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
would have had all the Rebels put to the sword but by Eivases they were generally pardoned Amurath coming to Boga hanged the Captain and intending to pursue him hired by chance a Genoway ship to transport his Army into Europe for Mustapha caused the shipping to be brought to the other side He now fleeing to Hadrianople fearing to be betrayed speeded thence coming to an obscure place in the Country whence the pursuers brought him bound to Amurath at Hadrianople where he was hanged from the battlements of a high Tower Some Writers report him indeed to be Bajazet's Son but the Turkish Histories reporting as before call him Dusme or counterfait Mustapha c. 〈◊〉 of the common Souldiers apparelled and armed like Janizaries sell into the true Janizaries hands Amurath's guard who used them with all possible indignities A Janizary being hungry brought 2 of these to a Cooks shop to sell them for a little victuals who refusing to give him as having no use of such the Janizary swore to cut off their heads and give them him for nought if he would not redeem them for a thing of nought The Cook moved with pity offered him a Sheeps head which he took swearing he had given more than they were worth which disgrace is yet often objected by the insolent Janizaries telling these Asapi in their rage two of them are not worth a sodden Sheeps head Amurath was not a little grieved to think that this dangerous rebellion was first plotted by the Greeks and then 〈◊〉 by the Emperour of whom 〈◊〉 to be revenged he sent Michael Ogli with his Europeans to 〈◊〉 about Constantinople following in person with the Janizaries and Asians filling the Land's neck before the City from Sea to Sea and beginning furiously to batter the walls but they stronger than he supposed and the Defendants still repairing he ceasing his battery desperately assaulted it but they were notably repulsed some losing their hands some their armes but most their lives no shott falling from the walls in vain Which Amurath beholding sounded a retreat and shortly in great rage departed To whom the Emperour sending about peace he would not hear but threatned ere long to be revenged Wherefore the Emperour to keep him busied devised with the Caramanian King countenancing another Amurath's younger Brother to his no small trouble Mahomet had 5 Sons and 7 Daughters Mustapha surnamed the little was the second who being but 13 years old was set up by Caramanian and other Mahometan and Christian Princes to impeach Amurath's greatnesse who strengthened with their forces besieged Nice at length yielded to him But Amurath corrupting by great gifts and promises Ilias Beg the Princes Tutor he in 9 dayes came to Nice entring with small resistance Mustapha being presented by the Tutor to him who because he would not spill a drop of Sacred Othoman blood strangled him with a bow-string buried at Prusa Amurath now fearing no Competitour removed the 3 Bassaes into honourable places retaining onely Eivases and Ibrahim of his Council Eivases being shortly accused that he sought to aspire the Kingdome usually wearing a privy Coat the Tyrant jealous cast his arme about him as in kindnesse as he rod with him finding him secretly armed would know the cause who answered for fear of some enemies in Court but he forthwith apprehended had his eyes burnt out with a hot steel glasse Mahumethes the while Caramanian King besieged Attalia 6 months Valiantly 〈◊〉 d by Amurath's Lievtenant the King being slain with a great shot as he viewed the City Ibrahim succeeeding brake up the siege to bury his Father Then also Dracula of Valachia passing Danubius did much hurt about Silistra but afterwards was forced to become Amuraths tributary Tzunites then about pretending an interest of descent in the Seignory of Aidinia by all meanes vexed Jaxis Beg the Lievtenant secretly favoured of the Country what they durst Amurath Commanded Anatolia's Viceroy with all power to war on him who invaded the Princes Country who meeting him well provided gave him battle Hasan the Prince's son with a part put part of the Turks to flight and too furiously pursuing left his Father hard beset by the Viceroy glad to flee to Hipsily Castle Hasan returning ignorant of the hap was overcome and taken The Viceroy presently besieging the Castle after a while the Prince in extremity yielded to him without Violence to him or his son to be sent prisoners to Amurath the Viceroy promising it by Oath Iaxis whose brother the Prince by chance before taking put to death attending Hamze to his tent and Hasan as the Turks manner 〈◊〉 sitting on the ground drawing him by the Coller to his fa hers feet struck off his head and in the same rage the aged Prince's also to the great dishonour or the Viceroy Their heads set on 2 Launces in the Castles sight the defendants yielded After Zunites his death all this territory was united to the Othoman Kingdome After all this Amurath married Isfendiars Daughter He now thought high time to 〈◊〉 revenge of the Greek Princes that aided the Rebels aforesaid wherefore ranging with a great Army thorow Macedonia to Thessalonica he surprized divers places belonging to the Emperour by the way This famous City sometime for beauty and wealth not inferiour to any in Greece Amurath hardly besieged with 〈◊〉 battery corrupting secretly some Citizens to have let him in by a secret Mine which being by the Venetian Governours perceived the plotters 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 fled to the Turks Amurath promising his Souldiers all its spoyle if they wan it so inflamed them especially the Janizaries that by a most terrible assault they entred the City The Venetians fleeing to their Galleys got to Sea but no tongue or pen describe the miseries the Christian Citizens endured heartily wishing to die and could 〈◊〉 The furious enemy devoured all Sexes and Ages but those who for strength or comelinesse were reserved to labour and lust afterwards dispersed into most miserable slavery The infinite riches became a spoile the houses desolate given for a habitation to such Turks as at pleasure repaired thither and at this day possessed by them This happened in 1432 〈◊〉 returning to Hadrianople sent Caratze with most of his Army into Aetolia whose Prince Charles dying a little before divided Acharnania amongst his 3 Base sons leaving the rest to his Brothers Son Charles Shortly after Amurath sending aid to one of the brethen falling at discord in fine subjected all Aetolia to himself The Princes of Athens Phocis Boetia and all Greece unto Corinths strait terryfied hereby became tribularies to the Tyrant living long under his slavery Thus the Greeks lost their liberty c. and 〈◊〉 now so degenerate that whereas they accounted all Nations 〈◊〉 in comparison themselves are 〈◊〉 no lesse 〈◊〉 John Castriott who reigned in Epirus seeing how the Turk 〈◊〉 against his Neighbour-Princes for peace delivered his 4 Sons Szanstius Reposius Constantine and George Hostages to Amurath promising well
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
77 Galleys Ships and Galliots beside one ship cast away near Methone with 6000 Barrels of Powder 1. 3000 great 〈◊〉 and 400 Spahi This strong Fleet arrived at Malta the 18th of May and put into the Haven Marzasirock but not being there safe they removed to the Port Maior Malta layeth betwixt Africa and Sicily and is twenty miles long and 12 broad looking to Africk Southward and ` Sicily Northward seeming to be called Melita from Mel hony whereof it yieldeth plenty it is in some places stony gravelly and bare of Wood great Thistles serving for fewel fresh water is exceeding scarce their Wells filled with rain in Winter in Summer being dry or the Water braccy the Inhabitants differing little in colour from the Aethiopians their Buildings except the City in midst of the Island being long and low covered with Turf or Reed It s rather to be thought from Act. 27. and 28. that Paul was cast upon the other Melita between Corcyra and Illyria the trouble and ship-wrack being in the Adriatique Sea out of which ' 〈◊〉 not to be gathered they were driven That side of Malta towards Sicilie hath many good Harbours and Havens two whereof Maior and Marzamoxet are divided by a narrow piece of ground on the head of whose high ridge stands St. Elmo Castle of great strength On the left hand of the Haven Maior are promontories on the first standeth the Gallows whence it s named on the point of the second on a rough and high Rock stands the most strong Castle of St. Angelo the Town adjoyning in which resideth the Grand Master and the Souldiers in the Town or Burg on the 3d stands the strong Castle or Burg of St. Michael Valetta had to defend those three Castles and Towns 1300 Mercinaries Spaniards French Florentines and Neopolitans 1000 Seamen of the Knights Fleet and 500 in St. Angelo 5000 Countrey people which fled into the strong places 500 Knights besides Priests and Squires for these 3 sorts are called Brethren of the Order In the City Melita it self was 200 Souldiers and as many Citizens with 300 Country Horsemen commanded by valiant Vagno Every place being furnished with whatever was needful for a long fiege and minds armed with invincible courage against all chances 200 Turks going ashoare met with Riverius 8 Knights more whose Horse being killed and one Knight slain they were all taken The Turks returning with their Fleet to Marzasirock Port landed 2000 Souldiers and 5 field-Pieces so intrenching themselves Piall Bassa went to view Michael Castle but for fear of great shot durst not come nigh it yet they sallying out skirmished with the Turks Curfelinus and but one Spaniard with him taking an Ensign from them and slaying a Sanzack with divers others Piall being returned the General in consultation agreed with the Captains to besiege Elmo Castle and going up the Hill to view it they were encountred by the Garrison Souldiers some few being lost on both sides Things growing hotter and hotter Valetta sent Salvagus a Knight in a Galley by night to certifie Garzias Viceroy of Sicily how things stood that he might the sooner come to their rescue The Turks the while cast up a Mount to batter the Castle and beat the Galleys in the Haven Major for their Fleet to enter but it was forthwith beat down again by thundring shot from the Castle much abating their courage 〈◊〉 came to them with 6 Ships and 900 Souldiers They cast up another Mount on higher ground annoying with 3 great Pieces not onely the Haven but Angelo Castle and with a rowling Trench drew nearer and nearer to Elmo Castle which though at first hindered by the Defendants yet at last they brought to perfection and soon so planted their Ordnance that they batter both Elmo and Michael Castles A Spanish Gentleman then a slave to the Turk advertised Valetta of the Enemies purpose who sent forthwith two Spanish Companies into Elmo Castle a great strength thereunto At length came Dragut long looked-for with 13 Galleys and 1600 Souldiers 10 Galliots following him from Bona with two Companies Salvagus having done his Message at Messana was commanded to return to Malta in a Galliot conducted by 2 Galleys who bringing him near the Island returned but he in the 3d Watch of the night brake into the Town thorow the midst of the Enemie's Fleet losing but one man where delivering the Viceroy's charge to Valetta he was sent that night back again into Sicily to request him with all speed to send him supply who soon arrived at Syracusa sending thence in the two Galleys 400 Souldiers divers being Knights and some skilful Canoniers willing them to shun the West part of the Island and passe by the East end thereof farther about but safer Then he went to Messana declaring to Garzias the danger requesting 1000 foot which with those already sent he thought would hold out till he might with his Fleet relieve them but while these things were slowly providing the Turks June the 3d assaulted Elmo Castle hoping with short Ladders to get over the Rampiers nearest to the Castle-Bulwark but the Defendants having made a large strong Flanker the Castle also helping them filled the ditches with their dead bodies who thrust still on with their multitude till they had gained the Flanker where they so speedily fortified themselves that they could not be hurt their Ordnance on the other side of the Haven Marza driving the Defendants from the place beating down the corner of the Rampire and battering the front of the Bulwark But night coming on five thousand of the nine thousand Turks tarried there the Christians being forced to retire into the Castle The Turks filling up the Ditch under the Bulwark with Sacks of Tow and Earth gave a fresh assault 800 Janizaries and Spachi being slain and many wounded most of whom remained in the Ditch where they perished 45 Christians were lost 5 being Knights of the Order That night Valetta sent 200 Knights and as many Souldiers into the Castle who if they had been more with the 400 there before might perhaps have driven the Turks from the Rampiers and Flankers and kept the place longer But the grand Master marvelled exceedingly that no 〈◊〉 came for 〈◊〉 two Galleys through the Master's fear kept not the appointed course he vainly affirming he saw some Turkish Galliots before the Port Milleria shaping his course to the Island Gaulos which much grieved the Viceroy and others especially Salvagus for he saw what would come to passe Yet in the mean time six hundred Souldiers were taken up at Rome by Pope Pius the 4th His Command under Columna whom his Legate Me dices accompanied and for example to other Princes gave 100 l. of Gold to the Legate of the Order with Gunpowder and other Warlike necessaries With these went many Volunteers and that with a most ardent desire who found John Auria and others at Naples with 36 Ships wherein these Footmen being imbarqued were transported
accordingly who entring into the place of Counsel desired of Mahomet to know his pleasure who caused the counterfit Command to be read Mustapha giving an attentive eare but when the rest began to sit down 〈◊〉 to the Turks manner who use alwayes to stand up till any Command from the Emperour be fully read the Georgian took his leave promising to be ever ready to perform whatsoever the King should command and so being about to depart the great Usher plucking him by the sleeve would have forced him to have sit down indeed that the Lievtenant with those of Mahamets chief band that stood about him might cut off his head Mustapha crying out with his Sword having wrought the Role from his pate with his left hand at one blow cleft the 〈◊〉 head down to his very stomach to the great astonishment of all there present then 〈◊〉 at the head of he 〈◊〉 of Charemit it being defended with the roles of the Turbant the stroke slipt down by his care which it carried quite away with a peece of the 〈◊〉 and a peece of the flesh of his cheek eagerly assailing Mahomet himself whom risen up in the 〈◊〉 he wounded with five mortall wounds which yet were afterwards cunningly healed when they had brought him even to deaths door upon the rushing in of the Georgians and the fear that Mustapha had struck into the Turks every man speedily departed towards Chars whither also was brought the two wounded Bassaes and the rest that were ill handled and greatly scared Of all this treachery Mustapha sent present word to Amurath as much grieved at the false suspicion conceived 〈◊〉 him and so wrought that 〈◊〉 sent him both Cloth of Gold and a Battle-Axe all guilt Mahamet on the other side wrote at large of all his misfortunes and aggravated to the King both the treachery of Mustapha and the slender security of those wayes and Countries When Amurath understood of these calamities and losses and the apparent danger of the Fort of Teflis then like to be abandoned he in a rage rated exceedingly the Bassaes of his Court reproving their lewd Counsel and recounting his losses from time to time as if through their defaults especially of Sinan who like an improvident fool he said would needs leave his Army and like a King sit idle at Constantinople c. who when Mustapha was General most vainly boasted with the like power to fetch the Persian King out of Casbin in bonds to Amurath but had indeed performed nothing worth remembrance Sinan peremptorily answered that seeing he would needs make choyce of Mahamet Bassa an unfit man to convey this year's Succours to Teflis he was to blame none but himself As for his coming to Constantinople it was long before thought most needful both that the matter of peace might come to some good passe and if not then he had to talk with him how to compass his Enemies overthrow which yet he had no fit time to declare but was now ready to reveal if it were his pleasure Amurath was wonderfully grieved with so arrogant a reproof from a slave of his own yet he disembled his discontentment against him commanding him to disclose those his devices who propounded 〈◊〉 not to proceed in this Warre as they had done with 〈◊〉 to hold the Enemies Countries their Treasures 〈◊〉 not able to maintain so many and great Garrisons 〈◊〉 for Amurath to go in person himself and so aganst so mighty a King by opposing the person of a King the Persians would easily come to an agreement or if ot he might then proceed in his Warres and obtain 〈◊〉 glorious Conquest the effeminate King now concived an envious affection against him and a further 〈◊〉 fostered by great Ladies especially his Mother 〈◊〉 Sinan had counselled him to go in person onely 〈◊〉 meanes for the Prince his Sonne to make him 〈◊〉 Sinan and the Prince carrying great 〈◊〉 towards each other wherefore depriving him ofall charge he presently banished him to Demotica of 〈◊〉 whence he by most humble supplication obtained terward to be removed to Marmara Siaus Bassa who married Amurath's 〈◊〉 being preferred to the Visiership a personable and 〈◊〉 Hungarian but the greatest seller of Justice 〈◊〉 preferments yet a great friend to peace with the Chrians which Sinan had alwayes maligned The Persian Captains the while 〈◊〉 spoils and Enemies Ensigns were with great joy reived in Persia which was redoubled when the 〈◊〉 betwixt Mahomet and Mustapha was reported wereby every one thought the next years dangerous attents of the Turks into Persia which were feared migl be hindered whereupon the Persian King determid to march toward Heri against Abas Meriz hisonne then with him in disgrace being earnestly solicid thereto by his elder Sonne especially by Salmas his Visier so committing his defence of that side of his Kingdom to Emer Chan Governour of Tauris Himself with his Army arrived at length at Salvar which principal City he taking by force beheaded the Governour thereof though he alledged a thousand excuses and objected as many accusations against seditious Salmas and having put to death some great ones accused by the Visier as confederates in his Sonnes rebellion he arrived at last at the City of Heri very strong by situation a good Wall and deep Channels of water conveighed into it by Tamerlain there was also therein many valiant Captains Enemies to Miriz Salmas The King approaching the City left in himself many troubled passions grieving to think he should beget so graceless a Sonne and to remember the blood of his Subjects spilt upon so strange an occasion yet being more and more solicited by Salmas he attempted to understand the mind of his Sonne and if possible to get him into his hands but Abas in the mean time wrote divers Letters to his Father and Brother beseeching them to make known unto him the occasion of this their stir for if desire of rule had moved them to seek his deprivation he was alwayes ready to spend and be spent in their service acknowledging his Father to be his good Father and King but if they were induced hereto for revenging some trespasses committed by him against the Crown of Persia he was most ready to submit to any amends and yield up all the more fully to satisfie their minds with twice and thrice reading over were these affectionate Letters considered and at last both Father and Brother determined to attempt the reducing the young mans mind to some good passe whereupon they wrote back 〈◊〉 him that his causing himself to be called King of Persia and the not sending them so much as one Captain to ayd them against the Turks had onely induced them hereunto Abas glad when he understood his accusations wrote back unto them if they would faithfully promise safely to receive his Embassadors he would send them so clear information touching those accusations that they should clearly perceive he had alwayes desired and laboured the contrary and would
