The First Book. History of Sultan Amurath the Fourth.

AMurath the Fourth of that name, Emperor of the Turks, had no sooner put an end to the differences that were between him, and Vladislaus the great King of Poland, but he immediately resolved to execute his long intended design of recovering the City of Babylon, vulgarly called Bagdet. Pekier Bassa, the better to shelter himself from Amurath, had delivered it to the King of Persia. The importance of this enterprise was such, as made the Sultan think his own presence necessary to accomplish it. Therefore to reestablish that glory which his Arms had lost under the Conduct of his Generals, he took the field at the head of three hundred thousand men, with such expedition, that he prevented the Sophy, and forced him to retire after he had fortified some places, which were not before in a condition to make any resistance. Tauris was the first place that presumed to withstand the Sultan; and it was so vigorously defended, that it provok'd him after he had taken it, to rase it, and plough up its very Foundations, thereby to strike terror into other places which he designed to attack; from thence he march'd to Revan, where the Governor brought him the Keys, and came over to his side. Being thus possessed of this place, he turned all his Forces against Babylon, which he besieged and plied so furiously that at two and fifty days end, he carried it, after four of the bloudiest Assaults that were ever made. The Pillage of it he bestowed on his Souldiers, commanding them to put all to the Sword without regard of Age, or Sex. Not satisfied with this advantage, he extended his Conquests over divers Provinces, wasting all the Country through which he past, and nothing being able to satiate his desire of revenge but the defeat of the Sophy, he staid not to attend his coming, but advanc'd to find him out, and offer him Battle; which the Persian Monarch thought not fit to hazard against the Victorious Ottoman, but retreated to the remotest Mountains of his Empire: from whence, the Grand Signior, seeing he could not draw him by open force, he resolved to send him a challenge, by which he let him know, that setting apart the consideration of those great advantages he might certainly promise himself from so powerful an Army, (which was sufficient to subdue all Persia,) he was ready by a private Combate to terminate their antient quarrel, and the War which had so long ingaged both Nations. The Sophy to free himself from the Obligation of answering it, made as if he had not received this challenge; and dispatched a Cham or Persian Prince, to make overtures of Peace to Amurath: Who perceiving his Troops to be much harrassed, to give them some repose, consented to interrupt the course of his Victories, and hearkned to the Propositions of the Sophy, leaving his Grand Visier behind him to conclude the Peace, whilest he himself retired to Damas: where, till the season was fit to return into Europe, he refreshed himself after the • oils of War, in the Arms of a charming Persian Lady, who far out-shined all his other Favorites.

This beautiful Persian, was Sister to Emir Gumer, who to obtain the Grand Signiors Favor, when he basely surrendered Revan to him, presented him also with his Sister Rachima. The effect which her Charms had on the Sultans Heart, made the Sultaness Roxana, who had followed him to the Persian War, extremely Jealous. This Princess was not wont to suffer a Rival; her Reign had been long and uncontrolled, and she had often sent the finest Women in the Seraglio into the other World, so soon as she was informed that they indeavoured to seduce her Gallant. Amurath being acquainted with, and fearing her humor, to prevent her resentment, and free himself from her importunate Jealousie, sent her away before him to Constantinople; where all the extraordinary Honors that were paid her, were not sufficient to ballance her vexation for being supplanted by another; but not being able to revenge her self on her Rival, she resolved to fall upon those who rejoyced at her disgrace. Her Jealousie, and cruelty made her formidable to all the World; but none had more reason to mistrust her than the Grand Signiors Brothers Bajazet, Orcan, and Ibrahim, the two first, (whose Valor equall'd their Birth) were tired with her persecutions: they knew her to be the cause that their Brother kept them in Prison, and how she had done her utmost to destroy them, that none might remain to dispute the Empire with her own Son. The fear of death which threatned them, had hitherto kept them from shewing themselves justly sensible of the wrongs which the Sultana Valide their Mother, and the Princesses their Sisters had suffered at her hands; but having learnt that she had lost much of Amuraths esteem, they laid aside their former moderation, and began openly to complain of Roxana; who was so inraged at it, that she vow'd their ruin, to let her Enemies see that her Authority was not at all diminished, and that none should go unpunished who offended her, nothing was left undone that might conduce to the accomplishment of her design. By fair promises she gained the Caimacan or Lieutenant to the Grand Visier, (to whom the Sultan had left the charge of his two Brothers,) to act without acquainting Amurath, left that should discover her Treason. She counterfeited Letters which assured him that these Princes had intelligence with their Brothers Enemies, and after she had prepared all things necessary to justifie what she was about to do, she produced a false Order of the Sultans, and was so cruel as to go herself (attended by the Executioners,) to tell the unfortunate Princes that she sacrificed them to her own hatred rather than to the interest of Amurath. Bajazet after he had reproached her with all her crimes, and given her thanks for taking away that life which he could not imploy in destroying her, submitted to the Mutes who came to strangle him. Orcan was not so patient; for without upbraiding her, he stood upon his Guard, and having slain two, disabled two more from having any hand in his death, which he was forced to undergo at last as well as his Brother.

