utmost by the Turks fair intreaty yielded himself with 3 Companies and were all saved for now the Turks seeking after spoyl hunted after them who dispersedly fled taking and leading away a great number for slaves Mahometes having thus obtained so great a Victory almost without the bloud of his Souldiers and taking the spoyl pitched his Tents in a little Medow cleansed of dead bodies and after feasting with his Captains he commanded the chief prisoners spoyls and Ensignes to be brought and commending the Captains that had done any good service He rewarded the Souldiers some with Gold some Silver as they deserved and diligently viewed all prisoners not common Souldiers He caused every ones name and Office to be enrolled giving one reward or other to such as brought in the Heads Ears or Hands of Christians with Rings upon them Lodronius being for his deadly wounds thought unable to endure travel was slain by his keepers and his Head sent afterward to Constantinople for many who were afterwards ransomed have reported that amongst the Prisoners fair Ensigns guilt Armour c. presented to Solyman Bachitius Macer and Lodronius their Heads were seen known in a silver Bason which after he had looked asquint upon he sternly commanded all the prisoners to be slain but the Janizaries interceding for them as valiant and to whom they had given their Faith and might do him good service he saved many of them but Cazzianzer fleeing to his own Castle was of all men accused and commonly railed upon so that it was reported he durst nor shew his face for shame Infamous Libels being sung in the Cities of Germany of him and the other runaway Captains Whereat he was so grieved that he requested Ferdinand safely to come to Court to answer what could be laid against him the King receiving him there with doubtful countenance Bnt his hearing being somewhat protracted and he the while half doubtful whether to be quitted or condemned kept in safe custody feigning himself sick by degrees brake thorow a brick Pavement under his bed with his knife and by his sheetes escaped Post-Horses being ready without the Castle Not long after he fled to the Turks Mahometes gladly received him and promising him the Government of Croatia as a tributarie King if he would faithfully serve Solyman and help him subdue the Cities of Austria after this agreement for his more credit he dealt with Sirenus a Croatian Noble and his supposed dear Friend to revolt with him assuring him of Solymans kind dealing with them who promised to go over with him to the Turk with a troop of his best and most trusty Horsmen but changing his purpose after he had well feasted Cazzianzer at his House he caused him to be slain sending his Head to Ferdinand of whom he received in reward his Castle with all his substance In the mean time the Venetians provoked resolved without delay to War upon the Turk also being animated by the Emperour and Pope Pauls who lately warned thought it more safe to keep the Turks busied farther off than to suffer them to be too much acquainted with the Ports of Italy or Cicilia Wherefore their Embassadors consulting all the following Winter at last agreed at Rome the Emperour to set forth 82 Galleys the Venetians as many and the Pope 36 in all 200. The Venetians were to lend the Pope as many rigged Galleys as he would furnish with men and the Emperour and State of Genna to find shipping to transport the Land Forces and Victual Auria was Charls his General Grimmanus a Patriarch the Popes Capellus for the Venetians to whom was joyned Justinianus a chief Senatour very expert in Sea-matters Gonzaga Viceroy of Sicily was to command the Land-Forces and what ever was gotten from the Turks in Greece the Islands or Dalmatia was to be the Venetians who had been so injured by them Charls also promising the Confederates to have what wheat they would out of Sicily for reasonable price and without Custom Solyman understanding this commanded Barbarussa to make ready his Fleet and do all harm he could to the Venetian's Islands who with 130 Warlike Galleys with the first of the Spring in 1538 departed to Creete where he unadvisedly landed most of his men to surprize the City Canea For Grittus with a strong Garrison so vexed the Turks with great and small shot and the sallying out of two Italian Companies that he having lost many retired in such haste that he left a 1000 Turks behind him gone after booty who were all slain by them of Creet Then attempting divers other places he was notably repulsed with the City of Candia not daring to meddle but sayling almost round took little Sicilia forsaken by the Inhabitants which he firing departed from Creet for he heard that Capellus come to Corcyra would soon come to relieve it Auria came to Corcyra also joyning with Capellus Barbarussa then lay in the Bay of Ambracia expecting the Christians entrance of its Strait that he might sink them with his Ordnance placed on both sides for Grimmanus had a little before begun to besiege Prevesa upon the Promontorie of Actium fast by that strait so battering the Castle that had not the Turks from Aetolia come to relieve it with a strong power he had probably taken it wherefore the Patriarch returned to Corcyra having well viewed the Straits of that Bay and the Turks Fleet at Anchor therein upon whose Relation the great Commanders consulted what course best to take for their better proceeding Gonzaga was of opinion Prevesa's Castle was with all their Force to be assaulted which taken all passages might easily be taken from the enemies Fleet in the Bay by sinking a great ship in the strait's mouth and moaring three great Galleons full of Artillary so that if Barbarussa would adventure forth he must needs be sunk Auria replyed 〈◊〉 Counsel was in shew glorious but most dangerous to execute both for the peril of landing Souldiers and Ordnance it being to be thought the Aetolian Horse would as before speedily come for relief whose force their Foot could scarce abide And if the Fleet Autumn approaching should by force of Weather forsake that coast whence should the Landed men get any Victual in the enemie's Country c. Wherefore he thought best if the enemy could not be drawn out to Battel to go into Naupactum Bay taking that Town not greatly fortified so to ransack all Towns to the bottom of Corynth Bay which
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-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
sending forth supplies forced them disorderly to retire losing 4 Captains 2 Ensigns had not Vitellius with one troop valiantly repulsed the Janizaries the loss had been much more Vitellius exceeingly grieved and perceiving their manner of fight encouraged his Souldiers requesting Perenus to be ready to joyn with him upon occasion and going out of the Kings walled-Orchards where he lay encamped with 12 Companies he commanded the rest to stand ready at all assays so fetching a compass marched toward the City The proud enemy speedily sallying out couragiously charged them whom Vitellius covering his shot with his pikes stand standing close received by whose shot oft on their knees many Turks were laid on ground while they desperately sought to break their order when many Turks had come out of the gates and divers come over from Buda to partake of the Victory Vitellius of purpose by little and little retired then the enemy with a great shout began more fiercely to assayl them their Horse also clapping behind them whereupon Perenus suddenly clapt in with his Light-horse betwixt the City and Turks after whom followed Mauritius about 20 years old afterward Duke of Saxonie with a strong troop of Germans The Turks thus shut in began to retire Vitellius coming on charged them fiercely and the Horse breaking in on tother side made great slaughter of them who run to the gates in such fear that many thrust each other thorow with their pikes divers being driven into the River and drowned a 100 Janizaries and 400 others being lost Mauritius having his Horse slain under him was in danger to be lost had not Ribische covered him with his own body till rescued Ribische presently dying of his wounds The battery was now presently planted at first so far off doing little harm though the walls were old and thin the Ordnance also mislaid either shot short or quite over the City the battery being removed nearer a fair Breach was soon made in the wall Vitellius first offered to assault it so the Germans would presently second him which they all by holding up their hands promised couragiously but cowardly by and by about to break the same the Hungarians also promising not to be behind Segemenes receiving new supplyes from Ulames had cast a deep Countermure against the Breach and within that a strong Barricado with Vessels filled with sand and earth behind which stood the Souldiers in order with so much silence that many thought they had been fled over to Buda The signal given 4 Italian Captains ran with their Companies to the Breach but while they set up their Ensignes and wondring at the Fortification were ready to leap down they were suddenly overwhelmed with Arrows and Bullets yet Vitellius encouraging them brought them still on but the German Foot with their General stood still under the walls the Hungarians retiring without looking on the enemy 2 Italian Captains were slain and Vitellius his Nephew shot in the shoulder The Turks repulsed and beat down the Italians the idle Germans being more galled than one would have thought for there they still stood for shame Wherefore Vitellius would in no case depart from the breach that the Germans might not say they stayed longest of whom he complained he was cowardly betrayed A Turk spake 〈◊〉 in the Italian Tongue Why do not you valiant Italians spare your selves and give place to those lasie Germans We all wish to spare you and to beat the drunkenness out of their most cowardly heads that they should no more hereafter provoke us At length the Germans weary got farther off the Italians forthwith retiring but very disorderly to be out of danger of shot 700 were there slain and many more hurt who afterwards dyed of their wounds All this while the Marquesse and Huganot were not to be seen till two valiant Captains finding them out wished them for shame to appear to comfort the Army who consulted whether to forsake or continue the siege most of the German Captains liking to be gone though Vitellius others spake earnestly against it but a Spy then bringing news either faigned or vainly believed that Achomates was coming to Dravus the Germans resolsolved to return to Vienna which made many old German Souldiers hang their heads for shame and the Hungarians to curse the Germans and the hard fortune of their Nation vainly wishing for a more couragious General Segemenus early in the morning sent out all the Horsmen and after them some Foot-companies for a relief in retiring who skirmishing with the Hungarians in many places many of the most notable Souldiers on either side regarded no other enemy but him whom every one had singled out to encounter hand to hand A notable Turk desired to see Vitellius who being shewed to him he ran to embrace him for his Honour and departed About 500 Horse encountred hand to hand many being slain or hurt The Turks perceiving the Christians to be departed the night following sallyed out upbraiding them aloud of cowardise and hardly pursuing their rear Ulames come from Buda so eagerly followed them that Vitellius made a stand requesting the German and Hungarian Horsmen to turn upon them who put Ulames to flight slaying many in chase then they passed on quietly Yet 700 sick and stragling Germans were slain in sight of their fellows who thrice soyled by the Turks returned full of heavinesse The Army coming to Vienna was broke up and the Italian's sent home who most dyed by the way of Infection taken in the Camp But to cover the shame of this unfortunate Expedition Perenus was pickt out to fill mens mouths with who through envy of the Court was for suspition of aspiring the Kingdom of Hungary by Ferdinands command apprehended in the Castle of Strigonium as a Traitour and delivered to Medices to be conveyed up the river to Vienna Liscanus the Spaniard apprehending him took from him his rich Chain and Cloak whereupon above 12000 Hungarians presently returned home cursing the Germans to the Devil Perenus was one of the greatest Peers of Hungary but most haughty and Magnificent sometimes having almost a 100 goodly Horses led before him without Riders and speaking too freely against the barrennesse of Ferdinand's Court who polled by his Courtiers hardly maintained his State Wherefore the other great Courtiers conspiring his overthrow would also point at him saying He savoured of a Crown Who as he had many Vertues so was not causelesly noted of ambition and unconstancy as is before declared First it was given out that his son who had many years been detained in Solyman's Court as a pledge of his Fathers fidelity was then under colour of a feigned escape come into Transilvania agreeing with Solyman that his Father should by promising them all freedom allure them to Turkish subjection for which he should be made Governour of Hungary and in hope to be made Tributary King if the Child should die Besides he had very suspitiously the Winter before sent the
