were about to return into Thracia But being informed that the Emperour had shut up the passage by a mighty wall at Christopolis from the Sea to the top of the Mountains they thus beset desperately resolved to break into Thessaly being above 8000 men to relieve their wants or towards Peloponesus there to seat themselves at least-wise to enter a League with some on the Sea coast and so return into their own Countrey They came in 3 daies to the Thessalian Mountains at the foot whereof finding plenty of all necessaries they wintred But Winter being past they came down into the Plains of Thessaly spending that year at pleasure havocking whatever came in their way That Countrey was but weak the Prince being but young and like to die c. And to avert these forreigners the Nobility offered their Commanders gifts and guidance into Achaia and Boetia Countries more commodious for them promising if they needed aid there to seat them Of which offers the Catalonians accepted So at Spring receiving their rewards and guides passing over the mountains beyond Thessaly and the straits of Thermopylae they encamped near Locris and the River Cephisus But the Duke of Thebes c. hearing of their coming with great pride and contempt denied them passage thorow his Countrey reckoning them but as loose wandring rogues c. wherewith they enraged resolved there to seat themselves or to die So they encamped not far from the River in Boetia 3500 horse 4000 foot But lying there they caused the ground where about they lay to be plowed up which they watered with cuts out of the River that it little differed from a deep Marsh. Hither comes the Prince with about 6400 horse and 4000 foot casting no peril coming bravely on with his horsmen but before he was come to the middle of the Plain his horses sinking deep lay with their riders for most part tumbling in the mire c. other-some sticking fast stood with their riders like very Images not able to move The Catalonians slew them at their pleasure and so speedily pursued the rest that they surprized Thebes and Athens so they having wone a goodly Countrey stored with all wealth there ended their travels and seated themselves not ceasing as saith Nicephorius Gregorias by little and little to extend their bounds unto this day There were 3000 Turks in the Catalonians Army of whom about 1100 were the Turcopuli under Melech the other came with Chalel out of Asia being sent for by the Catalonians All these when the Catalonians were about to invade Thessaly seek new fortunes partly distrusting their society and partly loth further to follow began to mutiny Whereupon Melech and Chalel requested of the General leave to return which he easily granted and so they departed proportionally deviding the captives and spoyls taken After which they divided into 2 parts the Turcopuli following Melech and the rest Chalel Melech having violated his Religion again and revolted despairing of the Emperour's friendship chose rather to go to Crales Prince of Servia by whom he was sent for with 1500 horse and foot but all his Souldiers delivering up horses and armour were to fall to Trades and not to bear Arms but when and so many as the Prince saw good But Chalel with about 1300 horse and 800 foot offered the Emperour quietly to depart his Countrey so he would give him passage by Christopolis and transport them and their substance over Hellespont The Emperour considering the great harm done desirous to be discharged of them sent Sennacherib to conduct them out of Macedonia to the straits of Hellespont Where the Greeks thinking it indignity to suffer them to carry such abundance of horses mony c. taken from the Greeks into Asia and in hope of so rich a prey they neither provided for them shipping nor cared for their safety purposing by night to destroy them Os which the Turk understanding surprized a Castle thereby which they notably fortified the Greeks were glad to get further off and to certifie the Emperour thereof who delayed the time to his enemies advantage who speedily sent over the strait for aid of the Turks in Asia which they presently sent them wherewith encouraged they oft times grievously wasted the Country round about The Greek Captains greatly discontented requested Michael with all his power to come to suppress these dangerous enemies For which not only Soldiers but the Country in general flocked to Michael with spades and mattocks as though they would have digged down the Castle Most part of whose followers not considering the danger in gaining it proceeded carelesly and disorderly in their 〈◊〉 that their enemies who before feared the very fame of their coming therewith much more encouraged bestowed all their wealth c. within their trenches themselves with 800 chosen horsmen sallyed out to the place of the Imperial Ensign with which sudden and desperate eruption the Grecians especially the rustical terrified began to flee after whom by little and little all fled The Emperour did what he could to stay them but in so general a fear Who regarded him wherefore he was glad to flee with the rest Yet many expert Captains ashamed making stands stayed the barbarous from further pursuit In which doing many were taken by the Turks Whatsoever was found in the Emperour's Tent yea the Imperial Crown it self became a prey also which they say Chalel putting on his head scoffed at the Emperour After this the Turks spoiled almost all Thracia so that for 2 years the people scarce durst go out of their Towns to plow and sow the Emperours exceedingly grieved all their hope was in forreign aid wherein they found many difficulties their Coffers being empty by reason of their Territories so long wasted yet Andronicus sent to the Prince of 〈◊〉 his Son in Law But he making no haste and the misery encreasing one Phites Paleologus the Emperour 's Kinsman undertook his Countries deliverance He had been brought up in Court c. beloved of all for integrity of life but altogether unskilful of wars being by nature weak and sickly and more given to devotion than worldly affairs He requested the Emperour that with some small power and a few Captains of his own choice he might go out against the Turks hoping he said to revenge the wrong and return with victory Whereunto he easily yielded saying God delighted not in any mans leggs but in a contrite heart c. For I have seen said he the swift not to gain the prize c. the simple to gain favour and the subtil to fall into disgrace So he furnished him with such conveniences as he desired which he receiving first he by all waies of courtesie encouraged his Souldiers perswading them to a temperare life promising the war ended rewards according to every ones desert and before setting forth understanding Chalel with 1200 horse and foot was forraging about Byzia he hasted to encounter them by the way laden with spoil
surely the Tartars sight hath so frightned this coward that he thinketh every enemy to be two Most report that Tamerlane putting the men to the sword over-ran the women and Children with his horsemen in the fields except a few for prisoners Also that Bajazet losing there his eldest son of some called Orthobules in his march hearing a Sheapheard merrily reposing himself with his pipe standing long listning with a deep sigh said Oh happy Shepheard which hadst neither Orthobules nor Sebastia to lose Yet the Turks give Orthobules lost 6 years before against Casi Buchaniden They reported 12000 in all to be in Sebastia 〈◊〉 Other Cities yielded for fear of like danger whose Citizens chiefly the Christians in respect of the Greek Emperour he courteously used c. Not gone far he was certainly advertised that Bajazet coming was within 30 Leagues of him after which he marched more closely with his his Army Axalla sent Chiansen Prince of Ciarcan with 4000 Parthian horse to know if he could of the Turks Army c. and make relation to him who sending another Parthian with 500 horse before not ridden 10 leagues but heard of Bajazet's coming and susprizing Sennas understood his Armies state so marching foreward Tamerlane commanded him not to retire till the enemies arrival seen and to give him notice every hour himself resolving not to passe further being at a large plaine and Country advantagious for battel of his Army far greater than Bajazets Yet his Army being of divers Nations and not to fight against the foft Chinois but the Turks most warlique c he thought to be well advised in proceeding Wherefore he sent for Axalla to view the place who not misliking it advised him to keep Sennas as long as possible So sending word unto them to fire it upon the enemies approach and so withdraw that the enemy not desiring there to incamp might come forward to those plaines The Turks drawing near Sennas they all retired except some 100 left to fire it which done they retired in great disorder Ciarcan dividing in two parts commanded the first to receive the 100 purposely in disorder fleeing so soon as the enemies pursued them retiring altogether Himself stood in a Valley near a wood unseen where suffering 2000 horse enemies to pass by he charged them home in the reare the retirers turning on them also who thus beset fled most being slain the rest taken prisoners who were sent to Tamerlane as a present with the Bassa of Natolia who led them whom Tamerlane demanding why Bajazet shewed such contempt of his Army c. He answered his Lord was Sun upon Earth enduring no equal that he was rather astonied to see him enterprize from so far to hinder his Lords fortune the heavens bending to further it c. that he committed great folly in resisting it Tamerlane replied he was sent from Heaven to punish his rashnesse and to teach him the proud are hated of God c. Thy self said he hast felt already my Parthians Valour against thy Turkish and I have caused him already to raise Constantinoples siege and look to his own in Asia Furthermore he demanded if his Master resolved to bid him battle Be assured said he he desires nothing more and I would I might acknowledge thee in giving me leave to assist my Lord. Go said Tamerlane and tell thy Lord thou hast seen me and he shall find me on horse-back where a green ensigne is displayed The Bassa thanking him c. and returning declared he had seen him and reported all he willed him and published his courtesie who besides liberty had given him a fair furnished horse though he were to serve against him Bajazet answered he would shortly try him hoping ere the march ended to make him acknowledge his folly Next day the 2 Armies encamped within a League where the Scythians greedy and needy talked all night of the spoile the Parthians of honour the Christians of their deliverance c. All which Tamerlane hearing rejoyced to see his Souldiers hope of Victory who after the 2 watch thought to sleep a while in his pavilion But his cares not suffering he then read as ordinary in a book of his Ancessours lives not to deceive time but to imitate and decline what they worthily did or by rashnesse c. fell into After slumbring he sent for Axalla who came with divers great Captaines with whom consulting a while he mounting sent every one to their Charges to make ready At which he heard the enemy came to take his ground whose Order he desired to see to marshal his own by Causing 3000 horse to advance to begin skirmishing himself followed to lodge every part in places foreseen for his advantage Seeing the Janizaries in a square battle in midst on the 2 fronts 2 squadrons of horse seeming 30000 and another covering the Janizaries battalion he thinking this order hard to be broken said to Axalla I thought to have fought a foot but now I see it behooves me to fight on horse-back to encourage my Souldiers to open the enemies great battalion And my will is that my men come so soon as they may for I will advance with a 100000 foot-men c. Ciarcan commanded the first 40000 horse Lord Synopes a Genovois the foremost foot Axalla over 5 squadrons of horse Bajazet's Army came bravely on towards their enemies who stirred not from their place except some light horse-men as loose skirmishing before the Armies Tamerlane had notice that Bajazet meant to fight on foot in midst of 30000 Janizaries in whom he most hoped His horse were 14000 old Souldiers The Aegyptian Sultan having also sent him 30000 Mamalukes with 30000 foot whose Army marching in one front like a half moon but not so well knit as Tamerlanes seemed almost as great as his So with horrible out-cries still advancing Tameriane standing fast with great silence Young Ciarcan with his 40000 horse was in the first encounter almost wholly overthrown by the Turks most furious charge yet fighting valiantly and entring into the midst of the Janizaries was himself slain About which time Axalla with the avauntguard cutting a wing of the enemies all to pieces and his foot joyning faced the Janizaries who 〈◊〉 behaved themselves for their Prince's safety This hard fight continued one hour not any seen scattered horse-men rushing together like mountaines men dying crying and threatning all at once Tamerlane patient the while to see the event at length his men giving ground he sent 10000 horse to joyn with the 10000 for the reare ward to assist him at need and charged himself causing the foot to charge commanded by the Prince of Thanais who furiously charged the Janizaries where Bajazet yet was in whose Army were a number of mercenary Tartars called Destenses with many 1000s taken up in exiled Princes Countries who seeing some their friends others their Natural Princes in Tamerlane's Army revolted from Bajazet Who yet with his own men and the Christians from
