shew themselves but they were set off with great Ordnance yet Calderomus a Spaniard seeing some viewing that part of the wall most battered at the Castle-Bulwark sallied out but was presently slain with a bullet which did the more incense not terrifie the rest so that when they saw the enemy busie in filling the Ditch 100 Knights and Souldiers sallying forth made the enemy betake himself to flight slaying 80 and losing ten men 2 being Knights whose Heads next day the Turks set on spears upon their Trenches The same day they of Melita at night made many fires discharging great Valleys of small shot c. done only to shew their cheerfulnesse and keep the Turks in suspence who for all that filled up the Ditch at the Castle-bulwark whereby they might without stay passe unto the over-thrown Wall with 2 great peeces from a High Mount cast up playing upon the Castle shooting at first shot in Castilia's Loupe a Spanish Knight being there slain with a small shot on which day a Spanish Souldier fled out of the Town to the enemy assuring them they should by a fresh assault win the Town there being but 400 alive in it and they he said almost spent with labour and wounds Wherefore Aug. 7. they at one instant assaulted the City at the Castle-bulwark and the Castle at the Breach with an exceeding multitude the noise of Warlike Instruments and cry of men on both sides being exceeding confused and great which the Knights in Melita hearing and seeing the smoak fearing the worst All the Horsmen issued forth to avert the Turks from the assault by setting upon those at Aqua Martia who fled these hardly pursuing them with bloudy execution who pittifully cryed for help whereby the other gave over the assault to rescue their fellows having lost 1500 besides those slain in chase the Defendants in both places losing above 100 and almost as many wounded Valetta going that day and certain others to the Temple to give publike thanks for that Victory Garzias was advertised that some ships with men and warlike provision were coming from Constantinople to Malta who sent 2 Noblemen with 5 Galleys to meet them who met only one Frigot and a Galliot taking the one the other escaping to Malta Mustapha commanded his Souldiers again to assault the Breach at Michaels Castle where they were with no small slaughter soon repulsed He gave so many assaults more to shew valour and satisfie Solyman than for hope of Victory who had commanded either to win the Island or to lose all their lives Mustapha also sent in haste to Solyman shewing the state of the Fleet the Armies difficulties their small hope to win how well the Christians were provided c. The 2 Galleys aforesaid going out of the Haven of Syracusa met with a Maltese coming from Pozalo in a boat sore wounded telling them that landing by night with one Companion he was requested by 2 Sicilians to rest there that night and 5 Turks breaking into the House killed his Companion carried away the Sicilians wounding him thus who hardly escaped by benefit of the night Moreover that the Sicilians told the Turks two Galleys were come into that Port bound for Malta whereby they perceived their coming would be discovered yet they kept on their course as far as Pozalo whence they certified the Viceroy what had happened and the South-wind blowing stifly against them they returned to Syracusa expecting his further direction which was to stay for the coming of the whole Fleet ready shortly to passe to Malta but Salazar in his little boat from Pozalo soon arrived at Malta and came to the City and in Turkish Apparel with a Companion who could speak their Language by night got into the Turks Camp where they perceived there was scarce 14000 Souldiers in all many being wounded and sick the rest but unserviceable and feeble So they returned to the City whence Salazar with one Paccius a Spaniard went to a place nigh the Watch-Tower of Muleca which they curiously viewing Paccius was there left that observing the signes from Gaulos and Melita he might give knowledge to the Viceroy at his approach Salazar himself returned to Messana in his little boat declaring to the Viceroy all he had seen and affirming the Turks Fleet was far unable to encounter with 10000 Christians one of the 2 Frigots sent to Malta returning with another Spaniard and a Turkish fugitive and 4 Galleys coming in with 14 Turks taken about Malta confirming the same and saying that the Turks seeing the Christians invincible courage and skill in shooting repented that ever they took in hand that expedition many stealing away especially the 〈◊〉 of the Christian Faith c. There was in the Castle one Givara Captain of the Vaunt-guard who about 10 foot from the Wall beaten down drew a Curtain 50 foot-long and 5 foot-thick with Flankers at both ends a great help to the besieged the enemy the while began a Mine under the Corner of the Town-ditch defeated by a counter-mine As a fugitive was swimming to the 〈◊〉 he was taken by the enemy which much grieved the besieged Now part of the Turks assailed the Castle and part thought to have blown up the Castle-bulwark but many were in both places slain and some baggs of powder taken from them in the Mine Mustapha and Piall disappointed of their hope consulted with the other great Captains whether to continue that desperate siege or depart most thinking it was best betime to depart yet Mustapha said He would stay till the Galliot were returned from Solyman and the while by force and policy to seek after Victory which he did too often either for his Armie's or the besieged's estate bringing all to such perfection in short time as might have carried a stronger place had not the Defendants valour far exceeded all his devices Robles Governour of the Castle viewing by night the Walls-ruines was struck in the Head with a 〈◊〉 shot and slain A man for his many good parts beloved In whose stead Valetta sent an expert and resolute Colonell who so vigilantly discharged his place that the Turks were repulsed with losse so oft as they attempted the place Two Galleys with a Galliot 〈◊〉 by the 2 Galleys of Malta told Piall The Christian Fleet was ready to come forth Wherefore he caused 70 Galleys to be in readinesse keeping himself by day in the Port Maior nigh the shoar putting to sea by night expecting their coming but after long looking when he saw none he landed his men again taking out of every Galley most of the powder for the Bassa 〈◊〉 land After which they with a greater fury battered the Walls of both Towns especially with Basilisks whose shot was 7 hands about the Walls of Michaels-Castle being 〈◊〉 flat and the Castle Bulwark of St. Angelo was almost fallen quite down Wherefore Aug. 18. at noon they fiercely assaulted both Towns being thrice repulsed and still coming on afresh yet at length
and give the Enemy battel so was also the Lord Rederen the rest were of a contrary mind because the strength of the Christians were too weak therefore they thought it better to retire in time c. whereat Avarsberg at first much moved afterwards plainly set before them a necessity of the cause with lively reasons chearing up the fearful Croatians and notably perswading them all in generall to put their whole trust in God to whom it was as easy to give Victory by a few as by many With these other words he so prevailed that they all resolved to go against the enemy and to do what they could to relieve their Friends so the whole Army not above 4000 hasted on with great speed and being come within a Mile of the Enemies Camp put themselves in order of Battel Whereupon the Turks brought all their Horsmen over Kulp by a Bridge which they made and came on in order to joyn Battel with the Christians the Croatians and Hussars in the Van-guard gave the first charge but having for a good 〈◊〉 made a good sight they discouraged with the Enemies multitude were about to flee but Aversbeg the General comming on both restored the 〈◊〉 and so charge the Turks main Battel that the Bassa first retired then fled after whom all the rest followed the Christians keeping their array pursued them with great speed and coming to their Bridge before them took that passage the Turks seeing their miserable slaughter and no way to escape ran some into the River Odera some into Culp and were most drowned the rest were all slain the Christians resolved to take no prisoners The Turks at the siege hearing of this overthrow set fire on their powder and provision and in great fear fled Whose tents the Christians took with 9 great Ordnance and good store of great shot with the Bassaes Pavillion and much other rich spoil which was all carried into the Monastery Most Writers agree that 18000 Turks were 〈◊〉 and drowned Hassan himself being one found near the Bridge and known by his sumptuous Apparrel and near unto him Mahomet beg and Achmet beg In other places was also found the dead bodies of Saffer beg the Bassaes 〈◊〉 with 4 other Begs and the Bassaes chief Counsellour and Master of his Houshold but above all the death of Sinan-beg Amuraths Sisters only Son sent to learn the feats of War under Hassan was most lamented The Christian Army 〈◊〉 thrice about the Monastery every time falling all on their knees giving hearty thanks to God for this miraculous Victory and afterwards made all shew of joy possible Siseg thus delivered the Christians with all speed laid siege to the strong Fort of Petrinea