shew themselves but they were set off with great Ordnance yet Calderomus a Spaniard seeing some viewing that part of the wall most battered at the Castle-Bulwark sallied out but was presently slain with a bullet which did the more incense not terrifie the rest so that when they saw the enemy busie in filling the Ditch 100 Knights and Souldiers sallying forth made the enemy betake himself to flight slaying 80 and losing ten men 2 being Knights whose Heads next day the Turks set on spears upon their Trenches The same day they of Melita at night made many fires discharging great Valleys of small shot c. done only to shew their cheerfulnesse and keep the Turks in suspence who for all that filled up the Ditch at the Castle-bulwark whereby they might without stay passe unto the over-thrown Wall with 2 great peeces from a High Mount cast up playing upon the Castle shooting at first shot in Castilia's Loupe a Spanish Knight being there slain with a small shot on which day a Spanish Souldier fled out of the Town to the enemy assuring them they should by a fresh assault win the Town there being but 400 alive in it and they he said almost spent with labour and wounds Wherefore Aug. 7. they at one instant assaulted the City at the Castle-bulwark and the Castle at the Breach with an exceeding multitude the noise of Warlike Instruments and cry of men on both sides being exceeding confused and great which the Knights in Melita hearing and seeing the smoak fearing the worst All the Horsmen issued forth to avert the Turks from the assault by setting upon those at Aqua Martia who fled these hardly pursuing them with bloudy execution who pittifully cryed for help whereby the other gave over the assault to rescue their fellows having lost 1500 besides those slain in chase the Defendants in both places losing above 100 and almost as many wounded Valetta going that day and certain others to the Temple to give publike thanks for that Victory Garzias was advertised that some ships with men and warlike provision were coming from Constantinople to Malta who sent 2 Noblemen with 5 Galleys to meet them who met only one Frigot and a Galliot taking the one the other escaping to Malta Mustapha commanded his Souldiers again to assault the Breach at Michaels Castle where they were with no small slaughter soon repulsed He gave so many assaults more to shew valour and satisfie Solyman than for hope of Victory who had commanded either to win the Island or to lose all their lives Mustapha also sent in haste to Solyman shewing the state of the Fleet the Armies difficulties their small hope to win how well the Christians were provided c. The 2 Galleys aforesaid going out of the Haven of Syracusa met with a Maltese coming from Pozalo in a boat sore wounded telling them that landing by night with one Companion he was requested by 2 Sicilians to rest there that night and 5 Turks breaking into the House killed his Companion carried away the Sicilians wounding him thus who hardly escaped by benefit of the night Moreover that the Sicilians told the Turks two Galleys were come into that Port bound for Malta whereby they perceived their coming would be discovered yet they kept on their course as far as Pozalo whence they certified the Viceroy what had happened and the South-wind blowing stifly against them they returned to Syracusa expecting his further direction which was to stay for the coming of the whole Fleet ready shortly to passe to Malta but Salazar in his little boat from Pozalo soon arrived at Malta and came to the City and in Turkish Apparel with a Companion who could speak their Language by night got into the Turks Camp where they perceived there was scarce 14000 Souldiers in all many being wounded and sick the rest but unserviceable and feeble So they returned to the City whence Salazar with one Paccius a Spaniard went to a place nigh the Watch-Tower of Muleca which they curiously viewing Paccius was there left that observing the signes from Gaulos and Melita he might give knowledge to the Viceroy at his approach Salazar himself returned to Messana in his little boat declaring to the Viceroy all he had seen and affirming the Turks Fleet was far unable to encounter with 10000 Christians one of the 2 Frigots sent to Malta returning with another Spaniard and a Turkish fugitive and 4 Galleys coming in with 14 Turks taken about Malta confirming the same and saying that the Turks seeing the Christians invincible courage and skill in shooting repented that ever they took in hand that expedition many stealing away especially the 〈◊〉 of the Christian Faith c. There was in the Castle one Givara Captain of the Vaunt-guard who about 10 foot from the Wall beaten down drew a Curtain 50 foot-long and 5 foot-thick with Flankers at both ends a great help to the besieged the enemy the while began a Mine under the Corner of the Town-ditch defeated by a counter-mine As a fugitive was swimming to the 〈◊〉 he was taken by the enemy which much grieved the besieged Now part of the Turks assailed the Castle and part thought to have blown up the Castle-bulwark but many were in both places slain and some baggs of powder taken from them in the Mine Mustapha and Piall disappointed of their hope consulted with the other great Captains whether to continue that desperate siege or depart most thinking it was best betime to depart yet Mustapha said He would stay till the Galliot were returned from Solyman and the while by force and policy to seek after Victory which he did too often either for his Armie's or the besieged's estate bringing all to such perfection in short time as might have carried a stronger place had not the Defendants valour far exceeded all his devices Robles Governour of the Castle viewing by night the Walls-ruines was struck in the Head with a 〈◊〉 shot and slain A man for his many good parts beloved In whose stead Valetta sent an expert and resolute Colonell who so vigilantly discharged his place that the Turks were repulsed with losse so oft as they attempted the place Two Galleys with a Galliot 〈◊〉 by the 2 Galleys of Malta told Piall The Christian Fleet was ready to come forth Wherefore he caused 70 Galleys to be in readinesse keeping himself by day in the Port Maior nigh the shoar putting to sea by night expecting their coming but after long looking when he saw none he landed his men again taking out of every Galley most of the powder for the Bassa 〈◊〉 land After which they with a greater fury battered the Walls of both Towns especially with Basilisks whose shot was 7 hands about the Walls of Michaels-Castle being 〈◊〉 flat and the Castle Bulwark of St. Angelo was almost fallen quite down Wherefore Aug. 18. at noon they fiercely assaulted both Towns being thrice repulsed and still coming on afresh yet at length
Foot and 1000 Horse raw Souldiers commanded by the Gentlemen of the Countrey The greatest hope being reposed in 1200 Italian Foot and 600 Horse the whole number of Souldiers in Garrison were deemed about 8000 Horse and Foot too weak a Company against so fierce and strong an enemy under an old and expert General The Venetians having ever great care of Cyprus as remote oft intended to have fortified it but lest they should seem to distrust or dread the Turks left it still undone Nicosia stands in a Champain Countrey about five miles in circuit magnificently built and for its wholsom and commodious scituation notably peopled the Venetians had fortified it lately with new Walls thick Rampiers 11 strong Bulwarks and 3 great Fortresses for defence of the Wall which they did well furnish with Men and Warlike Provision yet they found that Fortifications are strengthened by Defendants rather than Defendant by Fortifications July 22. the Bassa encamped within a mile and half of the City the Turks issuing out rode before the Walls and Gates and with often and lowd out-cries upbraided the Defendants whose silence was taken as a token of fear Mustapha also coming and fully viewing its Walls and Scituation shortly after they drew nearer filling with their Tents the lower part of the Hill Mandia setting the Bassaes Tent upon the Hill to the terrour of the Defendants and encouragement of the Turks who brought their Trenches from far casting up a few Forts but as their Army increased many more which they raised above the Walls making the City more dangerous to defend There with 70 great Pieces they battered the City day and night without ceasing many being slain with the shot and the pieces of stones beaten out of the walls Never such a fear as then within Nicosia the enemy with restless labour bringing his Trenches to the very brim of the Town-ditch which had not been well scoured Being so nigh they first skirmished a farre off with small Pieces but afterwards they battered with their great Artillery and overwhelmed the Defendants with thick small shot Arrowes and stones to drive them off the Wall and Rampiers Not onely the Curtains betwixt three Bulwarks were soon 〈◊〉 down but all places thereabouts lay full of the dead bodies of Assailants and Defendants These through desperation joyned with necessity besides defending their Walls with small shot stones c. oft made great slaughter of them with their Artillery and murthering Pieces dismounting also many of their great Pieces and with Feather-beds Sacks of Cotton-Wooll making up the breaches which the Turks laboured to burn with Pitch Barrels and Pots of Wild-fire and after long fight entring the Ditch made two wayes to the Walls which they so fortified on both sides that they were safe from the loups of the Bulwarks flankering the Ditch presently setting up Scaling Ladders filling the Ditches and were digging down the Foundation of two Bulwarks The Christians in the first assault struck many down dead climbing up the Ladders and soon 〈◊〉 more than themselves were forced the rest to give over the assault in these first and hard conflicts a number of Souldiers were lost and most of the Cannoniers slain After this assault both parties were busied a while in ingenious devices The Venetians had in good time put their Fleet to sea but being too weak they lay still about Jadera expecting the coming of the Spanish Admiral with his Galleys Two moneths were past and no news thereof so that the Venetians speed and industry was marred by the Spaniards delay and lingring besides the plague at length grew so hot in the Fleet that there was neither Marriner nor Souldier left in many Galleys 20000 dying thereof among whom were many of great account The plague well ceased and Zanius weary of expecting the Spanish Admiral collecting