friends come to see thee or intreat for thee thou must needs have ill deserved of them as of others Yet if I should set thee at liberty would they receive thee as their Soveraign Bajazet answered Were I at liberty thou shouldst see that I want neither courage nor means to revenge my wrongs and to make those disobedient and forgetfull know their duties better Which made Tamerlan keep a straiter hand over him Then restoring to the Mahometan Princes Tachretin Isfendiar Germian and others all their inheritance with something more as he did divers Cities and Countreys of Natolia to the Greek Emperour for 400000 Duckats of Gold and 800000 Franks of silver yearly tribute and enriching his Army with Othoman spoiles in Asia he turned against the Aegyptian Sultan who had aided Bajazet and entring into Syria near Aleppo before yielded to him was fought a mortal battle the Sultan having an 100000 foot and 74000 horse whereof 30000 were Mamalukes Axalla with the Vant-guard hardly distressed was taken but rescued forthwith by Tamerlane who if he had not come on with fresh forces that day might have ended his good fortune After long fight 80000 being slain the Sultan fled Tamerlane pursuing him 3 leagues and sending Axalla with 40000 horse and 50000 foot to pursue along Arabia's coast himself the while with 60000 horse and 100000 foot had all Cities by the Sea coast as he went yielded to him as Magata Aman c. onely Damasco refused Prince Zamadzen strongly defending the same but Tamerlane overthrowing part of the Wall by battery won it by assault the Castle almost impregnable yet remaining but the retired multitude soon pinched with hunger and many dead the rest for their lives offered to yield to whom he would not shew mercy so that most dying the rest yielded without condition and were almost all slain Which severity made them bring the keys of their Cities to him 30 leagues off and contribution to his army Thence he turned towards Jerusalem the City driving out the Sultan's Garrison Chorazin at first stood on their guard but afterwards dismayed and submitting they found mercy where leaving certain men in garrison for repressing the troublesome Mamalukes he rode to Jerusalem to visit the Sepulchre and make his oblations where joyfully received seeking out all antiquities and conducted to all places thereabouts as Pilgrims gave to the Sepulchre and devout there many rich gifts to the contentment of all but the Jews who blamed him whom he called the accursed of God He heard the Sultan gathering his forces was in Aegypt fortifying especially Alexandria and Tamerlane's Army the while came towards Damiata which he would not leav behind him though perswaded by some as thought impregnable so commanding Axalla to set on it himself followed after Axalla declaring to the Inhabitants most Christians Tamerlane's courtesy and what Religion himself held and made many Greek Captains tell them of their misery under the Moors and Mamalukes which so prevailed that by night they mastering a quarter of the City delivered a Gate to Axalla who entring slew or took all the Mamalukes gaining the City Tamerlane yet on his march hearing of this was in good hope of a happy end in Aegypt for he knew this haven might serve him with victuals out of all Greece He left there two thousand of the Emperour's Souldiers taking Oath for obedience His Vant-guard marched towards Alexandria and passing the River turned even instantly to Cair to the Sultan's great astonishment But using diligence as Tamerlane approached he entredthe City to defend it with 40000 horse and 60000 foot whereby the City ready to revolt was again confirmed Tamerlan could not stay long before it for want of victuals yet making a great trench to cover his horse c. he drew near it giving divers on-sets to try the enemies confidence and to see the affection of the Citizens especially of the slaves to whom he promised liberty One day he shewed his Army in battle array before it to seek occasion to fight hoping also if the Sultan came forth some revolt might happen within he having made known to the Citizens he came not to hurt them but to destroy the Mamalukes But none came forth neither was any stir raised in the City for the Sultan resolved to weary him out with lying still Who resolved to force him even in his greatest Cities heart though not to be done without great adventure He purposing first to take one City for it 's divided into 3 advanced by little and little still fighting Having brought his foot to the place of onset for t was fortifyed onely with ditches and trenches he commanded the Prince of Thanais to begin with 50000 and there began a most terrible fight Axalla setching a compasse passed the trenches on another quarter of the City with small resistance leaving 30000 to fill the ditches and make way for the horse to enter advancing himself against 20000 sent by the Sultan to stop him Thanais being almost beat back by the Mamalukes But the way being made plain and 10000 horse entred who charged on their backs where the Sultan was and seconded by 10000 moe Tamerlane following with all his power the Sultan retired into the next City The fight was 7 hours above 16000 of the Sultan's being slain and betwixt 7 8000 of Tamerlane's who now sounded a retrait hoping next day to win the rest as he did For Thanais forcing their trenches in one place and Axalla in another the Sultan after a great fight abandoned the City encamping by Nilus purposing to passe it and flee to Alexandria whom Tamerlane followed with his horse and a few foot whose service he had promised to reward hardly drawn from their fellows spoiling the City against whom the Sultan opposed on a narrow cawsey 12 or 15000 slaves to favour his passage who stood fast but at length forced by their enemies increasing not without great losse they took the River with a weapon in one hand and swimming with the other to the bank The Sultan fleeing with 18000 horse not fled or drowned is reported to comforchis men saying tha they were not men but Gods that vanquished them Divers Mamalukes being taken and brought to Tamerlane he demanded if they would serve him now their Master was fled which they refused yet he freed them for their fidelity every man after 24 hours spoyl was commanded to his quarters He set all the Citizens at liberty leaving 10000 good souldiers with many others whereof he caried great multitudes c. to keep the City his Army passed the river to follow the Sultan Axalla before with the avauntguard and Chanais with the rest himself going by water greatly pleased to see the river's sometimes swist course and in an instant scarce moving The Alexandrians hearing of his coming besought the Sultan to withdraw into Lybia whither for barrenness he could not greatly follow they resolving no more to resist so great a force promising to
to correct him he haply neglecting some part of his duty A heart-burning long remained between Bajazet and the Janizaries yet for feare he had Achmetes in shew in greater honour than before but mortally hating him and by Isaac's perswasion all being thought to be forgotten Bajazet had him thrust thorow sitting at supper in the Court This was the miserable end of the Turks great Champion about which time also Caigulus Zemes his Son a Child was by his command strangled Bajazet grievously offended with the Janizaries finding upon inquiry their Officers to be the Authors of those stirs he under colour of preferment sent them away into divers parts of his Empire appointing to them as to old Souldiers lands c for their maintenance but secretly sent to the Governours of the places whither they were sent to execute them as Traitours which was done The Janizaries hearing what was done began to mutiny uttering revengfull words against the Emperour which Bajazet understanding purposed to kill suddenly all the Janizaries chiefly those about the Court and City wherefore he sent for great numbers of the Acanzij reputed the best sort of Common Souldiers most of the Bassaes to whom he imparted his device much disliked it but Alis and Ishender Bassa of Ogli's Family disswaded him from it alleadging their number courage experience c. And if he should kill all about Constantinople yet all his strong holds being holden by other Janizaries they would take up Armes in their own defence and friends revenge which were likely to endanger himself and his whole Empire besides his perpetuall dishonour The vigilant Janizaries getting an inckling thereof more and more suspected the matter both by the often and secret repaire of great men to Court and also by the unwonted multitude of those Acanzij brought into the City Wherefore banding themselves together they stood on their guard and lighting on Alis Beg comming from Court opprobriously demanded of him if he were one who had conspired their destruction and had he not greatly protested and sworn tò the contrary they had presently slain him Bajazet seeing his purpose discovered by others counsell to colour his intention proclaimed that the Janizaries and others now assembled at Constantinople should be ready against a day to goe with him into Moldavia But when he should set forward the Janizaries joyned in order of battell by themselves nor would they receive the Emperour into the mid'st of their ranks as formerly but shaking their weapons at him told him He had sought their destruction bidding him if he would set his Executioners to work upon them whom he should finde ready and able to defend themselves Bajazet giving them good words and using all meanes by his Bassaes c to pacifie them swearing by his Fathers holy Soul he would not harme the meanest of them with much ado they received Bajazet who passing Danubius entered Moldavia and besieging strong Achilleia now Kele a Sea-Town it was delivered him by composition thence going to Acgiemen or Asprocastron it was likewise surrendred after a months siege so returning to Constantinople Bajazet fearing Zemes breaking forth or his setting up by Christian Princes offered great summs for his delivery to him and Charles the French King purposing to invade Greece after Naple's its Conquest was wondrous desirous of him also Matthias of Hungary sought by all meanes to obtaine him then also Pope Innocent the 8th no lesse desirous of so great a pledge with the large pension so wrought by his cunning Legate that the Grand Master delivered Zemes to him at Rome in 1488 wherefore he was honoured with the title of Cardinall So Zemes remaining at Rome all Innocent's and Alexander the 6th their time receiving for him 20000 Duckats yearly till Charles passing through Italy against Alphonsus of Naples in 1495 so terrified the Pope furthering Alphonsu's title that among other conditions he was glad to give him his gracelesse Son Caesar Borgia in hostage and to deliver Zemes unto him Scanderbeg's Son aided by the Venetians while Bajazet was busied against Zemes overthrowing the Turks nigh Croia recovered much of Epirus then also Chernovich an Albanian Prince by the Venetians help expulsed them out of that part of Albania So that Bajazet was glad to suffer him to enjoy all he recovered paying him a small tribute for the rest Bajazet in revenge of the King of Caramania his aiding Zemes raising a great Army and marching along the Asian Countryes in 1486 entred Caramania whose King knowing himself too weak fortified his strong places and retired into Taurus Straits where he was in the most safety Bajazet spoyling the Country most of the Summer layed siege to the City Tarsus soon making the Walls saultable by battery the Citizens now offering to deliver it up reserving their lives libertyes and goods which Bajazet accepted of and performed not suffering any Souldiers more than needfull to enter and Winter growing on he dispersing his Souldiers round about not suffering them to Till Sow c they were forced to yield to his devotion Wherefore the Caramanian King obtaining aide of Caytheius the Aegyptian Sultan took the field the first of the Spring though much inferiour to his puissant Enemy So betwixt them was begun a terrible fight which was maintained the whole day with doubtfull Victory and great slaughter new supplies comming in The Caramanian seeing his overlaid Souldiers begin to give ground so furiously brake with his guard and other valiant ones into the mid'st of his Enemyes that being forthwith environed c his horse slaine and fighting on foot fell downe dead having slaine divers Turks with his own hand whose Souldiers now discouraged fled and were most slaine or taken after which Bajazet over-running all soon subdued the large Country of Cilicia Then was there an auntient Mahometan Prince commanding most of Trachea in Cilicia with the famous City Scandeloro who had long lived as a Neuter betwixt the Christian and Caramanian Kings against which poore Prince onely left in Asia the lesse Bajazet turning his forces he weighing his small power offered to deliver up Scandeloro with all his territory so Bajazet would give him other possessions for it in lesser Asia which he accepting became Lord of all the Sea-Coast from Bosphorus to Syria's confines After this he descending into the lesser Armenia subjected all thereof as of Cappadocia belonging to the Caramanian Kings so leaving Mustapha Bassa at Iconium with his Asian Army to keep under his new Conquests himself triumphantly returned to Constantinople where he was joyfully received After which Bajazet swelling in disdaine against the Aegyptian and Syrian Sultan who had aided Zemes and then the Caramanian appointed in 1487 Caragoses Bassa with Ishender to invade Syria with a strong Army who being come to the utmost parts of Cilicia Aladenles King of the rude fierce people dwelling along mount Taurus being in league with the Sultan lay in Ambush in the straites whereby the Turks must needs passe Ishender marching
