taken Jadera was ready to be embarqued for Syria But prince Alexius had so wrought especially with Pope Innocent III. Philip the Emperour and the French King that they commended both him and his cause by Letters and Messengers to the Army Who comming to Jadera with this commendation was received as an Emperour's son recommending himself as a poor exiled Prince to their protection of a lively Spirit c. and being instructed by the Noble Greeks in all things for his purose he fitted divers Nations in the Army with motives most prevalent with them Promising to pay the mony that the French had borrowed for this War To the Venetians recompence for all injuries received from the Greek Emperours chiefly Emmanuell To the Pope and Italians he and his Nobles had promised the Greek Church should alwaies acknowledge the Supremacy of Rome which made the Pope by all means to further Alexius his cause alledging that the Greeks Latines difference in opinion caused that the Mahometans were not long ago by united forces subdued And promised large rewards to all that took his part These forces for the Christians relief in Syria were hereby converted against the Greek Empire to the Turks grean advantage who had he been charged home by the Christians as by the Tartars might easily have been suppressed The Commanders of the Army thought best to march directly to Constantinople giving out thorough all Greek Cities manned against them that they purposed not to war against the Grecians but to restore their lawfull Emperor And seeing antient Greece had appointed rewards and honours for their deliverers from Tyrants they should the more favourably intreat them So embarquing their Army and entring the streights of Bosphorus Thracius they anchored even in the face of the City with 240 tall ships 60 Galleys 70 of burden 120 victuallers the streight seeming rather a Wood than part of the Sea They lay thus a while attending if on their sight any tumult might arise in the City But the Tyrant had provided that the Citizens favouring Alexius durst not stir in his quarrel Embassadours now came from Crete yielding that Island to the young Prince which he gave to Montferrat to encourage others in hope of recompence Alexius had made fast the Haven between Constantinople and Pera with a great chain manning it with 20 Galleys but the General sent the Eagle a swift the strongest ship in the Fleet who sailing with a full gale brake the chain thus gaining the Haven the Greeks left their Galleys to the Venetians Lascaris the Emperour's son in Law was ready with a select company to hinder the Latines landing who running on Land the Foot for the Horses could not so soon land leaped out of their ships in a moment laying about the mounted Greeks like mad men The Citizens expecting the event of this hot skirmish 60000 Greeks bravely sallied out of the City and made the battle doubtfull yet in fine the Greeks retired into the City guessing the losse by Alexius with Lascaris and a few others secretly with a masse of treasure hidden by his daughter Irene Abbesse of a Nunnery the next night fleeing The Constantinopolitans next morning taking Isaac out of Prison saluted him again Emperour and opened the Gates to the Latines calling them the Revengers of their liberty and their Emperour's Life and Majesty requesting to see young Alexius so long desired so saving the City that time from saccage The old Emperour and his son in the imperiall seat gave most hearty thanks to the Latine Princes and though his sight could not be restored yet he acknowledged they restored his Life Liberty Empire Country and Son confirming whatsoever his son had promised them and that he would content them better if they were not therewith contented not being able to render answerable Rewards to their deserts And consulting about means to satisfy them that the Citizens might more willingly do what was to be commanded he intreated the Latines as they did to retire out of the City But what every man was to pay being set down it seemed to the Greeks most intolerable Isaac being brought out of a stinking Prison through the sudden change of aire and manner of living dyed in this very instant The Constantinopolitans grievously exclaimed at this exaction all in generall saying and the Nobles in assemblies grievously complaining that it was a villanous thing for the Empire by a boy to be made bare unto a covetous and proud Nation that the rich Isle Creet was given to the Latines that the Greek Church was constrained to submit to the See of Rome from which it was happily freed since the translation of the Empire thither by Constantine the Great whereupon a Tumult was raised The armed people furiously ran to the Pallace purposing to commit some outrage on the young Emperor to whom without stay he shewing himself above promised to doe nothing without their advice and liking appeasing the tumult with these good words But the Emperour burning with desire of revenge and thinking himself more bound to keep promise with the Latines for he could not satisfy both he sent secretly to Montferrat to send him certain souldiers about midnight assuring him to receive them in by a Gate nigh the Pallace Of this Alexius Duc as sirnamed Murzufle from his bettle Browes was not ignorant whose aspiring mind took this occasion and the night following raised a tumult not inferiour to the former comming suddenly to the Emperour as if he had no hand in it and told him with a sad countenance that the people especially of his Guard were in an uproar comming to do him violence for his love to the Latines The terrified Emperour demanded of him what was best to do in the case He embraceing him in his Gown led him by a secret door into a Tent in the Court and departing as to appease the tumult he was in bonds clapt into a close stinking prison as the Traytour before had ordered The Traytour now made an Oration to the people shewing his compassion to the Greeks and their Empire and in that they were governed by a Youth mislead by the Latines pleasure That 't was high time for the City and Empire to look about them since 't was sold by its Preservers that they needed one who loved his Country before the Latines had extinguished their name The windy people cried out with applause That none but he was to be Chief of the Commonweal Others to have him made Generall of all forces the greatest cry was to have him made Emperour who by general consent was forthwith chosen and proclaimed Who was of nothing more careful then to break the Latines forces which he feared attempting first by Galleys filled with pitch to burn the Venetians fleet who not unacquainted with such devices and wary by keeping themselves from each other avoided the same He now to colour the matter sent Messengers to Dandalus the General that it was done by the peoples malice
ships 50000 Foot 4500 Horse with necessaries proportionable yearly to be ready in March or April at farthest to meet at an appointed place in the East to be employed as the state of things required The King of Spain to defray half the charge the Venetians 2 parts of the other half and the Pope a third which if too heavy for him then the Spaniard to bear 3 parts of that left by him undischarged and the Venetians 2. Victuals was also to be taken up at a reasonable price in any of their Dominions where the Forces should stay yet the Spaniard was first to Victual Guletta Malta and his own Navy out of Naples and Sicily Also if the Spaniard should when there was no common War invade Algiers Tripolis or Tunis the Venetians to ayd him with 50 well appointed Galleys he likewise to ayd them when by the Turks invaded But if the Roman Territory should be invaded then both to the utmost of their power to defend it and the Pope's person and in managing the confederate war what most of the 3 Admirals should agree upon to be reputed as agreed by all That Don John of Austria Charls 5. his son should command in chief all the Forces but to display the common Ensign Also all places except Tunis Algiers and Tripolis gained from the Turk to be divided among the Confederates the Pope to decide all controversies of the Generals to whom the Venetians should lend 12 Galleys which the Pope should supply with men and Victuals and deliver as they were at the end of the War That Maximilian the French King the Polonian and Portugal should have a place to enter into the League whom with other Christian Princes it should beseem him to stir up in so good a quarrel None of the Confederates to treat of peace or enter a League without the others consent Every Autumn their Embassadours being at Rome to consult of the next years Wars and determine whether their Forces were to be encreased or diminished This League was in June with great pomp and triumph proclaimed in Rome Venice and Spain The Venetians in the mean time tryed if they could stir up Tamas the Persian King against The Turk whom he exceedingly hated for the difference about their Religion and for manifold injuries sustained One Alexander a Secretary of State escaping lately out of prison at Constantinople being for his several Accomplishments thought fittest for so great a matter who thorowly furnished and instructed came to Moncastron in Turkish Attire a Port-town at the mouth of the River Borysthenes embarquing for Trapezond but was driven by a contrary wind to Sinope whence he travelled to Cutai keeping on the left hand because he would not fall upon the Turks Army marching thorow all those Countries yet he fell on a part thereof but being taken for a Turk he thorow Rocks and Forrests arrived at length at Erzirum a Frontier City of the Turks His journey was vented at Constantinople by a Spie who as a friend haunted the Venetian Embassadours House at Pera Whereupon Currours were speedily to beset the 3 straight passes into Persia with his favour stature c. But he fearing such a thing leaving his Company posted to Tauris whom the Courrours followed as far as they durst At Tauris Alexander hearing the Court lay at Casbin about 12 miles Journey he came thither Aug. 14. 1571. meeting with English Merchants of his acquaintance by whom he got to speak with Aider the Kings third son learning of them also the fashions of the Court and how to bear himself therein The Persians through the intolerable heat doing most business then by night Alexander about midnight declared to Aider the cause of his comming and next day to his Father delivered his Letters of credence declaring to him in the Senate's name how perfidiously Selimus was about to take away Cyprus from them with what greediness and pride he had set upon the Christians and that discharged of that war he would in all likelyhood set upon the Persians through an ardent and insatiable desire of Soveraignty Then setting forth the prowess of the Christians and their wondrous preparation both at sea and Land he perswaded the King with all his power to invade the Turk now wholly busied in the Wars of Cyprus using divers motives and arguments The King willingly heard him saying He would consider what to do A fair House and a bountiful Allowance being appointed for him and his followers who also requested the Nobles who feasted him oft to be Mediatours to the King therein who had a son called Ismael whom he kept in durance for making in-roads into the Turks Frontiers to the disturbance of his League with Solyman he fretting and languishing for very grief of revenge upon the Turks wished to Alexander that either his Father had his mind or he the powre of a King and that if ever he obtained the Kingdom he would shew what he then thought While the matter went slowlier on than the Embassador would have had it news was brought to Court of a great Victory obtained by the Christians of the Turks at ãâã Whereat Alexander solicited the King more earnestly than before but he then troubled with the rebellion in Media or weary of former Wars with the Turks answered him Since the Christians had made a perpetual League among themselves he would for 2 years ãâã the event and then as occasion served resolve on peace or war Which improvidentact brought afterwards a too late Repentance unto the whole Persian Kingdom all the calamities which the Senate foretold redounding in few years to the shaking thereof Mustapha furnished with all necessaries for his siege and Souldiers daily repairing to him besides great supplies brought by Haly from Constantinople being thought to have 200000 men in his Army In April drew nearer to Famagusta casting up Trenches and Mounts so high against it that the Defendants could scarce see the points of the Turks spears or top of their Tents for the Bassa had 40000 Pioniers ready at his command Famagusta standeth at the East end of the Isle low betwixt 2 Promontories it 's 2 miles about almost four-square Almost 2 parts whereof is beaten on with the sea the Land-parts being defended with a ditch but 15 foot broad a stone-wall and Bulwark and Parapets Towers also stand out scarce containing 6 Ordance a-piece It 's Haven South-Eastward is defended by 2 great Rocks betwixt which the Sea cometh in but about 40 paces over but then opening wider giveth a fit Harbour for ships though in no great number and was now strongly chained Near the Haven is an old Castle with 4 Towers There was one Bulwark so built after the manner of the Fortification of our time that it seemed almost impregnable yet there wanting many things the City was thought too weak long to hold out against so great a power but they had therein 2500 Italians 200 Albano's Horsmen and 2500 Cypriots all resolutely bent
Castronovum on Istria's borders where he took the Suburbs and soon brought the Town to great extremity but the Beglerbeg of Greece being coming with a great power he with all speed returned to the Sea The Turks likewise built a great strong Fort to hinder the strong Town Cataro from any relief by Sea for by Land it was already environed by them Superantius hereupon with 20 Galleys manned with the most choise Souldiers and some other Galleys which met him by the way came by night before the Bay of Cataro leaving one part at Anchor before the Fort himself with the other passing further into the Bay the Turks shooting at them from the Fort to small purpose in the dark after viewing of the Fort he battered it on that side as did the Galleys on the other side and landing their men on both sides by plain force entred it putting every one of that Turkish Garrison to the sword the Fort was five hundred paces long not strong towards Land whence was no such fear they took seventeen great Ordnance much Armour and abundance of Victuall and seven Galleys under the Fort so Superantius returned to ãâã Fuscarinus in 1572 all things being ready sent Superantius the Providetor to Messana with 25 Galleys to hasten John's coming and attend him but he there found such small preparation as well shewed the Spaniards small care for repressing the Turks who with grief and indignation complaining to himself of their unfaithfulness bewailing his Countrey and the Christian Commonwealth for the Don had solemnly promised all should be in readiness but much of the Summer was past when scarce a few Companies and 50 Galleys were met at Messana Selimus fearing to be driven quite out of the Sea had built and repaired 200 Galleys charging Uluzales to beware of the like danger not to go out of the Archipelago or fight but upon advantage or even hand Uluzales now Admiral threatned revenge upon the Venetians with fire and sword which much troubled them at Venice as well acquainted with his fury besides Barbarus their Embassador in safe custody at Constantinople certified them that he told 250 Galleys when they set forward besides some others to meet them therefore to beware of encountring but on equall strength It was also reported that King Philip careless of the other Warres was about to turn his forces upon Tunis and Algiers as he did the year following The Venetians were even at their wits end the Senate sitting and consulting from Sun-rising to Sun-setting daily commanding Fuscarinus whether the confederates came in or not to set forward and not refuse Battel with the hovering Enemy if he saw any good hope of Victory calling also earnestly on the Pope and King to hasten their forces to encounter their Enemy before he should come out of his own Seas They put also Don John often in minde of his place the time and danger of the time entreating him if possible to add something to that haste which so important a cause required who nevertheless delayed from day to day telling them he would by and by come c. which was so far from his thought that he called back Requisenius also whom he had sent with 20 Galleys to Corcyra Superantius two moneths fittest for Warre vainly spent with great instance importuned him to hasten who answered The Venetians requested but reason but he was advertized that the French King pretending the suppressing of Pirates had a great Fleet at Rochel intending to invade Spain now they were busied against the Turk he being commanded from the King not to depart from Messana till he had other order The Venetians much doubted of this excuse for the French King hearing hereof was exceedingly offended protesting if troubles at home would permit him he would gladly give them ayd in that religious War many thought also that had a great power in this delay Superantius weary and almost out of hope of any help in time from the Spaniard yet would not give him occasion in so dangerous a time to fall quite off however he spake not flatteringly of the matter but gravely declared he thought Heaven would sooner have fallen than Don John not at the appointed time have come to Corcyra beseeching and wishing him to beware he brought not the common State into some great danger pressing him with divers reasons drawn from the common good and truth it self but the Kings pleasure was to be preferred before all reasons and dangers Yet hearing the resolute command of the Senate to their Admirall he fearing if without his help he should gain the Victory he wou'd take all the glory to himself but if overthrown it would turn to his utter reproach who had in such a time withdrawn himself stood a while as perplexed and in doubt what to do yet at last he sent 22 Galleys under one Lilly to the Venetian Admirall with whom went Columnius whom Pope Gregory 13th entertaining the same League as Pius that was dead kept still for his Admiral with the Popes Fleet. August was come but not such ayd as Fuscarinus expected yet he ãâã perswaded Columnius and Lilly to sail with him ãâã and give the Enemy Battel telling them that if they were all of like courage they should go both to the glory of the present Battel and to the great honour and advancement of the whole Christian Commonwealth then he extenuated the power of the Enemy from divers grounds saying his Provision was by flying fame made far greater than it was or possibly could be wherefore they should set forward with the greater courage because the last years Victory had opened the way for another which if it should so fall out the Enemy could not but in a long time recover his strength at Sea so that they the while might take the rich Islands in the Archipelago and if the Turks declining Battel should retire into Hellespont they might spoil with fire and sword all their frontiers on this side the Straits and open a way to the Christians to do great matters They were hardly perswaded nor did they consent till 't was decreed not to joyn Battel but with their Galleons and Galleasses in the front so sailing to Commentitia Don John wrote to them He was commanded by the King to come and joyn with them which he promised so soon as possible to do being first to be provided of all necessaries they the while to be careful of all things Columnius and Lilly hereupon doubted whether to go or expect his coming but he not having written expresly of their staying and Fuscarinus urging them on they went divided into 3 Battels consisting of 155 Galleys 6 Galleasses and 20 tall Ships Superantius in the right Wing Canalis in the left the Generalls in the middle Quirinus in the Reare Two Galleasses going before each Battel thus they came to Zante so to Cerigo next day to Colubraria or Dragonaria over against it Surianus here sent to discover the Enemie's strength
to Guy and affection to Tripolis lying fast by and never so before not moving suffering the enemy to spoil and depart in safety who within a month in hope of a safer passage between Damasco and Aegypt sat down before Petra beyond Jordan with a great Army Baldwin sent the Count of Tripolis by him restored and Guy displaced against him Saladine hearing of it raised his siege The King a little before growing sicker appointed by the Nobles consent Baldwin Sybills Son a posthume of William Marquess of ãâã her first husband 5 years old to succeed him Raymund of Tripolis during his minority to govern the State Guy hereupon departed from Court to Ascalon discontented the Patriarch and Princes fearing great danger requested the King to receive ãâã into favour and to reconcile him with Raymund by his Parliament at Acon but it was dissolved and nothing in that point concluded Jerusalems Kingdom through the old King's sickness the young ones unfitness and the dissention between Guy and Raymund began to decline Raymund fearing Guy was thought to have intelligence with Saladine the King almost purposing to proclaim him Traytot But by the Counsel of Tyre's Archbishop and others he sent Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem and two more Masters of the Knights and Templers to the Pope the Emperour of Germany the French and English Kings to crave aid against the Infidels These Embassadours before the Pope and Emperour declaring the Eastern Christians hard estate moved all the Princes at the Councel of Verona to compassion Thence passing into France England and Germany great preparation was made for relief the returning Embassadours filling the sick King with great hopes But quarrels shortly arising between Pope and Emperour sharp war between the French and English Kings and others the expedition was dashed Whereat Baldwin oppressed with grief ãâã without issue May 16. 1185 25 years old whose body was also buried with a general mourning in the Temple by Mount Calvary not inferiour to his Predecessors Baldwin 5th a boy was Crowned Raymund contending for the government and Kings tuition by the late Kings ãâã having it almost confirmed by ãâã But Sybill so animated Guy not to give place that by his favourites and the Marquess of ãâã then in ãâã with great power he had from the Nobles what he desired Seven months after the young King was buried poysoned by his Mother as was said whose death she concealed till it was wrought that the King was ãâã and Guy the same day Crowned Let him have his place as the 8th King of Jerusalem though some reckon him not among the Kings Raymund out of all hope did what he could to crosse the King Saladine promising him help at need which the Count desirously embraced Discord reigning the Kingdom drew to a period which Saladine perceiving invited Turks Saracens and Egyptians to take up Arms assuring them of great prey and honour of conquest which Mahometans flocked to Ptolemais 50000 horse besides infinit foot there meeting the Count conducting some thorow Tiberias Nazareth and Galilee They besieging this City Ptolemais Saladine terribly assaulted it on May day 1187. In the heat whereof the 2 Masters of the Templars and Knights Hospitallers to whom it was given to defend sallying out assailed the Camp and turning on the assaillers made confusion and sudden danger turned his whole forces fighting a most bloudy battel the Count of Tripolis in a Turkish habit helping the Infidels unhorsed the Master of the Hospitallers who surcharged with Armour and oppressed with enemies died Saladine new succour still coming having lost 15000 fled with the rest a ãâã not without Christian blood most of the Hospitallers being ãâã Saladine now thought good to joyn pollicy to open force working by Raymund of Tripolis ãâã as utterly fallen out with the Turks he should seek for grace of Guy as his dread Soveraign Saladine to colour this besieged Tiberias a City of the ãâã who traiterously craving aid of the King encamped with an Army near the fountain of Sophor joyning a terrible battel with 120000 horsemen and 160000 footmen of Turks both Armies as by consent retiring through extream heat and nights approach The ãâã next day by the false Counts flight gained the victory Guy the King with divers of great note were taken the Christians whole strength was here broken Saladine with little resistance had Ptolemais ãâã and Berytus delivered him not forcing any Christian yielding their obedience and tribute but the Latins to depart And within a month taking except Tyre all Sea-port Towns betwixt ãâã and Ascalon he marched from Ascalons siege of 9 daies directly to Jerusalem perswading the Citizens timely to yield themselves and City to his mercy they refusing he for 14 daies left nothing ãâã for gaining thereof The Citizens considering their danger the Kingdoms strength ãâã no forreign aid to be expected agreed to yield on condition of staying with goods and liberty or departing with what they could carry on their backs ãâã delivered Octob. 2 1187 holden by the Christians 89 years Saladine prophaning the Temple with his superstition using the other as Stables that of the Sepulchre was for a great sum redeemed by the Christians The Latins he thrust out with what burdens they could bear who travelling to Tripolis Tyre and ãâã were by false Raymund of Tripolis and his followers lightened thereof Others as Syrians c. had places in the ãâã appointed to dwell in All Monuments were defaced except Christ's Sepulchre with Godfreys and his brother Baldwins Above 20000 Christians perished the Count of Tripolis shortly after found dead in his bed as some say circumcised Saladine returned to the siege of Ascalon which after 10 daies with a composition for safe departure was delivered for freeing Guy the King and Gerrard ãâã of the Templars Then he attempted ãâã but gave over the siege He most furiously assaulted Tyre which was full of men by Conrade of ãâã arriving with the Greek Emperour's Fleet and distressed Christians fleeing thither but was repulsed with great losse The Admiral of Sicily landing upon his back he charged behind and before left his Tents with all therein to the Christians for haste In few daies invading about Antioch he destroyed all with fire and sword that so strong a Cities Castle being by means of the Patriarch for gold betrayed to him whereby he soon was Master of the City about 90 years before hardly gained by the Christians 25 Cities with the Provinces belonging depended thereon The report of this losse soon filling Christendom with pittiful complaints of ãâã and perswasions of Pope Clement 3 moved the Christian Princes with many great Prelats all or most making great preparations for relief against the Turks and afterwards imploying them at divers times with danger of their persons the success shall hereafter be declared Of which Saladine not ignorent set Guy at liberty ãâã a year contrary to promise with an oath never by Arms to seek revenge or recovery of his
themselves yield resolving to begin the war at the City Damiata the first and commodiousest Port by whose taking they should enter Nile and command the Country thereabouts This rich and ancient City stood about a mile from the Sea somewhat distant from Nile environed with a navigable cut like an Island and compassed with 3 strong stone-Walls a strong watch Tower at the Cut's mouth a number of fair houses about it entrenched the Cut also was barred with a great strong iron chain The Christians by great strength coming with their Fleet brake the chain but they ãâã a greater stay at the Watch-Tower which strongly built and well stored the Souldiers overwhelmed them with shot fire stones c. The Christians had built high woodden Towers on Vessels for assault in the approach the Marriners and Souldiers hindred each other by crying they should draw nigher the Tower others ãâã cast ãâã the bridges for entry the enemy also with clamour encouraging one another In this hurly-burly the higest Tower over-charged with men fell with an exceeding noise crushing some to death the timber oppressing others being hurt and crying for help others hurt leapt for fear some into Nile some aboard ships crying out of arm leg head other part discomfiting the rest and giving over the assault King John the Armies General appeasing the tumult giving those that were hurt to Surgions and burying the dead bodies chearfully perswaded the Souldiers not to be discouraged this Towers fall being through wars chance not their cowardise or the enemies valour Meledine encamped in sight of Damiata to fill the besieged with hopes of relief often sending then by the River whatsoever they wanted skirmishes passing daily betwixt both The Christians had still the victory but could neither be drawn to battel nor kept from victnals it being conveighed out of upper Aegypt by Nile whereas the same River dividing into many arms c. gave our men a 1000 inconveniences therefore they resolved to besiege the Tower again framing a strong Tower on 2 fastned Vessels and bringing it near their Tower the rest of the Fleet following for assault others standing in battel range at Land to discourage the besieged and that the Sultan should not help them without hazzarding battel They of the subburbs valiantly defended a fierce and cruel assault for it being a publick Mart-City there ãâã in the ãâã not only Aegyptians but Arabians Indians c. who fought for defence of lives and goods our men being animated also as in religious quarrels so with the spoil of those rich Nations The Christians drew as near with their ships as they could to Land that they might fight hand to hand But the Barbarians soughr by shot c. to keep them from landing The enemy boarding by chance a ship running a ground and making a cruel slaughter a Souldier made a great hole under the hatches and drowned a great number of Aegyptians with the Christians which most feard them The high Tower also now mating the Watch-tower dismaied the Defendants as with a miracle forsaking the Tower and fleeing which thus taken the discouraged in the Suburbs fleeing many were wounded from the Watch-tower by the Christians Other ships then landing the Souldiers put all they found to the sword There was abundance of victuals but far more riehes Now they ãâã the strong Town Damiata but gaining nothing but hard blows and wounds they retired yet they lodged in the Suburbs lying betwixt the Sultan and the City that no supply should be brought the enemy being to their great losse oft hindered both from entring or sallying forth But now Nile swelling with an Eastern wind most of the Christians victuals were spoiled who through the Pope's Legat fasting and praying for 3 daies the wind falling and the River decreasing on the fourth day they prayed more earnestly thinking as the Almighty had feared so he had comforted them again Victual growing scant in the Sultan's Camp he sent away half his Army about Caire at which time ãâã sent Embassadours to the Princes of the Christian Army in his own and the Aegyptian Sultan his brothers behalf suing for peace and promising to restore whatever his Father Saladine had taken from them most liking that well saying They had taken up ãâã for recovery of that had been before gotten that all these things being restored there rested no further occasion of war c. Yet Pelagins the Popes Legat for the other ãâã dead King John Master of the Hospitallers and Templers Duke of Austria and the Germans were contrary in opinion alleading this sacred war was undertaken against the Infidels and Mahometan Superstition and they ought to impugn Aegypt as its chief seat whereby the Sultans large offers were rejected Whereupon Coradine fearing forthwith raced the Walls of Jerusalem ãâã down most of the stately buildings yet sparing David's Tower and Christ's Sepulchre at the humble intercession as is said of the Christians of divers Countreys The Plague arising in the Christians Camp at Damiata the great Commanders so many dying who would have ãâã the Sultans large proffers began to repent they had so much hearkened to the Legat. The Christians weary of a now 6 moneths siege and the Sultan but only the choice of his men having sent away the rest stood not so carefully on their guard as before whereupon the Sultan in the night hoped to send supplies to the besieged The formost Companies were already entred but the Christians perceiving them so assailed the hindermost that the enemy fearing they should enter in with them shut the gates where they were all cut to pieces The Christians hereby encouraged next day part of the Army presented themselves to give the Sultan battel who would not be drawn out of his trenches they especially the French-men attempted their rampiers but not with answerable successe The Aegyptians enforcing their small number to retire Gualter with others being lost the King also assailing the Camp lost many his face burnt hardly escaping with life After which they thought of nothing but the siege and the City now more streightly besieged and brought to extream ãâã assembled themselves to consult what to do one or other secretly fleeing to the Camp Had not the chief Commanders mured up the gates and commanded none to come on the Walls or Rampiers the City had been by the most yielded who searching especially Shops and Ware-houses divided the small store of Wheat among themselves the people eating whatsoever came to hand prolonged life with what they could find These not able to endure famins extremities were greatly slaughtered with the plague which so encreased that men were wanting not only to succour c. the sick but to bury the dead The dead bodies gave a horrible stink with infectious air they choosing rather to die than submit themselves to their enemies The Christians knew of the famine but not of the raging Plague among them They cast up Trenches and Baricadoes to keep in such
as the famine should enforce out still expecting when the besieged through necessity should yield When they had lyen above a year at siege certain Souldiers in a bravery adventured to mount the Wall and finding no resistance they stood still hearkening but seeing that dumb silence continued they returned informing the Captains of the matter who thinking it some policy of the enemy afterward caused some Companies to scale a Bulwark in such sort as if they had gone against a puissant enemy who took it without resistance and cut in pieces in their further entry a small company very weak and feeble with famine and infection of air after some small resistance The gates being set open the Christians were let in with displayed Ensigns but at the entry were artainted with a most grievous stink they saw the streets covered with dead bodies others drawing towards their end Of 70000 persons were not found above 3000 alive and those the most part young children which maigred and poor ones had their lives granted them to cleanse the City and bury the dead being three moneths in doing it Damiata was taken Nov. 5. 1221. The spoil was great with store of Gold Silver and precitious Stones The Christians as in a Colony forgetting their Countrey stayed there above a year after The City Pelagius by vertue of his Legation adjudged to belong to the See of Rome at which the King and Armies General to whom all places taken was agreed to be given withdrew himself discontented yet dissemblingly to Ptolemais Pelagius weary to see nothing doing the year following commanded every man to take Arms and prosecute the war with besieging of Cairs yet the Souldiers cryed out with one voice They would be commanded by none but the King of Jerusalem The Legat was enforced to send and request the King to take on ãâã the mannaging of that war who by particular affairs ãâã his own indisposure excusing himself at length through the requests of the other Princes at the time when the ãâã Duke after 10 months absence arrived out of his Countrey with a brave Company returned to Damiata whom with others the Legat requested and urged speedily to take the field telling them the holy wars enterprize was grown old and cold by these delays c. That it was for the invaded or assailed on whose lives their Countrey Wives c. depended to prolong time and to delude and dally off the enemy till having weakened his forces he should lose his hope Caire he said was a great City yet the greatest Cities had by puissant and speedy enemies become desarts and that great Empires ought not to be assailed by forreign force if they were not at first overthrown or weakened as not to recover themselves c. That Aegypt ought not to have been attempted or not to be given over before conquest The King of Jerusalem whether grieved that Damiata could not be given him or having proved that higher Aegypt was not to be attempted without great danger said he would not go in any case the war being undertaken for recovery of the holy Land and that after Memphis Babylon or ãâã were taken they could not be kept long by force whereas Syria was in right their own And though he commended whatever forwardness c. Pelagius commended yet he ought to employ the same in Syria and not where no need was or profit to be exspected The Legat wedded to his opinion commanded him and the rest to get in the field against the Sultan threatning the sentence of excommunication against the backward or unwilling So as enforced they set forward in August the hottest season The Sultan as afraid of 70000 retired farther off at which the unexpert Legat rejoycing said That fortune favoured the valiant and to cowards all fell out to the worst The Christians seizing on a bridge made over Nile cut the Keepers thereof to pieces Drawing nigh Caire and encamping in its sight they ran up and down provoking them of the City to come out to battel c. who let them alone to brag and boast and purposely protracted long the siege and the Christians having confidence in their valour with little regard of their enemies not considering they were within the Trenches c. of a deceitful River took no care of duty watch c. So the crafty enemies abusing them with delays and deceits drew them out at length that they might circumvent them when they least feared it The Christians encamped under the covert of the Banks and Causies of that fenny Country thinking themselves safe But these places were soft and durty the people at pleasure watring them by channels and sluces out of Nile which opened the River began to overflow all Then they too late perceived themselves taken as in a gin all the ground being covered with water that the victuals were corrupted and no place for a man to lye dry in The Aegyptians had taken the high places that the Christians should not retire out of the covered Boggs and Marshes so their rash valour was exposed to the enemies shot and fury Then all began to cry out and rail c. against Pelagius the King they blamed ãâã who was against his liking drawn into this war c. After 3 daies thus coupt up with waters the poor Souldiers fell down dead in the water for want of food and sleep no help but to accept of the proud enemies conditions who most desiring his Countries liberty required Damiata to be restored and all things as before the besieging thereof and so the Christians to depart his Countrey These hard conditions were by the distressed Christians accepted of but when they were propounded to them of Damiata a great contention arose some said they would not surrender the Town a stay for all Christian affairs in the East but being restored carried away all their hope with it and therefore 't were better endure all extremities than receive so hurtful a Peace Others said they ought to have compassion of so many thousand distressed souls not to expose them to butchery Towns consisting of men and not men of enclosures These seeing the others obstinate presently by force entred their houses and took away their weapons to constrain them to yield When they before Caire almost drowned understood of this dissention they sent word If they would not yield Damiata to the Sultan they would forthwith send to Ptolemais which would not ãâã to have it surrendred instead to the Aegyptians So was Damiata again yielded to the Infidels Meledin the Sultan did neither by word or deed despight or reproach them but relieved them with victuals and other things wanting conducting them safely by guides out of the Countrey Likewise Coradin his brother made a truce with them for 8 years whereupon the King went into Italy and by the Popes perswasion gave his daughter Yoland in marriage to Frederick Latin Emperour she being Crowned Queen of Jerusalem in her dead ãâã right to stir
who setting forward with almost 40000 Scanderbeg more doubted of the man than his power and assembled greater forces than usually sending 2000 expert Souldiers into the enemies Country to lye in ambush whereby Caraza must needs passe who setting upon 4000 horse Caraza's forerunners they were most part slain those escaping posting back to bring tydings Caraza was now so discomfited he could willingly have returned yet for honours sake he came to Epirus where long resolving what to do he was suddenly assailed by Scanderbeg before he could put his men in order Then through a vehement shower both Armies retired before any great hurt done It rained three days together for it was about the latter end of Autumn Scanderbeg not ceasing to trouble the Turks camp so that Caraza through the weathers extremity and Scanderbeg's restless attempts rose and returned to Constantinople whom Mahomet derided promising so much and performing so little yet in some sort commending him for looking on Scanderbeg with lesse losse than other Generals Mahomet not at leasure to imploy such forces wherewith Scanderbeg was to be subdued proved if by getting within him he might bring him to confusion wherefore he sent rich Presents and Letters to this purport that He thought no acquaintance greater or friendship firmer than that which grew from long and mutual converse and living together as he knew it had been betwixt them Wherefore remembring all those things and also what he often did for advancement of his Empire c. he could not but embrace him with a singular affection that nothing could be more welcom to him than to enjoy his company a while Neither needed he to fear comming to him c. that to let passe his Souldiers late breaking into his Kingdom without his knowledge who was not offended at their overthrow he was perswaded to joyn with him in a perpetual league of amity Of which these should be the capitulations if they seemed to him reasonable first to suffer his Armies to passe thorow his Kingdom against the Venetians then to have his Sonne John in hostage whom he would use as his natural Child A free Trade of his Merchants into all parts of his Kingdom Lastly Himself to repair to him and return without fear In which things he yielding he promised him in the faith of a King to grant him and his Kingdom sincere peace with perpetual tranquillity c. May 10th 1461. Scanderbeg well considering returned answer that He wrote of exceeding love c. toward him which should alwayes retain its strength But since among other conditions of the propounded league that his forces may have free passage to invade the Venetians it standeth not with equity or his honour they being his friends and confederates and for his Sonne since he hath no more but him it is not good to have him taken from him being as yet a tender Child c. As for the Merchants he heartily wished a free entercourse indifferently into both their Kingdoms And for his perswasion of him boldly to come unto him He could not but prayse his honourable disposition c. whose perswasion if other urgent affaires and his Kingdoms Government a fierce and restless Nation would permit he would follow Yet he in a more commodious time would come unto him May 30. 1461. Mahomet well perusing these Letters wrote to him again that he understood he liked of none of the conditions propounded but that of the Merchants that this offer he would accept of and his other excuses admit of promising him to keep a sincere peace with him for ever except he first caused its violation And that he had signed these Letters with the Imperial Seal sent unto him by Mustapha thereby confirming it that he might likewise with his Seal confirm this of his That he openly proclaim the same through his Kingdom as he will cause to be in his That of his meer bounty he freely granted and confirmed to him and his Heires all the right to what he had forcibly taken from his Father in Albania and Epirus and will alwayes account and call him Prince thereof c. So bidding him farewel and render love for love June 22. 1461. Hereupon a peace was concluded betwixt them and solemnly proclaimed to the great joy of many It was faithfully kept on both sides till the Turks on the frontiers began to fetch booties out of Epirus of which Scanderbeg complaining Mahomet as ignorant seemed much offended causing much to be restored whereby the peace was still continued A little before this peace Warres began between the Turks and Venetians who being in league with the Turk followed their Traffique little regarding their Neighbors harms But Mahomet after the subverting Constantinople's Empire and driving Thomas and Demetrius out of Peloponesus now Morea began to disturb the Venetians who held then divers strong Towns there Mahomet's Lievtenant having through a Greek Priest's treachery surprized Argos and Omares first spoyling about Naupactum now ãâã made all havock about Methone and Corone Wherefore the Venetian Senators much troubled deliberated ost in Counsel what course to take Some thought it best to try if it might be fairly redressed by Ambassadors to Mahomet others deemed it to no purpose seeing such outrages could not be done without his knowledge and command In this diversity of opinions and nothing yet concluded at length one Victor Capella a grave Senator franckly delivered a notable Speech unto them calling upon them for resolution Seeing he said they must of necessity take up Arms be they never so loath c. and endeavouring to remove their objections he said when their Ambassadors not long since came to him he dallied off the time with deceitful and glosing Speeches doing such contrary things as they least hoped c. that Argos was already taken from them that Mahomet it was reported going a second time out of Peloponesus and sounding the passage its depth himself rode over that Sea strait betwixt ãâã and ãâã curiously viewing where he might most conveniently passe over with his Army to besiege that City and that those were manifest signes of Warre c. And whereas some fed themselves and others with vain hopes that he would never turn his forces upon them c. He said it plainly appeared that he had already proclaimed open Warre against them by invading surprising and killing their people whether they thought it more expedient to sit still suffering their Dominions to be taken from them or by open Warre to make the barbarous King kno w the greatness of their power who if suffered prosperously still to run on people would daily more and more fall to him hoping to live the better as his friends wherefore he thought it better to prefer an honourable Warre before a doubtful Peace That delay had hurt many States themselves most of all whereby they in a fort had betrayed the Greek Empire for their traffique was much holpen by the Grecians whom they left to themselves
in the Avant with many Acanzij before he was aware was so fiercely charged that losing most of his men the rest fleeing he with his two Sons were taken Michael the eldest being bound was slaine by one whose Brother he had there slaine whose head Aladenles sending to Ishender to grieve him the more he bid the Messenger not shew it him but to bid his Master eat it if he would wherewith Aladenles exceedingly moved yet pitying the old man set the younger soon at Liberty sending Ishender Prisoner to Carie where he remained 5 years Caragoses discouraged retired into Cilicia and was commanded by Bajazet to Constantinople as unfit for such an enterprize Next Spring 1488 Bajazet sent Achmetes Bassa with a far greater Army against the Sultan who being come to the farthest of Cilicia was at Tzugar Ova overthrown by the Aegyptians and Arabians himself fighting valiantly lost two fingers and was sent Prisoner to Caire Bajazet rather incensed herewith made the greatest preparation in 1489 by Sea and Land against the Sultan sending Alis Bassa or Calibeus with Cherseogles his Son in Law with a great Army by land requesting of the Venetians in league with him to refresh his Fleet upon occasion in Cyprus which the Senate denying yet sent their Admirall with 30 Galleys for defence of Cyprus who considering how secret and sudden the Turks designes were he sent sundry Companyes out of Creete into Cyprus for its better defence but understanding all their Fleet to be met and set forward he hois'd saile for Cyprus the Turkish Fleet keeping on their course met the land-Army neere Mount Taurus Caytheius having sent Usbeg with a strong Army of Mamalukes and others to be in readinesse He though far inferiour to his Enemyes expected not their comming into Syria but met them not far from Tarsus of Cilicia who so soon as come together cheerfully joyned battell which terrible fight was maintained all day with doubtfull Victory and exceeding slaughter The Generalls with fresh supplyes relieving their distressed Night approaching both Armyes chiefly the Turks wearied and weakened retired to their Camps But the Aegyptians finding all their Carriages Victualls c gone which some say the robberous borderers had done to please the Turks others that those in charge terrified with the Turks number and battell 's doubtfullnesse fled along the Sea-side and were spoiled by the Turks out of the Galleys were foretroubled fearing great extremities Wherefore early in the morning they braved their Enemyes which the Turks disdayning set foreward with displayed Ensignes there beginning such a desperately resolved fight that one might have said the former was but a play in comparison none being seen to give ground or look back the Janizaryes and Mamalukes Foot to Foot spending their utmost force upon each other Usbeg the while freshly charged the Turks with 15000 valiant Horse as a reserve so that they began to give ground which being made good againe by others brought on by the Bassaes till the Sun 's going downe the battell was fiercer than before then retiring to their Camps not knowing yet who had the better The Bassaes finding scarce a third part of 100000 men left and most of them hurt doubting to be set upon againe fled away the same Night leaving all behind them The Aegyptians also losing halfe of 70000 and wanting provision were retired into Mount Taurus not knowing of the Turks flight Some passing into Syria reported the Sultans Army was overthrown so uncertaine was the event of that battell But Aladeuses certifying them of their flight and the espialls confirming the same Usbeg presently comming downe entred the Turks Camp finding plenty of all necessaryes for refreshment Aladeuses with his Varsacides robbed and slew many Turks in their returne so stopping the passages that the Mamalukes overtaking them few remained alive to carry news home Calibeus and Cherseogles being both taken and presented to Caytheius with 18 Sanzacks Ensignes Bajazets Navy also riding at Orontes mouth was by tempest put from Anchor and swallowed up of the Sea or beaten in pieces upon the maine Wherefore with much adoe he concluded a Peace with the Sultan restoring all places taken from him the Sultan delivering him Calibeius Cherseogles Achmetes and Ishander with a number of other Prisoners Shortly after Calibeius died having worthily governed Aegypt with all Africk unto Cirene Westward and unto Euphrates Eastward who through Dultibe his Wife's importunity had joyned his Son Mahomethes in the fellowship of the Kingdome the better to enjoy it after his death contrary to the Mamaluk's custome who grudging to be defrauded of their wonted choice slew Mahomethes and soon after four more who aspired the Kingdome setting up a Sultan of their own choyce About the time of the Peace concluded Charls the French King greatly preparing against Alphonsus King of Naples gave out that after its recovery he would invade Greece induced hereto chiefly by Sfortia Duke of Millane his solicitation whereby Italy was sore shaken and Sfartia himself at last dyed a Prisoner in France Alphonsus doubting the French Kings greatnesse entred a confederacy with some States of Italy chiefly with Pope Alexander the 6th giving his base Daughter in Marriage to Godfry Borgia the Bishops Son making him Prince of Carinula entertayning his other Son Francis in great pay in his Wars And by Camillus his Embassadour acquainted Bajazet what the French King purposed against them both requesting him to aide him with 1 2000 Horse and Foot Alexander also sending George Buc ciarde to Bajazet to declare with what power after the French King had dispatched his Wars in Italy he intended to passe into Greece Wherefore he had been earnest with him for Zemes yet he distrusting the French and carefull for the State of Italy had entred a league with Alphonsus wanting nothing more than money by which Bajazet he said might provide for the safety of Greece Rome and Naples being the surest Walls of that side the Othoman Empire c. Bajazet knowing this to be true thanked the Bishop for his timely admonition c willing Bucciarde to returne to his Master with one Dautius his Ambassadour who should carry money and other secret resolves writing a Greek Epistle cunningly to perswade the Bishop to Poyson Zemes promising him for this 200000 Duckats and never to take up Armes against the Christians But George and Dautius being about to land at Ancona were boarded by John Rovereus pretending a great sum due to him for his service done in Pope Innocent's time quit of their Treasure and whatever else aboard which the Bishop much troubled could never recover though seeking recompence from the Venetians who were to save the Turks harmless in those Seas for Rovereus bearing upon the French set at naught the Bishops curses and threats Dautius being set on shoare went to Ancona and thence to Gonzaga Duke of Mantua and was by him for auncient-friendship with Bajazet courteously entertained and furnished with money and Apparel so returning
the Turks sought to break the League which was the sooner don because Auria diligently looking into every Harbour in the Ionian Sea lighted on 12 great Turks Gallies near Corcyra filled with their best Souldiers Horse and Foot the Horses being sent before to the Camp by their Lackies who with invincible courage fought bloudily with Auria having 30. Gallies till most were slain the rest sore wounded who seeing they must fall into his hands threw their Scimiters over board because those choyce Weapons should not come into their hands Auria lost many of his best men yet with Victory anchored nigh Corcyra where he was advertised that Barbarussa was coming against him with 80 Gallies wherefore as too weak he returned to Messana to repair his Fleet. Solyman now throughly junusbeius cursed Barbarussa who had done him no good service in these Warres grievously threatning the Venetians who under colour of an ancient League being secretly confederate with Charls had holpen Auria with intelligence and all necessaries c Junusbeius Barbarussa and Ajax incensing him the one out of private revenge these gaping after the spoil of the adjacent Venetian Isles the Warres in Italy being more difficult than they imagined for the French King came not then into Italy it being commonly reported that the Viceroy of Naples strongly garrisoning all Sea Towns was coming with a great Army besides the Horse sent over ranging for spoil were oft cut off by Scipio Governour of Otranto for Charls wherefore Solyman proclaiming Warre against the Venetians arose from Aulona encamping near the Mountains Acrocerauni where the wild people of the high and rough Mountain Chimera for so great a prey by meanes of one Damianus a notable Thief and perfect in the blind and difficult passages attempted by night to spoil Solyman in his Pavilion hoping though guarded with so many thousands to steal into the Camp undiscovered and kill him sleeping there But having put all things in readiness Damianus their Ring-leader by secret wayes stealing down the broken Rocks came very nigh the Camp to view the standing of the Pavilion with the order of their Watch and was by a bough cracking espied by the Janizaries in a Tree where taken and tortured he confessed his intent and was by Solyman commanded to be torn in pieces who forthwith sent a great party up the Mountains who hunted after and slew many of those wild people doing what they could quite to destroy them as enemies to all men Solyman purposing to invade Corcyra now Corfu sent Barbarussa before with his great Artillery which Pisaurius timely foreseeing strengthened both the Castles with good Souldiers out of his Gallies withdrawing himself into the Adriatique Gulf to joyn with Veturius who kept that Sea with another Venetian Fleet and so to defend the Venetian Coasts against the Auria's coming being also daily expected Solyman sending a great part of his Army into the Island burnt and destroyed the Villages leading away a number of people Captives Ajax and Barbarussa came as nigh the City Corfu as they could to see how fitly to besiege it but perceiving its great strength they advertised Solyman that it was impregnable Ripa and Leonius Senators were then Governours of Corfu who doubting of the Turks great strength ãâã down the Suburbs very great and sumptuous a woful thing to behold when as then also the Turks had fired the Magnificent Houses of the Venetian Merchants in every place but in so great a publique danger all was accounted lightly of in respect of lives and liberty since they might with new charge be soon recovered The two Governours fearing a long Siege and not Victuals enough for such a multitude as were there turned a number of weak people and Children out of the City many chiefly Children dying in the Town-Ditches in their Mothers Arms not daring to go further for fear of the enemy who had fast by planted his Ordnance on Mounts against the City onely S. Angelo Castle in midst of the Isle about 15 miles from Corfu being valiantly defended against assaults saved above 3000 which fled thither all being made desolate elsewhere The Turks on a Hill covered with their Tents shot with their Ordnance from the Rock Maripetus into the Town and some standing close in the Suburbs ruines did kill or wound those appearing on the Walls The Galley also oft discharging their Pieces more terrifying than hurting the Defendants Solyman seeing he did but loose his labour determined to raise his siege and return to Constantinople greatly ashamed he had no better sped but being about to depart he was told how unfaithfully some Souldiers dealt with them of Castrum which tending to his dishonour and the deterring of others from yielding he put the authors to death and those Captives to be diligently sought out and sent home The Turks departed out of the Island about Septemb. 12th in 1537. carrying away above 16000 into perpetual captivity so he returned having done great harm both in Italy and Corcyra but not increasing his Empire or honour Before his departure he commanded Lutzis to return with his Fleet to Hellespont who passing by Zante took divers Countrey people prisoners in the night but the City it self being well fortified he departed to Cythera where vainly attempting to take the Castle he spoyling what he could with 800 prisoners returned into Aegium to Aegina a rich City and well peopled He approaching the Isle sent to the Governour of the City by fair meanes and then by threats to have the City yielded unto him and not prevailing he landed his men giving the signall of Battel whom they manfully meeting slew many Turks Lutzis greatly offended still landing fresh men oppressed them with multitude being but few and weary of long fight forcing them to retire into the City The Bassa in revenge planted a battery against the City soon opening the walls in divers places then assaulting the breaches took it which he rifling and burning to the ground razed the walls killing all the men and giving the women to the lust of his men whom afterwards with the Children he shipped away into servitude raging with much like cruelty on them of Paros and Islands thereabouts killing the old men and such as resisted thrusting the rest into his Gallies And coming to Naxos all the Island people fled into the City for fear where he made havock of all in his way sending a Messenger to the Duke to yield himself and City to Solyman's obedience who in blunt termes said If he would without more adoe yield to Solyman he might save himself with what he had but otherwise he should never have the like offer c. That there was present a most mighty Fleet c. To be warned by them of Aegina Paros and other Neighbour Princes That his hap was good if he were not misadvised c. He being commanded to stand aside a while the Duke with his chief Subjects full of Heaviness consulted for an answer generally