his dispersed Fleet sailed to Corcyra where he met with Venerius who had lately taken from the Turks Suppoto a sea-Town over against it All their Fleet was now 117 sayl 12 being Galleasses but too weak for the Turks they being weakly manned yet the Admiral sorry for Cyprus's spoil and the distresse of Nicosia landed at Suda in Creet Aug. 12. In the latter end whereof Columnius for the Pope and Auria for the Spanish King arrived there also welcomed with great triumph so that there was now 192 Galleys 12 Galleasses 〈◊〉 Vessels laden with provision and Ammunition c. The Pope set forth 12 Galleys the Spaniards 42 proportionably manned The 3 Commanders after long consulting by Zanius's perswasion about the midst of Septemb. with a fair gale of wind set forward for Cyprus keeping such order as if they should presently have met with the enemy Loredanus Duke of Venice died in these troubles leaving the rest of the care to Moscnicus his Successour While the Christians slowly proceed Mustapha dividing his Army into 4 parts assaulted 4 Bulwarks of the City with greater force than before the presence of the General besides their natural fiercenesse carrying the Turks head-long without peril and the fear of life and liberty with hope of relief encouraging the Defendants to dare any thing many Turks were slain and their Ladders overthrown the poor Defendants being brought to a small number few or none escaping unwounded many thought the City might then have been taken if the Bassa had still brought on fresh men but his loss was such that for that time he gave over the assault After this some thought good whilst they had some reasonable strength to salley forth upon the enemy which Dandulus in no case liked as loath to diminish the number of the Defendants yet he yielded to the desire of the Captains so in the hottest time of the day some Italian Companies under Caesar and Albertus issued forth and suddenly brake into the enemies Trenches where the Turks were playing and sleeping At first the Italians brought great fear upon that quarter and slew many but the Turks running in on every side they were glad to retire divers being slain and their 2 Leaders so that this salley only weakened the Defendants and caused the Turks to keep better watch and ward All hope of long holding out now almost lost the Defendants scarcely shewing their Heads without danger They sent out skilful Scouts to the Country people who in great multitudes had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Mountains to tell them if they came not in time to their relief their wives and children sent into the City must shortly fall into the enemie's Hands or perish with Hunger but these being intercepted were in sight of the 〈◊〉 tortured to death When divers Letters were shot into the City perswading the Christians by mild promises and extream threatnings to yield but in vain Mustapha called forth certain Souldiers on a Bulwark to parley some being sent to him who complained that no answer was given to his Letters setting forth the power of the Turkish Empire propounding great miseries and shewing the profit of yielding up the
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
even within the mark of their Artillery which the Persians perceiving hardly began to assail their main body into the midst whereof the Prince entring dispatched every man that came in his way and singling out the Bassa of Careamit who sustained Osman's place smote off his head gave it one of his followers to carry upon the 〈◊〉 of his Lance which brought a great terrour upon the Turks and exceedingly 〈◊〉 the Persians who intermingled themselves more and more amongst them made of them a most confused and general slaughter there dying also the Bassa of Trabszonda and 6 Zanzacks with 20000 Turks more as was commonly reported the Bassa of Caramania being also taken with divers other common Souldiers but night comming on and the Persians come somewhat too nigh to the Turkish Artillery they withdrew themselves back to the King Camp The Fortress of Tauris being fully finished the Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople wearied to see their fellows thus 〈◊〉 and having laid up the prey and booty gotten in Tauris Winter also comming fast on by 〈◊〉 trusty friends about Osman who was in despair of life represented 〈◊〉 him the 〈◊〉 of their return and after many reverend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unto him that if he would needs 〈◊〉 dallying out time in those dangerous places where no need was they should be forced to forsake him Osman promised to satisfie their request by departing the next morning So he made Giaffor the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis a crafty and cruel man Governor of the new-built Fortress whom to encourage to undertake that charge he gave him for 3 whole years the Office and Revenues of the Bassa of Careamit 〈◊〉 slain Honouring him also with the Title of Bassa of the 〈◊〉 so that after his 3 yeares Office of Careamit he was to sit amongst the Soveraign seats of the Bassaes of the Porta The Bassa hereupon dispatching his Lieutenant for Careamit 〈◊〉 a 100 of his own followers setled himself in the said Fort with 12000 Souldiers furnished with all necessaries till the next Spring so the General departed the same morning being the 87th day after his departure from Erzirum came to Sancazan 7 miles from Tauris The Tauris being now ready confusedly to encamp There was heard the neighing of Horses and noise of Drums and Trumpets which when the whole Camp understood they ran disorderly to rescue on that side where those noises were heard but whilst the Turks intentively expected the Enemies comming on that side the Prince with 28000 Horsmen was ready upon them on the other side and with a safe Convoy had taken 18000 Camels and Mules well loaden with Booty and Victuall which he sending away with 6000 Souldiers Himself 〈◊〉 22000 Persians entred into the Turks Army who now on that side also had made a Head against him In a moment the Tents and Pavillions were turned upside-down and replenished with dead Carcasses and bloud and so generall a slaughter made that the Turks themselves marvelled at and do to this day with great admiration recount the Valour of the Persians but they doubting lest the enemy should have entred the Lodgings of the sick Visier now at the last 〈◊〉 He that commanded in his Name ordered the Artillery to be forthwith unbarred and discharged which in that medly overthrew both friends and foes did perhaps most harm to the Turks For the Prince with his followers at the noise thereof speedily retired so that the Turks left behind were more annoyed then the Persians the Turks made shew as if they would gladly have overtaken them but night coming on they feared to proceed any further In this Battel were slain 20000 Turks 〈◊〉 any notable loss of the Persians Osman the General also here at Sancazan died through the violence of an ague a flux of bloud which was kept secret from the whole Army because the Charriots wherein he lay were stil kept close And in his name Cicala Bassa for so he had appointed gave out commands to the Army yet 3 young men who had the charge of Osmans Jewels Treasure fleeing to the Persians with the best therof and the fairest of his Horses disclosed to them the death of the Generall who were thereby encouraged to attempt the utter overthrow of the Turkish remnant whereupon the Prince with 14000 followed the Turks who were removed to a certain River of salt water not far from Sancazan where he pitched a few Tents about 4 or 5 miles distant from the Turks camp the said brook running betwixt the 2 Armies Now the Prince purposed to assail the Turks in the morning while they were loading their Carriages which his design was revealed to the Turks by one of his Spies which they caught wherefore they neither rose so early as their manner was nor loaded their stuff till they were all ready to receive their Enemies yet the Persian considering they should find no other good opportunity to annoy them before next Spring resolved to venture the assault and observing the Enemies Artillery to be on the right side they began to enter on the left but the Turks presently so turned their Artillery against them that it was to their great loss danger yet were they so nimble to shroud themselves under the Enemies Army that being now come very near them they must needs joyn Battel they had purposed as soon as they saw the Turks begin to stir to retire so to draw them on into a filthy and deep Marsh which being then dry was not doubted but onely by those that were well acquainted therewith or born thereabouts which policy Maxut and Dant-chan perceiving gave notice thereof to Cicala Who caused a great compassing-wing to be made and to charge the Persians home which they did so that their fore-front opened with very large corners upon the Prince who by and by perceiving that his purpose was discovered without stay began to retire which could not so readily be done but that 3000 Persians were over-trodden and 〈◊〉 in the mire with very little loss to the Turks This onely Battel of 5 that were fought in those Quarters being least hurtful to the Turks The Prince returned to his Fathers Camp recounting unto him the whole action and the Enemies departure The Turk came to Salmas where Osman's death was published thence they went to Van where surveying their Army they missed about 85000 persons or more at Van they were all dismissed whence Sicala gave notice to Amurath of all that had happened First was published Osman's death at Constantinople with many signes of great sorrow also the bloudy and mortal actions that were performed in that Expedition the whole City seemed much discomforted and in many places were much secret railings on the King many curses of these wars and of those manifold mischiefs after which was dispersed the great fame of the 〈◊〉 at Tauris with all the losse that had happened to the City an Edict published that through all the Cities of the Empire they
his purpose he returned without doing any thing Septemb. 26. Hassan encamping betwixt the Rivers of Kulp and 〈◊〉 by night passed over part of his Army into Turopolis with fire and sword spoiling all that fertile Island the Lord of Bonny labouring in vain to defend the same About the end of this moneth the Bassa of Ziget the Sanzacks of Mohas Koppan and Quinque Ecclesiae and others encamped with a strong Army betwixt Ziget and Rodesto soon after which the Emperour had newes that Kainsia a City of Stiria was hardly besieged and that the Turks in coming thither had taken many Captives whom they had sent to be sold at Constantinople and that their Army were about one hundred and sixty thousand but since the Christian Army increasing also was now grown to sixty thousand Men he hoped well that their Enemies rage would be stayed about which time Ernest appoin ed Generall with the Marquesse sonne to Ferdinand the arch-Duke his Lievtenant came to the Army About the beginning of October the Emperour had sad news of 7000 men slain whom he had sent into Croatia men the conduct of Beane and 2 others to hinder the Turks proceeding encamping between Wyhitz and Carolstat and having Septemb. the 12th discovered from a mountain some Turkish Companies come thither to view the Army of the Christians sent out 50 Horsmen to discover where the Turks Army lay with its attempts who finding no more Turks then those before-seen from the Mountains returned with such Intelligence whereupon the Christians as secure in their Tents kept but negligent Watch. But a hundred thousand Turks suddenly brake into their Trenches where those Footmen for 4 hours maintained a notable fight many being slain on both sides but the Christians beset and oppressed with multitude were slain almost all yet the Captains speedily fled for which their cowardize and negligence they were afterwards beheaded Such as fell alive into the Enemies hands