The Murder of these two Princes caused an universal sorrow, and consternation; their Courage had given the World great hopes, and their death so inflamed the People against the Sultana, that had not the Grand Signior arrived, they had torn her out of the Seraglio, and made her a victim to the Public hate. Amurath was received in Triumph, with more magnificence than was ever afforded any of his Predecessors, after their most Signal Victories. He had left Rachima at Damas, which made Roxana believe that she was not quite blotted out of his Heart, and that she should soon recover her ground. To this end she made it her whole business to appear more charming in his Eyes, besides she brought him to thank her for the death of his Brothers, as an extraordinary service, by which she had diverted the dangers that threatened his Person, and Empire. She had indeed a greater Ascendent over Amurath than she could hope for, and found it no difficult matter, to rekindle in him all those flames, which the fair Rachima seemed to have extinguished. He now heaped new favours on her, and abandoned himself to such excess of Love, as proved fatal to one of the Princesses, his Sister. As she came one day to cast herself at his Feet to complain of Roxanas injurious carriage towards her, and of the unjust death of her two Brothers, he was so inraged at her, that with a Battle-ax which he held in his hand, he gave her a blow on the head, of which the Young Princess died on the place. Roxanas hatred was not satisfied with this Murther, she would have added that of the Grand Visiers Achomat, because he was of the Sultana Valides party, of whose Authority she was Jealous. Besides the intention she had of putting the Caimacan who was wholy her creature, into his place, she found means to render him criminal, by accusing him of being acquainted with, and favouring the designs of the Princes. This was enough to ruin him, but the fall of this great Favourites head, made such a noise, that it awakened all the Grandees of the Empire; they complained loudly of the injustices which the Great Sultana made the Emperor every day commit; they ript up all the Murders she had been guilty of, and caused the Mufty in behalf of the Public, to complain of her to Amurath. He had no sooner begun to acquit himself of his dangerous Commission, but the Sultana Kiozem Amuraths Mother came and presented her self to him, together with a Slave whom she brought to discover the Plot, that Roxana had formed against her Life. The Sultan at first would believe nothing, but the Eunuch whose remorse had made him acquaint the Sultana Valide with what was contrived against her, protested so earnestly that after he had discharged his Conscience of those secrets which filled him with horror, he was not afraid to die, that at last Amurath was convinced. Roxana was sent for to answer to the crimes that were laid to her charge, which she did with so much Pride and Disdain, that not being able longer to defer her punishment, by burying his Poynard in her heart, he endeavoured with his own hand to repair all those ills she had been the cause of. She was three and twenty years old, and was thought the handsomest woman that ever came into the Seraglio. Her Picture that Amurath ordered to be Drawn in the first transports of his Passion, which he always kept in his Closet, shews her to have been an accomplished Beauty. She was tall and well shaped, her Min was noble, and her Gate becoming, her Hair of a fair light Brown, the turn of her Face was Oval, her Complexion was very Clear and Smooth, her Eyes full and sparkling, her Nose well made, her Mouth little, her Lips Vermillion, her Teeth good and well set, her Chin was proportion'd to the rest of her Face, her Neck perfectly well shaped, with very pretty Hands, her Physiognomy was promising: There was such an air of Majesty throughout her whole Person, as drew the admiration of all the World; but with this she had Vices that rendered her insupportable: she was so cruel as to sacrifice all things to her Ambition and Jealousie; she delighted in Treachery and Revenge, and certainly she was the most Proud and Inhuman Princess that ever liv'd.

Amurath, having by the death of this Favourite appeased the murmurs of his People, resolved to keep himself from being so strongly ingaged for the future; but all his Passions were violent; he now wanted imployment, had no Wars to busie himself in, and the remembrance of his past cruelties stung him continually. Every one endeavoured to drive away his deep melancholly, which was looked upon as dangerous, by entertaining him with pleasures and diversions. The Empire never injoyed a greater Calm, and nothing was thought of in Constantinople but feasting and rejoycing. The Grand Signiors Court since the Peace concluded with the Persian, was crowded with idle Officers, who waited there in expectation of some recompence for their Services.