his Fathers and his own benefits bestowed on him he prevailed with Justus so as to come in but himself alone So opening a Port Ferdinand suddenly at his entrance stab'd him to the heart in the midst of his Souldiers the Warders dismayed with his look at his Command let in all his followers the day after whose departure from Naple's Castle Charls was received with such triumph by the Neopolitans as if restored to perfect liberty and soon after that Castle with all strong holds thereabouts were yielded to the French all the Princes and people submitting unto Charls his power All being lost Ferdinand from Aeuaria departed to Sicilie the House of Arragon losing that Kingdom in lesse than 5 moneths about 63 years after it was taken from the French by Alphonsus the Elder When the Turks saw the French Ensigns displayed on the Walls all along Calabria and Salern's Coast many of them along Epirus and Macedonia's Coast forsook their charge for fear of the Christians in Greece beginning to lift up their heads chiefly the wild Acrocerauni in Epirus borders who taking Arms refused Turkish Tribute Both Christian Princes and the Turk doubted whither Charls his greatness would grow many thinking he affected the Roman Empire and Monarchy of Italy Pope Alexander and Maximilian then Emperour being troubled Bajazet also fearing the turning of his forces into Epirus or Greece and Ferdinand of Spain no lesse car ful for Sicilie Sfortia also shortly after Duke of Millane the occasion of his comming and great aider began to doubt of the King who little reckoned of his promise so he might enlarge his Dominions and the Venetians who had stood as Newters doubted to lose some part of their own Territory before hoping to share something for themselves by the Arragonians and French weakening each other Wherefore the said Christian Princes concluded a strong League among themselves that if any one should warre on any Prince to do it on their own charge but if invaded by others every one of their own charge to send four thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot to aid their Confederate the league being for twenty years and if it pleased Bajazet as other Princes especially who for fear had offered ayd to the Venetians by Sea and Land against the French whose King the League troubled more although pretended for their own safety onely wherefore placing Garrisons in all strong holds of Naples and Mompenser his Viceroy he returned with the rest purposing by the way to terrifie the Bishop if possible from the League and then to deal with Sfortia as he might but being come to Rome Alexander was fled to Perusium Charls stayed 3 dayes violating none but those of the Arragonian faction Thence marching to Pisa and passing the Alps he was set upon by Gonsaga Duke of Mantua General of the Venetians and Sfortia to stop his passage who being in great danger lost his Tents with all his rich spoil yet repulsing his enemies with great slaughter got safely home this was at the River Taurus about which time Ferdinand returning to Naples was joyfully received by the Citizens and by help chiefly of Gonsalvus sent by Ferdinand of Spain recovered the Kingdom within a year and dying without issue left it unto his Uncle Fredericus the chief Government of this one Kingdom being six times changed in lesse than threee years Fredericus being as unfortunate as the rest and Charls the French King soon after suddenly dying as he came from Tennise but twenty seven years old leaving France with Naples its Title to Lewis who with great trouble conquered it and with greater grief lost it But Bajazet now delivered of feares by Bali-beg Sanzack of Silistra invading Podolia and Russia part of the Polonians Kingdom did great harm carrying away many Prisoners but comming the second time in like manner Winters extream cold being come on they were in return denyed passage and Victuals by Stephen Prince of Moldavia so that going all along the Sea-Coast many straglers were cut off by the Moldavians the rest perishing by cold want and waye 's fowlness so that very few came home 40000 being reported to be lost He sending also Cadumes into Illyria spoyling it with a part of Croatia 9000 Croatians and Hungarians under Francopaine encountring them were worsted above 7000 being slain and drowned in the River Morava the rest fleeing thorow Woods and Mountains the overthrow was imputed to the General who would fight in field though entreated by Torquatus to keep the Straits for advantage Torquatus lost all his Horsemen whose Horse being killed he fought on Foot till he was slain The Bassa sent all the Noses of the Christians put on strings as a present to Bajazet Lewis the 12th of France writing himself Duke of Millan as discended of John Galeatius resolving to warre upon Sfortia and seeking above all others to draw the Venetians into a fellowship made a firm League with them promising them for their ayd the City Cremona with all about Abdua which was afterwards performed Sfortia farre too weak tryed to set Maximilian with the States of Germany upon the French King which not sorting he offered to hold his Dukedom of the King for a yearly Tribute all meanes being in vain proved he certified Bajazet of the confederation that their intent was he being oppressed and some other Italian States to invade his Dominions c. The Duke hoping to busie the Venetians by bringing the Turk upon them the Florence Embassadors also pricking the Turk forward for malice against the Venetians who protected the Pisans against their oppression Bajazet calling to minde the former injuries of the Venetians in aiding John Castriot and Chernovich and denying his Fleet to put into Cyprus promised as glad of an opportunity to do what they requested wherefore in 1499 greatly preparing by Sea and Land he caused Scander-Bassa with 12000 Horse too break into Friuli on Italies frontiers who passing great Rivers and entring burned and destroyed as farre as Liquentia carrying away all the people but being come to late for the French and Venetians had before unresisted driven out Sfortia he at Tiliaventum put 4000 prisoners to the Sword and so returned laden with spoil Bajazet setting forth a greater Fleet than any of his Predecessors marched himself with a great Army along the Sea-coast of Morea so that what they could they kept in sight of each other the Venetians also setting sorth a Fleet under Grimani their Admiral for strength skill c. superiour though in number inferiour whom the Turks braving yet durst not at first joyn battel but crept along the Coast the Venetians troubling them never departed from them accounting it good service if they could but keep them from landing in any place of their Territory The longer they thus sailed the more was the State of Venice offended with their Admiral delaying to fight suffering them to draw nearer and nearer to their Territory while all expected some great exployt to
the injury and disgrace done to his Embassador which all Princes cryed shame of might he punished and that his servants in durance might be freed then some good form of peace and bounding of Territories might perhaps be agreed on else all talk of peace was but vain c. This Answer the Captives at Buda were to give by word or writing to the Bassa and earnestly to request him both for their own and fellowes Liberty at Constantinople however to comfort themselves that they should have Allowance sufficient for things necessary as the Emperour had granted to Perling whom he might have justly detained being no lawfull prisoner but for his Oaths-sake No mans name was set to this Answer The Emperour most carefull of the Reliques of Hungary laying as it were in the Lyons mouth prayed Ayd as far as Spain and Italy especially of the King of Poland as his near Alliance and Neighbour He and the States of Hungary sending their Embassadours thither when he through the daily Incursions of the Turks and Tartars into the adjoyning Countries had called a Parliament in Febr. at Cracovia whereof Mahomet fearing sent 2 of his chief Chiaus Embassadours to the King and States to crave ayd in his Wars in Hungary promising the King if he refused not Coyn sufficient to pay his Souldiers and to be alway ready to requite him the like upon occaon These Embassadours obtaining safe conduct of Michael of Valachia through his Country were by him honourably entertained and brought into a fair Lodging discoursing with him of many matters but the Vayuods followers grieved at such honor done to their mortall Enemies 〈◊〉 into the room with their Weapons and slew them both and setting upon their followers cut them all in 〈◊〉 Mahomet hereupon wondrously enraged threatned all evils both to the Moldavians and Valachians forthwith sending other Embassadours who arrived safely at Poland The Tartars being overthrown and many strong Holds taken from the Turks by the Transilvanians c. Mahomet called home Sinan to confer with him as was thought of some great matters sending Ferat Bassa in his place who coming to Belgrade in April took the charge upon him at whose first coming in the night all the cords of the Tents were cut in sunder and his Tent let fall about his eares Some supposing it was disgracefully done by Cicala before wronged by him Others thought by the Janizaries who wished rather to be led by Mahomet himself At his comming the Famine last year begun was now exceeding great in most places of Hungary possessed by the Turks so that the Tartar-women roasted their own children and ate them there was also a terrible plague great numbers of Turks and Tartars dying daily so that of 85000 Tartars scarce 8000 remained through the sword 〈◊〉 and famine Great were the harms the Turks daily received from the three revolted Countries Michael of Valachia entring their Frontiers surprized Chimele with the Castle wherein were 14 Field-pieces 2 having the Arms of the Emperour Ferdinand and th' other 2 the Arms of Huniades which he sent a Present to Sigismund of Transilvania Then he took Orosige a famous Port-town the abode of the Turks Purveyor finding therein Butter Cheese Honey and other provision enough for 8000 men for a whole year He took also from them Kilec and Galempe with the strong Castle of St. George called Grigio and then besieged Laganoc At first of the Spring came Matthias from the Nobles of Hungary assembled at Presburg to Vienna and so to the Emperour at Prague who made him General of lower Hungary Maximilian his Brother General of upper Maximilians Lievt was Lo. Matthias's was Count Mansfelt sent for out of Flanders Joh. de Medices he made a Master of the Ordnance with charge to fortifie Komara which he so did that it was thought not inferiour to Rab in strength all which time the Emperour soliciting the Christian Princes for repressing of the common Enemy out of his Hereditary Provinces and from other Princes He had this Spring raised a right puissant Army to the number of 15900 Horse and 50500 Foot which notable Army raised from the power of divers Christian Princes and conducted by worthy Chieftains had much better success this Summer than had the like Army the year before Charls Count Mansfelt son of Peter Ernest the old Count from his youth brought up in Arms was by the King of Spain sent with 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot out of the Low-countries most of whom being Walloons He departed from Bruxelles in Febr. and taking leave of his Father at Luxenburg came through Germany in March to Prague where he was by the Emperour and Arch-Duke most honourably entertained and shortly aster with great solemnity created a Prince of the Empire His following Forces were by the way stayed partly through the unwonted rising of rivers partly by some German Princes jealousie who denied them passage till the Emperours Letters had opened the way yet the Princes in their passage stood on their guard Fame now encreasing the wondrous preparations of Turks and Christians the Turks exceeding carefully looked to the fortifying of their Frontier-towns chiefly Strigonium and Rab as did the Christians to Komara and Altenburg Many hot skirmishes passed the while between them especially in Transilvania and Valachia the Turks being still worsted to the great discontent of their Emperour Near Temesware the Bassa of Buda was overthrown by Ferentz and the Transilvanians Asid Ferat entring Valachia with a great Army was by Lo. Nadasti and the Valachians ayded by Transilvanians discomfited and overthrown Nadasti sending 8000 Turks heads to Alba Julia to Sigismund and some Ensigns one most richly garnished being thought worth 30000 Dollars which the Prince restoring to Nadasti offered him great possessions in Transilvania if he would have seated himself there All this Spring the Turks boasted and threatned they would shortly work Wonders by Sea and Land and for the more credit Rays a notable Pyrate was sent with 12 Galleys who did much harm upon the coasts of Italy reporting where he landed that this was but the beginning of a greater War a wondrous Fleet being to follow which raised a great fear in divers places yet no such Fleet appeared for the Turk much troubled with the revolt of Transilvania c. and the then raging mortality among his Souldiers and Horses could not look into the Sea his hands being sull enough with the troubles of Hungary Sigismund upon some just causes suspecting Aaron of Moldavia to have Intelligence with the Polanders and also with Cardinal Bator and other his mortal Enemies and secretly to have bin about to make his peace with Mahomet which encreasing suspition being about this time confirmed by Letters intercepted the Prince had Aaron apprehended and with his Wife and Son to be sent as prisoners to Prague placing by consent of the Nobility one Roswan in his room a wise and discreet Moldavian and who had bin alway to him faithfull but
with his multitude But far was it from Zomoschi's thought though the common opinion was so to do the Transilvanian Prince any good by keeping out the Tartars who envying at his glory had with the Cardinal his Brother the Princes Uncles conspired what they could his utter ruin wishing rather those Countries subjected to the Turk than to see them so at liberty governed by the Prince presently after the departure of the Tartars he passing the River Nijester into Moldavia when the Prince was going against Sinan seized the Castle of Chotjim which he garrison'd thence marching to Zorona the Metropolis had it yielded unto him had soon almost all the Country delivered unto him Stephen fleeing from place to place before him from whom he least feared any such thing The Chancellour presently placed one Jeremiah Vayuod in Stephen's room to hold it of the Polonian King yet he sent to 〈◊〉 requesting him not to take it ill that he had entered Moldavia placing a Vayuod there but in Mahomet's Name to confirm his deeds promising this new Vayuod should pay him the Tribute behind and for future a far greater than had Moldavia before But the haughty Bassa not fearing to be driven out of those Countries by the Prince answered It was not the Sultans mind that the Polonians should invade Moldavia for besides his ability without them to reduce those Countries he had given it to the Tartar in reward of his good service already done whose Subjects would ere long be ready to possess it yet Zamoschi defended the new Vayuod but if Sinan had not been as he was presently after overthrown and driven quite out the Chancellour had not now holden Moldavia who pretended also that Moldavia did of ancient right belong to the Kingdom of Poland which the Transilvanians took to be but open wrong by which supposed Title the King and States of Poland inferred the Invasion and placing a Vayuod of Moldavia to his discretion who laboured also by forced reasons to shew them the power of the Prince to be so inferiour unto the Turks that it was to be feared he should at length be thrust out of all and so it should happen that the Polonians should have an untrusty and trouble some Neighbour c. perswading himself to find such favour with the Turkish Emperour that he should be well contented with his Invasion which proved a great trouble of the Prince and benefit to the Turk The new Vayuod not long after opening a way for the Tartars to enter 〈◊〉 by the way of the Ciculi of Alba-Julia and of Valachia Sigismund after the flight of Sinan sent some Companies of Horse and Foot to Stephen the late Vayuod to try if he could drive out the Polonians again and recover his former Dignity with which ayd and others he bloodily fought with them but being overcome and taken he was a while kept as the Prince feared to be delivered to the Turk and as is said was afterward by them 〈◊〉 put to death This foul dealing of the Polonian much grieved many Christians as tending to a generall hurt Wherefore the Emperour thought to 〈◊〉 the Polonian King by his Embassadours to desist from such invasion of the Transilvanian Prince as nothing standing with his Honour and that some good reconciliation might be made between the Prince and his Uncles the authors of all these troubles Pope Clement the 8th also sent a Messenger with like Instructions and large Letters to the King pathetically perswading him not so to prosecute his wars against the Prince but to turn his thoughts to a more peaceable and Christian-like course especially with him with whom he was so nigh linked in marriage for they married 2 Sisters he also wrote 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like effect to Cardinal Bator and after many Admonitions cited him to Rome Which Letters dated from Rome Novemb. 