most 〈◊〉 battering it for 5 dayes but hearing that the Beglerbeg of Greece or Romania was comming with a great power to relieve the Fort they raised the siege every man returning to his wonted charge The mean while a Post coming from Constantinople brought the first news of the overthrow to Buda Wherefore the Bassa called him diligently examining him of the truth thereof who told him that upon the way as he came he 〈◊〉 with divers Horsmen who escaped from the slaughter who told him the Bassa was slain and his Army destroyed the Bassa replyed He was happy in his death for if he had escaped he should for his indiscretion have undoubtedly suffered some more shamefull death at Court Newes of the Victory being brought to Prague the Emperour commanded publike prayers with Thanksgiving to be made in all Temples sending a Letter to Amurath to know how he understood those insolent proceedings chiefly the late Expedition of the Bassa of Bosna and his Complices contrary to their League He sent also the Lord Popelius with the yearly Tribute yet with this charge that being come to Comaro in the borders of Hungary he should stay till the return of the said Messenger who if he brought tidings of peace then to proceed on to the Turks Court otherwise to return with his Present as he did for Amurath enraged at the losse at Siseg and prickt forward with the tears and prayers of his Sister to revenge her sons death he proclaimed open War against the Emperour Aug. 7th both at Constantinople and Buda the managing whereof he committed to Sinan Bassa the old Enemy of the Christians Who departing from Constantinople with 40000 men 5600 being Janizaries being brought by Amurath and the great Courtiers a mile on his way with charge from him by the assistance of the Bassaes and other his Commanders in that part of his Empire to revenge his Nephews death and the dishonour received at Siseg His denounciation of war against the Emperour was proud cruel and blasphemous threatning to besiege his chief Cities to burn destroy kill and with the most exquisite torments they could devise to torture to death and slay such Christian Captains as should fall into their hands or to keep them as Dogs Captives in perpetual misery to impale upon stakes their fairest Sons Daughters and to kill like dogs the women great with child and the children in their bellies for he was now fully resolved to bring him that ruled but in a small Country into subjection and to keep from him his Kingdom As also to oppress root up and destroy the Keys See of Rome with its golden Scepter and he would prove how their crucified Jesus would help them as theirs perswaded them Trust in him still said he and see how he hath holpen his Messengers which have put confidence in him for we neither believe nor can endure to hear that he can help who is dead so long ago which could not help himself nor deliver his own Country and Inheritance from our power over which we have so long raigned Sinan kept on his way towards Buda but the Beglerbeg of Greece with a far greater power marched towards Croatia both to relieve their distressed Forts and again to besiege the Castle of Siseg which he compassing about overthrew the walls giving no rest to the Defendants which Breaches they valiantly defended and notably repaired the very Women bringing Tables Stools and whatsoever came to hand to keep the Enemies out A great number being slain at length Septemb. the 3d. the Turks entred by main force putting all the Souldiers to the sword 200 being Germans some of whom they cut in pieces and threw the rest into the River Kulp the religious man there found they 〈◊〉 quick and cutting him in small pieces burnt them to ashes so taking all the spoil and leaving a strong Garrison there they passed over Savus burning the Country and carrying away about a thousand into captivity These Invasions caused the Emperour to crave ayd both of the States of the Empire and other Princes farther off by some easily granted but not so speedily performed About this time Peter Lehussar who commanded the Horsmen whom the Hungarians call Hussars Captain of Pappa by the
turned almost all their care and Forces unto that side of the City which he had battered He appointed Lord Rusworme to prove if those Zigeth-Suburbs were not to be surprized which being taken the City could not long hold out For undertaking of which enterprize he was by the captive Turks and Country people much discouraged who nevertheless sent certain of his men to try the Lake who brought word that it was undoubtedly though with much difficulty to be passed Whereupon he with 1000 select Souldiers with every one a good Faggot on his back beside his Arms to fill up the deepest of the Marsh by night entered it wherein he had not gone far but he found it much deeper and more troublesome than his Spies had reported but carried with an invincible courage these adventurous men going still up in Water and mud unto the waste where 't was shallowest where also if one missed but a step he was over head and eares and in danger of drowning if he were not by his fellowes presently holden They at length got over but with the loss of six or seven men a little before day Whereof the Duke being advertised by a sign with greater stir than at any time before assailed that side of the City where he lay and in the mean time 〈◊〉 with Ladders provided sealed the Walls on th' other side and almost unperceived recovered the top thereof and so being got into the Suburbs with a terrible cry assailed the Turks who not well knowing which way to turn without great resistance fled into the City the Christians following them with a great slaughter in which so great confusion the Duke took the rest of the Suburbs the Turks there also for feare forsaking them and retiring with all haste into the City The Christians besides other rich prey here took 14 great pieces with good store of shot and powder The Duke now again summoned the City whereunto the Turks gave no answer but by their pieces whereat the Duke much displeased sent them word he would send them other manner of Messengers to morrow and by Gods help sup with them in the City though unwelcome So next day having made two fair Breaches into the City he with great slaughter of the Enemy entered the same though the Turks cast downe upon the Christians Darts Wild-fire c. But seeing they must needs now give place they fled amain into their Houses there to defend themselves or die many whereof they had so undermined that they could easily overthrow them and as many as should come within danger of them so that the Temple-pallace with many other sumptuous buildings were left all rent and torn yet the Bassa upon promise of life yielded himself and was sent to the Camp the rest of the Souldiers being all or most of them put to the Sword The Walloons breaking by heaps into the richest Houses both took what themselves lighted on and stript the Germans of what they had gotten yea they opened the Tombs of the Hungarian Kings to spoyl the dead of such things as were for honours-fake long before enterred with them shewing themselves therein more barbarous than the Turks The Bassa of Buda then laying a prisoner at Vieuna hearing of the taking of this City fasted with his 2 servants a whole day prostrate on his face and praying to his Prophet Mahomet who had as he said all this year been angry with the Turks Now Hassan the Turkish Generall was comming to relieve Alba-regalis and though he heard by the way that the City was won yet taking with him the Bassa of Buda with the other Commanders thereabouts and having formed an Army of about 60000 but most raw Souldiers he held on his way thitherwards both to give some content to his angry Lord and hoping to overthow the Christian Army or at least to regain the City as yet unrepaired But the Duke had presently repaired the Breaches and put therein a strong Garrison of expert Souldiers and being himself about 20000 strong set forward to meet the Bassa beginning a hot and bloudy skirmish with him yet the Bassa next day sent away part of his Army to prove if the City might be recovered himself the mean while offering the Christians battel so to busie them But the Duke informed of the basenesse of the Bassa's Souldiers although he were in number far above him went out and encountred him and at the first onset disordering his foremost Squadrons sorced the Turks to retire with the loss of 6000 men among whom were the Bassa of Buda 6 Zanzacks and divers others of good place and note The Duke also took from them divers Ordnance and had not a great squadron of Tartars appeared at his back he had undoubtedly overthrown all the Bassa's Army but now contenting himself with the Victory already gotten he retired orderly into his Trenches having not lost above 300 men Whilst both Armies thus lay supplies repairing unto them and expecting a day of generall battel the Janizaries still murmuring that it was now no time of the year to keep the field enforced the Bassa to retire to Buda and disband his Army in which retreat many were by the Christians cut off in the Rear and many taken 50 being of the French mutineers of Pappa whom Matthias at the instance of Duke Mercurie pardoned They also who were sent to attempt Alba-regalis were so welcomed with shot and charged with often sallies that despairing to prevail they returned to the Bassa that sent them About the time that the Duke began to besiege Alba-regalis Ferdinand the Arch-Duke now 30000 strong by the advise of the Duke of Mantua his Lievt Gen. resolved to besiege Canisia the recovery whereof much concerned even Italy it self Whereupon he came and encamped before it Septemb. 