forward against the Tartars who at first sight of strange Ensignes and Souldiers were much dismaied Yet they had with them a most bloody conflict wherein that part standing against Paleologus being worsted 〈◊〉 about to flee but the Sultan's Kinsman bearing him a grudge revolting with his Regiment to the Tartars the battle was quite altered the Tartars fighting like Lyons and the Victors were glad to flee a great number of them being slain Paleologus and the Generall were hardly chased glad to stand fighting often for their lives with much adoe after many daies recovered a Castle of the Generalls The Tartars hazarding hereby the Turk's Kingdome forraged all his Countries 〈◊〉 so that the discouraged Sultan fled to Theodorus for aid who comforted him with such small aid as he thought good sending them home with him for his safety under Isaac 〈◊〉 Murzufle who gave him Laodicea in recompence yet ere long it fell again into the Turks hands as not to be holden by the Christians The Sultan too weak to withstand the Tartars made a league with them for paying them a yearly tribute They are accounted from this time as their 〈◊〉 and Vassals Not long after Paleologus was called home by the Emperour's Letters with his faith for security who before his return was bound by Oath to be loyal never to seek after the Empire or cause new suspect of matters before charged but yield dutifull obedience to the Emperour or his Successours Whereupon he was again Great Constable living afterwards in great honour with him Who reigning 3 years died leaving John his Son but six years old to succeed him and commended him to Arsemus the Patriarch and George Muzalo as trusty Tutors together with the Empire Muzalo though of mean Parentage was brought up in the Court as the Emperor's play-fellow still ready to say or do what might please him And the elder they grew they increased in mutual affection and he as in greatest favour was promoted to the greatest honours and married to the Emperour 's nigh Kinswoman An Oath of obedience unto the young Prince and them as Tutors was exacted of all sorts whatsoever both before and after the Emperour's death for many Nobles murmured at Muzalo's sudden fortune many thinking themselvs to have better right thereto as of nearer Kin to the Emperour and fitter for such a charge than Muzalo who not honourably born and having been Theodore's minister of wrath against some Nobles was to be hated and contemned and if be should now affect the Empire he would spare no villany to effect his inordinate desire Muzalo's wits being awakened with these dangers he called all the Nobility into the Court courteously offering to yield up both the Empires administration and the tuition to any one whom they thought fittest for such a charge which all refused saying He was to be preferred to whom the Lord of both had committed both Muzalo 〈◊〉 requested the contrary for fear chiefly of danger to ensue But would he or not he must take the charge on him Now were all sworn with greater solemnity the third time than before wishing a shameful end to them and theirs if they failed to perform their obedience c. Yet 9 daies were not fully past but some of the chief Nobility conspired the unworthy death of Muzalo which was on the Emperour's funerall day in his Abbey at Maguesia where while the Hymns were singing c. the Souldiers before instructed by the Conspirator breaking into the Temple with drawn swords slew Muzalo at the Altar for refuge with Andronicus and Theodore his Brethren and divers others The mourning Matrons thronging out fled as fast as they could but the Priests and Monks thinking to do the like were by the Soulders forced into the Temple and on the Pavement slippery with blood ended in fear those bloody Obsequies Arsemius the onely Tutor was much troubled for though for learning and integrity not inferiour yet in state matters he was far to seek and of no great reach yet wishing all well he consulted with the Nobility what were best to be done for government of the Emperour and Empire now Muzalo was dead Which not being grounded on wise fore-sight was more dangerous to the young Emperour than the murthering swords Michael 〈◊〉 was also called to the counsell descended of the Comnen's house a man very courteous and liberall winning all mens hearts thereby especially the Commanders of the Army of whose aspiring many Rumours had formerly passed yea the Patriarch on speciall favour committed to his trust the Keys of the common Treasury when mony was to be paid out upon great occasions of State the readiest way to effect what he had long plotted for he powred out the Masse of treasure amongst the Nobility and Martiall men with others and many of the Clergy also The Patriarch was by his favourites who had many meetings sollicited though generally to take order for the States good Government which as a ship without a Master was in danger to perish Paleologus was then