were cut in pieces The Enemy also had the spoil of the Tents wherein besides abundance of other things found 60000 Dollars lately brought from Luitz for the Souldiers pay The Turks in ostentation laded 14 Waggons with the Heads of the slain which they sent to divers of their places thereabouts yet the Christians flew of their Enemies above 12000. The night following the Turks in the dead of the night surprized the Castle of St. George putting to the sword all therein of any Age or Sexe except 150 whom they carried Captive so firing the Castle departed At which time some Turks were seen about Sifeg who led away Captive above 600 Christians and 300 Waggons loaded with all kind of provisions for relief of the Garrisons in Croatia were all intercepted by the Turks and carried away The Emperour hereupon gave notice by writing to the Princes and States of the Empire What incursions the Turks had lately made into Croatia the Frontiers of Hungary and other places near them and that the Beglerbeg of Greece with the Bassaes of Bosna Buda and Temesware without regard of the League had by taking divers strong places extended their bounds above 40 German miles slaying and carrying away the Inhabitants and were grown to that height that except they were represfed they would soon set foot into Germany it self c. which to hinder he required their generall help requesting them at length to open their Coffers and send out their Forces against the common Enemy which request with so great a danger moved not only them but others farther off liberally to contribute thereunto The Turks hearing of these great preparations besides the Christian Army already in Field and that they had made a strong bridge over Dravus which they had fortified also for the safe transporting of their Army forthwith furnished the places they had gotten with strong garrisons and so withdrew into their own Territories and the rather because the plague so raged in Constantinople that there dyed a 1000 a day which had also infected the Turkish Army which the Christians fearing forthwith slew every Turk they took The Turks in the beginning of 1593 began also their wonted incursions into the Christians Frontiers The Garrison of Petrinia a strong Fort lately built by the Turks on the River Kulp for the further invasion of Croatia made daily excursions spoiling and burning the Town and Castle of Beck Vochobinam in the Island Turopolis and after a great slaughter carried away 400 prisoners and in Hungary the Turks Garrisons to supply their wants made divers inroades did exceeding harm of whom 600 passing over the frozen Lake were all drowned therein In another place 3000 of them near Nutiusa dividing themselves in twaine one part shewed themselves in sight of the Townsmen the other laying in Ambush the Townsmen hereupon sallyed out and causing them to retire followed them till they were past the place where the other Turks lay who ran with all speed and wanted not much to surprize the Town for there was scarce a hundred Germans lelf in Garrison who had hardly time to draw up the bridges which done they with the Ordnance forced them to retire About the same time also they of Petrinia suddenly saliying out took the Town of Martenize which they spoiled killing about seven hundred setting it on fire and so returning having lost not past a hundred and fifty men Ere long the said Garrison took another Castle three miles from the River Kulp Whereinto the Christians round about had for fear conveyed all their Wealth with great store of Victuall and slaying six hundred men in the Castle returned with a very rich booty yet with the losse of five hundred Turks slain in that enterprize So also did the other Turkish Garrisons rage in all other parts of Hungary About Sasobia in upper Hungary they carried away about three hundred Captives and in the nether they took the strong Castle of Hedwigg upon the Lake of Balaton which they spoiled and burnt as also the Castle of Isna but attempting the lesser Comara they were valiantly repulsed They fortified also Stock Castle which they lately took as a refuge for their Adventurours all which declared their desire to begin that bloudy Warre which presently ensued and it was the more suspected because Crocowitts the Emperour's Embassadour was shut up close in his House at Constantinople not to speak with any man nor write or send to the Emperour Wherefore he began to raise new Forces the Hungarians and Bohemians also seeing these miseries that 〈◊〉 them and the Enemies strength daily encreasing agreed to maintain some horse foot upon their own charges for repressing these incursions now though the Emperor well knew that these outrages could not be done without Amuraths knowledge and liking as before informed thereof by his Embassadour yet he wrote Letters unto him the effect whereof were to shew himself willing to have the League on his behalf kept and also to make a further proof of Amuraths resolution for peace or war desiring
besides which calamities of War the great Sultan found no small wants both in his Coffers and other necessary supplies for maintenance of his Warres chiefly in Hungary and that by the revolt of those three aforesaid Countries But their wholsom confederation being now broken the Transilvanian Prince Sigismund now left as it were all alone and fearing least his Countrey should with himself fall into the Turks Polonians or some other his Enemies hands resigned Transilvania unto the Emperour and his Heires for ever and so leaving his Wife there himself went into Silesia to take possession of two Dukedoms which with the yearly Pension of fifty thousand Joachims or the Revenues of the Bishopwrick of 〈◊〉 he in lieu thereof received of the EMPEROUR whereupon Transilvania was by the general consent of those States in the beginning of one thousand five hundred ninety eight delivered up to the three Emperours Commissioners and an Oath of obedience taken of them all although both the Commissioners and Emperour would have perswaded the Prince either not at all or not so suddenly to have forsaken his Country who was the natural Prince thereof and exceedingly beloved of his Subjects These Commissioners likewise in June following took the like Oath of Michael and his people in Valachia they loathing the Turkish Soveraignty They also then agreed with the Tartars Embassadors who offered 〈◊〉 peace and ayd for forty thousand Duckats yearly and as many Sheepskin-Gowns their usual Apparell All this while continued the Diet begun at Ratisbone in December last Matthias being there his Brother's Deputy who demanded more ayd against the Turk than against the PRINCES and STATES of the Empire offered where at last a large proportion was agreed upon for defraying the charges of those Warres to be payd in three years next and so the Assembly was dissolved but as they returned home RAB one of the strongest Fortresles of Christendom was by Lord Swartzenburg again recovered to the great grief of the storming TURKS and joy of the Christians after this manner The Lord SWARTZENBURG then laying at Komara doubting of some attempt of the TURKS at Rab against him kept continuall Watch and Ward all that Winter time with a strong Garrison the Spring approaching it hapned March 22th about night the Gates being shut two Italians were heard nigh the Walls earnestly requesting to be let in for fear of the Enemies pursuit which being told the Governour by a Gentinel he doubting it to be some subtilty of the Enemy bad them there to tarry till morning and then being let in they prostrating themselves before the Governour pittifully requested him to comfort them with his charitable relief that they might return into their own Countrey answering to him demanding of them that they were Italians and had even then escaped out of the Turks hands at Rab and though they shewed by their gesture not to know any newes yet he would needs know of them when and how they were taken by the Turks and how they escaped out of that cruel servitude so the younger told him that when the Christians were overthrown by the Turks under Agria they having by flight escaped the greatest danger and travelling towards Vienna were by a hundred Turks come out of Rab taken and committed to the Chain where they had almost two years with great patience served telling him also they had been three moneths before carefully devising how to recover their lost liberty which now seemed to make some offer of it self unto them for since the departure of the Emperours Army from the Town they lay as men not much regarded so one day as they were carrying munition from the Pallace of Giaffar for the Souldiers they secretly conveyed three Pieces of Coard by night to let themselves down from the Wall burying the Coard in the ground but night come and they roaming in the dark and still finding one let or other they were forced to defer it till the night following when as they fastning the Coard above slid down one after another the younger though he could not swim being by the assistance of the elder conducted over the broad and deep Ditch and so in the great darkness of the night they were come by chance to Komara thinking to have gone to Vienna The Governour now demanded further how Rab was governed and guarded they told him Very ill and with small care especially since the departure of the Emperors Camp and that four of the Gates being filled up with Earth if broken open would fall into the Ditch and further them that would attempt to enter with divers others particulars Whereupon he requested Lord Palfi in all haste and secresie with 1600 Foot and what Horse he could make to come unto him who presently setting forward by night March 26 before day with 1400 Foot and 120 Horse arrived at Komara where they entring the Gates were again fast shut and so kept for fear of the Enemies Spies so Swartzenburg and Palfi fully discoursing of the intended enterprise and resolving thereon they found they had 2600 Foot and 300 Horse all couragious men who staying two dayes and many of them confessing and receiving the Sacrament now doubted not to encounter a far greater number of Turks than themselves And the more to incite them Palfi delivered to them a notable Speech yet not telling them whither they were to go at the end whereof they all cryed aloud They were most ready to do any of their Commands and follow them any whither and so having well refreshed themselves about the 11th houre March 27 they in good order set forward towards Rab and least the Enemy should have warning of what was intended Palfi ordered Stroine his Maior to follow softly after him with 1700 Horse and Foot so upon the break of day they drew towards Rab lying in close ambush about 7 miles short of the Town and night being come in two houres march they drew near Rab where they stayed about five houres sending before them a French Engineer with 13 others rewarded with 1500 Duckats having with them four Petards where they found the Draw-bridge down because the Turks then secure hourely expected some Wagons with Provision from Alba Regalis whereby they coming to the Gate unperceived and fastning their forcible Engines thereunto gave fire to the same and being not gone far were descryed and asked by a Sentinel What they were but was presently answered by the Petards which in a trice tore in sunder the Gate with some of the Wall and adjacent Fortifications The Watch now gave the Alarum the Christians thrusting in took the Gate no Turk yet coming to hinder their entrance 200 Turks first appeared with their hideous cry Alla Alla but were overcharged by 300 already entred The Bassa also came on with above one thousand following him with the greatest Turkish courage and fury where after two hours most terrible fight the Bassa being slain the Turks a little retired whereby one thousand