10. And although the Turks in Garrison not past a 1000 with their often and gallant sallies much troubled the Christians and that other bands of the Turks came many times out of the strong Holds thereabouts to skirmish with them and to see if they could put any more Souldiers into the Town yet both in the one place and the other The Turks were to their cost still repulsed and put to flight losing also some small Castles and Forts The Christians found means to dry the Marsh a little that invironed the Town and to fill it up on one side and to come so near the Town that having planted 3 tire of Artillery against it they began furiously to batter it Yea at length they approached so nigh that they came with their Trenches even close to the Town-ditch perswading the Turks now whilst they might upon good conditions to yield and so save their Lives But they braving the Christians said They would keep the place for the Sultan in despight of all their Forces Whereupon it was resolved to give a general assault In the mean time the news of the winning of Alba-Regalis caused great Joy and Triumph in the Camp the Christians
it saultable and Septemb. 24. swarming up up the Hill furiously assaulted it for 5 hours with invincible courage by the Christians endured many valiant ones falling on both sides for they came to handy-blows even in the Breaches thrice were the Turks forced to retire and still brought on again so at last 900 Christians 〈◊〉 slain with Count Oetingen their Chieftain and his Lievt mortally wounded the Turks entered the Fort slaying those few whom they found yet breathing and whence they carried certain great pieces to help batter the City and planting 30 great pieces against the Low or Water-Town they most terribly battered it which being environed with a Palisado of Wood the Turks by firing brush-Faggots stuffed with powder and brimstone burnt down making their way even to the Walls which they incessantly battered till they had made a large Breach and then not regarding the showers of Bullets matched hand to hand the Janizaries especially had undertaken this service who with their great Musquets cruelly gauled the Defendants the great Bassa was also present at the assault encouraging his Souldiers with terrour and comfort the fight was 〈◊〉 and terrible few Bullets falling in vain among such a multitude howbeit after 4 attempts most of the Christians being slain the Turks forced the rest and gained the Breach 〈◊〉 both dead Turks and Christians under 〈◊〉 to get into the City Which won and those that were left put to the Sword and the Town rifled the Turks attempted the High-Town hoping in so great confusion of the Defendants to have carried that also yet were they at present notably repulsed Wherefore underminining it their Mines in few dayes perfected violently blew up Walls Men c. smothering and burning many which Breaches so made that the Christians could not shew themselves without danger of their lives the Turks forthwith came to the assault whom the Christian Captains preparing to withstand found their Souldiers as 〈◊〉 at his most need found his not willing in any wise to sight so that none would come nigh the Walls yet the Captains prayed exhorted and sometimes threatned them with death to stir them up but all in vain during which time the Turks had without any great resistance gained the foot of the Breach Whereupon the cowardly Souldiers compassing in 〈◊〉 Dampierre the Governor would by reasons have perswaded him to yield and by threats have feared him from further resistance Howbeit he enraged continued firmly resolved his courage 〈◊〉 in this mutinous storm and by divers Expressions minded them of their Duties and perswaded them saying For his part he was resolved rather there to die with Honour than to be beholden to his Enemies for an infamous and miserable life Wherefore he besought them to follow him in this 〈◊〉 Action carrying with it 〈◊〉 the Trophies of their precedent Ones who had oft assisted him in many actions of less worth and much more dangerous But these Degenerate Souldiers stood with their hands behind them without any Weapons in them and the while some of them conceived their cowardly requests and reasons thereof into writing which they sent to the Governour which he having read tore in pieces in their fight and 〈◊〉 under his feet going himself to the Breach with some few to defend it but they now threatned to deliver him with the place to the Enemy to save their lives if he would not by Treaty save them from those eminent perils who being deaf to their requests or threats they laying hands upon him put him in prison then craved parley with the Bassa who sending in Haly Bassa it was soon agreed they to yield up the place upon safe departurewhither they would with bag baggage Ensignes frilled up and fire in their matches leaving behind them all their Ordnance Warlike provision Which Composition was now by the Turks faithfully kept among many other-like before by them broken for it being yielded Octob. the 3d. they safely conducted these Cowards within a League of Comara helping them to carry their sick and wounded with their Fardels which the Turks oft carried upon their own shoulders their Governour was also sent out with them Many Inhabitants who had there dwelt by leave remained there still the rest which would not might depart whither they would Thus famous Strigonium holden 10 years and one month by the Christians fell again into the power of the Turks These base Souldiers with their Governour come to Comara were spoiled of Honour and Arms and sent back to Presburg where being detested of all and chiefly of the revolted Hungarians themselves the chief of them were imprisoned and after some time convicted of great damnifying Treason for which they were according to the quality of their offences diversly 〈◊〉 Capt. Schleker having his right hand cut off his tongue drawn out at his neck and both nailed to the gallowes was to be hanged yet through the intercession of many he was beheaded 5 other Captains were to have their right-hands cut off and nailed to the gallows and then to be hanged but by the intercession of Count Mansfield their hands were not cut off another was to be quartered alive but by the Count's intercession beheaded then quartered 12 others were only hanged another was to serve as a common Souldier 2 years without pay but by Mansfield's means one year was pardoned divers others who fled or stayed still at Strigonium had their names set on the gallows and being caught some to be quartered others hands to be cut off nailed to the gallows then hanged But as the Sultan received the pleasing news of the winning of Strigonium in Hungary so also the melancholly report of the overthrow of his great Armies in Asia with the loss of Damasco the greatest City in Syria for first The King of Persia invaded by Cicala and hearing that the Bassa of Caramania was with all speed to 〈◊〉 to him with a great supply of Souldiers presently with a puissant Army set forward against Cicala by his unexpected coming overthrew him and took all his Ordnance Cicala with 300 Souldiers with much ado escaping to Adena which City the Persian shortly after straitly besieged upon which news Achmat forthwith wrote to the Bassa of Trebesond speedily to ayd Cicala who with a great Army set forward Whereupon Cicala being with 10 trusty Souldiers secretly by night let down over the walls came to the Bassa keeping on his way with him to joyn Battel with the King as nigh the City as he could for he had ordered that so soon as they perceived the Battel to be joined to sally out upon the backs of the Persians which the King doubting left one part of his Army to continue the siege went himself with the other to meet the Bassa falling upon him before he could put his men in 〈◊〉 made of the Turks such an exceeding slaughter that few escaped Cicala but with 2 or 3 much 〈◊〉 escaping in a small