Charls's great good when the Venetians spent with long and chargable wars should be stripped by force or wrung by necessity from Lands and Territories Solyman grieved determined to besiege Newcastle again by sea and land caufing also Nauplium and Epidaurus in Peloponnesus Venetian Cities to be besieged yet he took singular pleasure that Barbarussa the worst fu nished had driven the great Christian Fleet out of the sea Wherefore at Spring 1539. Barbarussa repaired his Fleet notably furnishing it and manning his Galleys most with select Souldiers and Summer well come on He came to Rizonicus Bay when Ulames Governour of Bosna appeared with his Forces on the Mountains as he had in charge Barbarussa sent before him Dragut and Corsetus with 30 Galliots who landing their men at Castronovum or Newcastle were encountred by Sarmentus and forced to their Galliots many being slain and taken After which came Barbarussa with 60 Galleys and 3 tall ships which carried all warlike provisions spending 3 dayes in landing his Ordnance and casting up Trenches done but by night for the Town-shot which slew in that space about 1000 Turks Agis Hariadexus as it were a King at Taiorea in Africa being one to Barbarussas's great grief who gave a fourth part of his 54 battering pieces to Ulames on the North side himself bat ering the East side in 3 places and Salec from sea battering another part Sarmentus thus assayled did what he could to repair the breaches the Turks the while taking a Tower whence having displayed their Ensignes they sore troubled the Spaniards Ulames also had made a breach and was ready to enter Whereupon Sarmentus commanded the hurt Souldiers to get into the Castle below and the rest with him to take the Market-place where the Turks breaking in made a most bloudy fight the Spaniards being almost every man slain Sarmentus wounded in the face with 3 arrows and wearied seeing Fria a Captain ready to flee sharply reproving him caught him by the hand making him tarry till both slain many valiant Captains were there lost Arius with the wounded Soldiers in the Castle now yielded whose lives Barbarussa as he promised spared but carried them into captivity and desirous to send Sarmentus's Head to Solyman he offered money and liberty for his body but it could not be known among so many dead heaps Barbarussa proud of this Victory wrote threats to Bembus a Venetian Senatour Governour of Cattarus in the bottom of that Bay to deliver the City else he would assault it Bembus answered in so doing he should violate the late League and that he should find him ready to repel his Forces He displeased sent some Galleys discharging great pieces at Cattarus as if come to besiege it Bembus discharging as many more at them shewed his men on the Walls whereupon Barbarussa returned to Castronovum and appeased with Presents from Bembus he departed out of the Bay The long wars between the Emperour and French King were now well pacified and such shew of Friendship betwixt them that most men thought they would as one go against the Turk which opinion not wholly believed by the wiser sort this also confirmed that Vastius and Hanebald 2 of their most famous Captains were sent Embassadours to draw the Venetians into the confederation of that War who gallantly coming to Venice were by Duke Laudus and the State magnificently received the people flocking together to behold them especially Vastius with his tall and comely person They having audience in the Senate Vastius arising from the Dukes side made an oration shewing That by Gods great Providence two of the mightiest Kings of Europe having had long mortal wars were being touched with zeal of Religion become great friends to revenge so many calamities received from the Infidel that they were sent to kindle in them the like zeal who being of such power at sea were wished for of all other as their Confederates in that sacred war and hoped Victory As for Land Forces unto those lately brought into the field at Vienna should be joined all the horse Infantry of France all the forces of Sigismund King of Polonia Wherefore the Victorious Emperour and most Christian King Francis did most instantly request them to enter into the like godly cogitations c. For it might worthily seem a most shameful thing unto them to have renewed their League c. Neither did it beseem that most wealthy State to be terrified with any charges from what was good and right for by the profit of one sea or land-Victory they should to their incomparable praise recompence all former losses The Duke answered in the name of the State Never any thing happened to them more honourable or more desirable than the hope of such a peace wholsome to the endangered Venetian State and wondrously to be desired of all Christian Princes if those two most mighty would sincerely religiously and unitedly resolve upon that sacred War for then would the Venetians not be wanting c. but end their League with the Turk wherefore it was to be requested of the Almighty God that they would speedily and seriously fulfil that hope of Peace which they had in shew promised Few dayes after some select Senatours sitting in Council calling the Embassadours asked them if they knew any thing of the Capitulation of that League and whether they thought Charls in regard thereof would give Francis his son the Dukedome of Millane as was reported Hanebald was silent Vastius said He knew no more but that they had agreed betwixt themselves and that the Emperour 's desired peace to help the afflicted c. could not be effected without yielding in many things to the requests of the French King c. The Nobility and Authority of this Embassage more moved the Senate than he former Embassadours Mendoza a Spaniard and Pellicerius a French-man then present yet they much suspected it because containing no certain resolution c. yet all seemed to rest in this point that the Venetians in hope of this League should neglect the renewing of last-years League with Solyman now almost expired On which uncertainty the grave Senatours thought it too dangerous to depend yet the Senate was wonderfully divided Some inveighed against the renewing of that shameful League with the Infidels urging with many reasons the Christian Confederation Others of deeper reach considering their exceeding harms by falling out with the Turk and suspecting the Emperours drift with the great dearth then in the City not to be relieved but out of Macedonia and Greece Charls having then imposed a Custome on all Corn coming out of Sicily amounting to the price of the Corn and fraight which mischiefs they said were to be prevented by renewing of the league They speut almost whole Winter-nights in the Court consulting what best to do but all there said or decreed was made known not only to the Embassadours but in Provinces far off never before in that State known Foscarus an old Senatour
next day departing from Algiers the sick and wounded being in the middle of the Army and marching 7 miles the enemy hovering about him he came to the Brook Alcaraz which was now grown so high that it was not to be passed over by a good Horsman wherefore he there encamped in form of a Triangle two sides of his Army being defended by the sea and the Brook the other with a strong guard Many adventuring to swim over were carried away by the stream drowned wherefore a Bridge being made with Masts and Sayl-yards the Italians and Germans passed over the Spaniards foording it over higher up after which the Turks pursued them no further but the Moors and Numidians following at hand were easily repulsed by the Harquebusiers and field-pieces yet on such sick and wounded as could not keep way with the Army they shewed all manner of cruelty Next day wading up to the breasts over another little River they came in 3 dayes to the place of the Fleet encamping in the ruines of the old City Tipasa serving them in stead of a Fortress The sea being now calm the Emperour commanded every man to make ready to go aboard first the Italians next the Germans lastly the Spaniards but it was thought there was scarce Vessels enough left to receive the whole Army though close crowded Wherefore he commanded all the horses though of great worth to bo cast over board to the great grief of the owners who said they should also lose the most notable Race of Horses in Spain But scarce half the Souldiers were embarqued but the East and North wind and then contrary-winds rose whereupon the ships already loaded without command for fear of being driven on Rocks directed their course with full sayls along the Coast who were soon dispersed with ãâã Tempest into several Countries some being in sight of their fellows swallowed up in the sea and 2 Spanish ships were driven again to Algiers falling on the shoar where the Numidians and Moors came running to kill them as they came ashoar for the barbarous people would not receive them to mercy which cruelty the Spaniards ãâã got to shoar and standing close desperately withstood them who with their multitude quickly encompassed them yet they made their way through them unto the gates of the City but seeing the Turks salley out they offered to yield themselves prisoners to Assan if they would assure them of life so Assan comming forth gave them his Faith and beating away the Barbarians saved them all to his great gain and commendation of clemency Above two parts of the Germans were either lost by shipwrack or dead of sicknesse The Emperour over-ruled by Auria sailed along the coast Eastward to Buzia in whose Castle kept by Spaniards he found some fresh Victual while he lay here for fair weather A great Genuan ship laded with Victual came into the Bay yet through the violence of the Tempest she was cast away upon the flats yet part of the Victual half-spoyled was driven ashoar well relieving their increasing want The wind of North being come to Northwest he sent away Gonzaga with the Sicilian and Rhodian Galleys putting them in hope to adventure again to sea So with a troublesome course they soon came into the Port of Utica or Farinas where Muleasses hountifully relieved them whence they safely landed in Sicilia The rageing sea becoming calm they reasoned in Council often what course best to take but the wind coming fair at East the Emperour sayled to the Baleares thence arrived at length at the Port of new Carthage in Spain greatly commended even of his Enemies for his wondrous conrage and constancy in so many extremities About this time the dissembled Friendship betwixt Charls aod King Francis brake out into open hatred this thinking himself deluded by the other who had fed him with vain hope of restoring the Dukedom of Millane and lately abused by the death of Rinco his Embassador wherefore he raised a great power in France sending Charls his son with one part into the Low-countries and Henry his other son with the other part to invade Spain setting on the Duke of Cleve in the Low-countries and soliciting Solyman by Polinus his Embassadour to spoyl the borders of Spain with his Galley's while Henry was besieging Perpenna for which he was of most discommended as too much favouring his own grief Polinus passing by many by-wayes to Venice and crossing ãâã met with Solyman in Misia coming from Buda first offering him a curious Cupboard of Plate weighing 600 pounds and 500 rich garments for the Bassaes and great ãâã Solyman reading the French Kings Letters and hearing what he had further to say promised him he would not be wanting by sea or Land to give him ayd in his just wars against Charls his enemy telling him when he was come to Constantinople he should have answer by his Bassaes Of all Polinus chiefly desired him to send Barbarussa with his Fleet against next summer into Provence to be employed against the Emperour out of the French Harbour also to request the Venetians to joyn in League with his Master against Charls who began to be dreadful to them when they were come out to Constantinople in the latter end of Decem. Solyman advised Polinus ãâã return to France and to bring him certain word of the determinate time of undertaking those wars and that he would the while send ãâã to Venice who would provide such a Fleet in readiness as he desired He exceeding ãâã speedily returned with 2 goodly Horses and a rich sword presents from Solyman to the French King who discoursing with Polinus 3 days together of his proceedings soon sent him back with full instructions of time and place with other circumstances of the intended War He coming to Venice found not Junusbeius there yet with Pellicerius the French Embassador Legier and others of that faction he laboured with the Senators in behalf of his Master and having audience in the Senate notably pleaded the French Kings cause grievously lamenting the death of the Embassador slain by the Spaniards bitterly inveighing against the Emperor's ambition The Senate declaring the time for Junusbeius his coming gravely answered ãâã ' ãâã with the French King ought to be an Ornament to them but no burthen the like they held with the Emperour whom they would in no case seem to cast off though they had been by him over-raught that they were generally of opinion to preserve their peace having in hard times of war endured great extremities hardly to be recovered with long peace whether 't were good for them to thrust themselves into war being in League with 3 of the greatest Princes of the World Junusbeius the while arrived there requesting that the League made by Badoerius might be confirmed and requested only to joyn further courtesies to that amity which they held with the French King and the rather because Solyman accounting him for his Brother had also
difficulty were by the discretion of some appeased at the next meeting arose 3 others but the chief difference was about the proportioning of the charge the Spanish seeking to turn the greatest part thereof on the Venetians and they on them and with such earnestness as if they had met for bettering their particular states rather than for the common good for the Spaniard the War being risen between the Venetian and Turk and through the Popes indulgence raising vast summs of mony upon his Clergy cared not for entring into any further League with the Venetians but as it were in courtesie to send them a yearly ayd for a defensive lingting War and so to keep the Turk's busied upon them farther off from his Territories but the Venetians were even for the same reasons moved to shorten the War whose Customs also were greatly impaired and their Traffique almost quite cut off Thus was all the last year and a great part of this spent in turbulent conferences but uothing concluded which troubled the Venetians not a little being of themselves too weak for so mighty an enemy as Selimus but on a sudden and unexpected they might choose either to joyn in League with the Pope and the King or agree with Selimus for Muhamet the chief Bassa devised how to cross the rising of Mustapha the Competitour of his Honor and to help the Venetians to whom he was much beholden He by secret Messengers had oft put the Venetian Embassadour in hope that if suit were made to Selimus for peace it would be granted promising himself to be an Intercessour but finding him to give small credit to their talk who had before deceived them he did not so give over the matter but for the ãâã took opportunity to tell Selimus that it was reported the Venetians weary of their long Altercation with the Spaniards and now destitute of all hope and ayd would happily grant him that they had before denied Selimus not unwilling so to hear he proceeded to know what he would have done therein by the way perswading him to what he most wished himself secretly advertising the Embassadour there was great hope of peace Wherefore the Senate under colour of exchanging prisoners and redeeming Merchants goods should send one to Constantinople with whom he would secretly confer of what might further the pacification The Senate thinking it much to concern their State to have a way on tolerable conditions to make peace if the League with the Spaniard could not be concluded chose one Ragazonius a man of great dexterity and wit in any matter and exceeding rich and of a very good carriage things thought of great moment to win the favour of that covetous and barbarous Nation certifying the Pope and Spaniard and other Christian Princes of his sending yet of purpose concealing the secret drift of his going who with thorow-Instructions was in a Galley conducted to Ragusium and was met by Muhamet's son by his Fathers appointment upon the Frontiers safely to conduct him and have him convoyed till out of all danger Ragazonius was by night ãâã received into Constantinople and brought into an obscure Inne with a guard over him that he should speak with no man but after 3 dayes he was removed much better and presented with divers kinds of dainty dishes Having access to Muhamet after his Message delivered about prisoners and Merchants goods He asked him if he had nothing from the Senate concerning a pacification Who answered he had but he must ãâã speak with the Embassadour without whom he was to do nothing The Bassa to terrifie him declared the exceeding strength of the Turks both by Land and sea yet so as not to cut off the hope of a pacification saying The Venetians had done better if they had at first listened to him yet as the case stood it should be to their great good by yielding up Cyprus to gain to themselves perpetual tranquillity the Island it self being now not worth the hazarding so many dangers c. Ragazonius being cool and advised and perceiving the Bassa was not to be contraried so answered as that he shewed no token of fear nor let any word fall that might offend his eares This was at their first meeting Ragazonius having leave to speak with the Embassadour who lay at Pera under safe keeping in passing over the Turks of purpose with a Fleet of Galleys encountred each other like a sea-fight who smiling said 't was a pretty childish sport for him that never saw the like but not to them who were acquainted with these things in earnest as the Turks should well know when ever they would prove the Venetians at sea Coming to the Embassadour he by large conference resolved with him what to do and returning to Muhamet easily dispatched with him about prisoners and goods but as to the Capitulations of a pacification They were at first as if they would never agree but after much conference they were likely enough to have agreed Pope Pius and Philip of Spain began to imagine that Ragazonius was sent about some ãâã of Peace what ever colour it was covered with Wherefore doubting ãâã the Turk having made peace with the Venetians should turn his Forces upon one or both of them they speedily hastened the former delayed League the Pope sending Columnius to Venice who declared to the Senate how matters had passed at Rome concerning the League what harm might ensue of the same neglected and how much it concerned the common good but them especially to have it speedily confirmed c. Though many enclined thereto yet many could not be resolved whether it were better to embrace peace with the Turk or the League with the Pope and King and that for divers reasons on both hands and after so weighty a matter had been with great contention thorowly debated in the Senate the League was by most voices as most honourable received and the Turks peace rejected a Decree being made to that effect Ragazonius by secret Letters understanding hereof dealt more warily with Muhamet and more hardly to yield to his demands and devising many difficulties requested that he might return to Venice to be resolved of many things by the Senate whereof he of himself could not judge and so to return again with more certain Instructions c. His request obtained he speedily got out of Constantinople but was scarce out of the Gates when the report of the League was brought to Court Which made his way the more troublesome and frustrated the exchange of prisoners and Merchants goods Ragazonius declaring to the Senate the Turks drift his conference with the Bassa and the forwardnesse of the peace was by them highly commended and honourably rewarded The Commissioners at Rome the while concluded a League which they would have perpetual for invasive and defensive wars against the Turk which the Pope King of Spain and Senate confirmed by oath May 20. 1571. The sea and Land-Forces were to consist of 200 Galleys 100
betwixt them to be favourable to his friends and an enemy to his foes and to give notice to his Court of all new Warres which she should hear of concerning the said King for behoof of her self and him So commending her Embassador for his good and faithful service there done who having left Bardon his Deputy was returning towards England that he or some other principal Embassador should without delay be sent to his Court to continue the Office of Legation Yet for all these fair shewes it may seem by the state of the Turkish affaires at those times and what hath since ensued that Amurath glad of the ãâã of those two great Princes and not well yet assured of his Conquest in Persia had no great minde to invade Spain as too farre off and not to be so easily managed at Sea as the Warres he shortly after waged against Rodolph the Emperour by Land About this time also the Cossacks making an in road upon the Turks and Tartars surprized ãâã a Port-Town where they spoyled many rich Ware-Houses of Turkish Merchants and rifling some Ships in Harbour burnt the rest with great booty returning to their lurking places wherewith the Tartars provoked and set on by the Turks forty thousand of them brake into Podolia and the Provinces near Poland burning the Countrey before them slaying the poor people without mercy and besides spoyl carried away many thousands Captive yet most of them the Polonian rescued with the notable slaughter of his Enemy in his return whereupon it was thought open Warres would have broke out betwixt the Turk and King Sigismund had not he by his Embassadors and the Queen of Englands mediation appeased the angry Turk and renewed his League Amurath now at peace with the World and sitting idle at home was perswaded by his Bassaes to take some new Warre in hand for that great Empires they said could not without the continuall use of Arms long stand as appeared by the Roman State which whilest it was at Warres with Carthage or their great Captains occupied in Arms against Neighbour-Princes still remained triumphant but giving it self to ease and pleasure and the Martiall-men not imployed as they were wont it soon by civill discord fell and the Mistris of the World becam it self a prey even to the basest Nations which old ãâã foreseeing cryed out in the Senate that the Souldiers were to be still busied in Arms farre from home for in so doing the glory of the State should increase whereto Amurath's Progenitors having respect propounded not peace as the end of their Warres as do other weak Princes but as invincible Conquerors still made one Victory the beginning of another c. which and the like reasons they alleaged not so much for love of their Prince or zeal to the State as their own particular profit especially the two old Bassaes Sinan and Ferat the envious competitors of each others honour these perswasions well pleased Amurath who though he were no Souldier himself yet was he desirous of new Conquests and to increase his name accounting it no lesse honour by his Servants to perform great things then it was to his Ancestors to do that they did in person but Amurath could not at first tell what to resolve upon for the great Bassaes concerning the intended Warre were of eight sundry Opinions The first was that the Wars against the Persians should be renewed The second for the invading the King of Morocco and Fez The third for Warre against the King of Spain The fourth for the besieging again of Malta The fifth to set upon the Venetians The sixth for invading some part of Italy The seventh for the King of Poland The eighth for Warre upon the Emperour and Kingdom of Hungary with all which aforesaid Princes except the Spaniard though the Turk were then in League yet was that never made question of but onely which might best stand with the profit of his State for him to set upon his barbarous Law allowing him that liberty in such cases to break all faith and promise especially with Christians Sundry reasons were alleaged by the Bassaes for every one of these Opinions too large here to relate particularly But the Reasons for the eighth Opinion of making Warre upon the Christian Emperour whom the Turks call King of Vienna were for that Uschocci were grown so insolent as to make prize of the Turks both by Sea and Land so that for both the harms they did and for the honour of the Othoman Empire they were no longer to be suffered for hereby especially the Merchants great hindrance and the Sultans great losse had removed their Mart from Narenta in the Turks Dominion to Spalato a Town of the Venetians and yet were not so secure though there were peace betwixt the Emperour and Venetians because these unruly men troubled all both by Sea and Land with their robberies driving away Cattel burning Villages and taking away babes out of their Mothers Arms so that it was no doubt but if occasion should serve they would attempt to surprise with all their power the Turks strong Holds upon the Frontiers nor was it unknown how little the Emperour esteemed the Turk when he warred with the Persian paying Tribute too late at his pleasure neither was this Warre to be deemed difficult or doubtful because they might attempt it by Croatia Hungary and Austria Countries abounding with all necessaries they being also to travel almost all the way in the Turks own Territories besides the chief fortresses of Hungary with many other strong places they already held whither their Armies in all cases might retire or repair their losses out of the same They said the Roman Empire desired peace more then War that the Princes were very careful to heap up and preserve their Treasures and the Germans having had no Warres a long time were now lesse fit for Arms and worse to be commanded alwayes distrusting the Hungarians Italians and Spaniards whom they rather hated then loved being divided also amongst themselves chiefly about Religion neither were forraign Princes to be feared to give the Emperour ayd the Polonian and Transilvanian lived ãâã in peace with the Turk and therefore would by no meanes turn the heat of this Warre into the rown bosoms c. And though the King of Spain might afford the House of Austria great ayd yet he was now too much busied elsewhere and the Bishop of Rome could not be ready in all places to serve his turn the Italian Princes would not spend themselves to pleasure another man and the Venetians would not rashly stir up the Turks against themselves but rather at ease expect the effect of the Warre All those Opinions of the great Bassaes concerning the Warre proceeded not so much from any sound advice as commonly ãâã do but rather from a certain barbarous insolency and contempt of others Amurath stood long in doubt in such diversities of Opinions what to resolve upon but contenting himself with what
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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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 ãâã put to death This foul dealing of the Polonian much grieved many Christians as tending to a generall hurt Wherefore the Emperour thought to ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã 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 ãâã for by taking away of Moldavia they weakened his strength and opened a way for the ãâã 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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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
their chief Captain Marcello 500 Souldiers and Marriners 3 Ships likewise of theirs were burnt two in fight and one by accident After an extraordinary joy by the Duke and City of Venice the Senate ordered for releasing prisoners for debt some Banditti being also freed and Moccenigo who had contributed much to the gaining of the Victory was knighted by the Senate with a Chain of Gold of 2000 Crowns conferred on him and then was declared Generalissimo in the room of slain Marcello in remembrance of whom a publick service was celebrated at the publick charge About the same time some Thieves set fire on the Seraglio of Bosna four thousand Houses four Dovens of Custom-houses and three Mosques being burned down to the ground and the Jewes quarter plundered In Septemb. in the same year the Venetians took that considerable Isle and Fort of Tenedos about the mouth of the Dardanelles from the Turk forcing the Inhabitants of the Isle to surrender it not onely by vexing them with 26 Ordnance and 5 Morter-pieces but also by firing their Munitions and spoiling their Wells 800 men and 300 Women Turks and Grecians coming out of it And through the fear and confusion that was among the Turks in Constantinople they doubted not but soon to take the Isle of Lemnos besides divers other places like to fall into their hands The Inhabitants of Scio sent Deputies to the Venetian Forces at that time inviting them to draw near to their Island assuring them of an easie entrance through the division of the Turkish Commanders there who were through their oppressions become so odious to the Inhabitants that they alwayes were in hope of an opportunity to cut the throats of their oppressors The Venetians after Tenedos soon took Stalimene or Lemnos Island from the Turks and having furnished the Fortress there with all necessaries for defence their Proveditor General set sail with the Fleet towards Scio and Zia to refresh his men about which time the Turk cast away all thoughts of peace with the Venetians having wholly broken the Treaty that had been begun at Constantinople by their Secretary Bellarini In July 1657. The Turks having taken the Fort Bossina in Dalmatia put 800 Christians to the Sword And 6000 Turks coming nigh to Spalatro turned to the passage of St. Francois there to raise Forts but Possidario sallying out drave them away with the losse of many great Commanders who in their retreat went to Salona lying between Spalatro and Clissa where they were recruited with 6000 Foot and 4000 Horse But the Turks under Bassa's Command came July 2d in the night with storming-Ladders pressing to surprize the City of Candia but 500 of those in the City crying our Turks Turks the Chains were drawn and the Souldiers and Citizens drave out the Turks Also issuing forth they disordering the Turks put many of them to the Sword who left behind them 29 Ensigns and 5 Cornets which they had put upon the Wall 1400 Turks were slain and 2100 with a great booty taken About August following the Venetians obtained a signal Victory against the Turkish Fleet at the mouth of the Dardanelles in the sight of the great Turk himself But the losse of their General Moccenigo soured this success who being in prosecution of the Victory and afterwards returning to attaque the Isle of Scio a Tire of great Guns being discharged from the Castles of the Dardanelles one of them lighted into the Magazine of Powder in his Galley and blew him with many more Nobles up into the Air. In October in the same year the Turks regained the Isle of Tenedos though not without ruine to themselves The Venetian Fleet being gone from that Island to take in fresh water the Turks Fleet landed there a great Body of men who setting upon the Fort of Tenedos by storm were at first repulsed but preparing for a new Onser the Venetian Garrison working a Mine under the Fort disposed their Powder therein with a Match fitted to it and quitting the place the Turks taking possession were blown Fort and all up into the Ayr. The Venetian Fleet returning and perceiving what had hapned the Turks Fleet being at hand prepared for an encounter which being resolutely performed on both sides for the Grand Seignior having come purposely to see that Island regained being of so great importance to the commerce of Constantinople encouraged the Turks but in conclusion the Venetians got a notable Victory sinking sixteen ãâã men of War with four that came from Tripoli taking 4 of their Galleys About December following a Persian Embassador with a gallant Train coming to Constantinople presently went to audience and making his Proposition said That in case the Grand Seignior would not restore the lesser Babylon and make satisfaction for the Merchants Goods and captivated Persians which during the Treaty of peace were carried away by the Turks then in his Kings Name he declared War No Answer followed hereupon but the Embassador's Head was ãâã from his Body and the chiefest of his Train cast into prison So that the Turks being sure of War with the Persians there was but one Camp with the Turks great Ensign set out against the Venetians The great Prince staying at home to supply Recruits and watch the Muscovites who spake Thunder in their Warlike threatnings against the Turks Before which time the Sonne of the Grand Visier sware He would be revenged on the Grand Seignior himself and all that counselled him to put his Father to death whereupon he rose up in Rebellion and made no small disturbance Then were the Persians also stirring against the Turks whose Land-forces were to act against them if they could make no cessation of Arms with them wherefore they then blockt up Lemnos which being reduced their Land-forces might be imployed against the Persians or some other parts The Venetian Commander repulsed the Turks in 15 assaults yet the Turks at last taking the said Island of Stalimene or Lemnos sent thither a Garrison of 10000 men In 1658. Prince Ragotzi being returned out of Poland into Transilvania the great Turk having commanded him in 1657 upon great penalty not to proceed against Poland sent to him to resign his Principality of Transilvania to his Cousin ãâã he at the present yielded thereto though to deliver any of his Forts into the Turk's hands he utterly denied and reasiuming his Principality without the Turk's consent he being enraged would try his utmost to devest him and dispossess the Princes of Moldavia and Wallachia Wherefore ordering great Forces against him about the latter end of April the Turks totally defeated the Prince of Vallachia who was marching to Prince Ragotzi's aid who had sent to Vienna to demand the promised aid against the Turks from the King of Hungary 8000 being slain upon the place and a great number of prisoners taken among whom were divers Boyars the principal Officers of that Prince who flying into Transilvania the Turks forced another to accept his ãâã
A Compendious HISTORY OF THE TURKS CONTAINING An Exact Account OF The Originall of that People the Rise of the Othoman Family and the Valiant Undertakings of the Christians against Them WITH Their Various Events BY Andrew Moore Gent. LONDON Printed by John Streater 1660. To the Reader READER THE view of the most united and greatest Empire in the World at this Day is here presented unto Thee at once in a portable and convenient Volum wherein Thou ãâã the great Atchievments of many whose memory is worthy to be preserved and transmitted over to Posterity For that they have opposed that mighty Power of the Ottoman Family whom God no doubt suffereth as a Scourge to the World to grow to that immense Magnitude that as a Tempest He bloweth down and overwhelmeth Kingdoms vast Provinces and Principalities Some of which are the glorious Empire of the Greeks the renowned Kingdomes of Macedonia Peloponesus Epirus Bulgaria Servia ãâã Armenia Cyprus Syria Egypt Judea Tunis Algiers Media Mesopotamia with a great part of Hungary as also of the Persian Kingdom And in brief so much of Christendom as far exceedeth that which is thereof at this day left Notwithstanding this Overgrowth Greatness and unlimited Power that this Empire is attained unto yet the King of Kings hath at several times by his providence shewed that he doth over-rule the great Actions of the World and he can put a book in the Nostrils of the great Leviathan put stops and ãâã to the mighty Ones This History plentifully affordeth matter of this sort as that of George Castriot or Scanderbeg's not able defence of Epirus against the Turk's Power by small and Inconsiderable Forces The defence of Malta the Famous Battles of Huniades the defence of Vidda in Hungary The continual and not to be compared Warr of the Venetians a small City against the Turk's whole Power The very consideration of which should incite Noble and Valiant minds to Heroick undertakings The accomplishing and perfecting of great undertakings may next to the providence of God be attributed to Wisdom and Valer Wisdom to lay a good Foundation to noble Interprises and Valour to put them in Execution History is a Lanskip that presents at one view the Counsels of Princes Battles Seiges of Cities Towns Fortresses Wastings Depopulations erections of Edifices Withall the various Events that time produceth The growth of Kingdoms and their periods the growth of this Empire The ãâã of this ãâã seemeth to seace and stand at an even ãâã is ãâã not much over its banks what it gaineth in one place at one time it loseth at another The Roman Empire when it arived to its ãâã Power and Extent the weight of its own Greatness ãâã itself It 's naturall for all bodies and things whatsoever from small beginning to grow untill they come to a full State there to abide a while then ãâã The greatest cause of the Turks Groweth hath ãâã the differences amongst ãâã Christians and nothing will ruine him but their union Reader I will not detain thee any longer from the History it self it being carefully Collected out of the writings of ãâã ãâã ãâã Gregoras Laonicus Chalcocondiles Marinus Barletius Leonardus Chiensis Arch-Bishop of Mytelene ãâã ãâã Augerius Busbequius Nicholas Nicholai John Crispe Paulus Jovius Pantalion Menadoie and Leonclavius All writing such things as they saw or were for most part ãâã their time done And since continued by the hands of those that have been eminent able and best acquainted with those affairs Likewise a native Turk contributed his help to the latter part So that thou mayest be ãâã thou art faithfully dealt with in this matter by him who desireth nothing more then Reader to receive thy Caracter of Impartial THE HISTORY OF THE Turks before the rising of the Ottoman Family their first Kingdom 's erection by Trangrolipix in Persia of the Salzuccian Family with ãâã successe IT is neither agreed on by the best writers nor well known to the Turks themselves from whence the Empire of this barbarous Nation the worlds present terrour first took its small obscure beginning Some deriving them from the Trojans from the corrupting of Teucri their common name into Turci but without any probability Others reporting that they came first out of Persia and some out of Arabia and Syria Philip of Mornay derives both Turks and Tartars from the ten Tribes of Israel carried away by Salmanazar King of Assyria some among the Tartars still retaining the names of Dan Zebulon and Nepthali Tartar also in Syriack signifying remnants and Turks banished men Greater store of Jews being found in Russia Sarmatia and Lithuania than else-where and the nearer the Tartars the more A barbarous people likewise in Livonia nigh the City Riga differing in Language from the rest daily and dolefully repeating in the fields Jeru Jeru Masco Lon knowing no cause but the teaching of their Ancestors for those words utterance yet thought to lament over Jerusalem and Damasco thereby But both ãâã Mela who saith the Thyrsagetes and Turks possess the vast Forrests and live by hunting fast by the Geloni And Pliny speaking in like manner Next unto the Nations about Maeotis Fens are the Evazae Cottae c. The Thussagets and Turks unto rough desarts with woody Valleys beyond whom are the Arympheians ãâã on the Riphean Mountains together with the Turks manners attire ãâã gate weapons manner of riding and fighting and language agreeing with the Scythians do induce greater probabilities that they came out of Scythia Ptolomies Tusci in Sarmatia Asiatica being likewise supposed to be the Turkish Nation The cause next to the hand of the Almighty the Author of all earthly Kingdoms of departure from their natural seats was either a general want in that cold Countrey or their ãâã driving them from the Caspian Mountains The time was either in 755 or 844 or both who rather issuing out of the Caspian than the Caucasan streights first seized on a part of the greater Armenia called by them ãâã wherein under leaders they roamed up and down a long time with families and cattel in unity having ãâã little whereabout to strive who not only defended Armenia but through hardiness and valour and the cowardise of the Asians incroached farther and farther though not much skilful in war whereby their fame and fortune increased and the Saracen Empire rent within 200 victories over the Christians into many Kingdoms whose Sultans not obeying their great Caliph as fast declined by turning their Arms one upon another Mahomet the Persian Sultan praying the Turks his neighbours aid against Pisasiris the Caliph of Babylon his mortal enemy who in hope of Persia sent him 30000 hardy men under a valiant Captain Togra Mucalet called by the Greeks Tangrolipix of the Salzuccian tribe so that Mahomet overcame Pisasiris And now threatned the Turks such necessary men having further service for them against the Indians if they should talk of departure home over the River Araxis which they had
counterfeit mony to deceive them practising all kind of mischeif to terrifie their posterity from the like expedition and secretly plotting with the Turks how they might be defeated some part thereby being overthrown near Bathis although in Phrygia themselves were greatly slaughtered by the part marching thorough Phrygia which Turks with a great Army to stay the Armies passage at the River Meander and they having neither bridg nor boat to passe over declared it their patience that the Greeks as they passed by were not become their prey Conrade retired his Souldiers out of the shot of the Turks Archers standing on the other banks-side for refreshment arising before day and putting his whole Army in Battalion Both Armies thus in readiness the winding River only betwixt them the Emperour encouraged his men with a Speech to this purpose That we are exposed to dangers pining with hunger c. for Christ's sake and the glory of God But these Barbarians divided from us by this River are the enemie of Christ's Crosse in whose bloud we have vowed to wash our selves calling to remembrance the grievous things and tortures inflicted on our friends and Countrey-men by these uncircumcised let not any terrour daunt us Let them know that we are superiour to them as our Master excells their Prophet and seducer Let us fight in Christ's name with assured hope of an easie victory We are those mighty men standing about the divine Sepulchre as about Solomon's bed let us remove these Agarens as stones of offence Children of the bond-woman I my self will shew you the way over this River I know the water beaten back by our force will as Jordan in ancient times be at a stand This attempt shall to our immortall praise be spoken of in all posterity This said after a signal of battel and devout prayer by every man Conrade first put spurs to his horse the rest closely following with a terrible out-cry passed all over with lesse trouble than was feared the horses even beating back the water towards the fountain then after small resistance the discouraged Turks fled whom the Christians like Lyons pursuing the fields were covered with dead bodies huge heaps of bones long after declaring the fallen multitude to the wonder of travellers many Italians being wounded but few or none slain After this they hardly besieged Iconium in lesser Asia but the Cities strength the valour of the Defendants and the peoples numberlesse dying in the Camp of which the Greeks mingling Lime with the Meal was the chief cause caused the Emperour to raise his long siege and return into his Countrey most referring this his journey into Asia to the year 1146. By this ãâã so fortunate expedition Baldwin the mean time fortified ruinous Gaza of the Philistins serving as a Bulwark against Egypt and to distresse Ascalon which strong Sea City he besieging by Sea and Land when Noradine was repulsed by the Citizens of ãâã whom he besieged and the Caliph of Egypt's fleet from Ascalon's relief was with great losse repulsed the Wall 's breach that he had made repaired and the dead Christians hanged in ropes over the Walls at which the Commanders moved returned to the assault and the besieged discouraged with great slaughter yielded the City with its spoyl to the Souldiers departing only with their lives the enemy having now no place in those parts Lewis the eighth of France with other great Princes at or about this Emperours time took on him the like expedition with a puissant Army who landing in Asia found nothing answerable to the feigned courtefie of Emanuel at Constantinople great numbers of Souldiers perishing in desolate Countries by false guides and many straying cut off by the Greeks themselves yet he besieged Noradin's Royal Seat the besieged being brought to extremity and at the point even to yield But some Christian Princes there grudging at the Kings promise of that Cities Government if won to Philip Earl of Flanders a stranger corrupted also as some say with the Turks gold persivaded the King to remove to a stronger part of the City than where he lay from whence after a while for lack of victuals he departed returning into France detesting Emmanuel the Emperours name by whose dealing such an expedition was brought to nought Noradine for some injuries done to the Turks and Arabians dwelling in the Forrest of Libanus straightly besieged Paneda the multitude of Turks after the Christians desperate fally hardly pursuing and entring the City put all to the sword in their way yet most of the Citizens stood upon their guard in the Castle Noradine after spoyl taken and firing the City departed upon Baldwin's coming for relief waiting in the Woods to take the Christians at advantage and set suddenly on the King passing over Jordan accompanied only with his Horsemen and doubting no such thing most of his Nobles were slain or taken himself with a few hardly escaping to Saphet Noradine after this besieged it again whose Walls were again repaired in good hope but though he had made breaches in the Walls rose with his Army upon Baldwins the Prince of Autioch and the Count Tripolis approach This among other hard conflicts of this young King is worth remembrance That he put Noradine to flight loosing most of his Army who besieged the Castle Sueta belonging to his Kingdom and marrying the Greek Emperours Neece he again required one of his kinswomen in marriage and preferring Raymund's Daughter of Antioch before Matilde the Count of Tripolis his Sister the said Count grievously by Sea infested his frontiers While the marriage was solemnized Baldwin abiding at Antioch and fortifying a Castle on Orontes took Physick of Barac a Jew the Count's Physician of Tripolis whereby he was verily supposed to be poysoned and languishing in pain with the Bloudy-flux and Consumption he died at Beritum Febr. 13. 1163. reignning 21 years being solemnly enterred by his Father with a general mourning Noradine himself refusing to invade his Kingdom at his funerals solemnity saying The Christians had lost such a King as the like was hardly to be found To return to the Turks proceedings in lesser Asia ãâã Sultan Solyman's death Mahumet succeeded him betwixt whom and Masut Sultan of Iconium arose great discord which broke out into open war Comnen the Emperour aiding Masut But the 2 Infidels soon becoming friends joyned and overthrew the Emperour besieging Iconium he hardly ãâã Masut dying divided the whole Turks Kingdome gotten by him between his 3 sons to ãâã the eldest he gave Iconium with the Provinces belonging unto Jagupasan Amasia and Ancyra with fruirful Cappadocia and the places adjoyning to Dadune Cesarea and Sebastia with the large Countries thereabouts These brethren soon fell at discord the Sultan and Jagupasan seeking openly each others destruction Emmanuel the Emperour rejoycing thereat aided Jagupasan whereby he obtained many notable victories against the Sultan who weary of the quarrel personally met the Emperour comming out of Syria and accompanyed him to
Kingdom hoping to stay the other Princes coming thereby which extorted oath the Pope dispensed withal Guy now came to Tyre but could not for their sworn obedience to Montferrat be received But departing he besieged Ptolemais with the power he had with whom the Venetian Fleet them of Pisa and 50 sail of Flemings joyned to win the City Saladine came with a great ãâã for relief there was fought a great battel and had not Geffrey the Kings brother come from the Camp with supplies the Christians who had at first the better had had a notable overthrow yet 2000 were slain Saladine sent for his strong rigged Fleet at Alexandria putting men and victuals into the City The encouraged Turks made often salleys whipping in despight the Image of Christ crucified on top of the Wall Saladine scoured the Seas with this Fleet that no supplies could come to the Camp So that some Christians through famine shortly arising fled to the Turks for bread Saladine making shew as not understanding thereof departed leaving his Camp full of victuals The Christians supposing he had gone for fear hastened to the forsaken Camp of whom Saladine returning made a great slaughter yet they with many a skirmish by Sea and Land continued the Winters siege expecting aid the next Spring Frederick the Emperour with other Princes the mean time set forward from ãâã arriving at length at Constantinople where Isaac Angelus Emperour honourably for fear and fashion entertaining him hastened his passage into Asia pretending the Christians need of aid who passing the strait and marching into Lycaonia overthrew the Turks in a great battel sent to stop him ãâã the Iconium Sultan which City he took by force giving the spoyl to his Souldiers in revenge of his Unkle Conrade Then he overthrew them in Cilicia taking Philomela racing the City to the ground and putting all to the sword because they slew his summoning Messengers He likewise took Melitene in lesser Armenia overthrowing a huge Army coming for relief with an exceeding slaughter Then he ãâã Saladin's Sons Army in Comagena But his horse foundring in the River Saleph at his too eager chase his foot hanging in the stirrop he was drawn thorow and taken for dead yet with much ado he uttered Lord receive my soul and gave up the ghost of whom Saladine was greatly afraid He perished June 10 1190. aged 70 years reigning 38 his body was pompously buried in Tyre's Cathedral Frederick his Son Duke of ãâã was chosen General whose ãâã Army the Turks fiercely charging in hopes to overthrow returned with some losse and like speed as they came But famine began to encrease the Turks having destroyed and carried away all yet Antioch being easily delivered him his Souldiers were well refreshed by the Christian Citizens 15 daies after the Plag ue began to rage there among his Souldiers and he glad to take the open field and setting forward against Do Dequin ãâã ãâã sent for out of Egypt they joyned a great and doubtfull battel the Christians ãâã in valour they in number At length the Christians Vauntg uard began to retire their seconds hardly charged Frederick breaking in with a valiant Troop the Turks gave ground Leopold of Austria presently coming with his foot they speedily fled 4000 slain 1000 taken and 15 Ensigns small losse of the Christians After which he passed Laodicea easily taking Berytus with other revolted Cities So coming to Tyre buried his Father Thence certifying Guy at Ptolemais of his coming who sent Montferrat to transport him by Sea because of Saladin's great Army and being safely conducted with his Souldiers to the Camp at ãâã he was ãâã received After whose coming 't was thought good to affault the City round every Regiment being appointed what place to assaile which was done with such fury as if they purposed to gage their whole forces the Turks still beating them from the walls top But now Saladine hovering aloof came suddenly on the Christians Camp notably receiving the first charge but giving ground some Tents with Ensigns were taken and Pavilions fired having slain above 100. The Christians retired from the assault to relief of their Camp the Turk retired also having almost lost himself This ãâã ãâã was Octob. 14. Divers Princes the mean while of the West came thither rather increasing famine than furthering service Then also Conrade of Montferrat who had married Isabel the Queens sister pretending a Title to the Kingdom much hindred proceedings But Duke Frederik dying shortly at the siege of the plague and buried at Tyre the Christians attempted no great matter but lay entrenched expecting aid from the Princes which were Philip 2. of France and Richard King of England on whom all the hope of affairs in Syria rested who met at Marselles in province with combined forces for relief The French King first departed for Sicilia with a prosperous gale but coming nigh the Island through a sudden tempest he with much ado arived at Messena tossed in the deep many ships perishing some broken on sands and rocks and all sore weather-beaten Richard arived after ãâã better fortune Both Kings resolved there to Winter the French being ãâã so to do for supplies from France King Richard and Tancred the now aspiring King of Sieily had like to break out into war about the Queens Richard's sisters Dowry had it not ãâã taken up But it fell out whilst the Kings of England and France often met as good friends c. that jealousie and distrust revived old and raised new quarrels to the great hinderance of the common good they intended a warning to great Princes willing to hold a unity never to converse or stay long together An old quarrel was Richard's rejecting Adela the others sister for suspition of too much familiarity with his Father Henry the 2d and espousing Berengaria the King of Navar 's Daughter which ãâã brake ãâã to this Expeditious overthrow and disturbance of their Realms The French King at Spring loosed from Messana arriving safely at Ptolemais and was received by the Christians as succours from Heaven Richard shortly following two ships of whose weather-beaten Fleet were driven on Cyrus the Islanders spoyling them slaying and taking the men that hardly escaped the Sea and forbidding the rest to land The King moved landed by force fully conquering the Island and taking Isaac Comnen commonly called their King sent him bound in silver chains into Syria Then there at Limozin he married Berengaria and set forward after disposal of things he took of the Sultans a great ship laden with victuals warlike provisions and was most honourably received at ãâã which had been besieged 3 years with many a hot assault and bloudy skirmish The eys of all were fixed on these two Kings The Camp chiefly consisted of English French Italians and Almains as also many others from Zeale daily coming in These thus besieging had laboriously undermined that called the accursed Tower with part of the Wall appointing every Regimen to assail
him up for undertaking this sacred war He and his successour illy prosecuting their pretended title John arriving from Rome at the French Court found King Philip desperatly sick who by will gave to the Hospitallers and Templers 60000 Crowns for maintenance of their wars which was afterwards paid to John who in the way to Spain married Berengária the King of Castiles Daughter returning into France where he long expected Frederick to recover his wives right to Jerusalem's Kingdom which though he at Rome at the marriage solemnly vowed yet otherwise let performed it not till almost 7 years after Let us leave the Christians in Syria who enjoyed the 8 years Peace till new troubles returning to the troubled affairs at Constantinople and in lesser Asia Henry as aforesaid repressing the Bulgarians and Scythians dyed having with trouble reigned about 11 years After whom succeeded his Son in Law Peter Count of Anserre who to gratifie the Venetians and in revenge besieged Theodore Angelus Prince of Epirus his competitour in Dyrrachium which he had a little before surprized from the Venetian Seigniory where Peter laying was so cunningly used by the Greek that a Peace was betwixt them concluded and friendship joyned So that Peter came to him as his guest who entertained him with all feigned formalities but most traiterously slew him in the midst of his banquet Yet others report he was by him put to death being intercepted travelling from Rome to Constantinople which Topulus Governour of Constantinople understanding made peace in the Empire 's vacancy for 5 years with him and the Turks for 2. Peter's Son shortly coming thither was saluted Emperour but soon after he taking a fair Lady daughter of a rich and Noble ãâã to Wife before betrothed to a gallant Burgundian the old Lady breaking her promise the young Burgundian enraged with the wrong entred the Court in the Emperour's absence by night with a company of lusty Souldiers cutting off the young Empresses nose and ears throwing her old Mother into the Sea and fled out of the City with those ãâã The Emperour pierced to the heart with the disgrace soon went to Rome and returning thorow Achaia died there Baldwin a child by his first Wife left to succeed him the 5th and last of the Latin Emperours there who being married to Martha younger Daughter of John King of Jerusalem but then Governour of ãâã he had both the person and Empire of Baldwin committed to his charge which he for certain years faithfully discharged till Baldwin was able himself to govern Now though Constantinople with Thracia and the other Greek Provinces were all or most under Baldwin the Venetian and other Latin Princes yet the oppressed ãâã were in heart devoted wholly to their natural Emperours Lasearis reigning at Nice ãâã at Trapezond Lascaris in his reign had fought many a battel c. as it were erecting a new Empire in Asia reigning 18 years and leaving John Duc as who married ãâã his Heir to succeed him A man of great wit spirit aud gravity undertaking nothing before consideration which resolved on he omitted nothing for performance The Greeks saying The planting this new Empire required the celerity of Lascaris but its stay the gravity of Ducas In the beginning setting things ãâã order he augmented his legions and aiming to recover Constantinople with Thrace and Greece built a great number of Galleys taking in one Summer most of the Aegeum Islands with famous Rhodes and many others and the next Spring landing over Hellespont invaded Chersonesus then forraging the Countrey even to the gates of Constantinople taking also many Cities and Towns by the Sea coast the Greeks almost all yielding themselves where they could help him The ruin of the Latin Empire in the East was plainly to ãâã for Assan the Bulgarian King sent his Embassadours to John offering his Daughter Hellena in marriage to Theodore his Son of which he Assan able to call in the Scythes loath to have him his enemy gladly accepted Wherefore Hellena both about 12 years old was solemnly married to Theodore about Chersonesus The Sultan of Iconium not long after fearing while his hands were full of the dreadful Tartars he should be set on by the Greek Emperour sent unto John to prolong the League betwixt them which he for many causes granted as not able to war against the Turks and Latins at once and to keep by this warlike Nation his own Countries safe from the Tartars This Peace exceedingly enriched his Countries for now the people began to fall to the fruitful labours of peace The Emperour himself by plowing got much Corn planting many Vine-yards and keeping Heards and Flocks and Fowls of all sorts stirred others up to the like causing also his Kinsmen and Nobles to have sufficient for their own spending and not to take any thing from the poor Countreymen whereby in few years every Barn was full of Corn c. Then also there being a ãâã famine among the Turks they travelling into the Emperour's Provinces for Victuals gave their gold silver and rich commodities for food so that the Countrey-mens houses were full of the Turks wealth and the Emperour's Coffers stored with Treasure The money gathered of Eggs daily sold making the Empress a rich Crown of gold set with precious stones which he called Ovata because ' ãâã bought with Egg-money The Greek Empire thus flourishing in lesser Asia the Turks pilled by the Tartars and consumed with famine as fast declining Frederick the Emperour and King of Sicily was hardly called on by Pope Honorius to take his long vowed expedition into the holy Land and for delay excommunicated by Gregory 9 more to draw from him some of his Empire in his absence than for their zeal thereto which the fearing delayed his Vows performance But at length enforced with Grrgory's thundring he set forward in 1227. Yoland his wife thereabout dying in child-bed of a Son There met at Brundusium an exceeding number of Souldiers out of all parts especially Germany under the Lantgrave of Thuring and the Bishop of Augusta but the Plague arising there the Lantgrave and Bishop with many others dyed The Emperour falling very sick of a Feaver at Malea on his way returned to Brundusium staying long there Then the Pope casting out his excomunications against him accusing him with perjury c. he would have cleared himself in an open Assembly at Ravenna had it not been disturbed yet he answered all by writings setting forward again from Brundusium in August 1228. The Pope for that the Emperour had neither taken his leave of him nor reconciled himself in a great choller forbad all forces in Syria to yield him obedience writing also to the Sultan not to agree with him c. And afterwards ran on his Kingdom of Naples troubling Italy yet he was honourably received at Ptolemais Sultan Meledin hearing of his arrival offered him most honourable conditions of Peace who sending first for the Pope's consent would not suffer