Mahomet Coprogli Pacha was one of this number,The Original of Mahomet Coprogli. his Father was named Coprogly, whom some affirmed to be the Son of a Mariner, others of a Gentleman, who by some concerns of his Family, being obliged to quit France, and settle himself in Italy, was in his Voyage thither assaulted, and slain by a Turkish Pirate, by whom his Son then about ten or twelve years old, was made a Slave, and carried into Cyprus. The Bassa Barac Bey, Governour of this Island, taking notice of the gallant Spirit of young Coprogli and his inclination to Arms, Educated him with great care, and when he went to the Persian War took him along with him, where he behaved himself so well, that he obtained a Timariots Place for him of the Emperor Achmet, and another very considerable charge in the Army, in which afterwards his Son Mahomet Coprogli, notwithstanding his youth and the contrary custom of the Turks, succeeded him: He acquitted himself in his imployment with great reputation, and by his merit and good Min, advantageously maintained that Credit which his Valor had gained in the War. Though he had been all his Life time in the Camp, yet he had contracted none of that Rudeness and Barbarity which is commonly apparent in the Carriage and Manners of Souldiers; but was as refined, as if he had never been absent from the Court, whose Maxims he was perfectly acquainted with, and was a better Politician than those that sate at the Helm. This made him bethink himself of getting some powerful Patron who might advance him in the Grand Signiors Favor, not being ignorant, that the most deserving Courtiers make no Progress without such a Protector at their Masters Elbow. His insinuation and good humor soon gained him the esteem, and friendship of the great men; more particularly of the Kisler Agasi named Vglan Chief of the Eunuchs in the Seraglio, and Prime Minister and Confident of the Grand Signiors secret Pleasures. This Eunuch was so favorable to Mahomet Coprogli, that he promised to second him in all occasions that might serve to raise his Fortune. He was a man of great address, had long experience in all the Intrigues of the Court in which he was grown old, and had obtained this honorable Station by extraordinary Merit. From him Mahomet Coprogli received Precepts how to behave himself, which were very serviceable in the raifing him to that preferment which he soon after arrived to. He discovered to him the most secret privacies of the Seraglio and the Court; instructed him in the humor and inclinations of the Emperor, and told him the best means to obtain his good Graces, concealing nothing which might perfectly instruct him in all the interests of the Great Families of the Empire, and the Grand Signiors Favorites. Coprogli knew well enough how to make his advantage of the informations of this crafty Aga. He began to put them in practice by compliance and submission to the Bassas, and all those who were near the Sultan. He was ever of the number of those with whom the Emperor diverted himself; the desire he had to please him made him use a thousand little arts, and he proved so successful, that Amurath began to distinguish him from the crowd, and to look kindly upon him; which soon made the Courtiers jealous of him. Envy is a Vice inseparable from the Favor of Princes, rendering those hated whom they honor with their Friendship. Coprogli quickly found the truth of this: Those whose esteem he had purchased by his Civility, and obliging conversation before he was known to the Sultan, no sooner perceived the good reception he met with, but they openly declared themselves his Enemies, and endeavoured all they could to overthrow the Foundation of his growing Fortune: but he having foreseen this alteration, had armed himself with Constancy against their persecutions. He behaved himself so wisely, that Envy herself had nothing to charge him withal, yet though he was prudent enough to avoid all the traps the Courtiers laid for him, he could not preserve himself from falling into the very first snares of Love. One day Amurath having (as he was often wont to do) made a debauch with his principal Favourites, he took a fancy to walk in the Gardens of the Seraglio, and as an extraordinary favour to let them go in along with him. When the Sultan walks in these Gardens, it is ordinarily with a design to favour some Sultana; and when he passes by the Ladies apartment, they use to throw Flowers to him, and send him Fruits, and Works of their own making, to deserve his kindness. They send these Presents commonly by young Slaves, or Odalisques, who forget not to inform him of their Mistresses Name and Beauty. Amurath chose to walk in a Terrass, which ran along by the Seraglio of the Sultana's, and ended in a Cabinet that looked on the Sea. This place he had built at his return from the Persian War, to riot in with the more freedom. Hither he often came with his Mignions, and that Persian Lord Gumer, who to avoid the punishment due to his Treason, had followed him to Constantinople. This man was one of the most exquisite debauchées of his time; he had found the way to gain the Grand Signior's affection, by teaching him to drink Wine, and a thousand other excesses not fit to be named. He entertained and discoursed with the Sultan, while he passed under the Balconies, where he saw several Sultana's. It may be the good humour he was then in made him go by them, to shew them to his Favourites; or perhaps, not having had any commerce with the Ladies since the death of Roxana, he began to be weary of living so reserved from the fair Sex, and had a mind to let the Sultanas know, that he had not resolved to deprive himself for ever of those sweets which he might taste in their company. Whatever it was, he was not displeased to see himself accosted by a young slave, who presented him with a basket of Fruit from a fair one he had not yet seen. This message did no less surprise him than the Fruits, which were some of them natural, others artificial; so well counterfeited, that they were hard to be distinguished. While Amurath was busied in choosing the Fruit, Mahomet Coprogli who stood behind him, was considering the beauty of the slave who brought it: he was naturally more gallant than ordinarily those of his Nation are, and seeing the Sultan taken up with the admiration of the Fruits, and the Courtiers earnestly commending the Lady who sent them, he thought he had a fit opportunity to let the young slave know what he thought of her beauty. But he not being the only man in the company who had discerning eyes, the charms of Fatima (so was the young Odalisque called) had made an impression on more hearts than his. He had hardly time to speak some few words to her, but, he was interrupted by Zelim Achmet, one of the Grand Signiors Favourites. This impatient fierce man addressed himself to Fatima more calmly then was otherwise natural to him, and seeing her eyes fixed on Coprogli, whose expressions without doubt she was not displeased to hear, he could not hinder himself from shewing his distaste, and looking scornfully on a man whom he already apprehended as his Rival. The presence of the Grand Signior, and the consideration of the place where he was, kept Mahomet Coprogli from answering the fierceness of Zelim Achmet with actions, and looks as disdainful as his own. Respect at present mastered his resentment, which would have broke out in another place, notwithstanding the splendid fortune of this Favourite. However to revenge himself in some sort he kept as near Fatime as he could, to hinder Zelim from having an opportunity of declaring his passion to her. The difficulty of seeing women in Turky, and above all, those who are shut up in the Seraglio, causes Love not to be so tedious there as in other places where one must sigh a long time before one can make a formal discovery of it. Therefore Zelim Achmet for fear of wanting another opportunity, thought it not fit any longer to delay speaking to Fatima: Fair Odalisque, said he to her, if your heart be as cruel as your face is charming, the sight of you would make me despair, not being able to look on you without loving you, or love you without a desire to please you. Mahomet Coprogli could not hear this declaration without regret. He cast his eyes languishingly on Fatima, who at the same time turning hers towards him, could not help letting him perceive that his complement had touched her more sensibly than that of Zelim; and she had already opened her mouth, to give him doubtless a favourable answer, when the Emperour, who heard them speaking behind him, turned about to mingle in the conversation; the subject of which he soon found out by looking on the young Odalisque, and considering her face more attentively than he had done before.