in every man's mouth as onely fit to take the charge on him till the Emperour came to Age. Unto which the Patriarch gave consent and so with a general contentment made him a Governour and Tutor This was the first step whereby he mounted to the Empire Not many 〈◊〉 after it was alleadged by his favourites in Counsel It was not seemly for a Tutor and Governour of State who was to hear forreign Embassadours to want the honour next to an Emperour whereupon he was honoured with the title of Despot Shortly after he was by certain great favourites near Magnesia with great applause saluted Emperour Arsemius being much troubled therewith fearing what would become of the young child He thought it better by Oath to bind the Emperour and his makers not to seek his life nor to go about to deprive him than to excommunicate them which was done Within a moneth the Patriarch perswaded set the Imperial Crown on this Usurpers head not as still to enjoy the Empire but according to present necessity till the child came of age to whom he was then to resign All being confirmed by oath good news was brought him of a victory obtained by his brother John against Michael Despot of Aetolia and Epirus who hearing of the Emperour's death his Father in Law with troubles in Asia being aided by 2 others entred Macedonia and Thracia burning and spoiling the Countrey and thinking to take most to himself The news he received when Crowned the great Commanders shortly bringing the Prince of Peloponesus and Achaia prisoners who gave to Paleologus for ransome three of the best Cities of Peloponesus wherein he put strong Garrisons and gained at length most of Peloponesus from the Latins shortly after purposing to besiege Constantinople with a great Army but as too difficult he left that and besieged the Castle of Pera on tother side the haven hoping by winning that to master the Town but he
entred the Souldiers suddenly leapt out of the packs and with the help of the disguised slew the Warders for most were gone to the marriage place of the Castle possessing the same Othoman the Captain taking his chamber took horse with Cossi and his followers to Belizuga whom the Captain presently pursued with his train most being drunk whom Othoman in the conflict slew putting the rest to flight Early in the morning also he surprised Jarchiser Castle with the Captain and his daughter which was to have been married the next day with all her friends whom he shortly married to his Son Orchanes who had by her Amurath I. and Solyman Bassa He presently sent one Durgut Alpes of great valour to besiege Einegiol Castle who used such speed that he invironed it that none could passe in or out till Othoman setting all in order at Belizuga came with the rest to Einegiol which he presently took by force cutting the Captain his enemy in small pieces for they had used the like tyranny against the Turks Now began Othoman to execute the Justice of good Lawes to all both Christians and Turks his Subjects and to protect them from the spoyl of others whereby those who forsook their Countrey through troubles repayred to their 〈◊〉 dwellings also many strangers whereby the wasted Country soon grew populous Then he besieged Isnica called Nice in Bythinia this City by placeing his men on every passage in forts that nothing could be brought in for relief he greatly distressed the Citizens in extremity certifyed the Emperour of Constantinople that they must except present relief came famish or yield The Emperour embarqued certain companies for relief of whose landing Othoman understanding lay in ambush with most of his forces near the place and slew most of them driving the rest into the Sea where they perished Othoman returning most streightly besieged it whose Citizens now despairing yielded that great and rich City to him with whose spoyl he enriched his men Of whose good successe Aladin hearing sent him a fair Ensigne Drums c. saying that all should be his own that he took from the Christians and publique prayers to be said for Othoman's health c. the Sultan's proprieties This made many think that the Sultan intended having no Children to adopt him his successor who 〈◊〉 to Aladin the 5th part of 〈◊〉 spoyl but during his life used not his princely honours intending 〈◊〉 to visit the Sultan But being about to 〈◊〉 forward he was informed of Aladin's death and that Sahib had taken on him his dignity which news much discontented him being in hope to succeed him or share in most part of his Kingdome Yet he thought it now fit to take the princely honours granted him by the Sultan in his life wherefore he made Dursu Fakiche Bishop of Carachisar who first by his command made publique prayers for Othoman as was went to be for the Sultan coyning also mony in his own name and taking all the honours of a Sultan which was about ten years after 〈◊〉 's death in 1300 to which time the Turkish Empire under Othoman is to be referred Then