be relieved yielded the City to Orchanes to depart safely with as much goods as themselves could carry Most write the Turks faithfully performed the conditions yet some report Orchanes brake most part Prusa was yielded 1327 and afterwards by Orchanes made the seat of the Othoman Kings Othoman died in the year 1328 69 years old in the 28th year of his Reign buried at Prusa whose Tomb is there yet to be seen c. There is another Monument of him at Suguta by his Father's Sepulchre made by his Sons Some report him to be there buried yet the Turks generally suppose his interring Monument is at Prusa He was ãâã politick valiant and fortunate full of dissimularion and ambition not rash in attempts but very resolute bountiful especially to his men of war and the poor He is worthily accounted the Turks Empire's Founder whose Kings by lineal descent are called The Othoman Kings and the Turks Osmanide or people of Osman The Life of Orchanes or Vrchan second King of Turks AFter Othoman's death with great solemnity interred Orchanes or Urchan and Aladin his Sons ãâã a ãâã for establishing a new succession and dividing his treasure and goods but he having bestowed it on his men of war there was no Mony Plate or Jewels found but the remembrance of his life for them to imitate great Dominions store of horses and armour with great heards of Cattel Aladin answered to Orchanes asking what order was to be taken with those things That it was requisite first to establish a King which like a good shepherd might govern c. And that to him as his eldest brother all other things belonged and so to me instead of a Father c. Through this commended modesty of Aladin the Kingdom peaceably descended to Orchanes who would have made him President of his Councel but he requested rather the Lordship of Fodore which frankly granted Aladin lived there mostly a private and quiet life then building two Temples and an Abby at Prusa Some report Orchanes obtained the Kingdom by murthering two elder brothers which he had But that practise lately much used was not before Bajazet 1. as the most probable collections from the Turks Chronicles affirm The Christians presently recovered Nice with divers holds from the Turks Among whom Tzuprichiser Castle on the River Sangarius by impeaching that passage into Bithynia most grieved them Orchanes apparrelling himself and few others like Christian Marchants came to the Castle craving leave to passe they supposing them to be Merchants let them in who ãâã the warders possessed the Castle who now so forraged the Countrey that Nice wanting victuals to relieve so many fled into it for fear was brought to great extremity For whose relief young Andronicus passed the strait into Asia whose greatest strength was in 2000 choise horsemen the rest being most ãâã who carried many small Vessels with them to receive them when they should flee or Rascals taken up here and there Orchanes sent expert Captains to forelay the strait passages following with his Army The Emperour in three daies march came to the little Town Philocrene and understanding Orchanes laying not far off having taken the straits he there stayed that night Next morning divers Turks Companies coming down the Mountains he set forward to meet them The Turks shot freely keeping themselves a loof off The Emperour supposing that proceeded from fear commanded some Companies disorderly to march and skirmish with them his expert Captains would have had him kept his strength together yet such was his youthful heat they must needs set forward But the forenoon spent in this leight skirmishing Orchanes perceiving the Christians weary therewith and the heat came down with a world of men charging them with a hideous cry some a far off some hand to hand both sides were couragious with great slaughter till nights approach then the Christians weary and oppressed with multitudes retired disorderly receiving great losse by the pursuers The battel was at length ended the Emperour wounded in the foot who going to Philocrene fast by to be dressed the Army supposing him to have fled as if Orchanes would have slain them all that night fled also some to their boats some hasting to the Town-gates were by others trodden to death some hanging at one another got some up the Towns Rampiers others drawn down by the hangers on ãâã on and perished some 't is reported died for fear none chasing them In the morning 200 of the 300 horsemen that Orchanes retiring to places of advantage doubting the Christians farther coming on had left as scouts took the spoyl of the forsaken Camp at pleasure yea the Emperour 's own furniture and ãâã horses the other 100 slew a great number of hartless wandring Christians The Emperour seeing the hand of God returned to Constantinople After which the Turks seizing many Sea Towns of Bithynia laid heavy tributes on the other Country places not destroying them for the benefit thereof Nice holding now out in hope only of 1000 horsmen the Emperour promised to send to lye in Garrison Of which Orchanes understanding furnished 800 of his own after the Christians manner who by a compass about trooped towards the City in the high-way from Constantinople Then sending 300 other in Turks habit to forrage the ãâã within the Cities view what they could the 800 following them as by chance put them toflight in their sight who returned again towards Nice The Citizens supposing them Constantinopolitan horsmen with joy received them as expected friends But entring the gates and seconded with the other 300 bringing also others in ambush not far off won the great City whose spoil the Souldiers had the Citizens led into miserable Captivity and they possessing it to this day Orchanes other Captains daily encroached on the weak Christians Cunger Alpes subdued ãâã in Phrygia Bolli in Paphlagonia appointing valorous Abdura Cham Governour Then also old Accecozza subjected Candara and Ermome to the Turk ãâã all Castles c. Then ãâã the Captains Son in Scamandria not far from old Troys ruins died to whose ãâã his Father with his ãâã repeiring crafty Accecozza suddenly setting on them slew most and took the rest with the Captain his Castle and Countrey whom he leading to Abydus renowned Castle situate on Asia's Sea coast over against Sestus Castle in Europe so near as he could offered him liberty on the Castles surrender or they to see him there slain who said They might cut off his head seeth him and eat him but the Castle he would not deliver The Emperour refused also to redeem him proffered unto him yet at last by Nicomedia's Governour ransomed Accecozza at Scamandria being long molested by Abydus Castle and the Constantinopolitans was glad to be most times on horseback against the enemies attempt The Captain of Abydus had a fair young Daughter who then dreamed that fallen into a deep miry ditch a young gallant comming by did both help her out make her clean and richly
and Grandfather he greatly inlarged his territories in Asia by sword marriage and purchase and by the Greeks discord and cowardise he subdued the Romania in ãâã with its Territories leaving the Constantinopolitan Emperour little or nothing there but the City it self He won much of Bulgaria entred Servia Bosua and Macedonia he was liberal and severe beloved and feared of his Subjects of few words deeply ãâã slain being 68 years old reigning 31 in 1390. He was royally buried at Prusa c. There is a Castle and Tomb in remembrance of him in Cassova's Plains where he was ãâã and his entrails buried The Life of Bajazet I. the 4th and most unfortunate King of the Turks BAjazet succeeding his Father the first year of his Reign besieged the City Cratova in Servia whereto the silver Mines not that wars least cause belonged yielded to him on condition that the Inhabitants might with life and liberty depart who no sooner gone but they were all slain by his men sent for that purpose Then also he wone ãâã with divers Castles near Cratova Young Sigismund King of Hungary advertized by the Servians of Bajazet's proceedings requested him by Embassadours as he was just and wished to live in quiet with his own to desist from such open wrong c. Whom he answered not till be over-ran a great part of the ãâã Countrey Then calling them into a Town filled with his Souldiers said They might see his right good enough to that Town and the rest taken seeing the walls acknowledged it willing them so to tell their Master Which ãâã answer ãâã the King as if open war had been ãâã to him yet not being well settled in his Kingdom and doubting of a contrary faction he was glad then to put it up Next year he by Forises Beg taking Vidina in Servia returned to Hadrianople But the Caramanian King invading his frontiers in Asia the while though then not ãâã leisure yet afterwards he fully revenged it Eurenoses then took the City Sitros in Thessaly and Ferises passed over ãâã grievously spoiling Valachia returning loaden with prey Now also Jegides Bassa entred ãâã carrying a number of Captives to Hadrianople where Bajazet wintred Next spring Bajazet passing to Prusa built a fair Temple a Colledge and ãâã house and returning into Europe a Monastery at Hadrianople In Asia he besieged Philadelphia the onely City in lesser Asia holden by the Christians At first he straightly commanded not to spoile or ãâã any thing belonging to the Citizens hoping to make them more willing to yield But finding them resolved to the last he commanded not to spare any thing which was by his Souldiers done The Citizens after long siege not able to endure and no hope of relief yielded their City Some write it was not besieged without the Emperour's consent and the Greeks envying its holding out helped to win it At the siege Aiden Ogli Prince of Caria came to Bajazet yielding himself his Vassal to whom he restored places taken from him a little before on this condition not to coyn money in his own name or publiquely to be prayed for as before but all to be done in Bajazet's name ãâã he led his Army into Saruchania subduing it on like conditions Then passing farther to Mentesia in Caria the Prince left it to his pleasure fleeing to ãâã Prince And in revenge of the King of Caramania's former invasion he entred it taking Cesaria and otherplaces the King glad to be content making peace as he pleased As he was making this expedition Prince Germian's son with a chief Counsellour coming to him were sent prisoners over the Straite to Ipsala Castle laying in durance many years Thus he oppressing most of Aladin's successours returned to Prusa in triumph Aiden fled had incited the Prince of Castamona to invade the bordering side of Bajazets Kingdome At which time the Vayvod of Valachia passed over ãâã into the parts of Servia and Bulgaria possessed by the ãâã spoyling the Country and slaying them by heaps and carrying back many prisoners Bajazet deferring his purpose against the other turned his forces against the ãâã Wherefore passing to Hadrianople thence to Nicopolis and so over Danubius he entred Valachia spoyling and burning whom he Vaywod giving battle was overthrown and many slain at last he obtained peace by submission and a yearly tribute News being brought the while that the Christian Galleys greatly hurt along the Coasts of Asia he entred into Thessalie destroying all to ãâã and taking Neapolis in Greece and Joannina in Aetolia he wintred in Asia Next spring he with great power passed the ãâã of Callipolis to invade Hungary But intercepting a ãâã with Letters from the Greek Emperour giving that King warning thereof and understanding of another Messenger before sent ãâã perswaded him to desist and besiege Constantinople which was he said surrounded with Turkish Provinces bringing Philadelphia for example Bajazet returning besieged it first by Land then by Sea which most report continued 8 years in which Emmanuel the Emperour left the City to crave aid of the German Emperour French King and others The Citizens at length had happily yielded if the Hungarian King assisted with French aud other Voluntiers with a 130000 under John Count of Nivers had not passed into his Dominions recovering Vidina c. in Bulgaria and besieging Nicopolis Who 't is reported should proudly say in his jollity through his Armies greatnesse What need we fear the Turks who need not fear the Heavens fall if they should we were able to hold them up with our Speares and Halberts Bajazet commanding the ladders c. for assault to be burnt marched from the siege with a puissant Army to Nicopolis sending Eurenoses before to intercept some Christians to learn their Armies state But he returned without any prisoner taken which troubled Bajazet fearing a wary enemy Sigismund eaving sufficient for the siege went to meet his proud proud enemies who within sight shewed but half his Army keeping close in ambush not far off with the other The Christians deeming they were far ãâã in number divided also their Army to inclose the Turks The French disiring to give the first Charge began the battle the Hungarians c. not yet in order where was so many thousands slain Bajazet ere long arising with the other half and coming on as became his name Gilderum so hardly charged the French that they stood at first as dismayed but seeing no remedy and hoping of relief from the rest fought till they were almost all slain or taken divers French horse-men as their manner was fought on foot which horses running on the Hungarians made them doubt they were quite overthrown wherewith dismaied they fled in great haste the Turks pursuing made great slaughter many being also drowned in Danubius They took so many 't was thought every Turk had his prisoner ãâã ãâã like got over Danubius in a little boat and fearing the Hungarians violence for the battle's losse fled by Sea to
ãâã then sayling to Rhodes and from thence landed in Dalmatia so after 18 months painful ãâã he returned into Hungary where the contrary faction had chosen the King of Naples their King then going with an Army to take possession had ãâã Sigismund by some Nobles help prevented him There were 20000 Christians 6000 Turks slain The Count of Nivers was taken with 300 great ones who after great Contumelie before Bajazet was commanded ãâã choose 5 other Caprives and with them was sent to Prusa all the rest being ãâã in pieces before his face and ransomed afterwards for 200000 Duckets This bloody battle was in 1396. Bajazet thus relieving Nicopolis besieged Contanstinople more hardly than before building Forts c. on one side and a Castle upon the straite over against it to hinder what possible passage thereto by Sea This ãâã years siege I suppose by the History was part of the 8 years Emmanuel wearied sent to ãâã for ãâã ãâã to which hearing that ãâã intended shortly to war upon him he the more harkened yet on condition for the Turks to dwell in a Street of the City with freedome of Religion Laws their own Judge and to give him 10000 Duckats yearly which he was glad to accept of A Temple was built for the Turks sent out of Bythinia there to dwell which when ãâã was overthrown by ãâã was pulled down and the Turks driven out Stephen Despot of a part of Servia ãâã his son sent ãâã an Embassadour with loving Letters and Royal presents by whom also the old Princesse offered her fair Daughter Despina in marriage who was promised him whilst Amurath lived ãâã being very glad thereof she was forthwith sent to him and with great solemnity shortly married He held her dearest of all his wives restoring for her sake the ãâã City and Castle and ãâã to her Brother Stephen She allured him to drink wine forbidden by their Law and to delight in sumptuous Banquets never used by his predecessours Corruption increasing in the Turkish kingdome ãâã determined to execute divers apprehended Judges whosé estate though Alis ãâã in such favour with him that the Vulgar honoured him as the King and other great ones pitied yet He dangerous to be spoken to when angry none durst intreat for them Alis requested an Aethiopian jester who many times under some jest would bolt out that in the Kings heat which his Counsellours durst not speak of in secret to devise some meanes for these Judges c. Who putting on a rich Hat wrought with gold and apparrel beseeming an Embassadour presented himself before the King with a Counterfeit gravity Bajazet asked him why he was so ãâã I have a request said he to thee wishing to find favour Bajazet asked him what it was I would fain go said he Embassadour to Constantinople To what purpose said Bajazet To crave 40 or 50 of the Emperours grave Monks and Fryers to bring thither What should they do here said he To be placed instead of the doting Judges to be put to death said the jeaster I can place of my own said Bajazet True said he for gravity c. so would the Monks c. serve but not so learned as those in thy displeasure If they be learned said Bajazet why do they contrarily pervert justice c There 's good reason said he What reason ãâã Bajazet He poynting to Alis can tell better than I said he who commanded to give the reason shewed those Judges being not conveniently provided for were inforced many times to take rewards to the staying justice Which true he commanded Alis to appoint them convenient stipends granting their pardon The Bassa ãâã down the Judge to have 20 aspers of every suite exceeding a 1000 and for every writing c. out of the Court 12 aspers taking it at this day Bajazet not long after intended to put certain Commanders to death grievously offended for a small occasion Who before him the Counsellours sate hanging down their heads not daring to speak a good word for them c. The jeaster stepping forth earnestly requested him to execute them presently as Traitours rayling on them c. Bajazet asked him why he so exclaimed thinking he could greatly accuse them Because the Knaves be good for nothing said he and they say Tamerlane is coming against us if thou take up but an ensigne and I go before with a drum I le strike up such a terrible march that we shall need none of these c. to get the Victory Bajazet musing deeply a great while and considering the jeasters drift granted them an unlooked for pardon Bajazet sending this jeaster to his Mother to bring her desired news of his successe against the Christians she began to demand how he did and of his successe He answered Very well having won a great Country enriching ãâã ãâã A little after she asked him again How he did and how ãâã in his Wars He answered as before But asking the 3d time how he did Dost ask me so often said he Oh? whore thou ãâã brought forth a son like a Devil who doth nought but burn and destroy the World where he cometh She crying out up start he and was never more seen Bajazet passing over Hellespont against the Valachian who had aided Sigismund leaving Temurtases his Lievtenant at ãâã The Caramanian King came and surprized Temurtases by night fearing nothing and carried him in bonds to Caramania But Bajazet ending his Wars in Valachia he fearing released Temurtases apparrelled him richly craving pardon for his wrong and sent great presents to Bajazet to make his excuse Bajazet would not hear the Embassadour but then levied a great Army to invade him Aladin now levied all forces he could entertaining all mercenary Souldiers and at Aczae upon the way gave him battle but was overcome and put to flight in which his horse stumbling and he falling was taken and brought bound to Bajazet his 2 sons being taken also and sent to Prusa Himself was delivered to Temurtases who presently caused him to be hanged Bajazet seeming to be very sorry for he was his Sister's son He won ãâã c. with all Aladins kingdome also Amasia Cappadocia's Metropolis was delivered to Bajazet by its Prince too weak for Casi-Burchanidin Prince of Sebastia and who had solicited Aegypt-Sultan to aide him ãâã Bajazet Who led his Army towards Sebastia whose Citizens had deprived Casi for cruelty ãâã in his son but soon weary ãâã the son they sent that they would yield it to him coming that way Casis his son now fled to Nasradin his brother in-law the Citizens delivering it to Bajazet accordingly leaving Solyman his eldest son Governour So conquering Caramania taking Amasia and ãâã most of Cappadocia and all Rumilia Asiatica he wintred at Prusa who at spring Cutrum of Castamona dead came thither with a great Army wherefore his Son Isendiar fled to Synope whence he humbly requested him to suffer him to have that little City to live in
therefore they should repair to Bedredin shortly to shew himself and promote his followers according to desert Many in hope of preferment resorted to Bedredin who at last came out of the Forrest with displayed Banner and a great multitude resorting daily unto him Mahomet sent his Son Amurath and Bajazet with 2000 to apprehend Burgluzes whom they found guarded with 3000 well appointed there was a bloudy battel and many slain the rebells fleeing Burgluzes was slain and hewen to pieces ãâã Bajazet executed Torlac Kema who with 2000 seduced did much harm about Magnesia Mahomet sending also against Bedredin whose followers seeing in him no such matter as they hoped for were fallen from him whereby he easily apprehended was brought to Mahomet at Serras and hanged in the Market-place Mahomet furnished the great Temple at Hadrianople begun by Solyman and Musa where he built a Princely Pallace also another Temple a sumptuous Abby a publick School ãâã with great Revenues giving also great sums yearly for Pilgrims travelling far to Mahomets Sepulchre at Medina or his Temple at Mecha Shortly after falling sick at Hadrianople he sent in post to Amasia for Amurath his eldest Son by his last will to succeed him But feeling death approach he streightly charged his Bassaes to conceal his death till his comming lest any trouble should arise So he departed about the year 1422 reigning 17 years Bajazet's rent Kingdom being by him wholly restored 7 years before his death The 3 Bassaes Evaises Bajazet and Ibrahim fearing the Janizaries and other Court Souldiers called a Counsel of war as if he were alive pretending the Kings pleasure for the Janizaries to passe to Baga Castle in Asia to war on the Prince of Smyrna Press-mony being presently given they were sent over with Letters c. The Bassaes sat daily in Counsel placing and displacing as if the King had so commanded His Physitians also went with their potions c. as they had wont Yet the Pensioners and others some of them of the Privy Chamber suspecting said They marvelled the King shewed not himself so long as before he did The Bassaes answered He was yet but little recovered and the Physitians would not suffer him to look abroad Then said they ready to force in We `will our selves see his Majesty Eivases desired them not then to trouble him having taken Physick but to morrow said he we will request if he please that ye may see him Geordiron a subtil Persian Physitian devised that the dead body Royally apparelled and wrapped about his head should be brought betwixt two as if led into an high open Gallery and a Boy neatly placed under his Robes behind to move his hand as stroaking his face or beard as his manner was Being brought accordingly suddenly a Physitian came in fuming and raging c. asking the Bassaes if they meant to kill the King by bringing him into the open air c. Pardon us good Doctor said Eivases for these pointing to the Pensioners were so importunate to see him that he was content to be led forth c. They supposing him to be alive held themselves contented The Physitians carried him in again as an extream sick man His death was thus concealed 41 daies He was wise and valiant exceeding bountiful but ambitious above measure He left to Amurath an entire Kingdom in the former greatness though not much augmented His body lyeth buried in a fair Tomb in a Chappel at the East of Prusa The Life of Amurath II. sixth King of the Turks and the great Establisher of their Kingdom AMurath or Murat being placed in his Fathers Seat and Mahomet's death published great troubles began to arise The Princes of Smyrna and Mentesia rose in Arms and at Thessalonica an obscure fellow took on him the name and person of Bajazet's Son slain long before against Tamerlain This counterfeit animated by Greek Princes and going to Vardarium set on so good a courtenance that not only the Country people but Tzunites Beg the prince of Smyrna's Son with Eurenoses ãâã ãâã unto him as to their naturall Prince Going to Hadrianople Amurath yet at Prusa he was received as Mustapha and shortly honoured as King in all the Turkish Kingdom in Europe Amurath sending Bajazet Bassa with a strong Army into Europe he found all the Country ãâã to Mustapha but being forsaken of the European Souldiers which he brought and afterwards of the rest he with his brother Hamze yielded for safety to Mustapha upon promise of loyalty sworne one of his Privy-Councel who the better to maintain his credit ãâã a great Army to make war upon Amurath in Asia On the way his Counsellours repining at Bajazet's ãâã advised him to beware he trusted him not too far c. Whereupon Bajazet apprehended was without tryal ãâã and Haze with much ado spared This done he proceeding marching over into Asia Amurath joyned three new ãâã Temurtases his Sons to Ibrahim and Eivases by whose advice he sent for Michael Ogli Viceroy in ãâã in Musa's time after 8 years imprisonment from Musa's deposing because well known to most chief men in Mustapha's Army Amurath setting forward to ãâã him distrusting his forces much inferiour to Mustapha's prostrated himself at an Emir's feet one of Mahomet's posterity to receive a blessing for his better ãâã c. For all whose charms he marched in fear ãâã to the River Ulibad causing through Mustapha's ãâã the bridge to be broken down encamped on ãâã side Mustapha finding the bridge broken encamped on the other side They thus lying that both might ãâã together Michael Ogli called aloud upon the old Souldiers in Mustapha's Army asking by name for ãâã old friends many there present rejoycing to see him whom they supposed dead in prison came to the rivers ãâã to hear him Who lowdly perswaded them that this man was not the honorable Mustapha but some base ãâã fellow set up by the ãâã Princes as a vail c. ãâã them Bajazet's Son ended his daies 22 years before in his Countries defence in the great ãâã against Tamerlane wherefore they should forsake that supposed one yield obedience to their undoubted Soveraign Amurath These words from him whom they generally reverenced and trusted so wrought that some adventured over the river unto him and many that ãâã doubted Eivases also sent in secret to ãâã to terrify him that Amurath next night ãâã to pass over above the bridge his chief Captains ãâã promised to deliver Mustapha into his hands ãâã with some Troops in the night passed the river in ãâã same place with such noise as if Amurath's whole ãâã was coming Mustapha seeing things begin as ãâã had written and carrying a guilty ãâã fled in ãâã but with 10 persons none pursuing till he came to Boga river and by a great sum to the Captain of the Castle got passage landing the 3d day over Hellespont at Callipolis This known they all yielded to Eivases who repairing the bridge Amurath joyned with him Ibrahim
to intreat them But having gotten them he circumcised and instructed them in Turkish superstition to their ãâã great grief and the Father dying he poysoned the 3 Elder seizing on Croia his chief City and all his Territories as if by right devolved to him But George named Scanderbeg or Lord Alexander for his feature and wit he loved some thought more passionately than he should a boy ãâã him to be instructed in all activity c. wherein he excelling all his equals came very young to be a great Sanzack and being often General of his Armies he got the love of all increasing in credit with Amurath Who shortly turning into Servia the Prince to procure his favour ãâã him a yearly tribute and to do what he reasonably demanded He beside the tribute required Mary his fair Daughter in marriage the Hungarians not to passe through his Country to invade him and not to deny his Army passage when he would invade Bosna All which the Prince was glad to agree to Now about Josephus and Amurath's ãâã and Solyman's son c. died of the plague at Prusa While he thus in Europe the Caramanian King invaded him in Asia for 't was agreed between the Christians of Europe and Mahometans of Asia to invade him when in Europe in Asia and when in Asia in Europe Amurath seizing on Saruchania Mentesia c. before but his tributaries entred Caramania forcing the King to yield to his own conditions and send his Son to wait at his Court and made Isfendiar his tributary and to send his son also Thus becoming terrible to all the Mahometan Princes Returning to Hadrianople he sent Ali's Bassa to invade Hungary in revenge of their incursions in his absence which he performing for a month returned with rich booty Ere long he personally inroaded in to Hungary the Prince of Servia giving his Army passage and Dracula of Valachia aiding him more for fear than good will So returning his Souldiers enriched he wintred at Hadrianople Who to spoyle the secret suspected confederacy between the Hungarians and the King of Caramania doubting the Servian his Father in-law was chief Author sent for him to Hadrianople who doubting some tragedy pretended greatly he could not come and fearing fortified all his strong places chiefly the City Semendre leaving Gregory or George his son Governour for Stephen was at Court with his Sister and went into Hungary to procure some aid and having there certain Territories exchanged of Sigismund for the City Belgrade Not long after Amurath forgetting affinity and league entred Servia destroying and hardly besieging Semendre where after long siege the Princes son doubting sudden assault yielded himself and City so that Sophia Novomont with all the rest yielded to Amurath After which hearing the Servian and Hungarian were making head and that Gregory and Stephen had intelligence with his Father he cast them into prison at Didymoticum burnt out their eyes ãâã a red ãâã brasse bason Albert Duke of Austria marrying Sigismund the Emperour's onely Daughter and succeeding him died in the 2d year of his Reign in preparation against Amurath who driving George of Servia out of his Dominions had extended his Kingdome even to Hungarian's borders Albert leaving his wife with child the Hungarians the Turks come so nigh thought needful not to rest on the peoples devotion towards the Queen and expectation of her issue but to choose some great Prince the better to ãâã the Kingdome against their enemies Whereupon they sent Embassage to Uladislaus young King of Polonia to offer him the Queen in marriage and with her the Kingdome also So ãâã ãâã in the ãâã Court of the inequality of the ãâã the King being in his prime and the Queen well stept in years nought was offered herein but wars that the Hungarians sought to defend themselves by Polonian force Others said the ãâã of these 2 Kingdomes would be great good to both to the Kings great honour c. that it were greater policy to keep the Turk out of Hungary than leaving it a prey to be forced to fight with him in Polonia and for inequality of years it was not so great a matter for Princes regard more the virtues of their choice with their honours increase c. than the Summer fruit of youth which doth shortly perish c. Uladislaus answered the Embassadours he would accept of their offers But the Queen being delivered of a son whom she named ãâã she began to repent of calling in the Polonian King to her sons prejudice And animated by some Nobles hoping to grow great themselves determined by all means to exclude the Polonian but most considering the most expedience and that they could neither with honour or safety flye from what was concluded Hungary was divided into 2 Factions and grew to civil Wars The Queen the more to gain the people caused herson but 3 Months old to be solemnly Crowned at Albaregalis But the Polonian entring Hungary with an Army and joyning with his friends most which followed the Queen revolted to him So that she committing her sons tuition with the Crown to Frederick the Emperour yet ceased not to stir up wars against ãâã at home and abroad till by her death her quarrel ended ãâã in these civil Wars thought a fair opportunity for Hungaria's conquest Wherefore with a great Army marching to the strong City Belgrade which invironed on the East with ãâã on the South with the river Saus and on the other sides with strong walls and deep large ditches was then accounted the gate into Hungary First gave 2 terrible ãâã in good hope but was Valiantly repulsed with great slaughter Wherefore he raising mounts and high woodden Towers furiously battered the walls causing also galleys c. in great number to be brought into both rivers to assault the City and keep the Citizens from succours Yet it was still defended under Uranus a Florentine Governour who with Sallies and shot slew great numbers The Turk knowing that Uladislaus was at this time troubled by the Queens Faction continued his siege though famine began much to increase in his Campe hoping the defendants despairing of help would shortly yield Uladislaus assayed to raise the siege by sending 3 Polonian Nobles Embassadours to Amurath declaring for as much as he had offered to joyn with him in league before he came out of Polonia if he would desist from invading Hungary whereof he was now chosen King and raise his siege then they should easily agree upon the desired peace c. but if he had rather proceed in Armes he would do his best to make him know he was of power sufficient to withstand his greatest forces and revenge his wrongs Amurath appointing the Embassadours to withdraw to Synderovia of Servia not far off till he might better consider their demands and pretending their safety so soon as they were departed he first assaied the Citizens and Souldiers with magnifical promises c. if they would yield the City
having no sufficient forces to oppose the enemy was wonderfully grieved and perplexed At length he fled to his old friend the Bishop of Alba Jula but staying there about raysing a ãâã Army the enemy was come near him glad to march softlier as it were surcharged with spoyle Which they beholding thought it ãâã with what power they had to go out and honourably to die than longer to behold the miserable destruction of their Countty But whilst they marched on unadvisedly without scouts they fell in ambushes layed in the woods and Vallyes to intercept them Huniades and the Bishop so entrapped and beset fled back again after whom the Turks following put all they could overtake to the sword yet most ãâã to Alba Jula The Bishop in taking a river with his horse was overthown and slain The Bassa encouraged now wasted at pleasure ãâã fire and sword that part yet unspoyled Huniades with wonderful speed taking what Souldiers he could perswaded also the Sicilians to take up Armes who for the present necessity chearfully did he following the Bassa returning laden with spoyle to ãâã upon him on occasion of whose coming Mesites not ãâã reckoning said Let him come and with the spoile of himself enrich our Victory John an Espial ãâã discovered to Huniades that the Bassa had appointed some of his best Companies above all things ãâã ãâã Huniades his person in battle all depending on his direction ãâã them tokens to know ãâã and his horse One Simon ãâã a Valiant man ãâã much unlike Huniades changed horse and armour with him appointing him a ãâã troope to attend him Huniades finding an opportunity came so suddenly on the Turks that they were glad to ãâã without Order many fell on both sides but far more of the Turks The Turkish troopes the while descrying Simon with all their power made towards him where was fought a most bloody battle But they bending their forces more and more to kill him at length slaying them about him not without their great losse slew him supposing him the very General But Huniades riding to and fro encouraged his Souldiers not to forsake the Victory nor leave unrevenged so many slaughters and harmes committed by their enemies c. In the heat of this battle ãâã favouring neither great number of Transylvanian prisoners in the Camp with one consent brake their bonds slaying many of their keepers and ãâã into the battle encouraged their Country men Yet it was hardly fought But at length the Turks out of hope of Victory retired by little and little the other fought more fiercely than before Mesites beholding some as if they fled others fleeing outright and no meanes to stay them fled also the Hungarians pursuing with most terrible execution in which Mesites and his son were slain the report of which added swiftnesse to the Hungarians ãâã them for certain dayes to the top of the Alpes 20000 Turks were ãâã about 3000 Hungarians Huniades recovered all the prey with their tents and baggage a number of Cap ives kissing his feet gave God thanks for their deliverance some called him the Father some the Defender of his Country c. He again with tears standing embracing them rejoyced at the publique good giving hearty thanks to God Commanding the like to be done in all that Province He commended the Souldiers Valour and the people's Loyalty extolling the worthy Captives by name c. part of the spoyle he appointed a part to devout uses part amongst the Souldiers He ãâã a great wagon loaded with the Turks ensignes and the chief of their Heads the Bassaes and his sons stood foremost to Uladislaus and the Despot of Servia presented by an old Turk as followeth Huniades c. sendeth to you part of the spoyle lest he should seem to defraud you of the honour of the battle These heads he sendeth that you should not want assurance of such a Victory All these witnesse the greatnesse of the Slaughter and exhort you to great atchievements requesting that general Supplications may be commanded and a great Army provided for all suppose the Turk will engage his whole forces in revenge of so great a slaughter The King and the Despot commending Huniades his discreet Valour with the Victory worthy as they said of a Roman triumph publique supplications were made thorow Hungaria Messengers sent to give Huniades great thanks with rich presents commending his faithful service requesting him to prosecute the war with like care that he should want nothing needful thereunto Moldavia and Valachia the Turks Tributaries now revolted to the Hungarians and Huniades fame was soon dispersed thorow Europe and a general hope conceived of him c. This overthrow with Mesites his death most of all Moldavia's and Valachia's revolt much troubled the Turk So that raysing a great Army of 80000 men under Schech Abedin Bassa an Eunuch yet right Valiant and expert charged him ãâã doing what harm he could in Valachia and Moldavia to break into Transylvania fully to revenge the losse before received c. The Bassa entred Valachia filling the Country with fear and ãâã sore repenting of their revolt Huniades chearing them willed them to retire to their safest places and not to expose their weak forces against their fury promising to come to their relief c. The Bassa dividing his Army forraged far and near ãâã and spoyled all in their way killing without ãâã of Age Sex or Condition But the ãâã ãâã themselves ãâã ãâã into the ãâã hands The ãâã ãâã into ãâã purposing to do greater harme if possible but ãâã was therewith 15000 chosen Souldiers ready to ãâã them The ãâã as well ãâã with whom he had to do ãâã to see the enemies power But informed by scouts that he was not a quarter so many ãâã the Turks but lay strongly ãâã with his ãâã and Carriages as in a ãâã ãâã he wondered at his courage and skill ãâã ãâã of his ãâã ãâã doubted not to offer him ãâã Being come within ãâã a mile of each other the Turks thought not best to joyn battle in one ãâã but to divide and so fight by degrees if he could not so ãâã ãâã the Christians ãâã with his ãâã ãâã ãâã his Souldiers above all things to keep their ãâã Next day being come to ãâã the Bassa spent a good space in martialling his Army as did also ãâã encouraging his chief Commanders that ãâã ãâã could have induced him to encounter such a ãâã did not necessity their approved Valour and the assured hope in Christ confirme him Three commodities God propounded unto them the ãâã of Wives Children and Country renown in this World and immortality in the World to come The ãâã ãâã ãâã Bulgarians ãâã and ãâã could not abide the Turks force The ãâã ãâã ãâã willingly gave them ãâã ãâã us ãâã this praise of this Victory by God assigned who oft with a small power and sometime against all hope have with notable slaughter overthrown them c. learning no lesse to
courage and one consent to take this sacred war in hand and so enroll your names in the eternal book of fame Forthwith ensued the Despot's reares perswading them of that expedition's necessity declaring the Turks cruelty and strange tortures his sons deprived of sight and spoyled of their Genitories c. that the Hungarians were divided from the Turks but by the river Saus oft to be waded in Summer and hard frozen in Winter that he was driven into exile by the Turks power fleeing to Ragusium then into Hungary of which the Barbarian now asked tribute to have some colour for its invasion c. Wherefore with many teares running down his aged face he besought Uladislaus not to let slip this fair occasion c. offering a great sum himself towards the war's charges assuring them also of great supplies of men and money from other Princes Whereupon a decree was made that the King should personally with all speed entertain that war Though Winter approached men were taken up and Embassadours sent to the Emperour and others to pray their aid Who ãâã excusing themselves sent no aid at all Yet many out of France and Germany forsaking all came and served on their own charge The spring come and supplications made for successe Uladislaus May 1. passing Danubius from Buda stayed 3 dayes at the River Tibiscus for his Armies coming departing thence marching till within sight of Bulgaria he ãâã Cobis passing Danubius with his very great Army marched to Sophia in about 6 dayes in Bulgaria's ãâã Which being badly fortified was easily taken and afterward burnt as were all other Towns and Villages thereabouts for terrour to the rest Thence he encamped at the River Morava where 500 light horse men being sent over to view a safe and easie passage for the Army they took 4 Turks scouts understanding them that 2000 Turks were at hand They retiring back with all speed to the River many leaping for fear from the high banks perished in the deep the rest stood doubtfully expecting what should become of themselves The Turks descrying the King hovering on the top of the hill beyond the River doubting an ambush retired Which they on the far side perceiving and encouraged by the Kings coming down followed a while to increase their fear Next day the King passing the River sent to see if all ãâã clear but being ãâã that the Turks at hand had placed ambushes fast by he entring into counsel resolved that Huniades with 10000 horse should next night suddenly set on the enemy Who ãâã near them and the Moon shining out he led his men by the way the enemy was likeliest ãâã flee if put to the worst and entring the Campe with a hideous cry the Turks suddenly awakened and dismayed betook some to their weapons some to their heels c. Huniades the whiles cheared up his men couragiously to assaile their sleepy naked and fearful enemies At first the Turks made a Stir but hearing Huniades was there with the greatnesse of the sudden fear with an inconsirate desire of flight they trod down one another thrusting on each others weapons Most of them driven into thickets c. were by the fierce pursurers slain the rest when 't was day ran the same fortune 30000 Turks were slain 4000 taken with a number of Ensigns Most report Huniades lost but 500 for few found any enemy to resist them They took all the spoyle of a most rich Campe The King and Despot hearing of Huniades approach in triumph from the slaughter of the Turks with great applause of the other Legions went 3 miles to meet him and would not suffer Huniades to alight to do him honour but taking him by the right hand joyed with him thanking God who had given him a Captain worthy to rule the Romane Empire c. The Common Souldiers embracing one anothet welcomed their victorious Friends So the King and Huniades sending the spoyle and the chained Prisoners before returned in great triumph causing prayers with thanksgivings to be made to God thorowout the Army The Legate General of the Voluntary Christians perswaded the King and the rest to prosecure their good fortune and take in the rest of Bulgaria Huniades had learned it was but. 3 dayes journey to Philippopolis in Thrace the like to Hadrianople as much to Constantinople The difficulty was the great and rough mountain Hemus which dividing Bulgaria and Servia from Macedouia and Thrace is not to be passed over but in 2 places one made by Traian the Emperour with a mighty stone-gate to be opened or shut at pleasure the other near the little River Saltiza Huniades marching foreward took all Towns in their way of Bulgaria wherein conformity of Religon the Turks ãâã great affinity of Language was no small help ãâã to ãâã to ãâã Thrace the weather now very cold they learned those passages were so strongly shut with great stones c. they were very hardly to be forced Wherefore ãâã leaving the straighter way made by man came ãâã Christmas even to the other by Saltiza where Amurath had shut up the passage and placed strong Garrisons to defend Macedonia and Thracia from the dreaded Hungarians invasion In the Army was such want of all things that the Souldiers were ready to forsake their ãâã and mutinie beginning to grow weak by victuals failing Besides the Winter was so cold and the frost so great they could not many times seek for forrage or water So that the Army began to retire and had been dissolved had not ãâã daily ãâã them the greatest difficulties werealready past c. that in going back they should find greater difficulties in those wast Countries than in going forward ãâã that these straits opened there remained not but the spoile of a most rich and pleasant Country that what they had already won was easie to be recovered except those enemies remaining were driven quite out of Europe Whilst Huniades spake every man was encouraged but remembring their ãâã they cursed the rash attempts of ambitious Princes The Turks coming after them Huniades was sent with some troupes who 8 times encountred them and as ãâã forced them to retire In retiring back the King with most of the Army went before Huniades and the Despot followed after a good daies Dayes march the Turks that kept the passage followed them down the hill in hope of revenge Carambey was their General with expresse charge not to fight upon any occasion with the enemy for Amurath thought it Victory enough without losse to keep them out of ãâã Which ãâã for all that neglecting followed the Christian Army ãâã to the mountain ãâã hovering over ãâã heads to take them at advantage The Christians would many times fight with them in disadvantagious places ãâã They had rather dye like men then ãâã with hunger and cold ãâã exceeding both in strength and number besides the ground 's advantage would needs give battle ãâã and the Despot though much troubled with the King's
little above a month he had recovered his Kingdom ãâã being also ere long delivered by composicion during this time he slept ãâã above 2 hours in a night fighting alwaies with his arme bare the blood oft ãâã out of his lips ãâã written he slew 3000 Turks with his own hands in his wars against them After he had wrung his inheritance from Amurath he overran part of Macedonia making incursions into the heart of the ãâã so ãâã his Souldiers that they desired no ãâã pay it beginning to be a proverb that the spoil of Amurath's Dominions was Scanderbeg's revenews Amurath troubled with ãâã wars at first seemed not greatly to account of it though inwardly grieved at the heart But seeing no end to be expected of these miseries he sent ãâã 's Bassa with 40000 ãâã Souldiers to subdue Epirus This replenished the Turks with such hope of Victory that the Souldiers before setting forth were contending for division of the ãâã Fame also filled Epirus with great fear of Alis his coming The Country fleeing into strong Cities fortyfied the same watching and warding the aged commended them and theirs to God and the Souldiers courage with ãâã Scanderbeg was nothing moved having as was supposed ãâã from Friends in Court of all Amurath's designes Out of all the ãâã that repaired to him at Croia in Epirus from ãâã Princes c. besides ãâã Voluntiers he chose onely 8000 horse and 7000 ãâã and placing some few in frontier Garrisons at which his friends yea and enemies marvelled With which ãâã marching to Dibria after encouraging his Souldiers he encamped in the ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã where the Bassa must needs passe In which wood he placed Gnee and Amessa with 3000 to stand close till he had joyned battle with the Bassa then ãâã ãâã forth upon his ãâã Who ãâã near ãâã ãâã that night making great shew of ãâã with great fires whereas in ãâã Campe all was silent and no shew of fire which made ãâã ãâã the more carelesse Next morning ãâã placing 3000 horse and foot in the left ãâã and the like in the right himself led the ãâã ãâã The ãâã ward was ãâã to ãâã ãâã then ãâã c. ãâã ãâã charged with a ãâã troope of ãâã who retired that the Christians hastily pursuing might disorder their battle But Scanderbeg perceiving the Bassa's meaning all was kept in good order So the wings beginning a ãâã Scanderbeg ãâã charged the Bassa with his main battle But those in the wood suddenly issuing upon the Turks rear made great slaughter and forced many to flee The Bassa's best Souldiers placed nearest himself renewed the ãâã almost lost Scanderbeg's fortune was even ãâã a ãâã till Uranocontes receiving the wearied into the reare brake thorow the Bassa's Army with fresh troopes brought thence with such slaughter that he made way for all the rest The Turks discomfited fled whom the Christians fiercely pursuing slew of them 22000 2000 taken prisoners 24 Turks Ensigns of the Christians were slain not past 120. Scanderbeg making his 7000 foot horsemen with the Turks horses entred far into Macedonia filling his Souldiers with wealth and sparing nothing from fire and sword Aliâ with the remainder returning to Hadrianople was charged by Amurath of cowardise and indiscretion Whereof clearing himself by rehearsal of his former Victories and the testimony of the Captaines present in battle he was again received into favour Amurath overthrown first by Hunuâdes now by Scanderbeg and elsewhere beset that he knew not which way to turn fell into such a Melancholy passion that he was about to execute himself had not Cali Bassa by whose perswasion he yielded to desire peace of Uladislaus using the Despot a mean therein comforted his dying spirits The Despot at first smally credited what the Embassadours told him till better perswaded he so wrought especially with Huniades that Amurath departing withall his forces out of Servia restored it to the Despot delivering him his 2 sons whom bereft of sight he had long kept in prison That thenceforth he should not claim Moldavia nor that part of Bulgaria lost in the last Wars Not to molest any part of Hungaria during the time and to pay 40000. Duckats for Carambey's ransome a Peace was for 10 years concluded and by solemn Oath on both parts confirmed This was the honourablest Peace ever before made with any Turk and most profitable had it been sincerely kept Amurath now converted all his forces against the Caramanian King injuring him whilst busied in the Hungarian Wars The Caramanian not daring to meet him nor trust to any his strong holds fortified himself in the mountaines Amurath made great spoile taking great booties in his Country at last hardly ãâã Iconium Whereupon he sent Embasladours with his wife Amurath's sister to intreat for Peace offering him the double tribute and his son in hostage Amurath granting him Peace returned In this War Amurath's Eldest son died with a fall from his horse hawking to his great grief Who old and thorowly wearied with Wars c. sending for his son Mahomet but 15 years old resigned to him his Kingdome appointing Cali Bassa and one ãâã his trusty Counsellours So with Hamze Beg departing to Magnesia he gave himself to a Monastery life amongst certain Turkish Monks Many Mahometan and Christian Princes sorry for the peace between Uladislaus and the Sultan thinking that War's prosecution would have been the utter ruine of the Turkish Kingdome sought by all means to induce ãâã to break the solemn league especially John the Greek Emperour remembring him of the confederacy made with other Christian Princes against the common enemy of Christianity that he rejecting divers offers of Amurath for Peace was ready with the other Princes to joyn his forces with his if he would which he could not do in a better time Amurath having drawn his greatest forces into Asia and betaken himself to a private life requesting ãâã not to leave them a prey to the Turk who when he thought himself safe from the Hungarians would invade them Then also letters came from the Cardinal of Florence General of the Fleet declaring how Amurath leaving almost none in Europe was gone into Asia that he was according to promise come to the straits of Hellespont to embarre his passage out of Asia Both these letters being ãâã in the Council the King with all the Hungarian Nobility were never more sorry or ashamed for any thing than the late league with Amurath c. whilst they stood wavering Julian the Legat an enemy to Peace and by his place next to the King disswaded them That they entred a League with the Turk an Infidel ãâã violate their faith with the Christians and break the holy League made with the great Bishop and other confederate Princes that they might recover ãâã long before destroyed verily a small and woful profit c. Did they not in his presence and he the Author willingly make a League with the Italians and Greeks that
the one should meet them with aid out of ãâã the other with a great Fleet to come ãâã Hellespont If they made it why made they not another with the Turks or by what right can they keep the same being made This second League is to be broken which except they do be feared as Judas betrayed Christ they may seem to betray his Vicar c. And what would they answer to the ãâã Emperour who had with the first taken the field and expecteth but their coming What would they answer the great Bishop What the Venetians Genowaies whose Fleet is ready What the Burgundians who for zeal passing the Ocean by many dangers now flore in Hellespont That they promised the first of the Spring to be in field and now their Souldiers both in Spring Summer play That some perhaps would blame him for suffering it with the rest he was indeed present but as much as in him was he ãâã it might not be c. That he was overcome by the wisdom and authority of Huniades and compassion of the ãâã c. that having made restitution of Servia and the Captives what remained but to repair their Army and keep their first League and to say that Uladislaus after his League with the Greek and Latin Princes could not without their ãâã conclude any thing especially with enemies of Christian ãâã c. That a just and lawful ãâã is to he religiously kept but that which ten ãâã not only to a private but publick destruction ought to be frustrate That before their faithless dealing were farther spread not to violate their faith for the good of the Christian Commonweal given to prosecute the expedition by common consent taken in hand To deliver the Christian Provinces oppressed with Turkish servitude and not to deceive the worlds expectation conceived of them than which nothing can be more dishonourable not to suffer so fit an occasion to slip away but requesting them above all things to march forward with their victorious forces into Macedonia and Thracia In conclusion speaking of the great Bishop's authority he in his name disanulled the League absolving them from the Oath which so contented the King and the rest that a Decree was made to continue the League with their confederates and to prosecute the wars against the Turks To which unfortunate Decree both the Despot and Huniades easily consented the one in hopes of the Wars good success the other with desire of Bulgaria promised and as some say assured by Charter to him by Uladislaus Of this breach notice was speedily given to the Greek Emperour and the Florentine Cardinal lest hearing of the Peace concluded they should alter or desist from their purposes The Turk being ignorant hereof had withdrawn all Garrisons out of Servia and other places agreed upon restoring them to the Despot and others freeing a number of Captives and the Despot's two Sons Yet Uladislaus through Huniades detained some strong holds in Servia for which the Despot ever grudged against Huniades As Uladislaus was preparing his Forces the fame of Scanderbeg was grown great every man speaking of him honour and praise Whereupon Uladislaus by consent of his nobility dispatching Embassadours to him with Letters certifying of his purpose to root out the Turks in that Common Cause praying his aid to this purport That as he seemed to him above all other Princes accomplished with all perfections of body and mind so to be endowed with some Divine and wonderful fortune under whose good conduct not only Epirus may think it self secure but the other Nations also lately by the ãâã Kings dismembred from Macedons Realm may recover their ancient Laws and Liberties For what can be more glorious than this victory obtained by the utter discomfiture of Alis Bassa But now there offers unto him an object of far greater glory with a fit occasion to revenge injuries of Amurath both new and old also the publick calamities and opprobrious disgraces against the Christian Religion in general now oppressed if he would succour him in this extremity of affairs whereto all the Princes of Hungarie and Polonia c. Julian the Cardinal ãâã him with those couragious Christians with them wishing for nothing more than the presence of his victorious Ensigns which occasion if he ãâã not would be a mean to drive the Turk quite out of Europe c. That the flame hath well near consumed them all whilst none thought it would come near himself That there is no house-wife or Matron in Hungary not in some measure partaker of this heavinesse That the Christian Princes hear of this yet the misery of their Allies can nothing move them Only Eugenius Bishop of Rome and Philip of Burgundy have not refused to bear part of the burthen That albeit ãâã was not ignorant how ill at leasure he might be to take such an expedition in hand yet it should not withhold him assuring him that as it could not be but to him most honorable so this present desert should not be bestowed on ungrateful men Scanderbeg liking well this motion by the general consent of the Albanian Princes his Allies promised the King by Letters in good time to be present with him with 30000 Souldiers which Letters being dispatched he beginning to levy his sorces joyned 15000 no lesse valiant to the 15000 which discomfited Alis so setting forward with the Vows and hope of all his loving Subjects But at Servia's borders he found the strait and difficult passages shut up by George the Despot a Christian only in name who but lately restored by ãâã help now in favour of the Turks quarrel and in ãâã ãâã of Huniades did this Scanderbeg complained to him of the wrong c. requesting if but for the common Cause of Christianity to give him as to his friend passage and not perpetually to stain himself c. But what availeth requests Scanderbeg resolved to open his way by force though it much grieved him c. But the while ãâã prickt forward by Julian the Cardinal or his own destiny assembling a great Army yet far inferiour to that he had the year before from Segedinum in the beginning of November came to Nicopolis in Bulgaria whose Suburbs he ãâã refreshing his people thereabouts and mustering his Army Dracula the Vayuod of Ualachia of great experience considering the King 's small number said He had learned to deem aright by his own harms of the Sultan's power c. perswading him not to expose his small forces to so manifest perill in such an unseasonable time but reserve to a fitter opportunity This Counsel was thought wholsome but the Cardinal extolling the last years victory with promises of aid from the Pope Constantinopolitans and others c. perswaded the King that Dracula his speech proceeded on a superficial judgment ãâã regarding the Kings strength from his friends or in regard of a League lately made betwxt him the Turk The Prince seeing his Counsel not so well