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
But the Turks oppressed with multitudes still landing fled into the Town leaving their Governour with 500 dead on the shoar This rich and populous City had since the sormer taking been strongly fortifyed by the Turks with deep ditches high walls c. and 〈◊〉 with all things for a long siege Yet the Souldiers and Citizens remembring the miseries endured in the former siege the night following fled over the River by a bridge made of Boats and brake it lest they should be followed having first fired their houses The Christians entring the City did what they could to quench the fire and afterwards found abundance of riches with store of victuals This happened about the beginning of Octob in 1249. Meledine herewith discouraged offered the King for peace and the redeeming thereof more in 〈◊〉 and Syria then they had before a long time which was by the French proudly rejected and Alexandria the Metropolis further demanded Meledine not much beloved now died in whose stead Melechsala couragious welbeloved even then returning from craving aid of the Mahometan Princes was chosen which Princes though not according among themselvs or with the Aegytian yet in this common danger of Superstition joyned sending him great aid Who being strengthned hotly skirmished with the Christians not far from Damiata wherein he retired with some losse But the Christians sallying out the next day fled to the Camp with ten times more losse Whereby the Sultan encouraged hoped for better success stopping that without great peril no victuals could be brought to City or Camp so that victuals began to grow scarce whereof he was informed by fugitives that fled for want It fortuned that the Governour of Caire not ill affected to the Christian Religion and highly offended with the Sultan for his Brothers wrongfull death secretly perswaded the King to come thither with his Army promising to deliver it to him with instructions what to do Whereupon he assembled what forces he could make sending also for the Earl of Salisbury who with the English was gone to Ptolemais for indignities offered him by Artoys the King's brother purposing to serve no more But with promise of better usage and recompence for wrongs he returned into Egypt And more strengthened by new supplies from France leaving a convenient Garrison in Damiata set forward towards Caire Wherefore the Sultan offered to restore him all 〈◊〉 with a great summe of money and all prisoners so he would redeliver Damiata and joyn in League with him Which offer through others perswasion he refused The King was to passe an Arme of Nilus but being conducted by a fugitive Saracen to a foord he 〈◊〉 Robert of Artoys his brother with a 3d part before accompanied with the Masters of the Templars and Earle of Sarisbury Who assailing the Turks in their tents in the Sultans absence put them to flight Artois above measure encouraged would needs on forwards whom the antient Templars acquainted with that Nations deceitful manners and considering their own strength better then he perswaded him not further to prosecute the enemie till the rest of the Armies coming To whom he in despight replied he would prosecute c. calling them cowards objecting to them the common fame that the holy Land might long since have been united to the Christians Common-wealth but for the false collusion of the Templars and 〈◊〉 with the Infidels The Master moved answered he should when he would and where he durst display his Ensignes c. Sarisbury also perswaded Robert to listen to the wholesome Counsel of the Templars being experienced men beginning also to pacifie the Master with gentle words Whom whilst speaking Robert called Dastard wishing the Army rid of him and the fearful Cowards his Country men Who answered well General on my foot shall be as far as yours and I believe we go where you shall not dare to come nigh my Horses tail He said so because the French had in disdain often called him and his English Tailes The Earle not to be perswaded first assaulted a little place called Mansor who was about to retire having lost a number of his men The Sultan suddenly came on with his whole power and with his multitude enclosed the long wished-for divided Christian Army in which great fight though they worthily behaved themselves yet being a small number they were slain down right Then the too late repenting Earle cried out to Sarisbury valiantly fighting to fly c. who answered God forbid my Fathers son should run from the face of a Saracen The French Earle swiftly fleeing and taking the River Thasues overladed with armour was drowned Sarisbury with his own hand slew many that day till his Horse being slain and he so wounded in the legs that he could not stand yet desperately laid about him on his knees and was there slain scarce more than 2 Templars 1 Hospitaller and 1 Common Souldier escaped alive Sicknesse also increasing in the Camp the King sent many sick people to 〈◊〉 down 〈◊〉 purposing to march to Caire whom the Sultan by meeting them with boats carried in Carts burnt and drowned all except one English man who wound 〈◊〉 5 places escaped reporting it to the rest The Sultan 〈◊〉 now intelligence of the Governour to betray Cair suddenly apprehended him till better leisure the King had all his hope of the City hereby cut off who now would gladly accept of the refused conditions which the Sultan would not hear of but sent in derision to know what was become of all his mattocks forks c. which he brought with him why like an ill husband he suffered them to rot and rust by him The King would fain have retired to Damiata but the Sultan got betwixt him and home so that he must fight it out or yield Who being before often intreated by his Nobles for safety of his person to conveigh himself by water to Damiata would never be perswaded saying He was resolved to endure with his people whatever God should lay upon him So passing the foord afore-mentioned coming where his Brother's battle was fought he might see the mangled Christians the Sultan having proclaimed great reward to whomsoever brought him a Christians head or hand Long he staied not there but the Sultan appeared with a most huge Army against whom the French men for 3 hours made great resistance But one being against ten and the Army fainting for sicknesse and food they were at last all except a few saved in hope of great ransome slain The King with two Brothers was taken also who to the Sultan demanding why he warred against him answered 't was for Religion and the defence of his God's name This was fought Apr. 5. 1250. most of the French Nobility being slain The Sultan presently sent a like number of his souldiers with French attire and Ensignes to Damiata where the Duke of Burgundy French Queen and the Pop's Legate lay but they were by them of the City discovered and so kept out
them himself was to give God thanks for escaping so great a danger c. Wherewith the Prince troubled and discontented and after a whiles musing commanding him to depart he by his Companions perswasion entertained his former designements which his Grand-father suspecting would often say In our time is lost the Majesty of our Empire and devotion of the Church Yet he thought good to lay hands betime on him acquainting none but the Patriarch therewith who acquainted the Prince fleeing himself before who with all his Complices the night before his apprehension to be fled out of the City by the gate Gyrolimnia still at his Command and next day came to Syrgiannes and Catacuzens Camp at Hadrianople the Emperour the same day proclaimed him traytour proscribing him with all his conspiratours swearing the whole City to be loyal to him But he proclayming liberty in all Thracia the people resorted to him armed in great numbers First they soulely intreated the Emperous Collectours taking away their money Not seven daies after almost an incredible number departed towards Constantinople under Syrgiannes hoping at first coming to take the City at discord in it self Four daies after they encamped at Selybria whither the Emperour sent Embassadours to his Nephew for appeasing so dangerous troubles sending with them Syrgiannes his Mother to perswade him to retire a little and so come to talk and demand what he pleased Syrgiannes retired to the Prince about Orestius whither the Embassadours came also with whom it was agreed that the Prince should hold all from Christopolis to Rhegium and Constantinople's suburbs and that the Lands given by the Prince to his followers in Maccdonia should remain theirs and that the Emperour should hold the imperial City with all Macedonia beyond Christopolis and have the honour to hear and dispatch Embassadours the Prince not delighting in those weighty affaires Thus while the Greek Empire was divided betwixt the Grand-father and Nephew Asia way a prey to the greedy Turks Othoman founding his Empire in Phrygia and Bythinia and Aladins successours encroaching as fast on this side Meander robbing also the Christian Merchants trading to Constantinople spoyling Macedonia and Thracia's Coasts with the 〈◊〉 Ilands taking Rhodes out of which they were shortly driven by the Hospitallers aided by the Genowaies and Sicilian King holding it 214 years named Knights of the Rhodes till it was lost to the Turk for want of relief since which they have seated themselves in Malta Island which they have notably defended against mighty Solyman But Syrgiannes had thought from the beginning to have ruled all with the Prince at his pleasure but seeing him to be wholly Ruled by Catacuzene and himself not so much as called to any Counsel began secretly to devise revenge on the ungrateful Prince Wherefore he resolved again to revolt to the Emperour not doubting but shortly to overthrow the Princes Counsels and State He secretly by a trusty friend acquainted the Emperour of his purpose alleadging He could not abide the sight of him that sought to corrupt his wife meaning the Prince This news was most wel-come for it grieved the Emperour to be so con emned and deluded by his N phew c. So an Oath passing betwixt them Syrgiannes secretly fled to Constantinople which rejoyced many But the Prince taking occasion hereat marching towards the City and being within sight lay to intercept Syrgiannes by ambushes who the third night after from Perinthus with 300 Souldiers deceiving them came to Constantinople The Prince hearing of his escape and no expected tumult in the City presently retired into Thracia Constantine the Despot was by and by sent by his brother to Thessalonica to Govern Macedonia and apprehend Xene the Princes Mother by the way and then to invade him in Thracia that he on one side and Syrgiannes on the other might shut him up and take him The Despot taking the Empresse at Thessalonica sent her in a Gally to Constantinople where she was kept close And with all his power invaded the Prince breaking thorow the wall of Christopolis The Prince sent Synadenus against Syrgiannes hoping himself to encounter his Uncle the Despot And first he wrote and dispersed Edicts promising great rewards to whomsoever brought him alive or dead Then he proclaimed his Grand-fathers death slain by the Constantinopolitans in a tumult some swearing they were present thereat others shewing white goates haires as if they were pluckt off his head or beard at the time which commonly reported filled mens heads with doubts the Despot with fear retiring to Thessalonica whither came lettters from the Emperour to apprehend 25 chief Citizens vehemently suspected by rebellion to deliver the City to the Prince but they in time secretly stirring up the people and by ringing bells soon raised a wonderful tumult of Citizens in Arms who running to the Despots house he fled to the Castle they slew or robbed and imprisoned all they met of his pulling down the house Then they fired the Castle-gates whereupon he 〈◊〉 to a Monastery not far off where being taken he took a Monks habit to save his life Yet he was carried prisoner to the Prince whose waiters were ready to tear him in pieces had not the Prince embracing him saved his life But next day he was cast into a very loathsome deep and straight prison his boy and others that drew up his ordure often pouring it on his head Where after a great while and wishing to die he was removed into an easier prison Things crossing the Emperour he was very pensive and one day opening the Psalter the first verse he light on was When the Almighty scattered Kings for their sakes they were white as snow in Salmon which he applying as if all troubles c. proceeded from Gods will sought contrary to Syrgiannes mind to be reconciled to his Nephew who being fent for came to Rhegium visiting his Mother now set at liberty doing what was done by her Counsel In few dayes an attonement was made and he lighting from his horse met the Emperour kissing his hand and foot on horse-back then taking horse embraced him kissing one another The old man after a few words departed into the City the young man to his Camp at Pega coming for certain dayes in and out at Constantinople Syrgiannes now spake hardly both of the Emperour and his Nephew wronged as he thought by them both But seeing one Asanes Andronicus walking melancholy he acquainted himself with him as grieved with the like sorrow that himself was with whom he as with a friend plainly discoursed of all things as his grief desired Asanes spake also hardly of Emperour and Nephew but hating him before for his ambition and displeased that he was enemy to Catacuzene his son in-law noted whatever he said telling all to the old Emperour and that unless Syrgiannes were in time laid hold of he should shortly by him affecting the Empire be brought to his end Syrgiannes was forthwith imprisoned the common people
side forsaken fled to the Sea-side where in a ship bound for Constantinople he passing thither yielded to the Emperour's protection Temurtases being taken in this 〈◊〉 and brought to 〈◊〉 he in revenge of Eine smot off his head hanging his body on a tree Of this 〈◊〉 certified Solyman sending Temurtases head This battel was much spoken of being betwixt two brethren and for the death of 〈◊〉 and Temurtases both wishing peace betwixt the ambitious brethren Mahomet after this led his Army to Prusa and was joyfully received as their Sultan so likewise at Nice and Neapolis the Garrisons of Carasina Saruchania and 〈◊〉 with other Inhabitants resorting thither and 〈◊〉 themselves to him as to their King And sending to Germean for Bajazet's body and his brother Musa left by Tamerlane he sumptuously buried it at Prusa the Turkish Alcaron being read 7 daies on his 〈◊〉 Great chear was for all comers and much given to the poor for Bajazet's soul but above all to Mahomet's posterity known by their all green apparel who were then by him greatly enriched He also endowed the Abby built by his Father with great possessions which done he in progresse was every where ioyfully received spending the Summer at Amasia in pleasure 〈◊〉 the eldest at Hadrianople peaceably reigning in Europe 〈◊〉 how Mahomet had driven Isa out of Prusa was much offended and declaring to his Bassaes c. his natural proceedings said he He doth me also great wrong his eldest brother in taking the soveraignty in Asia In revenge whereof I intend to passe with a strong Army into Asia and recover mine inheritance c. A 〈◊〉 Counsellour replyed It was not best in his opinion to go personaliy into those wars for though said he Mahomet be but young yet is his experience above his years c. Wherefore it were best to send for angry Isa and make him General in which was one brother not unlike to be lost thou shalt have one competitour lesse c. This counsel approved of Isa was presently sent for and made General of a great Army at whose first coming into Asia he possessed all Carasia and Lydia all people where he came promising him obedience if he prevailled against Mahomet So he wintred at Despotopolis seeming the while by kind Letters to Mahomet to be glad he was so obeyed and liked of c. Mahomet answering with like dissimulation he was even glad of his coming c. commending a rich garment to be cast on the Messenger and sending him rich presents with provision and necessaries for his Souldiers But Winter past Isa marched to Prusa shewing the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loving Letters hoping they should 〈◊〉 well agree requesting the Castle whose gates the 〈◊〉 sort had 〈◊〉 against him but seeing he could not gain 〈◊〉 by fair words or policy he enraged burnt it to the ground 〈◊〉 not ignorant 〈◊〉 Isa roamed up and down c. and how he had razed the royal City between Amasia and Prusa overthrew all his forces in a great 〈◊〉 Isa with but ten fled to 〈◊〉 whose Prince 〈◊〉 for friendship at his hands when he was a Suiter in Bajazet's Court entertained him with all 〈◊〉 he could 〈◊〉 exceedingly grieved gave among the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sums of money 〈◊〉 the Citie 's rebuilding and staying to see it begun Isa the while inciting 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was by him the third 〈◊〉 overthrown yet entring twice more with small 〈◊〉 and finding few or none to 〈◊〉 he fled 〈◊〉 the Prince of 〈◊〉 honourably entertained by him who in so manifest a wrong not only promised what help he could but solicited the Princes of Aidinia c. to give 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who pitying his case and fearing Mahomet's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so amongst them that Na had 20000 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a strong Army entred so speedily the Prince of 〈◊〉 Countrey 〈◊〉 he was upon them before looked for after a bloody fight obtaining a notable victory Isa 〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉 dyed none knows how The Prince of Smyrna humbling himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 favour The others he shortly spoiled mostly of their Dominions returning to Prusa But 〈◊〉 there he was 〈◊〉 That Solyman had raised a great Army to invade Asia wherefore furnishing the Castle with all things needful for a long siege he 〈◊〉 thence to 〈◊〉 directing Commissions to take up 〈◊〉 in all parts writing so to Doioran a Tartar whom he often pleasured for aid who came with Troops of brave horse promising fideli y. Not long after Solyman now come over Hellespont he thought without delay to meet him in the field But being by expert Captains advised to retire further off waiting all good opportunities rather than commit all to one battell 's hazzard he being to fight against his eldest brother and Fathers heir Upon which he retired towards Amasia 〈◊〉 Doioran marching out at the other side fell to robbing and spoiling burning the Villages as he went Mahomet pursuing and overtaking him unlooked for flew most of his men recovered all the spoil Doioran hardly escaping and so held on his way Solyman 〈◊〉 towards Prusa the Citizens brought him peaceably into the City But Jacup Beg would by no means deliver the Castle wherefore sharply assaulting it he slew many and wounded most of the Desendants Jacup certifying Mahomet the Castle could not hold out long except speedily relieved he hastning towards Prusa sent the Messenger with Letters commending the Captain and promising speedy relief who being intercepted and brought to Al 's Bassa he perusing them presently wrote others in Mahomet's name commending the Captain c. but since he could not in time relieve him to deliver the Castle on the best conditions he 〈◊〉 who yielded it to Solyman on reasonable tearms Mahomet now within a daies march was exceedingly 〈◊〉 and returned to Amasia where Solyman shortly besieged him but without hope to win it he retiring to Prusa spent his time 〈◊〉 c. exceedingly given thereunto Mahomet advertized that Solyman lay 〈◊〉 at Prusa but with small power marched in haste to surprize him but he was discovered by Solyman 〈◊〉 at the River Sangarius who in all hast gave knowledge of his brothers comming Solyman dismayed would have fled into Europe if Alis from the blemish and discouragement of his friends and encouragment of his enemies to 〈◊〉 had not otherwise perswaded him it were better to take Neapolis Straits till he might assemble the rest of his Army Mahomet coming entered those Straits for he must needs passe them being repulsed by Solyman who avith little losse frustrated his brothers brave attempts through the places advantage though much the weaker Bassa's wilie-head the while sent secretly Letters to Mahomet that most of his great Captains c. had bound themselves to Solyman and one another to betray him into his hands as the undoubted Heir c. which Treason he discovered with great protestation of love and good will c. Mahomet yet ceased not for 6 or 7 days to gain those passages but in