Basta and they with the loss of many lives forced to get them further from the walls Wherefore they for fear by night arose departing by another way than they came doing great harm as they went The free Haiducks of Valachia also living most upon prey by Bridges passing over Danubius overthrew the Bassa of Natolia's great power with a great slaughter and loss of his Brother then over-running the Country they did exceeding harm and took the Bassa's son prisoner Thus passed the Winter with many light skirmishes and incursions in divers parts of Hungary Maximilian the mean while comming from Prague to Vienna found in his Camp but 24000 Foot and 10000 Horse ready against next Spring divers German Princes sending this year 1599. no ayd at all by reason of troubles with the Spaniards in the lower side of Germany which made him the more to dread the Enemies comming but about this time the great Duke of Muscovy requested leave of the Polonian for 40000 Horse to pass thorow his Country to ayd the Emperour against the Turk which he would in no case grant as dangerous to his State Wherefore the Muscovite offended sent other Embassadours to the Emperour by Sea who in an English ship in Nicolas Port sayled about Sweden Norway and Denmark and after long trouble arrived at Stoad and from thence travelling by Land to Hamborough Lubeck and Maidenborough came to the Emperour then at Plissena for the plague was hot at Prague Who having delivered their Presents and Letters of Credence had audience and were most honourably used yet the Polonian suffered the Turks Embassadour calling himself Gabriel a Jew to pass thorow his Country to the Emperour to entreat of peace which Gabriel comming to Prague and having no Letters of Credence to shew for he said They were taken from him upon the way by the Polonian Cossacks and some of his retinue slain was taken for a Spy and sent to Vienna where at first he was well used in an Inne but the night following the Martial clapt him fast in prison with as many Irons as he could bear and all his followers with gyves on their leggs were compelled to work daily in the Town-ditch About this time Sigismund of Transilvanian gave a most manifest token of an unconstant Nature to the great wonder of the World for he having again taken upon him the Government and withall requested himself and the Transilvanians to be discharged of their Oath of Loyalty to the Emperour and Veradinum with the adjacent Country to be restored unto him and the Emperour pausing thereupon did now doubting of his ability to keep that Country in the beginning of 1599. by his Embassadours request the Emperour to have the first Agreements again renewed and a Principality in Moravia added to the 2 Dukedoms in Silesia with 50000 Duckats yearly out of the Imperiall Chamber and a generall pardon for all the Transilvanians that following him had lately revolted from the Emperour and their antient liberties confirmed All which Conditions being obtained they returned from Prague Apr. 19. But Sigismund in the mean time consulting with some of the Polonian Nobility far differing from the former Agreement and sending for a Turks Chiaus and for his cousin the proud Cardinall out of Borussia met them in a Village towards Polonia accompanied with some of his chiefest States and there in the presence of the Polonians and the Chiaus resigned all Right Title in Transilvania to the Cardinall commanding the States to swear Obedience and Fidelity unto him who shortly after with the Polonian Embassadour sent a special Favourite to Constantinople to desire safe conduct for his Embassadors thither who were both courteously received in the Turks Court and as with a special favour rewarded with right sumptuous Garments and charged that the Cardinall should within 3 months send thither a solemn Embassadour with the accustomed Tribute Thus Transilvania one of the strongest Fortresses of that side of Christendom became again Triburary to the Turk The Turks of Buda not able longer to endure the great Famine had most earnestly requested relief from their Friends in Hungary Who comming near to Buda could not put into it such provision as they had brought the Imperials about a League off diligently attending every motion of the Enemy whence Swartzenburg secretly approachiug by night to one of the gates thought with a Petard to have broken it open but the gate being within strongly fortified he was forced to depart being also discovered from the wall Shortly after the Bassa issuing out with 600 Horse to meet with Victuals coming thither fell into an Ambush of the Haiducks who putting him to flight took him prisoner his Horse falling under him whom his Souldiers seeking to rescue they encreased their former overthrow with the loss of most of those left the Bassa's son and Aga of the Janizaries losing their lives The Bassa being brought to the Camp was with great threats forced to reveal the state of his City with other Turkish designs Whereupon the Haiducks returned towarks Buda 〈◊〉 by all means to stop the comming of Victuals thither hoping at length to gain the City but newes was brought them that the Bassa of Bosna with 3 Zanzacks were comming with 10000 men to oppress them who went to meet them and in a place of good advantage upon their first appearance with great courage charging them brake their Arrays and slew most of them with the Bassa himself yet had not Palsi in time sent in some 〈◊〉 Companies it was doubted the Haiducks had been worsted about 300 being already slain Nevertheless the Tartars held on their way purposing by over-running the Country to have withdrawn the Imperialls from the City but Swartzenburg his Regiment onely going against them so overthrew them that part being slain and part driven into Danubius most of them there perished Basta at that time lay at Cassovia with 18000 men doubting lest the Turk Army which he heard was at hand should come and besiege it In the mean time Ibraim Bassa came to Solnoch with 50000 men 10000 being Janizaries yet hearing that Basta waited his comming at Cassovia he retired back to Belgrade a place of more security expecting a great Fleet to bring Victualls for the Army also for relief of Buda Alba regalis c. with divers battering pieces and other less pieces upon Carriages with other Instruments of Warr all guarded with 5000 Turks up Danubius Whereupon Palsi dispatched a convenient power of good and valiant Souldiers to cut off this Convoy who suddenly assayling them and comming to handy blows cut them in pieces and rifled the ships most whereof were there sunk and took a booty deemed to be worth a million of Gold and 100000 Dollars there found were all divided among the Souldiers This being known at Buda and other Cities greatly terrified them yea Ibraim's Army grew much discontented as disappointed of Victuals and pay besides the Imperials ransacked and destroyed the Villages and
of gold the Embassador giving 100 of the Vayuod's followers each of them a good Suit in requitall with whom also was the Polonian Embassador who 't was 〈◊〉 did what they could to draw him with Transilvania and Valachia from the Emperour to the Turk but 〈◊〉 seldom or never spake with them but he 〈◊〉 either before or after with the Emperours Commissioners about their requests protesting not to yield to any thing without his good liking whereof Mahomet advertized gave the Vayuod to understand that he was in some speech with the Emperour touching peace which if it took effect all should be well if not it should be good for him timely to consider of his estate and submit to him who was able to defend him rather than to adventure himself with all he had to most certain destruction promising for his loyalty onely to give him Transilvania Valachia and Moldavia for ever and to furnish him at his need with Men and money and offering to make him a great Commander in Hungary and the Bassa of Temeswar to be 〈◊〉 ready to assist him against the Emperour with 50000 Horse and Foot reserving to himself whatever he should more win from him All 〈◊〉 large offers the Vayuod declaring to the Commissioners still protested never to start from the 〈◊〉 yet he hereby took occasion to request Transilvania of the Emperour to him and his Son in Inheritance for ever with such Frontier-Towns as formerly 〈◊〉 thereunto also that all dignities and preferments formerly granted to Sigismund might be bestowed on himself and for his service done to have money to pay his Souldiers and that what he should win from the Turks might be his and his Sonnes and that the Emperour and Princes should assure him to ransom him if taken but if he were driven out by the Turks then to have some fit place in upper Hungary to live in with 100000 Dollars yearly for all which he the Emperour to do so much this year against the Turk as had not been done in 100 years before vaunting that if he had had the employment of the money which was spent in this Warre he would not have doubted to have brought all from the 〈◊〉 to Buda Alba Regalis and Zolnock under the Emperour's obedience Sigismund the while supported by the Polonians and ayded by the Turks Tartars and Moldavians was ready to enter 〈◊〉 yea the forerunning Tartars had already carried away some booty out of the Frontiers thereof wherefore the Vayuod in great haste assembled his Forces out of all places the Countrey people and resolute free Haiducks in great number resorting unto him So April 24 he removed to Cronstat with 8000 〈◊〉 and 200 pieces of Ordnance and all his Forces almost 50000 Horse and Foot being assembled at Nessen he speedily passed the rough and high Mountains into Moldavia yet his Souldiers by the way were glad sometimes to eat leaves of Trees the Enemy having carried away whatsoever sustenance he could Of whose speedy coming and great strengrh Sigismund and Jeremiah of Moldavia hearing retired into the Frontiers of 〈◊〉 to gather more strength and so to meet him for Jeremiah had not yet received the promised Forces from the Turks 〈◊〉 his Enemies thus fled with fire and sword entring Moldavia took-in most part thereof the fearful people yielding to him as he went and the rather because Jeremiah their Vayuod had laid upon every man a Duckat a moneths Tribute for which they 〈◊〉 hated one of the trusty Servants of the Commissioners in Transilvania who might report unto them all his proceedings stayed not long in Moldavia but made towards Sigismund and Jeremiah and May 18th found them by Othune Castle nigh the River Nester being 30000 strong where a most cruel battel from about 10 in the morning was with great courage and obstinacy maintained till the Evening when as at last the Valachian his Enemies fled 8000 being slain besides many drowned in the River the Valachian losing but two thousand Sigismund and Jeremiah though some said they were slain and some drowned yet they both escaped by flight Michael after this caused all Moldavia to sweare obedience to the Emperour himself and Sonne to the great offence of the Polonians especially of the great Chancellor an old enemy to the House of Austria whereof ensued greater troubles than before to the further effusion of Christian bloud Now the Vayuod notwithstanding this great Victory considering he could hardly keep Moldavia against the power of the Turk as also against the Polonians as desirous to restore Jeremiah into Moldavia as Sigismund into Transilvania of himself by Embassadors offered the Soveraignty of those three Countries to the Emperour on condition that he should be perpetual Governour thereof under him The Emperour also heard that Mahomet had sent unto him a Chiaus commanding him to restore Transilvania to Sigismund to whom by the King of Poland's mediation he had been reconciled else threatning with fire and sword to destroy Valachia and deprive him of Transilvania and his life together Wherefore he yielded to all that his Embassadors requested conditioning he should be bound to serve with his people against the Turk as need should be and that in Transilvania should be alwayes near him resident the Emperours superintendent over the whole Countrey which was Dr. Petzen sent thither with 6000 Souldiers and much money to pay the Vayuods Souldiers and so to take of them an Oath thenceforth to be his Majesties faithful Servants The superintendent the Vayuod received with great honour yet being returned into Transilvania ere long without regard of him he began to oppress the people with new exactions and in a sort to tyrannize over them using great severity against divers Nobles also chiefly those whom he knew had taken part with the Cardinal or lately with Sigismund or any way to have favoured his quarrel which was contrary to his promise no more to imbrue his hands in the blood of those Nobility without the knowledge or consent of the Emperour or his superintendent which yet if he had not done he could not have kept those disdainful ones under obedience Nevertheless the Transilvanians taking these things in ill part rose all up in Arms against him so that he finding himself to weak for them retired with all that would follow him into the Mountains whence he presently sent for ayd to Lord Basta for subduing and reducing them who by Letters from Matthias commanded so to do with about 6000 Horse and Foot and 8 Field-pieces removed from Cassovia Septemb 4th where by the way came to him Embassadors from the Confederate Transilvanians requesting also his ayd pretending themselves to be the Emperours most loyall Subjects but not under the Government of such a Tyrant as was the Vayuod exaggerating many his most cruel actions c. Basta sent back the Embassadors comforting them to expect his arrival in Transilvania yet convenanting with all that they should first conceive in writing the Oath
