precaution He caus'd 4 batteries to be rais'd two of which plai'd against one bastion so that one might say they were one and the same battery were it not that they ruin'd it on both sides As to the two others they were plac'd against two other works which defended the City on the side of the Scotch and Red Gates where the Grand Visier design'd to make his attack As soon as ever these batteries were finish'd they were so well supply'd that the Town receiv'd a thousand shot the first day and more than 16000 the two next All the City Cannon were in these 3 days dismounted and great numbers were wounded with several Officers kill'd in their attendance on it This furious beginning fill'd the whole City with terrour which was encreas'd by the Bombs that set several parts on fire and that were with great difficulty quench'd The Citizens who were not us'd to these kind of disasters had already lost above half their Courage which they shew'd before the siege began And Count Starenberg knowing there were not wanting some who began to talk of a surrender caus'd a Gallows to be set up in the Market-place swearing in the presence of some of the principal Citizens that he would hang thereon the first that should mention any such matter This severity which was not unseasonable retain'd the most fearful in their duty and obedience But lest the Citizens should infect the Soldiers with the same fears he hindred as much as in him lay all communication with ' em And although he first thought to distribute some of his Soldiers amongst the City Trained-bands to make them the more hardy and expert yet he chang'd his resolution lest as I now mention'd the fear of the one should lessen the Courage of the other The Emperor who was at Passam as I already observ'd receiv'd in the mean time messengers every day from the Duke of Lorrain who inform'd him what he could of the siege of which he was but indifferently inform'd himself For two men which Count Starenberg sent him were taken by the Turks as they endeavour'd to pass over to his Camp and were at the same time hang'd for having Letters found about ' em He could not then know more than what common fame brought him which took pleasure to make things worse than they were every one regulating the present by what had past which indeed was not very fortunate The Emperor was in a mortal anguish touching what would become of him For on one hand the most Christian King having made his Troops to march toward the frontiers of Germany came thither in person and 't was reported his designs were against Cologn or Philipsburg having Pensioners as well in one place as the other In effect in the latter of these one Nigrelly was suspected and in the former the whole Town Moreover the King of Spain was so dangerously sick that he was given over by his Physicians whereupon the Emperor consider'd in case he dyed the King of France would have several claims to decide with him and fall boldly on the Empire which perhaps otherwise he durst not attempt lest he should draw on him the hatred of the Christian Princes Being troubled with these fears he receiv'd two grateful messengers the one informing him the King of France was return'd home and the other that the King of Spain was on his recovery He wanted only to hear the siege of Vienna went ill on the Visiers side but was inform'd on the contrary that the Turks every day recruited their Camp with fresh Troops and their endeavours grew every moment more successful against the Town This news banisht the joy from his heart which he had conceiv'd at the former And forgetting not to hasten the succors which he was promis'd from several parts he sent expresses into all Courts to represent the necessity he had of assistance and to excite his Allies to a speedy contribution In the mean while the Marquess of Seppeville Envoy from the King of France to the Emperor was the person from whom the bad news of the siege was sooner learnt than from any other And he made it his business to retail it out to every one although this made him suspected by the Emperor seeing he dispatcht four messages in one week to the King his Master He hop'd perhaps by this means to give him a great deal of satisfaction but he at the same time inspir'd the Prince of Conti with a desire to signalize himself against the Infidels who was moreover discontented at the Kings giving to his prejudice the Government of Languedoc to the Duke of Maine his natural Son which had been promis'd him in espousing Madamoiselle de Blois He communicated his design only to Prince Eugenus of Savoy Brother to the Chevalier of Savoy who was kill'd in the service of the Emperor as I have already mention'd lest in making more acquainted with it some one should discover it to the King He resolved to part from the Court on Monday the 25th of July and having commanded his Coach-man to tarry for him at the Pallace Royal where was Monsieur the Duke of Orleans lately come from Versailles he mounted on Horseback with Prince Eugenus attended only by a Page but without a Livery and took Post for the Road of Senlis About ten miles from Paris a Postillion knew him so that the Prince of Conti having spoken to him and the other giving him his Title the Prince askt him whether he knew him and the other answering he did he gave him four Pistols not