the glory of the wars he so desired which he granted him yet that he must deal warily with that enemy and not rashly take up Arms c. Mustapha entred into Epirus hoping in one battel to end the war Of which Scanderbeg hearing then at Dayna siege from his frontier Garritons commanded them to protract the time of encounter till his coming Then choosing 500 horse and 1500 foot old Souldiers he marched into the upper Dibria leaving Amesa at the siege Mustapha beginning to burn and spoyl when he understood of Scanderbeg's coming encamped at Oronoche within two miles of him Scanderbeg had in his Camp 4000 horse and 2000 foot 300 of whom he left in the fortified Trenches Whilst both Armies ranged in view of each other expecting the signal Caragusa a Turks man at Arms in gallant furniture issuing out challenged to fight with any one of the Christian Army At first Scanderbeg's Souldiers 〈◊〉 still looking one upon another till one Paul Manessi accounted the best man at Arms there with great courage and chearfulness requested Scanderbeg he might accept that challenge who commending him willed him to set forward for honour to himself and example of the rest Paul bravely armed mounted to horse and riding forth called to the Turk to make ready to fight Caragusa required to stay a while speaking unto him That 〈◊〉 he had the honour of the day he might by Law of Arms carry away his rich spoyls and dispose of his dead body But if he should fall under him he required the same right and power that none move out of either Army to better either of their fortunes Manessi answered he agreed to those conditions saying Where the fierce soul yielded all the rest ought to be Conquerours therefore he should fight fearlesse of any enemies but himself that if he would give his dead body to his fellow Souldiers tears yet Scanderbeg would not suffer a vanquished cowards carkase to be brought into his Camp Caragusa marvelled at his resolution Both Champions after confirmation of the combate-laws by the Generals being left alone betwixt the Armys with all eys fixed on them and withdrawing themselves for making their course violently running together Caragusa was at the first encounter strook thorough the head and slain whose head Manessi striking off returned with his armour and head victoriously to the Army and was honourably commended and rewarded by Scanderbeg Scanderbeg and his men hereby encouraged and the Turks dismayed set himself first forward towards the enemy and had charged them had not Mustapha with some disordered Troops opposed himself the Army faintly following and at first encounter driven to retire Mustapha earnestly calling on them to follow him fiercely charged Scanderbeg's front whom most of his principal Captains following 〈◊〉 battel was for a while renewed But Moses greatly prevailing in one part the Turks fled Mustapha with 12 chief ones being taken of the common Souldiers few saved 10000 Turks were slain 15 Ensigns taken but 300 Christians lost All their Camp became a prey yet Scanderbeg entring Macedonia burnt and spoyled all he could do Leaving 2000 horse and 1000 foot to defend his frontiers he returned to Dayna siege Amurath about the time of the Venetians making peace with Scanderbeg sent him presents with 25000 Ducats for Mustapha and the others ransome which he divided amongst his Souldiers and leading his Army again into Macedonia he made his Souldiers better pay with the spoyl and for the more harm divided it into 3 parts putting all the Turks coming in his way to the sword leaving the Christians no more than their lives utterly consuming the buildings with fire in all that part bordering upon Epirus that the Turks should find no relief to lay in Garrison or invade it it was thought there was not enough left to relieve the Turks Army for a day Amurath herewith exceedingly vexed resolved to go in person with an Army not to conquer Epirus but if need were to fill every corner of it None but the Bassa's of the Councel knew whither he imployed the same which made the bordering Christian Princes prepare for their own assurance But Scanderbeg easily perceived it to be made against him and the rather for Amurath's unaccustomed quietness as if he had been in a 〈◊〉 sleep It was thought also he had intelligence from suspecting Courtiers his friends wherefore setting all things apart he first advertized his neighbour Princes of that 〈◊〉 danger Amurath seeking the destruction of them all and therefore to stand fast on their guard Then he sent Moses and others to take the Souldiers and all provision possible himself not resting till he left nothing in the Countrey for the enemies cruelty Most of the people with their substance were received into the strong Cities the rest into the Venetian and other Princes Countreys till this sury was overpast all able to bear Arms were commanded to Croia out of which multitude Scanderbeg those only 1000 old Souldiers with whom he purposed to encounter the Turks as he saw occasion and placing 1300 in Croia whose Citizens were furnished with all weapons and provision to defend the City Proclamation was made that all aged men with women and children should depart c. Croia being the chief City Scanderbeg had the greater care for its defence All was full of weeping and wailing at the departure of this weak company no house no street no part of the City was without mourning c. In the midst of these passions commandement came from Scanderbeg That they must now depart that the Souldiers might take their charge Then began sorrows afresh with pitious screeching and tears and departing set their feet many times they wist not where for desire of looking back upon the City who were conveighed into Venetian Cities and other places whither all not before received into strong Cities resorted with their substance and nothing left in all Epirus but the ground After this Scanderbeg stored Croia with all needful things giving to every Souldier a small reward and placing vatiant 〈◊〉 Governour thereof And exhorting them in few words couragiously to endure the siege not listening to Amurath's charms departing to his Army within view marched towards Dibria Not gone far he met Moses with a gallant Troop coming from Sfetigrade which strong City was Scanderbeg's second care it standing first in the Tyrant's way Moses having there set all in like order placed politique Peter Perlat Governour with a strong Garrison chosen out of all Dibria accounted the best men of war in Epirus Scanderbeg delivering him prepared-forces sent him with divers others to take order for defence of other Cities and Castles every man having his charge Himself with a small Troop went to Sfetigrade where all the Souldiers assembled in the Market-place he spake unto them That a fairer occasion could not be presented unto brave minds than that which now caused them to take up Arms which they had hitherto borne for their Kingdoms honour
their fidelity and valour in that place resolved to chastise his unnatural Son's insolence with his followers Cherseogles a Christian born turned Turk being a man grown alway loving Christians and their Religion not common with such renegates His Father was Chersechius a small Prince of Illyria who lustfully beholding a Lady of rare beauty and feature to whom Cherseogles was going to be married whom he entirely loved took her in marriage himself all his friends crying shame on so fowl a fact Wherefore he driven headlong with despair fled to Constantinople on whom Bajazet liking the honourable man and his cause of revolt smiling on him said Be chearful noble youth for thy courage is worthy of greater fortune than thy Father's house can affoord instead of thy love taken from thee the 〈◊〉 of an 〈◊〉 Prince for she was descended of the Despot's house thou shalt have the daughter of a great Emperour of singular perfection So abjuring his Religion and named of Stephen Cherseogles he married Bajazet's daughter deserving to be one of the greatest Bassaes yet with a desire to return to his former profession he secretly kept the Image of the Crucifix This man by intreaty saved the Venetian Senators at the taking of Modon afterwards delivering Gritti a prisoner condemned to dye chosen afterwards Duke of Venice By him the Venetians obtained a peace to their good redeeming a multitude of Christians by his authority and charge from slavery Neither is his furtherance of learning to be forgotten as in Pope Leo 10th his time But Bajazet encouraged by Cherseogles and hearing among other things that Selimus had almost enclosed his rereward got out of his Pavilion grinding his teeth with trickling tears in his Horse-litter not able for the Gout to sit on hors-back saying to the Pensioners and Janizaries Whether they his foster-children c. would suffer him innocent to be butchered by his gracelesse Son And being old and diseased to be murthered by wilde Tartars little better then Rogues and thieves c. that many perswaded him to commit himself to flight c. But he contrarily would give the fierce enemy battel and in this his last danger prove all their fidelity and valour c. and so either break that gracelesse man or having reigned above 30 years end his dayes with those that should continue loyall and though fame would make him believe he should be betrayed by some of his Guard yet he would not fear it till he saw proof thereof The common Janizaries to whom the Commanders had not communicated their purpose of Selimus cryed out He should not doubt to joyn battell shouting clapping hands and clattering their armour Others for fashion sake doing the like the great Commanders especially whether for shame or fear changing their affection and Mustapha with Bostanges out of a feigned loyalty encouraged and martialled the battell and by Cherseogles advice the Sanzacks with their horsmen about 6000 being set in the front c. Bajazet commanded the Trumpets to sound and a red Ensign to be displayed Selimus placing his Tartarians in both wings and Turks in the midst c. The Tartars running round in great rings to shoot backwards and forward annoyed the Turks greatly with showers of Arrows the others farther off shooting more upwards so galled the Turks horses with their Arrows direct fall but the old Souldiers â—erring close received their Arrows with their Targets over their heads hastening to come to handy blows the Pensioners then also bravely charging the middle of Selimus his battel and Aiax drawing out 700 Harquebusiers from the Janizaries assailed the hindmost of the Tartarian wing the 4000 servants left in the rear repulsing the other wing with great slaughter coming to spoil the Turks Carriages This fierce and doubtful battel lasted from noon till Sun-setting Selimus fighting and stirring as for an Empire but the Tartars not able to abide the Harquebuziers shot their Horses chiefly terrified with that unwonted noise fled the rest who could not be enforced to stay fled also the Foot attired and armed like Janizaries being sorsaken were almost all slain by Bajazets Horse Selimus hardly beset was yet delivered by some Turkish Troops staying with him and being wounded and freshly mounted 〈◊〉 sollowed the Tartars but doubting to be overtaken he took another cole-black Horse of wonderful swiftness 〈◊〉 fleeing with a few to Varna 〈◊〉 by Sea to Capha The Horse called Carabulo that is a 〈◊〉 Cloud Selimus so esteemed that covered with Cloth of Gold he was in all his expeditions led after him as a spare-Horse and dying at Caire as Alexander for Bucephalus be erected a Monument for him Of 40000 men brought into the field not above 8000 escaped from being slain or taken Bajazet losing about 700 and 3000 hurt with Tartarian Arrowes in revenge put all taken to the Sword whose Heads and Bodies were laid apart by heaps old ruinous Chiurlus or Zurulum became famous by this battel in 1511 but more famous afterwards by Selimus there 〈◊〉 his dayes by a most 〈◊〉 Disease Bajazet's Souldiers being after 3 dayes returned from the Chase he went to Constantinople rewarding them there Achomates hearing of what had happened came with 20000 men from Amasia to the City Scutari scituated directly against Constantinople expecting what course his Father would now take for his minde was filled with hope of the Empire for sundry reasons ceasing not to send over Bosphorus Strait to Constantinople soliciting Bajazet to 〈◊〉 the Empires resignation importuning also his friends to commend him and 〈◊〉 to extoll Bajazet's purpose herein that Selymus being overthrown through them 〈◊〉 might the sooner 〈◊〉 the Empire his Inheritance Bajazet was easily entreated to hasten what he before determined preparing Galleys for transporting Achomates to Constantinople But the Court-Bassaes and Souldiers again resisted it alleadging the former reasons and saying they would not suffer him so to disable himself as to resign who had lately so couragiously fought for the honour of his Crown c. yet not to cut off Achomates nor he to distrust their good will but to enjoy his right in due time as the eldest Sonne and a man of approved valour saying they had sufficiently declared in the battel against Selimus what minds they were of c. Oh fowl dissimulation c. Bajazet again disappointed of his purpose or as some thought delighted with Soveraignty for that after the Victory he seemed as young again c. sent to Achomates how it stood and to depart to his charge at Amasia whence he would call him when he had won the Souldiers with new bounty and procured other Courtiers liking whereby so great and unusual a matter might the more securely be effected Achomates thus deceived and complaining he was so mocked and contemned began to inveigh against his Father for making him a by word c. after by his appointment he had come so farre but if he still so doated reckoning so of the Court Souldiers as not
to regard his promise or what was right he would by Arms defend his honour and right and revenge the disgrace Bajazet answered him by the Cadalescher the Interpreter of their Law and so of greatest authority that he did neither well nor wisely to fall into such choler thinking to get that by force which was onely by love and loyalty to be gained whereas all should be surely kept for him if he marred not that by haste which by patience he ought to cherish the Cadalescher telling him he might learn by Selymus his Example what might be for his good c. Achomates enflamed with anger and grief while he was speaking sharply taunting him could scarce stay from violence threatning that his Father should dearly buy the change of his purpose and the Souldiers their treachery 〈◊〉 rising with his Army he cruelly spoiled in Bythinia in his return determining to invade the lesser Asia to use its wealth if he must try his right against either Brother and being at leastwise possessed of half the Empire he should thereby be readier for all events wherefore greatly complaining of Bajazets unkindness c. to his Sonnes Amurathes and Aladin he declared there was no hope left except they with him would arm to defend his and their own right easie to be done by a couragious surprizing of the lesser Asia seeing Pisidia Lycaonia Pamphylia and Ionia's Sea-coast had no Army or Navy and for Corcutus there was no great doubt but he would either sit still or in a just quarrel take his part however he might easily be thrust out doubting not but that the other Governours would yield to his Command or Fortune wherefore he willed them to pluck up their hearts c. These Gallants encouraged had soon raised a notable Army of Volunteers most being servile men But Achomates besides his old Army led against the Persian Rebels levied new forces with all the able men in Cities so running and proclaiming himself King of Asia prosecuting with his two Sonnes all who yielded not to him whereby many Cities for fear or constraint were delivered to him Then entring Lycaonia and Cilicia's borders he frequently requested Mahometes his Brothers Sonne governing there to ayd him in his just quarrel for the recovering of the Empire c And if Mahometes would ayd him with men and Victuall he promised he should finde a better Uncle then he had a Father in time to be most bountifully 〈◊〉 who answered he could not do it without Bajazet his onely Soveraign his Command 〈◊〉 not for him to judge whether he did right or not that in his life-time he would resign to his Sonne But this he knew he was to obey no other so long as he lived in possession of the Empire to whom both his Father Tzihan and himself had sworn loyalty Wherefore it were good to pacifie himself lest he wronged his Father and overthrew his hope and honour which of right should be great if he could have patience Achomates unexpectedly finding his requests more considerately denyed than were reasonably by him demanded entring his Province destroyed with fire and sword which Mahometes seeking by power to remedy was overthrown by Achomates who fleeing to Larenda not farre off was there besieged and at last with his Brother a Child delivered into his hands the City being yielded on Composition who put to death Mahometes his Councellors with his foster Brother supposing they had perswaded him so to answer c. Bajazet wroth and grieved in old age to be set upon by two Sonnes sent to him reproving his disloyalty commanding him to free his two Nephewes and without more stir to get him to Amasia and if not to denounce to him open Warre but he receiving this Message caused the chief Embassador frankly speaking to be put to death in his presence threatning the rest with the like if they voided not his Camp before Sun-set This unreverent outrage and against the Law of Nations highly offending Bajazet and estranging many from Achomates the Souldiers exclaimed in Bajazet's hearing that his insolence was forthwith to be repressed c. Mustapha also with Bostanges and others who had cunningly dispersed these things began as it were to wonder at the fact as condemning the deed but not the doer but when they saw Bajazet from sundry motives ready to seek revenge they bitterly inveighed against Achomates as a Traitor commending the Souldiers fidelity and courage who for their aged Emperour were most ready to expose all unto new dangers So Achomates being proclaimed Traytor t was ordered the Court-Souldiers with the European Horse to be with all speed sent against him but choice being to be made of some worthy Generall they all began to strain courtesie c. saying It were a great indignity for the Emperors Army to be led against his Sonne by a Servant and the Souldiers having their Lesson said they neither durst nor would draw Sword against his son Heir except conducted by one of the Othoman blood in person for so had his Brother long before and lately Selimus been both vanquished by Bajazet's own Conduct All this was that Selimus whom yet they durst not name but in way of disgrace might indirectly be reconciled to Bajazet whereby comming to Constantinople he might seize on the Empire for besides Bajazet and Corcutus who it was not probable would for age and study undertake those 〈◊〉 Selimus was only left all the young Nephews being as yet unfit Bajazet in a chase flung into his Pallace excusing himself but complaining that Corcutus following learning had neglected other studies better beseeming a Prince Mustapha the while having drawn him into a Discourse concerning that Warres proceeding craftily and destructively said himself though never so able must not passe into Asia personally lest Selimus should in his absence seize on Thrace Greece and the Imperial City nor if he should send his old Souldiers into Asia calling Corcutus with his Asians into Europe would said he Selimus fear these fresh-water Souldiers or their Philosophical Generall c. but if Bajazet should for defence of Thrace retain his most approved Souldiers he should see all Asia on a fire c. wherefore seeing t was his fate that two begotten of him should be adjudged Traitors why did he not set upon them as occasion should serve when they were by the eares betwixt themselves At present saith he dissemble thy grief and taking one in shew into favour imploy him against the other c. at pleasure to oppress him to whom he should commit his Army his trusty Souldiers being ever ready c. He scarce having don speaking the other Baslaes as before agreed perswaded Bajazet to call home Selimus and make him Generall saying It was like he now corrected would contain himself within compasse whereas Acho mates was not like to be brought to conformity till by force pluckt down as was Selimus Bajazet seeing Cherseogles sit silent hanging the head as not of that opinion