could content his mind or revive his Spirits so that oppressed with melanchollyconceits he became sick for griefe Whereupon by some's Counsell he sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace for 10000 duckats yearly tribute thinking hereby well to save his honour which being utterly refused greatly increased his sicknesse Scanderbeg to grieve him the more c daily assailed the Campe which he often suspected by alarums and tumults languishing with the griefe thereof Feeling he could not longer live g ievously complained that all his former life was so blemished who repressing the Hungarians fury and almost nullifying the Grecians pride and name was enforced to give up the Ghost under the Walls of an obscure Castle and in sight of his contemptible enemie Then he gave his Son Mahomet many grave advertisements commending him to the faithfullnesse of his Bassaes weaknesse and teares oft upon sight of him interrupting his speech Yet forcing himself he warned him of what now most grieved him That his example be a warning to him not to contemne his never so weak enemy c whereby he had purchased this calamity and for ever blemished the honour of the Othoman Kings c. That this Trait or should then have been suppressed when first he recovered his wicked Kingdome c. Ali Bassa nor the other Generalls should not have been sent against him c That they entered into ãâã 160000 strong c but now how many tents stand empty c. That the destinies had vowed his Spirits to Epirus as to him fatall But why did he impute these impediments and chances to himself for this mischievous seed first began when the Hungarians with others rose up against him So whilst he could not take order for all important affaires at once this enemy grew great That fortune never deceived his endeavours more than in this Therefore he charged his Son that for so great and stately a patrimony as he should receive not to leave his death unrevenged of this enemy Shortly after becomming speechlesse c he breathed out his Ghost to the Christians great joy in Autumne 1450 85 years old as most write reigning 28 or as some 30 about 5 months after Croia's siege Thus ãâã great Amurath dead almost in despaire Who had fought greater battels who gained greater Victories or obtained more glorious Triumphs than he c. But oh how far was he now changed from the man he then was how far did his last speeches differ from his forepassed life full of base passionate complaints beseeming some vile ãâã overtaken with despaire and yet afraide to die He lyeth now dead a gastly stinking Carcale c and of such infinite riches such stately honours c his fraile body enjoyeth nothing The Turks say he died miraculously forewarned of his death at Hadrianople others that he died in Asia with an Apoplexie surfeiting of immoderate Wine But Marinus Barlesius who lived in his time in Scodra fast by Epirus sets it downe as aforesaid Mahomet fearing some innovation at home presently returning to Hadrianople buryed his body with great solemnity on the West of Prusa lying in a Chappel without a roofe his grave not differing from the common Turks which they say he so commanded that Gods blessing might come to him by the Sun and Moones shining and raine and dewes falling on his grave He mightily enlarged the Turkish Kingdome for the better establishing whereof in his owne house he in the beginning of his reigne by manifold favours began to bind to himself men of forreigne Coùntryes his Servants And whereas the Othoman Kings had mostly or altogether raised their Janizaries and other Court Souldiers of Christians Children taken in War he seeing how serviceable they were plotted how to make an Armie of such his own Creatures c wherefore taking from the Christians every 5th Child he placed the fairest and aptest in his own Seraglio the rest in other like places where being instructed in Mahometane Religion then in all seats of Armes of these he made Horsemen c to guard his person naming he better sort Spahi-Oglani ãâã is his Sons the Knights Of these he made Bassaes Generals and Governours with all great Officers dispersing the rest and greatest part into every Country of his Dominion in Asia to be brought up in hardnesse and painefull labour out of whom he choosing the most lusty and able they were taught to handle all manner of weapons added to the other upon occasion calling them his Sons binding them of all sorts so fast to him by continual pay c. that he might account so many Sons as Souldiers A great policy from a deep judgment to weaken the Christians by taking their Children of greatest hope and to keep in awe his own natural Subjects also Amurath's successours keeping and increasing this Custome have not only kept the Empire in their Family but so maintained their State that they are feared obeyed and honoured as Gods c. Hence it comes to passe that the better of them called Turks but indeed Christians children desire to be called Musulmans that is right believers holding it a reproach to be called Turks For they knowing there is not one natural Turk among all in authority c. but he is borne a Christian either of father or Grandfather avouch those only to be Turks living in Natolia all Merchants Mechanicks or poor labourers c. Yea many of the Grand-Signiors had Christian Mothers accounting it in the greatest part of their Nobility ãâã great King was wonderfully beloved and noless after death lamented more faithful of his word than any before or after him melancholick rather politick than valiant yet both a great dissembler painful in travel exceeding wayward and testy many imputing it to his age He had 6 Sons Achmetes Aladin Mahomet Hasan or Chasan Urchan and Achmetes the younger three of whom died before him The Life of Mahomet II. 7th King and first Emperour of Turks for his many victories surnamed the Great IT was thought that Mahomet who being about 21 years old succeeded his Father in 1450 and the supposed Son of the Prince of Servia's Daughter a Christian would have embraced the Christian Religion but embracing in shew the Mahometan abhorring the Christian he greatly reckoned not of either and worshipping no God but Fortune he derided such as thought God had any care of worldly men so that he kept no League Promise or Oath longer than stood with his profit and pleasure The Bassaes and others of great Authority to whom Amurath's Government was never grievous inwardly lamented his death doubting Mahomet's fierce nature c. But the Court gallants in hope of preferment were glad to see him on his Fathers Seat and the vulgar exceedingly rejoyced in him Then also the Janizaries as their ãâã is spoyling the Christians and Jews easily obtained pardon whereupon he was by them and other Court Souldiers triumphantly saluted King which approbation is a greater assurance of their Kingdom than to be
born the King's eldest Son The young Tyrant was presently about to murther ãâã his own hands his youngest brother but 18 months old Moses a Bassa requested him rather to commit the ãâã thereof to some other which thing Mahomet commanding him to do he taking it from the Nurse strangled it with water Spondertius his Daughter in her rage reviling the Tyrant to his face c. He requesting her to be contented for that it stood with policy said she should have whatsoever she asked But she desiring to have Moses her Son's executioner delivered to her bound presently struck him in the breast with a knife crying in vain for help and cutting a hole in his side cut out and cast his Liver by piece-meal to the dogs He also caused another Brother in Caly Bassa's keeping to be murthered Presently after he began to abrogate and alter the old Lawes and Customs publishing new better fitting his own humour imposing also new Taxes and Subsidies on his Subsects and was through avarice thought over-sparing in apparel and diet He calling all great Officers to streight account put some to death confiscated the goods greatly fined or quite removed from Office others He admitted also false and surmized accusations against his Bassa's little mercy was to be looked for whereby he was exceedingly feared of his Subjects but more hated Of 7000 Faulconers and not many fewer Huntsmen that were maintained of the Kings charge saying He would not be such a fool to maintain such a multitude to attend on so meer a vanity he ordered 500 Faulconers only and 100 Huntsmen the rest to serve in wars Then also he entred League with Constantine Emperour of Constantinople and the other Greek Princes as also with the Despot his Grandfather as some will yet some write the Despots Daughter was but his Mother in Law whom he sent again to her Father allowing her a Princely Dowry Ibrahim King of Caramania took occasion the first year of his Reign to invade him in Asia with fire and sword Mahomet displacing Isa his Lievetenant there as unsufficient appointed Isaac Bassa in his room who passing into Asia raised a great Army After whom MahomeÌt following with a greater he entred with great hostility into Caramania whose King fleeing into the great Mountains offered him such conditions of peace whereof he accepted which being by Oath confirmed he returned to Prusa where the presuming Janizaries came in order of battel and demanded a Donative as a reward of their good service who inwardly chafing yet having warning by Abedin Bassa and Turechanbeg he for the present dissembled his anger scattering ten great baggs of Aspers among them But few daies after he ãâã Doganes their chief Captain to be shamefully whipt discharging him of his Office and so likewise used he the under Captains a punishment usually inflicted on the King 's least displeasure upon any man if not a natural Turk Presently after ãâã Isaac against the Prince of Caria he was driven out of his Country which hath ever since remained subject to the Turkish Kings Mahomet determining to return to Hadrianople with his Army was advertized he could not passe Hellespontus Straits without manifest danger wherefore taking his way through that part of Bythinia lying above Constantinople passing over at the Castle Accechisar standing on Bosphorus Strait in Asia being got over and encamping by the Sea side he began to build a great Castle near Propontis directly over against the other Castle and assembling all workmen possible his ãâã working also it was sooner perfected than was by any at first expected which for greatness is of most Writers reputed a City named Genichisar Neocastron and ãâã built as for the Turks safe passage to and fro so to hinder the Christians passage thorow those narrow Straits and to distresse Constantinople but 5 miles distant The rich Trade which the Venetian Genoan and Constantinopolitan Merchants had to Cassa and other places on the Euxine were hereby almost cut off to the great hinderance of those ãâã Mahomet ambitious thinking nothing more answerable to his conceits than to attempt Constantinople the Greek Empires utter subversion and grieving at that goodly Citie 's commodious Situation and not at his disposing and the Emperour 's small power with the other Christian Princes discord ministring no small hope of success made great preparation all the Winter both by Sea and Land to be ready against Spring none certainly knowing whither he would imploy the same Constantinus then Emperour of a mild and soft Spirit hearing hereof prepared according to his own small ability also earnestly craved aid of other Christian Princes But they being at variance all his Suit was vain Nicolas the 5th Bishop of Rome Alphonsus King of Naples and the State of Venice promised him 30 Galleys but none came The Emperour made stay of certain Ships and Galleys of Venice Genua c. Then also Johannes Justinianus a Genuan adventurer came to Constantinople with two tall Ships and 400 Souldiers where being entertained he was made the Emperour's Lievtenant General 6000 entertain'd Greeks with 3000 Venetians c. made stay of joyned to the Citizens was all the defence for his Empire The Turk had a great Army of 300000 ready against Spring most out of Bulgaria Servia c. either indeed Christians or else ãâã to these were joyned divers out of Germany Bohemia and Hungary This enforcing and alluring Christians against Christians hath not been the least means of the Turks greatnesse His effeminate Asians natural Turks and Janizaries were mingled these last the fewest yet commanding all Mahomet encamping April 9. 1453 before Constantinople filled he Land from Bosphorus Sea side unto the place where it compassing the City on two parts makes a goodly haven betwixt Constantinople and Pera. This City anciently called Bizantium is in form of a Triangle situated in Europe in the pleasant Countrey of ãâã on a point of the main Land shooting out towards Asia called of Pliny ãâã Solinus the promontory Chrysoceras where the Sea Propontis joyneth unto ãâã ãâã which divideth Asia from Europe called in ancient time Bosphorus Thracius c. and about 200 years past or more St. George's arm It was first built by Pausanias the ãâã King flourishing till the Civil Wars between Severus the Emperour and Niger when it enduring 3 years siege of the Romans under ãâã yielded not till the Citizens did eat one another the walls were overthrown the City destroyed and brought to the state of a poor Country Village given by Severus to the Pyrinthians until Constantine the Great new built and beautified it translating his Imperial Seat thither calling it New Rome and that part of Thracia along the Sea Coast Romania But the founders name so prevailed that it was and is called Constantinople or Constantine's-City The longest side running from North-East to South-West is commonly reputed 8 miles long The other side East and West 5 miles washed with the Haven more than 8
repoled great confidence He provided 200 Ships and Galleys that no relief should be brought to the City out of Hungary by the Rivers Danubius and Savius and landing his Souldiers farther up Danubius spoyled along the River side Shortly after encamping before it he at first terribly assaulted but finding greater resistance then he imagined he entrenched his Army and provided against sudden salleys then laying a part of the wall flat by the fury of his great Artillery the Defendants with great labour repaired it rather stronger than before Huniades the while sent a Fleet well appointed from Buda down Danubius which taking 20 sail of Turks and discomfiting the rest they ran on ground near their camps which were set on fire as not to come into the Hungarians power Hereby the Christians at pleasure conveighed all necessaries by water to Belgrade Huniades also with 5000 and a Minorate Fryar by whose perswasion 40000 Voluntiers were come to that war entred that way with their followers Mahomet resolutely bent determined next day to give a general assault but as they were preparing all things for the service Carazi Bassa his best man of war was slain from the Town Mahomet being exceedingly troubled herewith as ominous yet next day early he with the sound of Trumpets c. brought on his Janizaries to the breach who without great resistance entred there and in divers other places For Huniades ordered the Defendants upon the first charge to retire towards the City as discouraged on purpose to draw the enemies faster on to their destruction so that great numbers being entred the retirers at the sign appointed turning again fiercely charged them and Huniades issuing out ãâã oppressed the Turks that few escaped not being slain or taken the rest with exceeding slaughter beaten from the Walls Huniades with the Fryar's Souldiers presently sallying out so charged the Turks defending the great Ordnance that they with great slaughter left them to their enemies The Tyrant couragiously charging to recover them again was so repulsed and beaten with murthering shot from the City that he was glad when got into his Trenches A great part of the Army was in this hurly speedily transported over Danubius joyning with Huniades laying without the walls who now assailed their Trenches as if presently to enter their Camp which the Tyrant disdaining went out and valiantly beat him back to the Ordinance from whence he was again driven to his Trenches which manner of fight was indifferently maintained till the day almost spent Chasanes Captain of the Janizaries was herein slain and Mahomet himself sore wounded under his left pap and carried into his Pavilion for dead But comming to himself and considering his losse in that siege c. departed with great silence in the night still looking behind when the Hungarians should have pursued and troubled him Here were slain 40000. his best Souldiers besides Commanders so that he would shake his head c. wishing he had never seen that City where he and his Father received so great dishonor This notable Victory was August 6th 1456. Huniades shortly after died of a hurt in these Warres or as some of the plague then rife in Hungary who would in any case be carried to the Temple to receive the Sacrament before his departure saying the Lord should not come to his Servants house but the Servant to the House of his Lord. He was the first Christian Captain shewing the Turks were to be overcome obtaining more great Victories over them than any before him He was honourably buried at Alba Julia in St. Stephens Temple greatly lamented of all good men Mahomet soon after the taking Constantinople putting a great Fleet to Sea surprized divers Islands in the Aegeum and hardly besieged Rhodes At which time Calixtus the 3d Pope aided by the Genowayes for the grudge of Pera taken put to Sea sixteen tall Ships and Gallies under Patriach Lodovicus who recovered ãâã from the Turks with other small Islands and encountring them near the Island Rhodes sunk and took divers forcing them to forsake the Rhodes spoyling for three years after at pleasure the Turks frontiers along the Sea coast of lesser Asia terrifying the effeminate people and returning with many prisoners and much spoil Mahomet after that began diligently to prepare against spring to subdue the Aegeum Islands chiefly those near Peloponesus Embassadors from Usuncassanes the Persian King arrived the while with divers rich presents among which were a pair of playing Tables whose men and dice were of inestimable prerious stones and workmanship found in the Persian Kings Treasures that Usun had ãâã and bereft and left there by Tamerlane Their Embassage was that those two mighty Princes might joyn and live in amity and that David Emperour of Trapezond being forced to pay Mahomet a tribute by his Asian Lieutenant he should not now look for it seeing that Empire after Davids death belonged to him in his Wives right Davids elder Brothers Daughter requiring him not to molest him so should he be his faithful confederate otherwise his mighty enemy Mahomet envying the Persian rising and now disdaining his peremptory requests dismissed them with this answer He would ere long be personally in Asia to teach Usun what to request of a greater than himself This was the ground of the mortall Warres ensuing between these two Mahomet now altering his determination for the Aegeum Isles most under the Venetians protection sent his Admiral with one hundred and fifty Sail into the Euxine now the black Sea to anchor before Paphlagonia's chief City to expect him with his Army by Land who was come thither before he was looked for Ismael a Mahometan Prince governing all thereabout on whom Mahomet bent his forces as being in league with Usun though he had 400 great Artillery Pieces and 10000 Souldiers for his defence yet doubting how to endure the siege yielded to him the City with all his Dominions in lieu of Philopopolis in Thrace with the adjoyning Country This was the last of the Isfendiars long reigning in Pontus Thence he marched to Trapezond in Pontus where the Constantinopolitan Emperours had their Deputies whilest commanding as farre as Parthia but it declining one Isaac fleeing from Constantinople and taking the Government of Trapezond with Pontus and Cappadocia c. was first called King but afterwards he and his Successors Emperors David Comnenus then raigned Mahomet hardly besieged Trapezond for 30 dayes by Sea and Land burnt its Suburbs as at Sinope The fearful Emperour offered to yield his whole Empire to him on condition of taking his Daughter to Wife and for some other Province yielding a sufficient yearly profit Mahomet perceiving his enemie's weakness attempted the City by force which not sorting they again parled at last it was agreed the Emperour on the Turks saith for his return should meet him without the City for some good attonement who as soon as he came out Mahomet faith not to be kept with Christians detained him a prisoner
executing divers Hungarians yet after ten years being inlarged he died in battel against the Turks Mahomet sent the same Fleet into the Aegeum to take the Islands who before under the Constantinopolitan had put themselves now under the Venetian especially Mitylene pretending its Prince harbored the Italian Pirates and others buying prisoners and booty taken from the Turks at Sea and along the Sea-coast also that he slaying his eldest Brother unjustly governed Himself passing into Asia came to Possidium over against Mitylene Landing his small Army over the narrow Strait he soon over-ran and spoiled the Island captivating all its Inhabitants who being sold at Constantinople were thence dispersed Then besieging the Prince in the City Mitylene he battered it twenty seven dayes and the defendants by sharp assaults greatly diminished the Prince offered to yield up all in the Isle for some other Province of like value which Mahomet accepting solemnly sware to perform The Prince humbly comming forth excused himself for receiving the men of Warre that they might not spoil his own Country denying he had bought or shared any of their prizes Mahomet seemingly contented cheared him with good words yet all being delivered into his hands he put to death many of the chief Citizens cutting three hundred Pirates in the middle and placing Garisons he returned carrying the Prince with him and all the better sort with all the wealth leaving his Garrisons with a few of the poorest people Being arrived he closly imprisoned the Prince with his cousin used in killing his Brother who in danger of their lives every houre offered renouncing Christianity to turn Turk Mahomet in rich Apparel triumphantly circumcising them set them at liberty yet bearing the old grudge soon clapt them fast again cruelly putting them to death Shortly after Stephen King of Bosna who through the Turks support had wrongfully obtained it against his two brethren refused to pay Mahomet his promised tribute wherefore entring Bosna he besieged Dorobiza which taken one part of the people he gave slaves to his men of War sending another to Constantinople a third to inhabite the City Marching to Jaziga now Jaica the chiefe City it was delivered after four months on composition Here taking the Kings Brother and Sister with most of the Nobles he sent them in Triumph to Constantinople The lesser Cityes yielded also Mahomet sent Mahometes Bassa to pursue the King retired into the farthest parts who so inclosed him before he was aware that he could not escape a thing thought impossible The King taking refuge of Clyssa was so hardly laid to that he yielded himself on the Bassaes solemne oath conceived in writing that he being honourably used should not be hurt by the Emperour The Bassa carryed him about with him till he possessed all Bosna whose Master was offended with him for engà ging his Faith so far The poor King departing was suddenly sent for who doubting carryed the Bassas Oath in writing yet the faithlesse Tyrant most cruelly put him to death or as some slew him quick Bosna was subverted by Mahomet in 1464 who reducing it into a province returned in great triumph to Constantinople with many a wofull Captive and that Kingdom 's wealth Mahomet in the beginning of his reigne sent to Scanderbeg offering him peace so he would pay him the yearly tribute demanded by Amurath rather to prove his confidence than in hope to have it granted Scanderbeg scornfully rejecting this entred into the Turks bordered dominion wasting the Country returning with spoyl Mahomet in revenge sent Amesa with 12000 Horse into Epirus to do the like of whose comming he understanding lay close with 6000 on the Mountain Modrissa The Turks by night being almost gotten to its rough and sleep top were suddenly charged and with great slaughter driven down amaine their horses being rather their hinderance Being come to the foot they were againe fiercely assailed by Scanderbeg on one side and his Nephew Amesa on the other who before had placed themselves advantagiously So that the Turks soone overthrowne were put to flight 7000 were slaine Amesa their Generall taken with divers Captaines and sent to Croia where was great triumph and feasting for joy Scanderbeg then enlarging Amesa and the rest to be partakers thereof and using them with all courtesie during their abode Amesa requested he might send to Mahomet how the case stood with them and to procure their ransome which Scanderbeg granting set downe at 13000 Duckats The newes sore grieved the Tyrant but seeing the Armies remainder most of their Ensignes and Armour lost and Amesa's messenger he enraged denied any thing for ransome imputing all to his treachery folly or cowardise Yet he was perswaded by his Bassaes and other Amesaes friends to think better of him and to send his ransome lest he should discourage other Captaines who might haply fall into like danger on receipt whereof they freed were conveyed out of Epirus Scanderbeg dividing the mony among his Souldiers The Tyrant determining to send another Army and promising great rewards c to the vanquisher of Scanderbeg among others Debrias in great favour by great sute obtained that charge promising confidently to make a better beginning than others before sent requiring no more power than was sent the yeare before But Amesa setting forth Scanderbegs virtues and valour with his Souldiers courage Debrias was content with a new supply having 14000 with whom marching to Polagus and encamping with great security being not yet come into Enemies Country Scanderbeg chose 6000 of his best Horsemen and marching ãâã all speed came by night where the Turks lay to be upon them before aware But by the Moon-light he was timely discried yet the sudden approach and strange attempt oismaied the whole Army But Debrias encouraging his Souldiers sent light Horse-men to receive the first charge till he might set his Army in order betwixt whom and others of Scanderbeg's a sharp skirmish beginning Scanderbeg doubting seconded them with fresh Troops under Amesa by whose comming the Turks were chased even to their main battell In which Moses had following too fast been enclosed had not Amesa stayed his fury blamed by Scanderbeg commending such forewardnesse in a private Souldier not in so great a Commander Scanderbeg now fiercely affailed the Turks with his Army Debrias so encouraged his Souldiers that Scanderbegs fortune was even at a stand till Musachius with resolute Troops out of the left wing so charged that he sore disordered the side of the Turks Army which Debrias perceiving came to that place cheering them up with his presence and valour seeming the life of his Army Scanderbeg the while mainly charging the Enemies front they began in their Generalls absence to loose order and give ground Moses then breaking into the thickest threw amongst his followers a taken Ensigne who thereby so pressed on their Enemies that they discouraged and disordered were almost ready to ãâã Debrias here-upon hastening to encourage his Souldiers among the foremost was
Croia to prove if the Citizens yielding would receive Amesa as King else to threaten them with a continual siege and their Countries utter destruction Scanderbeg from the Mountain delighted with the sight of the Turks security and disorder encouraged and martialled his Souldiers But first he secretly descending with a few the rest soon following suddenly slew all the Turks Scouts but one who running swiftly into the Camp crying out Scanderbeg was comming the Turks scarce believed he was so nigh who following as fast as he could was in a moment fallen in among the unarmed greatly slaying and filling the Camp with sudden ãâã Amesa with some half armed some on foot first made head against Scanderbeg the Bassa doing what he might to arm and put his men in order But the Souldiers comming down from the Woods the while with horrible shouts and noyse of warlike Instruments so dismayed the Turks that fearing all Epirus with the adjoyning Countries were come they began to flee on every side Amesa cryed aloud telling them Such vain terrors were not to be feared c. and slaying many by his own valour The Bassa coming to aid Amesa hardly charged Moses with his horse Tanusius and Emmanuel with their foot so encountred him that with great loss he retired to his Trenches ãâã couragiously withstanding his Uncle and heartning them on with hope of speedy relief if they would a while endure their enemies fury who would presently be discouraged if not prevailing in their first attempt the Turks were again encouraged But Scanderbeg prevailing on them and no help come for many were ãâã arming coming and others put to flight they fled also Scanderbeg's horse made great slaughter in the chase and took Amesa Before Scanderbeg came with 1000 foot and some horse to aid Moses he had put the Bassa with his Army to flight whom Scanderbeg following he looked not behind him till out of Epirus Amongst the many here taken was Mesites a Zanzack 20 the fairest Enfigns were taken besides prisoners Other spoils taken almost incredible Those who write most of the Turks slain reckon 30000 they who least 20000. But 60 Christians were lost There was a sudden alteration of worldly things Scanderbeg possessing the Bassa's rich Pavilion his Captains enjoying Tents c. Amesa who the same day overran part of Aemathia and was honoured and called a King is now led bound to his Uncle as a slave speechle confounded whose misery moved most to compassion and forced reares from many Scanderbeg next day burying the slain Turks that the Country might not be infected he returned in triumph to Croia whom the Countrey people from the Woods and Mountains meeting as others out of Cities they were full of his praises The Captives with hands bound behind went before him except those carrying the Ensigns Next the Bassa's Pavillion supported as in field Then came Scanderbeg with the Sanzack Amesa following for he had humbly obtained not to be carried among the captives Lastly the victorious Souldiers every one with a spare horse ãâã with spoil So being joyfully received at Croia he brake up his Army Amesa being afterwards condemned to perpetual prison was sent to A ãâã to be kept at Naples with whom was sent an honourable present of the spoil Amesa remaining a year there in prison Scanderbeg Alphonsus dying requested Ferdinand his Son to restore him to him who being imprisoned at Croia but not so straitly as before for Scanderbeg began to forget the injury at last through his supplication c. pardoned his life restored his liberty and took him into former favour But Amesa fearing what would become of his wife and children if he ãâã used it with humble thanks brake his mind to his Uncle That whereas he had graciously regarded his life and welfare he ought also to to be careful of the life of others to wit his wife a nd children who when Mahomet should perceive that he was fallen from him shall pay the guilt of his ãâã Wherefore he was by some device to be deceived to preserve those pledges till some fit occasion to redeem them That by his leave he would flee as breaking ãâã making the greatest shew of his wonted loyalty to ãâã c. That at length with his wife and children he might escape from him wherein he might much help him if as grieved he seemed highly offended with the Keepers that in the mean time he would stand him instead of a faithful intelligencer Scanderbeg refused not his request but said Amesa since we have granted thee life c we will not prohibit thee the preservation of them who may justly call on thee as a debtor for their welfare Go thy way proceed and reform while thou hast space we now believe thee and like of this device thou shalt but deceive thy self if thou longer follow the barbarous King when thou shalt return no greater pleasure thou shalt be with us as heretofore Amesa escaping that night and the Keepers sharply rebuked easily perswaded Mahomet he was by chance escaped with all ãâã told him yet for his ill success he was not so graced of him as before But whether Amesa neglected his promise or found no opportunity he soon after dyed at Constantinople thought to be poysoned Mahomet no longer enduring the sight of him for the notable overthrow in Aemathia wherewith being much grieved he justly blamed the Bassaes security whose credit with him better passed it over than was supposed Mahomet would have emplyoed all his forces upon Scanderbeg but besides great wars arising between him and the Venetians he was informed the Christian Princes were strongly confederating against him wherefore he by those sent to redeem the prisoners by the Sanzack cunningly perswaded Scanderbeg to require peace of him that if he did but ask it it would be long obtained Scanderbeg utterly refusing to do it Mahomet sent Sinam and Hamur each with 14000 into Macedonia for defence of his borders on Epirus but by no means to enter Epirus or provoke Scanderbeg whereby the Epirots enjoy'd the fruits of peace almost 2 years so that old injuries wearing out those Captains mediating 2 years peace was concluded betwixt them in which time Scanderbeg notably aided Ferdinand in Apulia against the French The time of peace expired Mahomet all things going well with him sending new supplies to Sinam commanded him to make war on Scanderbeg who ãâã Epirus with 20000 was utterly overthrown but few escaping with ãâã Presently after Asam was with 30000 vanquished by Scanderbeg at Ocrida in which battel Asam sore wounded yielded himself to Scanderbeg and afterwards ãâã by him ãâã following Asam with 18000 losing part saved himself by flight with the rest After which Caraza an old Captain Scanderbeg's companion in Amurath's time requested Mahomet he might prove his fortune against him assuring him of better success whose long experience put Mahomet in such hope that he levied 10000 more then Caraza at first required
After that he said they rejected the Princes of Peloponesus who craved their aid with teares also suffering the King of Bosna's Kingdom to be lost after a humble request of aid and promise of requital and himself to be cruelly murdered by the Turks that for these neglects ãâã could not escape the ãâã of all other Nations ãâã rope c. wherefore it was his opinion to send into Hungary with a masse of money to stir up that warlike Nation into a fellowship of that Warre Also to send 2000 Italian Horsemen into Peloponesus to animate the people to revolt from the Turks which they would undoubtedly do when they should see them so proceed The great Bishop also was by all meanes he said to be drawn as a chief man into the Warre Hereupon most of the Senate decreeing speedy Warres sent to the Pope the King of Hungary and others to ãâã their aid Sending also Bertholdus Este with an Army into Peloponesus who soon recovering Argos marched with 15000 men to Corinth's strait where Alovisius the Venetian Admirall meeting him and joyning their forces they in 15 dayes with 30000 men fortified all that Isthmus about 5 miles from the Ionian to the Aegean Sea with a rampier and double ditch being furthered therein by the old walls ruines then they besieged Corinth Bertholdus being greatly wounded in the assault by a stone shortly died yet Betinus who succeeded Bertholdus continued the siege But Mahomet now comming with a great Army to raise the siege and destroy the newly fortified Isthmus the Venetians left the siege purposing ãâã defend the other but Mahomets Army being 800000. and at hand Betinus left the place with his small number retiring to Neapolis to keep the Sea-coast Soon after which Mahomet entring Peloponesus and roaming about Argos with the people's great slaughter came to Neapolis terribly assaulting it twice and was notably with many slain repulsed who departing ãâã and destroyed about Modon Corone assaulting Juncum but with no better success wherefore winter approaching he returned to Constantinople After which the Venetians spoiled ãâã that of Arcadia subject to the Turks and not ãâã Alovisius had Lemnos delivered him by ãâã famous Pyrat who taking it from the Turks and distrusting how to keep it delivered it to the Venetians Ursatus being sent soon after to succeed Alovisius their Admirall Dandalus their Land-General while he was scouring the Aegeum inconfiderately encountring with the Turks Horse was overthrown and slain with divers of g eat account 1500 Venetians perishing and then also Ursatus landing in Lesbos and ãâã ãâã lost 5000 men in two assaults and the Turks Fleet being comming for relief he raised the siege and sailing into ãâã passed into Peloponesus where he shortly after died for grief the Venetians sending Jacobus ãâã in his place and labouring to draw as many Princes as they could into the Warre 's fellowship Pius 2d at first answered their Ambassadors He must take away the little Turk before he had to do with the Great meaning Sigismund Prince of Ariminum whom he hated because he sided with the French against the Arragonians yet the Italian Warres being well allayed and Pius still solicited he made great preparation and giving out he would personally go unto those Warres great aid out of Germany France Spain c. were procured Voluntiers also greatly resorting from all parts of Christendom into Italy to that end And then also through Paulus Angelus Arch Bishop of Dirrhachium the Venetians had hardly perswaded Scanderbeg to renounce his league and enter into Arms again who presently spoyling the Turks borders Mahomet fearing so dreadful was his name that he should be made General of the Christians wrote to him by his Ambassador to reconcile him if possible saying He thought it incredible that he being a Prince of so heroical perfection should without any occasion break the league not long since contracted with him c. of which he knew the Venetians were the onely cause on whom he said he laid the blame rather than on him c. Therefore remembring the old familiarity of their tender years whilest they lived together at Andrinople he thought himself bound unto Scanderbeg in all courtesie calling him his good Scanderbeg he most heartily entreated him that by solemn Oath they might confirm the former peace wherewith if it had been established he said he would not have suffered himself to be so circumvented or seduced by the Venetians So telling him if he would be advised by him therein his posterity should alway reign in peace c. but if not it would quickly repent him and setting forth before him the Grecians Emperours of Constantinople and Trapezond the Princes of Servia and Rascia the King of Bosna and all the Kingdom of Asia with many others vanquished and subjected unto him he said he poor Princes his Neighbors the Venetians his seducers could not deliver him from his force and power wherefore he advised him to follow his counsel c. this was written May 7. 1463. To which Scanderbeg replyed at large saying his Souldiers had done that in the confines of his Dominions having complained to him that Mahomets Souldiers had before done the like in their goods and possessions wherefore they also upon a military bravery as was Mahomet's phrase had done one shrewd turn for another there was no cause why he should think it strange or blame him and that he would have restrained his Souldiers if Mahomet would have but taken order for a full restitution of what they had lost or by punishment have chastized his Souldiers insolency c. And as sor his inveighing against the Venetians in excusing him under colour of old friendship he did them wrong c. and whereas he advised him to reject their friendship it was but lost labour for said he what man is so desperate or hated of his subjects that would not chuse rather to erre with that Senate then to be in right with thee especially himself who had long been their confederate and was of all other unto them most dear which Mahomet for all that had no regard of but breaking the bonds of peace had spoyled and wasted their Territorie in Peloponesus Neither could he make him afraid though but a small Prince with his honourable friends the Venetians And that he made him smile c. in falsly usurping to himself the stately Style of Emperour of the World asking him if all were his in the lesser Asia what he possessed in Asia the greater nothing What had he in Europe except Thrasia Mysia part of Greece Peloponesus with the Isle of Mytelene And as for Africk he never set foot therein and supposing all were his yet he should cease to boast and learn if he could the special but true examples of humane frailty c. Neither he said was it he alone that so much stomacked Mahomet for the whole Chivalry and glory of the Christian Common-weale was in Arms and comming
against him with all their force c. from which whether he could escape or not he knew not yet if following his advise he casting off Mahometane superstition would embrace the faith of Christ he might make his name and Empire of great greater c. Scanderbeg about this time receiving letters from the Pope that he with Christian Princes would withour delay come into Epirus with a strong Army most joyfully denouncing war against the Turk brake into his Dominion burning and destroying before him and returning laden with spoil Mahomet likewise perusing Scanderbeg's Letters and hearing of the late spoil became exceeding melancholy which increased as not seeing the wonted chearfulnesse in his Men of Warre yet he levied a great Army fortifying his strong holds c. Sending also Seremet Bassa with 14000 men to attend onely on Scanderbeg upon Epirus borders who accordingly came unto Ocrida now Alchria in Macedonia lodging some in the City the rest in convenient places there abouts Scanderbeg ãâã ignorant hereof marched in the night towards Ocriba with 12000 men laying in ambush three miles off and on break of day sent out 500 Horse under two expert Captaines commanding them if the Enemy came forth to fight they should retire as if they fled so to traine him on which was so well performed that the Bassa with all his power was drawn to the place where Scanderbeg lay who rising suddenly up in the battell were slaine 10000 Turks the Treasurer with 12 of great note being taken and being brought bound Scanderbeg ransom'd them for 40000 Duckats And returning with triumph he expected the Armies comming out of Italy But Pope Pius being on the way with a great Armie and come to Ancona on the Sea side whither Christopher Duke of Venice came to him with 10 Galleys he sickning with a Fever died in 1464 whereupon the Armie was dispersed to the exceeding griefe of many Princes and no lesse joy of the Turks Lauretanus his yeare being expired Victor Capella was sent Generall of the Venetians at Sea who sayling out of Euboea soon took the City Aulis in Peloponesus and Larsum with the Isle of Himber Then he by night surprised Athens now Sethinae carrying away all the people as Prisoners with its rich spoile into Euboea where being perswaded that if he but shewed himself before Patras the Christians there would deliver it him he departing thence landed 4000 foot under Barbaricus and 200 horse under Ragius who being come within a mile of Patras and many of them scattering abroad seeking for pillage the Turks Garrisons setting on them with Horse easily overthrew them Barbaricus being slaine and Ragius taken and empailed alive upon a sharpe stake Scarce 1000 of them all escaping to the Galleys Victor was herewith greatly discomfited yet in hope few dayes after he attempted Patras againe but losing 1000 of his men and the rest fleeing to the Fleet he departed with great dishonour suddenly dying in Euboea oppressed with melancholly The Venetians being much troubled with these hard proceedings solicited Matthias King of Hungary to joyne in league with them and to take up Armes against the common Enemy offering him a great summe besides a large yearly Pension for which he should defend all of theirs betwixt the Rhetian Alpes and the Adriatique against Turkish invasion This Matthias was the younger Son of Huniades whose elder Brother Uladislaus having for injuries done to him and his Brother slaine Ulricus Count of Cilia Uncle to Ladislaus King of Bohemia and Hungaria was afterwards most cruelly executed in Bohemia by the said Ladislaus Matthias being kept in Prison and had not young Ladislaus been taken away by untimely death had been partaker of his Brother's fortune But he dying Matthias for love to Huniades was while imprisoned at Prague by a military election chosen King of Hungary where he reigned 38 years and was a far greater terrour to the Turks than his Father notably enlarging that Kingdome c. And forgetting all unkindnesse of the Venetians who had refused often to aide the Hungarian Kings in like case saying they received no harme from the Turk c he undertook the protection of their aforesaid territory and passing over Danubius at Belgrade next Spring with a puissant Armie he razed the Turks Forts thereabouts and wasting Servia returned laden with spoil and 20000 Captives maintayning great Warrs both with Mahomet and his Son Bajazet wherein he most commonly returned victorious Mahomet now in revenge of Scanderbegs proceeding and Seremet his late overthrow sent Balabanus an Epirot borne and from a Captive Boy as he was keeping Cattell brought up in servitude among the Turks with 15000 Horse and 3000 Foot to invade Epirus who being the first that gained the top of the Wall at the taking of Constantinople was afterwards of Mahomet greatly esteemed and comming to ãâã on Epirus frontiers he sent Presents to Scanderbeg as if he desired peaceably to lye upon the borders yet waiting to do him the greatest mischiefe Scanderbeg seeing into his malice rejecting his gifts sent him a Spade Mattock and Flaile c in derision willing him to follow his Fathers trade of life c which Balabanus taking in very ill part he determined to set on Scanderbeg suddenly in the night who lay not far off but he knowing thereof by his Scouts set forward to meet him which Balabanus perceiving stayed encamping within two miles of him who lay in the valley Valchal but with 4000 Horse and 1500 Foot though choise Souldiers they thus laying in view of each other Scanderbeg cheerfully encouraging his Souldiers straitly charged them if the Enemy should flee or retire they should not pursue them beyond the hills straits whereby the Enemy lay guessing he would leave an Ambush in the rough and wooddy hill adjoyning Then retiring unto a Rising a good way behind his former place for the grounds advantage if the Enemy should follow to fight Balabanus chinking verily he fled for feare set forward in such haste that being come where Scanderbeg stayed his men were greatly disordered Scanderbegs Souldiers receiving them with great courage there was a fierce battell a great while doubtfull with much slaughter on both sides yet the Turks being at last put to flight they were with much slaughter chased to those Straits where Scanderbeg had commanded his men to stay but some of his chiefe Captaines unadvisedly pursuing them they were beset with their Enemyes arising out of Ambush and after a long desperate fighting taken and brought to Balabanus who forthwith sent them to Constantinople Mahomet when he heard of their taking being reported with joy to have said Now I am sure Scanderbeg's strength is broken The chief taken were Moses of Dibria next to Scanderbeg himself with 7 other every one of them able to conduct an Army all in Epirus so lamented this losse that the victory was not accounted of Scanderbeg presently sent to Mahomet requesting him he might redeem them by exchange or for what
they digging up his bones those who could get never so little thereof set it in silver or gold hanging it about their necks or otherwise wearing thinking thereby to have such good hap as Scanderbeg had while he lived The Hungarians and Venetians most time of these Wars busied the Turks for Matthias entring Bosna overthrew the Turks frontier forts and driving them out till he came to Jaziga or Jaitze the chiefe City at length took it wresting all that Kingdome out of their hands whereupon Mahomet hardly besieging Jaziga it was valiantly defended till Mathias comming to its reliefe so troubled the Turks Campe on one sice and the besieged with salleys on the other that the Turk stealing away with his Armie by night into Servia left his Tents and great Ordinance for haste which the Turks Histories report he cast into the River whom Mathias following into Servia and taking part thereof united it with ãâã to Hungarie After which Mahomet had no great stomack to provoke the Hungarians Mathias being now as dreadfull to the Turks as the name of his Father Huniades Then also the Venetians scouring the Seas did great harme to the Turk by landing in severall places amongst others Nicholas Canalis succeeding Lauretanus comming into Salonichi Bay burnt divers Townes and Villages by the Sea side Then returning into Pelopouesus he in despire of all the Turks could do fortified ãâã where leaving a strong Garrison he returned into Euboea and soon after sayling along Macedonia and Thracia surprized Aenus upon the River Meritza's mouth taking its spoile and carrying away 2000 Captives into Euboea Then likewise the Venetians ayding Duchaine against his Brother Alexius striving for Zadrima's principality greatly overthrew the Turks neer Drine River in Epirus who came in Alexius quarrel Mahomet perceiving that Euboea Island now Nigropont 10 miles long abounded with Corne Wine Oyle Fruit and Wood for shipping and separated from ãâã with à narrow strait of the Sea was for its commodious ãâã and strength the chiefe place whence the Venetians wrought him all these wrongs resolved to imploy all his forces both by Sea and land for the gayning thereof wherefore assembling a mighty A rmie and sending Mahomet Bassa with 300 Galleys and other small Vessels well furnished into Euboea himself marched through Achaiae till he came over against Chalcis The Venetian Admirall finding himself too weak for the Turks Fleet returned towards Seiros But the Bassa comming out of Hellspontus Straits came without let to Euboea where taking and razing Stora and Basilicon he went directly to Chaleis of whose smaller Vessels Mahomet making a bridge over the Strait passed to the City Chaleis Rich Populous and very strong besieging it round by Sea and land where with his battery faire breaches by the chiefe Cannoneers giving the Turks by signes knowledge where the Walls were weakest being the sooner made the Traitour it being perceived was executed Yet what he beate downe by day they repaired by night Thus for 30 dayes the City being defended to the Turks great losse in their sharpe assaults the Venetian Admirall comming in view of the City shewed as if he would give the Turks battell Wherefore Mahomet it s reported was about to goe over into the maine with his Armie lest the Venetians breaking the bridge should have shut him in which its thought he might have done if he would have adventured as his Capraines earnestly requested But comming to an Anchor he moved not which the Turk perceiving brought on his men to the Wal's breaches promising them the Cityes spoile c whereof himself said he would be aneye witnesse Whereupon the Turks furiously assaulting the defendants made such slaughter of them that the ditches were filled and the breaches made up with their dead bodys but Mahomet still sending in fresh supplies this dreadfull assault was maintained a day and a night without ceasing who twice winning the breaches were beaten out againe At length the defendants being most flain or wounded and the rest wearied retiring into the Market place sold their lives deare to the Turks among whom were found many dead women who chose rather to die in defence than to fall into the Turks hands Mahomet although Lord of the City yet losing 40000 in the siege put all men there alive to most cruel death especially the Italians with exquisite torments Ericus the Governour fleeing with a few into the Castle on promise of safe departure delivered up the same but having them in his power the Tyrant cruelly murthered them Erigus's Daughter being presented to Mahomet as the mirrour of beauty when he could not prevaile on her by flattering words c to consent unto his desire threatned her with death torture c But the constant Virgin resolutely denying he commanded her forthwith to be slaine And the horrible cruelty committed by the Turks at the taking of Chalcis passeth credit the rest of the Island without resistance yielding to the Turkish slavety This happened in 1470. Caualis the City being lost fearing to be set on by the Turks dishonourably returning to Venice he was by the Senate imprisoned and afterwards with his family banished to Utinum Mahomet and his Fleet soone after returning the Venetians attempted a sudden surprize of Chalois but the Garrison there left was so strong that retiring to their Galleys they forsook Euboea Petrus Mocenicus being chofen Admirall instead of Canalis the Venetians solicited Pope Sixtus the 4th the King of Naples the King of Cyprus and the Master of Rhodes to joyne with them against the common Enemy which they promised They sent also Zenus to Usun Cassanes King of Persia to incite him against the Turk who next year taking up Arms had with him mortall Warres who not ignorant of these things and knowing how he had offended Christian Princes by his cruelty at Chalsis lay a while still at Constantinople as if desirous to live in peace whereby as he wisht nought worth speaking was that year attempted against him who also requested the Persian King if it were onely but for community of the Mahometan Religion to withdraw taking up Arms in the Christians Cause though otherwise he regarded not Religion but Zenus so wrought wi h Usun Cassanes that he told the Turks Ambassadors he neither could nor would longer endure the Turkish Kings injury and that having made a league with the Christian Princes he would to his power perform whatever he had promised so dismissing them discontented as were the Persian Ambassadors before from the Turkish Court touching the Emperour of Trapezond The yeare following 1472. Mocenicus arriving in Lesbos did great harm and passing into the lesser Asia sore spoiled about Pergamus Then landing again at Cnidus he took a great booty so returning having exceedingly hurt all along the Sea-Coast laden with spoil to Peloponesus on whose Coast he met with Richiensis with seventeen Gallies from King Ferdinand of Naples who joyning their Fleets in one landed at Modon in Peloponesus
suddenly confirmed a peace excluding the Christians This last battel being in one thousand four hundred seventy four Usun Cassanes dying in Jan. 5. 1478. In the time of these Warres Mahomet's eldest Sonne died at Iconium having spent himself among his Paragons yet some write thus He comming to Court to see his Father became ãâã of Bassa's Wife exceeding beautiful and Bassa's Daughter wherefore awaiting when she went to bathe her self he shamefully forced her Achmetes comming to Mahomet with Cloaths and Hat rent craved vengeance for the same who replyed Art not thou my slave and if Mustapha have known thy Wise is she not my bond-slave hold thy self therefore content yet he in secret sharply reproving him commanded him out of his sight in few dayes after to be secretly strangled nevertheless the haughty Bassa putting away his Wife it caused implacable hatred betwixt him and Isaac Bassa and was in the end the cause of his destruction Mahomet being at leasure through the concluded peace with Usun determined first to subdue Epirus and Albania standing in his way for invading Italy and the Venetians Territories And seeing the strong City Scodra possessed by the Venetians seemed to give him the best entrance into Albania Epirus Dalmatia c. he resolved there to begin Wherefore preparing all things fit for its besieging he sent Solyman Bassa with 80000 Souldiers thither about which he encamping May 25. 1475. began to shake the walls most furiously giving divers sharp assaults and omitting nothing that could be devised for the gaining thereof yet was still with great losse valiantly repulsed by the defendants Lauretanus being their Governour Mocenicus the while by the Senates command joyned himself to Grittus the Admiral who as one man first put strong Garrisons into Cholchinum Lyssa Dyrrhachium and others on the Sea-coast Then going up the River Boliana came in sight of Scodra assuring them of relief by fires in the night c. wherewith the Turks grieved would have shut up those Galleys with a Chain a crosse the narrowest of the River in their doing whereof the Venetians slaying 500. of them returned to Sea They also attempted to put a supply into the City but it was not to be done Mathias of Hungary the while made such spoil in the Turks bordering Dominions that Mahomet called the Bassa from the Siege after three moneths there lying and 14000 men lost most dying of sickness taken in the moorish ground nigh the River with which the Venetians being also taken Grittus died thereof and Mocenicus was dangerously sick but returning home he Mareellus being dead was soon after chose Duke of Venice But Mahomet was so discontented at this dishonour that he gave one a yearly fee to mind him daily of the Siege of Scodra Solyman the same year being sent into Valachia with a great Army was so entangled in the Woods and Fens by the Vawod that loosing his Army himself escaped but by his Mares wondrous swiftnesse Next year 1476. Mahomet sent out a great Fleet under Geduces Achmetes hoping to surprize the Isle of Candia but the plot being timely discovered the Traitors were executed and He disappointed Wherefore He sent Achmetes into the Euxine to besiege the rich City Cassa scituate in Taurica Chersonesus by the Sea side long possessed by the Genowaies and of exceeding Trade till Mahomet had by building Castles on Hellespontus and Bosphorus straits taken away the Merchants Traffique into those Seas and all meanes of succour to it yet it s reported a valiant Genoway carrying but 150 men almost 2000 miles from Genoa to Cassa by Land performed the same Achmetes enclosing it by Sea and Land the Inhabitants being Genowaies Greeks Armenians but most Tartars it was soon yielded to the Bassa on condition that the Genoway Merchants might safely depart with their wealth which the Bassa performed sending some to Constantinople the rest on pain of death not to depart or convey away any substance all Taurica soon yielding also to the Turk The Precopenses and Destences Tartars becomming fot fear his tributaries since which they living a servile and troublesom life have often done great service in the Turks Warres against the Persians Polonians Transilvanians and Germans c. The Venetians yet holding divers strong and commodious Havens within and without Peloponesus Mahomet sore longed after them Wherefore he sent Solyman the European Bassa into Peloponesus who besieged Lepauto in the Gulf of Corinth Lauretanus the Venetian Admirall speedily comming thither furnished the City with all necessaries so that the Bassa after 4 moneths lying there in fury departed with his Army and returning towards Constantinople he landed some men in ãâã hoping to surprize Coccinum but being about to enter they were resisted by those next the Gate Where Marulla a Maiden taking up her slain Fathers Weapons and fighting desperately with those few there they kept out the Turks till the other Citizens comming to the Gate forced them with some losse to retire the Bassa departing for Constantinople before Lauretanus his comming Mahomet having now subdued most of Epirus and other parts of Albania about this time besieged Croia for whose relief Contarenus the Venetian Lievetenant comming he gave the Turks battel in Tirana-plain at length the Turks fled the Venetians contenting themselves with their Tents and Forts against Croia But while the Souldiers being more set on the spoil than pursuit scattered themselves and the Captains were consulting where to lodge that night the Turks suddenly returning on them overthrew them 1000 falling in the flight Contarenus with other noted ones being also flain Mahomet making divers incursions into Dalmatia Histria and Carniola sometimes went as farre as the Province of Frinli part of the Venetian Seigniory carrying away much prisoners and spoil Wherefore the Venetians fortified 12 miles along the River Sontium building two Forts wherein were kept strong Garrisons whereby the Countrey falling into security Asabeg or Marbeck suddenly shewed himself with 1000 Horse on the farther side of the River whereupon every man put himself into a readiness but night being so nigh nought could be done yet they watched all night in Arms. In those Forts were 3000 Horse and some Foot under Nowel Count of Verona who resolved to keep the Turks from passing the River or to give them battel Marbeck secretly by night conveyed 1000. of his best men over the River 4 miles off where the Venetians least feared to lay in ambush behind a hill in sight and on a sign given to charge the Venetians sending early next morning some Troops over the River who by offering to skirmish and then as in doubt whether to fight or flee to tole them to the ambush The Venetians being in three battalions Nowel leading the first easily put those Troops to flight earnestly pursuing them especially his Sonne who with others thought that day to gain great honour Marbeck forthwith passing over with the rest of his Army and following the Venetians the fleeing Turks