to discover which way he went changing Hats with him thought he might thus pass on unknown But this fellow had no sooner left him but carries the Hat to the House of Conde which he gave to Gourville intendant of Monsieur the Prince Uncle to the Prince of Conti. They were all till then in great trouble for his Coachman who had waited for him at the Pallace Royal till eleven at night had set all the house in Alarum And it being known he had left the Court this troubled Madam the Princess of Conte but yet not so much as the King who could not imagine what was become of him The King had sent word hereof to the Prince of Conde who was then at Paris by the Duke of Fuiellade and this Prince who was ready to return to Chantilly came to him to remain asurety for his Nephews Fidelity In the mean time those that believed they knew him said he was not much troubled at this disparition which shewed the Prince of Conti had courage and could not suffer the Duke of Maine to be preferred before him without Resentment Immediately as soon as 't was certain at Court what Road he had taken the King sent several Messengers after him and gave one of them whose name was Saintraillees and belonged to the Prince of Conde a Letter for him written with his own hand in which he called him his Son but which at
Staremberg who had found out a way for money to acquaint th Duke of Lorrain with his condition which required a speedy succour viz. That the Garrison was much weakned and although it shewed still the same Resolution yet 't was to be scared their strength would sooner fail than their courage That his stock of Powder would be soon exhausted as well as the Granadoes yet he believed he had enough if what he had heard say were true to wit that the King of Poland was at hand The Duke of Lorrain answered Staremberg by the same man that brought him the Letter Who being got safe into the Town had no sooner delivered his Letters to Staremberg but this Governour finding they confirmed the arrival of the King of Poland and that the Town would be soon reliev'd imparted this good news to the Citizens and Garrison Which so greatly encouraged both that it gave new strength to resist the Turks when they should come to make their grand assault and the hope of being soon delivered from danger made them not only respect that which they had already been in as a thing of small consequence but moreover despise that wherewith they were now threatned The Citizens desired to keep guard in the Souldiers room whom they would willingly have eased but although Staremberg did not doubt of their good will yet would he not trust them with the Posts of Consequence fearing least the Enemy coming at that time they would not stand their ground so firmly as the Souldiers who being of greater experience musâ— needs be less fearful In short this terrible day wherein the Turks were to do such wonders being come they betook themselves to theiâ— Arms at the sound of theiâ— Drums Hautbois and Trumpets They made several marches to make the greater shew of their forces and strike the City with greater fear Which done the Cannon which had played ever since break of day with more noise than Execution ceased till it began by a general discharge which was the signal of the assault which they intended At the same time one mighâ— see those that were to give thâ— first on-set who were all iâ— battel array at the entrance of the Trench separate themselves one from another to march where they were ordered some with Axes others with offensive Arms but all with unusual briskness The assault lasted six hours during which the Christians went through great difficulties For the Infidels were relieved continually by fresh men whereas the Christians had no sooner got rid of one Enemy but they had to deal with a second which was succeeded by a third and so on The Citizens whom Staremberg had put all in Arms some to guard the publick places others to secure diverse passages knowing their whole fortune consisted in the defence of the Souldiers whom they were informed were very hard put to it desired Staremberg they might assist them The Count seeing his men ready to faint under the number of the Enemy was well enough pleased at this Offer And seasonably putting 'em in mind of their Wives and Children their Liberty and Religion he so greatly animated them that they presented themselves on the Breach with more courage than he expected The fight which seem'd to abate by the fatigue of the Souldiers began there with great bravery The Turks who now promised themselves an assured Victory enraged to see it snatcht out of their hands fought like men desperate But the Christians urged by greater motives to use their whole strength so vigorously repulsed them that assisted by the Soldiers who had taken breath and the advantage which commonly the besieged have over the Assailants they made the Infidels turn their backs a great number of whom remained in the breach The Grand Visier seeing on what side soever he turn'd his men things succeeded ill soon sounded a retreat lest matters should grow worse He withdrew into his Camp mad with vexation and despair For after this Tryal wherein he had lost above 5000 men besides those that were wounded who were near the same number he fear'd and that not without cause his Troops should