Hysmael was Majestical Selimus tyrannical Hysmael courteous Selimus churlish in devotion and gravity neither suffered he his Wives to come to Court nor using their Company but for procreation sake and that as was thought without any great countenance for he being more delighted with unnatural pleasure thought a mans minde and body to be not a little weakned with the allurements of Women scoffing also many times at his Father Ba jazet who he said was so drowned in the study of Averroes determining nothing certainly of the souls nature and the Heavens motions that he desired rather the name of a sharp disputer amongst the idle professors of Philosophy than of a renowned Chiefetain amongst his valiant Souldiers A Persian Ambassador finding him pleasant asked him Why he wore not his beard long as Ba jazet and others to seem of greater Majesty who answered He liked not to carry such an unnecessary handful whereby his Bassaes might at pleasure lead him up and down the Court as they did his Father for Selimus followed no advice but his own in what ever he undertook The cause why Hysmael out of so many large Provinces for he had under his Dominion Armenia the greater Sulthania Persia Assyria Mesopotamia Media and Parthia Armenia being the chiefest which yields the Persian his best foot Persia his choyce Horsemen chiefly from Scyras next to them from Assyria whose chief City is Bagdat or Babylon the Medes and Parthians being the best Archers next to the Scythians brought now so small an Army against Selimus was because to win his peoples hearts he had remitted a great part of his Customs and Tributes so that he wanting money could not raise such an Army as otherwise he might out of those populous Countries yielding plentifully all necessaries for mans use But in 1515 Selimus wintring at Amasia raised such a power in Europe and Asia that at first of the Spring he entred again into the Persian Confines with a greater Army and that sooner than either that part of Armenia's cold would suffer or the enemy thought he could have done who thought in any case to be Master of strong Ciamassum standing on the first entrance into Armenia thereby as of some holds thereabouts to open a fair way into his enemies Countrey Hysmael being then gone against the rebellious Hyrcanians Bactrians c. Selimus making a Bridge over Euphrates laid hard siege to Ciamassum before they were well aware driving the Defendants from the Walls with their Harquebusiers and Archers and still bringing on fresh men others then also breaking open the Gates and scaling the walls in divers places the Defendants retired into the Market-place where though spent and wounded they resolutely fought it out to the last man Having taken and ransacked the Town with two small Castles for fear abandoned he thought good to enter no farther till he had chased out Aladeules who fearing his own estate hearing Selimus was come soon raised a great Army for his defence purposing to do as formerly Wherefore Selimus leaving a Garrison at Ciamassum retired to Antitaurus where his enemies were reported to lay Aladeule's people were fierce and warlike who could profit little by Husbandry yet bred Horses and Cammels in Pasture-bearing places but most of their living stood in hunting and stealing His chief City was Maras which may be thought so called from the fair River Marsias running thorow it out of the Mountain 〈◊〉 who seeing Selimus enter his frontiers brought down about 15000 Horsemen into a large Valley ordering his great store of Foot to keep the Mountains on the right and left there advantagiously expecting his coming Selimus considered the places disadvantage yet presuming on his strength and multitude commanded Sinan Bassa the Eunuch Generall of his European Horse in stead of Casan to charge the enemy afront with a square battel because of the places straightness himself with the Janizaries and Asian Horse following after Aladeule's Souldiers also fought valiantly in the head of the battel and having spent their Arrows stood close keeping the grounds advantage so repulsing the Turks old Souldiers that they seemed little or nought to prevail for they could not enclose them on either side and the Foot grievously wounding the Turks from the sides of the Hills with darts and Arrows Selimus seeing such strong resistance contrary to expectation sent some Harquebusiers to relieve their Fellows and the Janizaries at that instant to mount the Hill The Aladeulians terrified with the shot fled into the Mountains and Woods fast by yet the most slaughter was of the Foot who the Horse being fled and the Janizaries coming up the Hills did with much difficulty by steep and broken wayes clamber up the Mountains as surprized with sudden fear the Turks killed them to the going down of the Sun the swift Horsemen retiring into further and stronger places with little losse Aladeules thinking it now best to protract the Warre as the Turks pursued him burning the Cottages he fled from Mountain to Mountain not offering battel but in advantagious places wherefore Selimus fearing want of Victual or intrapping on the 7th day left off the pursuit and himself conveniently encamping sent Sinan carrying Victuals with him with all speed and policy to hunt after the King himself And the while inquiring of the Captives of Aladeules strength c. found he had taken with him his best Horse and Foot commanding the people to forsake the Villages to leave all desolate and intrenching himself on a strong Rock with store of Provision resolved not to give battel till he had drawn them where their multitude should little avail but to increase their Iosse also they said he feared to be betrayed by Alisbeg General of his Horse who first fled for Aladeules had treacherously murdered his Father upon a suspition of his aspiring the Kingdom Selimus striking off their Irons laded them with gifts and promises and sent them to Alis to perswade him in so fit a time to revenge his Fathers death which if he should perform by some notable exploit he should have both credit with him and the Kingdom these imparting the matter to Sinan he soon wrought with Alis pricked on with desire of a Kingdom and Selimus his rewards that he went over to Sinan with a great part of the best Horsemen whereby the rest for rewards came all by degrees over to the Bassa Aladeules thus unexpectedly circumvented reposed his hope in secret flight but they pursuing him as he fled hiding himself at last drew him out of a Cave betrayed by the Peasants and being brought to Selimus was in few dayes put to death and his head in derision carried about afterwards thorow lesser Asia then sent to the Venetians as a witness of his Victory Selimus reduced all his Kingdom into a Province of 3 parts to every part a Sanzack Alisbeg to be chief over the rest wanting nothing of a King but the name only And leaving Sinan there commanded him after he
resolved to dare him battel He lay encamped on the River Singa almost 10 miles from the City that his Souldiers using the benefit of the River and removed from the Cities pleasures might yet be relieved with the plenty thereof The Mamalukes were scarce 12000 yet every one according to his place had more servants well furnished Besides their cunning and furniture in their fighting their Horses were strong couragious and swift and so docible that at signs and speeches of the Rider they would reach him with their teeth from the ground a Launce Arrow c. and run upon the enemy with open mouth lashing at him with their heels and had learned not to be afraid of anything Campson made 4 battels Cayerbeius led the first it being in his Province Sybeius Governour of Damasco called for his activity Balvano that is a Tumbler the second After them who were to charge both the Turkish wings at once followed Gazelles with the third Campson all glistering himself led the fourth almost a mile and half behind The last was to defend the Camp Selimus ordered his Asian horse in the right wing his European in the left his Janizaries and Artillery in the main battel before whom between the wings he placed his valiant Pensioners serving that day amongst them not used so to do Cayerbeius gave a hot charge upon the Europeans and by and by as if to compasse in that wing wheeled a great way about behind them where lighting on a great company of drugdes c. with Cammels and Carriages he made there a great stir with little slaughter Sybeius turning his Troops on the left hand entred overthwart the ranks of the other wing where having made great slaughter of the Asian Horse they furiously bare down all before them till they came to their Ensigns in the midst neither could Mustapha the Beglerbeg nor the Imbrahar Bassa or Master of the horse by any means stay the rest from flight So Sybeius now thrusting in betwixt the foot and the Pensioners backs brought great fear on the whole main battel the matter being extreamly dangerous for Selimus was hereby almost cut off from his Foot the Janizaries being also hardly charged by Gazelles setting on the head of their battel But by the seasonable coming in of Sinan Bassa with many fresh troops being but lightly charged by Cayerbeius the traytor the Mamalukes fury was repressed the Turks encouraged and the victory soon wrung out of their hands Selimus then discharging his Artillery amongst them their Horses somewhat troubled could not be so well ruled as before themselves though wondrous couragious being oppressed with the multitude of their enemies yet serring close they brake thorough the midst of them with great slaughter of the Europeans and hurt of the Pensioners speedily fleeing toward the Camp and City Sinan following with the readiest Troops for Selimus who that day seemd greater than himself riding up and down called earnestly upon them to urge the victory Campson on the way coming for relief or to partake of victory heard by those that fled That Cayerbeius was revolted his Army overthrown and his Souldiers flight not to be stayed 't was also reported that the enemies multitude and their Artilleries force were not to be encountred Whereat the proud old man who never rasted of ill hap was ready for grief to sink down and forthwith his own men and the pursuing enemy coming upon him who without regard overthrew whomsoever they met he being corpulent of great years and besides his weighty Armour troubled with a rupture through hear and grief fainted in that presse and falling down was troden to death The 〈◊〉 of Damasco and Tripolis fighting behind to represse the pursuers force were slain Selymus erecting a few Tents in the field keeping most of his men in Arms slept not that night as not yet assured of his victory lest the Mamalukes should set upon his Camp knowing they were put to flight rather by Cayerbeius his treachery and fury of his Ordnance than by valour Gazelles and others hearing of Campson's death baiting their Horses hasted from Aleppo to Damasco Next day Selimus giving his enemies rich Tents to his Souldiers for a prey had Aleppo delivered to him by Cayerbeius and to win the Citizens hearts the more granted them greater priviledges than formerly This noted battel wherein not above 1000 Mamalukes were slain but of their servants c. many more whose foggy fat Horses brought up in cold Stables fainted with the scorching heat so that many betook themselves to their feet and were easily slain was fought Aug. 17. 1516 on which day two years he obtained the victory against Hysmael in the Calderan fields He lost 3000 Horsemen although Sinan by Cayerbeius his Treason escaped with small losse Campson's body being found two dayes after was laid in open place that such as believed him alive might be out of hope of his return from Caire and others revolted might be the more confirmed and afrer three dayes thus laying and beginning to grow noysome it was simply buried in the most ancient Temple of Aleppo Selimus sent Jonuses Bassa to pursue his enemies to Damasco who himself came thither few dayes after his enemies being fled to Cair They of Damasco not thinking it good to hazard their lives with that Cities great Wealth opened to him the Gates other Sea-Cities as Tripolis Berytus Sidon Ptolemais c. yielding themselves in like manner Not long after he held a great Counsel in his Camp under its walls for he brought not his Souldiers in for troubling the Cities State and the great Trade then very securely there kept by Merchants of divers Countries And so severe was his Discipline that 〈◊〉 Orchards and 〈◊〉 it being 〈◊〉 rested without a 〈◊〉 untouched whereby his Camp had 〈◊〉 of all necessaries at reasonable prices And taking men skilled in the Lawes and Customs of the Country with Embassadors of all Cities he decided the Syrians greatest controversies appointing Governours viewing the Tributes and Customs abrogating many old ones due seeming unreasonable or grievous Having refreshed his Army especially his Horses grown lean he most desirous of conquering Aegypt sent Sinan into Judea with 15000 Horse and a selected Regiment of Harquebusiers to try the passage and open a way to Gaza thought to be troublesome for the wild roaming Arabians Gaza 〈◊〉 nigh the Sea towards Aegypt not farre from the Sandy Desarts The Mamalukes the while assembled generally at Caire without contention 〈◊〉 Tomombeius or Tuman-bai a Curcassian their King being Diadare or next in office before He thinking his own Majesty and the Mamalukes remaining hopes to be wholly reposed in Arms with great industry provided Armor Weapons and Horses casting store of Ordnance and mustering great Companies of his slaves entertain ng many Moors and Arabians Hiring also men skilful to go thorow the Palmyren Desarts into Mesopotamia and so to Hysmael requesting him by Letters to invade Asia the lesse or speedily to break
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
took his Turkish Cap from his head and opening it said This Cap will not hold two Heads and therefore it must be fitted to one and so put it on again Docia deadly hating the Vayuod who long before had for his malapert Speech in a great Assembly given him a blow with his fist hereupon incensed Grittus against him saying Thy Honour makes a fit comparison neither can this Province contain two equal Governours nor thou ever enjoy thy power except thou this day with speedy resolution defend both Solyman's credit and thy own c. Grittus the more enraged with his Speech commended Docia promising him soon to requite his good will especially if by some notable attempt he would 〈◊〉 the Bishop's pride It s said Grittus once charged him to take the Bishop that he might have sent him in Chains to Constantinople and bestowed the Vayuodship on Lascus who because King John could not without danger place him a Polonian Governour of so Warlike a people but preferted this Bishop revernced and feared of them he ever complained that John had deluded him and though he kept within the bounds of Loyalty yet estranged from him in mind was now become one of Grittus his followers Grittus delivering a strong Company of Horse to Docia came secretly and suddenly to the Vayuods Camp having learned by his Hungarian Spies that he lay in the fields in his Tent through the heat without Watch and Ward his Retinue being dispersed round about so that laying in his bed and fcarce well awaked by his Chamberlians and the noise of Docia breaking in cut off his head as he lay those laying near fleeing and leaving their Horses and other things for a prey Docia returning presented the Head to Grittus brought by the eare Lascus was present but ignorant of the murther to whom Grittus said Lascus dost thou know this shaven pate 't is a great mans head but of one very ambitious rebellious and proud who replyed though I loved him not yet I thought it not so whilest it stood on his shoulders disallowing therein the fact whereupon Grittus began to repent it saying Though he was worthily slain yet he had rather he had been taken The Bishops friends and almost all Transilvania rose in Arms to revenge his death whom they loved and feared 4000 Horse and Foot under Stephen Malat being assembled in few dayes Grittus perplexed and doubting what to do speedily got with his followers to the strong Town Mege till either the peoples rage were appeased or he were relieved by King John or the Sanzacks of the Turks frontiers They of Mege seeing so many Turks with him shut the Gates yet by Docia's and Batianus's perswasion they received him into the base Town having retired with their substance into the higher commanding the lower While Grittus was fortifying and sending for ayd the people with hideous noyse approaching attempted to scale the Walls and Rampiers which they doing with more fury than discretion were easily repulsed and many slain After which by Malat's direction they encamped