8. were delivered in December the Pope sharply reproving the Cardinall and Chancellour as Authors and Contrivers of all these mischiefs The Tartar C ham also about this time sent his Embassadour to the King of Poland for confirmation of such Articles as he had before agreed on with the Chancellour whose Letters did declare the ground and purpose of his intended Expedition into Moldavia with the collusion of the Chancellour with the Turks and Tartars against the Transilvanian Prince saying When the Chancellour had promised He would take order that the Cossacks on the further side of Nijester should be utterly rooted out that they should not hereafter do any harm in the Sultans Territories and that the Presents usually sent him since the time of Solyman should no more be detained nor any harms done in any part of his Dominions he also consented that Jeremiah should hold the Vayuodship of Valachia Unto which agreement if his Majesty should consent then he should alwayes find brotherly friendship with him and all his Captains and Murzis Otherwise he did not perform the Oath and Covenants made The Embassador delivering a speech to the King to the same effect with the Letters gave him a Horse and an Arrow for a Present and was brought to a Lodging there to expect his answer At length it was given in sealed Letters which he taking much against his will requested the King to send an Embassadour to the Cham and by word to tell him what to answer to his Lord but other answer he could get none and so rewarded with a 〈◊〉 furred with Sables was dismissed without the Present requested by the Cham or any Embassadour Thus the Transilvanian Prince received more harm from the Polonians than from the Turk and 〈◊〉 for by taking away of Moldavia they weakened his strength and opened a way for the 〈◊〉 into his Country yet the Chancellour in his large Letters to the Pope alledged much for excuse of themselves with which however the Pope was contented yet it nothing pleased the Emperor and much less the Prince In the beginning of Novemb. Leucovits Governour of Carolstat the second time surprized Wihitz in the Frontiers of Croatia but not being able to take the Castle took the spoil of the City and setting it on fire departed Maximilian also attempted Zolnoc and the Christians at Strigonium and Plindenburg did with continual inroads 〈◊〉 the Turks at Buda all the latter end of this year and the beginning of the next and the Turks in Braila in Valachia fearing after the flight of 〈◊〉 to be besieged by Michael forsook the City passing over the River Danubius in such haste that 300 perished Sinan was ere long sent for to Constantinople but the old Fox knowing the fierce nature of the Sultan and warned by Ferat 〈◊〉 delay till he was the third time sent for The mean while he so wrought by his mighty friends in Court and rich rewards that he was honourably received at Court as the chiefest Bassa and being offered to be discharged of the wars as one above 80 years old he said He was born and brought
Basta and they with the loss of many lives forced to get them further from the walls Wherefore they for fear by night arose departing by another way than they came doing great harm as they went The free Haiducks of Valachia also living most upon prey by Bridges passing over Danubius overthrew the Bassa of Natolia's great power with a great slaughter and loss of his Brother then over-running the Country they did exceeding harm and took the Bassa's son prisoner Thus passed the Winter with many light skirmishes and incursions in divers parts of Hungary Maximilian the mean while comming from Prague to Vienna found in his Camp but 24000 Foot and 10000 Horse ready against next Spring divers German Princes sending this year 1599. no ayd at all by reason of troubles with the Spaniards in the lower side of Germany which made him the more to dread the Enemies comming but about this time the great Duke of Muscovy requested leave of the Polonian for 40000 Horse to pass thorow his Country to ayd the Emperour against the Turk which he would in no case grant as dangerous to his State Wherefore the Muscovite offended sent other Embassadours to the Emperour by Sea who in an English ship in Nicolas Port sayled about Sweden Norway and Denmark and after long trouble arrived at Stoad and from thence travelling by Land to Hamborough Lubeck and Maidenborough came to the Emperour then at Plissena for the plague was hot at Prague Who having delivered their Presents and Letters of Credence had audience and were most honourably used yet the Polonian suffered the Turks Embassadour calling himself Gabriel a Jew to pass thorow his Country to the Emperour to entreat of peace which Gabriel comming to Prague and having no Letters of Credence to shew for he said They were taken from him upon the way by the Polonian Cossacks and some of his retinue slain was taken for a Spy and sent to Vienna where at first he was well used in an Inne but the night following the Martial clapt him fast in prison with as many Irons as he could bear and all his followers with gyves on their leggs were compelled to work daily in the Town-ditch About this time Sigismund of Transilvanian gave a most manifest token of an unconstant Nature to the great wonder of the World for he having again taken upon him the Government and withall requested himself and the Transilvanians to be discharged of their Oath of Loyalty to the Emperour and Veradinum with the adjacent Country to be restored unto him and the Emperour pausing thereupon did now doubting of his ability to keep that Country in the beginning of 1599. by his Embassadours request the Emperour to have the first Agreements again renewed and a Principality in Moravia added to the 2 Dukedoms in Silesia with 50000 Duckats yearly out of the Imperiall Chamber and a generall pardon for all the Transilvanians that following him had lately revolted from the Emperour and their antient liberties confirmed All which Conditions being obtained they returned from Prague Apr. 19. But Sigismund in the mean time consulting with some of the Polonian Nobility far differing from the former Agreement and sending for a Turks Chiaus and for his cousin the proud Cardinall out of Borussia met them in a Village towards Polonia accompanied with some of his chiefest States and there in the presence of the Polonians and the Chiaus resigned all Right Title in Transilvania to the Cardinall commanding the States to swear Obedience and Fidelity unto him who shortly after with the Polonian Embassadour sent a special Favourite to Constantinople to desire safe conduct for his Embassadors thither who were both courteously received in the Turks Court and as with a special favour rewarded with right sumptuous Garments and charged that the Cardinall should within 3 months send thither a solemn Embassadour with the accustomed Tribute Thus Transilvania one of the strongest Fortresses of that side of Christendom became again Triburary to the Turk The Turks of Buda not able longer to endure the great Famine had most earnestly requested relief from their Friends in Hungary Who comming near to Buda could not put into it such provision as they had brought the Imperials about a League off diligently attending every motion of the Enemy whence Swartzenburg secretly approachiug by night to one of the gates thought with a Petard to have broken it open but the gate being within strongly fortified he was forced to depart being also discovered from the wall Shortly after the Bassa issuing out with 600 Horse to meet with Victuals coming thither fell into an Ambush of the Haiducks who putting him to flight took him prisoner his Horse falling under him whom his Souldiers seeking to rescue they encreased their former overthrow with the loss of most of those left the Bassa's son and Aga of the Janizaries losing their lives The Bassa being brought to the Camp was with great threats forced to reveal the state of his City with other Turkish designs Whereupon the Haiducks returned towarks Buda 〈◊〉 by all means to stop the comming of Victuals thither hoping at length to gain the City but newes was brought them that the Bassa of Bosna with 3 Zanzacks were comming with 10000 men to oppress them who went to meet them and in a place of good advantage upon their first appearance with great courage charging them brake their Arrays and slew most of them with the Bassa himself yet had not Palsi in time sent in some 〈◊〉 Companies it was doubted the Haiducks had been worsted about 300 being already slain Nevertheless the Tartars held on their way purposing by over-running the Country to have withdrawn the Imperialls from the City but Swartzenburg his Regiment onely going against them so overthrew them that part being slain and part driven into Danubius most of them there perished Basta at that time lay at Cassovia with 18000 men doubting lest the Turk Army which he heard was at hand should come and besiege it In the mean time Ibraim Bassa came to Solnoch with 50000 men 10000 being Janizaries yet hearing that Basta waited his comming at Cassovia he retired back to Belgrade a place of more security expecting a great Fleet to bring Victualls for the Army also for relief of Buda Alba regalis c. with divers battering pieces and other less pieces upon Carriages with other Instruments of Warr all guarded with 5000 Turks up Danubius Whereupon Palsi dispatched a convenient power of good and valiant Souldiers to cut off this Convoy who suddenly assayling them and comming to handy blows cut them in pieces and rifled the ships most whereof were there sunk and took a booty deemed to be worth a million of Gold and 100000 Dollars there found were all divided among the Souldiers This being known at Buda and other Cities greatly terrified them yea Ibraim's Army grew much discontented as disappointed of Victuals and pay besides the Imperials ransacked and destroyed the Villages and
if hereafter any detriment or Warre should be by any made to the Hungarians or thereabout for the said Articles they would with united Forces come to ayd their confederate Brethren and live or die together which being signed and sealed Febr. 1 Illishaschius and Turson were sent to the tumultuous Haiducks who had appointed to send to the Sultan and Tartar Cham to crave their ayd disswading them there-from perswading them to quietness and threatning them to be at once oppressed by the Power of the States if they would not hearken to such honest conditions Matthias returning to Vienna assembled the States of Enseric declaring all that was done at Presburg advising them so carefully to provide for the Common-weale as that having money alwayes in readiness they might go to meet with the Haiducks if they would not conform to the Articles but raise new broils About Spring Jerome Prince of Valachia being dead and leaving a Son but 13 years old the Emperour admitted him under Tutors unto the succession wherefore the Valachians trusting to the Turks help went to choose another Prince but the Widow certifying Polloscie her Son in Law hereof obtaining much money of him and raising 10000 good Souldiers overcame the Valachians and Turks and so preserved that Principality for her Sonne The Duke of Florence having hitherto done the Turks great harm in the Mediterranean Sea the Sultan sent and promised him great matters hereafter to desist but the Duke increasing his Fleet did more harm than before Now though Illishaschius and Turson had delivered to the Haiducks the Articles and commanded them to be quiet yet they living by their Swords could not endure to fall to labour wherefore they about Gimerit wrote to them about Newsoli that since they being divers times certified of the misery of their Neighbours had refused to ayd them yet they should now remember how needful it was mutually to help each other for the Haiducks passing over Teise were run into that Province as far as Budnoc minding to spoil all the Countrey if not speedily encountred and the rather because they lately had 30000 Hungarian Duckats from the Turks whom they owned their Lords with Horses and other gifts for their leaders and daily expected ayd from the numerous Tartars about Belgrade so since the harm the Haiducks did was inexpressible they should inform their Neighbours and with all speed take up Arms against them About the end of March Matthias the arch-Duke proclaimed throughout Austria every man to provide to take up Arms joyning this Reason that he intended himself to go in April into Moravia and there to assemble both Hungarians Austrians and Haiducks for a Warre writing also to the Vassals of Austria that whereas they knew the States of ENSERIC had approved of their Deputies report of what was decreed at PRESBuRG yet some did not onely not rest upon that pacification but gathered an Army in the Borders of Moravia purposing to inroad both into Moravia and Austria wherefore the States of Moravia also were forced to raise an Army and crave help of their Neighbours and therefore the arch-Duke mindful of his promise resolved in person to undertake this expedition that the States also should with their Servants joyn unto him that God in whose name it was to be taken in hand might soon grant unto those Countries wished peace wherefore they were to be warned with what Horse and Foot they could raise at a day