he made his Son Orchanes princely Governour of Carachisar and his chief followers Governours of Castles He chose Neapolis to be his regall seat calling it Despotopolis that is The City of the Lord yet he 〈◊〉 not to augment his Kingdom but accompanied with Orchanes surprized adjoyning places serving best for its enlargement The Christian bordering Princes fearing Othoman's greatnes might shortly be their confusion jointly invaded his Kingdom with fire and sword who meeting them in the confines of Phrygia and Bythinia fought with them a great battle many on both sides being 〈◊〉 and obtained a bloody Victory Castaleanus one of the greatest Christians was slain another called Tokensis he chased to Ulubad Castle not far off who for fear was delivered him by the Captain and afterwards cut in pieces in view of his chief Castle which with the Country thereabouts Othoman subdued The other Princes fled into holds farther off The Prince of Bithynia fled into Prusa now Burusa which Othoman hoped to win but finding it impossible he in one year built 2 strong Castles on the chief passages of the City placeing two couragious Captains therein thus blocking up Prusa he subdued Bythinia and so returned home honourably rewarding his Souldiers and establishing such Government that people resorted from far into his Dominions which in few years became very populous and he most famous So living in great quietnesse certain years now being old and troubled with the Gout his old Souldiers came to him with one request To take some war in hand for enlarging his Kingdom offering to spend their lives in his service c. For which he thanked them promising he would not be long unmindfull of their request But to make all safe at home first he calls to him Michael Cossi the onely Christian Captain he suffered to live in quiet to perswade him to follow Mahomet which if he refused he would war on him as his utter enemy Cossi not thinking of what ensued came with such Souldiers as he thought to use in his intended service but hearing the cause and seeing the danger 〈◊〉 Othoman's hand he requested him to enter him in Mahomet's principles which he promised ever after to embrace so saying certain words after Othoman he turned Turk Whereupon Othoman 〈◊〉 him an Ensigne and rich Robe and assured Token of his favour Who after this to content his souldiers took many bordering Castles 〈◊〉 all unto the Euxine Sea and being now aged and diseased as aforesaid he often sent Orchanes against his enemies who atchieved many great enterprizes his Father yet living The Reader may happily marvail why Paleologus and afterward his Son Andronicus suffered the Turks not Othoman but the sharers of Aladin's Kingdome to take spoyl kill and encroach especially in Bythinia as it were under their noses But let him here consider the trouble of that declining Empire and he shall plainly fee the causes of its decay 〈◊〉 Paleologus by trechery obtaining the Empire and 〈◊〉 Constantinople from Baldwin 〈◊〉 is declared fearing the Western Princes especially the King of Sicily whom Baldwin sollicited for his restitution and to marry his daughter to his Son to intangle Charls with troubles nearer home he offered to Geregory X. Bishop of Rome to conform the Greek Church to the Latine and that it should be 〈◊〉 to appeal to Romes Court as to the higher of which the Pope gladly accepted promising to keep Charls otherwise busied But when this alteration in the Greek Church should be nade the 〈◊〉 gave up his place retiring to a Monastery where he spent the remainder of his life The other Clergy 〈◊〉 their Sermons inveighed against it perswading the people not to receive it c. So that all the City and 〈◊〉 was in an uproar for many of the chief 〈◊〉 also abhorred these proceedings Whereby Paleologus leaving
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
and other Ports for rigging up a great Fleet which caused the Italians Venetians and them of Rhodes to look about them About which time Philip Villers wise and conragious was in his absence at the French Court chosen Great Master by the Knights of the Rhodes who safely arrived there from Marselles after a dangerous Voyage hardly layed for by Cortug-ogli a famous Turksish Pirate Solyman knowing it whole two Brethren the Knights had surprized at Sea and slain keeping the third in prison Pyrrhus by whose advice Solyman was directed consulting with the other Bassaes what great exploit was first to be attempted differed in opinion about Rhodes Pyrrhus disswading as too full of difficulty and danger producing Mahomet the Great for an example But Mustapha next to Pyrrhus extolling Solyman said Their 〈◊〉 was not to be included within his Predecessor's attempts as appeared by Belgrade who should likewise prevail against the Rhodes being able to 〈◊〉 more men before it than there were stones in the walls presumptuously 〈◊〉 that upon the first landing of Solymans great Army they would