on every side of the Town hoping that unprovided of Victuals they could not long hold out Grittus the while fell sick and the rather not hearing of any expected ayd for John glad in mind of the distress of his Kingdoms Overseer yet sent for fashions sake some Troops who not wholly ignorant thereof purposed not to come timely for his good The Sanzacks refused envying his honour to depart from their charge without Solymans own Command and Lascus departing to procure some relief did in this extremity forsake him also The Citizens in the upper Town perceiving their Countreymens full resolution and the Turks difficulties assailed them thence also Grittus offered them a masse of money to let him passe forward into Hungary but they were not to be mooved from revenge by Gold At last he sent rich Jewels to the Governour of Moldavia to be ready to receive him with some Troops when he sallied out of the Town And sallying out at the time appointed with his Commission in his hand missing the Moldavian fell upon Schenden the Bishops Kinsman and Maylat his familiar friend who running on him with tumultuous speech caught from his head his rich Cap and took him weak and not resisting all his followers chiefly Turks being slain or taken Grittus beset round and examined in the Generals Tent why he commanded the Vayuod to be slain protested he never commanded any such thing but all the people cryed that he should be sacrificed to the Vayuods Ghost whereupon Maylat delivering him to Schenden his Head was presently struck off The Nobles and the Vayuods Kinsmen dipping some part of their Garments in his blood the longer to keep in mind the revenge This was the shameful end of Aloysius Grittus a Christian who was in such credit with Solyman while he climbed too fast up the ill-staved ladder of ambition The Executioner found about him Jewels valued at 40 Millions of Duckets ere long Lascus was examined at Buda by John upon torture concerning Grittus's Commission and purposes and in great danger of life but by Sigismund of Poland's intercession he was freed so fleeing to Sigismund's Court. Docia was rent in pieces by the people When Grittus came into Hungary Solyman undertook two great expeditions at once one by Land against the Persians the other against the Moores in Africk by Sea but we will first declare what his Lievtenants did against the Moors Hariadenus surnamed Barbarussa succeeding his elder Brother Horruccius in the Kingdom of Algiers had by many Victories so enlarged that Kingdom that his name was become terrible both to the Christians and wild Moors and his fame in the Turkish Court the chief Motive of Solyman's invading Africk Horruccius and Hariadenus born at Mytilene of Lesbos weary of their poor estate with their Father a renegade Grecian stole a small Galliot and by chance consorting with 〈◊〉 a most famous Pirate Horruccius became a Captain under him and growing rich and also strong with Gallies and slaves taken at last consorting with other Pirates over whom he commanded as an arch Pirate sought for purchase as far as Mauritania Then was Selimes King of that now called Algiers in Arms against his Brother Mechemetes his competitor who aided by the Numidians put his Brother in great doubt who with a masse of money payd induced Horruccius and his followers to defend him against Mechemetes which he so happily performed especially by his Harquebusiers that repulsing those Savages he set Selimes at peace in his Kingdom but Horruccius noting the Kings mild and simple disposition and that the naked Moores were no Souldiers alwayes at variance and the Numidians divided and bare flew him as he was bathing himself and murthering those he thought would withstand him also by cruelty and bounty so wrought that he was chosen King of Algiers shortly after he surprised Circello a famous City 60 miles off by his Souldiers in
perfected by the most cunning Astronomers for Maximilian the Emperour They at their landing were first received by Cason and brought into a rich Tent the ground being covered with rich Carpets to whom Rustan Bassa sent such chear as the Camp afforded especially most excellent Wine Next day the Bassaes feasted them not sitting with their legs under them on the ground as their manner was but in Chairs at a Table only Mahometes of Belgrade an extraordinary guest sat down upon a Cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their chear was but Rice and Mutton as if noting thereby the Christians excesse and the Bassaes drink fair water out of Danubius After dinner they were brought in to Solyman each of them led betwixt 2 Bassaes holding them fast by the arms so to kiss his hand yet hath the Turkish Emperour sitting in his Throne for fear of violence laying by him a Target Scimitar Iron Mace with Bow and Arrows The great Globe being brought in filled Solyman and his Bassaes with Admiration for Solyman had curionsly studied Astronomy and especially Cosmography as his leasure served The Embassadours desired him to give the Kingdom of Hungary to Ferdinand almost on the same conditions that Lascus had required it for him paying him such Tribute as John had done promising to draw Charls into the same League so that he might then at pleasure turn his Forces upon the Persian and urging Ferdinand's League with John and so excusing him of the late war they concluded Nothing could be to him more commendable profitable or Honourable than to call such a King as Ferdinand and also Emperour Elect and brother of the great Emperour his Tributary Solyman 2 dayes after answered by Rustan that this was his resolute condition of peace If Ferdinand would restore all places before belonging to King Lewis and for ever abstain from Hungary and for his often provocations great travel and charges he could be content to impose an easie Tribute upon Austria But if those conditions seemed too heavy he would cause by continual War that such things as were taken from Hungary should be requited with the destruion of Austria Though the Embassadours were much moved at the latter demand yet they to win some time required a truce till Ferdinand and the Emperour might be made acquainted with the matter which the Turk winter coming fast on would in no case grant And being rewarded and sent away Solyman commanded Mahometes of Belgrade to spoyl the borders of Austria all along Danubius Cason also General of Acanzii he sent into Moravia but neither did any great harm the Rivers rising and abundance of Rain falling Solyman made one Solyman a Mahometan Hungarian Governour of Buda who by justice and courtesie with Verbetius the Chancellour should endeavour to put the people in hope of long peace which done after about 20 dayes stay because of the rain and cold and fearing to be shut in with the rising of the great Rivers he determined to return setting Lascus in prison at Belgrade at liberty who soon dyed of the Flux in Polonia supposed to be poysoned by the Turks whose death the King himself much lamented Solyman being come to the River Dravus it was told him that Maylat was taken by the cunning of Peter of Moldavia and that Transilvania was well pacified yielding to his obedience whereof he was passing glad for he hated Maylat for Grittus and the Turks by him slain and knew that the Transilvanians an invincible people was by him stirred up This Peter uniting with Achomates against Maylat they were 50000 Horse besides Foot which after the manner of those Countries were not many Maylat finding himself too weak and despairing of ayd from Ferdinand fled again into Fogaras where as in a most strong place he had laid up his greatest substance and warlique provision especially the rich spoyl taken from Grittus Acho mates coming and perceiving it was not to be taken but with much labour and time craftily sent a Messenger to him perswading him to yield to Solyman choosing rather to be called his Friend than his Enemy c. promising he would labour for him as his Friend that he might still enjoy the Government of Transilvania paying him some small yearly Tribute as he had before requested c. saying Solyman was coming with his Victorious Army who would with assured death revenge his vain hope of holding out Maylat foreseeing it better to make a certain peace than to endure an uncertain War answered He could be content to conclude a peace so it were not on any hard conditions c. Wherefore he demanded Achomates's valiant son in Hostage for his coming into the Camp Achomates said he had given him to Solyman and so had over him no power but he promised him 4 of his best Captains which Maylat accepting came with a gallant retinue and was honourably received The Parley was deferred till next day that the Moldavian might take him whom he invited to a Banquet about mid-dinner Maylat of a very proud and cholerick nature was by some insolent speech of purpose so fretted that with his hand on his sword he in a rage flung from the Table the other guests starting up also took him fuming and crying out he was shamefully betrayed his followers being stript of all Incame Achomates the while with deep dissimulation sharply reproving the Moldavian whereto he scornfully as if in contempt answered He had upon good cause taken Maylat prisoner and would safely keep him for Solyman to whom it only belonged to judge Ere long Fogaras was delivered with the Hostages through fear or corruption This Town surrendred almost all Transilvania was by Solyman given to the young King to whom all the people most willingly submitted swearing obedience his Father having almost thirty yeares with justice and quietnesse Governed that Province honouring him the Queen and his two Tutours laying in Leppa with many Presents At the same time Charls the Emperour at the importunity of his Subjects of Spain greatly prepared for conquering of Algiers whose Pirates so insested all the Coast from Gades to the Pyrenean Mountains that all Merchandize set apart they were glad to keep continual watch and ward wherefore though he knew how hardly he was spoken of for leaving his brother so hardly bestead yet he departed out of Germany into Italy where nigh Verona he was met by Farnesius his son in law Vastius and the Venetian Embassadours and brought to Millane where he was with great solemnity joyfully received and under a Canopy of Gold brought to the Pallace in a plain black Cloak and Cap mourning-wise when as the vulgar expected him in his Royal Robes and the Imperial Crown on his Head his heavy countenance presaging the wofull overthrow the day before at Buda not yet known in Italy Thence departing to Genua he was advertised thereof from Ferdinand and of Solyman's coming Whereupon Vastius and Auria perswaded him to defer his African expedition till Spring and
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
After few dayes the Conditions were agreed on The Inhabitants safely to enjoy lives liberty and goods with free exercise of the Christian Religion the Governour Captains and Souldiers to depart safely with bag and baggage with 5 great Ordnance and any 3 Horses they should choose the Turks to conduct them to Creet with Victuall and shipping which things conceived in writing and by Oath confirmed the Governour requested he might come to see the Bassa and deliver him the keyes of the City Leave granted himself with Baleonius Andrew Bragadine Theupolus Earl of Paphos Quirinus Martinengus with many other Captains came into the Camp delivering their weapons before they entred the Bassaes Pavilion who at first entertained them courteously extolling their valour and courage saying He was glad to know them by face whose valiant minds before he knew by their most valiant deeds but after a long discourse the false Bassa complained that some of his men taken at the siege had been against all reason and order slain which they utterly denying he started up as in a rage urging the fact commanding them to be cast into bonds brought them forth and in sight of the Army caused them to be slain Bragadine and Theupolus were oft commanded to lay down their Heads yet was their execution deferred for a more exquisite punishment and torture for next day Bragadine having his eares cut off was brought forth to be wondred at and dispoiled of Jewels and Attire he was forced to carry baskets of earth to repair the Rampiers as he passed by the proud Bassa insulting to have him kisse the ground at his feet And so buffeted with their fists and spurned with their feet he was asked Whether he hoped Christ would come to help or not whose comly countenance and long beard even in that extream misery added to him a certain grace The Christians could neithis well stay tears nor let them fall fearing the Turks displeasure but the cruel and foresworn Bassa caused that noble and worthy Bragadine to be set in a Chair and his skin to be flain off quick in which horrible torture he was not heard to let fall any unbeseeming word but calling on Gods mercy and detesting the Turks perfidious treachery he breathed out his life the Tyrant setting his Head on a spear on high to be beheld and hanging up his skin stuffed with chaffe at the yards arm so to be carried about 2 dayes after Theupolus first most shamefully entreated was hanged in the market-place of the mean sort of Citizens some he slew chaining some in the Galleys and carrying away the rest into bondage 300 Citizens and Souldiers who came forth with the Governour to see the Camp being there slain one Nestor Martinengus being hidden by an Eunuch of the Bassaes by help of a Greek Fisherman got to Leptis and so to Venice from Creet where he reported to the Duke the whole process of the War and that in 70 dayes there was above 140000 great shot discharged against the City Such chief ones as escaped lived afterwards a banished miserable and vagrant life though some were credibly reported to be well maintained by the Venetian State The Countrey people and Artificers were generally spared This was the fatal ruine of Cyprus sometime a Kingdom and now a Province of the Turkish Empire 〈◊〉 Mustapha lay against Famagusta Partau and Haly Bassaes about mid May arrived in Eubaea with 230 Galleys whither divers notable Pirates with galleys resorted to them who departing toward the Rhodes 30 Galleys more adventurers met them then leaving some to lay before Famagusta they June 13. in the Bay of Suda in Creet landed 12000 men This Island now called Candia had once 100 Cities therein as witnesseth amongst others Seneca now only 3 Candia Canea and Retimo It 's 520 miles in circuit fertile Hilly Wherefore the people much delighted in hunting It hath no Navigable River nor venemous beast and is now famous from it's abundance of good Malmesey and great plenty of Cyprus-trees for shipping The Turks ranging up and down burned and spoiled all as they went till Justinianus lately come thither with 100 men and now joyning with the people slew many they being dispersed for prey forcing the rest to retire to their Galleys Next day landing again in great number they burnt divers Towns ransacking Setia and Retimo and carrying away many prisoners but loaded with booty dispersed and fearing nothing Valiant Michael slew 2000 of them ritiring with loss of booty and prisoners to their Galleys Then sailing to Cythera Zante and Cephalenia besides other harms they carried away captive 6000 Christians Thence coming to Suppolo before taken from the Turks they now recovered it Then coming to Dulsigno which the Turks besieged by Land because it 's Governour and of Antivari another Venetian-Town agreed with 300 Epirots to stir up a Rebellion and revolt to the Venetians who promised them 6000 Souldiers to make head They raising most of Epirus in Arms one Company of the Italians was at first sent them but vainly expecting the promised ayd being hardly beset they yielded to the mercy of Achmetes Bassa Lieutenant of Greece coming thither with 80000 Turks They of Dulsigno hardly beset by sea and Land delivered the Town to Partau upon safe departure The Governour and Garrison being in 4 ships conveyed to Ragusium promise being kept with the Citizens after the Turkish manner They took also Buda and Antivari which though strong and a good Garrison in it yet Donatus the Governour no Souldier through fear yielded it to the enemy for which cowardise the Senate confiscated his goods put him out of the Senate and exiled him After this the Turks going into the Bay of Catharo hardly besieged the strong Town so called by sea and Land planting 9 great pieces upon 2 great Bulwarks but the Defendants by a resolute salley put them from their Ordnance forcing them to their Galleys Uluzalis Carracossa got leave the while for 10 days with 60 Galleys to spoil the Venetian's Islands there abou ts who coming to assanlt Curzola in the Isle so called Contarenus the Governor fled away by night into Rocks and safer places the Townsmen following not above 20 men 8 women being left who came armed to the walls but while the women with stones fire and weapon swere beating the Turks off with more courage than was in their sex to be expected a great tempest suddenly arising from the North so tossed the Galleys that théy were glad to give over the assault and sailing along they spoiled Lysna Bracia and Lisa small Islands upon Dalmatia's coast carrying away 1600 captives They roaming up down took a ship bound from Messana to Corcyra and in 〈◊〉 it found Letters to the Governor certifying him of the late League concluded among the Christian Princes which they sent in post to Selimus Who wrote to his Admiral 's to infest any Dominions of the Confederates The Turks Fleet brought great