to be shortly named to joyn to the arch-Duke and not suffer any thing to let them So that if any thing should happen to their Generall yet to send their Forces under some other seeing he adventured his own life and fortunes and if God saw good accounted it great gain to lose them thereby to benefit his Countrey A little after which time the Cardinall brought the Emperour's answer to Vienna that he did 〈◊〉 all things concluded with the Hungarians and Turks but the Confederation betwixt the States of Hungary and Austria should be void which the Arch Duke protesting he could not like of or suffer April 15th with a great many chief-ones and a good Army set forward with 28 Ordnance expecting his Souldiers levied in all places at Newberg and declaring that none should be harmed by his Army or if any chanced to be done it should be restored and recompensed Hereupon the Nobility of Bohemia began to assemble April 15th whither when the Deputies of the other Countries were come also it was decreed that they should speedily return and provide themselves and Subjects of necessary Arms to defend their Countrey as need required besides the Emperour caused many Horse and Foot to be brought to Prague and April 18 〈◊〉 wrote to some Princes of the Empire and others of Bohemia 〈◊〉 all speed to send him ayd to Prague But Matthias the while marching on with 20000 Horse and Foot April 24 came to Zname in Moravia honourably received by those States comne thither with 400 Horse Thence sending Letters into Bohemia and to Prague he requested them to send Deputies to the Assembly to be at Zaslavia May 4th promising that himself would there give a reason of his actions and what he would do hereafter he also wrote to the Princes of the Empire shewing the cause of this his expedition and sending a Copy of the agreement at Vienna April 25 1606 by the consent of the Arch-Duke requesting them friendlily not to intermeddle in this business but rather by Counsel and ayd to further it But the Emperour sent the Popes Embassador with others laying at Prague and sundry Bohemian Ministers to Matthias still at Zname whom the Cardinall next day followed to make a good peace with him if possible the Emperour the while calling the Councellors of old and new Prague in unwonted manner most courceously received them with his own hand and thanked them for their fidelity hitherto requesting them hereafter so to continue promising them all kindness with the priviledges of shutting of the Gates which they lost in Ferdinana's time and ere long there was a Generall Muster both in Prague and throughout all Bohemia and 300 Musquetiers appointed to keep the Castle under Count Solmes who had Commission to raise other Souldiers also Then was it certainly reported from Constantinople that the Tartar Cham died and the Sultan to have caused his Sonne hitherto detained as a Pledge to be with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 transported over the black Sea to possess his Fathers Kingdom Also that some seditious Turks going to surprize Smyrna and forraging far and near about it came to Magnesia whose 〈◊〉 offered them 10000 Crowns to spare the Countrey thereabouts The Persian also then to do the Turk great harms he Turks and Tartars seeking in vain to withstand him The Electors of Saxonie and Brandenburg coming to Prague part of them May 9th went to Matthias to Zaslavia where he lay with 25000 men who requesting 8 dayes truce of him for making a pacification easily obtained chiefly since
then dismissed his Army This Summer Constantinople and the Countrey round was annoyed with Grashoppers as the year before wherefore in July the Patriarch of Constantinople and Alexandria with other Bishops and Caloires in their Ornaments went forth solemnly at the North Gate whereupon said the Greeks they all perished but abundance were dead before they cursed them and many lived af er their curse continuing till next Summer God causing extraordinary cold dewes to fall they were thought to be the cause of their destruction Gabriel Bator lawfully descended from the Princes of Transilvania making himself the Turks Tributary and mingling Mahomets Religion with the Christian also exceeding in cruelty became a memorable example to Posterity who seeing many factions made against him by the descendents of Botscay Giezy Bethlem Gabor c. supports himself with the Forces of Nage who came to assist him before Cromstad Bator inviting him to dinner in his Tent after dinner the more to demonstrate their friendship they went to take the Air. Nage had drunk much Bator intreated him to run his Horse a Carreere which he refused wherefore Bator spake to him many contemptible words who answered in like manner Bator wondrously offended that one crept up but by degrees of Rebellion should give him such words slew him by 3 blowes with his Battel-Axe on the Head But Bator was annoyed by Decaci Botscayes Kinsman Giezi levies forces to prosecute him and Bethlem Gabor a Transilvanian Noble and assisted by the Turk took many places from him after Giezi had forced him to raisehis siege at Cromstad Transilvania is peopled by Sicules Saxons and Hungarians the Sicules of the Scythians came with Attila the Hunne into Pannonia now Hungary and going toward their Countrey inhabited that of Transilvania next Moldavia building six Towns The Saxons mutinying against the Emperour Charlemain for certain impositions retired thither seizing by force on that part next Valachia building Alba Julia and six other Towns The Hungarians inhabited it from the time of King Stephen and mastering the others their successors have been since called Nobles of Transilvania and the Princes thereof taken from among them they built Varradin and other Towns Most of these three Nations revolted from Bator particularly the Saxons through his great cruelty who thus forsaken and prosecuted and not daring to trust to the Turk who openly favoured Gabor sent Embassadors to the Emperour Matthias promising all obedience and sending him rich and rare Presents he would have Matthias signifie to the Bassa of Buda that this attempt against Transilvania was against the Articles of peace who answered The Sultan was not to be blamed if he seized on that which immediately belonged to him and kept it quiet from others practises but Bator sent also Embassadors to the Sultan with rare and rich Presents who had secret Treaties with the Bassaes which Matthias's Embassador discovering sent him word he entertained a Monster among men About which time Embassadors came from the Saxon Towns of Transilvania much complaining of Bator's cruelty and Tyranny who against his Oath had deprived them of their priviledges and in a manner ruined them that he had sought to root out the ancient Family of the Saxons afflicting them three years in prison onely because he brought a great Estate out of Germany depriving Widows of their Estates and exacting upon others surprizing Hermstad and suffering the Haiducks to spoil it and commit all insolencies expelling the Magistrate banishing honest Citizens ravishing Women slaying Parents to deprive Children of their Inheritance sending 300 Captives to the Sultan for a Present cutting many in small pieces throwing down some from high places hanging up some by the feet drawing others in pieces with Horses and Trees and practising all barbarous cruelties having expelled Religious Princes out of Moldavia and Valachia he had subjected them to the Turk that he might waste all with fire and sword and having freed Gaudin he chose 20 of its chief Inhabitants and giving them Pikes forced them to kill each other in the Market-place But Bethlem Gabor joyning with Serder Bassa they enter Transilvania force Lugatsi take Deve and terrifie the whole Conntrey Ogli Bassa also comes and lodgeth in the Suburbs of Cromstad and thence went and encamped over all Barsac Bator attended the Emperours succours under the Palatine of Hungary and Forgatsi but they could not resist the Turk wherefore he wrote to Trinau for levying of Souldiers but none through hatred would march under his Ensignes whereupon he tells his most familiar friends he holds it needful to purchase peace with Serder at any price but they answered they had rather die than advise him to it he wanted money his Subjects yea his Souldiers hated him so at last he fell into despair intreating one of his servants to kill him but he refused it but within few dayes after going in an open Chariot to view where his Troops were lodged onely with two Gentlemen 50 of his Souldiers in ambush shot and slew him hurting his accompaniers This hapned in 1613. Few dayes after Bethlem Gabor was declared Prince of Transilvania by Serder who thus advertised him Bator shall serve for an example to bad Princes I think thou wilt not follow his steps beware thou do nothing without my Masters privity maintain peace with thy Neighbours and make men of experience and honesty of thy Counsel The desire of peace and fear of the Turks Army drew 〈◊〉 the Towns in Transilvania to swear fidelity to Gabor Let us now end the remainder of 1612. Nassuff the Visier Bassa brings the Persian Embassador to conclude the aforesaid peace they with the Army arrived at Scudaret whither most of the Bassaes crossed over to salute him and then returned but Nassuf stayed there two dayes and on the third passing over to Constantinople with 234 Mules loaden with gold and silver for the Sultan where he was very honourably entertained at the water side The Visier passing by the Sultans Window bowed very low unto him from whom he had a nod and so rode away fast as the Turks use when they salute a greater than themselves to run or ride away a pace Being come to the Seraill he went in to kisse the Sultans hand staying an hour the other Bassaes attending without The Emperours French English Polonian Dutch and Venetian Embassadors were present at this dayes pomp Nassuf with Hat off saluting the Emperours but not the rest the Persian being still at Scudaret The same day Tomsho sent many Polonians to Constantinople whom he took in Warres who though they threw down their Caps and offered to turn Turks were put to death Few dayes after 〈◊〉 the Visier sitting in the Divan had three Robes sent him from the G. Seignior Achmat to let the Persian see the magnificence of his Court went out under pretence to go to take the air at his Countrey Pallace of Darut Bassa whereupon the wayes from thence to the City being four English miles were covered
of the Treasurers 〈◊〉 he returns towards Greece conferring with his Mother then with his Eunuch of his affaires the Eunuch is sent to Constantinople to the Visier Dervis who was then discontented with Achmat whom he findes disposed to entertain the offers of Jacaia they sweare to kill Achmat and settle Jacaia in the Throne who goes to Constantinople disguised but being ready to execute their enterprise they say the Dervis died hereupon Jacaia fled towards the black Sea and then wandred into Valachia and Moldavia following a Polonian Embassador on Foot till he came to Cracovia where a Turks Chiaus knowing him desired that King to stay him assuring him thereby strictly to oblige the affections of Achmat whose unjust demand he refused then the Chiaus gets some Tartarians of the Kings Guard for money to promise to murder him but a Flemish embroiderer gave him notice and let him hide himself in his Lodging after which he went to Prague Rodulph the Emperour being then alive who furnished him with all necessaries he was there a year and in that time acknowledged by many Turks to be Achmat's Brother but he finding nothing but good wishes and fair words at Prague certain Saxons his friends advised him to passe to Florence to Duke Ferdinand from whose Embassador he takes his directions but entring Italy he heares Ferdinand was dead yet Cosmo his successor honourably entertains him at Florence lodging him in St. JOHNS Fort and supplying him with all Commodities Cosmo also gave him the Title of Excellency Horses and Caroches and Company for hunting Ere long the great Duke sent him with his armed Galleys into the Levant under Beauregard where Jacaia conferred with Nassuf then chief Rebel in Asia who offers him men arms and money if he would march towards 〈◊〉 but Beauregard had no Commission to leave him in Nassuf's hands so he carried him back to 〈◊〉 While Jacaia was aboard the great Duke sent into many parts of the Levant carefully to be informed of what he had delivered who all brought back certain proofs of the truth thereof wherefore he wrote to the King of Spain informing him of his quality that contributing succours they might undertake some happy enterprise against the Turk He commanded the Viceroy of Naples to give him suitable reception Jacaia went towards Naples but having newes from thence he stayed at Averso where he was honourably received by the Governour The Viceroy visiting him gave him the right hand and Title of Excellency but the Council of Spain delaying too long the succours expected he 〈◊〉 to Millane and thence disguised passed into the Levant to sound mens good wills but prevailing as little as before he went to Rome to kisse the Popes feet Cardinall Bellarmine received him as the Viceroy of Naples did the Pope assuring him of affection and succours but it was needful that secular Princes should make the first warlike overture Since he was at Paris under the protection of the Duke of Nevers and assisted by his Counsel and had not civil combustions directed his Armies there had been seen some success of the affaires he treated in Lorain Germany c. Yet some affirm and those that have conversed in the East that Mahomet had but three Sonnes Mustapha Achmat and Osman however it was hard to discover in Jacaia's carriage any signes of an imposture Stephano or 〈◊〉 Vayuod of Moldavia as he held it by usurpation so he governed it with all cruelty and inhumanity like that Tyrant who said openly He respected not the love of his Subjects so they feared him At first 〈◊〉 plotted how to root 〈◊〉 all the Noblemen called 〈◊〉 with all others of credit and authority both because they supported 〈◊〉 and for the jealousie he had of them First he impaled Lord 〈◊〉 the Princess Widow her Brother with two other chief Nobles and soon after he beheaded 75 Boyers not pardoning one for all the great instance of their Kinsfolks charging them with conspiracy against his person without any proof but these cruelties the more incensed the Boyers many of whom took up Arms and had then been revenged and freed their Countrey if 〈◊〉 had not conjured those of Yas by promising them immunities of