in token of Victory which disorder the Valachians perceiving turned head and serring close together couragiously thrust themselves into the midst of these Victors which so dismayed and troubled them that surprized in disorder with their hands full of spoiles they could not recover themselves some stood as men amazed others ran away others stood on their defence but all were alike slain so that at last most of them were cut in pieces and the rest put to flight Moyses himself being slain Of which Victory the Vayuod certified Basta sending him 25 of the Enemies Ensigns and writing that the dead Body of Moyses was found among the midst of the dead slain even at the first charge wherein his Guard was overthrown And because some had given out he was not dead nor present at that Battel his Head was set up at Cārolstad upon a Launce for all men to behold But another Rebel called Albert Nage by and by starts up who with 6000 Transilvanians Turks Tartars Cossacks and Moldavians made head towards Lippa against whom Basta speedily sent 3000 Haiducks well acquainted with the Countrey for the Rebels chiefly sought by taking the advantages of places to delay time and gain purchase whom the Haiducks surprizing near to Ferre-Castle where they meant to have charged them they suddenly overtaken and supposing them to have been more than they were made small resistance but by flight shifted every man for himself most of them being slain and their Chieftain with much adoe saved to be at another time justly executed Basta being again become Master of the Field very soon after reduced all Transilvania under the Emperors obeisance to whom he with the Vaynod sent 100 Ensigns with some other rich spoils of the Rebels for a Present all which the Master of the Ceremonies in great Pomp led together with Moyses's Horse exceeding richly furnished to whom the Emperour in reward sent a Chain of Gold by Count Fustenberg Basta now resolved to besiege Temeswar marched towards Lippa there to meet with the Vayuod's Forces His Army consisted of 20000 men well furnished and having 25 Pieces of Ordnance of the enterprise every man had good hope but his Souldiers at the siege 〈◊〉 excessively feeding upon Fruit whereof there was that year great store though he most straightly commanded none to be eaten or brought into the Camp so many died of the Bloody-Flux that he was glad to be gone Count Solmes the while laying at Carolstad set forth with 400 Souldiers of his Garrison to surprise Wiscenburg without any great resistance becoming Masters thereof but the Citizens over-grieved with their insolent out-rages opened their Gates to the Rebels of Transilvania even then fled from the overthrow who full of revenge and too strong for them so slaughtered them in the streets they also of the Town from above helping them that the Count had but sixty left alive who with himself were thrust into a strong and loathsom prison Now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army into Hungary there came together an Army of 25000 Foot and 10000 Horse well appointed of which gallant Army Lord Russworme was for this year made Generall who therewith marched in sight of Strigonium to assure it of relief if the Enemy as newes then went should chance to besiege them Laying there three weeks waiting for the rest of the forces he the while disposed of all things needful for keeping of Strigonium putting into St. Andrews Fort near unto it 3000 Lansquenets for its relief then he removed towards Posth encamping within a League thereof hoping that the preservation thereof if the Enemy should befiege it might in time be a cause to win Buda The Turks Army being 100000 men few dayes after came and encamped in sight of the Christian Army on the other side of Danubius In the mean time certain Souldiers of Pesth fled by stealth to the TURKS in BUDA craving of them Victuals whom though they were almost in as great want they bountiously relieved the Bassa of BUDA to corrupt their followers entertaining these Fugitives with double pay who gave him a thousand thanks greatly 〈◊〉 his bounty and from the Walls inviting their Companions to do as they had done yet although they from the BASSA'S mouth 〈◊〉 them plenty of Victuals good entertainment and four moneths pay more none of them hearkened to their allurements but rather offered of themselves to be sworn again to their allegiance to the Emperour and to die in the place rather then forsake it yet was the want of Victuals then in Pesth great but ere long May 15th a great Ship laden with Wine and Victualls arrived there whose passage the Turks attending in the Isle to have intercepted they of Pesth sallying out killed many of them forcing the rest to quit the place and shortly after a number of other Ships laden with provision and necessaries arriving there filled it with as great plenty as there had been want which being conducted thither by 500 Harquebusiers of Strigonium the Turks of Buda durst not or could not stay it At the same time a Turkish Captain fleeing from Alba Regalis to Rab shewed the Christians how they might come to the Suburbs thereof and spoil the same yea and happily surprize the Town offering himself also to be the Guide to whom the Christians then giving credit the two Garrisons of Rab and Strigonium surprized the Suburbs of Alba Regalis slaying all that resisted rifling them firing them and so laden with spoil returned in safety Then also Lord Nadasti Col. Mesbourg and Count Thur with their Hungarians Almaines and Hussars on the other side of Danubins to brave the Enemy marched over the plain with a Convoy of Victuals for Pesth at mid-day with Trumpers gallantly sounding the Turks from the Walls of Buda beholding the same but not daring to adventure upon it The Haiducks left at the Castle of Adom commodious for impeaching the bringing of Victuals to Buda and for relief of Pesth now upon the bruit of the coming of the Turks great Army trussed up their baggage fired the Castle and retired to Strigonium where the Governour examining them why they fled and what Enemies chased them thence whereof they rendering no reason but their imaginary fear he imprisoned them there to remain till order were taken by the General for their further punishment Mahomet amidst all his delights was in the midst of the insolencies of his tumultuous Janizaries at home and abroad in Warres against the rebellious in Asia and the Christians in Europe wherefore he resolved if possible first to appease the troubles with his subjects in Asia though the punishing of Rebellion is more needful in a Prince to maintain his State than is Warre against a stranger for conquering of a new Countrey Howbeit the Sequel shewed Falshood and treachery was the ground of the whole business on both sides Mahomet spared no kind of cunning to deceive these crafty men offering them with his pardon great
convicted of such a Treason were exemplarily executed The Turks not ceasing with great earnestness to solicite for peace The Emperour once again appointed certain great persons to attend their propositions Casar Gallen Sheriff of Strigonium at Italian much experienced in State-matters being one whom the Governour of Strigonium had sent before to Pesth for concluding of peace by some good means The Turks demands were That the Emperour should for the future pay to the Sultan and his Successors the whole wonted tribute without demanding thereof That the Emperour should alwayes have his Embassador-Lieger at the Sultans Court with presents there to solicite the continuation of his love and friendship that he should deliver all Towns and Castles taken from the Turks during this War with Transilvania and Valachia which granted they promised to send to the Sultan to entreat him to surrender Canisia but not Agria except constrained by force of Arms. The Emperour's Commissioners answered That the Emperour having by so many perfidious dealings proved the 〈◊〉 of Sultan-Achmat's Predecessours in violating their strong League by surprizing many places in Hungary and also taking many in 〈◊〉 between the Rivers Kulpe and Unna which places he had oft by as just right remanded as they were unjustly usurped before these Wars All which Demands though deemed just and reasonable by the Turks themselves were rejected by the Sultans What assurance could he conceive of his fidelity Yet if he might hope so much of anothers Faith as he was assured of his own just meaning he could be well content to embrace the peace so he might have Canisia and Agria delivered unto him which if the Turk would needs hold that he likewise might with peace hold the places he had won in that Wat. And as for Transilvania he could not deliver that without betraying of his right and the welfare thereof which he obtained both by Covenants between him and the Son of the last Duke John as by voluntary releasement of Sigismund 〈◊〉 the last Prince thereof to him for defence of which his Rights he had spent many men and great summs of 〈◊〉 and for Valachia he could be content to yield some part of his right unto that Province so the Turk should cease to demand of him any yearly tribute or that he would as of ordinary duty send his Embassadours with yearly Presents to the Grand Seigniour since every Prince ought to be at liberty therein At which answer the Turks laughing and sporting still pressing the Commissioners to yield to their unreasonable demands else threatning to acquaint the Sultan therewith who by force should take that from them which they refused to grant by fair means so the Treaty was for that time broken off yet the Governour of Strigonium left Casar Galen to entertain it in such small hope as was left who afterwards seeing it was desperate and feasting some of the chief Turks of Buda who in that merriment promised to live as Friends with those of Pesth and other nigh places retired to Strigonium Yet shortly after Jagenreuter Governour of 〈◊〉 though Galen had also assured him of a speedy furnishing of the Town with all necessaries for its defence dismayed with the bruit of Hassan Bassa's comming with his great Army to begin with the Conquest of Pesth Septemb. 