Christians entring the galley and slaying or driving over-board almost all lest made an end of Chiroche half-dead with fresh wounds Divers and doubtful was the whole face of the battel in one place the Vanquished lifted up and in another the Victorious overthrown All was full of terrour errour sorrow and confusion yet the 〈◊〉 at length began to appear much superiour in strength and courage the Turks seeming rather to defend themselves than assail their enemies Bacianus in the rear ever as need required sent in ayd The Turks seeing the Christian General 's galley hardly charged on the prow by Haly almost bared of men in the poupe fetched a compass to board her abath whereupon Bacianus comming speedily in with some galleys stayed their course and having discharged many vollies of shot and a multitude of Arrows and Darts grapling together they came to the sword where Bacianus much encouraged his men by words presence and valour and received 2 shot in his Targuet many were slain on both sides the Spaniards though with great loss repulsed in attempting to enter the Turks galleys yet overcame valour by pertinacy and overthrowing and slaying their enemies enjoyed their galleys After 3 hours dreadful fight between Haly and Don John the Christians began to faint and were in danger to have been overcome but the Don upon a sign given to the 400 of his best and select Souldiers reserved under the Hatches against all events they started out and with a terrible cry desperately assailed the enemy almost spent with labour and Wounds who astonied confounded and with great slaughter vanquished the Turks possessing the galley Haly shot into the Head and all bloody was brought to Don John who seeing him ready to die had his Head struck off which on the point of a spear himself held up aloft as a Trophey of Victory and to terrifie the other Turks who fast by fought yet right valiantly which they beholding and a flag of the Crosse being in the top of their General 's Galley the Christians also crying Victory thorow the Army they with might and main made towards the Land not much above a mile off whom Canalis and Quirinus hardly pursuing sunk and took divers of their Galleys Partau's Son by staying the rest had time to run his Galley on ground and forsake her with his men as did others also the Galleys becoming a prey to the Christians Caracoza in this hot conflict a famous renegate Pyrate who had long done exceeding mischief was slain by Buzzacharinus of Padua Requisenius also took the Galley of Haly's two Sons with themselves one being 23 the other 13 years old and the Nephews of Selimus who though strongly guarded with Janizaries fled as exceedingly afraid upon this discomfiture of the main Battel The chained Christian slaves breaking off their geives and loosing each other with any Weapons that came to hand notably furthered the Victory yet was the Battel doubtful betwixt Auria and Uluzales in the right Wing the Turks having almost two Galleys for one Auria whatever the cause was upon signal of Battel given shrunk farther from the rest of the Battel but it seemes his purpose was to countervail by policie what he wanted in strength it seemed most strange to the Turks yet he fell off farther hovering aloof and seeming to wait some advantagious opportunity a galeasse of Pisa the while laying before him with 〈◊〉 much troubled the Enemy Uluzales also so extended his Wing as if he would have compassed in Auria yet offered not Battel but rather expected some advantage might be given him who had not lain so long but 12 Venetian Galleys withdrawing from Auria and roaming without order fell into his danger which he speedily enclosing boarded them 〈◊〉 the Defendants and took the Galleys many of the Knights of St. Stephen being here most valiantly fighting slain Superantius most of his men being slain and himself mortally wounded and his Galley almost taken blew up themselves with a great number of the Enemies 〈◊〉 The Victors in the middle Battel hearing the noyse turned thitherward to ayd Auria but one after another as they had cleared themselves of the Enemy Justinian Admiral of the Malta Galleys being foremost most terribly encountred with three Turks Galleys Uluzales sending in three others to help their fellows so Justinian hardly beset with six Galleys having lost 50 Knights and an Ensign with much adoe hardly defended himself but the Galley given for lost two other Malta Galleys who were upon point by fight to take three other Turks Galleys with all speed came to relieve their Admirall who was yet alive but shot with three Arrows whereby the Turks were repulsed and the Galley rescued Uluzales hearing of the overthrow of their main Batrel and right Wing leaving the Galleys he had taken was the first in that Wing that fled Cardonius suddenly appearing at his back labouring to stay the flight of the hindermost Galleys till other victorious Galleys were come in but 15 of the Turks Captains enraged with such unwonted disgrace unexpectedly turned about renewing the Battel and in a trice almost all Cardonius's men were 〈◊〉 the Galley was not taken for that the three Admiralls being near at hand and Auria coming fast on Uluzales giving over the fight fled apace yet carrying away a Galley of Cyprus and a Knights Ensign as a witness of his valour to Selimus The Christians pursued them so long as there was hope to overtake any though weary of almost five houres fight but it was more than time to see to their weary and wounded men and night coming fast on the old Pyrate under its Covert escaped into the Bay of Lepanto with 30 or 40 Galleys The number of Turks lost could hardly be known many being drowned and some slain swimming though some mercy most prevailing took the Turks prisoners Guarnerius reporteth 32000 to have perished others not past half-so many to have been slain the chief being Haly the General Chiroche Cassanes with his Son Malamur Gider Cassambeius Governours of Islands Provi Aga Mustapha the Treasurer Caracozae with many others chief prisoners were Halies Sons sent as Presents to the Pope the eldest dying by the way at Naples the younger he kept prisoner and Mecbmet Bey Governour of Eubaea and about 3500 taken also The chief escaping were Partau Bassa and Uluzales afterwards certainly known to flee but with 25 Galleys and 10 Galliots 16 Galleys were taken 40 sunk or burnt of Galliots and other small Vessels were taken about 60. The Admirall Galley taken scarce any in the whole Ocean for beauty and richness was comparable unto her Haly's Casket with 600 Duckats therein and a yearly Pension of 300 Duckats being given to the Greek that slew him and was also Knighted by Don John he had also the burrel of the Turks Standard which at his return to Venice he sold to a Goldsmith the Senate redeeming it for a Duckat an ounce It was massive silver guilt and engraven with
〈◊〉 a most cruel fight which the Turks long endured with wondrous resolution but now destitute of their wonted multitude and hardly laid to they fled whom 6000 men fiercely pursuing had the killing of them almost to Buda The Christians took all their Ordnance 17 Ensigns and Jasperin Castle for fear was abandoned wherein was store of Victualls and much Warlike Provision Teuffenbach certified the arch-Duke of this notable Victory as soon as he returned to the siege of Hatwan as that there were 2500 Turks slain and as many wounded of whom many perished and those not a few of great name and place 8 Sanzacks being redeemed and some Chiaus sent from Court with the Bassa's Guard of 800 〈◊〉 Souldiers of whom few escaped with life that the Germans and Hungarians had agreed it should be counted a dishonour to spare any enemies so that they took but 16 common Souldiers that the Bassa of Buda besides other 3 wounds was grievously wounded in the side that the Christians lost about 100 and about 600 grievously wounded many being then dead neither was the losse small they received in their Horses and Armour The Turks in Zabola Fort now discouraged forsook the same which for strength and bigness was comparable with Tocay or Erlawan While valiant Teuffenbach thus lay at the siege of Hatwan the arch-Duke encouraged with his good success at Novigrad came with 44000 men before Strigonium once the Metropolis of Hungary and May 6th encamped nigh the Castle in a Meadow whence both City and Castle were plainly to be seen they of the Castle and three Gallies in the River discharging some Ordnance on them without any great harm but the Christian Fleet coming a little before night and beginning to answer them again the Enemy lay still that night The mean while a Turkish youth taken in a Garden and brought and examined confessed there was but 400 Janizaries in the City a supply being daily expected from Buda The Christians bringing their Trenches by break of day to a Hill opposite to the Castle placed their battery and began to batter the City on which day May 7th 22 Turks Heads were presented to the arch-Duke and 4 alive newly sent out to view the Camp About night Balls of Wild-fire being shot in one set fire on St. Adelberts Tower first the Temple then much of the Town falling on fire the Sanzacks House Horses and Armour with much Powder being burnt and exceeding hurt done in the City next day they had made a breach in the Castle-Wall but a high and broad sandy Rampier adjoyning could scarce be battered yet the Germans gave a fierce assault to the breach but not being able to get over the 〈◊〉 retired with losse The day after they began the battery again with 18 great Pieces in which morning the Rascians in the old City acquainted the Generall if he would assault the bigger City at a place they appointed they the while 〈◊〉 let the Christians by some little Posterns 〈◊〉 the old City so they nor theirs might have no violence which agreed to they assaulted it May the 11th and took the old City all the Rascians having 〈◊〉 but the Turks 〈◊〉 except such as recovered the new Town Two German Companies six hundred Hungarians three hundred Rascians and other Townsmen kept the same who burnt the Suburbs yet the new Town and the Castle was still 〈◊〉 Wherefore the Christians placing their Battery began again to batter the Castle which being made saultable they couragiously assailed the breach but were glad to retire 130 of their Fellows being slain The Turks had fortified St. Nicholas Hill somewhat subjecting the Castle which the Christians gaining May 17th put all the live Turks to the Sword and turning the Ordnance thence also battered the Castle May 22 a little before Sun-setting some Ensigns of Foot were drawn out to assault the lower Town which they attempting in the dead of the night were notably encountred by the Turks sallying forth upon them who yet forcing them to retire proceeded and with much adoe got over the outmost Wall but unexpectedly finding a deep and broad countermure they stood as dismayd and disorderly retiring in the darkness of the night many perished in the deep mud In this assault were 1000 wounded and slain and though they twice or thrice renewed it they were still with losse repulsed Many Turks were slain also yea the Governour himself hurt with a great 〈◊〉 sent to Buda with many wounded men brought newes of the assaults and state of the besieged The Camp had newes the while that Sinan Bassa coming towards Hungary with a great Army and by Boats conveying part thereof was set upon by the Rascians poor oppressed Christians dwelling on both sides of Danubius but now encouraged by the Emperours success who after divers skirmishes had taken 13 Vessels wherein besides Victualls and Ordnance they found 2400 weight of powder 44700 of Lead 46454 bundels of Match 1200 great shot Harquebusse shot 48500 with much other Warlike Provision whereupon Sinan altered his purpose for Cassovia June 4th about 500 Turks conducted up the River by two Sanzacks landed near Gakara on the farther side over against Strigonium where a while refreshing themselves and a few left the more to assure the place all the rest arrived at Strigonium the old Garrison being now soare weakened the Turks herewith encouraged four dayes after suddenly sallying forth entred a Fort of the Christians but were repulsed with the losse of 26 men and two Ensigns The Christians often assaulted this City but were so received that in five assaults they lost five thousand men among whom were divers Commanders of good account 23 Cannoniers were also slain and ten great Pieces of Ordnance made unserviceable This Garrison consisted most of Janizaries whose notable valour in holding out was much commended by their friends and enemies About the same time some Turks lighting on a Germane Troop slew about 50 putting the rest to flight which raising an Alarm many ran with some small Field-pieces to rescue them whereupon the Turks fleeing the Christians eagerly pursuing them were assailed by other Turks sallying out of a Fort fast by and forced to retire leaving their Field-pieces which the Turks cloyed breaking their Carriages About which time Teuffenbach requested ayd of the Arch-Duke against Hatwan for that his forces were one way or other so weakened that he had scarce 600 sound men who spared him but 1200 Foot because of too much weakening his own Army Amurath seeking by all meanes revenge besides his own great power now about to come with Sinan had procured 70000 Tartars from the grand Cham to be sent into Hungary to joyn with his Army who breaking into Podolia Walachia and Moldavia collected a huge number of Oxen and Kine that they might be both assured of Victualls and the saflier travel thorow a part of Polonia but being come to those borders they found Samoschi the Chancellour and the Cossacks in Arms wherefore
youth a few Crowns commanding him to carry them to the Bassa and bring him his answer promising to reward him bountifully The Bassa returned answer he would be with him at the time appointed willing him the while to be mindful of his wonted valour telling him all circumstances how he would relieve him whereupon the Count provided for welcoming of the Bassa Also within a day after a Turkish Cannonier fearing the City would be lost 〈◊〉 forth into the Camp who besides declaring the Cities state and wants of the besieged did good service during the siege The Turks had often sallied out to their great losse yet they adventured out again on the 29 day of this moneth 80 being left behind them slaying but five Christians The Turks in great wants at length news was brought into the Camp that the Bassa was coming with 20000 men who came Aug. 2d encamping within 4 miles of the Christians some Turkish Horse seeking after booty out of the Pastures even under their noses carried away some few Horses some German and Hungarian Troops issuing out had a hot skirmish with them but the Turk retiring as if overcharged had at length drawn them where divers Troops of Turks lay in ambush who hardly charged them The Hungarians acquainted with such dangerous skirmishes fled the Germans a while valiantly encountring them but oppressed with multitude at last fled about 100 being in all lost and much wounded The Turks now encouraged came all on next day resolved by force to open a way into the City The Count had strongly belayed all wayes thereinto yet the Enemy coming on between St. Thomas and St. Georges Hills nigh the Suburbs called the Rascian City put themselves in order of Battel as did the Christians letting them come even to 〈◊〉 Trenches Palfi the while with his Hungarian Horsemen fetching a compasse on one side of the Hill and Lord Swartzenburgh on the other the Turks could not without much danger retire The Signall given the Turks having discharged seventeen Field-pieces without any great harm came on with a most hideous cry and at first onset darkened the Skie with with their Arrowes but the German and Walloon Horse lent their shot as thick as hail amongst them again and the men at Arms taught the Turks to their cost how unfit their half-naked light Horsemen were in a set battel to meet with them in a trice but with great slaughter the battel was brought to the Sword The noises of Warlike Instruments neighing of Horses crying of the wounded and groans of the dying making deaf the eates of the hearers c. The Battel had scarce endured half an houre but many thousands of Turks lay dead on the ground the rest fleeing and leaving behind them their Ordnance and whatever they brought for relief of the besieged whom so fleeing Palfi and Swartzenburgh so received them that of those who came that way few escaped The Bassa who stood on the Hill fled also himself the Bassa of Natolia with about 100 Turks more got into Strigonium some say 14000 Turks were 〈◊〉 in this Battel and some fewer Many were also taken some being of great name and place also 27 Ensigns with a multitude of Beasts laden with money shot powder and other provision for relief of the besieged In heat of the Battel the besieged sallying out entred a Fort on the River side but were presently forced with losse to retire After this the Count sent some Companies with 500 Wagons to the Enemie's Camp 〈◊〉 farre off in the Mountains who found it forsaken but well stored with all kinde of provision which they brought away with 600 rich Tents The Bassaes Tent taken by a Horse Colonel was given by him to the Count with the 〈◊〉 and Money there found all which he divided among the Souldiers according to their 〈◊〉 they found also some Heads of Christians with the dead body of Lord Blandestine slain the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which were honourably buried in the Christian Camp The rest of the Turks hiding in the Mountains and Woods by night shifted for themselves The Bassa came to Buda but with 20 Horse every man there 〈◊〉 his lost friends The Hungarian Heidons best 〈◊〉 with the Countrey for certain dayes brought into the Camp such prisoners as they took or the Heads of those Turks they slew The Count certified the arch-Duke at Vienna speedily of this notable Victory who rewarded the Messenger with a Chain worth 500 Duckats causing Thanksgiving to be sung first at Augustine Fryars then in all Temples of the City The Count also sent to the Emperour by his Nephew two chief prisoners with 4 Horsemens Guidons cunningly made of Horse hairs such as use to be carried before the greatest Turkish Commanders and 14 other Ensigns with 14 most goodly Turkish Horses for a Present Next day after this Battel the Count sent Lord Palfi with an Interpreter to the City to demand it who declared the danger they were in their expected help to be quite overthrown new relief could not but in long time be sent them wherefore they were best bethink themselves betime lest perhaps when they would yield the City it would not be accepted promising to entreat with the General that they might safely depart and be conveyed to places convenient The Turks answered they had layen 5 weeks at the siege and must lay 5 weeks longer and whereas some few friends had lately failed to relieve them yet 100000 more were to come who if they could not perform what they came for yet would they not leave the City till ready to be drawn out by the heels and then also take 3 dayes to resolve The Christians had sore beaten both the Towns maintaining their battery with greater fury than ever before and the besieged had nothing now to live on but a little Wheat and Barley with some 〈◊〉 to whom Lord Palfi by the Count's Command Aug. 9th sent two Gentlemen to the 〈◊〉 to do a Message from him to the Governour who being very aged and courteous came with the Aga to the Walls to hear what they had to say one of whom briefly said that his Lord Palfi knowing him to be both valiant and wise and who had ever courteously used those fallen into his hands had compassion of his obstinacy wherefore he advised and exhorted him if he would save him and his from most eminent and undoubted death and utter confusion without delay to deliver up the City To whom Alis answered He should tell Lord Palfi he could not pleasure him with the least stone in that City that he had one foot already in grave and would with honour carry his gray hairs thereinto yet had he an undoubted hope that his most dread Soveraign and his Lord Sinan would not forsake him and if they should write they could not relieve him yet would he at leasure consider whether 't were fit for him to deliver up that City since on its defence depended all his honour and