Amurath, who setting a side his cruelty and avarice, had all the excellent qualities that can be desired in a Prince, was also infinitely gallant; he continued the good humour he was in, that he might not interrupt the conversation of Zelim and Coprogli with Fatima. For all that I see, (said he to the two Courtiers) your judgment is very good, and I cannot blame you for being so earnest to gain the friendship of this lovely Odalisque. I my self, continued he laughing, am beholding to your gallantry for having made me take notice of her merit; but were you not disputing with her to know whether her Mistresses beauty equals hers? I'le clear that doubt to day, added he, addressing himself to Fatima, and I will see if the fair unknown who sent you hither, has charms enough of her own, not to mistrust yours. The young Slave answered what he said with so much wit, that he was wholly ravished: but the joy that he shewed, exceedingly disturbed Zelim, and Coprogli, who began to be Rivals, and already looked on one another as such. They fear'd lest the Grand Signior should rob them of Fatima, otherwise they might reasonably enough pretend to her, as being one of those slaves that wait on the Sultanas, and that are ordinarily matched to the great ones of the Port, who marry them that they may gain the favour of the Sultanas. Mahomet Coprogli was deserving enough to obtain Fatima, but the power of Zelim Achmet made him despair; he knew his love, and fear'd, not without good reason, lest he should make use of his credit with the Sultan, to deprive him of his Mistress: so that jealousie and fear seized on his soul almost as soon as love, The confusion he was in made him resolve to discover his passion to the great Eunuch, and implore his assistance, who promised him to have a care of his interests as well with his Master, as his Mistress, and was as good as his word.