mutiny against him In effect the Janisaries who had suffered much in all the attacks and especially in this latter demanded without spending any more time fruitlesly before this place to raise the siege adding that of 12000 which they were but six weeks past they now could number themselves but six and those so weakned that they were not in condition to undertake any thing This beginning of a sedition was a greater affliction to the Grand Visier than the ill success which he came now from having in his enterprize and it greatly concerning him to stifle it in its birth he made use of the Aga which is the name of him that commands them and obtained from them at his intercession to keep within bounds of their duty in consideration of a certain sum of Money which he promis'd them a remedy ordinarily used to appease their discontents but which instead of effecting this commonly makes it spring up again on the first occasion The Grand Visier was no sooner freed from this trouble but he fell into another For he 〈…〉 â—orm'd that the King of â—oland having been too hard for Teckely's vigilancy marcht at a great rate to the succor of Vienna and that his Avantguard was already arriv'd on the banks of the Danube to which he would joyn himself in a few days At this news he caused the wounded and sick to be carried out of the Camp and having added thereunto new fortifications he bethought of reducing the Town before the Poles came to attack him which could not be yet their Army being tired by a long march and needed rest Several other Princes had joyn'd in person with their Troops the Army of the Emperor as the Duke of Bavaria and the Duke of Saxony Besides there came from all parts of Christendom France excepted a great number of Lords and Persons of Quality to the Emperors Army All which was likely to raise the siege without any longer expecting the King of Poland supposing he had tarried any time But these two Princes being unwilling to obey the Duke of Lorrain and he being as unwilling to yield to them the command all these great forces lay useless till the King of Poland should come to make them agree For they began already to look upon one another with an ill Eye not considering that their business was not to contend for preheminence but for the safety of Christendom As for the Marquiss of Brandenbeurg he had for some time flattered the Emperour with sending him a considerable supply but being urg'd to perform what he had promis'd and hindred by the Alliance of France he sought a pretence to break his word which he found in the demand of the Dutchy of Brieg Lignits and Wolnaw over which he pretended a lawful Right And truly the Emperor was reduced to such an extremity that 't was thought he
would grant him his demands rather than be without his assistance But what the Marquiss of Brandenburg did being only for a fair pretence to disengage himself he thereupon adds another demand which he knew the Emperor would never grant him To wit to permit the Protestants of Silesia to have the free exercise of their Religion whereupon the Emperor plainly perceiving whence this dealing came waited no more on his promises Count Waldec who was declar'd Prince of the Empire very lately and who had Command of the Circular Troops given him came likewise into the Emperors Army who by reason of his experience in the War and Zeal to his service was willing to confer with him about the manner of saving Vienna The Emperor approv'd of whatsoever he offer'd him thereupon but expecting the King of Poland who was to decide the whole matter this advice and that of several others on the same subject serv'd only to content him at that moment for the whole order of it was chang'd as soon as ever that Prince was come In fine he arriv'd at Holbron on the second of September with the bravest Cavalry the World ever saw but so tir'd that 't would be to hazard all to attempt any thing in the Condition they were in The Duke of Lorrain who had taken care to store up Provision for the refreshment of this Army against it came went to meet him at Holbron where the King of Poland receiv'd him with great Testimonies of Friendship and Confidence although they had been both rivals in the pursuit of the Crown of Poland The Duke of Bavaria and the Duke of Saxony came thither also to salute him and the King of Poland presented them his Eldest Son named Alexander a Prince of about 17 or 18 years of Age who came to make his Apprentiship in the War under the King his Father who knew enough to instruct him The former Compliments being ended they held a Council of War not to know whether they should succor Vienna for that matter was resolv'd upon long before but to resolve of the manner of doing it The whole affair being determin'd by 'em 't was communicated to the Emperor who having approv'd of what was offer'd it only now lay upon 'em to dispose of things necessary for so great a design and the Campain being not only wasted but not so much as an inhabitant left in any of the houses from whom might be expected the least matter every man was forc'd to carry provision as well for his Horse as for himself The Grand Visier not being ignorant of the great preparations which the Christians made against him took all possible care on his side to make a good defence Yet was he in no small