presently yield themselves and City into his hands Solyman desirous of Cortug-oglies Opinion before the undertaking of so great a matter Mustapha and Ferhates ushering him in after reverence and command to speak said Thy great desarts most mighty Emperour makes me now frankly speak what I think may be for thy Majesties and Empires glory I daily hear the pittiful lamentation of those of Mitylene 〈◊〉 Peloponesus Achaia Caria Lycia c. for the spoil of their Countries 〈◊〉 their Cities carrying away Cattle and people c. which they suffer by the Rhodian Pirates none withstanding them Often have they instantly requested me to be a mean to thy Majesty whereby they might be protected from these cruel rovers wherefore I beseech thee by the most reverent 〈◊〉 Mahomet 〈◊〉 by thy 〈◊〉 heroicalness to deliver thy afflicted subjects from their most cruel enemies c. It rending not so much to their hurt in private as to the 〈◊〉 of thy imperial Dignity which if any other 〈◊〉 Prince should offer I know thou wouldest not suffer unrevenged Who 〈◊〉 passe to Tripolis Damasco c. without manifest danger What have we heard every Spring this many years but that they have taken one Port or other 〈◊〉 and that under thy nose in the heart of thy Empire We thy loyal Subjects ought not for the increase of our Religion and enlarging thy Empire 〈◊〉 to adventure the hazard of all If thou likewise be carried with love of Glory and Renown c. in what canst thou easier gain the same or better imploy us than in subduing this reputed Bulwark of Christendom which onely keeps us from their Countries Thy happy fortune hath subjected Belgrade farre more strong than in times past and dost thou then despair of Rhodes If thy captivated subjects built it for the Christians cannot they now at liberty c. destroy the same If thou please thou shalt see a divine occasion procured by Mahomet presented unto 〈◊〉 The Western Christians being at discord and mortal Warres among themselves Thy Majesty is not ignorant that in managing of Warres the opportunity is especially to be followed c. Solyman ambitious and pricked forward by Cortug and others hereby seeking 〈◊〉 chiefly by Mustapha resolved to go in person against the Rhodes And first to prove what spirit and courage Villers was of he sent him a cold friendly Letter thus directed Solyman by God's Grace King of Kings c. To the Reverend Father Viller us Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes and Legate of Asia Greeting I Am glad of thy coming an new promotion which I wish thou mayst long and happily enjoy since I hope thou wilt exceed all before thee from whom as my Auncestors have withdrawn so I joyn with thee in friendship joy thou therefore my friend rejoycing also in my Victory c. For last Summer passing Danubius I expected the Hungarian to give battel taking his strongest City Belgrade with othea Holds and destroying much people with fire and sword captivating many more and in triumph breaking up my Army am returning to Constantinople whence farewel Villerius considering these Letters perceived Peace was offered in shew but Warre in meaning wherefore rewarding the Messenger he sent with him another of his own a private person for they seldom sent any honourable Embassadors to each other Viâ—lerius Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes to the Turk I Well understand thy Letters Thy friendship is as pleasing to me as displeasing to Cortug-Ogli who would suddenly have intercepted me but that failing he tryed to rob some Merchants Ships in the Rhodian Sea bound from Joppa to Venice but sending my Fleet I forced the Pirate to leave behind him the Prizes taken from the Merchants of Creet Farewell from the Rhodes Hereby Solyman perceived he should not so easily carry the Rhodes as he had Belgrade yet resolving to try he thus opened his determination to certain chief Commanders Though I doubt not ye are of the same minde as ever in the invading other Nations yet I thought good in matters tending to all our good to use your general advice Since my Father left this World we have made Warre with divers Nations having our forces shut up within the compass of the mighty Sophi of Persia his Dominions yet my minde greater in conceit than my Empire and the blood of Oâ—homan findes no content in these Victories all ye have done though great seeming but little to your worth This I have above all desired to root out the very name of the Rhodian Souldiers and how oft have I heard you crying out The Rhodes the Rhodes Never a greater opportunity much of the Cities Walls lying level Coin wanting the Castle Garrison but small their French ayd far off which will come too late or I believe never that King being at Warres with the Germane Emperour and Lord of Italy c. Nor do ye believe the Spaniard's distressed at home will easily come out of Sicily and Campania with supplies and I have prevented the danger to be feared from the Venetian