c. Many Turks were slain before aware the Citizens being numerous enough but not so well armed or conducted yet they swarmed up one of theeasi est Bulwarks of the Castle where the Turks had set upon an Ensign and with Darts and Arrows made them retire into a stronger place whence with their Artillery and small shot they wonderously slaughtered the naked Moors Barbarussa though alway acquainted with desperate dangers yet being suddenly shut upon in an unknown place and Victuals but for three dayes was not a little troubled which his care was much diminished by the enemies disorder'd fury and the known valour of his Souldiers chiefly seeing them fight still as full of hope and the Moors as half-dismayed ready to retire yet the double assault was twice as desperately renewed as at first by Muleasses and Dorax coming in in which danger Halis a runagate Spaniard said to Barbarussa that if he would save his Honour and hold that Fort they must salley out upon those which had never seen a set-battel c. Which motion generally approved of Barbarussa commanded Halis with other Captains to salley out at once at two Ports so that a multitude of Moors were soon slain Abdahar the Mesuar being killed with a bullet the assault being then given over and in the streets some hours was fought a most bloudy Battel at last the Citizens overcome took refuge of their Houses and wearied Halis with the rest returning with Victory 3000 Citizens were said to be slain and 9000 hurt Muleasses hardly escaping his enemie's hands by Dorax his Uncle's help fled with him over Bagrada River and came to Constantina then part of Dorax's Dominion and there protected till the coming of Charls the Emperour The ensuing both Citizens and Turks stood upon their strongest guard And next day the Citizens craved pardon excusing their rash attempt by the name of Loyalty offering faithfully to submit Whereupon Barbarussa granted a general peace by Oath confirmed on both sides the Citizens being bound to obey Solyman and Barbarussa as his chief Lievtenant All things set in order he won to him by gifts and rewards the fickle and needy Numidian Princes then sending an Eunuch and Halis to take in the other Cities of Tunis they were peaceably received except at Carvenna which holding out a while received them also for fear But let us return to the Wars at the same time undertaken by Solyman in person in Persia perswaded thereto by Abraham the great Bassa who being born in a Village of Epirus and taken from his Christian Parents by Turkish Tribure gatherers being a boy served Scander-Bassa in Selimus his time and there instructed in Mahometanism but giving himself to all manner of curiosity he was commended by his Mistress to her Husband as a fit Page to attemper his wayward and melancholly disposition wherein he excelling he gave him as a rare gift to Solyman with whom he was brought up as his companion and play-fellow by old Baiazet where he so framed himself to young Solyman's disposition that afterwards he wanted nothing of the Majesty of an Emperour but the Name only and commonly called the Great Commander of all Solymans Forces Also he partaked of Solymans secret Delights that if he were present all were well if away nothing pleased that 't was commonly said the soul of Solyman lived in Abraham whereat many great Courtiers repined chiefly Solymans mother and fair Roxalana his dearest Concubine This great Commander sought many times in his discourses with Solyman to perswade him to divert his Forces from the Christians over whom he had sufficiently triumphed and to turn them upon the Persians by whom he was daily injured and who were the wicked and irreligious impugners of the Divine Precepts of Mahomet also so famous in ancient time for their Martial Prowesse that the so oft vanquishing them by Alexander gave unto him the name of Great therefore he said 't was not so much to have destroyed the Mamrlukes by condition slaves as to subdue them Alleadging what a strong and Warlike people the Germans were and that it were not good to provoke Charls the Emperour of all Christian Princes the mightiest c. Solyman at length beginning to yield to his perswasions Abraham in himself greatly rejoyced for many thought he was only in shew a Turk and in heart a Christian and the rather because he very much favoured and protected the Christian Merchants and furthered by all means the Leagues of Christian Princes with Solyman labouring alwayes to turn his Forces from them upon the Persians insinuating into Solymans acquaintance one Mulcarabe of Damasco famous at Constantinople for holinesse and the Art of Magick who prophesied to him all happinesse in so religious a War and so much as he said pleasing to God Ulemas also a noble Persian who marrying King Tamasses's Sister was revolted from him to Solyman fearing to be call'd to account for extortion from the Counties where he governed furthered Abrahams purpose discovering to Solyman the power and State of the Persian Kingdom and plotting the easiest waies for conquering it he offered also to do his utmost So Solyman 〈◊〉 a mighty Army commanded them to be ready at Nice in Bythinia at a certain day His mother and Roxalana mightily impugned it as that which wholly proceeded from the Bassa but his credit was so strong that all their devices and prayers were by Solyman rejected and his Counsel regarded who with Ulemas was sent before him into Syria with a strong Army at Spring to invade the Persian wintring at Aleppo The Spring approaching Abraham sent Ulemas before with the light-Horsmen into Mesapotamia as his guide following himself not far behind and so came to Tauris unresisted great and rich but unwalled and of no strength The Persian King Tamas was then absent warring with Kezien-Bassa a Prince of the Corasine Hircanians so that the Citizens presently yielded Tamas hearing hereof drew nigh with his power expecting to take the Turks at some advantage as being too weak for a plain Battel which the Bassa perceiving speedily advettised Solyman of Iunis being taken and the enemies purpose and speedily to repair with his Army thither He was come far on his way on the right hand from Nice to Iconium and by Cesarea to Malathia where is the notable passage over Euphrates bursting out by the Valleys of Autitaurus whence Mesapotamia's plains then part of the Persian Kingdom begin to open through which he peaceably marched paying for what ever he took coming in 54 dayes from Nice to Coimini Armenia the greater But hearing such news aforesaid he soon after came to Tauris Tamas yet expecting the Georgian Light-horse men and hearing with what a multitude Solyman was coming that he might cut off his spent wanting and diseased people by advantages retired into Sultania about 6 dayes journey from Tauris which Solyman knowing departed thence without doing hurt following after Tamas to joyn Battel if possible leaving behinde him for haste
Tents covered the places round about and brought a 〈◊〉 Fleet up the River every man began to doubt of his own safety This fear was encreased by Messengers from Solyman who hearing of what Nations the Garrison consisted sent three Renegates of his Guard a Spaniard Italian and German to speak to their Countreymen in their own Language They offered great rewards and 〈◊〉 to such as would yield in time denouncing all torture and extremities to those who endured the Summons of a Cannon It was answered by the Captains those faithful and valiant Souldiers were not to be won with Gifts nor terrified with threats The same day the Ordnance was planted on the Hill before the Gate and all the weakest 〈◊〉 of the Walls so well pickt out to be assaulted that it s to be thought the Christians wanted faith among themselves Salamanca d strusting the Suburb's Fortifications retired into the City contrary to what he had boasted Achomates 〈◊〉 that part next the Bishop's Gardens Ulames the Towre next the Gate toward Buda the Asapi were brought on to dig Trenches and cast up Mounts the 〈◊〉 was so discharged without 〈◊〉 that the Towre with much of the Wall near it fell down as if shaken with a terrible Earth-quake the 〈◊〉 Janizaries also fetching off any man that stood on the Walls many further off being grievously wounded with Arrowes falling from high and the 〈◊〉 broken with the great shot killed or maimed the Souldiers near hand wherefore they forsook the uttermost Wall casting up new Fortifications within The enemy also thrice desperately assailed the breach but still with losse repulsed Bultazes Sanzack of Selymeria a man of great account being lost Many the while who came up the River with necessaries for the Army went ashoare and lay in the Suburbs with great security wherefore they in the City suddenly sallying out slew many before they could arm driving the rest to their Fleet so that there was about 200 slain Zymar the Persian Admiral in rescuing them being slain with a small shot While the Turks did with greater force daily assail the City and the 〈◊〉 despairing of relief more and more discouraged an old Calabrian Engineer fled out to the Turks who satisfied them in all their questions directing them in planting their batteries in the most convenient places It fortuned that a gilt Brazen Crosse on the Steeple of the Cathedrall was by the Turk 's shooting thereat at length beaten down wherefore Solyman is reported taking it as a token of good luck presently to cry out Strigonium is won Liscanus and Salamanca secretly conferring together resolved to give up the Town for Liscanus was no great Souldier yet by spoil exceeding rich and therefore thought it folly to buy the name of resolute Captain with the losse of life and wealth the like feeling was also in Salamanca This secret purpose was noised among the Souldiers a third part being slain or weak with wounds or sickness yet they thought generally they were able still to 〈◊〉 the Town but the under-Captains c. flatteringly liked the motion rather to yield on reasonable termes than to expose themselves to most certain death and not better Ferdinands cause Ere long an Auncient was by night let down over the Wall and receiving the Turk's faith called forth Salamanca who coming out went to Achomates commanding before he went them who defended the Water-Towre of great danger for safety of their lives to get into the City who hastily retiring the vigilant Turks suddenly breaking in slew such as were not gone possessing the Castle but Salamanca when he had stood upon many nice termes with the Bassaes