all Subsidies to second him wherefore they fought valiantly against the Boyers who came to assault Yas so after some light skirmish in their retreat many were taken whom the Tyrant slew or impaled for terrors sake Those that escaped now resolved to have recourse to the Princess Widow to Jeremie who had fled into Poland when she heard of the taking of her Sonne Constantine who understanding from the Boyers that they desired Prince Alexander in the Tyrant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 She also desiring Command under her Sonne then but 16 years old they both imparted the design to Visinoviskie her Sonne in Law and Coreskie who at that time married her youngest Daughter which 〈◊〉 willingly offered to go with Alexander into Moldavia and take the care of his Army so within lesse than 2 months collecting 10 or 12000 Horse and Foot Polonians Cossacks and Transilvanians Stephane also gathered together almost 20000 Moldavians Tartars and Valachians whom he kept about Yas to attend the Princes coming Alexander advancing within two Leagues of Caminithe in Podolia was much 〈◊〉 to passe Niestre there being a strong Garrison of Moldavians in a Fort to defend the Rivers passage but the Captain of the Fort much discontented at Stephanoes cruelties voluntarily offering his service to Alexander delivered him the Fort so that passing easily into Moldavia he for joy discharged many vollies of his Ordnance which made Stephano distrust the Moldavians affections and feel a pricking in his Conscience Alexander making some stay there in 1615 advanced and coming within half a dayes journey of Yas sent out 800 chosen Cossacks to discover his Enemies Army who soon encountered with 1500 Tartars sent out by Stephano whom the Cossacks finding disordered so charged them as defeating many they routed the rest Then they brought back word that Stephano's Army might be about fifteen thousand yet such as were not trained up to Arms drawn thereto rather by constraint than free will Alexander's Army was greatly encouraged and also much incensed against Stephano for Letters he wrote to their Prince full of threats as if they had been already at his mercy on which day came Deputies to Alexander Stephano not knowing it to know his design and intreat him to take pitty upon Moldavia who answered he intended not to oppress it but free it from Stephano's tyranny being invited by many Boyers assuring him 't was the common desire of the Moldavians and if he prevailed as by their assistance he was certain to do he would rule them as mildly as his Father 〈◊〉 had done they being well satisfied and publishing his answer in divers places many came and joyned with his Army who in October advancing made a stand in a Champian where were two Springs calling a Councel of Warre and the while
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
Christian Religion to be freely preached in his Dominions and the converts to be baptized c. Edward what he might disswaded them from it saying They were enemies to the Crosse of Christ c. But the Peace concluded they said they might not break and so hoysing sail they returned toward Sicily with purpose next Spring to go into Syria But being come nigh the Isle Drepanum most of the great ones went on Land in boats for the ships being most of great burthen they could not put in to the harbour As they lay at Anchor some were eaten up some perished by falling foul of each other others beaten to pieces by a violent tempest above a 120 sail perished with all the people c. only Prince Edward's 13 ships escaped free without any losse The Plague followed them at Land Theobald of Navarre and his Wife dying Lewis his daughter the French Queen with a number of others so that Philip the French King discouraged returned into France as did the rest into their own Countrey Onely Edward at Spring set forward to Ptolemais from Sicily where after a moneths rest marching with 6 or 7000 into the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nazareth putting all to the sword and returned killing afterward and putting to flight his enemies following and hoping for advantage And about Mid-summer killed above 1000 Saracens dispersed the rest making head at Cackhow about 40 miles off Aided by the Cyprians he with like successe made a 3d expedition that for his fame they not a little dreaded him But the Admiral of Joppa one of the Mahometan Assassins 〈◊〉 it meritorious to kill any great enemy of their 〈◊〉 feigning a desire to become Christian had sundry times secret intelligence with the Prince Who being searched had accesse to him lying through hear on his bed bare-headed and pulling out pleasing letters from his Lord which he read but the company voided as he farther questioned with him he suddenly pluckt out an envenomed knife secretly hidden to strike him into the 〈◊〉 the Prince lifting up his arm was grievously wounded therein but as he went to double the stroak he felled him to the ground with his foot and wresting the knife out of his hand and hurt in the forehead he presently slew the murtherer The servants running in one beat out the dead man's brains with a stool to the Princes displeasure The wound in his arm began to mortifie after certain daies dressing that the Surgions began to look heavily yet cutting out all the dead and poysoned flesh they perfectly cured him in 15 daies after The Sultan sent calling his Prophet to 〈◊〉 it was not done by his consent whose Embassadours were not suffered to come nigh him So no expected aid comming in 18 moneths he returned homeward travelling from Apulia to Rome and by France arrived in England where Henry a little before dead he was Crowned in 1272 Gregory 10th knowing the Christians hard state in Syria being lately there with Edward ratified the election of Rodulph of Hapspurge to the Empire upon promise of giving them relief offering the Emperour also 200000 crowns with all tenths for 6 years many blessings being by the Preachers in his name promised to all taking on them the holy war Whereupon he and shortly the Duke of Lorrain and others took on them the Crosse yet busied in other wars and delaying so long and dangerous a journey the threatning Pope died and nothing was done At length the Emperour at some good leasure sent Henry Prince of Meckelburg 〈◊〉 a strong power to perform what he had 〈◊〉 who from Ptolemais destroyed all with fire and 〈◊〉 about Damasco carrying away rich booties till circumvented by the Mamalukes he at Caire remained 26 years in prison till a runagate German being Sultan demanded of him If it would not do him good to celebrate the Nativity of his Christ in Germany the time being at hand I know said he thou respectest that more than liberty Truth said Henry for liberty would avail me nothing if Christ by his Incarnation had not taken away our Captivity therefore I wish I could perswade thee how much all owe to the remembrance thereof God forbid said the Sultan for when I was thy Fathers chief Engineer at Knesefenick I was of the Christian perswasion but leaving that Errour I have also changed my fortune but wouldst thou gladly be free and return home to thy friends Nature craveth it said he though fortune which yet dependeth of thy pleasure gainsayeth I must take thy denial in good part assuring my self that my Wife and beloved Sons have long since ended their mourning Thou art 〈◊〉 said the Sultan c. I owe much to thy Father's remembrance and therefore give thee thy liberty furnishing him with necessaries He departed with one Martin his servant with him all his Captivity and came to Ptolemais and in the way to Cyprus was as a fugitive taken by sea and brought to the Sultan who set him again at liberty and transporting him to Cyprus where as some say furnished with all things fit he came to 〈◊〉 travelling by Land into his Countrey and at last being known by his own Children and friends was joyfully received as their Father and as the Prince of his Subjects shortly after dying Thus it appeareth what notable expeditions the Princes of the West undertook again Christ's enemies and for relief of the 〈◊〉 Christians in Syria and Palestine Divers of them had glorious success some answered not with like event c. Yet even in more zealous times the Christian Princes not feeling those harms so far off and more regarding their hereditary quarrels could not be moved to reach their helping hands unto their brethren crying out for aid The Germans were jarring about their Emperor's choice The French agreed not with the English nor the Low-countreymen nor the English with the Scots the Arragonians at odds with the French and in Italy many deadly factions Of which Melcohsares Aegyptian Sultan understanding purposed to root out all the Christians in Syria and Palestine and joyn them to his own Kingdom but sudden death hindred his great designs Alphix succeeding him entring Syria besieged Tripolis and undermining it put all Christians to the sword but those that by speedy flight escaped and raced it to the ground this was April 9. 1289. Then he took and garrisoned the Castle of Nelesine to hinder them from building it again Likewise sacking and racing Sidon and Berytus after three months siege Tyre was yielded to him on condition of departing with bag and baggage He took as without resistance all strong holds in Syria and Palestine except Ptolemais the Christians Sanctuary defended by the Knights and Templers with whom he voluntarily made a Peace for 5 years The Christians as it were faintly breathing by the late Peace the 2 Grand Masters passed as Embassadours to Pope Nicholas for his fatherly aid who solicited the Princes especially Rodolph the Emperour for their relief who busied with
affairs and troubles gave good words but no help Some getting mony of their Subjects under that colour employed it to other uses the Pope entertained 1500 of his own charge to whom many voluntiers joyned who from Brundusium with 2 Masters arrived at Ptolemais in which were 50000 able men and about 40000 weaker among whom divers murders felonies c. were committed unregarded saving by the injured For all the chief Commanders were then at variance every one laying claim to the vain title of the Kingdom of Jerusalem Neither strove they lesse for the Government of the City The Popes Legat the Patriarch Templers and Hospitallers French and English King by their Messengers them of Pisa the Venetians the Germans and Florentines pretended a right to and endeavoured for the Government of the City But the greatest part were inclined to the Armenians and Tartars as most like to stand them in stead most of these deciding controversies in their own Laws and Courts where by the offenders removing their Suits as best served their turns every one might almost do what he list Thus were murders and many outrages c. done to the hastening Cod's wrath and grief of all good men The Souldiers of late sent thither were enforced for want of promised pay to take spoil in the Sultans frontiers contrary to the League the Sultan desiring restitution and the offenders to be delivered to him But in a dying Commonweale the Embassadours were not courteously heard Wherewith the the Sultan provoked sent Araphus with 150000 men to besiege the City who by a Mine had soon overthrown a piece of the Wall but was glad to retire from the breach Alphix now died at 〈◊〉 the Mamalukes choosing 〈◊〉 for their Sultan who was so far from raysing his siege that he more straitly beset it than in the 3 moneths before Peter Master of the Templers was chosen Governour of the City of great valour and experience unto whom and the Nobles the Sultan offered great things so they would now yield the City which offer he rejected telling him He learned not of his Ancestors to sell a City to Infidels bought with so much Christian blood c. Wherewith he enraged next day so furiously assaulted it as if he would have carried it yet having lost a number of men in assault and a sally he was forced to retire into his trenches again The Governour among other Christians lost was wounded with a poysoned dart dying 3 days after with whom the defendants courage fainted also Their weak and aged were sent away to Cyprus at first of the siege but now 〈◊〉 Captains c. discouraged conveighed themselves away a great number of whom were upon Cyprus coast with the Patriarch drowned 12000 remained for defence of the City who some report fled after leaving it to the enemy others that they valiantly defended it till most being slain or wounded the rest being driven to the Market-place defended themselves a while and fleeing to the ships were all cut off or drowned But however the Sultan giving the spoil to his Souldiers burned it to the ground and digging up all foundations left no sign of any City but purging it of rubbidge made it fit to low Corn in which he did to other Towns by the Sea coast that they should give the Christians no more footing there Thus was their name utterly rooted out of Syria and Palestine in 1291 about 192 years after the winning of Jerusalem Which losse as tending to a general disgrace not a little moved the greatest Christian Princes yet troubled with their affairs at home and neighbour Princes none stirred for redress Only Cassanes the great Tartar at the request of the Armenian Kings daughter his Wife a Christian and his Father in Law took it in hand and with 200000 fighting men the Armenians and Georgians overthrew 〈◊〉 the Aegyptian Lievtenant not far from Hama in Syria 40000 Aegyptians being reported to be flain sending Molais to secure him who chased him over the desart sands into Aegypt Then he took Hama dividing the 〈◊〉 treasures and the spoil among his Souldiers reserving but a Sword and a Casket of secret Letters to himself He took most Cities in Syria with Jerusalem repairing many places giving it to the Christian Armenians c. repairing thither to inhabit and returning Damasco was delivered to him But purposing to destroy Aegypts Kingdom he was certifyed of troubles in Persia and other parts wherefore he returned with most of his Army thither leaving Capcacus Governour of Damasco who had revolted to him from the Sultan and Molais of 〈◊〉 commanding them to re-edifie Tyre and to send to the Christian Princes to joyn with them for holding those Countries Tyre was repaired and garrisoned but the Embassadours coming to proud Pope Boniface 8th could obtain nought of him For he then by excommunication and discharging the Subjects loyalty to Philip of France had given his Kingdom to Albert Duke of Austria declaring him Emperor whereof great troubles arose And being also of the Guelphes faction was careful to extinguish the Guebellines especially the Family of the Columnii some of whom he had slain deprived imprisoned and exiled hereby not at leasure to further the Christians good but being suddenly taken prisoner at his Fathers house in Anagnia by Sara Columnius sent by the French King and Longarett a French Knight he was brought into St. Angelo Castle in Rome and in 35 daies died renting himself some report with his teeth and devouring his fingers for madness Cassanes was of a very short stature and hard-favour but the valour and vertue of his mind recompenced the want of his feature After whose departure Capcaeus considering no aid was to be expected from the Christian Princes revolted a new from the Tartar drawing Damasco and most of Syria after him Molais was about to go against him but Capcacus having compacted with the Aegyptian Sultan also as too weak he retired with his Tartars into 〈◊〉 exspecting supplies from Cassanes and the King of Armenia The Sultan the mean while took Jerusalem forsaken of the Inhabitants sparing only Christs Sepulchre at the suit of the religious Then he won all lesse Towns and raced all Castles and forts of the Hospitallers and Templers who of themselves held out almost a year most being slain the rest abjuring Syria for ever by Oath had leave to depart with bag and baggage who for 300 years had worthily defended the Christians and their Religion against the Infidels and now for ever 〈◊〉 out about 1300. Wherefore leaving Syria and the holy Land though 't were likely enough to be recovered again had not Cassanes died and the Tartars domestick troubles 〈◊〉 We will return to the Turks troubles in lesser Asia not thinking it good to break off abruptly but to make the reader partaker of its heaviness Mescot and Ceicubades kept in awe by the Tartar died as they lived almost buried in obscurity Mescot died without issue but Ceicubades left his