into Greece Bajazet forthwith sent Mustapha Bassa to Pope Alexander with like instructions who comming safely to Rome among many things in charge the life of Zemes was that he most sought for of the Bishop Charls the French King then in 1495 passing thorow Italy against Alphonsus and so thorow Rome so terrified Alexander the Bishop that he yielded to all conditions he demanded not purposing the performance of any giving him Casar Borgia his Sonne in hostage then a Cardinal covering the disgrace with his Sonnes Title of Legate and was forced to deliver him Zemes who to the Bishop's profit had remained seven yeares there in custody who three dayes after died at Caieta thought to be poysoned before by a wondrous white and pleasant powder cunningly mingled with the Sugar which Zemes drank with water whose dead body sent to Bajazet was by his appointment honourably interred at Prusa Borgia also deceiving his Keepers at Velitras returned to Rome before Charls came to Naples which wicked imp shortly after envying Candianus his Brother General of the Bishops forces then great having supped together with their Mother caused him to be murthered going home and his body to be cast into Tiber. Then casting off his ãâã Robes took on him the leading of his Fathers Army And with exceeding prodigality exhausting his Fathers Coffers and the Church Treasures bound to him desperate Ruffians and Souldiers chiefly Spaniards his Fathers Countreymen which proceedings his Father winked at fearing it was thought to be murdered of him himself He now became a terror to the Roman Nobility and Signiories thereabouts by his Fathers help desiring to make him great drave the Family of the Columnii out of the City then out of Italy and poysoning or killing the honourable of the Ursine and Caetane Families took their possessions strangling at once 4 Nobles of the Camertes and driving Guide Feltrius out of Urbin taking Pisaurum from John Sfortia hardly escaped his hands and driving the Malatestaes out of Ariminum thrusting the Lady Catherine Sfortia out of Forum Liuli and Cornelii shamefully leading her in triumph thorow Rome And shedding blood without measure he took Faventia from young Astor Manfredus whom having abused against Nature he caused to be strangled and east into Tiber But he being with his Father at a solemn Supper in the Vaticane prepared to destroy some Cardinalls and other chief Citizens they were both poysoned by a waiter's mistaking the Flagon of poysoned Wine prepared for the guests the Bishop dying few dayes after but his Sonne the same being more allayed with water died not a long time after yet was so sick that he was soon forsaken of his followers seeing two of his enemies Pius the 3d and Julius the 2d sitting in his Fathers place Pius enjoying it but 16 dayes whom Julius succeeding caused Casar Borgia to be shut up in a Castle whence he freed him upon delivery of some strong Holds held by his Garrisons who fleeing to Ostia and so by Sea to Naples he was for fear of raising new stirs in Italy apprehended by Ferdinand King of Spain's Command and imprisoned in Spain in Medina Castle where after three years he escaping by a rope from a high Tower fled to the King of Navarre in whose Warres he was in a hot skirmish though he got the Victory slain with a small shot whose body found stript and brought to the King on a bad Beast was honourably buried at Pampilona But the French King having lost Zemes by death and Borgia by escape journied toward Naples all places yielding to him as he went without much resistance Alphonsus destitute of requested aid and most of the Nobility hating him for too severely punishing the late rebellious the Princes of Sarne and Salerne being chief and the people murmuring at their heavy exactions for these Warres maintenance with teares in sight of the Neopolitans resigned his Kingdom to his Sonne Ferdinand scarce reigning a year after his Fathers death passing over to Mazerea in Sicilia Ferdiuand was to the wondrous content of the Neapolitans with joy c. saluted King returning presently to his Army by which time the French King was with his forces entred far into Naples and having taken divers Cities by assault struck the Neopolitans with a general terror Ferdinand had taken the Straits of St. Germanes Forrest to hinder Charls his further passage but suddenly hearing that Columna had broken by the Appenines into Campania he doubting to be shut up betwixt two Armies retired to Capua where through the River Vulturnus deepness he purposed to stop the French but newes being brought that the Citizens of Naples were all up in Arms doubting which way to turn he troubled leaving his Army and Capua in charge to his Captains rode back post to Naples by whole arrivall every man laying down his Arms generally welcommed him who earnestly requesting them not to betray him their natural King unto his cruel enemies c. they all answered they would spend themselves in his quarrel while keeping his Army whole and defending Capua but if the Arragonians should be overthrown or abandon that City and the French King approach Naples he should against reason and equity exact his Subjects fidelity So exposing City and Country thereabouts to be spoiled c. Charls the while being come to Capua the Citizens though ever affected to the Arragon Kings yet the French King beating down all before him they consulted of yielding up the City and the rather through the revolt of Trivultius and his followers which caused Verginius Petilianus to flee to Nola with their Companies The French hereupon entring the Suburbs Gothfredus Gaspar two valiant Germanes sallied forth with their Companies and having valiantly repulsed the French in their return were shut out of the Gate and in danger of the enemy who on their knees entreating the cowardly Citizens on the Walls not so to berray their friends c. at length were received ten by ten in at one Gate and put out at another farthest from the enemy who going towards Naples met with the King at Aversa declaring what had hapned at Capua who notwithstanding came to its very Gates calling on divers chief ones to be let in but none answering him and a French Ensign being on the Wall he returned to Naples where he found the Gates shut against him and all the Citizens in Arms not willing to receive any but the King himself for it was famed that all his chief Captains were gone to the enemy or fled the Army broken up and Capua yielded wherefore they began to contemn Ferdinand who fetching a compasse came to the Castle whereinto he was received but foreseeing he should there be besieged by Sea and Land he commending it to valiant Davalus his keeping departed with 20 Gallies to the Island Aenuria not farre off But Justus the Captain of the Castle traiterously shut the Gates against him wherewith the Prince wondrously perplexed with intreaty and remembrance of
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
be done news came that the Turks Fleet had put into Sapientia Haven in Sphraga Island to water and were there embayed by the Venetians most were joyful as of an assured Victory but others said the place was such that the enemy might depart at pleasure yet they all thought the Admiral would set upon them in their comming out which he attending to do it hapned that Lauredanus and Armenius comming from Corcira to the battel first began the fight and with two nimble Ships boarded a tall Turkish Ship like a Castle whereof one Baruch a Smyrna Pyrate was Captain who perceiving after long fight he must either yield or be taken fired his ship whereby the Venetians grapled to her were all 3 burnt some leaping over board were taken up and some perished Some few other ships assailed the Turks putting them in fear but most of the Venetian Galleys looking on a far off the other doing what they could retired to them But it plainly appeared the Venetian Admiral let slip a notable victory After this the Turks holding on their course the Venetians followed them and faintly setting on them at the gulf of Patrus suffered them to recover it many lying aloof afraid to fight so that Dauthes the Turks Admiral purposing to run ashore and flee to the Land Army if overcharged now recovered the desired gulf though with losse of some Gallies Bajazet being come to Lepanto within that gulf by the coming of his Fleet hardly besieged it by Sea and Land which they of the City seeing yielded it to Bajazet on composition ãâã returning to Venice was cast into prison and though never man in Venice was more impugned with spight or defended by friends yet he was banished into one of the Absytides Islands on Liburnia's coast Bajazet returning with victory to Constantinople Next year 1500 Bajazet putting a stronger and greater Fleet to Sea himself with an Army of 150000 entred into Peloponesus encamping before Modon then under the Venetians where his Foot met him who making 3 great breaches in the walls he so terribly assaulted it twice that the foremost was trodden to death by them which followed yet he was glad to retire from the walls having filled the ditches with slain Turks Trivisamus the Venetian Admiral lying at Zante far too weak for the enemy at first sent two Gallies full of men and munition in relief of the besieged and doubting their farther wants sent 3 resolute Captains with 3 great Gallies with necessaries who with a full wind c. breaking thorow the Turks Fleet ran a ground under Modon's walls the besieged having so barred the haven that they could not get in who running by heaps towards the Sea to receive their new-come aid divers places of the City were left without Defendants which the Janizaries perceiving entred with little or no resistance who making way for the rest they slew all in their way with all those newly landed out of the Galleys also the two Governours with Falco the Bishop in his Pontificalibus none escaping but those reserved for slavery or beauty to the victor's lost 1000 of whom being bound together in ropes were slain in sight of Bajazet's Pavilion Corone and Pylus now Navarrinum terrified herewith yielded to Bajazet on Composition Crisseum also now Caput St Galli was taken by Cherseogles Nauplium was besieged by Haly Bafsa but defended by the Venetians Bajazet fortifying new peopling and garrisoning Modon returned to Constantinople Trivisanus dying in 1501 of grief as some supposed the Senate sent Pisaurius in his place who following the enemy then departing from Nauplium even to Hellespontus Straits took above 20 of their ships and Galleys that stragled or tarried behind taking Aegina Island in his return and landing in divers places left the Turks a woful remembrance of his being there then meeting with Gonsalvus the great sent by Ferdinand of Spain to aid him at Zante he invaded Cephalania in vain attempted the year before by Trivisanus the Turks in defence of the City fighting it out to the last man and at length was taken by Gonsalvus his good conduct the whole Island forth with yielding to the Venetians Pisaurius repairing the City and strongly garrisoning the Isle departed to Corcyra where being advertized that the Turks were rigging a great Fleet against Spring some lying in Ambracia Bay some at Eante the rest in Hellespontus Straits he to avert the Turks from perceiving his secret purpose sent most of his Fleet to Neritos Isle to put the Inhabitants in fear and himself coming to the Bay of Ambracia whose entrance is but half a mile over but by and by opening with a great widnesse the Turks thinking him to have been at Neritos burnt a great Turkish Galley carrying away 11 more laded with munition and victual the Turks vainly endeavouring to have sunk him from shore in going forth who returned to Corcyra with his prey and ere long he recovered Pylos Castle in Morea But Camalia a Turkish Pirate putting in there by chance took 3 Galleys left there for defence the faint-hearted Captain yielding him the Castle on composition which being twice in one year yielded to the Turks the Captains were both beheaded Pisaurius attempted to burn the Turks Galleys in the River Eante but they by the losse at Ambracia did now more warily look to them so that 200 resolute Souldiers being sent in small vessels up the River they being by the way encountred by the Turks were forced to return and the wind rising with such a stiffe and contrary gale at the Rivers mouth they were driven a shore on each side falling into the hands of their mercilesse enemies Bajazet then about took also Dyrrachium now Durazo from the Uenetians before ruinous and almost quite abandoned the Turks having got all the Countrey about it who sore pressed with these long wars had oft craved aid and now Lewis of France sent the Lord Ravesten with 10 Ships and 15 Galleys to aid the Venetians who coming to Melos Pisaurius soon arrived there also and mutually departing to invade Lesbos landed and besieged Mytilene soon making a fair breach in the wall Pisaurius the while sayling with part of his Fleet to Tenedos the French some write reporting that some Turkish Galleys were coming thither out of Hellespont to withdraw Pisaurius that they in his absence might carry away the honour and spoil of the Town Others blame Pisaurius as departing through envy of the French their honour which is hard to be believed The French furiously assaulting the breach though the Venetian Vice-Admiral earnestly requested its deferring and to expect Pisaurius his return were valiantly repulsed by the Turks and though many fell on both sides they were forced to retire whereupon the French Admiral purposing to depart the Uenetian Admiral returning perswaded him to stay the battery beginning with a greater fury than before and as they were consulting of a fresh assault news came that the Turks were coming for relief who
variety of Springs and fruits wherewith the Plains are alway watered and the Mountains garnished Here they contemplatively and austerely lived for divers years with such things as the earth of it self afforded whom afterwards the Shepherds on the Mountains and Countrey people wondring at their devoutness relieved with necessaries Bajazet sending them 6 or 7000 Aspers as his alms But when they told fortunes prognosticating things to come the people firmly thought them divine Prophets and being first drawn into villages were afterwards as if against their wills into Cities filling the Country far and near with their fame but publishing their doctrine about Mahomet's true successour they wanted not followers perswaded by them they should be condemned for ever if they did not only reverence but call on Hali next to the great Prophet himself and commanded their Disciples to wear a red band or riband on their Hats whereby to be known from others whence they were and yet are over all the East called Cuselba's that is Red. heads Hysmael also embracing his Fathers superstition being grown a man and eloquent comely wise and couragious was of the rude vulgar accounted of more like a god than a man Also Noblemen c. allured with his new doctrine ceased not to commend him in the highest degree who as yet but a youth seemed to make no reckoning of riches honour fame or authority some also swearing that Haider calculating his Nativity said He should prove a great Prophet and the Author of true Religion who subduing most of the East should be as glorious as was Mahomet himself which report occasioned the vulgar to talk of wonders Hysmael was afterwards surnamed Sophos that is a wise man or the god's Interpreter Jacup being with his Son poysoned by his adulterous wife whom he forcing to drink of the same cup and striking off her head presently died with his Son after which troubles arose divers great ones aspiring the Kingdom in order not long enjoying it Elvan-Beg being then mightily impugned by his brother Moratchamus Hysmael taking this opportunity arming divers of his most able men with some small aid from Pyrchales entred Armenia and more by fame and good will than force recovered his Fathers inheritance growing stronger stronger by the continual repairing of such who having received Haiders doctrine had long for fear dissembled the same and besieging the City Sumachia in Media's confines he took and sacked it enriching and Arming his Souldiery after which he thought how to compasse the great City Tauris the Persian King's Seat and then the Kingdom wherefore coming thither with his Army before any such thing was feared Elvan was there who had lately vanquished Moratchamus after which he had severely executed divers chief Citizens of Tauris who had taken his brother's part whereby the Citizens were so alienated from him that upon Hysmael's approach they were ready to forsake him whereof Hysmael was before informed Elvan as dismayed fleeing out of the City the gates were set open to Hysmael for the Citizens before suffering great calamities by the brothers contention saw now an open way to preferment by receiving Hysmael's reformed Religion who entring the City slew some of the King's Guard raising Jacup's stately Tomb and in revenge of his Father's death had his bones digged up and scattered abroad razing also his memoriall out of all the City Hysmael knowing that while Elvan lived his conquest was not assured augmented his Army to the utmost furnishing them with Arms out of the King's Armory aand had news that the Persian King was coming from Scyras with a great Army against him and that Moratchamus forgetting former quarrels had raised an Army about Babylon to joyn with him who nothing terrified resolved to go against them and letting forward encouraged his Souldiers resolutely to follow him a leader given them of God to an assured victory So coming with incredible celerity to Mount Niphates parting Armenia from Assyria Elvan purposing shortly to passe over it had sent his Scouts to discover the Straits and Pioniers to make the waies more commodious wherefore Hysmael advancing his Ensigns up the Mountains and discomfiting those who kept the passages came furiously down assailing the King in his Camp at the Mountains foot whereby such a hurly-burly was raised in the Camp that the King could scarce give order what to have done c. so that Hysmael giving a fierce on-set a most b oody battel began and assailing the Kings Foot with three squadrons at once put them to flight before the Horsemen could arm and mount the King was glad to run too and fro to encourage his men and stay his discomfited yea and to come to handy blows himself But his Souldiers not being able to execute his sudden directions he tesolutely thrusting himself into the head of his battel and valiantly fighting was slain whereupon the Horsmen first then all the rest fled Hysmael having had little losse possessed the enemies Tents not much pursuing them but reposing there some daies with his wearied Army Then Embassadours from divers places yielding their Towns unto him c. he marched to Scyras where he was joyfully received and his Army relieved with all things Hysmael there often preaching of the excellency of his Fathers doctrine strictly proclaimed all them to be as his enemies who within 30 dayes did not renounce their old Superstition and receive his new found verity the which by proposing rewards and denouncing threats he soon drew all the vulgar to embrace Then paying his Souldiers with Scyra's riches and furnishing them with Armour there cunningly made of Iron and Steel and the juice of certain herbs better than in Europe he departed and took the two great Cities of Sapha supposed to be Susa and Sultania deemed for its wondrous ruines to be Tigranocertum then passing Tigris into Mesopotamia to expulse Moratchamus out of Babylon who terrified with his Brothers calamity withdrew into the remotest parts expecting some better fortune Hysmael thus become a terrour to all the Princes of the East entred into Mosopotamia after the flight of Moratchamus receiving it all into subjection every one striving to purchase his favour thereby so that Moratchamus trussing up his things of greatest price fled with his Wives and Children into Arabia Some calling him Mara Beg the Turks Imirfa Beg who they say marrying afterwards ãâã Daughter and recovering part of the Persian Kingdom was murdered by some of his Nobles whom he purposed secretly to put to death Hysmael returning out of Assyria into Media took in the late Persian King's strong Holds yet there and returning into Armenia warred on the Albanians Iberians and Scythians on the Caspian borders who through long civill Warres had neither payed tribute for 4 years nor now sent any honourable message as they were wont and as was expected But nothing made Hysmael more spoken of than his innovation in Mahometanism for he brought a new form of Prayer into their Temples whereby Ebubekir Homer
and Osman with their writings began to be contemned and Haly exalted as the true Successor commanding his Subjects to wear some red Hatband-lace on their Hats to be known from other Mahometans which they still observing are called Cuselba's or Red-heads and was soon so beloved and honoured that his sayings and commands were accounted Oracles and Lawes they swearing by his head solemnly to confirm any thing saying Hysmael grant thy desire when they wished any one well upon whose Coyn was on one side words to this effect There are no Gods but one and Mahomet is his Messenger on the other side Hysmacl the Vicar of God Chasan Chelife and Techellis the while in 1508 having gathered a great Army invaded the Turks Dominion for now such a desire of that new superstition possessed the peoples mindes in general that 10000 of them met first at the City Tascia at the foot of Antitaurus or else at Attalia on a Fair day where they executed the chief Magistrate setting his quarters on 4. of the highest Towers of the City all swearing never to forsake their Captains nor refuse any hazard for honour of their most holy Religion as they would have it These Ring-leaders considering the money brought in by the Countrey people was not sufficient to maintain such a multitude gave their followers proclaimed-leave to ãâã the Countrey and live on the spoil of those who received not their new Doctrine whereupon bringing store of Cattel c. into the Camp they their multitude increasing entred Lycaonia and roaming up and down many dayes the whole Country so feared them that those in the Villages fled with Wives Children and Goods into Iconium for Proclamations were set up proposing large blessings spiritual and temporal to such as followed their established Doctrine in Persia but to the obstinate after their Sword once drawn utter destruction so that the Inhabitants thereabouts for one cause or other resorted daily to them While the Turks were preparing to suppress them some Troops of Horse came timely to these Prophets from Hysmael who a little before by Messengers had exhorted them couragiously to proceed in so religious an enterprise promising them skilful leaders and Coyn from time to time for Hysmael bearing an old grudge against Ba jazet for former Warres betwixt Turks and Persians disagreeing also in their Superstition and heat of youth pricking him on greatly desired in this his prosperous success to have occasion of warring with him sending Embassadors to the State of Venice to joyn with them in league as before with Usun Cassanes his Grandfather chiefly requesting them to send him men skilful in casting Ordnance and with their Fleet to trouble Ba jazet by Sea he promising by filling Asia the lesse with his Land-Army to give them occasion of recovering all places they lost in the late Warres tothe Turks The Venetians answered they would never forget the ancient league c. being wondrous glad that Hysmael was the Turks enemy c. But the Embassadors such was the badness of the Venetians State and condition obtaining no more than the hope of a league to be in time concluded returned to Cyprus thence to Syria where having secret conference with Zenus Governour of the Venetian Merchants at Damasco Ba jazet grievously complained unto Gaurus the Aegyptian Sultan for suffering not as a confederate them to passe thorow Syria to the Christians their common enemies to stir them up to warre whereupon Zeuus with all the Merchants at Tripolis Aleppo Beritus and Alexandria were carried in bonds to Cairo where often answering in Chains to what was laid to their charge after a year's suffering manifold despight hardly escaped with life and liberty Chasan and Techellis well strengthened and comming to Iconium wasting the Country drew a multitude to receive their Doctrine Wherefore Orchanes and Mahomet Ba jazets Nephews governing those Countries gathering their forces came into field against them but they youthfully and hastily joyning battel in a disadvantagious place were put to flight and had not these wanted Artillery and Engines requisite they would have besieged Iconium Also Corcutus then levying an Army about Thyatira c. ãâã not set foreward against the Rebels though dispersed fast by him These Prophets entring at last into Bythinia met near the River Sangarius with Caragoses the Asian Viceroy comming against them with a great Army commanding Achomates or Achmates Ba jazets eldest Sonne Governour of Cappadocia and Pontus with his power to follow at the back of the Rebels but Techellis marching with all possible speed was upon Caragoses near Mount Horminus before he was well aware then taking up more Souldiers who thought it not honourable to refuse battel though his Army consisted most of rude Countrey people suddenly taken up most unarmed and called Asapi but he reposed his greatest confidence in his ancient Horsmen's valour and the Rebels most consisted of Foot Techellis exhorted his Souldiers couragiously to defend their lives and Religion by Victory as having no new power or Cities of refuge there to flie unto c. who giving a terrible shout as chearful set upon their enemies The Viceroy placed his foot in the middle and his Horse in the Wings to compasse-in his enemy but Techellis set all his Foot in a square battel and the Horse for a reserve who with their red Hats as if bloody terrified the Viceroy's fresh-water-Souldiers fleeing in half an houre The Turkish Horse although they had slain many and somewhat disordered the battel yet Techellis his men beginning to kill their Horses with their Pikes and lay hard at them they fled also then the Persian horse as yet lookers on following the chase slew many enclosing the Viceroy stayinghis Horsemen who for the dust could not well discern them so that he had bin taken if not rescued by his Guard 7000 Turks Foot were slain all their Ensigns with store of provision taken Chasan Techellis resting a day marched to Cutaie as it were in the midst of lesser Asia the Viceroy's seat who fled thither the Countrey also having for fear conveighed thither most of their wealth Techellis placing such Field pieces he had before taken in battel and his Archers in fit places for annoying the Defendants caused scaling-ladders to be set up proclaiming the Citie 's spoil to his Souldiers if they could take it with greater rewards to them that first recovered the wall 's top Wherefore fearing nothing they strove who first should get up the Ladders c. the Defendants casting down on them Stones Timber Fire Scalding-water Lime Sand c. wherewith though many were killed and spoiled yet others stept up in their place none shrinking back for the Viceroy on one side and Techellis on the other were eye-witnesses of every mans valour the Viceroy all being in danger personally performing all parts of a couragious Souldier but the Defendants at last wearied and most wounded Techellis brake into the City in two places over heaps of dead
sacrifices for the health of his Soul giving 7000 Aspers weekly to the Poor his body being afterwards buryed at Prusa with great solemnity Tzihan and Mahomet were upon their Fathers indignation strangled Of his other four Machmot or Mahometes was of greatest hope not so voluptuous as Achomates his Elder Brother nor so bookish as Corcutus nor so cruel as Selymus but so lively witty bountifull and of Princely a carriage that he seemed to most worthy of a Kingdome wherefore Achomates yea Bajazet himself were jealous of his affecting the Empire soon the cause of his death which he hastened by meanes as he least feared Achomates and Mahometes had one Mother wherefore Mahometes more delighted in him than in the others though not answered with like love Achomates governed Amasia Mahometes Magnesia who desirous to see his Brothers life and government disguised himself with two faithfull friends as if they had been of the Religious order called ãâã who being most comely well borne cleanly though homely attired do wander up and down making large discourses of others manners and commonly playing on Silver Cymballs and singing duties they receive money as a devoutalms they are the corrupters of Youth defilers of others beds wholly given to ease and pleasure travelled up and down ãâã ãâã ãâã and so to Amasia where on a solemn holiday Achomates coming to the Temple passing by listened a while to their alluring harmony most skilfully devised and performed Their Musick ended Achomates spare-handed commands 5 Aspers that is about fix pence to be given them which Mahometes disdaining would not now discover himself as he determined but speedily riding to Magnesia he by taunting letters scoffed at Achomates's good husbandry sending him his 5 Aspers Achomates being never afterwards friends with him diverse also diversly deemed of his purpose therein Not long after Mahometes ãâã himself with some followers like seafaring men came in a barque to Constantinople diligently viewing Constantinople and Pera and noting how all things were governed Bajazet the while assembling his chief Bassaes at the Court Mahometes pressing in with his companions to see them with the fashion of the Court the Porters as rude ãâã kept them out wherefore buying a beautiful Christian Captive boy he came next day with two companions as Sea-adventurers requesting to be let in as having a present So being admitted to Bajazet's ãâã one of them as a Sea Captain reverently proffered him the present which he thankfully taking gave him his hand to kisse with a rich golden garment with two of less value to Mahometes and his fellow who stood afar off In their return they meeting with three Courtiers who knew Mahometes they had done him honour had he not by secret signs forbidden them so speedily returning to Magnesia The report hereof was at last brought to Bajazet which raised in him troublesome thoughts fearing some desperate and secret conspiracy wherefore after long discourse with the 3 Bassaes he resolved to take him away causing them to write to Asmehimedi near to Mahometes to poyson him with a poyson enclosed in the Letters with promise of great rewards c. from the Emperour charging him if he could not effect it without mistrust to conceal it c. Bajazet also knew Asmehemedi to bear Mahometes a grudge Mahometes disporting himself in his Gardens and being thirsty called for drink into which Asmehemedi conveighed the poyson which Mahometes drinking and ill at ease sent for his Physitians who thinking it a distemper with the cold drink in his heat perceived not he was poysoned till within 6 daies he died whereof Bajazet hearing could not but mourn commanding all the Court to mourn with him and prayers to be made in the Temples with Alms to be given for the health of his soul he being honourably buried at Prusa Asmehemedi was cast into prison and never more to be seen supposed there to be secretly made away Of Bajazet's 3 Sons left Achomates politick and valiant but given to pleasure Bajazet and most of the Court favoured above the rest Corcutus for his mildnesse and quietnesse was of most beloved but not thought fit for the Empire chiefly by the Souldiers whom they thought was drowned in the study of Philosophy yet Bajazet promised to restore it him of whom he had received it almost 30 years before But haughty Selimus not brooking a subjects life under his brethren and wholly given to Martial affairs sought by bounty courtesie policy c. to aspire to the Empire Him therefore the Janizaries c. with some chief Bassa's wished for their Soveraign Bajazet the while far worn with years and not able to help himself for the Gout for preventing future troubles determined while living to establish the succession in one of his Sons to represse the pride of the other And although he resolved on Achomates as the elder and for affection yet to try his subjects disposition it was said in general tearms he meant to make known his Successour without naming any one Son not the least cause that every one with like ambition thought only on the Empire Selimus Governour of Trapezond in 1511 with what Ships he could sailed thence to the City Capha thence coming by Land to Mahometes King of the Praecopensian Tartars whose daughter he had married without Bajazet's liking he besought him not to shrink from him his loving Son in Law great hope of the Empire being proposed to him by his faithful friends of the Court c. if he would but come nearer to his Father by fair means or fowl then about to transfer the Empire to some one Son The Tartar commending him speedily made ready store of shipping and arming 1500 horsemen delivered them to Selimus promising him greater aid upon occasion who passing Borysthenes and also Danubius at the City Cheliae had commanded his Flect to meet him at Varna in Bulgaria and Thracia's confines and levying more by the way pretended he purposed to invade Hungary But Bajazet before advertized of Selimus his coming into Europe Techellis his rebellion yet scarce quietted with forreign aid on his own head against the warlique Hungarians seizing also on the places nearest Thracia and keeping the Euxine Sea with a Navy suspected the preparation to be against himself and thinking it better with like dissimulation to appease his fierce nature than by sharp reproof further to move him sent him Embassadours declaring with what danger the Turkish Kings had formerly undertaken those Hungarian wars Mahomet his Grandfather being an example wherefore he should expect a fitter opportunity for better advice greater power and hope of victory Selimus answered He was forced to leave Asia by Achomates his injuries and therefore came into Europe to win from the enemies of Mahometanism a larger and better Province for that little barren and peaceable one which his Father had given him that he was not to be daunted for danger of the Hungarians yet thinking the ancient prowels of that Nation to be much changed
Daughter in marriage for t was thought if Selimus should any way miscarry none was to be preferred before Amurat and if he should invade him out of Persia all lesser Asia for the death of Achomates would revolt from him Wherefore Hysmael at Spring willed Amurat to passe Euphrates at Arsenga into Cappadocia with 10000 Horsemen to prove the Countries affection and enemie's strength sending Usta Ogli with 20000 Horse to follow Amurat within a dayes journey himself staying in Armenia with a far greater power doubting to want Victual in those vast and barren places whereby he must passe Amurat entring Cappadocia had some Towns yielded him by friends others he took by force sacking or razing them and so fearing the Inhabitants that they submitting all the way 't was thought that he had gone to Amasia had not old Chendemus Selimus his Asian Lievtenant at Sebastia now Sivas met him with a great Army who also having advertised Selimus of the Persian's coming he came into Asia meeting all his forces at Prusa speedily levying thereabout 40000 Souldiers which Amurat understanding though desirous to fight Chendemus yet doubting to be intangled in Antitaurus's straits by Selimus his speed he retired to Usta Ogli Selimus to the great joy of Christendom converted into the East in 30 dayes came and joyned with Chendemus at Arsenga and in revenge of his enemies harrying the Countrey resolved to follow them and enter the greater Armenia the chief Persian Province The difficulties of this expedition were propounded in Councel to be great and many for the Souldiers who had soon marched thither out of Europe already were to endure the pinching cold of Mount Taurus by and by scorching heat in plains with thirst hunger and want and the more since the ãâã retreating destroyed all serving for the use of man on purpose if they should pursue them besides they stood in no small doubt of the petty Princes of Armenia the lesse and Aladeules the Mountain-King whom they should leave behind them with no great assurance of their friendship c. Aladeules his forces being not to be contemned and his command by Castles and Garrisons stretching from the Mountains Scodrisci near Pontus to Amanus dividing Cilicia from Syria Chendemus also of great experience and in greatest authority with Selimus perswaded him with a notable and grave speech to stay a while in Cappadocia to refresh his wearied Europeans and to expect the coming of his enemies disswading him from the dangerous expedition into Persia. But he doing all things according to his own direction though not a little moved with that speech and seeing many Captains troubled at the imagination of the danger yet in a fume refuting a little of Chendemus his speech dismissed the Councel protesting he would proceed hap what would hap though that old fellow he said feared to die honourably Whereupon others accustomed to serve his humour and envying Chendemus beginning with the greatness of his forces valour of his Souldiers c. laboured to lessen what the Bassa had said touching te enemies prowesse and power Then discrediting him saying he being of known resolution had not so said as wanting courage but as foreloaded with Amurat's promises and Persian Gold Wherefore they wished him to beware of the Fox and proceed so much the boldlier c. And moreover these flatterers suborned false accusers affirming he received great summes from Amurat and therefore timely went not against the Persian robbers for which pretences Selimus commanded Chendemus without further hearing to be slain indeed to terrifie others from like liberty of speech and to teach them to accept of their Sovernighs devices and counsels without contradiction The sudden death of this faithful Counsellor struck exceeding fear into the mindes of all Selimus marching on came to the lesser Armenian King's Confines and of Aladeules requesting them then in Arms to joyn and go with him against the Persian promising the Warres happily ended to give them all taken from the enemy as a reward But they hating them both for daily injuries received and expecting the event answered they took not up Arms but for their own defence c. yet if he would peaceably passe thorow their Dominions they promised a free passage and to relieve him in Armenia the greater with what Victual their bare Countrey afforded Selimus thinking those poor Kings would for love or fear have done him what service they could then dissembled his grief Wherefore passing the Mountains Scodrisci in 8 dayes to the great Mountains Moschii which famous Euphrates separates from Antitaurus and running into Iberia and Colchis discovereth Armenia the greater on the right hand here Selimus least he should lack water departed not from Euphrates his banks So holding on Eastward till he came to the Mountain Periardo for its fertility there called Leprus that is fruitful for Euphrates and Araxis there running forth of contrary marishes water that Champian drie Countrey Selimus not yet hearing where Hysmael with his great Army was as half afraid encamped at the head of Euphrates sending his Scouts every way to intercept some that might inform him therein But the Armenians whether for fear of Hysmael's command were fled out of that part whereby Selimus was to passe carrying away or burning whatever was for mans use The Scouts after two dayes returned to Selimus not taking one man shewing him how it was and thinking either the Armenian Guides mistaking or on purpose had brought them into such desart places where Horses and men must perish together the weak Kings increasing their fear chiefly Aladeules who for a few dayes helped them with Victuals but being gone farre thereinto Armenia performed not his promise thinking Hysmael would vanquish the Turks as he had most of the East Selimus perplexed c. with grief remembred what Chendemus had before told him yet seeming chearful to his Souldiers c. and calling his Guides he understood that on the right hand beyond Periardo lay the fruitful Countrey of Armenia so compassing the Hill Northward he turn'd down toward Araxis passing it over about the City Coy for it is foordable till it receive Rivers out of Periardo He had scarcely got over but Usta-Ogli with Amurat encamping not farre off quickly set forward to meet the Turks lest Coy where the Persian Kings for fresh Fountains c. wholsom air and plenty of all fruit used to spend most of the Summer should be suddenly surprized Cussimus an Armenian probably shewed Jovius Coy to have been famous Artaxata which Domitius Corbulo destroyed Nor did Hysmael though he lately sent most of his forces against the Coraxeni in rebellion not much reckoning the Turks durst come so far delay but forthwith came personally to his Army Usa-Ogli incamping near the City when as the Turks Scouts upon Hysmael's coming the dust rising and the Horses neighing perceived a great power was at hand The Turks were glad that now they should by Victory turn their toyl and famine c. into
had set all things in good order to winter in Iconium himself with a few returning to Constantinople for he heard the Hungarians had made incursions into Servia and spoiled it Wherefore least he should lose Samandria reputed the Bulwark of Servia and Thrace he sent Jonuses Bassa of Bosnia with 8000 Horse into Croatia as far as Catinum transporting another Army over Dannbius into Hungary that the Hungarians at once doubly beset might fear their estate and to shew the World of what power the Othomur Emperors were c. Having thus pressed the Hungarians he at Hadrianople and Constantinople the following winter more prepared for Warre than ever as being advertized that Maximilian the Emperour with the Germ Princes Uladislaus of Hungary and Sigismund of Poland had combined to war on him but learning by his intelligencers sent into all parts of Europe that their meetings proved but great words and Banquets he turned himself with all his preparations again toward the East to the great quiet of Christendom Yet he strengthned his frontiers with most strong Garisons leaving his Son to Solyman at Hadrianople and Pyrrhus Bassa his Tutor which was strange a native Turk at Constantinople then he sent Cherseogles whom he was most trusted with his Army into Bythinia making Zafferus an Eunuch Admiral of his Navy lately built and with wondrous charge rigged forth and staying a little at Constantinople to see the young Souldiers then choosing Janizaries he departed to his Army at Iconium intending again to invade the Persian Being come thither he heard that Campson Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt was come into Syria with a great Army giving out he wou'd ayd the Persian King his Confederate entring into Cilicia with all Hostility if Selimus proceeded to invade him he perplexed and fearing if he should passe Euphrates Campson should break in by Mount Amanus and indanger that part of his Dominion stayed at Iconium sending the Cadalescher who wrote the Commentaries of this Warre and Jachis a great Captain with great presents to pacifie him if possible not to hinder or disturb Selimus from warring upon Hysmael who had so invaded his Dominions in Asia and by a new form of superstition had corrupted and altered the most sure grounds of Mahometanism and if Campson would by no conditions be removed then diligently to learn his strength and designs and speedily to return Campson though spent with age and living in worldly blisse yet for sundry causes thought this expedition good and needful for he hated Selimus for his cruelty and would never renew the League with him made with Bajazet desiring also to represse and abate his insolency grown by success beyond reasons bounds c. especially fearing the losse of Syria and so of all his Kingdom for Aegypt Judea and Syria intollerably oppressed with the Mamalukes were in danger to revolt if the Persians should chance to be vanquished with whom he h dmade a firm League also moved with Aladin's misery he was perswaded Selimus might by his and Hysmael's forces be thrust out of all for Aladin living three years in his Court had by all means possible incited the Mamalukes to revenge Likewise Aladules eldest Son fleeing into Aegypt had filled so the minds of all with detestation of Selimus his cruelty that the chief of the Mamalukes humbly besought Campson to take on him so just a war if through years he thought himself unable yet to give them leave of themselves to take it in hand These Mamalukes far excelled the Turks both in strength skilful riding goodly armour and also in courage and wealth Many Christians of loose life or condemned for notorious offences fleeing to Aegypt and abjuring their Religion being circumcised and meet for the wars grew by degrees to great honour as did Tangarihardinus the Son of a Spanish Marriner by whose advice in Campson's time almost all things were done and was by him sent Ambassadour to Bajazet and to the State of Venice about matters of great importance yet at length by envy he was brought into disgrace thrust out of his place cast into prison and miserably died loaded with cold irons For appeasing the mischief arising in that servile Monarchy for 4 years by civil wars about the succession of a Sultan after Caytheius his death to the sore weakening of the Mamalukes estate the great Courtiers and chief men amongst them offered the Kingdom to Campson Gaurus or as the Turks Casaves Gauris a man of great integrity and courage and free from ambition who earnestly at first refused it excusing himself as unfit for so high a place and with tears standing in his eys besought other great Lords to forbear to thrust him content with his private life into that place subject to so many dangers c. for he was terrified with the example of so many Kings slain in a short time by other proud competitors They perswaded him not upon a foolish obstinacy or vain modesty to refuse his good fortune but couragiously to take on him the government of the State sore shaken with civil discord together with the regal dignity promising by solemn Oath with all their power policy and wealth to maintain and defend the Majesty of his State and that the men of war should not demand their wonted largesse till it might be raised out of his Customs and other Crown-Revenues whereby he suffered himself to be salured Sultan and having given 10 millions of Ducars to the men of War as a largess and by his moderate Government had caused men generally to admire his prowesse and wisdom he so reformed the shaken State of that Kingdom taking away by poyson and other secret devices the chief Authors of that Sedition that for 16 years neither tumult or noise of war was heard in all Syria and Aegypt Undoubtedly worthy the name of a most excellent and fortunate Prince if in the winding up of his life he had not rashly thrust himself into the dangerous quarrels of other Princes Campson encamping at the River Orontes now Farfar entertained Selimus his Embassadours with more bounty than courtesie who most temperately and calmly delivering their Embassage in his Pavilion he answered The Aegyptian Sultans holding the chief place in their Religion used to keep with all care other Mahometans in concord whereof he was ever desirous and was come into Syria only to perswade ãâã to peace who if he would proceed against Hysmael his confederate he would not long suffer all to go to rack for the pleasure and fury of one insolent and ambitious man saying He had long seen into Selimus his insatiable fierce and troublesome disposition who procuring the death of his Father slaying his Brethren Nephews with many other his best friends and faithful Counsellors could make no end of his ambitious tyranny therefore to tell him the only condion of peace should be If he desisted from invading Hysmael and restored to Aladeules's Son his Father's Kingdom long under the Aegyptian Sultan's protection
and other Ports for rigging up a great Fleet which caused the Italians Venetians and them of Rhodes to look about them About which time Philip Villers wise and conragious was in his absence at the French Court chosen Great Master by the Knights of the Rhodes who safely arrived there from Marselles after a dangerous Voyage hardly layed for by Cortug-ogli a famous Turksish Pirate Solyman knowing it whole two Brethren the Knights had surprized at Sea and slain keeping the third in prison Pyrrhus by whose advice Solyman was directed consulting with the other Bassaes what great exploit was first to be attempted differed in opinion about Rhodes Pyrrhus disswading as too full of difficulty and danger producing Mahomet the Great for an example But Mustapha next to Pyrrhus extolling Solyman said Their ãâã was not to be included within his Predecessor's attempts as appeared by Belgrade who should likewise prevail against the Rhodes being able to ãâã more men before it than there were stones in the walls presumptuously ãâã that upon the first landing of Solymans great Army they would presently yield themselves and City into his hands Solyman desirous of Cortug-oglies Opinion before the undertaking of so great a matter Mustapha and Ferhates ushering him in after reverence and command to speak said Thy great desarts most mighty Emperour makes me now frankly speak what I think may be for thy Majesties and Empires glory I daily hear the pittiful lamentation of those of Mitylene ãâã Peloponesus Achaia Caria Lycia c. for the spoil of their Countries ãâã their Cities carrying away Cattle and people c. which they suffer by the Rhodian Pirates none withstanding them Often have they instantly requested me to be a mean to thy Majesty whereby they might be protected from these cruel rovers wherefore I beseech thee by the most reverent ãâã Mahomet ãâã by thy ãâã heroicalness to deliver thy afflicted subjects from their most cruel enemies c. It rending not so much to their hurt in private as to the ãâã of thy imperial Dignity which if any other ãâã Prince should offer I know thou wouldest not suffer unrevenged Who ãâã passe to Tripolis Damasco c. without manifest danger What have we heard every Spring this many years but that they have taken one Port or other ãâã and that under thy nose in the heart of thy Empire We thy loyal Subjects ought not for the increase of our Religion and enlarging thy Empire ãâã to adventure the hazard of all If thou likewise be carried with love of Glory and Renown c. in what canst thou easier gain the same or better imploy us than in subduing this reputed Bulwark of Christendom which onely keeps us from their Countries Thy happy fortune hath subjected Belgrade farre more strong than in times past and dost thou then despair of Rhodes If thy captivated subjects built it for the Christians cannot they now at liberty c. destroy the same If thou please thou shalt see a divine occasion procured by Mahomet presented unto ãâã The Western Christians being at discord and mortal Warres among themselves Thy Majesty is not ignorant that in managing of Warres the opportunity is especially to be followed c. Solyman ambitious and pricked forward by Cortug and others hereby seeking ãâã chiefly by Mustapha resolved to go in person against the Rhodes And first to prove what spirit and courage Villers was of he sent him a cold friendly Letter thus directed Solyman by God's Grace King of Kings c. To the Reverend Father Viller us Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes and Legate of Asia Greeting I Am glad of thy coming an new promotion which I wish thou mayst long and happily enjoy since I hope thou wilt exceed all before thee from whom as my Auncestors have withdrawn so I joyn with thee in friendship joy thou therefore my friend rejoycing also in my Victory c. For last Summer passing Danubius I expected the Hungarian to give battel taking his strongest City Belgrade with othea Holds and destroying much people with fire and sword captivating many more and in triumph breaking up my Army am returning to Constantinople whence farewel Villerius considering these Letters perceived Peace was offered in shew but Warre in meaning wherefore rewarding the Messenger he sent with him another of his own a private person for they seldom sent any honourable Embassadors to each other Viâlerius Lilladamus Great Master of the Rhodes to the Turk I Well understand thy Letters Thy friendship is as pleasing to me as displeasing to Cortug-Ogli who would suddenly have intercepted me but that failing he tryed to rob some Merchants Ships in the Rhodian Sea bound from Joppa to Venice but sending my Fleet I forced the Pirate to leave behind him the Prizes taken from the Merchants of Creet Farewell from the Rhodes Hereby Solyman perceived he should not so easily carry the Rhodes as he had Belgrade yet resolving to try he thus opened his determination to certain chief Commanders Though I doubt not ye are of the same minde as ever in the invading other Nations yet I thought good in matters tending to all our good to use your general advice Since my Father left this World we have made Warre with divers Nations having our forces shut up within the compass of the mighty Sophi of Persia his Dominions yet my minde greater in conceit than my Empire and the blood of Oâhoman findes no content in these Victories all ye have done though great seeming but little to your worth This I have above all desired to root out the very name of the Rhodian Souldiers and how oft have I heard you crying out The Rhodes the Rhodes Never a greater opportunity much of the Cities Walls lying level Coin wanting the Castle Garrison but small their French ayd far off which will come too late or I believe never that King being at Warres with the Germane Emperour and Lord of Italy c. Nor do ye believe the Spaniard's distressed at home will easily come out of Sicily and Campania with supplies and I have prevented the danger to be feared from the Venetian Fleet. Wherefore couragious Souldiers chearfully follow your Soveraign against those most cruel enemies Admit their Valour did gain Victory in one unluckie assault my Great Grandfather unfortunately calling home Mesithes Paleologus will you therefore alwayes suffer these piratical excursions c So help me Mahomet it shall not be so I vow in despight of Christ and John shortly to set up my Ensigns with the Moon in the midst of their Market-place not seeking my self more than the honour thereof the profit reported to be great I give you my Fellow-Souldiers wherefore let us now set forward with all our force and courage This his purpose being with one accord liked Pyrrhus at first disswading the Warre now said I cannot but admire the great Wisdom and Vertues of our young Emperour who hath declared all deep Counsels of a
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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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
speedily to be pursued before he should gather greater strength c. Ferdinand committing his Army to the Hungarian Nobles his Friends they with all speed passed Tybiscus on a bridge made of Boats brought with them coming to the Castle of Tocai John terrified and debating with his ãâã of the danger they perswaded him to withdraw a ãâã out of the Battel and if things fell out contrary to reserve himself to better fortunes but they would resolutely fight against those traiterous Fugitives c. Bodo was chief of the Kings Army to whom he delivered his Ensign with his own hand who stood himself in the main Battel with the Hungarians placing the Transilvanians in the wings Turacous led Ferdinands main Battel strengthened on one ãâã with the Stirian on tother with the Austrian Horse but Bachitius well acquainted with the Turkish Wars lay a good distance off in ambush with light-horsmen to take his advantage upon occasion The Ordnance discharged they joyned Battel the wings fighting with divers fortune The Stirians were worsted by the Transilvanians and Bodoes left wing being mostly ãâã Souldiers were likewise overthrown by the Austrians The main Battels almost all Hungarians fought most eagerly with equal courage but Bodoes right wing being now put to ãâã by a fresh charge all his Army was put to flight Bodo labouring to restore the Battel and save the Kings Ensign was by Bachitius s coming in taken All the Kings Artillery and Ensignes being taken also himself fleeing into Polonia Ferdinands Captains entring Transilvania all the Province submitting to Ferdinand to whom all the Noble prisoners with the Ensignes being sent when Bodo could not be perswaded to renounce his Oath to King John and bear Arms against him He was cast into a dark Dungeon where soon after he miserably died Ferdinand was by common consent of the Hungarians saluted King and crowned with the same Crown that John was Crowned brought to him by the same Perenus Anne his Wife Lewis his only sister being Crowned with him and all at Alba Regalis Ferdiuand leaving Bator and the revolted Bishop of Strigonium his Deputies for Government making Berethsaxius Secretary and Tursonus a Moravian Treasurer returned into Bohemia John thus thrust out of his Kingdom fled to Lascius of great fame amongst the Polonians who frankly promised him his own wealth for recovery of his Estate and more than that the utmost of his Device which was accounted wonderful in great matters Lascus's entertainment of John was not unpleasant to Sigismund King of Poland though not to offend Ferdinand his Alliant he seemed to forget himself in shewing so small kindness to John whose Sister he had married After almost a moneths debating Lascus rested on this one point that ready help in so hard a case was only to be hoped for of the Turkish Emperour Solyman thinking that he would not reject his humble prayers especially if being by him restored he could be content to hold his Kingdom as of the Othoman Kings bounty And ere long upon this resolution with the King Lascus went as Embassadour from John to Solyman It was reported that Sigismund gave him his safe conduct with Letters of Credence who being come to Constantinople he soon won the favour of the Bassaes other Courtiers presenting them with gifts for Rareness rather than value as might be most pleasing to theit Wives Abraham was then Visier or chief Bassa and keeper of the Emperours Seal doing whatever pleased himself and commonly said to be the Commander of Solymans thoughts Lascus for that he could speak the Slavonian tongue the Turkish Courtiers familiar speech earnestly solicited the Kings cause wondrously commending him for having saluted Solyman he was turned over after the manner of the Turkish Court to the Bassaes which his request with the particular motives and Arguments thereof being sharply delivered and by the Bassaes reported to Solyman who at a secret Window had before heard them heclared by Lascus It was no great labour to perswade him again to undertake the Hungarian War and grant John his request according to the success of the Victory so he would faithfully perform what he had promised not shew himself unthankful Ferdinand the while fearing no force but the Turks sent John Oberdanscus a Hungarian Embassadour to Solyman with gifts for the ãâã ãâã by shewing to him his ancient Title and claim to the Kingdom of Hungarie ãâã desire his Friendship and joyn with him in League upon Ladislaus his Son Lewis and Sigismund of Polonia their very conditions but though he was courteously received by Solyman and patiently heard yet in conclusion Solyman said it was far from the manner of his Ancestors to receive them into favour who had injured the Othoman name Ferdinand having done impudently to invade ãâã Kingdom and to think to hold it seeing his old Claim was lost by the Law of Arms by his late Victory against King Lewis wherefore instead of Friendship and League he denounced unto him all the calamities of War commanding Oberdanscus speedily to depart from Constantinople who coming to Vienna and telling the Kings Lievtenants that Solyman would shortly come thither with his Army he was not believed but reputed a vain man wherefore he hastened to Ferdinand then at Spires hoping to be chosen King of the Romanes at the Assembly of the States of the Empire at hand for crowning his Brother Charls This news not a little troubled Ferdinand even fore-seeing what would happen knowing he should come in an ill time to crave help of the Germanes especially his Brother Charls being busied in his Wars in Italy and himself wanting money The Spring come Solyman set forward from Hadrianople with 150000 men Abraham and Achomates conducting the Europeian Horse Michael Ogli General of the Acanzij Becrambeius following him with his Asians himself in the middle with his Janizaries and Court-Souldiers ãâã in 15 dayes to Belgrade where John with Lascus and other Hungarian Nobles came to him and doing him all honour requested him to proceed to revenge his quarrel Solyman ãâã and yet friendly gave him his right hand protesting nothing was better to him or he more desired of God than to relieve distressed Princes chiefly those wrongfully ãâã by his enemies willing him to be of good comfort promising to bestow on him what in that warre he won by the Sword John obtained this by Bassa's mediation whom Lascus had so won by gifts and requests Grittus the Duke of Venice his Son born and brought up in Constantinople then following the Turk's Camp and in great reputation among the Turks and so favoured by Abraham that he could perswade him to any thing especially helping him herein The fame of Solyman's coming so terrified the Citizens of Buda that they almost all fled to places further off so entring Buda unresisted he besieged the Castle whose Captain was Nadastus of great account among the Hungarians who perceiving his Souldiers as dismayd willing to surrender forbad them to