obtained onely without delay to yield and put themselves wholly on Solyman's mercy so being there stayed he wrote to Liscanus how he sped wishing him if he loved his safety to yield the City without further termes Liscanus hereupon declared to the Souldiers the necessity of yielding up and what hope of life and liberty but whilest the angry Souldiers stood as in a doubt Halis Commander of the Janizaries came not sternly requiring the Gate to be opened to him according to Salamanca's agreement which was done and the keys delivered to him they entring peaceably possessed themselves of the Walls and fortresses chusing all the beardless youths out of the Souldiers commanding the rest to cast down their Weapons in a place appointedw hich they did expecting nothing but some cruel execution which fear was the more increased by a strange accident for while with their Harquebusses they cast their flasks of powder also one of them suddenly took fire of a match which firing the rest blew abroad that heap of Weapons among the Janizaries whereupon they slew divers Christians till Halis perswaded 't was rather by chance than malice commanded them to stay their fury Then he proclaimed that all Christians who would serve Solyman should have places answerable with large entertainment yet were there but seventy which accepted the offer for fear of their lives whom Halis sent down the River with the culled out youths to Buda the other helped the Turks to cleanse the Castle but Liscanus was glad to give Halis the Chain of Gold he took from Perenus he requiring it as of military courtesie a strange Ornament with the Turks hoping thereby to save his other Coyn but when the covetous Coward was about to depart with his Horses of service and Saddles cunningly stuffed full of Gold the Turk laughing at him took them also so furnished saying He who was to go by water needed no Horses The rest were conveighed over Danubius travelling to Possonium where Count Salma by Ferdinand's Command committed Liscanus and Salamanca and some others to custody to answer their cowardly yielding up the City which Solyman entred Aug. 10. 1543 and turning the Christian Temples into Mahometane first sacrificed for his Victory as before at Buda and speedily so fortified it as if to take away all hope of recovery thereof deriding the Germans negligence who keeping it 14 years had not fortified it Solyman leaving Ossainus Governour there sent his Tartarian Horse to spoil the Countrey as farre as Alba Regalis going himself to besiege Tatta Castle 〈◊〉 terrified Souldiers upon the first Summons yielded and quietly departed the Castle the Turks keeping their Provinces under by few but very strong holds being presently rased to the ground Torniellus causing Hanniball the Captain to lose his head for his cowardly yielding up his charge thereby to admonish others Solyman marched thence to 〈◊〉 Regalis which stands more into the Land than Buda and Strigonium strongly seated in midst of a Lake but not so wholsomly especially in Summer From the City thorow the Lake lay three broad and high Causies built with fair Houses and Gardens on each side at the end of every Causey toward the Land were strong Bulwarks which the Citizens used not to watch but in dangerous times of Warre the City thus standing and compassed about with a
to Messana where the King's Fleet was providing But the Turks resolved to prove the utmost before the slow Christians strength were ready assuring themselves more easily of the rest Elmo Castle being once taken wherefore they began again to batter it furiously for four dayes without ceasing the night following giving a great assault almost gaining the top of the wall the Defendants driving them down with such force that they never durst set Ladder to the wall till the last conflict Dragut's Souldiers the while upon a bravery went to Martia Scala betwixt the Gallows and 〈◊〉 Thomas Road as if to do more than the rest but they of St. Angelo sallying forth they were glad after a great losse to retire whence they came Bonnemius one of the Knights and 7 others being slain Monferratus was then sent into Elmo Castle as Governour instead of Brolia sick through watching and pains taking who had oft written to Valetta that he thought it unpossible to be won The Turks not discouraged battered the Castle with greater fury than before and presently gave an assault having made a Bridge over the Ditch that ten men might go abreast placing 4000 Harquebusiers about the Ditch with their Fleet at Georges shoare not far off And hoping even presently to win the Castle Beragamus a Knight and Medranus a Spanish Captain with others ran to the Bridge with great admiration opposing the multitude the fight hand to hand being on both sides terrible a Turk advancing an Ensign on the Bulwark Medranus laid hold on it who in striving together were both slain wth a Turks Bullet Some of the 400 sent in a little before thrust Barrels of Gunpowder under the Bridge some cast down Wild-fire Stones c. on the enemy others gauling them with Harquebusses So the Bridge was burnt and blown up overwhelming 800 Turks in its fall the rest retiring most being wounded The Defendants having plucked down Mustapha's and Dragut's two Ensigns set upon the very Battlements of the Walls Toward the South-west some Turks got up to the top of the highest Rampier whom they of Angelo Castle thinking to beat off slew seven Defendants thereon but at the next shot they rent in sunder four Turks Captains and twelve the most forward Souldiers other Turks casting up a Trench on that side toward St. Angelo they were soon driven forth by fire c. cast down upon them They retired having lost 2000 of their best Souldiers almost 100 Christians were slain and as many wounded The same day Valetta had a sight Brigandine carried over Land to Martia Scala thence to send into Sicily to certifie by Letters the Viceroy and Pope what was done and the danger requesting speedy relief saying to the Viceroy Our lives lay in thy hands on whom next unto God resteth all our hope wherefore we most instantly request thee not to forsake us Garzias greatly moved seemed desirous to bring forth his whole Fleet against the Turks but seeing the supply of Ships from Genua and Spain was not yet come he sent Cardona with 4 Galleys joyning Robles Camp master with a choise Company of Spaniards also 80 Knights went wth them staying at Messana for a fit time to passe over who letted by Tempest and otherwise came not before Elmo Castle was lost yet served they in great steâ—d The Turks desperately renewed the fight first thundering day and night with their Ordnance on the Castle then assaulting the breaches with an exceeding multitude and force five houres endured that most terrible assault at length the Turks repulsed retired yet the night following they did so beat the Defendants with their Ordnance that they had much adoe to keep them from scaling the Walls the Christians lost two hundred and the Turks an exceeding number Dragut himself dying two dayes after of a blow in the Head with a stone whose body was buried at Tripolis The Turkish Commanders more and more enraged with the Christians valour and their own slaughter commanded their Fleet to compass the Castle purposing by Sea and Land to send in fresh supplies till they had taken it with great industry preparing what ever was needful for the assault which Valetta perceiving and fearing they should not be able longer to endure such a fury called his Knights together requesting them to declare what they thought best to be done for their safety whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 delivered a Decree was made that 12 Pinnaces should be sent to fetch them away But first 3 Knights were sent thither the night following to tell them what was agreed on and carefully to consider the state of the Castle which if the Defendants thought was to be abandoned then to poyson the water and clay the Ordnance The Knights oftentimes shot at by the Turks got into the Castle declaring the care taken of them who all gave thanks therefore saying if they considered the places straightness the few Defendants and the enemies multitude they should well perceive the danger they were in if such assaults should be 〈◊〉 renewed yet since they had hitherto felt the help of God present c. they for all the most manifest danger of their lives would keep it to the last man for perhaps the like honourable occasion to shew themselves in 〈◊〉 never be offered c. requesting the great Master not to be too careful of them but promise himself of them what beseemed resolute men The Knights having diligently viewed the Castle returned to Valetta who with his Knights heard the answer of the besieged and would needs hear the three Knights Opinion Castriot thinking the place was still to be defended c. But Recca was of another minde saying If Julius Caesar were alive he would not suffer so many valiant Souldiers to be lost but reserve his men to further service Medina said he thought it not good the place should be so easily forsaken since the Ditches and Bulwarks were yet defensible and there being so great a consent among the Defendants So it seemed good to the greater part that they should for certain dayes hold out that the enemy might see his pride abated for the Knights used not easily to abandon their strong Holds But the Turks June 23. in the dead of the night battering the rest of the Walls yet standing presently gave a most terrible assault the Defendants beating down repulsing and slaying Great were the outcries on both sides mixt with exhortation mirth and mourning it was now the third houre of the day when still the Victory stood doubtful but the very Rock bared of Walls and Defendants above four hundred being slain a man could scarce appear but he was struck in pieces Montferratus the Governour and Garas of Euboea were both slain with one shot yet the rest fought with greater force than before overthrew the Turk's Ensigns set up slaying the Ensign-bearers Captains and Colonels by which time it was noon very hot and men exceeding 〈◊〉 the Ordnance never ceasing and the enemy sending in fresh