inquietude how to effect this For he was at variance with the chiefest Officers of his Army who were of opinion that without delaying 'till the Christians came they should retire to Newhausel alledging to justifie the soundness of their advice that their Army was so tired with this long siege that the Soldiers had more need of rest than labour And moreover that the greatest part of their men had never seen any thing more of War than what this siege had shew'd 'em how then could they resist an Army which consisted of the flower of Christendom and wherein moreover there were such a great number of Princes and persons of esteem who came there to Conquer or to Dye That there would be no likelyhood of success in exposing the remainder of an unfortunate Army against so flourishing a one and against a Garrison whose valour they had sufficiently experienc'd by the defeat of their best Troops and so many assaults in vain That whilst they had time they should save not only the Army but also the reputation of the Grand Signior which was sufficiently lessen'd by so fruitless a siege and wherein they had lost above 30 thousand men The Grand Visier answer'd to this that the reputation of the Sultan would rather be lost if after their remaining so long before a Town where they had consum'd so much Money they should be so base as to retire before they had struck a stroak That their Army was twice as big as that of the Christians and that if the Soldiers wanted experience 't was enough their Leaders did not seeing 't was necessary to the former only to have Courage and these to have skill That the Turks should keep their ground which was all that could be desired of a Soldier That as to success that indeed was uncertain but howsoever they could not fail of this consolation of having done their duty and not having fled from the Enemy which would overwhelm them with infamy all their days The Grand Visier's advice was to serve as a Law wherefore they were forc'd to comply In the mean while apprehending lest the Janisaries should joyn themselves to those who were for raising the siege he took care to keep 'em within the bounds of their duty and made 'em great promises in case they behav'd themselves well in the fight The next morning he took a review of his Army which consisted still of an Hundred and Ten Thousand fighting men and resolving to call to his assistance the Troops which he had left about Raab and other places of Hungary he sent others in their places in whom he put not such confidence On the side which the Christians had resolv'd to attack his lines there stood a Wood through which they must necessarily pass to come at him The Christians at the begining of the Campagn took care to make a commodious passage But the Grand Visier believ'd he might annoy 'em if he possest himself of it he thereupon timely sent five or six Battalions who had fell'd several Trees with which they retrenched themselves On the other hand the Grand Visier having left 20 Thousand men for the Guard of his Camp and Trench marcht out of his Trenches with his Horse and Foot whereof he form'd three lines without reckoning the Body he had reserv'd and possessing himself of a little hill which might be advantagious during the fight he caused his Cannon to be brought thither charging those who were placed there above all things to abide firm In the mean while the Christian Army the Commanders of which had implor'd the divine assistance by publick and private Prayers marched with great confidence of Victory having at its head a Prince of so great reputation and who had already beaten the Turks in several other occasions But as this Circumstance rais'd their Courage so did it abase that of the Turks who fear'd more the Poles than any Nation so that they had rather it had been the Emperor at the head of his Forces than to have there a King whose Fortune and Valour they greatly dreaded But besides that the Emperor would not so greatly expose himself the King of Poland came not so far to obey another and the Emperor on his side would pretend
fully recovered could not come so soon to the Army and indeed made it a month before his arrival which occasion'd much mischief For whilst he was recovering from his sickness the Bassa of Newhausel had time to fortify the place and to prepare himself for defence The Governor of Gran who likewise might fear the Emperors Arms took care whereinsoever he was concerned and agreed with the Bassa of Newhausel to send him assistance if he should be the first set upon as also to receive the same from him if Gran chanced to be first attackt by the Christians Things being in this posture when the Duke of Lorrain came to the Army and made the review of it in the prefence of the Emperor Duke of Bavaria and several other Princes he caused it to march between Gran and Newhausel as if it had been still uncertain which of these places he minded to attack About six leagues off both these Cities he seem'd to be determin'd for Gran For having made a detachement of 6000 horse he caused them to march on the side of Gran which made the Bassa of Newhausel believe that 't was not he whom he design'd In the mean time to satisfie the agreement made betwixt 'em as afore mention'd he sent out about 2000 men of his Garrison with orders to enter Gran. But as soon as ever