500000 men and 300 Field pieces but smal ' For why Solyman by destroying the Country purposed to draw the Emperour to Bartel which report was confirmed by Ferdinands Embassidours whom Solyman granted to depart at Gunza with each of them a Velvet Gown and piece of Plate and Letters to Charls and Ferdinand proudly usurping the Titles of many Kingdoms saying he was come into Hungarie to revenge the wrongs they had done to King John his Friend and Vassal and would enter their Country with fire and sword and by God's and Mahomet's power would give them Battel if they durst meet him in one Battel to end that quarrel either by winning or losing the Empire of the World Solyman having a great while sharply assaulted Gunza and still with great loss repulsed He in 4 dayes cast up nigh the Town-ditch two great Mounts of Faggots and earth so high that they over-topped the highest Towers of the Town one was against the face of the Town the other at a corner to flanker the Wall whence he with his shot beat both them on the walls and those who went to and fro in the streets The Town-ditch being filled up and many Defendants ãâã or wounded the Turks most furiously assaulted the place before shaken the valiant Captain opposing all his strength left but the Turks with their multitude got up the walls with 8 Ensignes whence they had repulsed the Defendants who being all wounded or wearied shrouded themselves under their Pent-houses so that the Walls were now abandoned But such a sudden clamour was make by the Women and Children and other fearful people that the Turks on the Walls thinking the Town full of Souldiers stood as men dismayed whereupon the Defendants began again to shew themselves at whose sight they forsook the Wall and could by no means be brought on again The Town was then defended in all judgement by Gods power not mans strength Solyman exceedingly grieved to see so base a Town hold out so long oft in his rage threatned to leave no signe thereof remaining but Abraham Bassa waited a fit time when his choler was past told him it was not worth his name and greatness to spend his time and Forces upon so smal a Town of no importance by razing whereof he should get neither honour nor profit c. Wherefore 't were more honourable to raise his Siege and calling the Governour to give him the Town as of bounty than to spend so many good men in winning it by force The Bassa so prevailed that the Governour was by a Herauld sent for to Abraham who though grievously wounded yet refused to come to any parley except first assured by sale conduct and good Hostages for his safety and nothing to be exacted unbeseeming his Religion and Honour which stout answer made them think he was still able to hold out the Siege whereupon what he required was forthwith granted So he going forth was by Abraham honourably received and bid sit down by him in his Tent who courteously demanding whether he had recovered his old infirmity which he had when sent Embassadour to Solyman and whether his wounds were dangerous But last of all on what hope he alone had so long and obstinately withstood the mighty Solyman saying he marvelled why he reposed confidence in the bringing King Ferdinand Who modestly answered he was thanks be to God well delivered of his old Disease his wounds being without danger As for his holding out he knew he said it was the duty of a good Souldier valiantly to withstand his enemies nor to be discouraged with any chance of War c. That Ferdinand would ere long be there present with a great Army he not much marvelling he was not relieved before then since many lets might hinder the King's purpose considering Fortune's inconstancy in Martial assairs The Bassa wondring at his courage said Although Solyman might utterly destroy the Town with all therein yet being by nature most honourable and mild and a great lover of valiant men He had commanded him in his Name to give him that Town and all the lives in it as a Reward of his Valour yet so as to swear to him obedience and receive some few Turks into it in token of yielding The Governour knowing ãâã a third part of 800 Souldiers were left and them sore weakened thought it needful to make his peace in best sort he could and so cunningly used the matter that Abraham was content he should only receive a Captain with 10 Janizaries in at one of the gates for a while courteously entertained and then dismissed though he had neither Germane nor Spaniard then in the Garrison yet he told the Bassa he was much affraid the Turks would be ill intreated by them who deadly hated them So Solyman having layen at that Siege 28 dayes and to his great loss assaulted Gunza 13 times He rose with his Army glad of a little seigned submission for safety of his honour And leaving Vienna on the right hand where was most of the Christian Army he came into Carinthia and so to the River Mura thence to the City Gratia This put all fear out of the Christians minds for that Solyman a little before feared being repulsed at Gunza shunned his enemies at Vienna c. Which disgrace the Turks sought to cover as that Neostat lay betwixt him and Vienua not to be taken without great difficulty nor without danger left behind him Winter also beginning to approach But some were of opinion Solyman understanding that the Germane Princes had joyned Forces with the Emperour 's brought from Spain Italy and the Low-countries which at first he least feared and that the Christian Army great were mostly not inferiour to his best men of War chose rather to take the spoil of the Country with safety than to adventure person and state in a most doubtful Battel While this was doing Cason was sent with 15000 Acanzij to spoil all the Countrey between Danubius and the Alps Wherefore dividing his Horsmen into 3 Companies not far asunder he slew or carried away prisoners a multitude of all sorts of people as he went forcing thousands of men and women to run tied together as fast as their Horses burning down the Villages and in them the children of the Parents so that almost 150 miles every way was covered with smoak and fire within 3 mile of Lintz whence Ferdinand was glad to get to Strabinga to Charls the Emperour This cruel Turk loaded with spoil and prisoners began to return the way he came to Solyman either as he thought at Gunza or Neostat coming towards Vienna but the Christian Captains went out of the Camp to meet with them using such diligence in taking the passages it was impossible they should escape unfought withal 4 troops of Spanish and Italians under Valiant Coue first lighting on them nigh Neostat and charging them were most slain but Cason perceiving how he was on every side laid for the night
following slew 4000 Christian prisoners lest he should be hindred in flight and dividing into two parts set forward about midnight to escape out of the enclosed Valleys One part of his Army led by Ferises going Southward with incredible labour cut a way thorough the thick Woods coming with little loss to Solyman into Stiria Cason with 8000 Turks breaking out of Storamberg Valley chanced on the Palatine who with 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse and some Field-pieces brake them slaying a great number Casons Ensigne being taken and himself fighting in the rear for others to escape was slain Whose gallant Head piece presented to the Emperour confirmed the report Those who there escaped falling into the hands of Lewis and Marquess of Brandenburg and of Hungarian Horsmen led by Turacus who killing them 7 miles insulting over them in their own Language and of the Countrey people about Vesprinium and the lake of Balaton it was thought not one escaped to Solyman The Emperour hearing Solyman was gone as far as Gratia called a Councel in Lintz Castle to know wherher 't were best to follow the enemy From Lintz to Gratia is 3 good dayes-journey of bad rough way Some said 't was best to fight the Turks in that uneven Mountain-countrey whose chief strength being Horse should stand them in smal stead their Foot being in eriour to the Christians The Emperour presently sent Apontius a Spaniard to view that passage who soon brought word that all the Countrey was desolate and sor fear forsaken but where the enemy lay he could not certainly learn whereupon they concluded to go all to Vienna to view the Army and fight the enemy if he returned Some disliked that saying Charls should in that distress of Stiria and Carinthie rather pursue his enemy but others said t was one thing to invade and another to defend c. Charls being come to Vienna and viewing the Army found therein 260000 men 120000 being counted old Souldiers It was thought that so many worthy Captains and valiant Souldiers were never before in man's memory together in one Camp all the Flowre and strength of Germany from Vistula to Rhene from the Ocean to the Alps were sent or voluntarily came thither A thing never before heard of c. Besides the great number of Spaniards and Burgundians the Bohemians lay not far off with the Silesians and Moravians There were also some Troops of Polonians as voluntary men King Sigismund winking thereat as if without his knowledge being careful not rashly to break his League with Solyman This Army lay in a great field near Vienna in an excellent order ready to receive the enemy which many Gentlemen beholding wept for joy conceiving assured hope of Victory if the Turk with all his Forces durst joyn in Battel But Solyman advertised of the Emperours strength and manner of laying got over the River ãâã and at Marpurg by Bridges suddenly made passed over Dravus and so to Belgrade thence to Constantinople leaving here and there some remembrance of his cruelty and still looking behind him if the Emperour were not at his heels when as a few Dalmatian and Croatian Horse pursued his Rear It s reported he carried 30000 into captivity besides many thousand slain Charls now determined speedily to return into Italy though Ferdinand earnestly intreated him first to employ those great Forces against King John who might then have been easily thrust out of all but Winter approoching and the plague in the Camp yea in his Court he continued in his purpose yet leaving behind him all the Italians who with Ferdinands own Forces were thought sufficient for the Hungarian War One Maramaldus was appointed General over those Italians but no order taken for their pay Other Captains thought themselves disgraced by Maramaldus's preferment whereby the under-Captains and Officers said plainly they would not go into Hungary except Ferdinand himself went or Vastius or Leva were their General and the Souldiers said They would ask leave to depart if they had not 3 months pay knowing they should never get it of poor King Ferdinand Vastius greatly perswaded them to remember the faith of Souldiers c. saying Valiant Souldiers never wanted pay furnishing themselves by Victories with all necessaries and that they had no just cause to mislike Maramaldus being an old Captain of great experience and placed by the Emperour as most sufficient having well appeased them and being gone to Vienna to take order for remedying of all difficulties night the nurse of sedition gave farther scope to the mutinous Souldiers There was then brought to the Camp very coorse hoary moulded bread which some on their Speares point shewed to their fellows in great choler rayling against King Ferdinand c. And a little before a Spanish common Souldier casting the like bread at Vastius's feet in the Generalls Tent bitterly cursing the Emperour and Ferdinand had raised a wondrous tumult wherefore the Italians flocking together gave many hard speeches about their pay Victualls and the War's difficulty and setting up one Marconius upon a heap of Saddles he was by divers Captains requested frankly to speak what he thought concerned all their safety and welfare where he is reported to have uttered a seditious Oration unto them at which very time a great Blazing-Starre was seen at Vienna which the said Marconius called a terrible and bloudy Comet shooting he said his Beams toward Italy But his Speech ended the Souldiers highly commending it a confused noyse was heard throughout them but the Drums presently striking up a march they go forward towards Neostat Six Captains drew after them 8000 Souldiers the rest for shame and fear staying with Maramaldus Vastius and divers great Companies hearing thereof posted after them 6 miles requesting them to stay and not dishonour themselves with so foul a fact saying their pay was ready and mingling prayers with grievous threats but they as inraged sternly discharged some small shot upon them Vastius was oft in danger to be slain so that in the end he was glad to forsake them Ferdinand hereby for that time disappointed of hope to recover the Hungarian Kingdom wrote to his Stirian and Carinthian Subjects to shew them no courtesie in their passagee whereupon ensued great hurt on both sides yet the Italians at length recovered Tiliaventum in Italies borders where disbanding they returned to their dwellings Charls also breaking up his Army at Vienna appointed Gonzaga to go formost with the light Horse with whom himself went Vastius following with the Spaniards two dayes after came the Cardinal with the biggest Train Lastly the mercenary Germans so returning safe into Italy This was the end of Solyman and Charls the 5th their wondrous preparations in 1532 some marvellous alteration being expected and the more for that then a great Blazing-Starre appeared for 15 dayes In the mean time Andreas Auria with 35 tall Ships and 48 Galleys and 25000 good Souldiers greatly annoyed the Turks in Peloponesus who near Zant Island met with
perceiving it said The State was betrayed by multitude and corruption of Voyces and must shortly perish if not speedily committed to some few for there were almost 200 Voyces reducing them to 50 who were holden for men of greatest gravity secrecy but Foscarus soon after fell into such hatred that he was by the Voyces of the multitude thrust out of Council himself and kept a great while from all City-preferments which disgrace turned afterwards to his great honour and credit as one foreseeing much when they were found out and condemned who had traiterously revealed the secrets of the State The result was That they doubting of the union of Charls and Francis yet expecting the event they sent two Embassadours to them to discover their designes and a third Badoerius a wise man to Solyman to prevent the fame of the distrust of their agreement and to spare no cost to save Nauplium and Epidaurus which he required of them before he would grant a peace And if it could not be obtained to conclude a peace on any conditions which the Decemviri thought to be most expedient yet gave him secret instructions for yielding up the Cities fearing the force and tumult of the multitude for if they had sought for peace too late Solyman would have encreased his insatiable desire not granting peace except they low and forsaken would deliver the Islands Cephalenia Zante and Corcyra as grievous as the destruction of Venice it self So Vastius and Hanebald comming to hinder the League wrought no more by their great diligence than for the Venetians foreseeing the danger to hasten to conclude the same and undoubtedly Hanebald was sent but for fashion and secretly by Pellicerius perswaded them to hasten the peace with Solyman which Badoerius carefully soliciting and loath to yield the Cities offered Solyman a great sum instead of them who threatningly took him up as a shameless dissembler protesting he would never grant him peace without it rehearsing the most secret points of his Embassage which Badoerius little thought he had known wherefore he also doubting of his life accepted of peace yielding those Peloponesian Cities and with them 2 Cities of Dalmatia to the Senates great grief The common people thinking he of himself had done it were so enraged at him that with much ado he was saved from exile and his goods from confiscating though the Traitours who had discovered the secrets were known These were Leonius a Senatour and Cabatius Secretary to the Decemviri who fled into France and Valerius a Senatour's base son the disperser of the Turks money who with his complices were hanged in the Market-place About which time in 1540. John King of Hungaria died after which great wars ensued and the subvertion of that flourishing Kingdom for Ferdinand and John had made a League profitable to them both and most welcome to the Hungarians who divided into factions yet enjoyed their Estates hereby the strong Holds being kept by them who possessed them at the making of the peace in the Capitulations whereof Ferdinand was thenceforth to call John a King who before called him but the Vayuod also if John died Ferdinand should succeed him in the whole Kingdom which divers of the Nobles subscribed to which condition was kept very secret for fear of Solyman who accounted of that Kingdom as of his own This matter is reported to have been revealed by Lascus unto Solyman to bring John into hatred Whereupon Solyman exceedingly angry called John unthankful Churl saying to Lutzis Bassa How unworthily do these two Christian Kings wear their Crowns c. who are not afraid for shame or fear of God for profit to falsifie their Faith but John greatly afraid did by Friends and Presents pacifie Solyman laying the blame upon Ferdinand as better able to bear it Not long after John having set all in good order and fortified Buda being far in years at the earnest request of most of his Nobility and other Friends married Sigismund's Daughter of Polonia begotten of the Lady Bonasfortia Daughter to Galeasias Duke of Millane which Solyman liked well of having often condemned his single life but Ferdinand disliked it foreseeking if he should have a son himself should be rejected as a Stranger Isabel soon conceived with child and was very big when John was forced personally to go against Maylat and Balas Governours of Transilvania Maylat seeking to make himself King But Solyman deresting his arrogancy and hating him for the death of Grittus and the Turks then slain wished John to be more circumspect whom he trusted with such a Country So Maylat fearing to be thrust quite out of Government by John thought best to raise up all the Province into Rebellion taking part with Ferdinand who secretly furthered it to the utmost for these two Kings in heart envied each other John then exacting chiefly of the Transilvanians a great summe to pay the Turk his two years Tribute was a fit occasion to raise the people to appease which dangerous troubles John sent a great power into Transilvania following after in his Chariot not well recovered of his sickness The Noble men entring it in two places the tumult was by force and policy well pacified and some chief offenders executed Maylat retiring with all his wealth into strong Fogaras which they shortly after hardly besieged John himself laying sick of an Ague at Sibynium about a mile from Fogaras into which he relapsed through too much care and pains in travelling in that hot season News was brought the while that his Queen was delivered of a son which once bruited the Hungarians as overjoyed came to the Court discharging their pieces in triumph with all signs of joy possible the Noblemen came from the Camp to rejoyce with the King and all the Army was filled with gladnesse and a royal Feast was prepared which they would have the King honour with his presence though unwilling as but a little recovered yet he yielding to their importunity he forgot himself eating and drinking more liberally than was for the health of his weak Body whereby his Feavour was renewed Wherefore feeling his end draw fast on he appointed his son his Heir committing his Tuition to George Bishop of Veradium Peter Vicche his nigh kinsman requesting the nobles to prefer his son before a Stranger saying Solyman would surely protect the Kingdom and his Son if they in time sending Presents promised he should reign as his Tributary so presently after dying This King besides his vigilant courteous gentle and bountiful Nature and Learning used oft to say that the love of valiant men got by bounty and courtesie was the best Treasures of a Prince for that the thankful did oft in some worthy service fully repay what had been bestowed the unthankful shamefully bearing the witness of anothers Vertue His death was concealed till the Nobles had agreed with Maylat to take the oath of Allegiance to the King and his Son and to enjoy his former
Government Then they decreed in Council to send the appointed Embassage to Solyman so Exechius Bishop of Quinque-Ecclesiae and Verbetius the aged Chancellour were dispatched with ten curious wrought Bowls of Gold 600 of Silver-guilt and engraven 50 pieces of Purple silk and gold-cloath and 30 pound of coyned Gold as two years tribute who came to Constantinople The Kings dead body was the while with much heavinesse and most of the Army solemnly buried at Alba Regalis After which the young child was Christened and called Steven and Crowned with the Ancient Crown of King Steven who first erected that Kingdom yet the Royal Dignity was given given to the Queen so as in all publique Writings c. The Bishop was Treasurer and commanded the strong Holds yet the Souldiers were at the devotion of Thuraccus and Vicche as a middle man was named High Constable This Bishop was born in Croatia and brought up from his youth in the House of King John where Vertue and Industry never wanted relief Having forsaken his Monastick Prof ssion as weary of its straitnesse he still followed John driven out of his Kingdom winning such credit c. that he obtained the Bishoprick of Veradium after Sibbachus slain by Grittus's treachery He was such a notable man in his religious service and otherwise that John would confesse himself to raign by his special industry and King Ferdinand would oft say he envied at John for nothing he had but for one hooded fellow better for defence of a Kingdom than 10000 with Helmets on their heads Taking on him the tuition of the young King he was busied in all weighty causes civil and martiall carefully labouring for the Hungarians concord in love and unity and that no tumult or rebellion should arise But Ferdinand now thought it a fit time to recover that so long desired Kingdom being prickt forward by 7 men of great account in Hungary who having taken Ferdinand's part lived in exile concluding their motives to him What could be more dishonour to him so great a King and Emperour Elect than by shameful delay to forsake them being noble and valiant who had followed his part and were then ready with strong Troops to do him their best service The Germane Captains also perswaded him who as martial men desired honour pay and prey But Lascus who in matters of Peace and War saw more than they was of a contrary opinion telling Ferdinand plainly in a Speech that the Kingdom of Hungary was to be obtained rather by policy than force by craving it of Solyman to hold it of him by tribute as King John did saying that if he should once joyn battel with the Turks if the best did happen c. he should have endless Warre with such an enemy c. His Speech so moved Ferdinand that though purposing to proceed yet he thought good to prove Solymans minde also none being thought fitter for that Embassage than Lascus himself who being furnished with all necessaries departed from Vienna to Constantinople yet Ferdinand withall prepared for Warres trusting to the Emperour's Brother and the coming over of the Hungarians for present profit but before open Warre he sent the Count of Salma to the Queen to shew her the Instruments of the last League betwixt her late Husband and him exhorting her to yield up the Kingdom and not by delay to hurt herself and Son for Ferdinand offered to give the Child the Province of Sepnsia as was before agreed in the League and to the Queen a great Revenue beside her Dowry but if she would forget that League he threatned Neither Charls his Brother nor he wanted force c. The Count hardly obtained admittance to the Queens presence for George and Vicche mistrusting her courage said she was not to be spoken with for sorrow and that they were of Authority to give him audience and answer which opinion of her weakness She of an Heroical Spirit took so in disgrace that she said She would kill her self if the Embassadors were not suffered to come into her Chamber dark and hung with black she sitting on a low Pallet negligently attired pale-coloured yet then shedding no teares yet her voice and countenance such as might shew her sorrow was nothing abated for contemning all dangers she resolved for defence of her Soveraign to call in the Turks After the Counts admittance and delivery of his Message she answered Such was the fortune of her Sex and years and griess of body and minde that she could neither take nor give counsel wherefore she requested a convenient time to ask Counsel of her Father Sigismund to whose just judgement she would stand as she thought the Nobility would also but if they would needs forthwith make Warre upon her she said the Emperour and Ferdinand should win no great honour to oppugne a Widow consumed with teares and a young Child yet crying in his Cradle The Count returning told Ferdinand he had heard and seen that the Queen was wholly in the power of the Bishop c. the rest shifted among them the honours and preferments of the Realm c. wherefore all the hope was in speedy Warre the Queen with her Sonne to be driven out of Buda before they could take Arms or well advise what to do She delaying but to make her self stronger and the while to call in the Turk Ferdinand furnished with money from Charls soon raised a great Army which he sent down Danubius to Strigonium alwayes faithful to him Velsius a Noble Rhetian was General who to open first the way to Buda after nine dayes siege took Vicegrade but not the Castle with the losse of about two hundred men Then passing Danubius he took Pesth forsaken by the enemy also the City Vacia without losse whence crossing the River he came before Buda to terrifie the Citizens and discover what he could the Queens purpose where Perenus Rascaius and Francopanes Bishop of Agria revolted to Ferdinand the Bishop was reputed to go upon meere conscience yet George challenged him by Letters in hope to be made a Cardinal Velsius lay as if he would rather besiege than assault the City the Germans fetching in great booty round about burning and carrying away prisoners wherefore the Hungarians fell oft together by the eares with them they of Buda also with their Troops skirmished with them if they did but stir out of the Camp well defending the Villages for Thuraccus had taken into the City a multitude of light Horsmen Balthasar Pamphilus coming to the Gates desired the Warders to give him leave to talk with his old Friend Thuraccus and confer with him concerning the good of the State which the General granting he was let in with his Troop and soon returning to the Camp he reported that viewing the strength of the City he perceived it was not to be taken without greater power and a better season of the year Wherefore Velsius doubtful of the Hungarian his fidelity in anger bid him void
the Camp who without his leave had private conference with the enemy and discouraging the Army Wherefore Velsius returned to Vicegrade taking the Castle wherein the ancient Crown was kept with lesse losse than he had the lower Town Ere long he marching to Alba Regalis through Perenus it was delivered him garrisoning it for Ferdinand Then he retired to Strigonium and the rather because the rough Germans and Hungarians could not agree together so that Velfius parting them was wounded in the Thigh and Perenus hurt with a stone Winter was also come far on and the Souldiers crying out for pay Wherefore he also sick of the stone billited his men that Winter about the Countrey having new fortified Pesth because 't was reported the Turks on their frontiers were preparing to ayd Buda While Ferdinand was levying his forces the Queen had craved ayd of the Turk 's bordering-Lievtenants who answered they might in no case without expresse Command from Solyman depart from their charges besides Mahometes was overcome by rewards from Lascus in his passage not to stir wherefore she certified Solyman what danger they were in craving his speedy ayd Lascus falling sick by the way sent his Physician before to the great Bassaes chiefly to Lutzis by whom he hoped to obtain his desire but in vain for Solyman besides defending his own right thought it would redound to his great profit and glory if he undertook the protection of the Widow and Fatherless Child in so great distress wherefore he said to the Embassadours that to declare his constancy inseparable from his bounty he would take such course that the Germans should not long rejoyce of the Warres begun and in token of friendship gave them a royal Robe a Buckler with a curious Bosse a Horsemans Mace with a golden handle and a Scimiter with a Scabbard richly set with Stones writing to Ustref and Mahometes speedily to ayd the Queen who if harmed through their cefault it should cost them their heads The Embassadors were scarce gone when Lascus came to Constantinople whose success he understanding yet he proceeded in his business c. But when he often mentioned the Emperour as if he would ayd his Brother with all the power of Germany Solyman was so moved that he was presently imprisoned young Rustan Bassa especially chiding him as worthy of death for offending by his liberal speech so courteous a Prince and as it were mocking the King of Kings requiring friendship while his Master most impudently warred in Hungary Ustreff and Mahometes assembling their dispersed forces by shipping brought them down Savus and Dravus into Danubius for t is hard to perform any great matter by Warre in Hungary without the help of a great Fleet but Danubius was then so frozen on both sides that the middle was scarce open so that the Turks not daring to return were enforced to abide the Winters incredible hardness in their Tents to shew their readinesse their most dear Horses starving for cold and want of meat The Spring coming on in the year of Christ 1541 they entred Hungary with whom Thuraccus the Queens General joyned also the Queen sending presents to the Turks Generalls victualling the Camp and furnishing them with Ordnance for besieging of Cities holden by Ferdinand who took Vacia but badly defended putting many to the Sword and burning the City thence removing to Pesth a Hungarian and a German so vallantly defended the City and the Turks not well relieved with Victuall that they passing Danubius and restoring the Ordnance returned home but in their retiring the Hungarians led by Gnarus slew many Achomates one of their best Captains being one The Turks gone Ferdinand perswading the Emperour not to give over the War so fortunately begun the late supplies for Velsius were sent into Hungary under Lord Regendorffe then gone as farre as Possonium to relieve Pesth unto whom Velsius gave place who joyning with the old Army marched to Buda besieging it Upon a great Hill called Gerard's Mount whose middle was equal with the top of the Castle over against it a great Valley and deep Ditch laying betwixt Regendorffe planted his Battery so shaking a new Tower thereof that it was thought it would fall if it had yet supposed dangerous to assault it having a treble Wall but he sparing the sumptuous Turrets and Galleries of the King's Pallace therein sent to the Queen wishing her to break ãâã sunder the Bishops Fetters and accept of Ferdinands offer ready to bestow on her a goodly Seigniory honourably to live and bring up her Sonne in safety which if she as a simple Woman and ignorant of her own danger should refuse he would beat down the Pallace about her eares The Bishop answered in her behalf she was not such a fool to exchange the Kingdom of Hungary for the principality of Sepusia scornfully answering him as a very doting and mad old man c. And above all requesting him of private courtesie to discharge his Pieces with a little lesse noyse lest his Sow at home great with Pig terrified should farrow before her time to the great grief of his Guests for he was of a sharp and taunting spirit so contemning the Germans that two being taken burning Houses in the Kings Orchard he hanged two Hoggs on the Gallowes with them Ere long Regendorffe removed to a place called the JEWES GRAVES near Jewes Gate the Bishop quipping him now as a proper wise man who had pitched his Tents in a most fit place among the dead c. But he battering the Walls in two places a great part thereof was beaten down another part overcharged with Earth cast up within side for strengthening it then fell down also to the exceeding dismaying of them in the City which opportunity Regendorffe let slip either through the smoak and dust not well aware or doing all things leasurely and suspiciously and the Germans not so easily brought to a sudden assault as Spaniards Italians and French so that it was deferred night coming fast on till the next morning the Budians the while with incredible diligence rating a rampier instead thereof In the morning they fiercely assaulted it so that Fotiscus with some Companies entering a shattered adjoyning House had almost recovered the top of the Rampier but they of Buda wondrously withstanding the Bishop encouraging and fighting amongst them the Germans were forced to retire above 800 men being lost Perenus being also repulsed but with lesse losse at the breach at the Gate Sabatina Then he began to undermine the City but by countermines was disappointed yet the common people in the City pinched with hunger mutinously cryed out 't was time to yield and end those common miseries but the Bishop shewing but himself in the Market-place as if he would have preached could turn the peevish people which way he pleased After this the City had almost by the treason of one Bornemissa a Lawyer been lost who hating the Bishop for taking part with a Banckrupt Jew against
perfected by the most cunning Astronomers for Maximilian the Emperour They at their landing were first received by Cason and brought into a rich Tent the ground being covered with rich Carpets to whom Rustan Bassa sent such chear as the Camp afforded especially most excellent Wine Next day the Bassaes feasted them not sitting with their legs under them on the ground as their manner was but in Chairs at a Table only Mahometes of Belgrade an extraordinary guest sat down upon a Cushion beneath the Bassaes. Their chear was but Rice and Mutton as if noting thereby the Christians excesse and the Bassaes drink fair water out of Danubius After dinner they were brought in to Solyman each of them led betwixt 2 Bassaes holding them fast by the arms so to kiss his hand yet hath the Turkish Emperour sitting in his Throne for fear of violence laying by him a Target Scimitar Iron Mace with Bow and Arrows The great Globe being brought in filled Solyman and his Bassaes with Admiration for Solyman had curionsly studied Astronomy and especially Cosmography as his leasure served The Embassadours desired him to give the Kingdom of Hungary to Ferdinand almost on the same conditions that Lascus had required it for him paying him such Tribute as John had done promising to draw Charls into the same League so that he might then at pleasure turn his Forces upon the Persian and urging Ferdinand's League with John and so excusing him of the late war they concluded Nothing could be to him more commendable profitable or Honourable than to call such a King as Ferdinand and also Emperour Elect and brother of the great Emperour his Tributary Solyman 2 dayes after answered by Rustan that this was his resolute condition of peace If Ferdinand would restore all places before belonging to King Lewis and for ever abstain from Hungary and for his often provocations great travel and charges he could be content to impose an easie Tribute upon Austria But if those conditions seemed too heavy he would cause by continual War that such things as were taken from Hungary should be requited with the destruion of Austria Though the Embassadours were much moved at the latter demand yet they to win some time required a truce till Ferdinand and the Emperour might be made acquainted with the matter which the Turk winter coming fast on would in no case grant And being rewarded and sent away Solyman commanded Mahometes of Belgrade to spoyl the borders of Austria all along Danubius Cason also General of Acanzii he sent into Moravia but neither did any great harm the Rivers rising and abundance of Rain falling Solyman made one Solyman a Mahometan Hungarian Governour of Buda who by justice and courtesie with Verbetius the Chancellour should endeavour to put the people in hope of long peace which done after about 20 dayes stay because of the rain and cold and fearing to be shut in with the rising of the great Rivers he determined to return setting Lascus in prison at Belgrade at liberty who soon dyed of the Flux in Polonia supposed to be poysoned by the Turks whose death the King himself much lamented Solyman being come to the River Dravus it was told him that Maylat was taken by the cunning of Peter of Moldavia and that Transilvania was well pacified yielding to his obedience whereof he was passing glad for he hated Maylat for Grittus and the Turks by him slain and knew that the Transilvanians an invincible people was by him stirred up This Peter uniting with Achomates against Maylat they were 50000 Horse besides Foot which after the manner of those Countries were not many Maylat finding himself too weak and despairing of ayd from Ferdinand fled again into Fogaras where as in a most strong place he had laid up his greatest substance and warlique provision especially the rich spoyl taken from Grittus Acho mates coming and perceiving it was not to be taken but with much labour and time craftily sent a Messenger to him perswading him to yield to Solyman choosing rather to be called his Friend than his Enemy c. promising he would labour for him as his Friend that he might still enjoy the Government of Transilvania paying him some small yearly Tribute as he had before requested c. saying Solyman was coming with his Victorious Army who would with assured death revenge his vain hope of holding out Maylat foreseeing it better to make a certain peace than to endure an uncertain War answered He could be content to conclude a peace so it were not on any hard conditions c. Wherefore he demanded Achomates's valiant son in Hostage for his coming into the Camp Achomates said he had given him to Solyman and so had over him no power but he promised him 4 of his best Captains which Maylat accepting came with a gallant retinue and was honourably received The Parley was deferred till next day that the Moldavian might take him whom he invited to a Banquet about mid-dinner Maylat of a very proud and cholerick nature was by some insolent speech of purpose so fretted that with his hand on his sword he in a rage flung from the Table the other guests starting up also took him fuming and crying out he was shamefully betrayed his followers being stript of all Incame Achomates the while with deep dissimulation sharply reproving the Moldavian whereto he scornfully as if in contempt answered He had upon good cause taken Maylat prisoner and would safely keep him for Solyman to whom it only belonged to judge Ere long Fogaras was delivered with the Hostages through fear or corruption This Town surrendred almost all Transilvania was by Solyman given to the young King to whom all the people most willingly submitted swearing obedience his Father having almost thirty yeares with justice and quietnesse Governed that Province honouring him the Queen and his two Tutours laying in Leppa with many Presents At the same time Charls the Emperour at the importunity of his Subjects of Spain greatly prepared for conquering of Algiers whose Pirates so insested all the Coast from Gades to the Pyrenean Mountains that all Merchandize set apart they were glad to keep continual watch and ward wherefore though he knew how hardly he was spoken of for leaving his brother so hardly bestead yet he departed out of Germany into Italy where nigh Verona he was met by Farnesius his son in law Vastius and the Venetian Embassadours and brought to Millane where he was with great solemnity joyfully received and under a Canopy of Gold brought to the Pallace in a plain black Cloak and Cap mourning-wise when as the vulgar expected him in his Royal Robes and the Imperial Crown on his Head his heavy countenance presaging the wofull overthrow the day before at Buda not yet known in Italy Thence departing to Genua he was advertised thereof from Ferdinand and of Solyman's coming Whereupon Vastius and Auria perswaded him to defer his African expedition till Spring and
undertaken to ayd him against Charls but as to joyn in League or in his quarrel to take up arms he requested nothing Wherefore Polinus and Pellicerius thought the Turk who had spoke so coldly in the cause to be corrupted but it afterwards appeared there was such equity and modesty in Solyman's Letters that he would not then exact any thing of them not standing with the good of their State Polinus travelling by Land to Gonstantinople from Regusium whither he was transported found all things more difficult than he dreamed of for the great Bassaes said there could be no Fleet set out that year he being come too late the spring being past Polinus was exceedingly vexed with grief and care Dixius also being come to carry newes into France of the coming of the Turks Fleet who told Polinus The Kings sons expected nothing more than their coming Wherefore he wondrously tormented himself cursed the froward and unconstant manners of the Bassaes calling upon the Faith of Solyman beseeching the Bassaes one by one against their promise not to forsake the King since by that delay his Majesty was betrayed and a Victory now as good as gotten quite marred He was so ãâã and ãâã that becoming rather loathsome than gracious unto them they sent for him and his followers to Court Barbarussa sitting with them who being entred the Council-Chamber Solyman Bassa the Eunuch made a sharp speech unto them telling them In their Demands was no equity nor Modesty that they Frenchman were ever forgetful and negligent in the Turks dangers but in their own alwayes mindful and diligent shewing themselves friends to them when need was not in deeds and certain ayd but only in bare Letters and Embassages instancing in particulars and saying A Fleet would be rigged in Winter furnished and set forward in Spring In summer was safe sayling and making war Which that it might be so they would for the Commonwealths sake perswade the Emperour If ãâã be wise saith he to Polinus take these things in good part as friendly spoken c. This severe speech troubled him the more because they seemed to be sent from Solyman himself who was thought to have heard all for behind the Bassaes was a Window where the Emperour unperceived might when he pleased hear the complaints and suits of Nations and note the Bassaes manners whose care was the greater for fear of his presence yet did not Polinus so give over his suit but by gifts to the Capiaga or chief Porter laboured to be brought to the speech of Solyman himself So being brought to Solyman's presence he most earnestly requested him not to fail the King of the promised Fleet who was then invading his enemies in 3 places Solyman expresly answered The opportunity was past not by his will but by his late-coming but promised next spring to send unto his friend and brother twice so big a Fleet as he had desired with which answer he dispatched Dixius into France whereupon King Francis called back Henry his eldest son from besieging Perpenna The Princes and ãâã of Germany at the request of Ferdinand and the Hungarian Nobility decreed about this time to take up Arms for recovering Buda and other lost places for they saw if the Hungarians were not speedily relieved they should soon be forc ed to fight for all they enjoyed against the Turk at their own doors Wherefore they sent out 30000 Foot and 7000 Horse Joachimus Marquesse of Brandeburgh being General yet so that to him were 8 others aged and experienced men joyned by whose counsel he was to be directed Ferdinand's power met them at Vienna ãâã Governour of Stiria coming in with 10000 Horsmen unto whom Seredius Bathor and Perenus Nobles of Hungary joyned with 15000 Horsmen whither also Pope Paul 3d. sent 3000 choyse Footmen out of Italy under the conduct of famous Vitellius The Marquesse with his Army marched from Vienna so softly that the Hungarian and Italian Captains said The best part of summer was spent in loytering chiefly Medices who had perswaded the King to be ready to set sorward with the first of the spring before the Turks could augment their Garrisons which wholsome counsel Ferdinand too much crediting his great Courtiers rejected first expecting the assembly of all his Forces At length they came to Strigonium where it was reported that Solyman fearing to lose Buda was coming himself or sending the General of his Europeian Horse who never warred without 60000 Horsmen Wherefore the Germans made no great haste doubting how to return if they got not the Victory Besides 't was thought the Marquess purposed only to defend the bounds of Austria and by shewing the strength of Germany to terrifie the Turks but it being certainly known that that report of the Turks Army was vain and that there was scarce 1000 Janizaries and 2000 Horse come to Buda the Turks Fleet also inferiour to the Kings they set forward with more cheerfulnesse much encouraged by the Hungarians assuring them if they would speedily march on they should not find at Buda any Turks worth the name of an Army for Solyman used to make war but every second year Wherefore the Marquesse appointed to pass over Danubius which Perenus Huganot and Medices liked not of rather to hold on his way directly to Buda but the General and his Counsellours said The Souldiers would with much more coutage and cheerfulness endure the siege of Buda if they had first beaten them out of Pesth so the Army by 2 Bridges with great labour made was transported over Then did Medices an Italian the Kings Admiral take the Island of St. Margaret a little above Buda repulsing the Turks Fleet to the Suburbs of the City The Marques to avoid the danger of the shot from Buda fetcht a great compass and came to the North side of Pesth for Buda standing on a Hill and divided from Pesth only with the River so commands all the plain thereabouts that none can stir without danger on any side but Northward Coming thither he was told by some fugitives that Bulis Governour of Buda for Solyman the Hungarian was dead of the plague had in Garrison 2000 Horsmen that Ulames of Bosna was come with 3000 more whereto Amurathes had joyned another 1000 from Dalmatia and that Segemenes was come with 1000 Janizaries the other foot being but Country-people also that their Fleet was 60 smal Pinnaces 10 Galleys a few great boats that Solyman had commanded them to defend Pesth Buda to the last man proposing great rewards to the valiant to the cowardly extream punishment and if need were to send to Sophia for Achomates General of his European Horse Upon their approach the Turks issuing out skirmished with the Hungarians but some few being on both sides slain they both retired Next day Vitellius coming nigh the City to chuse a place for battery the Turks sallied out at 2 gates at once the fight being begun with like courage force the Turks still
Turks Captains great presents receiving the like Lastly his Letters seeming to promise some Hungarian Captains greater entertainment than agreed with his estate all which Ferdinand hardly conceiving ill of the Germans but any thing of Strangers soon believed Perenus being come near the Gate of Vienna hearing Torniellus with other brave ones were come to meet the Admiral requested he might speak to them out of the close Coach being opened wherein he rode which was easily granted he seeming to those who had charge of him unworthy of such suspition he made a lamentable speech unto them concerning his being apprehended saying As for the Kingdom of Hungary he might well have affected it and easily have deserved it of Solyman when Ferdinand John being dead was preparing for that war at which time his friends followers with the Hungarians love toward him might have ministred no unreasonable or unseasonable hope to have drawn a man into courses not wholly beseeming a Christian wherefore saith he I have and will while I live fight against the Turks if King Ferdinand shall shew himself an indifferent Judge in this accusation falsely surmised by the malice of mine enemies The Admirall Medices perswaded him to hope well in the most just King's clemency and soon after he and Torniellus entreated the King while hunting to deal favourably with him Yet Perenus could not obtain an open hearing but was committed to perpetual imprisonment either for surprision of new Treason or for his old inconstancy This end had the Warres undertaken by general consent of the Germans against the Turks in 1542. Ferdinand ãâã spent in vain a masse of Treasure and lost the opinion before conceived of the strength of Germany Polinus in 1543. ceased not by all meanes to solicit Solyman to ayd his Master against Charls in Italy Sicily and Spain but he was so crossed by Solyman then Visier that he almost despaired for the ãâã being a great Seaman envied the honour of Barbarussa protesting in Councel he saw no cause why Solyman ãâã send out such a Fleet but to serve Barbarussa's own turn but Solyman decreed according to his promise to send his Fleet to the French King by Barbarussa two dayes after which Polinus was ãâã by Rustan Bassa and Solyman the Eunuch for it was their Master's pleasure both joying of him for the friendship confirmed betwixt the two Princes So after divers ãâã bestowed on him and his chief followers Solyman at his departure gave him great charge of his Navy after the service done to be again returned delivering him Letters to King Francis to the like purpose telling him all things should ãâã out according to both their desires if he took heed that Charls did not again deceive him with the motion of a deceitful peace Polinus returned from Hadrianople where Solyman then lay to Constantinople finding Barbarussa ready to put to Sea with 110 Gallies and 40 Galliots so setting forward April 28. 1543 he arrived first at Caristius in Euboea thence to Malea and cast by contrary winds into Lacedemon Bay staying nine dayes ere he could double the Cape Metapanium Then from Methone he came to the Strait of Messana where in sight of Rhegium they began to land their men wherefore they of the City fled forth for fear but the Castle was kept by Gaietane a Spaniard who refusing parley slew certain of the Turks with shot wherewith the rest enraged fired the desolate City sore against Polinus and Barbarussa's will who sought for the Authours to punish them Ordnance being planted against the Castle a few shot so terrified the Captain troubled with his Wives outcry that he yielded it with all therein to the enemy to whom with his Wife and Children he granted life and liberty ãâã up the rest and giving the spoil to his Souldiers there was about 70 Spaniards and many more Citizens all carried away prisoners Old Barbarussa becoming amorous of one of the Captains very beautiful Daughters entring her into Mahometanism made of her as his Wife bountifully entertaining the Captain as his Father in Law who came to see her at Hercules Port in Tuscany Barbarussa came to Ostia in the mouth of Tiber so frighting them of Rome that they were ready to forsake the City had not Polinus by his Letters to Rodolph Pope Paul's Legate in the City in part stayed the sudden tumult The Bishop was then at Buxetum travelling in shew with ãâã Emperour to make peace betwixt him and the French but secretly labouring to buy of him the ãâã of ãâã for Octavius his Kinsman Charls's Son in Law As Polinus comforted up Rodolph the Cardinall so also them of ãâã and Ostia so that they brought the Turks all manner of Victuall and sometimes four Sheep or two Oxen redeemed a Prisoner of Naples yet many of the weaker sort fled out of the City by night though the Magistrates did what they could to stay them Barbarussa laying there three dayes and watring passed along Etruria and Liguria without doing harm and so sailed to Marselles where we leave him for a while Solyman came with a great Army into Hungary for the more assured possession of that Kingdom sending Amurathes and Ulames to besiege Walpo strong and scituate upon Dravus not far from Exek after whom followed Achomates with his European Horse This Town Perenus's possession was by his Wife and her friends worthily defended three moneths at last delivered to the enemy by the Souldiers who when they could not perswade their General to consent to a yielding took him perforce delivering him with the Town to the Turks who received him with all courtesie but the traiterous Souldiers were all put to the Sword the other Citizens being well used the Bishop and chief men of Quinque-Ecclesiae not far off now fled for fear the meaner sort willingly yielding it to the Turks Next strong Town was Soclosia belonging also to Perenus which divers Gentlemen encouraging the Citizens to stand on their defence held out a while but after much harm on both sides they retired into the Castle hoping to save themselves by yielding but Amurathes was so offended that promising them onely to come forth at their pleasure as they came out slew them all to terrifie others Solyman giving those Towns to Amurathes departed from Buda to besiege Strigonium kept by Liscanus and ãâã two Spaniards with ãâã Souldiers Paul the Bishop got away betimes despairing of mercy who by Solyman's interposing had been reconciled to ãâã ãâã again revolted to Ferdinand The Castle stood on a high Hill overlooking Danubius underneath it the Walls were built after the old manner before Guns were invented wherefore Vitellius and Torniellus sent the year before to view the place thought the City could hardly be defended if besieged by a strong enemy being also subject to a Hill not far off so that the old Garrison cast up new Bulwarks and Fortifications and making great boast seemed to wish for Solyman's coming but when he had with his
patience endure and since the place was no longer to be kept c. They should valiantly break into the utter Castle there to die and live with God for ever saying He would go out first they to follow like men So with Sword and Targuet calling thrice on the Name of Jesus he issued out of the Gate with the rest where valiantly fighting on the Bridge slaying some Janizaries he fell down dead with a shot in the Head being first wounded twice with small shot the Turks crying for joy Alla the rest fleeing back were all slain but a few whom some Janizaries for their valour by putting their Caps on their Head saved from the others fury The Turks reported they lost 7000 Janizaries 28000 others beside Volunteers not enrolled and three Bassaes. Serinus Head was cut off and next day with the other Heads set upon a pole then by Muhamet sent tothe Bassa of Buda who sent it to Count Salma in the Camp at Rab covered with a fair linnen-cloath with a few quipping words in a Letter Whose death was much lamented of all the Army and his Head honourably buried with many tears by his son among his Ancestours Solyman purposed before his return to Conquer both the remainder of Hungary and to attempt Vienna again To which end he sent Parthau Bassa with 40000 Turks to help the Bassa of Temesware and the Tartars besiege strong Giula in the Vayuods behalf not far from whence Swendi in Aug. before had slain 10000 ãâã called in by Solyman to ayd the Vayuod He then also sent Mustapha of Bosna and Carambeius with a great power who with the Bassa of Buda should busie the Emperour whilst he besieged Zigeth Parthau was still notably repulsed by Keretschen the Governour before Giula having some of his Ordnance taken from him and the rest cloyed but this brave Captain was at last perswaded by his Kinsman Bebicus from whom Swendi had taken some Castles for revolting to the Vayuod for a great summe to deliver up the Town the Souldiers all to depart with bag and baggage who were not gone past a mile but they were all slain by the Turks but a few who crept into the Reeds in a Marsh. Keretschen himself being carried in Bonds to Constantinople where upon complaint how hardly he had used some Turks taken he was by Selimus's command rolled up and down in a closed Hogshead stuck full of Nails with the points inward till he died with this inscription Here Receive the reward of thy avarice and Treason Giula thou soldest for Gold If thou be not faithful to Maximilian thy Lord neither wilt thou be to me Many hot skirmishes passing between the Emperours Camp at Rab and the Bassa of Buda and Bosna at Alba Regalis Septemb. 5. The Turks came in great number out of the Camp lighting on a few Forragers slaying some the rest fleeing and raising an Allarm whereupon some issuing out pursued the Turks and slew divers Thuriger descrying the Governour of Alba Regalis never left him till he took him and presenting him to the Emperour he was Knighted and rewarded with a Chain of Gold When a Spaniard charged the prisoner before the Emperour that he heard him say openly at Constantinople He with his power only could vanquish the Germane King as the Turks term the Emperour The Turk answered him such is the chance of War Thou seest me now a prisoner and able to do nothing Muhamet Bassa repairing strongly Garrisoning and placing a Governour in Zigeth call'd back the dispersed Forces and retired towards Belgrade carrying Solymans body sitting upright in his ãâã ãâã he having been many yeares so carried whose fortunate presence though he could do nothing the Janizaries still desired The Life of Selimus the Second fifth Emperour of the Turks SElimus hasting from Cutai in Gallatia was from Scutari conducted over the Strait to Constantinople by Bostanges Bassa where he was conveighed into the Pallace Septemb. 23. 1566 and by the Janizaries saluted Emperour a man unconstant hasty wholly given to wantonness and excess never going to Warres himself contrary to his Grandfather's charge to Solyman of which he was alwayes mindful Next day he came abroad in his Majesty causing prayers and Sacrifices to be made for his Father in the Temple of Sophia then giving 100000 Sultanies to the Janizaries with promise to augment their wages and setting forward Septemb. 27. he met the Army a little from Belgrade Octob. 20. gallantly coming from Sigeth with Solyman's dead body whom the Souldiers supposed to be alive Selimus coming in mourning attire to the Horse-litter looked upon and kissed the dead body weeping over it as did the other great Bassaes and to make known his death the Ensignes were trailed on the ground a dead march sounded and a heavy silence commanded Shortly after Selimus was with great applause proclaimed Emperour his Ensigns advanced and all the great Commanders admitted to ãâã his hand So returning to Constantinople Novemb. 22 and thinking to enter the Pallace or Seraglio he was by the discontented Janizaries demanding a greater Donative and the confirmation of all their priviledges prohibited against which presumption the Visier Bassaes and Aga opposing and seeking to ãâã them were fowly intreated and well rapped about the pates with the Stocks of their Collivars chiefly Muhamet and Partau as chief Authours that their Lord dealt no more liberally with them Selimus not a little troubled demanded of the Aga the cause of that mutiny who with teares told him 't was for money which he promising them with the confirmation of their liberties and the Aga with fair words and heavy countenance entreating them and assuring them to content them to the full of their desires all was ãâã and Selimus into the Seraglio received yet Muhamet chief Visier kept himself close for certain dayes for fear of greater mischief Selimus now buried his Father with all royal solemnity in a most stately Chappel which he had in his life-time built with a Colledge and an Hospitall for maintenance whereof the Revenues arising about Sigeth were given Fast by Solymans side is the Tombe of Roxalana and certain of his murthered Children and by him hangeth his Scimitar in token he died in the Warres That great Army withdrawn by Solyman's death somewhat asswaged but not wholly appeased the troubles of Hungary Maximilian on the one side and the Vayuod with the Turk's Captains on the other renting it in pieces The Vayuod hardly besieged ãâã Castle in his Frontiers lately taken from him by Swendi and brought it to great ãâã though notably defended by Raminger but the Tartars whom he had called in to his ayd burning and destroying his Countrey so that the people were glad to take up Arms against them he left the Siege and after much bloud-shed overcame them with much adoe ridding himself of them Swendi the while had taken the Castle of Zackmar and had Muncatz Castle yielded unto him then besieging Husth so that the Vayuod craved