content to yield on reasonable conditions 〈◊〉 the great Commanders of the Turks would seven times 〈◊〉 swear to perform them they willed him to set them down which were that the Cossacks might safely depart with Horses and Armour that they should send him alive and in good safety to Selimus to 〈◊〉 his own cause covenanting nothing for the Moldavians whose injury he said tended to the hurt of the Emperour himself and of him that should be Vayuod these 〈◊〉 being seven times confirmed by Oath accordingly the Vayuod brought all his Army out of their Trenches taking with heavy heart his last leave of them to their 〈◊〉 dividing his money and Jewels among them and disarming himself went onely with one Polonian like a Suppliant to the Turk's Camp talking four houres with the great Commanders till at last Capucius Bassa with his Scimitar struck him a great blow acrosse the face and another acrosse the belly whom yet but half dead the Janizaries took and cut off his Head which was set on a Lance for all to behold they tearing his body to pieces having bound his feet to two Cammels and happy was he that could get any little piece thereof or embrew his Sword in the least drop of his blood The Turks forthwith set upon the Moldavians and slew them down-right whereupon the Cossacks thrusting in among the thickest of the Turks and valiantly fighting were all slain except a few of the better sort Suiercevius being one who were afterwards for great sums redeemed when they could by no meanes be perswaded to turn Turks The Turks over-running all Moldavia put all the Nobility with many Countrey people to the Sword sending great numbers in Colonies into the farthest parts of the Turkish Empire and placing strong Garrisons in the Towns and Castles Thus all Valachia was by Selimus joyned to the Turkish Empire in 1574 opening also thereby a fair and easie way for his Successors to enter into Podolia or Russiayea and into Poland it self Selimus not a little grieved with the losse of the Kingdom of Tunis cast in his minde how to recover the same and thrust the Spaniards out of Guletta Castle of no small moment which with Malta served as two most sure Bulwarks against the Turks and Moores adventures by whose meanes they many times came short home wherefore Selimus having made great preparation commanded Sinan Piall and Uluzales speedily to passe over with his Fleet into Africk to besiege Tunis and Guletta before which they came with 300 Galleys July 13. Other Turks men of Warre from Alexandria Algiers c. 〈◊〉 unto them At first they besieged the water-Tower wherein were 800 Souldiers well provided who maintained the place till most were slain by often assaults the rest retiring by Command into the Castle the Turks losing 3000 men in taking of it Then besieging the Castle of Guletta they from divers Mounts most terribly battered it whence the deadly shot was sent again among them not sparingly but after many surious assaults and much harm done on both sides the Turks took the Channel of the Lake of Tunis and to hinder the 〈◊〉 relief assaulted them day and night without ceasing yet some Companies sent from the New 〈◊〉 got in after which the besieged sallying out Aug. 20 repulsed them with an exceeding slaughter but the Bassaes without ceasing still bringing on fresh Souldiers after a most terrible assault all day about two houres before Sun-set they took the Castle Aug. 23. scarce 200 Souldiers being alive therein who with the other weak people were cut in pieces whatever other wealth the Turks there found they had great store of Victualls Armour Ammunition and 400 Pieces of Ordnance They forthwith laid siege to the new Castle betwixt Guletta and Tunis not yet wholly finished wherein Serbellio and Salazar lay with 4000 good Souldiers Serbellio answering the Bassaes first summons Aug. 24 that he had promised the King his Master to give him a better account of the place and being also very old could not endure the Turks yoak but would hold it out to the last man which by sallies and repulses they truly persormed But the Turks little feeling or regarding the losse of men to gain the place at length Septemb 13th after six houres furious assault with all their force slaying most of the Defendants took it Serbellio shot with two Bullets would have 〈◊〉 in the midst of the Turks but by Piall's hasty coming in both he and Salazar were taken alive all the rest were put to the Sword The Bassa in his rage struck Serbellio causing his Son to be murdered in his sight yet the Turks lost above 30000 men in lesse than three moneths space Then they marching to Tunis easily took it overthrowing its Fortifications because it should no more rebel Mahomet the young King being sent with Carrera Captain of Guletta in bonds to Constantinople The Bassaes departing thence came with 400 Sail Octob. 4th within sight of Malta nevertheless they turned aside sailing directly to Constantinople Shortly after Selimns spent with Wine and Women died Decemb. 9th 1574 51 years old reigning eight buried at Hadrianople of a mean Stature heavy disposition his face swollen much like a Drunkard of least valour of the Othoman Kings leaving his Empire to Amurath his eldest Sonne more temperate but not much greater in courage The Life of Amurath the third Sixth Emperour of the Turks SElimus's Death was for fear of the Janizaries concealed by the Bassaes till Amurath speedily advertized thereof arrived at Constantinople out of Asia about 12 dayes after taking possession of the Empire in the Seraglio Decemb. 25 being about 30 or as some 27 years old of a manly Stature pale and corpulent his beard thin and long not of so fierce a countenance as the Othoman Princes being of a peaceable disposition loving justice and in his superstition very zealous reforming the riot and excesse grown by his Fathers ill example by his own and the severe punishment of notorious Drunkards yet he is reported to drink oft plentifully of Wormwood-Wine much subject to the Falling-sickness and sore troubled with the Stone and yielding more to the counsel of his Mother Wife and Sister than of his great Bassaes which many imputed to him for simplicity To appease the murmuring of the Janizaries disappointed of the spoil of the Christians and Jewes he besides the usual largesse augmented their wages and granted their Sons at 20 years old to be enrolled among the younger Janizaries and partake of their immunities whereby he won their favours exceedingly And to rid himself of all competitors he caused his five Brethren Mustapha Solyman Abdulla Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Osman and Tzihanger to be strangled in his sight Solyman's Mother overcome with sorrow struck her self to the heart with a Dagger at which Amurath is reported to shed some teares as not delighting in such cruelty but that his State and Government so required At first he
their own charge a few common Souldiers for terror sake had two fingers of their right hands cut off and then set up by the way side nailed to Gibbets Likewise Col. Meysberg's Regiment mutininging for pay encamped at Sneche about a League from Vienna threatning to destroy the Countrey and kill the chief men if they were not paid whose Captains entereated them and promised them pay but to no purpose yea the Colonel himself in the midst of them with most earnest prayers and hands cast up minded them of their duty and danger but they carried head-long with their fury presently chose another Chieftain under whom they resolved to rifle the Suburbs of Vienna thereby to pay themselves and so drawing near the City the Governours thereof moved resolved by plain force to repress and 〈◊〉 them many of whom for all 〈◊〉 were even against their wills carried away in this mutinous action as with the violence of a heady River Now besides the Town-Captains with their Companies and other sent-supply divers Burgesses were enforced to enter into this action also two of whom being counted very honest religious men laboured by lively reasons and the word of God to prove that they might not enter into 〈◊〉 against their Christian Brethren forced with extremities to forget their duty but Law or Reason cannot be heard among the clattering of Arms so these two men forced to go and much grieved in Conscience 〈◊〉 resolved rather to die themselves than to 〈◊〉 their hands with the blood of the innocent as they accounted them whereupon one of them oft calling upon the name of Jesus thrust himself thorow with his Sword the other throwing himself into the River and perishing also At last the mutiners being even ready to be charged