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
spoyling him of his house and wealth and converting it and the adjoyning Vineyards to a feeding place for sheep and goats The Prince was shortly Crowned as fellow in the Empire unto which the old Emperour tiding was by his horses stumbling foulely bemired in the Streets which many took as portending ill Fortune During this peace 70 Turks were driven on shoare at Chersonesus the Prince hunting there who before they would yield slew divers of his men himself long after being tormented by a wound there in the foot Who not long so contenred longed for the whole Goverment and weary to see his Grand father live so long resolved to thrust him out of Government or to dispatch him of life and State together And by his Mothers counsel sent for Michael Prince of Bulgaria his wife and his Sister to Dydimethicum in colour of a desire to see them as before to him unknown But the secret conclusion was that the Bulgarian should aid the young Emperour against his Grand-father and he him against the Servian as need should be and if he recovered the whole Empire then to give him a great sum of money with confining places So Michael loaded with rewards and promises returned home The young Emperour encouraged and knowing the Constantinopolitans and other Thracian Cities to favour him thought best to depose his Grand-father with as little stir as might be But needing money he took all from the Collectors in Thracia telling them he was an Emperour also and that the common charge was by the common purse to be discharged Then he took his way with a great power towards Constantinople pretending he was there to take order for a ship to transport Embassadours to the Sultan of Aegypt having thrust the suspected out of Office in Thracia placing in others But one most inward with him secretly fled to his Grandfather discovering all the intended treacherie c. advising him to keep him out of the City for fear of a general revolt which the Emperour comparing other reports deeming to be true complained in the anguish of his soul Revenge my quarrel O God! c. and preserve me in the imperial power which he comes to take whom I begat and advanced Then first he sent to his Nephew forbidding him entring the City and that 〈◊〉 was great folly for him to think his traiterous purposes were unknown rehearsing unto him how many occasions he had given for breaking the league with his Grand-father After that he craved aid of Crales Prince of Servia and the Despot his Son Governour of Thessalonica c. commanding him speedily with all his forces and his Nephews of Macedouia to joyn with them of Servia against the young Emperour But these Letters written in Paper were intercepted on the Straits of Christopolis and other passages yet others in fine linnen secretly sowed escaped and were delivered Nothing was done but the young Emperour for all inclined unto him was advertised thereof but he understood not what his Nephew did or intended Theodore his own son among others who honourably married in Italy and by prodigality far in debt whose debts very great he paid c. living now at Constantinople went about to betray his own Father For he especially being become a Latine in Religion and manners being rejected thought he could not do him greater despight than by revolting Demetrius the Despot calling to him his Nephews Governours of Macedonia and joyning with them spoiled the young Emperour's friends there confiscating the estates and exiling all with-standers Young Andronicus was not Idle but secretly sent out edicts into all parts proclaiming releasement from all tributes and payments promising in the Souldiers the augmenting their pay c. which bruited most were moved inviting him secretly to hasten into the City who by Embassadours srom Rhegium requested leave of the Emperour to come in or to send him some of the chief and better sort to whom he might speak his mind Which requests being both dangerous he chose the easier sending forth two Noble Senatours two Bishops and two other Prelates and four chief Burgesses of the City to whom he openlydelivered this crafty speech It is not unknown that 〈◊〉 my Subjects have been more dear to me then I to my self Let any tell me how I came by these wounds but in fight with the enemies of my Country For I strucken with a piercing grief seeing the poor Christians some barbaronsly slain some carried into Captivity the rest driven out of Houses and Cities the old Emperour through great years being become slothful went out either by some honourable death to end my self or to stand my Country in some stead For he that hath long reigned wordly things 〈◊〉 in change must at length be loathsome to his sub jects c. My Grand-father having reigned so long is become hateful yet not regarding to discharge himself of such a burthen 〈◊〉 to relieve the declining Empire nor grieving to see its successours die before him for my Father is dead and happily I may die before I receive any profit thereof I neither flatly deny nor altogether confesse my ambition in departing from my Grand father for might I see the Empire increase c. I could willingly content my self But seeing the Empire decline 〈◊〉 ill to worse c. What deem ye me to think For most ease their present grief with future hope but to me is not left such vain hope At length I requested but 1000 men at armes to preserve the Citties of Bithynia which he denied me taking me ever since for his enemy I have another request for 8000 Duckats to content my Souldiers which granted I will dismisse my forces holding my self contented Then discoursing with them apart with great hopes he sent them away who proclayming his praises in the City more enflamed the people than before Wherewith the old Emperour was exceedingly vexed fearing to be slain in some sudden concourse Yet he thought best to hear the Patriarchs and Bishops counsel to whom he declared That if he were sure after deposing himself to see his people well Governed and himself live in safty he should much preferre a quiet life before an Empire But how can I safely commit to my Nephew so great a charge who giving his power to unskilful men and flinging away his possessions among them liveth himself in penury regarding nothing more than his dogs and kites I will never willingly cast away my subjects and my self I have loved him more than my self purposing to leave him heir and successour of my wisdome and Empire But he contemning my good counsel hath lifted up his hand against a Grandfather so well deserving Wherefore 〈◊〉 ought to censure him unworthy of the Empire and communion of the faithful that so as ashamed he may lovingly return c. The conclusion of his former speech is feigned and crafty not agreeing with the reproaches given me in all that speech c. Upon this most of them agreed he
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
and turn to the enemy I account it shameful cowardise and treachery Solyman marvelled at the courage of the old Prince in such extremity Sent him into the City with his own guard till come into his Pallace every Knight atttending him having a rich Garment in token of his favour and few dayes after coming into the City he went to visit Villerius busie in packing up his things who falling on his knees to worship Solyman he would not suffer him but putting aside his Vail of Majesty a reverence given only to God and Mahomet took him up saluting him by the name of Father to whom the great Master spake Since the fatal Destinies would needs overthrow the Rhodian State he was glad he was the man before all other c. the least of whose prayses that should not be that he vanquished the Rhodes and shewed mercy Wherefore he doubted not but he would keep the Conventions of peace inviolate which his Clemency perswaded him to grant and their necessity forced them to take saying He should be an Example of the Turkish Emperour's Clemency and Vertue more than if he had at first yielded Solyman answered by his Interpreter It was a great pleasure to him that God had at any time put it into his mind to chuse Peace before War which if he had liked from the beginning he had now received more good from him than hurt which that he did not for hatred but desire of Soveraignty he might gather because he suffered them to depart at liberty with all their substance for he warred not to heap up wealth but for Honour Fame and an enlagement of his Empire c. But it was commonly bruited he had ordered a Ship and Galleys to transport the Master Knights to Constantinople but if he had so purposed who should have let him Joulus reports he heard Lilladamus say that when Solyman entred Rhodes with 30000 men there was not any man heard to speak a word and when he came to ask Solyman leave to depart he turning to Abraham Bassa said Truly I cannot but grieve to see this unfortunate old man driven out of his dwelling to depart so heavily Lilladamus embarquing himself with his Knights and such as were willing to depart departed on New-years-day at night landing after long and dangerous travels at Messana in Sicily thence he went to Rome where he was honourably received by Pope Adrian 6 a Hollander who if he had been so forward to relieve the Rhodes as to maintain Charls his quarrel against the French King its like it had been relieved Thus Solyman while Christian Princes were at discord entred the Rhodes Decemb. 25. 1522. after 214 years valiant defence against the Turks from whom the Knights took it in 1308. It was 6 moneths besieged by Solyman who lost a great part of his Army 30000 dying of the flux besides those slain Alis Beg who betrayed his Uncle Aladeules being made chief Governour by Selimus as aforesaid Solyman jealous of his honour all Aladeules children being dead especially if they should joyn in friendship with the Persian sent Ferhates Bassa with a great Army to take him out of the way who marching along the confines of his Country as if but to look to those marches of the Empire whereof he was Governour faigning himself very sick sent to Alis requesting him to come to him at the point of death to whom he had things of importance from Solyman to impart and would leave with him his charge if he died till Solyman should dispose thereof Alis alwayes faithful and mistrusting no harm came to him with his four sons whom with their Father he presently put to death and reducing that Country into a Province under Solyman came to him with 20000 men about the time of the yielding of Rhodes where all things being disposed of Solyman returning to Constantinople brake up his Army and for 3 years after followed his pleasure in which time and many years after Italy was miserably afflicted and rent by Charls the 5th Emperour and Francis the French King This envying of his glory and Charls seeking to make himself Lord of all Italy most of other Christian Princes and States being drawn into fellowship of the War Whereupon Solyman thought it now a fit time to set foot into Hungaria Belgrade being already taken for he knew Lewis that King was but young unacquainted with War rather over-ruled by his Subjects than commanding them hoping also that other Christian Princes near him either regarding their own estate would not or being by League bound to him could not greatly ayd him So setting forward from Constantinople he was come so far as Sophia with 200000 men before the Hungarians so blind and secure was that State knew of his coming The young King was wondrously dismaied at this fame yet he sent to his neighbour Princes with all speed requesting their aid but in vain He the while summoned the Assembly of his Councel for the Wars Thither his stipendary Prelares bound to appear came with ill-appointed Horsmen the Troops not half full delivering in far lass 〈◊〉 of money than they ought And the Nobility as fresh-water Souldiers never seeing the Turk in his strength vaunted That though they were but few they would easily overthrow their great numbers if they came to handy-stroaks but above all Tomoreus Arch Bishop of Colossa who had been in som light skir-mishes with the Turks so did confidently brag of the Victory that in his Sermons to the Souldiers and talk with the Nobility he seemed himself sufficient to vanquish the Turks Army but a general muster being taken there was scarce 25000 Horse and Foot So the fool hardinesse of Tomoreus and others was of most wise men disliked the old Souldiers saying 'T was meer madness to give Battel with such a handful of men Wherefore amongst others Verbetius a noble Captain counselled that King 〈◊〉 should be kept out of danger in the strong Castle of Buda but the unruly Souldiers said unless the King led them they would not fight Of which opinion was Tomoreus perswading them speedily to give the enemy Battel * c. The King ruled by this unlucky Counsel set forward with his Army came to Mohatchor Mugace a Village not far from Danubius the mid way between Buda and Belgrade Balybeus with 20000 Turks fore-runners was at hand and then the Hungarians consulted whither 〈◊〉 to encamp along Danubius within their waggons to expect Sepussius Uayuod of Transilvanias's coming with his Horsmen or to march forward and give Battel But Tomoreus knowing upon Sepusius his coming he was to give place would not hear of delay and by his frantick perswasions drew the young King into most apparant danger for Balybeus making 4 Battels skirmished with the Kings Army without ceasing day or night keeping them in so straight that none could water his Horse at Danubius without danger or once stir forth but must dig Water pits where they lay so that Tomoreus