some short Weapon in their sleeve yet were they not all thus groped who kneeling down and kissing the hem of his Garment he not daining to give them a look they were led back again going backwards till out of his presence and then the Embassadors delivered to Selymus the Emperours Letters briefly declaring to him their Message who answered in four words Confer with my Bassaes and presently they were dismissed and coming out of the two inner-Gates they mounted on Horseback toward their Lodging being accompanied with the Aga and his Janizaries Among whom were certain of their Religious called Haagi who use to follow the Janizaries continually turning about and in their going singing or rather howling out Psalms and Prayers for the welfare of their great Sultan Many more also on Horseback attended their forth-coming The Embassadors to requite their greedy courtesie distributing among them above 4000 Dollars and yet not well contented them The Embassadors after this having divers times conference with the great Bassaes concerning peace they among other unreasonable requests demanded to have their Subjects freed from paying any Taxes or Tributes unto their old Lords living in the Emperour's jurisdiction in Hungary and yet the Emperour's Subjects to pay their Lords in the Turks jurisdiction as formerly to which the Embassadors would by no meanes consent till they knew Maximilian's further pleasure therein whereupon they dispatched one Odoardo a Mantuan who had been employed divers times from Vienna to Constantinople in the Emperour's service Selymus Octob. 20. departed in great magnificence to Hadrianople after whose departure the Embassadors having fully viewed the City embarqued and crossed the mouth of the Haven betwixt Constantinople and Pera passing all along the Coast on Europe side unto the ãâã Sea and back again by the other side thereof noting the great ruines of the Cities of Bythinia with others along the Asian shoare with their former pleasant scituation and so returned but while they lay long expecting their own Messengers return and of Selymus himself they were advertized in haste to repair to Hadrianople whither the Messenger was now come with full instructions who setting forward Jan. 1. 1568. arrived at Hadrianople about 153. Italian miles from Constantinople after nine dayes and Febr. 17. the peace was concluded whose chief capitulations were that both Princes should hold what they had got each from other the Emperour to pay 30000 Duckats yearly Tribute to the Turk for Hungary to begin January last 1568 that either Subjects should be free from the payments aforesaid and so firm a peace to be betwixt the two Monarchs for 8. years wherein the Vayuod as the Turks Tributary was to be included Yet the Turks raising sundry Cavillations and many doubts did what they might to have somewhat altered what they had agreed upon and with many unreasonable demands stayed the Embassadors till March 20 following and then with Hebraim Beg Selimus's Embassador to the Emperour they returned to Vienna May 10th with joyful newes of peace being two dayes after most honourably received at Court five dayes after which Hebraim had audience who well rewarded soon returned with a full conclusion of peace But whilest the Embassadors were resident at Hadrianople February 16th came an honourable Embassage from ãâã the Persian King to Selimus to entreat or rather to conclude a peace with him before agreed upon controversies for which they afterwards fell to open Warres He was with the greatest pomp entertained by the Turks at his first coming to Hadrianople who seeing some of the Emperours Embassadours Retinue before their door asked of the Capitzi Bassa what people they were Who told him they were the followers of the Christian Emperours Embassadour who was desirous to make peace with his Master the Embassadour replyed he would willingly salute them the Capitzi turning his Horse toward the place the Emperours Embassadour went forth upon the Threshold and so they with signes and words saluted each other He said also he would gladly talk with them if it might please the Grand Seignior but they never after came together Two dayes after his Steward presented all the Visier Bassaes with divers rich Gifts and Presents and the day after going to visit them himself a Giamoglan meeting him shot at him with a Harquebusse but missed him hurting one of his followers in the Arm He supposed he was betrayed turned his Horse to go to his Lodging but the chief Visier sent out his men to guard him and excuse himself of the fact so he held on his way The fellow being apprehended was asked by the Bassa before the Embassadour why he did it why boldly answered because the Embassador was an Heretique and sent from an Heretical King and an enemy to their Religion Wherefore 't was not meet he should come to treat with his Lord of peace adding he was not worthy of any peace Wherefore the Bassa adjudged him next day to be drawn at a Hors-tail thorow the City then to have his right hand cut off and afterward his Head which was done Febr. 22. he went to deliver the Presents sent to Selimus and to kiss his Hand sending them before upon 34 Camels of the Persian King and 10 of his own There was an Alcaron with the Anthority of Hali for they alwayes present one such Alcoran to whom they send Embassadours It was rich with Gold and precious Stones also a rich Book of Histories a Box with a very fair precious Stone call'd Balasso and 2 wondrous great Pearls with 2 purses of a handful-long full of Jewels 8 Firvari or China dishes 2 most stately Pavillions 20 great silk Carpets many other less of Silk and Gold also 9 fair Canopies to hang over the ports of their Pavillions 9 very fair Carpets of Camels-hair 9 Saddles set with stone after their fashion 7 Staves of silver 7 Scimitars with red Scabberds 7 Bowes with Arrows and Quivers richly wrought also many other Carpets called Testich of the finest Lawn 7 men could scarce carry one of them all the Faulcons died by the way In his own name he gave an Alcoran a large and fair Pavillion Scimitars rich Bowes and Arrowes some Carpets of Silk and Camels-hair After which and reverence done to the Sultan by him and 30 of his followers in cloath of Gold he returned to his Lodging very Honourably accompanied both by the Turk's and his own retinue and although the Persians as may be thought shewed all their pomp yet they made nothing so fair a shew as the Turk's nor are they so fair but most of a swart and brown colour and rather little men than otherwise not much unlike the Spaniards Selimus allowed for their ordinary charges 500 Duckats a day their number being great and their beasts many which expences do begin assoon as Embassadours do enter into the Sultans Dominions and end assoon as their businesse is finished He having concluded a peace beewixt Tamas and Selimus ere long returned into Persia. The Venetians
the Venetian Territories in Creet Dalmatia and Epirus yea and in Italy it self and overwhelm them with their multitude this and more too they vaunted of but Uluzales brought his Fleet to Constantinople so shaken and weak that it seemed not possible but in long time to be again repaired furnished with Souldiers and Marriners but however it stood the Venetians comparing their own strength with the Enemies were also no less discouraged with the delayes and cross dealing of the Confederates than with all the provision of the Enemy many things sticking in their minds they doubted also lest the Flemmings with their Confederates should so intangle the King of Spain as that he should not be at leisure to send any ayd into the East And in revolving many things among themselves one only Remedy seemed most effectual to cure their afflicted State to wit to conclude a peace with the Turk of which they the rather hoped for that divers speeches of the same had passed at Constantinople The Senate referred the proceeding therein to Barbarus their Embassadour who all these Wars had layen in safe custody at Constantinople willing him to make use of the French Embassadour therein who had alwayes bin a perswader of peace who it was thought might have got an indifferent peace Selimus being also desirous enough thereof had he but expected the opportunity of time but he in making too much haste much hurt the cause of the Venetians which he most desired to have furthered Selimus having found him resolved with Muhamet Bassa what he would have done who craftily told the Embassadour he had often moved yea and so far as he might importuned Selimus for peace but could never find him willing to hear thereof till now wearied with the solicitation of such as might do most with him he had yielded thereto At first the Bassa with fair and cunning speech promised him the matter should soon and easily be composed This being only on both parties consented to That the Venetians should send an Embassadour for the full concluding and confirming of the desired peace who committing that charge to Superantius he was no sooner come to Constantinople and the Confederation being dissolved but the Venetians were glad to endure proud looks disdainful eares despightful speeches long and insolent attendance with many other indignities yea the Bassa asked them How they durst be so bold as to impugne great Selimus's Fleet Superantius answered The Venetians had alwayes honoured the Turkish Emperours never taking up Arms against them but in their own defence a thing lawful even for the wild Beast in the Wildernesse to do The Bassa at first seemed to put him in hope that the Venetians should enjoy all their Territories in Dalmatia as formerly whereof they had lost some part in these Wars about Jadera but at the shutting up though the French Embassador complained that promises were not performed and the Venetians so fretted that they were about to return as shamefully deluded they concluded a peace by the Senat 's appointment upon the Turks hard terms Febr. 11. 1574. The chief Capitulations whereof were That the Venetians should give Selimus 300000 Duckats 100000 to be presently paid and the rest by equal portions in the 2 years following That the Merchants goods should be indifferently on both sides restored and that such places of the Venetians as the Turk 's possessed should still remain unto them but those the Venetians had taken from the Turks should be forthwith restored The Turks being earnest for the first payment as an honourable Fine for an offence committed The Senate confirming the same by a Decree it was proclaimed at Venice Apr. 13. following to the great wonder of the other Confederates for whose better satisfaction the Duke though many things grieved the Venetians with calm and temperate speech declared to the Pope's Nuntio and Spanish Embassador in the Senate-House the causes thereof The Venetians were for this generally hardly spoken of as if they had betrayed the whole Christian Common-weale or at least their Confederates for men for the most part thought that the Turks peace would be but faigned and deceitful c. Yet the Venetians besides a present ease of many heavy burdens thereby enjoyed the fruits of a long happy wholsome and profitable peace Selimus shortly after turned his Forces against John Vayuod of Valachia antiently called Dacia having on the West Transilvania on the North Russia and is divided into Transalpinia which Mahomet the great subjected to his Empire and Moldavia of its River Moldavus which far passeth the other in greatness and much pasture on which Mahomet only imposed a Tribute of 2000 Duckats yearly after which the Vayuods thereof sometime by Hungarian sometime by Polonian ayd rose oft in Arms refusing Homage to the Turks Bagdanus a Vayuod hereof joyning in League with the Polonians lived much in Russia purposing thence to take his Wife which Selimus suspecting chased him into Exile placing in his stead one John or Iwan the supposed son of Stephen sometime Vayuod there who with Czarnieviche a Moldavian having long lived among the Turks turned Turk becoming a Merchant of such fame that he became very familiar with the Bassaes of the Court and at length with Selimus whose purpose he understanding concerning Bagdanus got by rewards the Bassaes to be his Mediators for the Vayuod-ship of Moldavia encreasing Selimus's suspition of Boguanus that he supported by the Polonians was like enough soon to reject his Obedience to him Selimus nominated this John to be Vayuod who entring Moldavia with a great power of Horse Bogdanius being in Russia suspecting nothing easily possessed the Country which Bogdanus by help of the Polonians vainly attempting to recover fled into Muscovia where he long lived John after some few years repenting himself and embracing again the Christian Faith ãâã also too severely those who had withstood his coming thither and now not favouring The Turks as he was wont but crossing them in many matters became suspicious to Selimus and the Bassaes Whereupon the Vayuod of Transalpina became an earnest Suitor for his Brother Peter that as John had by Selimus his help expulsed Bogdanus so Peter by his help might drive out John and besides malicious suggestions to encrease the suspicion of John offered that Peter should pay twice so much yearly Tribute as John did to wit 120000 Duckats The Bassaes corrupted and moved with the great Tribute perswaded Selimus to send for John and command him to give place to another of his sending which if he refused to denounce to him open War Selimus having much emptied his Coffers in the late Wars sent his Embassadour to the Vayuod who Febr. 21. delivered his Message the summe whereof was Either to send him twice so much Tribute as he was wont another being ready to give it for him and his posterity or else to return with him to Constantinople to answer the matter Otherwise He was to denounce to him and his
Sister of Periaconcona greatly enclining unto him to be exalted to the Soveraignty Mirize Salmas chief Sultan hoped to advance either Mahomet Codabanda or else Hamze his eldest Sonne and by bestowing on him his Daughter in Marriage as he did to increase the glory of his House others thought they could draw Abas Mirize Mahomets middle Sonne out of Heri and make him King neither wanted the Infant Tamas his aspiring friends whose Tutor waited for some opportunity to settle him in the Kingdom many others waiting secretly on every occasion for their preferment howbeit the Sultans promised the Lady all the protection their forces could afford and yet did every one both in word and action clearly dissemble their severall Imaginations Amurath by these things awakened thought hereby a fair occasion to be ministred unto him to take up Arms against the Persians for 't is an ancient custom amongst the Othoman Kings that they may not challenge their due honours in their life-time nor their proud Monuments after death unless they perform some exploit conformable to their Majesty As soon as Ismahel was dead Mirize Salmas after many Letters to and fro at last assured Mahomet Codabanda that with all quietness and security he might come and possess the Kingdom advertising him also of the whole conspiracy against his Brother and how the fraudulent Lady with the Sultans had capitally consulted against himself and how she favouring Emir Chan and Abas Mirize his Sonne more than became her little regarded the rightful succession of him So Mahomet desiring also to see ãâã Mirize advanced who was virtuous and prudent both in civill and warlike matters and seemed jealous least some other should usurp upon his honour wrote back again that he was minded to take the rightful succession upon him and to that end was putting himself upon his journey but with straight charge that Salmas should before his entrance into Casbin present him with the mischievous head of ãâã Salmas secretly performing whatever Mahomet had enjoyned him he was thereby presently and solemnly proclaimed King then with many Squadrons of Men at Mahomets devotion he met him on the way carrying the Head of Periaconcona upon a Launces point with her hair dispersed and some other uncouth sights From which novelties arose much civill Warres Mahomet by the ãâã of Salmas seeking revenge on the Sultans for his Brothers death and they opposing with all their power against him Also the neighbour Nations to the Turks and the people of Sirvan disliked of this new King so that under him the State of Persia was more weakened than of long time before Amurath had more particularly intelligence of all these things from ãâã of Van a City of Armenia the greater discoursing unto him also of the King being diseased in his eyes little esteemed of his Subjects besotted in affection to his Sonnes the facility to overrule the chief Governours of the Georgians and those of Sirvan ill-affected towards him wishing him in any case not to let slip so faire an occasion as the Othomans had never before for overcoming that King Amurath now stirred up with these Advertisements from Ustresse setled himself more deeply in his former ãâã to prove his great forces for subduing the Persian King being also then wholly in league with Christendom and although this Warre could not be moved either against the Persians or Christians without breach of Faith yet there was no Bassa that made any account of that defect but after long consultation the three Bassaes Mahomet Sinan and Mustapha agreed that it would be better and lesse danger to attempt Warre against the Persians than against the Christians whose valour Mustapha having well tried chiefly at Famagusta preferred before the forces of the Georgians and Persians Amurath greatly urging upon what Coast to begin their journey protesting he would not enter into Warre except he had great hope of the Victory Some thought it best to send the Army to Babylon thence to Syras the chief City of the Country of Persia others to send it directly to Tauris and some t is reported would have had two several Armies sent to the said places so to bring the Enemy to a straight But Amurath not daring to repose such confidence in his forces so divided resolved to send one onely Army for conquering Sirvan and the chief Cities of Media the greater reposing also great hope in the notable help promised him by the Tartars Praecopenses determining not to go in person with his Army a matter most strange to them especially to Siman for he was troubled with the Falling-sickness and much feared his Sonne Mahomet in his absence who was much favoured of the people besides the suspected dangers from Christian Potentates perswading himself also it would be his great honour to perform those things by his Servants which had been unfortunately attempted by his Predecessors in person Whilest they were thus consulting and divers made meanes to be sent as Generall he sent divers Posts and light Horsemen to the Governours of Van Babylon and Erzirum by often inroads to spoil the Persian Holds and do them all harm they could which they were not ãâã to do especially Ustreffe both in the Countries Tributarie and subject to the Persian In these great preparations Stephen Bator now King of Poland in the beginning of his Reign by his Embassador entred into a strong league and confederation with Amurath at Constantinople in many Capitulations shewing on what termes that Kingdom stood if not yet standeth with the Turks great Empire which League after Stephen's death by Sigismund the 3d renewed hath been commodious to the Polonian Kingdom but so bound it that in the hardest distresses of the Christian Common-wealth and most indeed concerning itself it hath afforded no help at all as too plainly appeared in the Warres between the Emperour and Turk about Hungary But for all this League in the great consultation of Amurath with his Bassaes after the Persian Warre for the invading of Christendom the Polonians were laid in the same ballance with the rest and had not'the Turk been led against the Emperour their Neighbour they were scarce to have looked for peace to whom for all that they lent no great ayd in a long and most chargeable Warre But the great Bassa Mustapha was appointed by Amurath Generall of the Turks Army into Persia and to provide whatever he should think needful for so great a Warre with command to the Commanders of he greatest part of the Turkish Empire Eastward with their Souldiers of all sorts bound by their annuities to go to Warre at Spring 1578 to repair to Erzirum bordering upon Armenia to attend their ãâã Command who passing thorow Amasia and Sivas in the very beginning of Summer arrived at Erzirum there staying till his people and necessary provision was come thither whence he departed for Sirvan having first mustered the Souldiers of every Nation by themselves in which general survey were found about 110000 men most
over grown Woods on one side and deep Valleys and craggy Rocks on the other would astonish a constant Beholder Simon and Aliculi Chan with eight thousand Souldiers understanding by their espials of his comming with this ayd had scattered themselves all along the said Strait but Nassan to avoid that danger entred with his Army into the Wood to discover what might be plotted against him and was hardly charged by the Enemy and constrained to fight with a 1000 windings and turnings with great slaughter of his men who in the skirmish were driven so far that down they fell and were presently slain Nassan having with much ado passed this Strait burning with desire of revenge would needs stay near those Straits as if to refresh his ãâã Army appointing Resvan with some Bands of Souldiers to lay in ambush attentive to every stir of the enemy Simon and Aliculi Chan on the third day imagining this their stay was for fear gave a fresh onset upon the Flank of Nassan's squadrons who giving Resvan a signe speedily compassed in his Enemies taking some alive cutting in pieces others and put the rest to flight Aliculi rashly charging upon the face of Nassan was taken Next day the 11th after his departure from Chars he arrived at Teflis where he found some besieged Turks dead some sick for through Famine they devoured even the very skins of Horses sheep and dogs whom Nassan comforted with gifts and good words exhorting them to constancy in the service of their King whose honour was never more then there to be respected and because the Souldiers did all mislike Mahomet Bassa whom Mustapha had left Governour of that Fort he put Amet Bassa in his place and so having filled up the Garrison and set all things in order he returned and being come to the Strait of Tomanis was advertised by Scouts that it was so strongly possessed by the Enemy as not to be passed thorow Nassan perplexed and doubtful which way to turn himself Aliculi Chan to purchase his liberty which he covenanted for before hand offered to shew him a safe and short cut whereby he might without danger pass with his Army so bending on the right-hand he guided him through strange and uncouth places not meeting so much as one Enemy but when the Persian Duke put the Turk in mind of his promised liberty he with deep and fained sighs protested he was sorry he could not perform what he had promised since it lay not in his power to free any man taken in battel by the Souldiers of his Soveraign yet gave him his Faith to use all the most earnest means he could with Mustapha to procure his liberty Simon imagined that the Turks had taken this new way but being certified by his spies that it was so indeed he enflamed with rage for their great fortune fell upon the rear which he wholly destroyed leading away all the People Horses and all the Treasure of Mahomet and Nassan Bassaes As for Aliculi he was sent away in the Front and so not to be rescued Nassan came from Teflis to Chars in 8 dayes presenting Aliculi to Mustapha and recounting unto him whatsoever had happened in that expedition Allouli was sent prisoner by Mustapha to Erzirum Castle and ere long himself returned to the said Erzirum with his Army sore weakened and discontented which he presently discharged About the time that these things were doing Amurath to make a safer and easier passage for his Forces into Georgia sent Uluzales with a great Fléet to Mengrelia of old Colchis who fortifying in the River Fassa laid such a beginning that it is now one of the Turks Beglerbegships Though those Fortifications were soon after his departure for the present demolished by the Mengrelians and here ended the stirs of this Year 1579. Of all these successes Mustapha sent advertisement to Amurath and because he had the yeer before perswaded him that Georgia and its people were brought under his Obedience that he should not marvel at so many losses and Battels declared unto him that all these troubles were not raised by the home-bred Georgians but by Aliculi and Simon sent out of Persia. Amurath reading all that Mustapha had written with great delight sent to Nassan a Battel-Axe all gilt and full of Stones A Target of Gold and Pearl and a rich Garment of Cloth of Gold in reward of his good service and ordered Aliculi to be kept where he was in diligent and safe custody The Persian Kings care for Turkish Invasions which much troubled him was doubled with domestical fears Mirik Salmas his chief Visier still filling his Head with jealousie that Abas Miriz his son Governour of Iteri was about in these troubles to proclaim himself King of Persia to the great Ignominy of his Father and prejudice of Emerhanze his eldest Brother to whom Salmas had married a Daughter of his who the better to perswade the King to commit Abaz to prison or bereave him of all Authority discovered unto him how little Abaz had respected him in divers occasions not having sent forth one man in these late Wars but forbad those of his Jurisdiction to come to Casbin when summoned to have passed with Emer Namke into Sirvan they answered Abaz their Lord who enjoyned them not to stir was not only called King of Iteri but had given out he meant to claim the succession in the whole Kingdom The King carried away with leight belief of these complaints made more effectual by means of divers great Ladies and other usual devices continually thought to repress the boldness of his disobedient Son yet not forgetting to prepare against the Turks as might stay their passage to Tauris if they purposed so to do But Mustapha laying at Erzirum many grievous complaints were made of him to Amurath whereby he took from him his General-ship calling him to Court to give accompt of his actions who sending such a strong power to succour Teflis Amurath conjectured the affaires of Georgia not to be so secure as he had informed him whose Souldiers also in an uproar accused him of improvidence and prodigality because now this second year he had with so much ado gathered such a number of Souldiers together to the vast charge of their Lord and yet performed nothing worthy the glory of Amurath or answerable to so great a charge The Emperour for the great favours he bare unto him his antient Tutour would never have construed these complaints so hardly as to have deprived him of his place if the inveterate envy of Sinan Bassa had not ministred force to these hard accusations for he was a most ancient enemy to Mustapha and in all things thought himself his match both in courage and years yea and did not stick to think himself his better to for in the enterprize of Glamen in Arabia he did that which Mustapha neither durst nor knew how to put in execution for which ever after one envying at anothers glory both in word and deed
succours must needs be sent by the Turks determining also to go himself to Carrach with his Army a place commodiously scituated between Tauris and Sirvan and there to expect Sinan's remove who he doubted to surmount Mustapha would attempt some great enterprize but into Georgia he sent such as had best experience of those Countries and were nearest unto him with whom he sent Tocomach also and others whose service he had before used that they joyning their forces with Sinan if the Enemy should bend to Tauris they should follow him that so they might joyn together with him and so incounter the Enemy the forces that these lead were 10000 men which with them of Georgia made 13000 who arriving at Genge gave Simon knowledge of their coming and that in his behalf they were ready to do great matters The Persian Embassador was honourably received at Constantinople and honourably entertained by the great Bassaes but chiefly by Mustapha who two dayes after suddenly died surfetting of immoderate eating of Musk-millions and drinking of Zurbet a pleasant drink made of water and Sugar but most thought he poysoned himself as ãâã new complaints of the ãâã against him for suppressing Embassages in ãâã ãâã sent from the Persian King ãâã his death it was commonly reported that if he had longer lived he should have been undoubtedly strangled and i deed his ãâã of ãâã was ãâã ãâã into the Kings Treasure only a sma l portion left to his Nephews a most certain token of Amurath s indignation Maxut ãâã audience Aug. 7th with ãâã lively reasons and ãâã ãâã ãâã the Turk to ãâã ãâã the Warre began as ãâã to the will and pleasure of their Prophet Mahomet as also to the Peace ãâã and largely concluded between Tamas and Soliman not to have been broken but upon some great injury ãâã which the Persians ãâã never offered but had declared by an ãâã sent by Sultan ãâã that they had ãâã wished him all happiness and though there was some ãâã that Ismahel in his short Raign would go to Babylon c. yet he had received due punishment for that you ãâã part and abuse of his liberty after long and straight imprisonment but their present King did above all others imbrace amity with him and therefore did most earnestly desire him to emper his anger conceived against him so much his friend and of the same Religion Amurath onely ãâã order that he should communicate whatsoever he had to say with his Visier who required all those Cities and Countries which the Turk had ãâã that time conquered or whereon his Generals Horse ãâã trod to be yielded again unto him which the ãâã had no warrant to do whereupon he ãâã to be evil ãâã as suspected for a Spie wherewith he was too plainly charged by he Visier's Speech And perceiving himself strained to grant these demands and receiving also some threatnings he gave the Visier good hope he should perswade his King to yield up so much as Amurath did demand hereupon he was in friendly manner sent from Constantinople to Chars where Sinan was Commissioned speedily and faithfully to have the Embassador conducted to Van thence into Persia wheresoever he did desire But Sinan the General who from Erzirum was now come to Chars dispatched thence the Embassador much discontented that no other conclusion for peace could be wrought Maxut arriving at Court reported to the King all that had happened in this his Embassage who for the present was well satisfied with what he had done giving him in reward the name of Chamberlain of Tauris of which great Office he took small pleasure for that Emir Chan his ancient Enemy was chief Governour of that City wherefore leaving a Deputy to execute his Office himself withdrew to Cassanggith a place of his own till the King should otherwise dispose of him but Emir Chan certified the King that Maxut had in contempt of his rewards abandoned Tauris substituting a most base person to represent his Majesty and mannage his Treasure and that he had no doubt withdrawn himself into the Confines of Turkey either to yield himself to them or have intelligence with them and was likely enough to be guilty to himself of his great errour in promising so large conditions to the Turk whereby as a Traitor to his own King he had obtained such a safe Convoy wherefore it were good to try his inclination c. whereupon the suspicious King commanded Emir secretly to apprehend him and bring him to Court and if he could not by other meanes then by torture to wrest from him the truth of all glad was Emir hereof but Maxut having some inckling when 15 tall Fellows were sent to him from Emir in the Kings name to summon him to Court he in shew courteously entertained them with great Cheere but when sleep had overcome them by reason of excess he had them straightly bound and with long Cords hanged down into a deep Well which he secretly covered then withall his most precious things he fled with all his Family in the Evening and was next day friendly entertained by the Turkish Bassa at Salmas so also at Van whence he was sent to Sinan honourably accompanied who very glad sent him with all diligence to Amurath Sinan after eight dayes stay at Chars went to Tomanis there to build a Fort but he could not perform it for the immoderate Rain which for eight dayes space continually fell besides he greatly feared least the Enemy taking the opportunity of the rain and building suddenly should assault his Army and greatly endammage it wherefore he removed thence to carry succours to Teflis but as soon as he was past the straight ãâã Capta n of the Janizaries of Damasco and Homar a Sanzack secretly hearing that a ãâã out of the way was good store of Corn and Cattel with 2000 Souldiers went to ãâã in that ãâã Now Simon and the Persians had divided their Souldiers into all places where there was any thing to allure the Turks to scatter from the Camp who suddenly fell upon these ãâã Turks being ãâã so that of that 2000 all were slain except Ta-logli who escaped Sinan coming to ãâã in two ãâã in reproach of Mustapha who falsely had informed Amurath that Teflis was as great and ãâã as Damasco called a Councel of his chief Captains ordering every man to depose upon Oath the ãâã touching the greatness thereof then dividing the Treasure and suckers brought amongst the Souldiers of the Fortress he cheared ãâã with good words and great promises and ãâã they greatly complained against their Bassa he caused a ãâã to be framed against him and ãâã he had converted pay to his own use he condemned him to restitution and placed Guisuf Beg a Georgian in his room who for the ancient enmity between him and Simon had most welcomly yielded himself to the Turks Sinan departing thence and passing the straight of Toman's Mustafzad Bassa declared unto him that not far off was great store
accordingly who entring into the place of Counsel desired of Mahomet to know his pleasure who caused the counterfit Command to be read Mustapha giving an attentive eare but when the rest began to sit down ãâã to the Turks manner who use alwayes to stand up till any Command from the Emperour be fully read the Georgian took his leave promising to be ever ready to perform whatsoever the King should command and so being about to depart the great Usher plucking him by the sleeve would have forced him to have sit down indeed that the Lievtenant with those of Mahamets chief band that stood about him might cut off his head Mustapha crying out with his Sword having wrought the Role from his pate with his left hand at one blow cleft the ãâã head down to his very stomach to the great astonishment of all there present then ãâã at the head of he ãâã of Charemit it being defended with the roles of the Turbant the stroke slipt down by his care which it carried quite away with a peece of the ãâã and a peece of the flesh of his cheek eagerly assailing Mahomet himself whom risen up in the ãâã he wounded with five mortall wounds which yet were afterwards cunningly healed when they had brought him even to deaths door upon the rushing in of the Georgians and the fear that Mustapha had struck into the Turks every man speedily departed towards Chars whither also was brought the two wounded Bassaes and the rest that were ill handled and greatly scared Of all this treachery Mustapha sent present word to Amurath as much grieved at the false suspicion conceived ãâã him and so wrought that ãâã sent him both Cloth of Gold and a Battle-Axe all guilt Mahamet on the other side wrote at large of all his misfortunes and aggravated to the King both the treachery of Mustapha and the slender security of those wayes and Countries When Amurath understood of these calamities and losses and the apparent danger of the Fort of Teflis then like to be abandoned he in a rage rated exceedingly the Bassaes of his Court reproving their lewd Counsel and recounting his losses from time to time as if through their defaults especially of Sinan who like an improvident fool he said would needs leave his Army and like a King sit idle at Constantinople c. who when Mustapha was General most vainly boasted with the like power to fetch the Persian King out of Casbin in bonds to Amurath but had indeed performed nothing worth remembrance Sinan peremptorily answered that seeing he would needs make choyce of Mahamet Bassa an unfit man to convey this year's Succours to Teflis he was to blame none but himself As for his coming to Constantinople it was long before thought most needful both that the matter of peace might come to some good passe and if not then he had to talk with him how to compass his Enemies overthrow which yet he had no fit time to declare but was now ready to reveal if it were his pleasure Amurath was wonderfully grieved with so arrogant a reproof from a slave of his own yet he disembled his discontentment against him commanding him to disclose those his devices who propounded ãâã not to proceed in this Warre as they had done with ãâã to hold the Enemies Countries their Treasures ãâã not able to maintain so many and great Garrisons ãâã for Amurath to go in person himself and so aganst so mighty a King by opposing the person of a King the Persians would easily come to an agreement or if ot he might then proceed in his Warres and obtain ãâã glorious Conquest the effeminate King now concived an envious affection against him and a further ãâã fostered by great Ladies especially his Mother ãâã Sinan had counselled him to go in person onely ãâã meanes for the Prince his Sonne to make him ãâã Sinan and the Prince carrying great ãâã towards each other wherefore depriving him ofall charge he presently banished him to Demotica of ãâã whence he by most humble supplication obtained terward to be removed to Marmara Siaus Bassa who married Amurath's ãâã being preferred to the Visiership a personable and ãâã Hungarian but the greatest seller of Justice ãâã preferments yet a great friend to peace with the Chrians which Sinan had alwayes maligned The Persian Captains the while ãâã spoils and Enemies Ensigns were with great joy reived in Persia which was redoubled when the ãâã betwixt Mahomet and Mustapha was reported wereby every one thought the next years dangerous attents of the Turks into Persia which were feared migl be hindered whereupon the Persian King determid to march toward Heri against Abas Meriz hisonne then with him in disgrace being earnestly solicid thereto by his elder Sonne especially by Salmas his Visier so committing his defence of that side of his Kingdom to Emer Chan Governour of Tauris Himself with his Army arrived at length at Salvar which principal City he taking by force beheaded the Governour thereof though he alledged a thousand excuses and objected as many accusations against seditious Salmas and having put to death some great ones accused by the Visier as confederates in his Sonnes rebellion he arrived at last at the City of Heri very strong by situation a good Wall and deep Channels of water conveighed into it by Tamerlain there was also therein many valiant Captains Enemies to Miriz Salmas The King approaching the City left in himself many troubled passions grieving to think he should beget so graceless a Sonne and to remember the blood of his Subjects spilt upon so strange an occasion yet being more and more solicited by Salmas he attempted to understand the mind of his Sonne and if possible to get him into his hands but Abas in the mean time wrote divers Letters to his Father and Brother beseeching them to make known unto him the occasion of this their stir for if desire of rule had moved them to seek his deprivation he was alwayes ready to spend and be spent in their service acknowledging his Father to be his good Father and King but if they were induced hereto for revenging some trespasses committed by him against the Crown of Persia he was most ready to submit to any amends and yield up all the more fully to satisfie their minds with twice and thrice reading over were these affectionate Letters considered and at last both Father and Brother determined to attempt the reducing the young mans mind to some good passe whereupon they wrote back ãâã him that his causing himself to be called King of Persia and the not sending them so much as one Captain to ayd them against the Turks had onely induced them hereunto Abas glad when he understood his accusations wrote back unto them if they would faithfully promise safely to receive his Embassadors he would send them so clear information touching those accusations that they should clearly perceive he had alwayes desired and laboured the contrary and would
open to them such matter as in respect of other men might cause their coming to prove profitable to all Persia which request they solemnly promised to perform being very desirous to know what those strange novelties should be whereupon Abas sent unto them two of his chief Counsellors with full instructions who after many speeches swore by the Creator of all things by the head of Hali and by the Religion of Mahomet that such perverse thoughts never entred into Abas Miriz alledging many manifest proofs that when the King was advanced to the Kingdom and in his battels against the Turks his Sonne had alwayes caused devout prayers to be made for his prosperity and never desiring to hear but of his happy success they brought with them abundance of precepts and loyall Letters from Abas to the Governours his Subjects for Government of the State never naming himself King of Persia but onely your King and Governour of Heri they prayed the King also if there should be found any shadow of such a suspition in his Sonne upon a diligent process framed against them to take from him his Estate and liberty offering themselves as his Hostages but if Abas should be found free from these accusations then ãâã the Earth they besought him to take information upon what mind his Counsellor had advised him to undertake so dangerous a voyage c. And as for Abas his forbidding the Governours to go to Warres against the Turks that was onely in respect of an invasion justly feared in those quarters by the Tartarian Gesselbas who by divers inroads had already done great harms thereabouts all which was by writing signified unto the Visier himself which he maliciously concealed to try if he could bring to passe that Abas and the King might be taken away in those troubles whom Emer Hamsey succeeding himself might remain the superintendant of his Sonne in Law c. which they imputed not to the Prince altogether ignorant of such a purpose but onely to the ambition of the wicked Traitor Miriz Salmas the King by nature credulous made great construction of these grave Speeches and could not chuse but harken unto their so earnest and upright requests wherefore calling unto him all the chief Officers of all the Cities of Heri he demanded of them how they esteemed of Amas and in what degree he desired to be esteemed of them who all answered they held him and he desired to be taken for their Lord and Lievtenant to the King of Casben bringing forth divers papers wherein he entituled himself only Your King of Heri and demanding of them whether those Tartars had attempted any such Warres they largely informed him they had to the great dammage of all those Territories though he might justly now have put Salmas to death as the Authour of so great troubles and bloodshed yet for better information sake he first of all in great secresie examined the Prince why he had advised this Journey against his guilty Bro Abas who answered onely from the credit he always gave to his Father in Law Miriz Salmas as to a chief Counsellor c. touching whom the King diligently inquiring both of Courtiers and Army-men found him guilty of all that the Embassadors of Heri had accused him for which so foul a Treason the false VISIER by the Kings command had his Head struck off so the 2 Brethren being reconciled and the Son to the Father after Abas had again promised Obedience which he most dutifully performed the King returned towards Casbin where by reason of the Turks unexpected motion he had bin long looked for Amurath through the rough speeches of Sinan was more and more setled in his purpose for continuance of the Persian War Wherefore he resolved at last to make choice of Ferat Bassa for his general fierce in courage tough in opinion hardy in Counsel but especially devoted to the King Who calling him apart encouraged him to take the charge upon him with a firm resolution to perform all things answerable thereunto with the Opinion he had of his valour Ferat promised to do his utmost to execute whatever should be offered him either by occasion or his real command Amurath at first onely intended to employ him in assuring the passage to Teflis and so into all Georgia and to have destroyed Mustaffa his Country who had put his whole Army into confusion but hearing of the troubles between the Persian King his Son he commanded Ferat to erect a Fort at Reivan belonging to Tochmac and to assure the passage from Chars thither so should they be revenged of many harms received by him and lay open the way to Tauris he willed Ferat to dissemble his ill Opinion of Mustaffa and if possible to make use of him for convoying succours to Teflis whereby all Georgia would be won without any more Fortresses and next year they might attempt the enterprize for Tauris In the beginning of the year 1583. all Cities that used to appear at these Wars were commanded upon Summons to be ready to execute their new General 's Injunctions all which sent their Captains and Souldiers accordingly So Ferat coming to Erzirum viewed all his Army and provision thence arriving at Chars conducted by Maxut-chan he set forwards Reivan but 3 dayes before he came thither he erected a Fortress of some ruines of an old Castle leaving in it 400 Souldiers with a Zanzack and some Ordnance Between Reivan and Tauris 8 or 9 dayes journey distant are Stannasivan Chiulfal Maraut and Sosian having goodly Gardens and Greens but in the way are many craggy Mountains and sundry hard passages Here Ferat consulted with his chief Captains where to build the Fort who advised him to fortifie the Houses and Gardens of Tochomac which he did and enclosed the Gardens with strong Walls and deep Ditches whereinto he conveyed water from a certain River This Fortress was finished in 15 dayes being 750 yards about Tochomac exceedingly grieved so suddenly to lose his Country and dwelling sought at least in some part to be revenged of so great an injury Wherefore he wrote to King Emer-chan and Simon gathering Souldiers out of the Villages but he could receive no help the King being so far against his son the Georgian being bufied by hindering the relief of Teflis and Emer-chan either would not or could not stir from Tauris having as some supposed secret intelligence with Ferat not to disturb him in this work So Tochomac not able of himself to do much yet by privy Ambushes killed sometimes a 100 sometimes 150 Turks and sometimes more and dispatched Horsmen in haste to the King at Chorazan amplifying by Letters the cowardize of Emer-chan with some causes of suspition that he had some Intelligence with Ferat who having built this new Fort and furnished it with all necessaries appointed Sinan Bassa son of a Runagate Genuan with 8000 Souldiers to keep the same and so departing he arrived in 10 dayes at Chars where
manner and others in Janizaries habit to the terror of the ãâã they had proceeded to further outrages yet Amurath soon recovering to appease the rumor of his death upon their Sabbath which is Friday rode to the Temple of Sophia from his Palace his countenance yet all pale and discoloured This year also hapned such a chance as had like to raise new Warres betwixt the Turks and Venetians The Widow of Rimadan Bassa Governour of Tripolis in Barbary with her Sonne Hamili and a great number of slaves being about to depart from thence to Constantinople rigged up a fair Galley ãâã to be worth 800000 ãâã joyning two others for her more safety and sailing by Corfu she was by tempest driven into the Adriatick Gulf at which time one Emus a Venetian ãâã had charge to keep that Sea against Pirates and all other Enemies who without delay set upon the Turks and took them all exercising most barbarous cruelty for having slain 250 men and Ramadans Sonne in her lap he caused the Women being first ravished to be cast overboard being about 40. Emus his Brother was most earnestly intreated by a beautiful Virgin to spare her Honour and the rather because she said she was a Christian taken in Cyprus about 12 years before since which time she had lived in most miserable Captivity and being now fallen into the hands of a noble Venetian was in good hope to be set at liberty inviolated which she most humbly ãâã him for the love of God to do and not imbrew his hands with her guiltless blood but the cruel and unbridled youth after he had abused her cast her with the rest into the Sea It s thought that Emus suffered this so great an outrage to be done that none should be left alive to betray the great booty or villany committed which yet was revealed by a Turk who saved by a Surgion of ãâã that knew him ãâã declared it at Canstantinople whereat the Turks were so inraged that in every corner of the City they threatned unto the Venetians most cruel revenge yea they could scarce hold their hands from Mowro ãâã the Bilo or Governour of their Marchants or forbear to ãâã in his face as he went in the street who hearing that Amurath in his rage was about to send one of his great Gentlemen whom they call Zansi the Turks usuall Embassadors found meanes that another of lesse Authority was sent to the Senate to Venice about it and to require the offendor to be punished and the Gallie slaves and goods to be restored so should their mutuall League continue firm otherwise he should be constrained by force to revenge the wrongs done to his Subjects the Senators after diligent examination of the matter answered that the Widow with her Family was honourably entertained at Zant an Island of theirs and had courteous Presents but coming to Sefalenia another of their Islands her people running on Land spared neither Man nor Beast the Providitor making after them found them in Arms within the Gulf whom they neither saluted nor struck any Top-sail to shew that the command of that Sea belonged to the Venetians which by the League they ought to have done for which out-rages and contempt he took so sharp a revenge yet they promised in that case to do what ãâã them in reason and Justice wherewith Amurath seemed to be well contented but indeed loath to intangle himself with Warres against that mighty State at Sea because of his Warres against the Persians yet shortly after Emus was worthily beheaded and the Galleys with all the goods and slaves restored This great Woman had therein four hundred Christian slaves which were set at liberty for whom the Venetians restored as many Turks Ramadan Bassa himself having Warres with a King of the Moores went out against him with all his forces wherein was certain Companies of Janizaries sent from Constantinople Ramadan entring the great and sandy Desarts of that Countrey was unprovided both of Victualls and skilful Guides so that at length he could neither go forward nor without losse of his men return yet he got home but with the losse of some men and the manifest danger of his whole Army for which his imprudence the Janizaries in a rage fell upon him and slew him Let no man marvel that Amurath winked at their insolency for those martiall men are now not as in former times grown proud and insolent by living in continual pay doing whatsoever seemeth them best though never so foul or unreasonable Not many years before the Janizaries in Cyprus flew Achmetes Bassa the Governour pretending he had defrauded them of their pay and intolerably exacted upon the Countrey Amurath highly offended at their killing their Generall whom they never before complained of for his own Majesties sake and the repressing of the like insolencies in others sent a new Governour into Cyprus with such a number of Souldiers as might seise upon the chief offendors who dissembling his Commission by certain trusty men gave it out amongst the Janizaries that Amurath was so far from being angry for the death of Achmetes that he thought him to be worthily slain this was to put the Janizaries in security hereupon they chearfully and with all due reverence received their new Governour but shortly after by an unexpected guil they compassed in all the new-come Souldiers and slew them every one seizing also upon the Gallies that brought them by which second outrage though Amurath saw his Majesty contemned yet was he content to passe it over being loath to add domestical troubles to the great Warres he had with the Persian To end this matter with the opinion of Rustan Bassa concerning these masterful men Whilest ãâã the Emperour's Embassador lay in the Turks Camp when Solyman went in person into Asia to countenance Selimus against Bajazet upon a light quarrel though heavily taken between his followers and some Janizaries washing themselves at the Sea side the Embassador for quieting thereof was glad to use the help of Rustan who understanding the matter by a Messenger sent on purpose advised him to cut off all occasion of contention with those most naughty fellows asking him further If he knew not that it was now the time of Warre in which time they so raigned that Solyman himself was not able to rule them but stood in fear of them But let us return again unto the Warres of Persia According to the Commands gone out through all the Cities of the Empire the Souldiers began to flock together and all that were ãâã to be established in their former places or sought to be now promoted repaired to Osman as unto a King presenting him with very large gifts whereby he collected a huge heap of Treasure and so entertaining them with courtesie and promising rewards and honour to such as would follow him he levied a wonderful number of men and monies and notwithstanding the great dearth that commonly raigned in those quarters yet to Erzirum
even within the mark of their Artillery which the Persians perceiving hardly began to assail their main body into the midst whereof the Prince entring dispatched every man that came in his way and singling out the Bassa of Careamit who sustained Osman's place smote off his head gave it one of his followers to carry upon the ãâã of his Lance which brought a great terrour upon the Turks and exceedingly ãâã the Persians who intermingled themselves more and more amongst them made of them a most confused and general slaughter there dying also the Bassa of Trabszonda and 6 Zanzacks with 20000 Turks more as was commonly reported the Bassa of Caramania being also taken with divers other common Souldiers but night comming on and the Persians come somewhat too nigh to the Turkish Artillery they withdrew themselves back to the King Camp The Fortress of Tauris being fully finished the Souldiers of Greece and Constantinople wearied to see their fellows thus ãâã and having laid up the prey and booty gotten in Tauris Winter also comming fast on by ãâã trusty friends about Osman who was in despair of life represented ãâã him the ãâã of their return and after many reverend ãâã ãâã unto him that if he would needs ãâã dallying out time in those dangerous places where no need was they should be forced to forsake him Osman promised to satisfie their request by departing the next morning So he made Giaffor the Eunuch Bassa of Tripolis a crafty and cruel man Governor of the new-built Fortress whom to encourage to undertake that charge he gave him for 3 whole years the Office and Revenues of the Bassa of Careamit ãâã slain Honouring him also with the Title of Bassa of the ãâã so that after his 3 yeares Office of Careamit he was to sit amongst the Soveraign seats of the Bassaes of the Porta The Bassa hereupon dispatching his Lieutenant for Careamit ãâã a 100 of his own followers setled himself in the said Fort with 12000 Souldiers furnished with all necessaries till the next Spring so the General departed the same morning being the 87th day after his departure from Erzirum came to Sancazan 7 miles from Tauris The Tauris being now ready confusedly to encamp There was heard the neighing of Horses and noise of Drums and Trumpets which when the whole Camp understood they ran disorderly to rescue on that side where those noises were heard but whilst the Turks intentively expected the Enemies comming on that side the Prince with 28000 Horsmen was ready upon them on the other side and with a safe Convoy had taken 18000 Camels and Mules well loaden with Booty and Victuall which he sending away with 6000 Souldiers Himself ãâã 22000 Persians entred into the Turks Army who now on that side also had made a Head against him In a moment the Tents and Pavillions were turned upside-down and replenished with dead Carcasses and bloud and so generall a slaughter made that the Turks themselves marvelled at and do to this day with great admiration recount the Valour of the Persians but they doubting lest the enemy should have entred the Lodgings of the sick Visier now at the last ãâã He that commanded in his Name ordered the Artillery to be forthwith unbarred and discharged which in that medly overthrew both friends and foes did perhaps most harm to the Turks For the Prince with his followers at the noise thereof speedily retired so that the Turks left behind were more annoyed then the Persians the Turks made shew as if they would gladly have overtaken them but night coming on they feared to proceed any further In this Battel were slain 20000 Turks ãâã any notable loss of the Persians Osman the General also here at Sancazan died through the violence of an ague a flux of bloud which was kept secret from the whole Army because the Charriots wherein he lay were stil kept close And in his name Cicala Bassa for so he had appointed gave out commands to the Army yet 3 young men who had the charge of Osmans Jewels Treasure fleeing to the Persians with the best therof and the fairest of his Horses disclosed to them the death of the Generall who were thereby encouraged to attempt the utter overthrow of the Turkish remnant whereupon the Prince with 14000 followed the Turks who were removed to a certain River of salt water not far from Sancazan where he pitched a few Tents about 4 or 5 miles distant from the Turks camp the said brook running betwixt the 2 Armies Now the Prince purposed to assail the Turks in the morning while they were loading their Carriages which his design was revealed to the Turks by one of his Spies which they caught wherefore they neither rose so early as their manner was nor loaded their stuff till they were all ready to receive their Enemies yet the Persian considering they should find no other good opportunity to annoy them before next Spring resolved to venture the assault and observing the Enemies Artillery to be on the right side they began to enter on the left but the Turks presently so turned their Artillery against them that it was to their great loss danger yet were they so nimble to shroud themselves under the Enemies Army that being now come very near them they must needs joyn Battel they had purposed as soon as they saw the Turks begin to stir to retire so to draw them on into a filthy and deep Marsh which being then dry was not doubted but onely by those that were well acquainted therewith or born thereabouts which policy Maxut and Dant-chan perceiving gave notice thereof to Cicala Who caused a great compassing-wing to be made and to charge the Persians home which they did so that their fore-front opened with very large corners upon the Prince who by and by perceiving that his purpose was discovered without stay began to retire which could not so readily be done but that 3000 Persians were over-trodden and ãâã in the mire with very little loss to the Turks This onely Battel of 5 that were fought in those Quarters being least hurtful to the Turks The Prince returned to his Fathers Camp recounting unto him the whole action and the Enemies departure The Turk came to Salmas where Osman's death was published thence they went to Van where surveying their Army they missed about 85000 persons or more at Van they were all dismissed whence Sicala gave notice to Amurath of all that had happened First was published Osman's death at Constantinople with many signes of great sorrow also the bloudy and mortal actions that were performed in that Expedition the whole City seemed much discomforted and in many places were much secret railings on the King many curses of these wars and of those manifold mischiefs after which was dispersed the great fame of the ãâã at Tauris with all the losse that had happened to the City an Edict published that through all the Cities of the Empire they