The Sultana Valide, Amurath's Mother, and the Kislar Agasi who were the two powerfullest persons in the Seraglio, were very good friends ever since the death of cruel Roxana. They had plotted between them to furnish the Sultan with a new Favourite, who being beholden to them for her greatness, should be obliged to espouse all their interests. The Eunuch Vglan had undertaken to choose a fair one that should be proper for their design; he had cast his eyes on Zaime, a young woman that came to the Seraglio in the absence of Amurath, she was recommended to him by the Bassa of the Sea, who had taken her away upon the Coasts of Circassia. Her beauty and her wit render'd her worthy of the place she was destin'd to; and Nature had made her so surprising that she needed no body to speak in her behalf. The Sultana Valide, and the Kislar Agasi made no question but that she would infinitely please Amurath; to which end they agreed together what means they should use to captivate the Grand Signiors mind, who seemed to have no more inclination to love. They acquainted Zaime that they intended to make her great Sultana, and to ingage her the more to be greateful, exaggerated the beauty and merit of many others, before whom they preferred her. Then they instructed her what she should do to get the Sultan's good opinion, and perswaded her to send him some of her own Works, which were done with a great deal of Art, to make him desire to know her. Zaime waited for an opportunity to execute what they had contrived, being informed that the Emperor was in the Gardens of the Seraglio. She chose the time when he was walking on the Terrace we spoke of, to send him her Present, which she had disposed in little baskets of her own working. She gave this imployment to Fatima, whom she chiefly esteemed; but never thought that Amurath would have found her so handsome as to fall in love with her: if she had made this reflection, she would not have hazarded a conquest, the whole glory of which she intended to reserve to her self. Truly Zaime had need of all her charms to efface the impression which Fatima had made in the Sultans heart, whom she wholly possest so at first sight, that she had no leisure so much as to think of the Odalisque; and in a short time she rendred her self more absolute over his will, than ever the crafty Roxana had been; but she made better use of her power, and forgot not that she owed it all to the great Eunuch, being impatient till she had testified her acknowledgments to him, when he came to recommend the interests of Mahomet Coprogli to her, desiring her to beg the Government of Baruth for him of the Emperour.

This Government is very considerable, it was sought for by many Courtiers and Officers; but Zaime who had a mind to oblige Vglan, spoke so seasonably to Amurath, that she obtained it for Coprogli before all other Competitors, even Zelim Achmet himself, to whom the Sultan had promised it. She immediately got his Commission drawn, which she put into the great Eunuchs hands, withal assuring him that this was the least Grace he could ask of her; that she would make no other advantage of her power but to serve him; and that since he was kind to Coprogli she would take care of his Fortune. The Eunuch who received these marks of her goodness, with a great many submissions, and thanks, would no longer defer the accomplishment of Coprogli's happiness. He told the Princess Zaime that he was infinitely sensible of what she had done for him, but that since by an excess of generosity, she was pleased not only to load him with her benefits, but to extend them also to his friends; he beseeched her to pity the love of Coprogli, who as soon as he first saw Fatima, became desperately in love with her. This slave was very dear to Zaime, and the proposition of the Kislar Agazi surprised her at first: she could not bestow Fatima on his friend without parting with her for ever. This separation seemed very difficult to her, and she could have wished that Vglan to whom she could refuse nothing, had desired any thing else of her; but the great Eunuch who had undertaken to render Mahomet Caprogli happy, resolved to finish what he had begun, and at last prevailed so far upon her, that she had no power to deny his request. Go Vglan said she to the Eunuch, go tell your friend, that he is beholden to you for a favour, which none but you could have obtained of me. The Kislar Agazi did what became him on this occasion, and reiterated all the protestations he had before made of being faithful to her as long as he lived. His place puts him in a condition of obliging or disobliging the Grand Signiors Mistresses, which makes them have the more respect for the chief of the Eunuchs who govern their Seraglio. He was no sooner assured of Coprogli's felicity, but he sent for him to tell him the good news, who notwithstanding what he knew of the Eunuchs power, could hardly be perswaded that in so short a time he had been so successful, as to satisfie both his ambition and his love. But at last being possest of Fatima, and Vglan having given him his Commission for his Government, he thought of nothing beside the enjoyment of his good Fortune, which by the protection of the Sultana, and the friendship of the Kislar Agazi seemed to be firmly established. But when he was ready to go and take possession of his Government, he saw himself exposed to the cruel persecutions of Zelim Achmet. This formidable Rival was not able to see his Mistress, and the Government of Baruth to fall to Coprogli's share, without being jealous even to fury.