Fleet. Wherefore couragious Souldiers chearfully follow your Soveraign against those most cruel enemies Admit their Valour did gain Victory in one unluckie assault my Great Grandfather unfortunately calling home Mesithes Paleologus will you therefore alwayes suffer these piratical excursions c So help me Mahomet it shall not be so I vow in despight of Christ and John shortly to set up my Ensigns with the Moon in the midst of their Market-place not seeking my self more than the honour thereof the profit reported to be great I give you my Fellow-Souldiers wherefore let us now set forward with all our force and courage This his purpose being with one accord liked Pyrrhus at first disswading the Warre now said I cannot but admire the great Wisdom and Vertues of our young Emperour who hath declared all deep Counsels of a
must of necessi y fight His Battel was ranged all in length and his Horse placed here and there by Troops among his Foot lest the Turks should with their multitude compass them for Solyman was come with all his Army Tomoreus placed a choyse Troop nigh the chained waggons inclosing the Tents to defend the Kings person against all events but at the first encounter the Hungarians though not hurt by the Turks Artillery being mounted too high most of the Guuners being Christians were easily overthrown as oppressed by multitude Tomoreus with the rest of the Prelates and Nobles being almost all slain together and the Horsmen slain or put to flight the Turks assailed the Camp hardly defended by the weak Garrison whom the Kings Guard-Troop would needs go to help the King seeing himself forsaken fled but passing over a Fenny-ditch his Horse plunging out fell backwards upon him where being loaded with Armour he was miserably drowned in the filthy ditch some few Horsmen escaped the rest were slain or taken This woful Battel the ground of that Kingdoms miseries was fought Octob. 29. 1526. Solyman after this marching to Buda the regal City it was delivered him with the Castle on condition to violate no man or goods and to leave it again to the Hungarians all which he performed he much commended the Castle but lodged not therein but in his Camp the Turkish Emperour being forbidden by their Law to lodge in any walled place not his own He laying at Buda 7 heads of the Slain Bishops and Nobles were presented to him set on a wooden step his Courtiers bending with their right hands on their breasts and deridingly saluting them by name as valiant Popes whereat he smiled and enquiring particularly what they were he most detested Sal-canius Bishop of Strigonium who although abounding in wealth refused part thereof unto his Soveraign at his great need blaming Tomoreus of rashness who busied himself fo far in matters not belonging to his vocation commending Perenus Bishop of Veradium who sharply said in the Council when Tomoreus would needs fight with the Turks that he foresaw their friendlike General would thereby but effect one Holy-day more in the Christians Kalenders for 30000 Hungarian Martyrs slain by the Turks in unequal Battel He called George Sepusius and others rash fools for adventuring with so small strength to encounter so strong an enemy King Lewis and his Wives counterfeit being shewed him he said he was sorry it was his ill hap to have so unadvised Counsellours in so important a matter and that he came not to take away his Kingdom but to revenge the wrongs done him by the Hungarians and had he escaped he would have restoredto him the Kingdom as content with a smal Tribute c. All which he commanded to be told to Mary the Queen who was fled to Possonium and he did shortly after give the said Kingdom to John Sepusius not royally descended and he then retaining the mind of a very enemy After that he took away three goodly Brass-Images placed by Matthias in the entrance of the Kings Pallace Representing Hercules with his Club Apollo with his Harp and Diana with her Bow and Quiver placing them in the Tilt-yard of Constantinople as a Trophy of Victory yet they were since taken away by the Mufties perswasion as against their superstition and Ordnance made of them Also he carried away 3 most curious Artillery Pieces and certain Brazen Pillars In his 20 daye 's stay at Buda to satisfie his cruel and greedy Souldiers he sent divers Troops by whom all the Country betwixt Rab and the River Tybiscus was so destroyed that above 15000 people were said to be slain or led Captive all 〈◊〉 being done he returned to Constantinople John Sepusius Vayvod of Transilvania coming too late to aid the King forasmuch as the King being dead without issue He was of greatest account among the Nobility of Hungarie he cunningly and instantly requested divers Noble men one by one at the next Parliament not to betray the honour of their Countrey in suffering the Royal Dignity to be transferred to a stranger c. for they ought to remember what calamities they had formerly received in