he had already done in Persia having as he boasted by his Servants there performed more than his Predecessors could do in person wherefore he resolved to turn his forces against the Christian Emperour for first it grieved him to see the honour of the House of Austria and that he durst make head against him besides it would be farre lesse difficult to make Warre upon a Countrey so near him then upon Persia where his Armies were still to be led through his own Countries whence they were to be at all times plentifully relieved Sinan confirming him also in this Opinion who having vainly perswaded him to Warre against the Venetians now furthered this hoping thereby to recover his credit impaired by the little he did in ãâã as also by the discord betwixt him and Ferat commonly called the black Serpent as also to increase his Wealth who was shortly after made Generall by Amurath for those Warres but above all Hassan Bassa of Bosna furthered this matter in hope to gain great Riches with the greatest honours of the Field as he was vainly perswaded by his bold Prophets wherefore he daily certified Amurath of the burnings spoylings and robbings of the Uschocci and other the arch-Dukes Subjects upon his Frontiers inciting him to begin his Warre in Croatia and continue the same either against the Emperour or Venetians or that way to break into Italy as had sometimes before been done by which his importunity he got leave to begin those stirs in the Frontiers of the Empire yet unto this leave was this condition annexed that he should not seem to do it by Amurath's Command but of himself under colour to restrain the Uschocci who both by Land ãâã Sea as he pretended spoyled both the Christians and Turks whom the Princes of Austria had small care to chasten neither was it any great matter for Hassan so to do for disturbing of the peace the Turks Leagues with their Neighbours being seldom so but that their Souldiers in Garrisons and adventurers by Sea might to keep themselves doing upon a Military insolency as they terme it now then make incursions for booty by Sea and Land so that the Venetians wronged at Sea by their Embassadors complained at Constantinople of injuries done them by Turkish Pirates ãâã to have them called home and justice done upon them The Emperour also seeing many things both this year one thousand five hundred ninety one and the next attempted by Hassan in Croatia and the other Turks in Hungary by his Embassador then laying at Constantinople complained of these outrages desiring to know whether they were done by Amuraths consent and knowledge if not then that order may be taken for restraining thereof which was accordingly done for a while Amurath making shew as if the League of eight years should not on his part be in any wise infringed at which time the Persian King's sonne dyed in the Turks Court where he lay in Hostage whose dead body Amurath honourably sent home to his Father with an Apology of a suspicion of some that ãâã should be the cause of his untimely death still urging withall the confirmation of the League which by the death of the Prince had like enough been broken whereof Amurath was the more desirous because perswaded to make Warres with the Emperour he hoped thereby to add the Reliques of Hungary to his Empire with a good part of the Territories of the House of Austria and so open a way into the heart of Germany wherefore he raised a strong Army putting a great Fleet of Gallies into the Achipelago for the safety of his Islands there So the Bassa of Bosna in 1592 entred Croatia with 50000 Men burning destroying and sparing nothing that came in his way and also besieged Wihitz the Metropolis of that Country strongly scituated as incompassed about with the River Una which he ãâã soare battered and twice assaulted was by the distressed Defendants yielded on Composition that the Germans in Garrison might depart with Bagg and ãâã and that such Citizens as would might still remain there without hurt in body or goods the Bassa faithfully and safely conveighed the 400 Souldiers into their own Territory but exercised afterwards all Turkish Tyranny upon the Citizens the Emperour upon this unexpected invasion sent the Lord Petzen to pray ayd of the German Princes against the common Enemy who largely promised their help first Ernestus Arch Duke of Austria his Brother with five thousand Souldiers came to Grâys the chief City of Stiria to whom more daily repaired out of Carinthia the Turks Army the while daily increasing inclosed six thousand Foot and five hundred Horse of the Christians who had taken the Woods Mountains and strait-passages and so that few of them escaped with life amongst whom many valiant Captains and expert Souldiers were slain the Bassa to make his Victory more famous lading six Waggons with the Heads of the slain the Turks thus raging in Croatia brought a fear upon all Hungary and divers Provinces of the Empire whereupon the Emperour assembling the States of Silesia and Moldavia declared unto them the eminent danger perswading them to joyn their forces with the rest for repulsing the Enemy After long delay Ernest the Arch-Duke August the tenth came to the Emperour his Brother with the Embassador of Hungary and the seventh day after were called together the Embassadors of the Kingdoms and Provinces of the Empire thorowly debating How the Turks were to be resisted and from whence forces money c were to be raised for now longer delay did seem dangerous and the rather for that the Beglerbegge of Greece with 60000 select Souldiers was ere long expected for preventing of which so great and manifest dangers they sate daily at Prague yea even from morning to night for the Hungarians especially the Lord Nadasty instantly urged to have succours sent into Hungary for if the Turk should get into his hands the rest of the Towns and Castles there 't was to be feared lest he should soon after indanger all Germany whose strength the Turk lesse feared than the reliques of Hungary others were as careful of Croatia and Stiria as more proper to themselves the Enemy now there raging the Hungarians with the other distressed crying to the Emperour for help and he also calling upon the Princes of the Empire divers Assemblies were had in divers places and Embassadors sent to the Emperor from almost all the German Princes all was full of consultation but help came in slowly yet that which was was sent into Croatia to defend the Fortresses against the furious Enemy September the 18th the Turks on a sudden by night assaulted Toccay Castle in upper Hungary hoping to surprize it but finding it a more difficult matter then they imagined they departed attempting the lesser Comara which standing in a Marsh-ground was easily defended then also the Bassa of Buda entred the Christians Frontiers but upon viewing the strong Holds thereof finding nothing for
provision Whereupon the Christians removing came betwixt Dregel and Novigrad understanding of the people that the report was true so forthwith they sent for some Ordnance to Dregel and March the 8th very early the whole Army came with the Ordnance before Novigrad and before night they had planted certain great Pieces on a high Hill whence they might see into the Castle against which the Master of the Ordnance discharged three of the greatest about Sun-setting that the Turks might know they wanted nothing for the siege That night also they cast up a great Mount in the Valley whence they sent six great shot into the Castle but early in the morning they began to batter the Castle discharging 300 great Shot that day against it but to small purpose for it stood on a most strong Rock with high and thick Walls and a deep encompassing Ditch hewen out of the Rock and was so fortified with Timber-Pallisadoes that there was no access to the Walls yet the Generall commanded some Companies to assault the breach such as it was who firing certain dry Faggots burnt the Pallisado in divers places and so opening a way to the Walls slew divers Turks upon the Rampiers who but faintly defending themselves yet slew divers of them beating them down with stones Fire-works c This night the assault ceased till four in the morning Shortly after came the arch-Duke with 1000 Horse renewing the Battery whereby the chief Cannonier a renegate German being slainâ the Turks dismayed presently set forth three white Ensigns for parley but the Christians continuing their battery the Turks pittifully crying out desired to send two Captains to fall to some Composition so the Battery ceasing those Captains brought nine of the best Turks to the arch-Duke declaring by their Interpreter that considering the Christians forces and seeing no relief from the Bassa of Buda as he had promised they were content to yield the Castle so they might safely depart with bag and baggage but Palfi in the person of the arch-Duke who would not be known answered that since they yielded not at the first Summons but had held out to the losse of many of his mens lives and great charge they were unworthy of any favour yet he would of clemency receive them if without condition they would yield to mercy which being told to the Sanzack he said he would still stand on his defence whereupon a fresh assault being about to begin it was at last agreed the Turks safely to depart with their Apparel and Scimitars onely upon which agreement onely two of the Turks were sent back into the Castle they delayed 4 houres as doubtful what to do but Palfi being earnest for an answer and the Christians being ready for assault they yielded four hundred and fifty comming forth the Sanzack Governour being one with his Wife and Daughter and another Sanzack sent to ayd him and one Chiaus lately come from Court Instead of their gallant Horses they had base Jades to ride upon Men and Women being searched that they carried away no more than their Clothes any thing else fell to the Souldiers share Novograd serving as it were for a Bulwark to Pesth Buda now opened a way to the Turk's further harms Lord Rebei a Hungarian was made Governour with a strong Garrison and some Troops of Hussars The Sanzack coming to Buda was laid in prison by the Bassa who though he alledged the Town could not be possibly held with so small a Garrison against such a power imputing the fault if any to them of Buda for not sending timely relief and appealing to Amurath yet was he by his Command hanged by night on a Tree nigh the Gate and then cut in pieces The Emperour the while sent Embassadors to the great Duke of Muscovie the King of Poland and Transilvanian Prince to prove their affection towards these Warres and what ayd he might obtain Warkutch coming to Mosco found the Tartarian Turkish Persian Polonian and Danish Embassadors there the Tartar and Turk could have no audience being with reproachful words rejected as miscreants Warkutch was honourably entertained and after their manner was daily and largely allowed Wine Meade Aquavitae flesh fish and fowl of sundry sorts At length having audience the great Duke answered he would give the Emperour during that War 500000 Duckats and allow him yearly 400000 requesting him not to make peace with the Turks and promising him also ayd of forces if he needed the Persian also feasting the Emperours Embassador had great conference with him about the Christians Warres with the Turks promising the continuation of his Masters Warres with the Turk so the Emperour would promise to have no League with him that so he might not turn all his Forces into Persia. Warkutch after four moneths stay in Muscovia returned to the Emperour Then also Dr. Wacker returned out of Poland with joyful newes that the Polanders with 28000 had stopped the passage of 100000 Tartars sent for by the Turk and if he needed to be ayded by the Cossacks but the King being in Sweden he was by the States referred to a further answer of his other requests at his return At this time Serinus having assembled 10000 men departed from Canisia to besiege Bresenza Castle but the Turks had conveyed away their best substance firing the Castle and departing March 23 into which the Earl put a Garrison so also did he to Sigesta forsaken by the Turks and then besieged Babostcha which Castle though strongly scituated in a Marsh was for fear abandoned by the Turks by all which the Bassa of Ziget not a little doubted to have been even then besieged Amurath to vex the Emperour every way would send his Fleet into the Adriatick to besiege Zegna a City of his scituate in the Bay of Quernero wherefore he sent a Chiaus to request the Venetians that his Fleet might passe along that Sea and use their Ports and Harbours upon occasion which the Venetians fearing the Turk's treachery wou'd in no case grant yet they most honourably used the Embassador and so sent him away Lord Teuffenbach Lievtenant in upper Hungary with 20000 Souldiers April 16th laid siege to Hatwan six miles from Buda it having a triple ãâã and exceeding strong Bulwarks wherefore the Christians blockt it up Hereupon they of the Town by secret Messengers certified the Bassa of Buda how it was praying his ayd who with 10000 in readiness and five Sanzacks with 5000 more came April 30 and encamped on the side of the River Sagywa in sight of the Christian Army but not daring to passe the River he retired to passe over at Jasperin or Jasbrin where the River had a Bridge and not far off a good Foord thinking to come upon their backs and the more safely to relieve the besieged but Teuffenbach forthwith passing the River with much difficulty overtook him next day about one in the afternoon with his Ordnance disordered his Reare and coming on couragiously
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 ãâã into the room with their Weapons and slew them both and setting upon their followers cut them all in ãâã 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 ãâã 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
out The Hungarians in the Isle of Shut having submitted to the Rebels did much trouble the passages to Rab Comara and Strigonium to whom Messengers being sent to perswade them to return to their Obedience they so used the matter that those of Shut taking a Truce for 8 days sent 5 chief men to Presburg ãâã If they and their goods might be secured and the Haiducks there with them entertained into pay they would be ready again to swear Allegiance c. and leave their wives and children as pledges at Presburg The Governour gladly accepting their Offer courteously dismissed them who returning and declaring what they had done it was agreed 4000 of them to joyn to Collonitz who wore special Fea hers in their Crests for distinction's-sake their Wives and Children being carried to Presburg Upon which Agreement the Rebels and Turks invaded the Isle to surprize them but were by the Inhabitants ayded by some German Troops put to flight 3000 being slain About the beginning of July Commissioners were sent to treat with Botscay about a pacification who being honorably entertained were July 29. dismissed Botscay's Propositions were these 1. Every one to have free exercise of the reformed Religion for though he said he desired not to have an ancient Hungarian Decree to burn all not professing or revolting from the Catholike Religion repealed yet the Emperour regarding the present troubles to assure That none should thenceforth be troubled for his Religion 2. He requested to have Transilvania during his life after whose death it should return to the Emperour yet a natural Hungarian to govern the same as also Hungary 3. But one Bishop to sit in Council who might if thought meet be the Chancellour 4. Their Liberties and Priviledges to be kept inviolate 5. That he should only choose the chief Palatine of the Kingdom 6. All confiscated goods to be given to men of desert 7. All State-offendours to be judged by the Council of Hungary 8. None to be Bishops but those of the Noble Hungarian blood 9. All former injuries to be forgiven and forgotten All which if granted he promised to do his utmost for peace betwixt the Sultan and Emperour upon the best conditions he could requesting also the Charters of peace might be subscribed and confirmed by the Pope Emperour Polish-King and all the Imperiall Countries Achmat hearing of this Treaty sent in haste to Botscay seeking by great Offers and Promises to hinder it minding him also that he had lately subscribed as well as promised that Botscay having King Johns priviledges should shortly be proclaimed crowned King of Hungary Wherefore he was even now ready to send a Scepter and Crown to Alba-regalis but at present he sent him 2 goodly Horses with furniture of Gold and precious Stones also a rich Scimitar a pair of Golden Spurs and a long Horsmans-coat most richly garnished perswading him valiantly to ãâã who presently after went with a gallant Train into Transilvania to take an Oath of the Nobility for their ãâã to him sending also Redeius his Chancellour and others into Poland to renew the former Confederacy betwixt the Polonians and Hungarians who declared to the King the causes of that civil War which he imputed chiefly to the oppression of Religion and the German's insolency labouring much to perswade him thereof then requesting him of his grace and care which he and other Christian Princes had for the quiet of Christendom chiefly of those 2 distressed Countries to consult how so great troubles might be appeased and to afford his ayd to so good a work The King answered The renewing of the ancient ãâã was very pleasing unto him yet he could not well like of Botscay's revolt from that Family to which he was so nearly affined promising however to propound the matter to his Nobility who agreed That he that should out of Poland ayd Botscay should lose his head So the Embassadors returned much discontented to Botscay being now returned with a great power to Cassovia About this time Lord ãâã at Prague falling from words to blowes with Francis Count Belioisa his Brother Francis their men taking each part was flain Belioiosa being dangerously hurt in 5 places who so prosecuted his Brothers death that Rusworm was by the Emperour condemned and beheaded and divers of his men hanged with the Weapons at their heels wherewith they ãâã Francis Although the time of the year was now come that the Turks by reason of the Persians and their own Asian Rebels could not send so great Forces as they had wont into Hungary neither could the Emperour now raise such power as formerly to oppose them through the Hungarians revolt the Italian and German Princes affording little or no ayd and his own mercinary Souldiers mutinying for want of pay Serdar Bassa Achmat's Lievt General with what Forces he brought and supplies of the Rebels being notwithstanding 50000 strong Aug. 29. encamped before Strigonium having 40 battering-pieces and all necessaries for the siege the Tartars who came with them thither presently passing over the River Gran spoiled burned all the Christian Territory before them The Turks the while to deprive the City of all relief made a great Bridge of Boats over the River which they strongly fortified at both ends which much dismayed them of the City yea Basta seeing himself so weak much doubted of the event yet during the siege he shewed the utmost of his Valour and Wisdom for safeguard of the place Now those of the Isle of Strigonium had remained faithfull whom the Rebels often sought to force and perswade from their Loyalty 200 Haiducks returned to the Emperour's service were joyned to the Islanders but the Rebels suddenly surprized the Isle cut all these Haiducks in pieces Wherefore Basta would have sent the Walloons for defence thereof but the Islanders requested the contrary lest they should after their manner prey upon them so Collonitz was appointed who with Mounsieur de Lavall a French Gentleman lately come with his Troop to see service went into the Island into which the Rebels shortly entring he drave them our slaying 250 and taking about 50 in which conflict Lavall so bravely behaved himself that everymans mouth was full of his praises for he was scarce ãâã years old but the Rebels soon returning again more numerous and resolute there was a more bloudy fight yet the Rebels were forced with loss to retire Laval not to be perswaded from adventurously pressing on the retiring Enemy was shot and slain all that knew him much lamenting him But the Rebels still in one place or other invading the Isle and threatning all extremities most of the Islanders revolted and suddenly setting upon the Count of Rhene slew 300 of his men grievously wounding himself also Wherefore Basta sent over Ratzians and Walloons who spoiled the Islanders of what the Rebels had left them The Turks before Strigonium battering St. Thomas Fort for almost 3 weeks together had with great charge and loss of men made
those Electors being bound ãâã the Emperour both for their Electorship and in respect of Bohemia they could not they said but send him present ayd to which end they had some thousands of Souldiers ready in their frontiers About May 17th Matthias marched towards Prague with 18000 Collonitz following him with the rest and though he had severely commanded his men not to rob spoil or burn and had hanged some headed others therefore yet some would be stragling sometimes and doing harm chiefly the Hungarians who ran out as far as the Emperour's Camp and new Prague whom yet the Imperials though 20000 strong let alone the Emperour so commanding howbeit some of them going too far abroad were by the Country-men slain May 23 the States of Bohemia were assembled at Prague the Emperor being present where they promised to spend lives and goods in his quarrel yet requested divers things to be granted and confirmed the chief whereof were that Religion according to the Confession of Bohemia and Augusta should not be violated and the Professors of either not scoffe or despise each other the arch-Bishop not to meddle with civil affaires that Protestants and Patrons of the University of Prague should be joyned to the Consistory as in Ferdinand's time Political Office not to be void above a moneth to which men of both Religions should be admitted every man to enjoy his right and no decree published against it Every man to have access to the Emperour and not all to be done by his Councellours all men to know what was treason a difference to be made bet ãâã offences and none for a leight one to lose goods life and reputation the suits of Widows Orphans and others to be expedited and not from day to day deferred the Father not to pay the Sonnes debt which he ran into without his knowledge but the Sonne himself Lawyers which plead Causes to be content with fees by common decrees appointed them and in any wise they requested the Emperour to ease them of these griefs before compelled to answer to what was to be propounded in his behalf most things he easily granted those which concerned Religion onely excepted which were put off unto the next Assembly About the end of May Matthias's Embassadors came to Prague upon safe conduct who caused their charge to be read before the Councel out of a long writing in the Bohemian Tongue then being put aside and a while after called again they were answered That the points were of more weight than to be sufficiently deliberated of so soon wherefore they thought meet that Commissioners on both sides meeting in open field nigh Debritse should consult there of those Articles who at length accordingly so wrought by often going to and fro that the Emperour and arch Duke were again made friends the Articles of which pacification were June 17th openly read in the Castle of Prague according to the first whereof the Crown of Hungary with its Ornaments as King Stephen's Sword the Golden Apple with the Crosse of the Kingdom upon it two pair of rich shooes a very ancient Robe with a royal ãâã were by the Emperours chief Lievtenant delivered to the arch-Duke Matthias to whom also the arch-Dukedom of Austria before by the Emperour possessed was surrendred who with his Army ranged in order c. commanded three great Vollies of shot to be discharged and then royally feasted the Emperours Embassadors and many of Matthias his Camp especially the Hungarians went into Prague to buy necessaries many coming also out of the City to see his Camp but the while some insolent Souldiers by night breaking up some Shops of the Jewes and carrying away much rich Wares caused great stirs so that divers Souldiers were cast into prison July 1 King Matthias departed from Prague with his chief Councellors towards Lintze dividing his Army into three parts for their more easie passage but one Cottovitz a Noble Bohemian to whom the Hungarians and Haiducks had done great ãâã in this expedition with 600 Harquebusiers and many Countreymen went to Patrovitse where cutting off the passage and cutting down Trees acrosse the wayes he slew about 900 Hungarians coming that way carrying away some prisoners with much booty of Horses Wagons and Goods whereupon the Hungarians trod down the Corn as they went and began to fire the Villages and Houses thereabouts but the King by the General of Horse commanded them not onely to desist but upon a great penalty to help quench the fires they had raised In the mean time great preparation was made at Vienna for receiving K. Matthias and bringing him into the City according to his Dignity which triumphs and Solemnities ended when as they there began to consult of things concerning the good Government of Hungary and crowning of the King and that the Protestant States of Austria began to exercise their Religion according to the Confession of Augusta Leopold the arch-Duke and Bishop of Passavia Melinus the Popes Nuntio Cardinall Forgats and the Bishop of Vienna came and by earnest soliciting of the King obtained that that exercise of Religion should be again abrogated the Temples shut and publique preaching forbidden whereupon the Protestant States calling a Councel refused the Oath of allegiance to the new King till they had obtained the liberty of their Religion commanding all their Subjects and Tenants to be ready in arms and if need were every 30th 10th or 5th man to be prest to the Warres but they supplicating unto the King 180 Nobles subscribing thereto and being answered onely to desist from their purpose and appear forthwith to take the Oath they Septemb 14 going to Horne by Letters to the Popish States protested themselves clear of all the evils to ensue if they should take their Oath of allegiance to the King and so raised an Army beginning by all meanes to provide for their affaires but the States of Bohemia and Moravia informed them that they would intercede for them to the King yet not to be wanting to them at their need Letters the mean time came to Vienna from Constantinople declaring Matthias's Embassadors to have on his behalf promised faithfully to keep the peace and the Sultan to have received the presents before the chief Bassaes but he would in no wise grant them the Government of Transilvania giving it to Gabriel Bathor and commanding the Bassa of Buda to establish him in that principality About the beginning of October 2 Counts were sent to the Protestant States at Horne Maximilian the arch-Duke following them who by no meanes or promises could draw them to take the Oath of allegiance without the freedom of their Religion but Octob. 16th the Popish States took that Oath to King Matthias at Vienna with Ordnance Drums and Trumpets thundring and sounding and great feasting triumph and solemnity which done Matthias came Octob. 22 to Presburg being brought by the Hungarian Nobles with 10000 Souldiers into the City who Novemb. 6th offered the King some Articles in
term of 30 days was restrained to 20 so that the Morisques were hastened to depart and the Vessels of what Country soever were stayed in all parts of Spain to transport them whither they would go Many passed into Barbary but this year above 150000 of them came into France the King sending Commissaries to see them well used and orderly transported away There was a War in Barbary betwixt Muley Nequy King of Fez and Sidon his younger Brother this forcing the Elder to flee and craved ayd of Philip King of Spain who treated with the Mahometan promising him Succours with 100000 Duckats to return to Alarache or Arache a strong Town in the Realm of Fez seated on the Ocean at the mouth of the River Lucus that held for him to draw unto him as many Souldiers as he could and for the safety of those Succours to put Arache into Philip's hands in which the Kings of Fez do usually keep 300 Light-horse and 300 Harquebusiers in Garrison because the Portugals and Castilians hold almost all the sea-Towns of the Provinces of Habat and Eriff Arache being in that of Algar Xequy returned to Arache with his mony in a Ship of the Kings to whom shortly many repaired The Spaniard the while preparing a great Fleet embarqued 10000 Souldiers under the Marquess of St. Germain who Novemb. 20 arrived at the Port of Arache next morning the Marquess calling a Councill imparted his design to force Arache if Xequy kept not his promise the Captains assuring him of their valiant behaviour but the King of Fez having no means to go from his word many of his people fearing to fall under the power of Spain would have abandoned him but the Captain of the Castle being his he thrust out the Garrison and delivered the Keyes himself to the Marquess Whereupon all the Inhabitants ran to Arms and after 3 hours valiant Combat many of them being slain were forced to yield to the Marquess who presently set the Cross and Arms of Castile upon all the Towers and Steeples This news much pleased the King of Spain the people making Bonfires for joy News came to Constantinople that the great Cham of Tartary his Son comming to enjoy his Fathers Estate his Uncle practised to seize upon the Crown but each of them joyning Battel with an Army of 60000 men after 40000 slain upon the place the Son had the Victory and so obtained the Crown Some years before one Willowby an English man rigging out a ship for War in the Levant came into Algier to sell his prize where one Cattania was Bassa who commanded this ship to be seized and rifled pretending she had burnt a Caramousall of his which indeed he had caused to be fired under the colour to seize upon theÌ ship and goods Willowby complained at Constantinople to ãâã an English Embassadour but could get no satisfaction Wherefore he came into England obtaining Letters from the King to the Sultan and Sir ãâã Glover then residing Embassadour who went to the Chimacham the Grand Visiers Lievtenant he being then employed against the Persian who would not suffer these Letters to be delivered to the Sultan promising justice upon Catania whom he discharging of his place sent for him to Constantinople where he denied the Fact Hereupon Willowby suborned one Ofis's Bassa who having been at Mecha was held a very holy Turk who set his Brother to procure false witnesses on promise of the Tenth of what was recovered these being ãâã to swear Catania compounded with Willowby for 4 or 5000 Dollars Thus the holiest of the Turks for mony will not stick to swear falsely In 1611. Constantinople was so afflicted with the Plague that it crept into the Seraglio one of the Grand Seigniors Sons dying thereof Wherefore he passed the rest of the Summer in a Seraglio about a League and half from the City The contagion so raged for 5 months that 200000 persons died in that time which great mortality is most to be imputed to the wilfull negligence of the Turks who neither turned away from a dead body going to buriall nor forbare visiting their infected Frends for say they as soon as a man comes into the world God writes in his forehead all his good and evil haps and of what death he shall die which no humane power can avoid so that when any one is dead another wears his cloathes Wherefore Constantinople and Caire are seldom free and when the Ayr is disposed to infection they number not the dead but by 100 thousands Before this Plague the Baron of Salignac French Embassadour dying at Constantinople that King sent the Baron of Mole to supply his place who having visited the Mufti the Grand Visier the Destorda or high Treasurer the Bostangi Bassa or chief Gardiner and other great Ones was admitted to Audience and to kisse the Sultans Hand being returned to Constantinople about the end of October The Embassadour and his Followers parted from his Lodging at Pera in Turkish Robes for the Majesty of the great Turk is such that Forraign Embassadours approaching him they and their Train must be attired after the Turkish manner and passing the Channell he was honourably conducted to the ãâã and as honourably received at the Pallace-Royal Where the grand Visier attended him at Dinner in the Hall his Train dined in a low Gallery a great Tapistry being laid on the ground without Cloth or Napkins and some Dishes of water-gruell with Sugar and pottage with pullets being thin-set their drink being Cerbet made of the juyce of Limons Water and Sugar Then passing into another Gallery the Embassadour and sixteen of his Company had each of them a Robe of Tinsell which they putting on were conducted to the Imperiall Chamber at the entry whereof two of the 6 Capigi led the Embassadours by the armes to kisse the Sultans Hand or rather his Robe having first saluted him from his King and then was led on the the oneside going backward the French Gentlemen kissing his Robe likewise but they could hardly see his face it being turned towards a Window grated before which 30 Capigi the while passed with the Embassador's presents Then he made a short Speech presenting to the Sultan the chief Letter of his Embassage in the Turkish Tongue But in Transilvania Gabriel Bator who governed it since the Cession of Ragotzi had put himself into Turkish protection against King Matthias pretending a Title through the grant of Sigismund to the Emperor as King of Hungary and had recovered Hermstad and chased Radville out of Valachia where setling a new Vayuod and placing Haiducks in Garrison he returned toward Transilvania to oppose Forgatsie Matthias Lievtenant who passed the River Tibisce with Troops Radville had retired into Moldavia to Constantine informing him that Bator intended to seize on his Country and make but one Monarchy of the 3 Provinces Whereupon they joyning Forces in the end of June entred Valachia expelling Bator's Lievt with all the Garrison then entering
Countrey taking many Oar-Galleys their Land-Army doing the like throughout Dalmatia which made the Turk angry with his Captains Foscol the Land-General vanquisheth three Towns in Dalmatia and dispersing 4000 Infidels two places more yielded to him yet the Turk won Licca and something elsewhere The Venetians get Mirabel in Creet or Candy with the Victualling-ships and fight prosperously at the Forts of Dardanel for which the Governour and three Bassaes were slain at Constantinople but he lost by shipwrack Grimmane the High Admiral with 1600 Souldiers and the value of 14 millions Thirty Gallies come laden with Souldiers and Victuals to Canea from the Turk this year 1648 where two Forts are lost and regained by the Venetians and that with much blood the Earl of Solm is killed with 17 Captains The Venetians likewise maintained the Haven of the pleasant vale of Suda in that fruitful Island against the opposing Turks whose Emperour Ibrahim by reason of his Tyranny is reported about that time to have given place to his Son The Life of Achmat the second 13th Emperour of the Turks AChmat II being proclaimed Emperour and established In 1649. The Venetians gave the Turks two overthrowes one in the Haven of Foggio where 72 Oar-Galleys perished 18 bigger Ships 60 Ships laden 6000 Turks were slain with the Bassa and as many ãâã taken And all this with the losse of 90 Venetians and 40 wounded This made the Sultan change the purple Garments of Saranzone his Embassador into mourning Weeds He also makes stop of the English ships and so turns his force against the Venetians who slew 1500 Turks at the Haven of Suda drowning six Galleys with the Bassa that was their chief Captain They contend vehemently for ãâã 4000 Sacks of Wooll and 33000 scaling Ladders being brought thither for storming 't is twice lost and as often recovered but at the third attempt a Mine is made which consumed 3000 Turks and 200 Christians Twice were the Alps of Italy crossed into the lower ãâã for prey And when Haase had given place unto ãâã and had gone into Dalmatia twenty thousand Turks were there consumed with the Plague However more than 50000 Christians were captivated by him In 1650 He is watchful over the Persians who appeared in Arms against Babylon and he reneweth Peace with the Hungarians He likewise reduceth the Cyprians and the Bassa of Cagre into obedience But in Candy the Venetian afflicts him in the Gulph Del ãâã four times he was preyed upon and the Haven of Maluase was stopt together with ãâã Whereupon he moves War by Usais his Bassa and that chiefly because his Navy at Dardanelle was penn'd up other Havens also were possessed by the Venetians that provision could not be brought in to the Island In 1654. The Venetians obtained a great Victory over the Turks having fought them two dayes together in the Dardanelles wherein they slew 6000 Turks wounded the General Amurath Bassa to death taking 4 Men of War and 16 Galleys yet not without the losse of one Galliot and five Galleys The Turks about December the same year thinking to surpize the Fortresse of Vesprin in Hungary by night found such resistance that they were forced to retire with the losse of 900 Men. Not ãâã before which the Grand Seignior of the Turks ãâã advertised that the Vizier Bassa had long projected to make himself Emperour through the assistance of the Greeks who were to have rebelled also by the correspondence he held with the Moscovites Cossacks whom he promised to embrace the Greek Religion He called him before a Private Council and being condemned to death was strangled within 5 or 6 hours imprisoning also the Patriarch of Jerusalem About April in 1656 there were great ãâã raised by 20000 Janizaries at Constantinople who massacred divers of the Sultan's Council strangled the Visier Bassa forced the Sultana Mother of the Sultan to fly to the old Seraglio for safety the Muphti being glad to flye ãâã trusting these Mutineers who designed to dethrone the grand Seignior and establish his Brother They deposing all ãâã Officers in the Empire to secure themselves from punishment chose others in their room who were at their devotion So that although this confusion might have stop'd the Turks proceedings against the Venetians yet the new ones made more vigorous preparations against their Interest in Candia than formerly so that the ãâã were forced to send Prince Horatio Farnese other chief Commanders with good numbers of Men and store of Ammunition to maintain what they held in that Island The Turks being come to Bagnaluth making great Magazines at Clivano with 8 great Artillery-pieces and 1000 yoak of Oxen to draw them for the besieging of ãâã they ordered Antonio Bernardo to go into Dalmatia as Commissary General to assist the General Zeno. But within 2 or 3 Months after these tumults in Constantinople being appeased the grand Seignior riding through the City gave Order for executing of the Ring ãâã of these Disorders sending for the Bassa of Damasco to accept of the slain grand Visier's Office which great place was conferred on him through but 24 years of Age because of his great abilities Who about June coming to Constantinople with great Pomp and Solemnities was installed into the said Office Presently after that ãâã Fleet was recruited with Men Money and other necessaries over which the Venetian Fleet obtained a notable Victory June 26 1656. Who having stayd one month in the Dardanelles to wait for and fight the Enemy 7 Galleys of Malta arriving there the Turks Capt. Bassa appeared in the sight of the Castles his Fleet consisting of 28 great Ships 60 Galleys 9 Galeasses and other small Vessels The Venetian Navy had 28 great Ships 24 Galleys 7 Galeasses besides those of Malta who keeping in the narrow Channel the Turks must needs accept the Battle The Bassa had raised 2 Batteries on Land on both sides the River thereby thinking to facilitate his own going forth by causing the other to leave ãâã Station yet the Venetians undauntedly ãâã their shot ãâã that advantage unprofitable Wherefore the Bassa on the 26 in the morning advanced all his great Ships yet he withdrew behind the point of Barbiera a few houres after the Venetian Navy moving Eleazon Moccenigo now a Volunteer commanding the left Wing and passing beyond the Turkish Fleet fought valiantly to stop their retreat The Battle being begun Laurence Marcello the Venetian General with him of Malta intermingling with the other Venetian Vessels so hemmed the Turks in from escaping that they were forced to fight with more eagerness but they were wholly routed with fire sword and water the Captain Bassa onely saving himself with 14 Galleys 40 Gallies being taken in the fight 10 sunk and burnt with 9 Mahones taken but the 28 great Ships were for the most part burnt The number of Turks slain were judged to be 5000 4 or 5000 Christian slaves being released and 4000 Turks made slaves The Venetians losse being
to Hen. 3d. of England comes to Tunis and wins Nazareth 109. he narrowly escapes murther and is crowned at his return 110. ãâã comes into lesser Asia 120. ãâã a Castle 121. and dies 122. F. FErat ãâã made Generall by Amurath III 941. fortifies Castles at Lori 945. is threatned by the Janizaries 948 949. is discharged of that Office 950. regains it 986. takes Genge 994. is made General in Sinan's place 1060. is discomfited 1062. is fent for home and strangled 1079. Ferdinand King of Bohemia claims Hungary and comes to Buda 565. subdues Transylvania 566. breaks his League with Solyman 637. besiegeth Exek in vain for want of Victuals 640. suffers ãâã 642. to 645. takes Vicegrade 663. besiegeth Buda 666. is discomsited by the Turks 673 674. besiegeth it again 696. but shamefully departs 699. Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria besiegeth Canisia 1175. but is forced by cold to depart 1160. Frederick German Emperour wins Iconium and is drowned 55. Frederick his son is made General 16. overthrowes the Turks and dies at the siege of Tyre 56. Frederick the Emperour King of Sicily hath all Palestine yielded to him and is crowned King of Jerusalem 87. Fulk King of Jerusalem overthrown by Sanguin the Turk dies by a fall off his horse 23. G. GOdfrey goes to the Holy War 11. besiegeth Jerusalem 17. taketh it is made King thereof and dies of the Plague 18. Guy crowned King of Jerusalem 52. is made King of Cyprus 60. Gazelles an Egyptian Champion yieldeth to the Turks 510. but rebells 526. and is ãâã 527. H. HAssan Bassa besiegeth Alba-Regalis 1167. and wins it 1169. comes to relieve Buda in vain 1173. ãâã slain in a Battle against the ãâã in Asia 1176. Baldwin's Brother crowned Emperour of Greece 73. and dies 84. Henry King of France obtains a Fleet of Solyman 729. Horruccius becomes King of Algiers 598. coming to Ora is put to flight and slain 599. Hungary imbroyled in Civill Wars 239. Huniades puts the Turks to flight 243. is in danger 244. overthrowes Mesites 245. discomfits the Turks 250. slayes 30000 Turks 253. conquers Carambey 255. after three dayes fight flies 282. puts the Turks to flight 283. repulseth them at Belgrade 326. and dies 327. Hysmael ãâã 's son flies after his Father's death 433. embraceth his Superstition 434. takes Tauris 435. puts Elvan the Persian King to flight 436. subdues Mesopotamia 437. fights with Selimus 477 478. and retires 479. pursues him and takes his Ordnance 480. I. JAcaia second Son to Mahomet is sent into Morea joyns with the Rebels in Asia and is wounded 1374. Janizaries their first rise 173. make a Tumult in Constantinople 1185 1277 1428 1429. Ibraim I. chosen Emperour of Turks strangles his Admiral 1425. hath various events against the Venetians 1426. is deposed 1427. Jerusalem taken by the Christians 18. is won by Cassanes the Tartar and given to the Christians 114. is retaken by the Turks 115. John the Greek Emperor takes Tarsus and dies 23. John King of Jerusalem bebesiegeth Damiata 78. and takes it 80. John Ducas succeeds Lascaris in the Empire at Nice 85. and dyes 96. John Castriot delivers his sons for Hostages to Amurath 236. John Vayuod of Transylvania chosen King of Hungary 564. is deposed 566. re-installed at Buda by Solyman 575. besiegeth Strigonium 577. and dyes 659. John made Vayuod of Valachia by Selimus II. 876. overthrowes Peter Vayuod of Transylvania 870. takes Teina discomfits the Turks 872. is vanquished by the Turks 874. JonuÌses Bassa is sent to Damasco 406. wounded in Selimus's sight 509. is executed 520. he slew his wife 522. Isaac Comnenus taken prisoner by Axan 8. Isaac saluted Emperour of Greece 42 43. is deprived of sight and Empire 44. is restored to his Crown 67. and dies 68. ãâã saluted King of Persia for his cruelty is killed 893. L. LAdislaus chosen King of Hungary 278. Lascaris crowned Emperour of Greece at Nice 72. and dies 85. Leopold of Austria crowned Emperor of the Romans 1436. denyes aid to Ragotzi 1138. concludes a peace with the Turk 1444. takes Ragotzi into his protection 1447. Lepanto besieged in vain by Solyman Bassa 384. yielded to the Turks 427. Lewis 8th of France makes a vain Expedition into Palestine 27. Lewis 9th of France takes Damiata 91. wins Carthage besiegeth Tunis and dies 108. Lewis King of Hungary is over-ruled by his Nobles 560. is drown'd 562. M. MAhomet I. invested King of Turks 212. overthrowes Cara 214. puts his Brother Isa to flight 217 219. sends Musa into Europe where he is made King 222. is put to flight by Musa 224. takes Musa prisoner and strangles him 226. takes the Caramanion King prisoner 227. and dies 229. Mahomet II. crowned Emperor of Turks 306. subdues Caria 308. besiegeth Constantinople 309. wins it 315. beheads Irene 321. conquers ãâã and Athens 322. ãâã Servia assaulteth Belgrade 325. is wounded and departeth 326. befiegeth Rhodes with losse 327. wins ãâã 328. and ãâã 329. takes Mytelene and its Prince 333. subverts Bosna and sends Amesa into Epirus 334. besiegeth Croia 370. again besiegeth Croia but returns with loss 372. takes it 387. takes the Island Euboea 375. subdues Mysia 378. and ãâã 380. besiegeth ãâã in vain 382. loseth an Army in Valachia 383. surpriseth the Venetians 385. after infinite losse wins Scodra 395. invades Transylvania with losse 396. besiegeth Rhodes 397. but leaves it 401. and dies 402. Mahomet made King of Persia is hated 895. is invaded by the Turks 898. sends his son against them 910. who regains Sumachia 911. Mahomet III. saluted Emperor of Turks 1055. suffers losse 1056. proclaims War against the Emperour 1092. invades Transylvania 1097. besigeth Agria 1100. wins it 1102. is discomfited 1104. invades Hungary 1114. suffers losse 1119. besiegeth Canisia 1149. wins it 1151. Ibrahim Bassa being dead he appoints Hassan General 1154. appeaseth Rebels in Asia 1190. puts his eldest Son Mahomet to death 1191. invades Hungary 1205. is sorely troubled by Rebels 1214. and at Sea 1215. he suffers loss 1224 1225. and dies 1230. ãâã besieged by Solyman 767. who takes Elm-Castle 773. but returns with losse 790. its Knights suffer losse by Sea ãâã takes the Castle Lango 1333. Manucchiar Prince of the Georgians joyns with the Turks 900. and is circumcised 914. but revolts 943. ãâã an Engineer in Rhodes defeated 55. Turkish Mines 541. Masut divides the Turks Kingdome 29. Matthias King of Hungary spoyls Servia 364. wins the Kingdom of Bosna 373. Count Mantsfield is made General of Upper Germany 1061. besiegeth Dotis 1066. and Strigonium 1067. discomfits the Bassa of Buda 1072. takes the Lower Town of Strigonium 1074. and dies 1075. Matthias made Arch-Duke of Austria 1022. wins Novigrade 1023 besiegeth Strigonium 1026. but raiseth the siege 1033. is made General of Lower Hungary 1061. wins ãâã and ãâã 1077. takes Ali Bassa prisoner 1167. is crowned King of Hungary 1317. makes an agreement between Papists and Protestants 1319. makes Illeshachius Palatine 1317. who dyes 1320. is crowned
the Greeks in the Fleet said might easily be done whereby it might happen that Barbarussa would for shame come out and joyn Battel This counsel was best liked of and Auria came to Ambracia Bay so placing his Fleet 250 sayl that the Turks might easily number them At which sight Barbarussa though couragious was exceedingly moved So that an Eunuch sent by Solyman as Barbarussa's Companion seeing him to delay the time did uncivilly and proudly take him up because he would not forthwith go out of the Bay and fight with the daring Christians concluding he should beware that he fearing a most honourable death uncertain though the battel were lost drew not on himself the sure danger of a most shameful death by Solyman's displeasure Whereupon Barbarussa turning him to Salec said We ought for that I can see adventure this battel although much disadvantagious left haply we perish by the complaints of this barking Demie-man So weighing Anchor at the time that Auria was on his way toward Naupactum thinking he durst not come out who being come to Leucade the enemies Fleet was deseryed from the top of ãâã great Gallion making towards them keeping close by the shoar the crafty Turk counting it less losse if the worst should happen to lose the Galleys than the men Auria somewhat troubled hereat yet commanded the Fleet to prepare to battel and follow his Admiral Galley The Turks Fleet was come into the open ãâã in such order with 150 Galleys that Auria confessed afterwards a more firm and orderly Fleet could not have been brought out by any before which came Drogut an arch Pirate with about 20 nimble Galleys Capellus came in his long boat to Auria requesting that he with his Galleys might give the first charge whom Auria thanking and praising requested him to follow him to whom he would give a seasonable signe what to do The foremost of the Turks Galleys was come to the great Galleon the foremost of the Christian Fleet whereto were sent some Galleys from Salec to help assayl it which shooting afar off did no harm nor Bondelmerius them who suffered not a piece to be discharged expecting them to come nearer who coming accordingly were by the great and small shot glad to stay and retire Auria the while called back the Ships gone before towing out his Galleon and charging the Captains of the Galleys to make ready upon signal given yet was he not minded to fight without his ships which the enemy perceiving sought by all means to fight before the coming in of the tall ships for it was so calm that the ships could not keep way with the Galleys and the smooth water offering an opportunity for battel so that Grimannus ctyed aloud to Auria to give the signal c. who fetching a great compass held a strange course hovering about his ships of purpose to draw the enemies Galleys within danger of his great ships but Barbarussa doubting to be circumvented with some finenesse stayed his course expecting to what purpose that his strange course tended both his wings the while had begun in divers places to encounter with the Christians some still vainely assayling Bondelmerius others had sore beaten two ships with their Ordnance wherein 2 Spanish Companies were embarqued many men being slain 2 other ships laden with victual were burnt and some few men saved by their ship-boats and by swimming to the next ships In the close of the evening Salec took 2 Galleys stragling behind After which was taken the ship of Figaroa a Spaniard though his men fought most valiantly for a time whose son taken with him beautified with nature's gifts was afterwards presented to Solyman turning Turk and growing in credit obtaining his Fathers liberty after 3 years miserable imprisonment sending him home well rewarded Whilst both Fleets lay expecting their most advantage a great tempest os Thunder Lightning Rain with a fresh Easterly gale arose The Christians seeing the Turks hoysing up their small sayls hoysed up both small and great sparing no Oar to clear themselves of the enemy and that disorderly and in great haste So that Auria called a second Neptune was that day accounted no Captain Barbarussa is reported to have pursued them a while till through the night's darkness he stayed his course for the Admirals had put out their Lights in the poupes whereat he laughing said oft in Spanish Auria hath therefore put out his Light The better in the dark to hide his flight Being come to Corcyra they generally thought by that sudden storm they had avoided a great danger The Emperials to excuse Auria imputed it to the Venetians who would never take any Spaniards into their Galleys wherefore Auria doubting of them refrained battel and the rather because they had hoysed their sayls tyed to their Yards with lines which they cutting might flye which way they would Shortly after came Barbarussa to the Isle Naxus about 4 leagues from Corcyra Eastward braving the Christians Gonzaga grieving requested the 3 great Commanders for the Christian's Honour to represse their insolence at last the Venetians taking in some Spanish Companies they were to give battel in 4 squadrons but it was so long protracted that Barbarussa fearing Tempests returned about Octob. 7. into the Bay of Ambracia After which the Generals went to befiege Newcastle a strong Turkish Town in the Bay of Sinus Rizonicus the people were Dalmatians Epirots who had renounced their Religion and some Turks which they soon won with a great prey and a number of captives and 3 dayes after the Castle was also yielded the Turks covenanting in vain to depart with life and liberty This Town for all the Covenants of the League was reserved for the Emperour and Sarmentus with 4000 old Spanish Souldlers left in Garrison Capellus urging in vain the Venetians right Wherefore the grieved Senate now assured of an ill neighbour to their Town Castrum decreed to sue to Solyman for peace which they easily obtained a little while by Grittus their Duke's son and Ryncus the French Embassadour who told the Bassaes that the Venetians League with Charls was made without most of the Senates consent Barbarussa putting to sea to relieve Newcastle many of his Galleys were by a Tempest cast away on the Acroceraunian Rocks 20000 men being reported to be lost Capellus would have perswaded Auria to pursue Barbarussa so distressed which Gonzaga well liked to recompence the former disgrace but Auria not liking the matter presently hoysed sayl for Italy leaving Capellus in such a rage that he detested himself for submitting to another man wishing the Captains present never to be subject to a'stranger c. But Auria referring all he said and did to the Emperour's profit so far that Ursinus then serving the Venetian merrily said Auria had done nothing but politiquly to set the Venetians and Turks together by the ears opening a gate for a long War c. without his losing one Galley for many thought that would sort to
and yielded themselves Amurath hereupon commanded Ali Bassa of Buda to be strangled for that he had broken the League in not restraining the insolency of his Sanzacks and placed ãâã Bassa in his stead whom he had now again by the request of his Wife received into favour About this time also Sigismund the King of Swedens Sonne chosen King of Poland even in the beginning of his Reign wrote to Amurath to renew the League which his Predecessors had before made with the Turkish Sultans unto which his Request and Letters Amurath not long after returned answer that he took it well that he had sent his Embassador with Letters to his Court who had requested in his name that no invasion should be made in his behalf into the borders of the Kingdom of Poland or any harm there done between that time and the confirmation of the League wherefore as it beseemed him that nothing be on his part done either much or little against the League so should it be on his part most inviolately observed to which end his Letters were directed to Isban Gerai the Tartar Prince straightly commanding him not to make or suffer any incursion to be made into the Borders of Poland telling Sigismund that it was on his part requisite not to forget oft to intimate to his Court such occurrents and newes as should happen in those parts which should be unto him a signe of his sincere love and friendship Sigismund according to his promise being crowned at Cracovia sent Dzioursius his Embassador to Amurath for confirming of the League which he so firmly kept that he could never by the intreaty of the Emperour or others be drawn into the fellowship of that long Warre which he and a few other Princes his confederates hardly maintained against Amurath while he lived and also against Mahomet his Sonne the year following 1588 Ferat took the City of Genge being for fear quite forsaken by the Inhabitants who yet upon his faith given for their safety returned again yielding to pay the Turks 5000 Duckats yearly tribute but going further into the Enemie's Countrey and having part of his Army cut off by the way he was by his Souldiers ill-intreated wounded and forced to retire Cicala also passing over Euphrates had bloudy skirmishes with the Persians sometime having the better sometime the worse till Amurath himself as weary as his people of that long and chargeable Warre and the Persian King inclining also to the peace by Sinan Bassas perswading was intreated to hearken thereunto both for new troubles then arising in other places as also for the great Famine and Plague then in Constantinople Sinan also wisely told him he could not confirm his new Conquests in Persia without peace wherefore Embassadors passing to and fro a peace was at length concluded on betwixt these two Mahometans the Turks still to keep Tauris Genge Sirvan and Chars with all the profits thereof to maintain his Garrisons and Timariots there whereof although it was thought new stirs would soon arise yet the League was on both sides for 10 years space orderly confirmed for the more assurance of which one of the Persian King's Sonnes or Nephews was given in Hostage to Amurath as he required Shortly after there was a great sedition at Constantinople by the Court-Souldiers who returning out of Persia insolently demanded their pay wherefore Amurath ãâã to inhaunce the value of the Coyn and a new kind of Subsidy imposed upon all without exception who standing upon their old Liberties refused to pay it chiesly the Souldiers of the Court wherefore the Aga of the Janizaries was commanded to appease them and perswade them to pay and was in danger to be slain in the attempt yet for prevailing no more with them he was thrust out of his Office and another placed in his room that should have married Amuraths Daughter whom for all that they would not accept of but threw stones at him and threatned to kill him Next night a great fire arose in the City to quench which the Janizaries were commanded to help which they both refused to do and kept back others that brought water to that end and with the other Court Souldiers did what they might to make it burn faster the fire consumed seven Temples 25 great Inns 1500 Houses with many Shops and Ware-houses Commandment was given to a Beglerbegge of Greece and Passi a Jew the first Authours of this new Imposition either to gather the said Tribute or by some other meanes to content the Souldiers but the Priests publickly perswaded the people from paying of this new Tribute or any other such like whereupon the Temples were shut up by the Priests Prayers for the Sultans health intermitted the Bassaes Houses assaulted and all the City in a new hurliburly so that Amurath was glad to pay the Souldiers out of his own Treasury to revoke his Mandates for the new Tribute and to deliver the Beglerbegge and the Jew to the will of the Janizaries who drew them up and down at Horses Tails then cut off their Heads tossing them from one to another like Tennice-Balls About the latter end of September Sinan Bassa of Buda by the help of other Sanzacks raising 11000 Souldiers to spoil all the upper part of Hungary summoned the Castle of Putnock October the 6th but they being better provided and more resolute then he supposed he departed thence and passing the River Sachayo came to Sizo a small Town which after soar battery he took burning it to the ground Russel the while Generall in that part of Hungary came upon him and after hard fight put him to the worst having slain about 2500 Turks besides 300 drowned in the said River Shortly after the Christians breaking into the Turks Frontiers took the Castles of Blavensten Gestes with some other small Forts thereabouts Sinan having against the League and without Amurath's Command so unfortunately attempted Warre was in 1589 sent for with great displeasure to Constantinople and Ferat Bassa of Bosna placed in his room at Buda Amurath not ignorant of the ill success of the invincible Armado as it was termed of Philip of Spain set forth to invade England in 1588 and of the purpose of Queen Elizabeth to trouble his rich Trade especially into the West-Indies and for relief of Don Antonio by him driven out of Portugal wrote unto her about this time confirming those and such like matters as had been moved by her Agent telling her that since he had for many years past made Warres in Persia with a full intent utterly to subdue the Kingdom of that accursed Persian Heretick and now was upon point of satisfying of his desire that once done provision should be made for all things she had desired of him who by her Orator had requested him at the first of the next Spring to send out his imperiall Fleet against the King of Spain exhorting her in the mean time to be alwayes vigilant and according to the conventions