He could not indure a preference that made him almost desperate, he presumed much on his own merit, on the Sultans favour to him, and on the authority of his Uncle Ragep Bassa, who had succeeded in the charge of Grand Visier, after the death of Achomat; so that Coprogli was to expect all the ill offices that a private man can receive from a great Minister, and a Favourite who has his Princes ear: but yet having the Sultana on his side, he believed her able to protect him against his enemies: And he was so confident of this, that without taking any other measures, he parted from Constantinople with the fair Fatima, to go and take possession of his Government of Baruth. He exercised his charge with so much integrity, that he deserved the adoration of the people. But who can be innocent when merit it self is an offence? The Grand Visier Ragep was wholly swayed by his Nephew Achmet, who could not digest the affront which he pretended he had received from Mahomet Coprogli, and was not satisfied with the Government of Syria, which the Grand Signior had given him to comfort him for missing that of Baruth. This insolent Favourite projected the ruine of Coprogli; but seeing that the Sultana Zaime protected him, policy kept him from declaring himself openly against him, for fear of displeasing the Emperour who adored Zaime. He knew Amuraths humour perfectly well, and saw plainly that to oppose his love, was the way to ruine himself; therefore not to hazard any thing, he contain'd himself in expectation of some more favourable opportunity of revenge: and time had afforded him means, if the authority of the Grand Visier his Uncle had continued. Heaven which is weary of the injustice of the wicked, could no longer bear with those of Ragep Bassa, but destroyed him to preserve the innocent, who were the objects of his cruelties and treacheries. The jealousie which this Ragep, when he was but a simple Bassa, had heretofore had of Emir Ticcardin Prince of Drus, whom the chance of War had made a Prisoner at Constantinople, after the loss of his Children, his Estate, and Treasures, made him now afresh persecute him with calumnies, and engage the Mufti and Religion against him, that he might oblige the Sultan to behead the Emir, who derived himself from Godfrey of Bouillon, King of Ierusalem, and was the Protector of the Christians, and Franks in the Eastern Provinces. He had counselled Amurath to put to death Camtemir King of the petty Tartars, whom he had brought to Constantinople, under pretence of making his peace with the Great Cham of Tartary, who had corrupted him with Bribes. At last he had conspired to depose the Grand Signior, and set up his Brother Ibrahim in his place, So that the Sultan being informed of the treasons of this first Minister, who was the Author of all the Confusions in the State: he caused him to be strangled, and by his death prevented the destruction of many of the Grandees of the Port, whom he would have sacrificed to his ambition. This disgrace forced Zelim Achmet to let Coprogli be quiet for some time.

In the mean time Amurath, who had ended the Persian War, and calmed the troubles of his Empire, abandoned himself to the delights of the Seraglio. But Death which had spared him in Armies where he was exposed to the greatest dangers, surprized him in the midst of his pleasures; for in the Beyran, which is the Turks Easter, at which time they are wont to be very merry, the better to forget the austerity of their Ramazan, or Lent. The Sultan made a debauch with the Selichtar, Cham Gumar, Machut, and Iarzai, two other Persians, in which he drank so excessively of Malvasie, and Rossolis, that he inflamed his bowels, and fell into a burning Feaver, of which he died a few days after. Several Diseases, had taken away all his Children, and his cruelty had put all his Brothers to death, except Ibrahim, whom he thought incapable of reigning. While he was sick, he asked often to see him, intending as some believe, to have had him strangled, that he might leave none of his Blood behind him, but what should be born of Zaime, whom he knew to be with child. He had named Rahim Chiras, Cham of the petty Tartars to be his Successor, and had made a secret agreement with him, that in case Zaime should be brought to bed of a Son, he should resign the Empire to him. But the Divan ordained otherwise, and the Sultana Valide had no sooner closed his eyes but she went to take Ibrahim out of Prison. This Prince made some difficulty at the proposition which the Sultana his Mother, the Mufti, the Visiers and Bassa's made him of ascending the Throne; believing it to be a design to surprize him, and continued to counterfeit himself mad, as he had done till then, by the advice of the Eunuch Zomboul his Governour, who had taught him this way to avoid the cruelty of his Brother Amurath; but when he saw the Emperors dead body, he convinced them that he had concealed his Reason to preserve his life; and shewed so much judgment, that he at first suprized those who knew the manner of his Education.