chusing forraign Kings to rule over them and in following their unfortunate Ensignes against the Turks saying there remained of the Nobility of Hungarie men honourably descended of most antient Houses worthy of the Kingdom c. Among whom said he I would not be accounted so base or heavy-headed though many for honour of house and wealth may seem to go before me that I will therefore confess any to be better then my self for conducting an Army or Government of a Kingdom He had hereby won many of their good wills and the easier for that Steven Bator was gone into Bohemia to King Ferdinand then greatly busied in procuring the Nobilitie's favour and Commons of that Realm against the time of the Parliament wherein he was shortly after chosen King Lewis his dead body after Solyman's departure being found by the demonstration of Cotriscus quire of his Body present when he was drowned was buried with great solemnity at Alba Regalis amongst the Sepulchers of the Hungarian Kings which ended the general Military Parliament by whose Voyce the Kings were antiently chosen was called where John the Vayvod was by the great Applause and Consent of all there present chosen King to whom Perenus 〈◊〉 the ancient Crown of the Kingdom which was in his keeping and he being orderly Crowned was consecrated by the hands of Paul lately chosen Bishop of Strigonium and Steven Bishop of Vacia whom he chose his Secretary giving unto Gybachus Bishop of Veradium the Vayvod-Ship of Transilvania But whilst he was thus rewarding his friends and strengthening himself in his Kingdom he heard that Ferdinand his Competitour was chosen King of Bohemia who ont of the old controversie betwixt Matthias and Frederick the Emperours great Grandfather alleadged great claim to that Kingdom derived from the time of Ladislaus reported to be poysoned at the solemnization of his marriage through the ambition and malice of Pogibracius who shortly after obtained the Bohemian Kingdom And now it seemed that Férdinand made greater herewith and strengthened by his Brother Charls the Emperour might on good ground claim the Hungarian Kingdom belonging to him as he pretended ever since Albertus the Emperour's time neither wanted he the furtherance of divers Nobles of Hungarie besides Bater who were in his Court and 〈◊〉 at the Vayvoá's preferment By whose perswasion he trusting to his strength in Austria Bohemia Rhetia Stiria and Corinthia marched towards Buda Whereat John being exceedingly troubled as not having sufficient strength nor greatly assured of his Subjects fidelity departed from Buda exhorting his Captains to follow him And by long marches passed over Tybiscus encamping at the strong Castle of Tocai Ferdinand obtaining Buda without resistance and staying a while consulted whether to pursue John or not It was soon resolved he was
speedily to be pursued before he should gather greater strength c. Ferdinand committing his Army to the Hungarian Nobles his Friends they with all speed passed Tybiscus on a bridge made of Boats brought with them coming to the Castle of Tocai John terrified and debating with his 〈◊〉 of the danger they perswaded him to withdraw a 〈◊〉 out of the Battel and if things fell out contrary to reserve himself to better fortunes but they would resolutely fight against those traiterous Fugitives c. Bodo was chief of the Kings Army to whom he delivered his Ensign with his own hand who stood himself in the main Battel with the Hungarians placing the Transilvanians in the wings Turacous led Ferdinands main Battel strengthened on one 〈◊〉 with the Stirian on tother with the Austrian Horse but Bachitius well acquainted with the Turkish Wars lay a good distance off in ambush with light-horsmen to take his advantage upon occasion The Ordnance discharged they joyned Battel the wings fighting with divers fortune The Stirians were worsted by the Transilvanians and Bodoes left wing being mostly 〈◊〉 Souldiers were likewise overthrown by the Austrians The main Battels almost all Hungarians fought most eagerly with equal courage but Bodoes right wing being now put to 〈◊〉 by a fresh charge all his Army was put to flight Bodo labouring to restore the Battel and save the Kings Ensign was by Bachitius s coming in taken All the Kings Artillery and Ensignes being taken also himself fleeing into Polonia Ferdinands Captains entring Transilvania all the Province submitting to Ferdinand to whom all the Noble prisoners with the Ensignes being sent when Bodo could not be perswaded to renounce his Oath to King John and bear Arms against him He was cast into a dark Dungeon where soon after he miserably died Ferdinand was by common consent of the Hungarians saluted King and crowned with the same Crown that John was Crowned brought to him by the same Perenus Anne his Wife Lewis his only sister being Crowned with him and all at Alba Regalis Ferdiuand leaving Bator and the revolted Bishop of Strigonium his Deputies