5 having trussed up his Baggage forsook the Town 5 Companies of Foot and of Horse following him leaving the Town Victuals Munition and his Honour for a prey to his Enemies yet before his departure he undermined the chief Buildings laying Gunpowder under them whereby they were soon after overthrown and most of the Town burnt But being gone not past half a League he met 400 Haiducks well armed sent for the relief of Pesth with a number of Boats with necessaries of all sorts which Haiducks meeting with these Cowards on the way returned with them to Strigonium leaving their Vessels and Munition to their Enemies who presently after seized upon them Next day the Turks wondring to see so great a fire in Pesth more and more encreasing adventured over the River and drew near the Town which they finding abandoned diligently quenched the fire repaired the ruines and became Masters thereof 〈◊〉 the Coward with his fearfull Troops comming to Strigonium was examined by the Governor of the Causes of his flight who alledging no other but the great report of Hassan's comming to besiege the Town was imprisoned and reserved forjust punishment The Bassa of Buda by Letters excused himself to the Governor of Pesth for the taking of Pesth the Treaty being not yet quite broken off saying He took it as a place upon a vain fear forsaken and set on fire c. and offered to deal with him for exchange of prisoners one for another and for the peace he was very desirous it might be fully concluded before Hassan-Bassa's arrivall in Hungary who once come there would be no time amidst the noise of so many Weapons and Warriours to talk of peace For all that the Visier was already entered Hungary with a huge Army comming towards Sexart to view which the Governour of Pallantwar going with 100 Horsmen ere he was aware met with 500 Turks sent also to discover the Country who charging 〈◊〉 him with multitude was himself taken most of his men slain and some few hardly escaping by flight but Count Serinus setting upon 300 Turks nigh Zigeth with courage though scarce half so many in number overthrew and cut them in pieces ere well aware of him The Turks out of hope of regaining Strigonium by any Capitulations of peace resolved to do their utmost to take it by force often protesting if they should so gain it never more to have peace with the Christians at which vain threats and speeches the resolved Christians could not but with scorn smile Unto this siege the Turks in hope of spoil came flocking from all places They encamped near Charls his Hill taking up with their Tents half a League round about and at first bravely advanced their half-Moon Ensignes the Arms of their then encreasing Empire whom the besieged herein imitated and further provoked them with abundance of thundering shot yet the Turks comming resolutely on began to make their approaches upon whom the Christians couragiously sallying 〈◊〉 to disturb them and so after certain hours hot skirmish without much hurt retired leaving their Enemies a good Testimony of their valour Howbeit The 〈◊〉 intrenched and encamped before St. 〈◊〉 Fort where they placed their Cannon to batter the same but Basta having near to Strigonium cast up a great Fort and well furnished greatly annoyed the Turks with its Ordnance forcing them to remove further off his Army the while laying upon the River betwixt the Isle of Strigonium and the old Rascian Town to hinder the Enemy from entring into either Count Sultze the Governour having mustered his men and by sundry speeches motives and cautions of trusting to the Turks fair promises c encouraging his Souldiers most
it saultable and Septemb. 24. swarming up up the Hill furiously assaulted it for 5 hours with invincible courage by the Christians endured many valiant ones falling on both sides for they came to handy-blows even in the Breaches thrice were the Turks forced to retire and still brought on again so at last 900 Christians 〈◊〉 slain with Count Oetingen their Chieftain and his Lievt mortally wounded the Turks entered the Fort slaying those few whom they found yet breathing and whence they carried certain great pieces to help batter the City and planting 30 great pieces against the Low or Water-Town they most terribly battered it which being environed with a Palisado of Wood the Turks by firing brush-Faggots stuffed with powder and brimstone burnt down making their way even to the Walls which they incessantly battered till they had made a large Breach and then not regarding the showers of Bullets matched hand to hand the Janizaries especially had undertaken this service who with their great Musquets cruelly gauled the Defendants the great Bassa was also present at the assault encouraging his Souldiers with terrour and comfort the fight was 〈◊〉 and terrible few Bullets falling in vain among such a multitude howbeit after 4 attempts most of the Christians being slain the Turks forced the rest and gained the Breach 〈◊〉 both dead Turks and Christians under 〈◊〉 to get into the City Which won and those that were left put to the Sword and the Town rifled the Turks attempted the High-Town hoping in so great confusion of the Defendants to have carried that also yet were they at present notably repulsed Wherefore underminining it their Mines in few dayes perfected violently blew up Walls Men c. smothering and burning many which Breaches so made that the Christians could not shew themselves without danger of their lives the Turks forthwith came to the assault whom the Christian Captains preparing to withstand found their Souldiers as 〈◊〉 at his most need found his not willing in any wise to sight so that none would come nigh the Walls yet the Captains prayed exhorted and sometimes threatned them with death to stir them up but all in vain during which time the Turks had without any great resistance gained the foot of the Breach Whereupon the cowardly Souldiers compassing in 〈◊〉 Dampierre the Governor would by reasons have perswaded him to yield and by threats have feared him from further resistance Howbeit he enraged continued firmly resolved his courage 〈◊〉 in this mutinous storm and by divers Expressions minded them of their Duties and perswaded them saying For his part he was resolved rather there to die with Honour than to be beholden to his Enemies for an infamous and miserable life Wherefore he besought them to follow him in this 〈◊〉 Action carrying with it 〈◊〉 the Trophies of their precedent Ones who had oft assisted him in many actions of less worth and much more dangerous But these Degenerate Souldiers stood with their hands behind them without any Weapons in them and the while some of them conceived their cowardly requests and reasons thereof into writing which they sent to the Governour which he having read tore in pieces in their fight and 〈◊〉 under his feet going himself to the Breach with some few to defend it but they now threatned to deliver him with the place to the Enemy to save their lives if he would not by Treaty save them from those eminent perils who being deaf to their requests or threats they laying hands upon him put him in prison then craved parley with the Bassa who sending in Haly Bassa it was soon agreed they to yield up the place upon safe departurewhither they would with bag baggage Ensignes frilled up and fire in their matches leaving behind them all their Ordnance Warlike provision Which Composition was now by the Turks faithfully kept among many other-like before by them broken for it being yielded Octob. the 3d. they safely conducted these Cowards within a League of Comara helping them to carry their sick and wounded with their Fardels which the Turks oft carried upon their own shoulders their Governour was also sent out with them Many Inhabitants who had there dwelt by leave remained there still the rest which would not might depart whither they would Thus famous Strigonium holden 10 years and one month by the Christians fell again into the power of the Turks These base Souldiers with their Governour come to Comara were spoiled of Honour and Arms and sent back to Presburg where being detested of all and chiefly of the revolted Hungarians themselves the chief of them were imprisoned and after some time convicted of great damnifying Treason for which they were according to the quality of their offences diversly 〈◊〉 Capt. Schleker having his right hand cut off his tongue drawn out at his neck and both nailed to the gallowes was to be hanged yet through the intercession of many he was beheaded 5 other Captains were to have their right-hands cut off and nailed to the gallows and then to be hanged but by the intercession of Count Mansfield their hands were not cut off another was to be quartered alive but by the Count's intercession beheaded then quartered 12 others were only hanged another was to serve as a common Souldier 2 years without pay but by Mansfield's means one year was pardoned divers others who fled or stayed still at Strigonium had their names set on the gallows and being caught some to be quartered others hands to be cut off nailed to the gallows then hanged But as the Sultan received the pleasing news of the winning of Strigonium in Hungary so also the melancholly report of the overthrow of his great Armies in Asia with the loss of Damasco the greatest City in Syria for first The King of Persia invaded by Cicala and hearing that the Bassa of Caramania was with all speed to 〈◊〉 to him with a great supply of Souldiers presently with a puissant Army set forward against Cicala by his unexpected coming overthrew him and took all his Ordnance Cicala with 300 Souldiers with much ado escaping to Adena which City the Persian shortly after straitly besieged upon which news Achmat forthwith wrote to the Bassa of Trebesond speedily to ayd Cicala who with a great Army set forward Whereupon Cicala being with 10 trusty Souldiers secretly by night let down over the walls came to the Bassa keeping on his way with him to joyn Battel with the King as nigh the City as he could for he had ordered that so soon as they perceived the Battel to be joined to sally out upon the backs of the Persians which the King doubting left one part of his Army to continue the siege went himself with the other to meet the Bassa falling upon him before he could put his men in 〈◊〉 made of the Turks such an exceeding slaughter that few escaped Cicala but with 2 or 3 much 〈◊〉 escaping in a small