he that Commanded the detachemâ—nt of the Duke of Lorrain knew they were entered he turn'd short off to Newhausel which he invested The Duke of Lorrain ravisht at the news of the Garrison of Newhausel's being thus weak'ned hast'ned to the Town and having fixt his Quarters sent a summons to the Governour to this effect That he wondred at his obstinacy in defending such a place which had not half men enough to keep it and thereupon advised him to come to a speedy agreement otherwise he would deal with him as those deserve who pertinaciously stand upon a fruitless dâ—fence The Bassa of Newhausel made answer to the Duke of Lorrain's messenger That he wondred what should hinder him frâ—m â—â—tting him to death at that instâ—nt that he should therefore speedily râ—turn and tell his General hâ— would shew him in a few days to whom the Grand Signor Entrusted his places In effect he on that day made a sally out on our Guards who gave place to the first impetuosity of the Turks Which gave an allarum to the whole Camp and caused the cavalry to mount on Horse-back who beat back the Infidels Yet did they carry away a great number of Prisoners whose heads they caused to be immediately cut off And to affright us the more planted them along the walls of the Town which was an object of great grief to several who continually beheld the loss they had suffered of their brother friend or near kinsman This happy success encouraged afresh the Turks to make another sally the next morning in which having likewise taken some Prisoners they used 'em after the same manner as the former This did not so damp the Courage of the Christians as to hinder 'em from making use of it as a motive to revenge and of more care for the future Our batteries then were raised in a short time the trench opened and there was never more hopes of a happier success when there arose a report throâ—ghout the whole Camp That the Duke of Lorrain openly complained that Prince Hâ—rman of Baden President of the Council of War which was at Vienna with the Emperor kindered necessaries being sent him for the siege hoping thereby to make him lose his reputation and render himself more considerable In fine these reports were so common in the Army that coming to the Ears of Prince Lewis of Baden Herman's Nephew he had some words about it with the Duke of Lorrain And indeed 't was well known of a long time that Prince Herman had a secret jealousie of the Duke and 't was the opinion of several that he would not have been much troubled had his undertakings prov'd successless But in this occasion not only the wellfare of the Empire but moreover of all Christendom being concerned 't was charitably judg'd this hatred was somewhat abated if not wholly extinguisht But 't was afterwards apparent how greatly such as thus reasoned were deceived when they came to use the ammunition Whilst the Trench was well advanced and there were great hopes for us the Duke of Lorrain receives an order from the Emperor signed with his own hand by which he was enjoyn'd to raise the siege and put forces into Raab Comorra and Presburg 'T is impossible to relate the vexation which seiz'd the Duke at this Command the whole fault of which he cast on the Prince of Baden But not able to dispence with his obedience he retir'd from the Town and drew up his Army in Battalia shewing by his countenance that obedience was the only cause of his retreat In fine when he was to depart he lodged some infantry in several houses which were about a quarter of a league distant from the Town hoping in case he should be follow'd not only this infantry would favour his retreat but moreover seeing the enemy must pass near these houses those whom he left behind in 'em might attack 'em in the Flank and whilst they were surpriz'd with the first Charge the cavalry which was at the rereguard should turn head upon them and easily defeat ' em It cannot be said but that this order was given according to the rules of War there being all the likelihood in the world of a sutable success But the raising of the siege had so discouraged the Troops that when the Infidels appear'd the rereguard doubled their pace instead of facing about leaving those who were in the houses without any hope of succour They defended themselves as well as they could for an hour or two but the place being not tenable they were forced to yield to a greater power so that those who escaped from the combat were all made Prisoners This did little advantage them for the Bassa no sooner was entered into Newhausel but he caused their heads to be cut off and planted on the ramparts of the Town with those who dyed with their Arms in their hands as if he meant his cruelty should add to his glory The Count de Taxis who was of one of the best Families in Spain and whose Ancestors have possessed time out of mind the Office of Great Master of the Posts of that Kingdom was one of those miserable victims The Army in the mean while held on the way to the Isle of Schut and as she retir'd news came of a greater misfortune than the raising the siege of Newhausel I mean of the Treason of the Hungarians that were in the passage of Vaag who instead of defending it as was expected joyned themselves to Count Teckely chief of the Male-contents of Hungary after they had Charged the other Troops which were with them for the defence