for Government making Berethsaxius Secretary and Tursonus a Moravian Treasurer returned into Bohemia John thus thrust out of his Kingdom fled to Lascius of great fame amongst the Polonians who frankly promised him his own wealth for recovery of his Estate and more than that the utmost of his Device which was accounted wonderful in great matters Lascus's entertainment of John was not unpleasant to Sigismund King of Poland though not to offend Ferdinand his Alliant he seemed to forget himself in shewing so small kindness to John whose Sister he had married After almost a moneths debating Lascus rested on this one point that ready help in so hard a case was only to be hoped for of the Turkish Emperour Solyman thinking that he would not reject his humble prayers especially if being by him restored he could be content to hold his Kingdom as of the Othoman Kings bounty And ere long upon this resolution with the King Lascus went as Embassadour from John to Solyman It was reported that Sigismund gave him his safe conduct with Letters of Credence who being come to Constantinople he soon won the favour of the Bassaes other Courtiers presenting them with gifts for Rareness rather than value as might be most pleasing to theit Wives Abraham was then Visier or chief Bassa and keeper of the Emperours Seal doing whatever pleased himself and commonly said to be the Commander of Solymans thoughts Lascus for that he could speak the Slavonian tongue the Turkish Courtiers familiar speech earnestly solicited the Kings cause wondrously commending him for having saluted Solyman he was turned over after the manner of the Turkish Court to the Bassaes which his request with the particular motives and Arguments thereof being sharply delivered and by the Bassaes reported to Solyman who at a secret Window had before heard them heclared by Lascus It was no great labour to perswade him again to undertake the Hungarian War and grant John his request according to the success of the Victory so he would faithfully perform what he had promised not shew himself unthankful Ferdinand the while fearing no force but the Turks sent John Oberdanscus a Hungarian Embassadour to Solyman with gifts for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by shewing to him his ancient Title and claim to the Kingdom of Hungarie 〈◊〉 desire his Friendship and joyn with him in League upon Ladislaus his Son Lewis and Sigismund of Polonia their very conditions but though he was courteously received by Solyman and patiently heard yet in conclusion Solyman said it was far from the manner of his Ancestors to receive them into favour who had injured the Othoman name Ferdinand having done impudently to invade 〈◊〉 Kingdom and to think to hold it seeing his old Claim was lost by the Law of Arms by his late Victory against King Lewis wherefore instead of Friendship and League he denounced unto him all the calamities of War commanding Oberdanscus speedily to depart from Constantinople who coming to Vienna and telling the Kings Lievtenants that Solyman would shortly come thither with his Army he was not believed but reputed a vain man wherefore he hastened to Ferdinand then at Spires hoping to be chosen King of the Romanes at the Assembly of the States of the Empire at hand for crowning his Brother Charls This news not a little troubled Ferdinand even fore-seeing what would happen knowing he should come in an ill time to crave help of the Germanes especially his Brother Charls being busied in his Wars in Italy and himself wanting money The Spring come Solyman set forward from Hadrianople with 150000 men Abraham and Achomates conducting the Europeian Horse Michael Ogli General of the Acanzij Becrambeius following him with his Asians himself in the middle with his Janizaries and Court-Souldiers 〈◊〉 in 15 dayes to Belgrade where John with Lascus and other Hungarian Nobles came to him and doing him all honour requested him to proceed to revenge his quarrel Solyman 〈◊〉 and yet friendly gave him his right hand protesting nothing was better to him or he more desired of God than to relieve distressed Princes chiefly those wrongfully 〈◊〉 by his enemies willing him to be of good comfort promising to bestow on him what in that warre he won by the Sword John obtained this by Bassa's mediation whom Lascus had so won by gifts and requests Grittus the Duke of Venice his Son born and brought up in Constantinople then following the Turk's Camp and in great reputation among the Turks and so favoured by Abraham that he could perswade him to any thing especially helping him herein The fame of Solyman's coming so terrified the Citizens of Buda that they almost all fled to places further off so entring Buda unresisted he besieged the Castle whose Captain was Nadastus of great account among the Hungarians who perceiving his Souldiers as dismayd willing to surrender forbad them to
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