were about to return into Thracia But being informed that the Emperour had shut up the passage by a mighty wall at Christopolis from the Sea to the top of the Mountains they thus beset desperately resolved to break into Thessaly being above 8000 men to relieve their wants or towards Peloponesus there to seat themselves at least-wise to enter a League with some on the Sea coast and so return into their own Countrey They came in 3 daies to the Thessalian Mountains at the foot whereof finding plenty of all necessaries they wintred But Winter being past they came down into the Plains of Thessaly spending that year at pleasure havocking whatever came in their way That Countrey was but weak the Prince being but young and like to die c. And to avert these forreigners the Nobility offered their Commanders gifts and guidance into Achaia and Boetia Countries more commodious for them promising if they needed aid there to seat them Of which offers the Catalonians accepted So at Spring receiving their rewards and guides passing over the mountains beyond Thessaly and the straits of Thermopylae they encamped near Locris and the River Cephisus But the Duke of Thebes c. hearing of their coming with great pride and contempt denied them passage thorow his Countrey reckoning them but as loose wandring rogues c. wherewith they enraged resolved there to seat themselves or to die So they encamped not far from the River in Boetia 3500 horse 4000 foot But lying there they caused the ground where about they lay to be plowed up which they watered with cuts out of the River that it little differed from a deep Marsh. Hither comes the Prince with about 6400 horse and 4000 foot casting no peril coming bravely on with his horsmen but before he was come to the middle of the Plain his horses sinking deep lay with their riders for most part tumbling in the mire c. other-some sticking fast stood with their riders like very Images not able to move The Catalonians slew them at their pleasure and so speedily pursued the rest that they surprized Thebes and Athens so they having wone a goodly Countrey stored with all wealth there ended their travels and seated themselves not ceasing as saith Nicephorius Gregorias by little and little to extend their bounds unto this day There were 3000 Turks in the Catalonians Army of whom about 1100 were the Turcopuli under Melech the other came with Chalel out of Asia being sent for by the Catalonians All these when the Catalonians were about to invade Thessaly seek new fortunes partly distrusting their society and partly loth further to follow began to mutiny Whereupon Melech and Chalel requested of the General leave to return which he easily granted and so they departed proportionally deviding the captives and spoyls taken After which they divided into 2 parts the Turcopuli following Melech and the rest Chalel Melech having violated his Religion again and revolted despairing of the Emperour's friendship chose rather to go to Crales Prince of Servia by whom he was sent for with 1500 horse and foot but all his Souldiers delivering up horses and armour were to fall to Trades and not to bear Arms but when and so many as the Prince saw good But Chalel with about 1300 horse and 800 foot offered the Emperour quietly to depart his Countrey so he would give him passage by Christopolis and transport them and their substance over Hellespont The Emperour considering the great harm done desirous to be discharged of them sent Sennacherib to conduct them out of Macedonia to the straits of Hellespont Where the Greeks thinking it indignity to suffer them to carry such abundance of horses mony c. taken from the Greeks into Asia and in hope of so rich a prey they neither provided for them shipping nor cared for their safety purposing by night to destroy them Os which the Turk understanding surprized a Castle thereby which they notably fortified the Greeks were glad to get further off and to certifie the Emperour thereof who delayed the time to his enemies advantage who speedily sent over the strait for aid of the Turks in Asia which they presently sent them wherewith encouraged they oft times grievously wasted the Country round about The Greek Captains greatly discontented requested Michael with all his power to come to suppress these dangerous enemies For which not only Soldiers but the Country in general flocked to Michael with spades and mattocks as though they would have digged down the Castle Most part of whose followers not considering the danger in gaining it proceeded carelesly and disorderly in their 〈◊〉 that their enemies who before feared the very fame of their coming therewith much more encouraged bestowed all their wealth c. within their trenches themselves with 800 chosen horsmen sallyed out to the place of the Imperial Ensign with which sudden and desperate eruption the Grecians especially the rustical terrified began to flee after whom by little and little all fled The Emperour did what he could to stay them but in so general a fear Who regarded him wherefore he was glad to flee with the rest Yet many expert Captains ashamed making stands stayed the barbarous from further pursuit In which doing many were taken by the Turks Whatsoever was found in the Emperour's Tent yea the Imperial Crown it self became a prey also which they say Chalel putting on his head scoffed at the Emperour After this the Turks spoiled almost all Thracia so that for 2 years the people scarce durst go out of their Towns to plow and sow the Emperours exceedingly grieved all their hope was in forreign aid wherein they found many difficulties their Coffers being empty by reason of their Territories so long wasted yet Andronicus sent to the Prince of 〈◊〉 his Son in Law But he making no haste and the misery encreasing one Phites Paleologus the Emperour 's Kinsman undertook his Countries deliverance He had been brought up in Court c. beloved of all for integrity of life but altogether unskilful of wars being by nature weak and sickly and more given to devotion than worldly affairs He requested the Emperour that with some small power and a few Captains of his own choice he might go out against the Turks hoping he said to revenge the wrong and return with victory Whereunto he easily yielded saying God delighted not in any mans leggs but in a contrite heart c. For I have seen said he the swift not to gain the prize c. the simple to gain favour and the subtil to fall into disgrace So he furnished him with such conveniences as he desired which he receiving first he by all waies of courtesie encouraged his Souldiers perswading them to a temperare life promising the war ended rewards according to every ones desert and before setting forth understanding Chalel with 1200 horse and foot was forraging about Byzia he hasted to encounter them by the way laden with spoil
encamping the 3d day near the little River Xerogipsum where he left nothing unsaid or undone for the animating his Souldiers Within 2 daies his scouts brought tydings about midnight that the enemy was even at hand who by Sun-rising were come in sight wherefore first of all compassing themselves with their Waggons c. and bestowing their bound captives booty therein casting dust on their heads and their hands towards Heaven they came on The Christian Army came on also Philes right well conducting them He that led the right wing at first on-set unhorsed two enemies but his horse sore wounded he retiring hastily out of the battel somewhat troubled the Christians and encouraged the Turks Philes with chearful words encouraged them and with eys cast up and tears running down heartily besought God c. The footmen encountring hand to hand slew the Barbarians and were of them slain But Philes having almost encompassed their horse with a valiant company brake in upon the sides of the enemy who circumvented and hardly charged most of them fell a few horsemen were pursued to the entrance of Chersonesus whither came Philes 5 Galleys were sent to keep Hellesponts Straits 2000 horsemen came out of Servia and 8 Gallies moe by the Potestate of Pera wherefore shutting them up by Land and Sea Philes encamping about the Town and Trenches greatly battered the Castle making great slaughter The Turks by night set first upon the Grecians by sallying out and then upon the Servians with vain attempts wherefore utterly despairing about midnight they full of Coin ran to the Sea purposing to yield themselves to the Genowaies But the night being dark and misty many unawares came to the Greek Galleys who lightened them of their mony and slew them The Genowaies slew only those with the most Coin lest it should be sought for by the Greeks the rest some they sent to the Emperour some they kept as their own prisoners Thus by Philes his valour the Turks for that time were chased out of Europe Innovation and change of the Greek's Religion covetousness envy ambition distrust Forreign aid and foul discord were the chief causes of the Greek Empire's decay and ruin But Michael had 2 Sons Andronicus and Manuel of these old Andronicus entirely loved Andronicus his Nephew causing him to be brought up in his Court as not willing to spare him out of his sight But when he was grown a lusty youth he began to contemn all Government his companions leading him forth to walk the streets hawk hunt and haunt Plays and afterwards night-walks which requiring great expence and his Grandfather giving him but a spare allowance He took up mony of the rich Merchants of Pera c. with secret consultations of flight For seeing his Grandfather live long his Father like to succeed his ambitious thoughts suggested to him such purposes seeking after the Imperial liberty that he might have sufficient for himself and to reward others which seeing he could not do he sought one while after Armenia then after Peloponesus sometime dreaming of Lesbos and Lemnos for which he was reproved by the one and the other He used by night to repair to a Gentlewomans house whom another gallant no lesse affected then himself wherefore he appointed Russians to watch her house Manuel about midnight seeking him passed by these watchmen who in the dark supposing him the man they looked for wounded him that he fell down for dead and so was carried half dead to Court which ourrage cast the Emperour into great heaviness but Michael hearing at Thessalonica of Manuel's being dead with the wounds shortly after dyed with grief The unstayed youth purposing to flee became more and more suspicious to his Grandfather who appointed one Surgiannes who was suspected of aspiring imprisoned and by the Emperour enlarged warily to observe the young Princes doings But he not unmindful of former wrong and in hope to aspire himself took the Prince aside discovering his Grandfathers device to set them together by the ears as followeth Thy Grandfather most noble Prince said he hath set me a watch or rather a bloodbound over thy actions and if possible thy most secret thoughts c. whilst thou followest thy shallow conceits for what shall it avail thee to flee away c. But if thou hearken to my counsel I will shew thee a ready way to aspire the Imperial Seat which is by leaving Constantinople and fleeing into the Thracian Provinces and proclaiming immunity for ever from thy Grandfathers long and heavy yoak If thou likest this I will bring the whole matter to effect so that thou promise me to reward my travel according to desert and that no great matter be done without my consent for thou seest how unwillingly I make my self partaker of thy Calamity c. And seeing delay brings danger let 's impart the matter to such as are like to keep counsel and further our designes He moved herewith as with a charm confirmed his desire by an Oath in writing John Catacuzene Theodore Synadenus men of great honour and aged and Alexius Apocaucus a man of great place being present who shewed themselves as Ring-leaders therein Syrgiannes and Catacuzene by corrupting divers great ones procured the Government of places fittest to begin their rebellion in In all which they mustred Souldiers c. entertaining Strangers as for some great War placing their Friends and removing those they suspected from Government colouring all by false rumours of the European Tartars and Asiain Turks coming and commended by the Emperour himself for their care All which Syrgiannes dissembling oft certified the Prince what he had done and was to do But the Emperour seeing his Nephew proceeded in his dissolute life was about to reprove him before the Patriarch and others but being otherwise perswaded for that it was on the point of Shroveride when as the people through excess were fittest to be drawn into a tumult he let him alone But a good part of Lent past he sent for him to chide him before the Patriarch and other Bishops that as ashamed he might either amend or be thought justly punished if he proceeded The Prince with his followers 〈◊〉 secretly armed agreeing if the Emperour used gentle admonition to keep themselves quiet but if in anger or threatning to punish him to break in and kill him placing young Andronicus in his stead He was grievously blamed of him yet with such moderation that all seemed from a fatherly care so that the assembly was quietly dissmissed and an Oath taken That he should not appoint any other his successour and that the Prince should attempt no hurt to his Grand-father's Life or Empire At his coming out he was discouraged and ashamed at the speeches of the fretting and fuming conspiratours saying Thou hast left us in the Devils mouth to be devoured c. and sent for Theodore Metochita requesting to deal with his Grand-father for his followers pardon whereof he disliked telling