and that with a stronger power layed down Arms craving pardon of the Arch-Duke who took them to mercy yet with condition of returning to their Garrisons and delivering up the ringleaders to be punished as they were afterwards The Turks the while were ready to take advantage of the Christians dangerous discord Zellaly having plotted the surprisall of Lippa came by night from Temeswar to Lippa with the greatest power he could make 〈◊〉 up scaling-Ladders and at the same time labouring to force the Gates and that with a most terrible out-cry being once discovered thereby to dismay the Christians who coming as awaked to the Walls so repulsed the Turks that they retired losing a number of their men on whom the Christians sallying out slew many in their disordered retreat and took many more prisoners yea Zellaly himself was glad he had recovered the Walls of Temeswar Some Turks taken said the Army this year to come into Hungary was like to be very great part thereof being come into Belgrade expecting there the comming of the Tartars and that by reason of the Warres with Persia the Sultan had commanded all able to bear Arms both in 〈◊〉 and that part of Hungary subject to him and in adjoyning places 〈◊〉 be ready to joyn with his Army in Hungary and that the Persian had overthrown 〈◊〉 taken his Son slain almost all his Troops confederated with Caracase chief Rebell in Asia whose great number of valiant men were resolutely set for the troubling of the Sultans estate About this time the Governour of Cassovia going forth with many of his Garrisons to appease the Souldiers in the Country mutinying for their pay shewing them the danger perswading them by the ill success of such actions to return to their duties they contrarily urging payment or leave to depart as not able longer to continue in his few days absence certain Turks 〈◊〉 in Cassovia brake their Irons and slew their keepers in hope to escape but being discovered and surprized and by torture examined how they thought to have escaped the Walls being still kept with Sentinels they confessed They intended that night to fire the City in divers places and then to have flain the Sentinels so to escape Whereupon some few were executed the rest more straitly imprisoned looked to than before But at the same time a Souldier of the Garrison of 〈◊〉 in the Cittadel there by neglect or mishap 〈◊〉 fire into the powder for the Castle 's store blew up the Citadel Towers Houses Walls made this place like another Rome burnt by Nero so that had any Christian Forces bin near they might easily have won the same both for the small resistance in so great astonishment as destruction thereof Now also 200 Turks of Buda sent to fetch in forrage a little from Pesth the Christians there sallied out and charged them in this action who right valiantly defended themselves a while but at length oppressed with number they were most slain and the rest taken so that the Bassa of Buda in his rage threatned to do unto the Christians what harm he could But men warned are half-armed There were the like or worse Calamities in Transilvania extream want of all things sore raging in both Countries so that hardly hath any misery been seen or read of which was not in those 2 Countries to be found and of many felt wherefore Basta had by diligence lately as was declared brought Transilvania into some good terms as was thought yet it proved far otherwise for the Nobility detesting the Germans and their Government rejected the decrees of the late Assembly for concluding of peace so that assisted by the Turks they had took some strong places in the Province appointing a place to meet at where the Turks and they might confer of the means to effect their designes Basta hearing secretly hereof sent many Haidusks to lay in wait for them on the way by which skilfull men in the passages of the Country the Turks and Transilvanians were altogether surprized and slain after which these and other Souldiers destitute of pay furiously fell upon the Province as if they had bin mortall Enemies seizing upon all mens goods in common for that which some few kept from them massacring all in their way chiefly the poor weak innocent people who called and cryed upon the Almighty for remedy of these evils and for revenge of so great and cruell wrongs No man could travell without danger to be spoiled by Theeves for the Haiducks living by prey and roaming up and down spared neither Turks nor Christians so that they hearing the Zecclers were bringing many Waggons laden with Victuals and many Cattle to Claudianople though they were of the same party lay in wait for them against whom they seeking to defend themselves were cruelly massacred and Waggons with the Beeves and other cattel carryediaway But hunger forceth men to all extremities The Famine now was such that the people lived mostly by Roots of Herbs and Weeds c. whereof great mortality ensued which caused Horwat Captain of these Haiducks being reproved for their outrages and charged to take order that no more such were done to answer It was not possible to keep
gave thanks to God and were very joyfull Soon after News came to Yas that the Sultan had appointed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Moldavia much better than Valachia sending Skinder Bassa with a powerful army to settle him and expel Alexander And June 25. 1616. he came to Tergovist where was Michna with great preparations the Bassa entred with 30 or 40 Musicians on horseback making but silly musick and many Pages who for cloaks ware Leopards Lions and Tigers skins his army being about twenty thousand men Turks and Tartars to whom Michna joyned with ten thousand horse and 〈◊〉 Being come into the Castle after many complements the Bassa and Michna entred into a great Hall where he presented him his Letters Patents and a Robe his Master had sent him Michna putting it on in presence of his Nobles and being proclaimed Prince and Vayuod of Moldavia with many ceremonies Then Michna led the Bassa into another great Hall where was a Feast prepared offering to serve him but he made him sit down right against him July 2d they marched into Moldavia but the Princess Alexanders Mother maintained that the Bassa came onely to bring the Patents to her Son by reason of Bassa's former Letters was the cause of their utter ruine About which time Zolchelchy the Polish Kings General through Envie and private Interest wrote to Michna and the Bassa if they would promise him to procure the eldest Son of Simeon living with him to be Prince of Valachia he would so weaken Alexander's Army that he must yield or flee which granted he wrote to some Cossack Captains to come speedily into Poland to go with Uladislam their Kings Son chose Duke of Muscovie who would go thither with a great Army through some crosses and they should be very well paid Wherefore concealing that Invitation they began to mutiny saying If they had not money speedily they would be gone 8000 of whom went early in the morning with great store of cattel and the spoils they had gotten Likewise Bicho Alexanders General whether through fear or being corrupted retired toward the Enemy with two thousand horse Hereupon many advised Alexander to retreat yea Michna for fear of his false Prophets fore-warning wrote and advised him to retire into Poland before his Army approached nearer Alexander went to counsel July 25. but they could not resolve most of the Army demanding their pay or they would not fight which they took for a pretext of retreating The mean while Michna's Vanguard of Tartars approaching made them march from Yas towards Cochina but the Tartars having notice went and charged them in the Rear where Potoskie having slain many with his own hand was at last slain with an arrow ' Tischevich coming speedily with a Troop of Cossacks suriously slew 800 Tartars on the place routing the rest Alexander answered Michna's Letter That contrary to his promise he had craved aid of the Turks to dispossess him of Moldavia to which his predecessors never laid claim neither could they according to the Laws and Conventions when the Moldavians submitted to the Sultan none to be Vayuod there unless there born also he minded him that he might have dispossessed him of Valachia when he entred Bonza which he would not sending him all his rich moveabls and that if he abused his present Power God would not let him go unpunished and though his Army were far lesse than his yet he feared them not putting his chief confidence in the Almighty who had used them oft to abate the Turks Pride which he should abhorre if a true Christian rather than joyn to satisfie his ambition Skinder Bassa seeing this Letter and incensed Commanded his Lievtenant to pursue the Poles with 12000 choyse Men who being then at Cotnard Alexander hereupon made them advance towards 〈◊〉 at which time Cherban's Chancellour who came with 150 Horse to assure him that his Master was coming with 5 or 6000 to ayd him was pursued by the Turks near Yas onely himself and one more escaping So that Alexander could have no sure News of Cherban Coreski also who stayed with 2500 Horse not far from Cotnard was encountred by a great Troop which he could not discover for a little Mountain he charged some of them But one Troop being defeated another succeding he must retreat yet he slew almost 6000 Enemies not above 250 of his own being lost