Ibrahim having taken up the reins of the Ottoman Empire, began his Reign with such Justice and Clemency, as seemed to give the people an undoubted assurance of an happy Government. The first Commandment he gave was to Mustapha his Grand Visier, who had succeeded Ragep, That he should put no man to death, unless he were convict of so enormous a Crime, that he could not be pardoned without committing a greater. This Prince was extremely good natur'd, as might be seen by the lineaments of his face: he had a ruddy Complexion, a broad Forehead, his Limbs well set, but his Behaviour was very silly, and innocent, proceeding from his obscure Education, which had quite changed the vigor of his mind and health, so that it was feared he could have no children. This made the Sultana his Mother have a great care of the Sultana Zaime, whom she knew to be with child. Zaime who loved the Sultana Valide as her own Mother, had discovered it to her; and the subtil Sultana Kiozem Ibrahim's Mother not believing he would leave a Son behind him, would not suffer Zaime to retire into the old Seraglio, where the Sultanas of the deceased Grand Signiors shut themselves up. She fancied it would be no hard matter to perswade Ibrahim to love her: Zaime was young, her great belly appeared not, and no body knew of it; nor was it difficult to make him believe that the Child she should be brought to bed of was his own: but there was no need of all this contrivance, for Ibrahim who never knew what love was, was so well satisfied with Zaime, that examining no farther, he abandon'd himself wholly to the enjoyment of her: yet afterwards not contented with the delights he found in this Princess, who had taught him to love; he had a mind to try if another could not as well recommend those pleasures which had so long been unknown to him, and took a liking to an handsome Georgian, well born, and a Christian, who had been taken from her Parents at twelve years old, and brought to the great Seraglio at Constantinople, as a perfect beauty. She had been bred very carefully, having been taught to sing, and play on several Instruments, to accompany her voice, which was admirable: and it was by this that she had attracted Ibrahim. This Prince was a great lover of Musick, both instrumental, and vocal. He walked one evening under a Balcony, where the young Bassée, so was the fair Georgian called, sung a Song so passionate, that he would needs know the person that had sung it: but having found by conversing with her, that she had no less Wit than Beauty, he was so charmed, that immediately he threw her his Handkerchief, as a sure pledge of his Love, and a certain token that she should that very night receive more particular favours.

Of all the Passions that Princes are subject to, Love is the most powerful, and may boast of more triumphs than all the rest; and though it is said that fruition diminishes it, that of Ibrahim manifested the contrary, for by the possession of his new Favourite, he became more, and more inflamed: and his kindness increasing every day, contributed to Bassées good Fortune. The next morning she had eight women, four Eunuchs, and four Cooks added to her train.

The Sultan sent her six Baskets full of very rich Presents, with a Cabinet stored with many thousand Shekines, augmenting her allowance proportionably to his kindness; and not thinking this sufficient, he would have her Train as great as that of the Sultana Zaime; so that he gave her more Eunuchs, and made up her number of women sixteen. He furnished a private Apartment for her with the best Furniture in the Seraglio, where he often did her the honour to eat with her. The compliant humour of this Favourite diverted his natural melancholy; she would sometimes prevail with him to walk by the Sea-side, and to hunt in the neighbouring Fields.

At last the Eunuch Zomboul perceiving her to be with Child, he carried the news of it to the Grand Signior, who took a Diamond of a great value off from his finger to make her a Present of; and not being able longer to contein his Joy, went himself to congratulate her, that she was become the depository of a Pledge so important to the Ottoman Empire: afterwards he visited the Sultana Valide, to rejoyce with her. Zaime was quickly informed of it, and the news had like to have kill'd her; she found her self ready to lie down, which spoiled hers and the Sultana Valide's design. The time having deceived them, there not remaining enough to make Ibrahim believe that he was the Father of her Child. The Sultana Kiosem being one of the most subtle, ingenious Princesses that ever was, would not quite ruine Zaime, whom she tenderly loved, nor expose a Child of Amurath; for she made no question, but that Ibrahim when he should come to know the truth, would sacrifice Zaime's Child to his own safety. Therefore she resolved to keep her lying in secret, and to convey the Child out of the Seraglio by some trusty person. They could think of no body fitter to be trusted with so important a secret than Fatima, who was immediately sent for: She was ready to lie in her self, which served as a pretence for her coming to Constantinople, whither the women of Quality often come to lay their great bellies. She was no sooner arrived, but she fell in labour; and a little while after, the Sultana Zaime was brought to bed of a Daughter, which she put into Fatima's hands, desiring her to have as much care of her, as if she were her own. Fatima acquitted her self very handsomely of her Charge, and brought up this Princess in her own house, under the name of Iohaime: She had a Son, who looked on her as his Sister, and was suffered to continue in his error a great while, as we shall see hereafter when we come to his History.