of the passage I cannot express nor nobody with me how great was the Armys consternation at the first news of this mishap For every one imagining already to see the Turks at his elbow thought of nothing but how to escape them and as if they had neither Arms nor Hands to oppose them they had the victory already yielded 'em without striking a stroke But that which augmented still each ones fear was that of every party which was sent out from the rest of the Army there return'd at most not above half and generally in bad order Every body took pleasure in augmenting the Forces of the enemy Some saying they were 300000 men others 400 thousand and exaggerating beyond all truth the crueltes which they had exercis'd along the way So ingenious are men when they are set upon it to do themselves mischief In fine the Turks having past the Vaag and possessed themselves of all places which are between that River and the Danube arrived on the banks of this latter where they built a Bridge above the Papas over which passed their Infantry The Cavalry with the Baggages passed over the Papas But the Army being numerous and the multitude generally retarding enterprises the Grand Visier made several detachements some to plunder the Country others to pursue our Army which had not yet gain'd the Isle of Schut Those that were design'd for plunder gather'd an inestimable booty of all things For nothing being less suspected than the Treason of the Hungarians every one was therefore in his house far from thinking their misfortune so near All the Campain was then entirely pillag'd and after the Infidels had satisfi'd their covetousness they glutted their cruelty in the bloud of Aged persons In fine they set all on fire sparing neither houses of Princes nor Peasants nor those of the Emperor so that Luxemburg was burnt with several considerable Castles and their vastations were sooner known at Vienna than the revolt of the Hungarians The Tartars who were employ'd in the ruine of so many men and stately Buildings retir'd with the same precipitation wherewith they came fearing to be cut off in their way home and left as many marks of cruelty in their retreat as they made appear in their coming This news which was soon known by our Army perfected our dread and consternation The Duke of Lorrain could find no body who would undertake to bring him news of the enemies motion and when he sent out any it seem'd as if he sent 'em to their Graves So greatly were they possess'd with an imagination of their force and cruelty Yet the Army still advanc'd the Infantry at the head the Cavalry at the tayl with the Dragoons The Baggage was on the left and marcht separately with thâ— Regiment of Dragoons of Savoy at the head of whom was the Chevalier of Savoy whose Father was the deceas'd Count of Soissons the Infantry of Count Taff was also for the guard of these Baggages with the Cavalry detach'd from diverse bodies As we were at the bank of a River a party which the Duke oâ— Lorrain had sent out broughâ— him word that the enemâ— was not above a league off which oblig'd him to remain in the rereguard to give order that they might be receiv'd as they ought But the fear was so great that instead of hearing this Command the Cavalry forsook the Infantry and retir'd under the Cannon of Vienna The Duke of Lorrain follow'd the Cavalry to make it return to its post but not being able to become master of it he Commanded the Infantry with all speed to pass ever inâ—o thâ— Isle of Schut whiâ—h was nâ—ar and to re 〈…〉 themselves incâ—ssantly W 〈◊〉 â—he avantguard passed the 〈…〉 appear'd and began to â—â—â—â—ge the Regiment of Montecucali who hâ—d the rereguard The Baggage was likewise attackt at the same time and the Turks found so little resistance in the one and the other that they promis'd themselves to obtain an entire Victory that very day In the mean while the Chevalâ—er of Savoy who was as I saiâ— engag'd in the defence of the Baggage having rally'd some Dragoons and some others that were well dispos'd set himself to oppose the enemy But his men having been soon beat back he was over-run by the Turks and his horse falling backwards on him the pummel of his Saddle with the weight of his horse crusht him to death The Infantry on their side fought under favour of the Waggons or to speak better endeavour'd to make them a rampart against the stroaks of the enemy But as soon as ever the Turks had open'd a pâ—ssage every one began to throw down his Arms and take his heels so that in shanning death they found it nearer and more ignominious For the Turks lighting on 'em thus disarm'd and without defence kill'd them without the least danger In fine after they had kill'd about 800 they fell on the Baggage which saved the rest of the Army For whilst they were busied on pillaging they which had not yet past over into the Isle of Schut made hast to get thither We lost near 13 or 14 hundred men in this conflict amongst whom were two Princes to wit the Chevalier of Savoy and the Prince de Aremberg three Counts of the Empire and several Officers Moreover the Turks took a great booty whose value was esteem'd at 3 hundred thousand Crowns For the Prince of Montecuculi lost for his share near 20 thousand the Prince of Baden a more considerable sum and several other