cryed aloud that when they lacked meat rather than yield they would eat Christians of whom Marotti should be the first The Government of the Army was now committed to the Lord Redern both valiant and learned who though very sickly came to the Camp Aug. 8th where hearing that the Rebels brought to great extremity purposed by night to flee kept a more vigilant and strong Watch next night about two houres before day they began to issue out and were suffered to go out as unperceived but Nadasti the Earl of Thurne and Count Solmes were presently sent after them who in three places overtaking them near the great Wood Packem slew most of them Dela Mota being slain by Solmes because he would not yield and his Head presented to the Generall The Hussars found out 200 Walloons in the Wood who though they made strong resistance a while yet at last were forced to yield The Hussars also upon another passage light upon 200 more of them who because they were more desperate than the rest the General sent 〈◊〉 Horse more upon them so that they were allmost all slain divers also were slain in coming forth and in Marshes about the Town Motta's Lievtenant and other chief Commanders were by Lo Redern delivered to the Provost Martiall dividing the rest at the Souldiers Request into divers parts of the Army to be executed from whom they could there scarce hold their hands But being brought to Rab and leave given to do what they would with them they impaled some brake some upon the Wheel cutting off some of their skins as it were into thongs so powring into the wounds Vinegar Salt and Pepper of some they cut off their privities some they roasted putting some upon the Tenalia on some they dropped molten pitch then burnt them to death with Gunpowder hanging others on Iron-hooks some they set in the ground up to the Chin bowling at their Heads with Iron Bullets the 〈◊〉 nothing but deriding them in all these torments the wretches the while confessing the hainousness of their offence and craving for death as a favour Whilest some were tortured others were brought to see the same misery to be by them endured One Peter Orsy caused one of these mutiniers to be sowed up in a Mare 's Belly with his Head hanging out and so to be roasted in which torment he lived 3 houres then was the loathsom body so roasted given to others starving upon the Wheel to eat At this time also many a hot and bloudy skirmish passed betwixt the Christians and Turks in one place or other of Hungary Amongst the rest one Horbath 〈◊〉 Lievtenant with 150 men and Thussi going to seek for booty Thussi hearing the Turks were abroad to surprize certain Haiducks stayed fast in a secret place Horbath going on another way now the Bassa of Sigeth by chance met with Horbath overthrowing him and slaying most of his men Horbath hardly escaping But Thussi hearing this skirmish and hasting thither found the Bassa in the Field on foot viewing the slain upon whom he came so suddenly and forcibly that the Bassa had much adoe disorderly to take Horse and without much resistance to 〈◊〉 whom the Hungarians fiercely pursuing slew many Turks and the Bassa himself whose Head Horbath sent to Serinus who by Thussi himself sent it to Matthias This Bassa about 36 years old was for his strength valour and experience of a common Souldier made a Bassa whose Head being shewn to the Bassa of Buda a prisoner at Vienna he demanded whether he knew it or not sighing answered he knew it well to be the Bassa of Sigeth his Head a braver man than whom the Sultan had not in all his Empire earnestly desiring to know how he was slain and ere long a great party out of Strigonium and other places having taken a great booty from the Turks at a Fair at Gombar and thinking to passe Danubius in hope of a greater 700 of them being passed over were by the new Bassa of Sigeth with 5000 Turks overthrown yet was the Bassa himself with two 〈◊〉 and 500 Turks slain and but 50 Christians left dead upon the place the rest disorderly retiring to their Boats being most drowned The free Haiducks also surprizing and firing Jula the Turks fleeing into the Castle for haste thrust so many from the Bridge into the Castle-ditch that one might have gone dry-foot over upon the bodies of the drowned They took there also 600 prisoners with much booty delivering 200 Christian Captives and though they were hardly pursued by other Turks yet they safely retired with their booty But Cardinal Bator being overthrown and slain and Transilvania reduced to the Emperour's obedience the Vayuod of Valachia forthwith certified him of all his proceedings and success also of his purpose to invade 〈◊〉 for it was commonly reported and believed that Sigismund ayded by Turks Tartars 〈◊〉 and Moldavians would now attempt some greater matter for recovery of Transilvania for divers of his Spics also being taken besides his Letters found about them to the Nobility and States perswading them to revolt from the Vayuod unto him who meant shortly to come with a great Army to repulse him confessed that Sigismund had been in Transilvania disguised to confer with divers friends about it The Emperour honourably receiving the Vayuods Embassadors confirmed unto him the Government of Transilvania sending him also divers Presents yet forbidding him to invade Moldavia for fear of raising a new and dangerous War against the Polonians also wherefore the Vayuods stayed his intended expedition yet he sent some good forces to the Frontiers of Moldavia for fear of Sigismund whom he heard even then to lay upon the same After a few moneths Husraim Aga with five other eminent Turks came to Cronsta where the Vayuod then lay as Embassadors from Mahomet with a great Retinue whom he with 4000 brave Horsemen went half a mile to meet the Foot standing on both sides of the street from the Gate of the City whereby they were to enter even to the Vayuods Lodging where stood his Guard in red and white silk So meeting they both alighted saluting each other the Embassador presently embracing the Vayuod ungirt his Scimitar and in the Sultans name put another about him most richly garnished with Gold and precious Stones He also presented him with a fair Plume of black Hearnes feathers mixt with some white which he would not put upon his Head in the Field though he most earnestly requested him causing it to be carried before him also with two very fair red 〈◊〉 likewise he gave him two exceeding faire Horses richly furnished with four others and a most fair Faulcon The Vayuod had 10 very fair spare-Horses led before him at whose entrance all the great Ordnance was discharged with great vollies of small shot so the Embassador riding on his left hand being brought to his Lodging six of his chief followers were presented with six rich Robes of Cloth
of Pesth by 1000 great shot sent over the River unto them yet for the dispence of their powder and shot they gained not so much as the life of one Souldier nor one stone out of their Walls Shortly after the Budans thought suddenly to have surprized Palotta a small Castle by night but being timely discovered they were forced to retire with the loss of 120 men to whom Horwad Capt. of the Castle by a Peasant sworn to do the errand sent a small pot of Salt and a bottle of Wine willing them to season the Venison they took in the late Hunting and quenching their thirst to chear them up after their late Conquest These Enemies more provoked by this jest discharged a showre of thundering great shot 〈◊〉 small bullets upon the Garrison of Pesth but their Cannons being ill levelled overshot the Town carrying more fear than hurt yea and while they were thus thundering fire by negligence of the Cannoniers fell into a barrel of their powder which taking hold of another and running along 〈◊〉 if it had been by a train overthrew a long piece of the Wall of Buda by whose fall many Souldiers near it were overwhelmed The noise and force was so terrible that the Turks being retired from this Breach the Governour of Pesth resolved to assault the place Whereupon with 1000 Almaines and 300 Hungarians he forthwith in hope marched towards the Breach but by the way they met with a Company of Turks who gave an alarm to those of the upper-Town who manned their walls and with great speed repaired the Breach Now those Turks whom 〈◊〉 met withall were all slain except some few whom 〈◊〉 carried prisoners to Pesth to be by them instructed of the 〈◊〉 affairs About 〈◊〉 time Radol Vayuod of Valachia hearing that the Turks in Garrison at Silistria were gone abroad to seek for Booty and Victnals passed forthwith over the River upon the Ice to surprize the Town whose men for desire of Riches and for fear of the Souldiers return so 〈◊〉 the Town that the Turks dismayed and deeming the Christians through the 〈◊〉 of the enterprize to be more than they were after a small resistance left a way open for them who thrusting into the Town took the 〈◊〉 spoil thereof great and rich and so set it on fire returning before the Turks could gather together to hinder their retreat The Vayuod sent to Basta then in Transilvania against the Turks 13 Turkish Ensigns for his part of the Booty But Collonitz having laid 3 dayes in Ambush without discovery of any Enemy March 6 3 espials fell into his 〈◊〉 whom the Turks had sent forth before who would not discover any thing hurtfull to their friends so that at last the 〈◊〉 moved commanded one of their Heads to be struck off to terrifie the other 2 who dismayed with this Spectacle and well beaten to tell the Truth confessed 〈◊〉 were Spies sent by the Enemy to view the Country and see if the Christians had any Forces there which if not and they reporting it then within 2 dayes after the Convoy was to pass that way to be put into Canisia setting forth from Babotz 2 hours before day and that which more confirmed the matter was that within 2 hours after their taking the Haiducks which lay hidden without the chief Ambuscado discovered a Cornet with 5 Turks Ensignes marching from Canisia to meet 〈◊〉 Convoy Whereupon they acquainted Collonitz therewith who put his Horsmen in good Order to enclose the Turks betwixt the Marsh and Wood who holding on their way the Christian Carabines charged them in the head of their Companies disordering them the Hungarians sell upon their flanks which they opened and the Horsmen on their backs The small resistance these poor enclosed men made deserved not the name of a fight being of 600 not 4 left but they were all slain without killing one of their Enemies Their Horsmen who followed them seeing them surprized shamefully fled but the Carabins with their Horses pursuing amain after them slew a number of them that were worst mounted pursuing the rest even to the gates of Canisia Those of the Town discharging their Ordnance and many Vollies of small shot against the Christians both to stay their pursuit and to give warning to those who were bringing the relief to the Christians that were in the field But during this fight three very well mounted Turks adventured to pass by the Christian Troops and to give those which were bringing the Convoy warning of the overthrow and to return to Babotz which brave attempt Fortune favouring the Turks on the way upon this advertisement retired accordingly Whereupon the Christians made towards Babotz almost sixteen miles off with a resolution to carry the place using such diligence in their march that about nine at night they there arrived and to daunt their Enemies what they might they presently sounded their Trumpets struck up Drumms removed their Artillery rusled with their Arms and kept a stir themselves to make the noise of a great Army but the Turks twice so many in number and within a strong place prepared for fight if they should assail them who oft repeating the name of Jesus advanced and made ready for fight The Turks from the Castle delivered 1000 Cannon-shot upon the Christian Troops their Muâ—quâ—ts still playing from the Curtain of their Walls yet the resolute Footmen passing athwart these flaming showers marched along the Counterscarp of the Ditch toward the gate to have broken it open The Turks the same time were come forth of the Town but at the very instant that they charged the front of the Christian Foot they were so encountred that having lost some men they were glad again to retire into the Town whom the Christians upon the Town-ditch so plyed with small shot upon their Walls and in their Holds as that they durst not shew themselves or look out and if the Christians had had Instruments to have opened the Gates or Walls the Town had 〈◊〉 been won but at last they having bin 4 hours in fight before it doing receiving harm and finding no means to enter were forced to leave it burning in their retreat certain Villages of the Enemies which done they retired to little Comara for the 〈◊〉 began now on every side by heaps to flock together to swallow them up and even pressed upon their retreat But Collonitz being with his Souldiers safely entred into Comara caused the Heads of the principal slain Enemies to be set upon the pikes of the Pallisadoes and on a great Pine tree before the gate whose Branches were first lopt an action learned from the cruelty of the Turks This done they departed from this Castle as 〈◊〉 spent with Famine than travell and weariness for in that short expected design they had taken no provision of Victuals with them their Horses also languished the Country being alike cruell to both The Souldiers had for 3 days eaten nothing but Crabs and Acorns
executed his Brethren by justice but for preservation of the State and that those whom they demanded were so guilty that they deserved not an orderly tryall c. As for the Empress his mother they were content she should be confined farther off and no more to meddle with State-matters So Mahomet through the violent resolution of these most insolent men caused the Capi-Aga and such others as they required to be brought forth Who presented themselves as already half-dead whom Mahomet did what he might to have saved but the mutiniers clamour to have them dispatched could not be appeased till they saw their Heads struck off from their shoulders Mahomet inwardly grieved commanded the Executioner to serve some other of the chief Bassaes whom he knew to be much beloved of the Janizaries and whom he could willingly have bin rid off as he had the Capi-Aga the rest but then their murmuring and mutiny was as it were re-doubled so that Mahomet was for fear forced by giving way to appease them The old Empress for all that was not then confined Mahomet himself but a few dayes before had beheaded Capion one of his great Bassaes either for desire of his wealth or for envy of his Honor Valour yet the former seemed to many the more probable for immediately after his death he seized upon all his Riches except 400000 Duckats which Calil Bassa his Father detained for himself which his purloyning Mahomet having discovered demanded of him one day if it were true that he had retained those Duckats which Fact Calil through fear and covetousness denied and forswore Whereupon thinking by lying to have saved his life he was for the truth put to death having his Head forthwith struck off the greedy Tyrant for the Bassaes blood served but for a shew seizing rifling and carrying away all his wealth and changing the Dowry and succession of his Wife and Children into Bonds Prisons and Slaveries Mahomet another Bassa perceiving the like danger to hang over his own Head resolved to flee to the Rebels in Asia but this his purpose discovered by certain Spics and he with a chief follower of Capin Bassa taken by the Janizaries were both by them cut in pieces In the mean time the Rebels in Asia prosecuted their Rebellion with all diligence every man joyning unto the first Forces which were in good estate and rich with the spoils that they had taken They resolutely besieging Angore a great and strong Town the Citizens affraid offered them a great summ to redeem themselves and City and so at last upon the payment of 200000 Duckats they presently departed Shortly after Mahomet's new Captains whom he had put in place of them whom he executed for the appeafing of the Court-souldiers arrived there also who would needs make it Treason and put the Citizens to death for giving the Rebels the said mony though 't were done for preservation of their lives and sack their City Whereupon arose a great and cruell fight betwixt these Souldiers and Citizens both the Subjects of one Prince and all of one Superstition but the one side armed with pride and 〈◊〉 and the other with necessity and despair At last the Citizens having slain a great number of the Souldiers chased the rest out of the City which ill encounter of these new Captains encreased the Rebels courage So that 40000 under one of the Tartar Han his Brethren besieged Burze a great and rich City the Armory and Place where all the Customs and Taxes of 〈◊〉 were kept which after certain dayes siege and great resistance made they by force took 〈◊〉 the Inhabitants and sacked the City By which exploit their 〈◊〉 and reputation encreasing with their booty and courage Mahomet dismayed resolved by fair means to appease them for this good Fortune had drawn the Government of Babylon on their side also the great Shaugh or Sophy of Persia thrusting himself into these 〈◊〉 had now taken Corbery a strong Town upon the Turks borders and was preparing for new Conquests So Mahomet at length but not without his great dishonour came to some good agreement with his 〈◊〉 Subjects granting unto them all their demands disarming them by yielding and not by Valour and giving unto Zellaly one of their Chieftains the Bassaship of Bosna to content his ambition and to bind him thereby to his service Mahomets other men of War seeing this dishonourable 〈◊〉 and preferment of the Rebels instead of punishments which they should have justly endured began to 〈◊〉 into great murmuring discontent against their great Sultan such Honours of Right belonging to his most faithfull and loyal servants yea they resolved to thrust him out of his Imperial State and set up his eldest son Mahomet in his 〈◊〉 These are the ordinary effects of injustice and cowardize the overthrow of Princes These Mutineers joyned to 〈◊〉 discontents Mahomets Sloth Effeminateness and insufficiency and cowardize They drew also into this plot the Sultanness Mahomets chief Wife who blinded with Ambition cast both her self and son the young Prince into most desperate danger This important project resolved on 〈◊〉 of these men according to the Turkish manner 〈◊〉 with an Astrologer touching the success of the Prince who erecting a Figure of his Nativity consulting with his Spirits and considering the 〈◊〉 Bodies gave judgement for his good and 〈◊〉 and so dispatched an Eunuch towards the Sultarness with Letters that she should be of good courage and in 〈◊〉 hope 〈◊〉 her Son within few dayes should have the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 set on his Head and the 〈◊〉 Scepter 〈◊〉 into his 〈◊〉 His Art he said 〈◊〉 the same and Spirits with whom he had conference 〈◊〉 him thereof but it chanced that these Letters were intercepted and 〈◊〉 to Mahomet Whereupon it happened that he which took upon him to foretell a long life and Empire to fall to another man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of his own life being himself by the Sultans command with the yong Prince the Eunuch and 50 others of the 〈◊〉 and consenters thereunto strangled and the Sultanness drowned yet some report this Prince was strangled upon suspition of conspiring with the 〈◊〉 Rebels against his Father which after his death being 〈◊〉 not to be so the Bassa who caused the suspition was 〈◊〉 Tartar Han comming with a great Army 〈◊〉 Hungary demanded of the King of Polonia Tribute and passage through his Country but the King denied both and roughly answered his threats Wherefore the 〈◊〉 Tartar for fear of being 〈◊〉 in his passage by the Polonians as the Tartars had often been turned with his Army toward Valachia Whereupon Radoll hearing that besides the 〈◊〉 of his Country they purposed to set up another Vayuod in his stead marched to his Borders with the greatest power he could make to attend their comming and 〈◊〉 them from entring and taking all the advantages of the Strait-passages in the 2 first encounters notably repulsed the fierce Enemy with this little