him before he could get thither so hardly pressing him that he must needs turn about and fight or suffer his men to be slain like beasts wherein though he nor his failed to do their utmost yet such was the Valour of the other that in a great fight disordering his Foot they put them to flight and cut them all in pieces Whereupon the Prince fled betime with his Horsmen to the uttermost Confines of Transilvania having lost 10000 Souldiers Hereupon Claudiopolis with divers other Cities and Towns returned again to the Emperours Obeysance The Vayuod to satisfie his long hatred against the Transilvanians utterly wasted all places whereby he passed which Basta not liking requested him to use his Victory with more modesty especially toward such places as voluntarily returned to the Emperour's Obeysance who answered He would do what he thought good without his appointment or the Emperour 's either chiefly in that which he had now twice Conquered wherefore Basta might command them that were to be commanded by him for he acknowledged no Soveraignty of Basta or the Emperour over hims Unto which presumptuous speech Basta replyed not but from that time better observing his proceedings perceived he had Intelligence with the Turks that by chasing the Imperials out of Transilvania he might hold it to himself as Tributary to the Sultan best able to defend him The truth whereof he certainly understood by Letters of his to that purpose intercepted by his Souldiers Whereupon he became very pensive for the great power of the Vayuod in those Countries and also for the great strength he had even then present about him So consulting with certain of his chief Commanders what were best to be done in so dangerous a case A Walloon Captain offered to go into the Vayuods Camp and in his own Tent to kill him as a Traitor so he going with some 60 men boldly stept into his Tent willing him to yield himself the Emperours prisoner who being about to lay his hand upon his Scimitar the Walloon with an Holberd thrust him into the breast at which instant another with a Sword at one blow cleft his Head down to his shoulders Presently upon his death a great tumult was raised in his Camp but Basta forthwith appearing with all his Souldiers and producing the treasonable Letters all was again appeased but especially for that his souldiers now saw themselves without a Head and too weak also for the Imperials there present in Arms. In the Vayuods Tent were also other Letters found so plainly declaring the same treason that the Walachians who were at first wonde rously moved hearing them read said he was worthily slain and had they known any such traiterous purpose by him they would themselves have taken of him deserved punishment Basta offered his Souldiers either to depart wither they would or taking an Oath of obedience to the Emperour to enter into his pay His dead body was laid out a whole day for the Souldiers to gaze upon and afterwards buried Basta now what by force what by agreement soon took in most of that Countrey nevertheless for all that he had done for the assurance thereof unto the Emperour being so much as most men thought sufficient even in the winding up of this year 1601 the Transilvanians understanding that Sigismund with a great Army of Polonians Turks and Tartars was coming against the Imperialls most part of them took up Arms in his behalf saying Their first Oath voluntarily given to him as their natural Prince was more to be respected than any other afterwards by force extorted from them by a forraign Prince So that Basta withdrew himself with his followers unto a strong Town in a corner of Transilvania whence with all speed he sent to the Emperour for greater ayd After whose departure Sigismund entring without resistance was of the people in generall joyfully received and all the honour done unto him that was by them possible In the mean time the Bassa of Agria going out with 10000 Turks in hope to have surprized Toccay in upper Hungary was encountred by Gonzaga the Lievtenant there overthrown and with great slaughter chased to the Gates of Agria The Scrivano also in Caramania and Natolia came now again this year with a greater power into the field to meet with Mahomet Bassa who with 50000 good Souldiers was ready to encounter him a great part of whose Army the Scrivano cut asunder in a great fight and becoming Master of the Field forraged all the adjoyning Countries almost to Aleppo still calling the people to liberty and proclaiming himself the true defendor of the Mahometan faith and of the liberty of those combined Countries so that the great Turk must now send another great Army to ayd the Bassa with whom the Scrivano joyning Battel and overcharged with multitude was at first put to the worst but having repaired his disordered Battel he with a great slaughter disordered also the Bassa's Army so contenting himself with what he had already done he retired with his Army into the strength of the Mountains to live that winter upon the spoil of the adjoyning Countries Besides all which troubles the Plague also this year soar raged both in Constantinople and many places of the Turkish Empire when also the Janizaries at Constantinople having received some disgrace by some of the Sultans favourites caused their Aga well accompanied to enter into the Seraglio to require their heads whom Mahomet caused for his presumption to be cut in pieces in the midst of the Spahi yet not without the great slaughter of the Spahi themselves slain by the Janizaries The other Janizaries also now ready to revenge the death of their Captain were by Cicala Bassa bellowing among them a great sum of money again appeased which their insolency Mahomet imputing to their drinking of Wine contrary to their Law by the perswasion of the Musti commanded all that had any Wine in their Houses in Constantinople or Pera upon pain of death to bring it forth and stave it except the English French and Venetian Embassadors so that some report Wine ran down the Channel in Constantinople as if it had been water after a great showre Sigismund now again possessed of Transilvania could not yet well assure himself to keep it for Basta still strengthened with new supplies from the Emperour was already entred into Transilvania in 1602 the Polonians busied in their Warres of Swethland and the Turks with their other greater affaires not sending Sigismund their promised ayd Wherefore he dealt with Basta for a cessation of Arms till Embassadors might be sent to the Emperour to intreat for some good attonement who so handled the matter with the Emperour that Sigismund was content to the behoof of his Majesty to resign unto Basta all places as he yet held in Transilvania upon much like conditions he had about three years before made with him and so in and for all to submit to his Majesty whereupon Zachel Moyses the
sent a Troop of Cossacks to discover who brought word the Enemy was ranged in Battel having 20 Cannons in front Yet Alexander was not much amazed because the General of Artillery had assured him he would annoy his men as little as he could desiring to serve him and so be revenged of Stephano who had beheaded his Brother in Law upon a false suspect Stephano to discover the Princes Army sent 1200 Tartars and 2 or 300 Moldavians who being seen a far off in that plain Alexander sent 500 Cossacks and 400 Polonian Lances to encounter them who at first seemed to retire to draw them by degrees from their Camp and being about a League off stood thinking they durst not charge them but they fell so upon them that they slew most of them not above 5 or 600 escaping to their Camp causing great amazement The Princes Army was much encouraged hereby increasing daily as is usual in civil Warre Presently after the Prince meaning to advance toward the Enemy his fore-ward was stayed by 1000 Horse who had seized on a narrow passage betwixt a Poole and a Marish but certain Moldavians advising to send some Horse by an unknown way to surprise them behind the Cossacks speedily went Moldavians guiding them who coming undiscovered within 50 paces charged them and being seconded by the fore-ward of the 1000 Horse there returned not above 50 to their Camp Alexander now coming with his Army within Cannon-shot Visnoviskie thought they must make an inclosure with Carts having no retreating place within 10 Leagues which Stephano discovering shot through that Fort some being flain and some hurt the Prince answered him but to small purpose night surprizing them and having but 8 small Pieces Visnoviskie spent the night in encouraging his Souldiers from their former encounters against their Enemies who though more in number yet were most Peasants which successes were assurances that God would use them to punish the tyrannies of Stephano and then every one should return loaden with rich spoils and recompences from Alexander Hereat the Souldiers all protested rather to die than fail of their duties the Princess also comforted the Colonel and Captain with the intelligence from the Generall of the Artillery Next day while they put their Armies in Battel Alexanders men had the odds in divers skirmishes Visnoviskie was Alexanders Generall as most capable who seeing Stephanoes Horse in three Squadrons and the Tartars most advanced ordered the Cossacks to encounter them discreetly done for they both charge freely are covered with but skins of Beasts to seem as fearful as they can observe no order using cries fearful to the unaccustomed and being broken seldom return to charge The Polish Lanciers called Housarskie being 1500 well armed and led by Coreskie were set on the right hand against 3000 Horse the Hungarian Foot about 3000 were in midst of the Army with the Cannon upon a little Hill on the left were the other Chivalry led by Alexander and Visnoviskie the Baggage being a little behind in the Camp Stephano disposing his Army began about nine in the morning to play with his Cannon but the Bullers flew over Alexanders men who thereupon bad the Cossacks charge the Tartars whom they defeated at which time 2000 Horse charging the Foot that guarded Stephano's Cannon slew most taking the rest and so possest his Cannon who seeing his Infantry also indangered caused 3000 Horse to advance but Coreskie charged them so furiously that he slew almost half and routed the rest Presently after another Squadron followed whereupon Coreskie seeing his men wearied and tired retired towards his Camp Then came Alexander and Visnoviskie to encounter these and that with the more courage because sure that Stephano was there during this quarter of an houres charge Coreskie breathed collecting what men he could to succour those in fight who were almost tired and Alexander far ingaged who now recovering their Forces their amazed Enemies that were alive were put to flight But Stephano a coward had retired to the rest of his Foot who had not yet fought seeming rather to die there than flee yet seeing the issue of this last charge he soon fled having not struck a stroak The Foot that remained about 4000 yielded to mercy crying aloud God save Alexander Vayuod of Moldavia That day Prince Alexander entred into Yas and in the Castle was proclaimed by all the Boyers Vayuod which before he would never accept of Next day hearing that many of the chief of Yas were fled into Mountains and Forrests to attend the event he sent Boyers to invite them home with all assurance causing part of his Army to be quartered in the Countrey and 500 Horse and 1500 Foot under Coreskie were sent to Vasseloy for that Stephano had fled that way and might return Some of the Artillery were sent into Poland some put into the Fort of Cochina as it were the Arsenall of Moldavia Alexander called his chief Nobles to Counsel to resolve what to do to maintain him in his Estate who concluded among other things he should send an Embassador to the G. Seignior to let him know he never intended to take Arms against him but was sought to by the Boyers for the unspeakable cruelties of the Vayuod Stephano c. they were also to inform him that Stephano had 〈◊〉 suggested that he was Sonne to a Prince of Moldavia that he was not truly informed that his predecessors had promised Jeremie and 〈◊〉 that his Sons should succeed him if not unworthy and did pay the yearly Tribute which was offered by 〈◊〉 to Houssine Aga Alexander promising to pay it hereafter and if need were to give his Brother Bougdan as a pledge during the first year The Embassadors going by Transilvania lest they should be hindered by Men of Warre then troubling all Thrace came to Buda and went to salute that Bassa who being a special friend to Stephano imprisoned them and then sent them to Braille whither Stephano had fled who they say gave him 15000 Chequines reward causing their Heads to be cut off one night after Supper and their bodies to be cast into Danow whereby the Sultan was not truly advertised of passages in Moldavia and Alexander's offers so that he sware his ruine Stephano with 4000 men from Michna Vayuod of Valachia and the reliques of his scattered Forces marcht towards Moldavia wherefore Coreskie was sent with 6000 Horse to Ticouch a strong Frontier Town Alexander and Visnoviskie staying at Yas to prevent all alterations in favour of Stephano Within few dayes the Prince hearing that those of Horreova a small Countrey in Moldavia had joyned with a great Troop of Tartars to come and invest him sent Visnoviskie to encounter them who meeting them two Leagues off the City slew half of them and put the rest to flight a great number were taken the Horreoveans being brought to Yas as in triumph 800 Tartars and others were found slain and but 50 Polonians with some 100 hurt Alexander