Officers accordingly But though every particular person had enough to lament the loss of yet this was the least trouble for there were other things of greater concernment The Infantry saw themselves abandoned by the Cavalry and knew not well which way to turn themselves The Duke of Lorrain was gone after the horse and the news of him was expected with the greatest impatiency But he lost no time being resolv'd to lose his life or bring off his Infantry In effect after some reproaches to the Cavalry he tells 'em the way to repair their fault was to return to the enemy That they need only follow him for he hop'd by Gods assistance how difficult soever the enterprise was to come in a short time to the end of it He was become desperate by what had happen'd to him and his affliction made him scarce known so greatly was he alter'd by it For besides the danger wherein all the Empire lay he knew that the good and bad success of affairs were attributed only to the Commanders he beheld his reputation in great danger had not fortune seconded his Courage He marcht always formost and having given necessary orders to avoid confusion he sent away two men by different ways to advertise his Infantry that he was coming to their assistance The Turks knowing his design made strait up to him to dispute him the passage but the Duke casting himself first amongst the firings of the enemy open'd a
to Command him and therefore t' avoid all disputes he remain'd at Lintz ordering Prayers to be said in all the Churches which were never empty of people who sought of God with the greatest fervor to favour the Christian Army The Army being arriv'd at the Wood the fight began and was at first obâ—â—inately enough maintain'd by both Parties But the Christians who saw that if they behav'd not themselves fiercely in this occasion the Grand Visier might refresh his Troops which would give them far more trouble leapt over the retrenchments of the Enemy and having driven them from the Wood kill'd as many of 'em as were not quick enough to save themselves The Wood being wholly clear'd the Avantguard of the Army drew up it self at the head of the Wood to save the arrearguard fearing lest marching farther without being in a condition to fight the Grand Visier should march up towards them and make advantage of the ill condition wherein he might find them But he was unwilling to depart so far from Vienna fearing lest while he was on the other side the Christians would let out the Danube over one part of his Army and attack those he had left for the keeping the lines who would be too much put to it to resist at the same time these new Enemies and the Garrison likewise who would not fail to sally out And therefore he every moment sent out Parties to see what passed on the side of the Danube for he was in greater fear of what might be done on that side than on the other altho he was advertised every moment that the Christians march'd against him should have 'em upon his skirts within an hour or two at farthest And indeed 't was necessary these succors should be so near For altho the Turks were not as yet in the Town yet they were at least under it by means of their mines which was the reason why Starenberg caus'd a Lanthorn to be put on the high Tower of S. Stephen which was the sign agreed upon by the Duke of Lorrain and he when he should find himself in a great strait His Miners also were so heartless that he had all the difficulty in the World to make 'em work besides the Garrison were so dampt by their incessant labors and toils and which is worse reduced to 5 thousand 5 hundred men of 16 thousand that they were in the beginning of the Siege For if they lost six thousand by the hand of the Enemy sickness had carried away few less so that dying as they did in heaps they were not burried one by one but thrown ten or twelve together in an hole Those that had escaped so great danger and who in expectation of the same fortune suffered themselves almost to languish away being informed that the succors with which they had been so often vainly flattered were near and on this side the Wood where they were seen already to appear took their Arms with such courage that a man would have thought 'em other men than those one might have seen the other moment They went all on the Rampart without expecting any other command than that which their courage inspired and it much availd Staremberg that they were inlivened by this new hope for those whom the Grand Visier left to guard the Camp and ordered to go up to the assault as soon as ever they saw him March towards the Enemy acquitted themselves with so great Resolution and constancy that they never had before done the like In the mean time the besieged who considered if they repelled this last effort they should be delivered from the misery which had so long afflicted them fought with no less courage so that never was an hotter dispute on both sides Whilst this happened the King of Poland was ingaged with the Grand Visier who had march'd up to him with more courage than prudence For without considering he left the Post where he had lodged his Cannon and whence he might greatly molest the Christians he began the charge whereas he should have expected the King of Poland to come and charge him But whether he believed there was any advantage