Fathers Camp who seeing he could not avoid Battel without a shamefull and dangerous flight joyned with them a most bloudy Conflict for 2 houres till the darkness of the night enforced both sides to retire the Turks losing as was commonly reported 6000 men so that hitherto they lost above 10000 Souldiers and yet had scarce discovered or seen the City they so greedily longed after Next morning the Turks encamped within 2 miles of Tauris but whilst they were setting up their Tents Aliculi issuing out with all his Garrison and Citizens fit to bear Arms with many cunning turnings and windings so charged the Vanguard now renewed that he 〈◊〉 them to retire even to the main Battel they being disordered and almost 3000 〈◊〉 in a very small time Aliculi spying the Ordnance withdrew himself without 〈◊〉 into the City but in the shutting in of the evening he sallied out again and swif ly running along that side of the Army towards Tauris he slew the Bassa of Maras and did great hurt which done he fled to the Kings Camp not being able to hold the City yet the Taurisions that remained therein gathered together to the Gates to make a bloody entrance for the Turks And upon the break of day a great multitude of the servile and rascà ll Turks without order from their Captains with Corstets Spears and Swords went to that Wealthy City thinking to have sacked it but contrary to their expectation they were forced at the Gates to joyn a hard and mortall Battel so that the Vallies entrance and ground thereabouts was bathed with bloud and as it were covered with Weapons and dead 〈◊〉 yet at last the Persians was constrained to yield entrance a multitude out of the Camp flowing in upon them who retiring into the City astonied and amazed fortified themselves in their Houses under ground and in the corners and windings of the streets whence they did the Turks great harm who at last were too mighty for them and wrought many grievous mischiefs in that wofull City and so a great number of this rascall people returned to the Camp with manifest tokens of the oppressed City wherein the women and impotent souls stood embracing and straining their doors and posts and kissing their native soyl with prayers mournings and complaints bewailing their present misery and yet fearing worse to come Osman acquainted with these calamities proclaimed that 〈◊〉 should be so hardy as to molest the Taurisians going about the City himself and thorowly viewing its scituation and wherein he might safely encamp and more securely erect a Castle or Fort. The buildings in Tauris which is seared at the foot of the hill Orontes after the manner of the East are of burnt-clay rather low then high It carrieth the name for all things and was the Persian Kings place of residence till Tamas removed his seat farther into his Kingdom to 〈◊〉 yet though it hath bin sundry times 〈◊〉 by the inroads fury of the Turk it was stil in great estimation renown Osman 〈◊〉 his Tents to be pitched on the south-side thereof where was a spacious Garden replenished with sundry 〈◊〉 of Trees and sweet smelling plants many Brooks derived from a pretty River which divided the Garden from the City for the delicacy thereof it was called the 8 Paradise was in times 〈◊〉 the standing House of their Kings but after their remove to Casbin became the Habitation of the Governour of Tauris Here Osman would build his Castle giving the Modell himself and commanding all those pleasant Greens to be environed with walls and Trenches to convey the water from the said River which whole work was finished in 36 dayes store of Artillery mounted on the Walls and divers Baths Lodgings and such other Houses built within the first day of which building Osman sickned of a Feaver with a bloudy Flux Five dayes after the Castle was 〈◊〉 newes was brought to the Camp that 8 Janizaries and divers Spaoglans were seen strangled in a Bath within the City whereupon the Janizaries and others came to the Generall telling him That although according to his pleasure every man had used modesty towards the Taurisians yet themselves had strangled in a Bath 8 Janizaries and certain Spaoglans which injury and insolency in their judgment was not to be suffered Osman was so moved that commanding the City to be sacked he left it wholly to the 〈◊〉 of his Souldiers Whereupon every place was filled with 〈◊〉 ravishment rapine murder Men-Children most horribly defiled younglings snatched out of their Parents arms Houses burnt and destroyed Riches and Money carryed away and all things ruinated Thrice were these mischiefs committed one exceeding another This wo sore troubled the Persian King but the Prince much more who resolved to attempt any thing to requite so great a wrong and commanded 500 Horsmen to present themselves even to the very sight of their Enemies Tents as it were to dare them Battel the Turks imagining that the Persians were in great number come to affail the Army the sick Generall ordered Cicala Bassa and the Bassa of Careamit with near 40000 of those of Greece their own Forces and servile people to go to encounter the Enemy the 5000 Persians with a cunning kind of skirmishing drew the Turks forward above 8 miles where the Persian Prince with about 20000 of his Army couragiously 〈◊〉 upon them with the cruellest Battel that ever was written of who having done great harm it was thought as content they would have 〈◊〉 retired which the Turks to prevent hardly pressed upon them hoping to put them to flight give them a deadly overthrow but the Persians having endured their charge began a most deadly Battel afresh wherein the Bassa of Careamit being wholly discomfited fled back to the Camp with most manifest Tokens of the unhappy issue yet Sicala valiantly and cunningly still 〈◊〉 their fury labouring by all meanes to encourage his men and restore the Battel but at last was forced also to flee comming to the Camp without any Ensign having left behind him 8000 of his Souldiers dead upon the ground The Prince herewith encouraged speedily sent to Osman whom he thought had been in health that if he would sight he was 〈◊〉 how he pleased to accept of Battel and make him know both that Amurath had most unjustly raised this War and also that it had bin good for himself not to have taken the same in hand Osman 〈◊〉 this offer sent out 60000 men the Bassa of Careamit and Sicala leading the main Battel the Bassa of Natolia the left-Wing and the Bassa of Caramania the right-Wing The Prince lay about 10 miles off from Osman's Camp who had of Persians Hircanians Parthians and Meropatians in all 40000 himself being in the midst of them The Turks feared lest the Persians fetching a great compass should set upon their Tents and Riches wherefore retiring what they might as if they had given place they had well-nigh brought them
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
of the Mole and Coll. Dayon to enter as soon as the passage of the Port should have been cleared But as the Souldiers were impatiently expecting the signall to fall on the Generalissimo caused the Ladders to be brought back and the Souldiers to re-imbarque none knowing the cause After which the Fleet retired to Delos from whence part went to the Seas of Cerigo and the rest towards Candia with no less discontent then astonishment The cause being the Governour of Canea had notice of their purpose and thereupon returned and re-inforced his 〈◊〉 with 5000 men drawn out of places which the Turks held in Candia and sent two Galleyes to Rhodes to demand aid of the Turkish Fleet. This mischief wrought a separation betwixt the Venetian Generalissimo and the chief Commanders of the Papall and Maltese Squadrons Sept. 12. In the Province of Albania there arose a great tumult because the Bassa which commanded there obstructed the trading betwixt the Albanish Christians and Turks Whereupon these Christians and Turks joyned together to oppose his power in which Action much bloud was spilt 4000 of the Bassa's men being killed An Envoy from Prince Ragotzi being come to Vienna Nov. 12. made severall instances to obtain succour from the Emperour but notwithstanding all reasons alledged the matter would not take effect in regard the Emperor having other designs in the limits of Christendome thought fit to correspond with the Turk and therefore would leave him to his pleasure who had setled a Prince in the room of Ragotzi which Prince used al means to secure himself having forces left there by 〈◊〉 chief Visier for his defence The Bassa Ussaim not being able to extort from the Inhabitants the 5000 Rixdollars which they are obliged to pay to the Grand Seignior yearly fired all in the two Isles of Paris and Nixia which are parted onely by a Channel of about five miles so that the Inhabitants were forced to retire to the Mountains to save themselves from the fury of this Bassa But in the mean time the great differences continuing still in Constantinople whither the chief Visier intended to march with his army which he had in Trausilvania to oppose the rebellious designs of the Bassa of Aleppo The Persian King likewise having made agreement with the Successors of the Great Mogull prepared to employ all his Forces for the regaining of Babylon Ussaim Bassa Novemb. 14. being advanced near the head City in Candia caused his Ordnance to be planted and stormed the two Forts Della Palma and Corona but the Venetian Generalls made a resolute sally putting 3000 to the Sword and made them retreat and fell upon the Island Paris plundered it and enslaved all the Inhabitants because they refused to let them have provisions for mony and were forward in supplying the Turks The Bassa of Aleppo arrived at Scuton Novemb. 15th four miles from Constantinople with 40000 men making great havock The Grand Seignior's Mother put the said Bassa upon this work because she sought the ruine of the Visier intending to put Ussaim Bassa in his place There were three factions the Janizaries held with the Great Prince the Spahies were for the Mother and the rest with the chief Statesmen were for the brother of the Great Prince because he was more inclinable to preserve the countrey in peace and safety The German Emperor Novemb. 16th declared 〈◊〉 Don Hanniball Gonzaga who was Vice-President over the Militia chief Commander in Hungary The Venetians Novemb. 26 loaded a great number of Vessells with Biskit meal and other provisions to repair the want of the chief city of Candia occasioned by a fire which hapned in their Magazine The Pirats of Barbary having taken two ships of Provisions which were sent that way retired upon Intelligence that some Venetian ships were sent from the Fleet to pursue them The tumults in Asia grew greater forasmuch as the Faction of Ussaim Bassa of Aleppo did every day increase and that a certain person named Turtaw joyned to his 〈◊〉 which pretended to make a Reformation of their Religion affirming that to be false which the Grand Seignior professed Against whom the Grand Seignior dispatched the Souldiers that came from Transilvania commanded by the Vizier's Lievtenant who being arrived at Bursia where the Rebells were encamped fighting a bloudy battell the army of the Grand Seignior was totally defeated Novemb. 29. They were again troubled by Prince Ragotzi who had gotten great forces together the rather because the Bassa of Aleppo marched against Constantinople with a mighty Army demanding the head of the Prime Vizier The Great Prince being Resolved to go in person against him and to abandone all other enterprises till he had brought this Rebell to a better condition came in all haste to confer with the Venetian Bayliff Capello and Secretary Bellarini who had order to negotiate with him which made the Venetians hope for an accommodation because he would have occasion to imploy all his Forces against the Bassa of Aleppo who kept the City in continuall fear He likewise received sad newes That the Persians were in a Body of 30000 Horse and 30000 Foot besides another Army consisting of 100000 which were set down before Babylon the Citizens being more affected to the Persians then Turks Prince Ragotzi having lost all except two of the greater Cities Dobrintz and Varad leaving Coll. Gaude a Scotchman with 5000 men at Varad did 〈◊〉 encamp at Dobrintz And when the Turk's Army 50000 strong first began to besiege Varad the Coll. making a gallant sally put their 〈◊〉 to flight killing above 200 and taking 160 Prisoners without any losse An Edict was published at Constantinople Jan. 10. 1659. wherein was expressed That all the Rebells and their complices should be destroyed and killed where-ever they were met with and that those that did execution upon them should enjoy the goods of such Rebels which caused men in divers Villages to fall foul one upon another On the contrary the Rebelling Bassa published an Edict wherein he charged all his Souldiers and Officers to destroy all such as opposed and would not acknowledge his power The Ministers of the Divan in Constantinople after a long deliberation how to satisfy him offered to him in the Grand Seigniors name the perpetuall Government of Soria for which he should onely pay 100000 Sultanin's yearly whereas 300000 were due but he rejected those offers as far from his pretentions which were no lesse then the dividing of the Empire And the Persian would so much the more easily carry Babylon the Sultan well knew in regard that the Divan thought not fit to make use of the forces of the Empire to relieve such a remore place the wayes to it being seized on by the Rebells since that they 〈◊〉 be made use of with greater advantage for the defence of 〈◊〉 which otherwise would be at the mercy of the Rebels The Grand Seignior being very much perplexed promised 400000 〈◊〉 to him that should bring the Rebell
Bassaes head besides the Bassa-ship in his Monarchy or in case the Bassa would submit all should not onely be forgiven and forgotten but he should be vested with any dignity he pleased to make choice of But the Bassa went on still in his design and whereas formerly he demanded the Prime Vizier's head now he demands further a reformation in the Mahometan Religion and have the Persian Womans son setled in the 〈◊〉 That young Prince being served in his Court as the Grand Seignior and honoured as the mighty Emperor and all respects given him as if indeed he were the great Prince of Turky The Turkish Chiaux had private audience of Arch-duke Leopold William March 19. 1659. having presented him with two Turkish Horses and other things his proposalls was That the Great Prince of Turky desired to prolong the peace with the Emperour which was granted The Bassa of Aleppo totally defeated the Grand Vizier again March 27. retiring Victorious to Trocaria with the Cannon and Baggage which he took Nevertheless the Grand Seignior caused the chief Vizier at his return to publish in Constantinople that the Rebell-Bassa had refused the combat but the truth being too much known to be concealed the carriage of the matter so discontented the people that they ran into great disorder which was not easily composed The Bassa of Aleppo made his head quarter in the Capitoll City of that country where he setled the pretended Son of Sultan Amurath as Prince with a Court and all Officers and Ministers of State about him having made new Laws more agreeable to the humours of the Turks and chosen a new Muphti as their chief Interpreter in matters of Religion by whom he made an Interpretation of the Alcaron which gave more liberty to the people He treated them with great humanity and indulgence severely punishing the Souldiers for any misdemeaner Declaring That he took up arms to reform the ill Government of the Empire And as the Caracan was passing from Alexandria to constantinople he defaced the Seals of the Passports given by the Grand Seignior causing his own to be given them And sent a Letter by them to the Grand Seignior wherein he lets him understand That the Son of Sultan Amurath being lawfully successour of the Empire he ought of right to have Natolia and if he refused that the said Bassa would make his way into constantinople by force of Arms Where if he should advance the standard of Mahomet to oppose him then the said Bassa would erect the standard of the Prophet Ali by which means he doubted not to draw the Persians to him The said Bassa had well nigh subdued all Asia and seemed to intend no lesse then parting Stake with the Emperour but the chief Visier being marched to Scutari April 7. with an Army of 20000 Horse and 30000 Foot and expecting 60000 more to joyn with him being Ordered to reduce him to Obedience He having notice of the strength of the chief Visier called a Council of his principal Officers where weighing their own inability they concluded to implore the mercy of the Grand Seignior by a timely submission To this end they sent a dispatch to complement the chief Visier and let him know That they had not taken Arms against their Prince but against certain persons that had abused his Trust and Favour Yet rather then tumults should be longer continued they humbly cast themselves upon the clemency of their Lord the Grand Seignior Of which when the Sultan was advertized he was so affected to see so grand a civil War so soon ended that he sent his pardon to the Bassa and his Complices But he with some of his Associates putting himself into the tuition of Mortaza Bassa who promised to obtain their pardon he caused them to be beheaded and sent their heads to Constantinople where 31 of the most eminent were perched on Poles before the Seraglio among whom was Keiman Bassa Brother to the Bassa of Buda Afterwards the said Mortaza falling upon a Party which were rallied in the Territories of Aleppo cut 3000 in pieces and dispersed the rest so that there remained not the least footstep of their undertaking April 20 1659. Ussaim Bassa heretofore General in Candia and then Bassa of Bosna being returned to Constantinople to give an Account of his Actions was imprisoned in the 7 Towers and was May 9. beheaded by Order from the Grand Seignior The German Emperour having concluded a Peace with the Turk upon Condition that the House of Austria should not meddle in Prince Ragotzies cause sent the Baron of Radolt to tell Ragotzi that his best way was to retire out of Transilvania into some safer place because he could not protect him without hazarding a War in Hungary He levyed 20000 stout men under the command of General Lamboy May 18. The Venetian forces in Morea had good successe May 15. The Infantry being landed and divided into 21 Battalions and the Horse in 4 squadrons drawing up within three Leagues of Calamata the Turks presently advanced thence in a great body and good order but were put to flight towards the said place and were so close pursued that the Venetians entred the City with them making a great Massacre and gained rich booty during which time the Turks that kept the Castle being terrified with the cries of their men and the Cities Flames quitting the place got over the River but some Horse and 1000 〈◊〉 pursuing them they were most cut in pieces and the rest taken Prisoners Afterwards they passed to Milo where the Generalissimo having given a Moneths pay to the Souldiers and Seamen and furnished the men of War and Galleys with all necessaries he sailed towards Mitylene to encounter the Captain Bassa whose Armado was supposed to be thereabouts which consisted of twenty four Galleys four Galleasses and twelve men of War also the Gallions under their Captain Generall Contarini with a squadron of 〈◊〉 having run up and down about the Isles of the Archipelago and gained good prizes returned May the thirtieth to the mouth of the Dardanelles where all the Officers declared a high resolution to oppose the passage of the Turks which were to come that way from Constantinople The troubles in Asia were not quite extinct by the death of the Bassa of Aleppo because a Nephew of his who was Lievtenant of his Army had openly declared That he would revenge his death and recollecting new forces drew one Charan Bassa to his party a man of a Noble spirit Hereupon Assam 〈◊〉 who had a hand in executing some of the said Bassa's party which were his prisoners gave over that severity lest upon this stir it should provoke the people The Bassa of Bosna likewise having 〈◊〉 oppressed the people in his Government was complained of to the Grand Seignior whereupon the Sultan sent for him to Constantinople Which order he would not obey having a Guard of 6000 Horse But the Inhabitants of Mustar unable to endure his Tyranny put