The Turkish Commander amazed hereat collecting his Men joyned with 15000 others sent from Yas approaching very near to the Polonians where encouraging his Men he sent a Challenge to Coreski by a Captain whom he confest the most Valiant of all the Polonians who coming and delivering his Charge Coreskie though he could not stand or sit on Horse-back for his wounds would have accepted the Challenge if Alexander and the rest had not caused him to excuse himself through indisposition shewing what the event of such a Combat did import the Princesses also instantly intreating and his dearest Spouse who was much afflicted for his wounds Tischevich intreated leave of Alexander that he might accept thereof for his cousin Coreskie which grantred he sent to know if the Turks General would own it which he did knowing what Tischevich was The Combat was to be betwixt the Armies within a quarter of a League of each other and neither Party to be assisted The Turks General being about 50 paces from his Army washed his Mouth Eyes Nose Ears and privy Parts believing after his Law that it would serve as a purifying then praying toward the East and so mounting richly Armed and Furnished marched softly towards Tischevich who attended him they began with Bowes and Arrowes not hurting each other till Tischevich shooting the Turk thorow with a Petronel in his striving to rise he rodd over him wounding him in the right Arm and at next blow slew him then cutting off his head he carried it to Alexander The Poles were very joyful and the Turks much amazed advertising the Bassa and Michna they must bring all the Army and Cannon if they would be revenged In the mean time Bicho the Traytor with 2000 Tartars and Moldavians got before the 〈◊〉 to hinder their passage from Cotnard to Michna's Army investing them on the right hand and the Turks behind so that they had but on the left a Wood to favour their retrait who being so invironed Resolved to Fortifie themselves with their Ca t s and Carriages but they were but 5 or 6000 to 22 or 23000 as they were thought to be true Cherban and Bossi were within 2 dayes journey with 10 or 12000 Men which made the Enemy the more to advance who coming near their Camp and desiring onely to take the Princes and Princesses prisoners with the chief Nobles summoned the Polonians to deliver them into their hands the rest to depart with Bag and Baggage But they all answered They would rather die than commit such base treachery Hereupon some Canons were discharged a great number of Poles being slain and wounded
These shooting to small purpose with their small pieces all their bullets being spent and part of their powder lately burnt by accident Tischevich thus enclosed furiously with five hundred of the most valiant horse forced thorow 3 or 4 Squadrons set in guard by the Wood side overthrowing all they encountred Correskie would not have failed so to do and carryed Alexander with him but he could not sit on horseback also he had rather die than leave his Wife in that extremity so he disguised himself giving out he escaped with Tischevich as did the Princesses that if to be ransomed to go for common persons The Turks Cannon having overthrown many of their Carriages two Squadrons of Tartars and Turks in two places came to force their Camp who thereupon laid down arms crying aloud They yielded The Enemy was very glad as very desirous to take the Princes prisoners and dispose of the rest who entring their camp and seizing on what they could Alexander and Bougdan were delivered to Skinder Bassa who leading them to Constantinople for fear of perpetual Imprisonment they became Renegadoes But Bougdan being circumcized dyed and his Mother was confined to the old Seraglio Coreskie through disguise was led to Yas among the common souldiers where he was afterwards discovered by a souldier of his own party who got his liberty and freedom thereby the Turk who had gotten this Prince led him to the Bassa who recompencing him well made both him and the Souldier swear not to tell it to any for he intended to draw some great Ransom from him knowing if he carried him to Constantinople the Sultan would imprison him and so he should have no benefit but another false Polonian told Michna thereof who was so 〈◊〉 that he told the Bassa before many He certainly knew Coreskie was among his slaves for whom the G. Seignior would call him to account He answered he would be glad of that but he had yet no notice of him thanking Michna for his caution and fearing the event of Coreskies escape for a Ransom he told Michna next day that Coreskie was found disguised whom he would present unto his Master with Alexander and Bougdan as he did Coreskies Wife disguised and disfigured with her nailes and otherwise fell into the hands of a Tartar Captain with many others who carried her into Tartary where she was inhumanly intreated Cosmo the G. Duke's Galleys parting from Ligorne this year they drew near Cerigo April 25. where meeting with some Christian ships they heard 〈◊〉 in Chio the Turk had prepared 2 Galleys to passe into Barbary Inghirami resolving to set upon them by cover of the night cast Anchor under Castle-Roux but the Moon shining discovered him to the Turks who advertising the 〈◊〉 they began to flee one rowing a main towards Land and the other speeding her course at Sea Inghiramie's Galley got before that going to land being followed by St. Stephens Galley grapling with it 3 hours and striving to enter but the Turks defending it valiantly they were above an hour fastened together hewing each other furiously yea the Turks entring Inghiramies Galley fought valiantly upon the Hatches but at last the 〈◊〉 took her yet with much loss It was the Iron Galley of that famous Pirate Amurath Raise the Captain Mustapha Celebi a Portugall being taken but sore wounded The other was the Captain Galley of the said Raise commanded by the Bey of Mitylene called Amurath this was infested by 2 Florentine Galleys the Combat being no less furious than the other but after some hours fight the Florentines had the Victory Amurath being slain and Mustapha whom these Galleys carried to Algier They were great Galleys well furnished and manned with 420 Janizaries practised in Piracies 240 Turks were taken 430 Christians freed They also recovered a Cannon and 2 Sacres of St. Johns Galley and a Sayl of the G. Duke's Captain-Galley which Raise had formerly spoiled the rich commodities taken were valued at 200000 Crowns but the Florentines had 223 men wounded and 35 slain which made Inghirami return to Ligorn But the Emperour's Embassadour coming to Constantinople was because the peace concluded at 〈◊〉 Torok in 1606 was somewhat altered by divers Interpretations made of those Articles and this year in March the Embassadours of both Emperours assembled at Vienna wherethey concluded upon divers Articles to remove all pretext of controversie in their explication but Embassadours had first been mutually sent to Constantinople and Prague with royal and rich Presents The peace made at Situa Torok was to be observed for 20 years compleat beginning at the date of those Presents which were signed and sealed by Embassadours on both sides March 1. 1616. Of these Articles extracted out of Achmat's Letters Pattents and of an accord for execution of the same touching the Villages in controversie and razing Fortifications thou maist read at large in the 1362 1363 and 1364 pages of the Turks History Alexandrina Wife to P. Coreskie being led captive unknown to Bialigrot in Tartary there received many indignities being with child yea while she lay in which was 5 or 6 months after her taking There was also one Jaques a Polonian Souldier under Coreski who though he might by her discovery have purchased his own freedom yet he would not Wherefore the Princess the Tartarian being one day absent told Jaques That having found him faithfull she would direct him how to redeem himself from captivity so he would observe what she did prescribe who promising so to do yea with the hazard of his life She said Thou knowest the Tartar whose captives we are hath an elder Brother very rich who is lately become blind and deaf through a great defluxion into his eyes and eares for which his Brother seems much afflicted I have a Jewel which my Husband gave me when we were made sure which I much esteeming have hid sometimes in my hair sometimes in rags since my captivity for he assured me it had many and singular Vertues and that it would restore the sight and cure deafnesse so 't were not natural or too inveterate I will give thee this Stone when thou hast sounded the Tartar whether he will free thee if thou dost cure his Brother making him swear solemnly not to retain it that thou mayest restore it me unknown to him She said also Thou must demand of the sick man a Horse Money and Passeports to go into thy own Country that thou mayst go speedily to my dear Husband where ever thou shalt hear of him and bring me an Answer of my Letters if possible Jaques having sworn to perform all she gave him the Stone who finding the Tartar one day much afflicted with his Brother's infirmity told him He knew how to cure him without pain or taking any thing inwardly I believe nothing said he for all the Physitians in the Country could not do it yet if he could he promised to free him without Ransom and give him whererewith to conduct him