to him that gave the first onset or would thereby animate his men of whose courage he doubted he neglected to use these precautions of which he presently repented For his Troops giving back after the first charge the Christians so boldly pursued them that those that had the care of the Cannon durst not fire lest it should prove as hurtful to their own men as ours Staremberg being advertized by persons whom he had placed in the highest parts of the Town that the beginning of the combate was as favorable to the Christians as could be desired made at the same time a Sally out of the Garrison who had already drove the Turks from off the Rampart And several Citizens being mixt with the Soldiers to share with 'em in the Honour they all fiercely attackt the Enemy who thought already of packing up their baggage from the advice which they had of the Grand Visier that all things went ill on his part and that they ought to think of a retreat Then every one without regretting what he had left in the Tent minded only to save himself when Staremberg at the head of his men charg'd them so vigorously that they threw themselves down one upon another for haste who should first get away And the lines of circumvallation hindring 'em from passing so soon as they desired they endeavor'd to fill them up with their Muskets which at that moment served for Pickaxes and Shovels others with their hands every one using more diligence to Ruin these lines than they had done to put 'em in the condition they were in Staremberg seeing the disorder wherein the Turks were was ravisht at so happy an occasion But his prudence hindring him from going far from the Town he contented himself with sending some Horse after the hindermost and staid himself in the mean time near the Walls where he caused the Enemies works to be demolished lest things should change its face In the mean time these fugitives encreased the fear in the Visiers Army which was already but two great for the King of Poland had defeated his left Wing whose Horse left the foot at the discretion of the Poles who had fallen upon 'em and put 'em to the Sword as to the right Wing it made a little more resistance But the Grand Visier considering that in the condition wherein the fight was it was impossible to restablish it that moreover the Trench was quitted with all the works which had cost him so much blood he resolv'd to spare that which remain'd and to leave rather his Camp and his Tents which were still standing than to be the cause of shedding more by a fruitless obstinacy In this design he caused the Retreat to be sounded but the foot being not able to follow the Horse which rather fled than held on an orderly March several of 'em were cut in pieces and there were not a 4th part of 'em saved The King of Poland having made a Detachment to put into the Town and given thanks to God for his Victory in the very Field where he gained it gave strict command under grievous penalties that no one should leave his rank to plunder The Dukes of Bavaria Saxony and Lorrain who had fought likewise with a great deal of courage did as much on their side and the keeping of the Turks Camp was consign'd to three thousand men whilst a Council of War was call'd to know whether the Enemy should be pursued or they rest contented with the advantage already obtained The advices were different thereupon the King of Poland and the Duke of Lorrain with all those that were in the Emperors interests were for pursuing their Victory but the Dukes of Saxony and Bavaria who came only to succour Vienna would not any more hazard their Troops Especially the Duke of Saxony who complained that by reason of his Religion they had been made to suffer enough all ready In effect the best quarters were not his and he had heard that they suspected lest his Troops having their Winter quarters in Hungary should hold intelligence with Teckely This Prince seeing then that after he had traverst a great Country hazarded his reputation and even his life and left his Estates to succour those of another he was so ill recompensed resolved upon returning home where he arrived more laden with glory than spoil for the confederates seeing he forsook the common cause notwithstanding their opinion gave him what part they pleased which again doubled his discontent The Duke of Bavaria had better usage because perhaps the Emperor apprehended lest he in the differences he had with France should take part against him being moreover sollicited to it by several advantageous offers besides his Aliance with it Howsoever all these Princes being not agreed they made as we say a Golden bridge for the Enemy to pass over who retired on the Iâ—le of Newhausel where they expected 3 days the wracks of their Army In the mean while the Grand Visier was not without inquietude how the grand Seignor would receive the news of his defeat and to cast all the fault on others he wrote a Letter against those that had the chief command under him But we have not heard what the Grand Seignor has resolved thereupon no more than what the King of Poland has done reports concerning whom are so various that ther 's as yet no certianty of ' em Yet t is not to be doubted being so great a Captain as he is but he will make the best advantage of his Victory which all Christians ought to desire FINIS