In the mean time the Sultana Zaime being freed from the apprehensions of her great belly, appeared more beautiful than ever, which had some effect on the Grand Signior; but she could not quite regain him: he was constant in his affection to the Sultana Bassée, whose happiness made all those who pretended to his favour, jealous, and almost desperate.

Zaime, whose loss was the greatest, was most afflicted; nor did she neglect any means to destroy her Rival, who alone had banished her out of Ibrahim's heart. The Sultan perceiving her jealousie, and knowing her to be newly with Child by him, out of the apprehension he had of her wit and great power, endeavoured to reconcile her to the Sultana Bassée. The two Sultana's willing to please Ibrahim by their obedience, seemed to have stifled their jealousie, which put the Sultan into such transports of Joy, as nothing could augment but the birth of two Princes, which the two Rivals almost at the same time were brought to bed of. He now renewed the vow which he had before made of sending one of his Children to Mecha, to give the Prophet Mahomet thanks for the favour which he believed Heaven had bestowed on him by his intercessions. But as if the fruitfulness of Zaime and Bassée had distasted him, he took off his affection from them, allowing them only a place in his esteem, and ingaged himself in new amours, which manifested the inconstancy of his humour. Ever since this Prince had let loose the reins to his Passions, his counterfeit, or natural sweetness degenerated into extreme effeminacy, and a bloody brutality. He began to despise those who ought to have been most dear to him, as the Sultana Valide his Mother, the Mufti, and Zomboul his protector. He put to death his Grand Visier Mustapha Bassa, and Salik Pacha who succeeded him, soon after had the same fate.

Cappigi Bassa after the great services he had done him, had no better fortune than the rest; he caused the Captain Bassa General of the Sea, to be strangled for answering him freely in an important affair.

The Aga of the Ianizaries lost his head for the insolence of the Souldiers, who complained openly of the effeminacy, and cruelty of their Emperour. He was so fearful that he would put the most considerable persons of the Empire to death upon the least suspicion. He craftily invited the Cham of the Tartars to Constantinople, and beheaded him for saying, that if his Highness should die with-Children, he should inherit the Ottoman Empire, which belonged to him of right by Sultan Amurath's Will, the Constitutions of the Empire, and the Laws of the Musulmans. These cruelties made him odious to the Grandees of the Port, and the chief of the Seraglio; of which number were the Sultana Valide, the Eunuch Zomboul, and the Mufti. Several Bassa's revolted, but they were suppressed by Mehemet Bassa of Damas, who was made Grand Visier, though he could neither write nor read. All the Rebels were deprived of their Governments; that of Aleppo was given to Mahomet Coprogli, who relinquished that of Baruth, to his sworn enemy Zelim Achmet, who by his Intrigues at the Port had hitherto preserved himself. The Ianizaries and Spahies which are the two most considerable orders of the Turkish Militia, raised several tumults one after another, which were quieted again by giving them money. At last the Mufti, the new Grand Visier, and the principals of the Court, being weary of Ibrahim's cruelty, and ill administration, resolved to rid themselves of him; but fearing lest if he should discover their conspiracy, he would secure himself by the death of his own Children, that he only might survive of his race, and so save himself by the general necessity of the State, because the Turks cannot indure to have any other Emperours but what are of the Ottoman Family. They agreed before they undertook any thing to make sure of his Children, or at least to get one of them out of the Seraglio, whom they might have in their own power. The best expedient they could think of to bring this design about, was to let the Sultan know by the Mufti, that he was indispensably oblig'd to accomplish the vow he had made while he had no children, of sending one of his Sons to Mecha; assuring him that if he delay'd it any longer he would bring the wrath of Heaven upon him, and by declaring himself a transgressor of the Law, might cause an universal revolt. Ibrahim who was naturally very timorous, yielded to the Mufti's perswasions, sticking only at the choice of him whom he ought to send. The voyage being very long, the confidence he had in his Prophet, could not free him from his fear, lest some ill accident should befal the young Pilgrim: he would not venture his eldest Son by the Sultana Bassée, who was then about three years old, but was more inclined to send Prince Mahomet, then but thirty months old, whom he had by Zaime, who feigned her self to be with child again. She was not informed of the conspiracy, and knowing the Grand Signiors design, she told him, she would not leave her Son, and that the inconvenience of her great belly would not permit her to accompany him in so dangerous a voyage. Perhaps her jealousie furnished her with this pretence to remove her Rival from the Seraglio: on the other side Bassée knowing the conspiracy, solicited the Sultan to let her conduct Prince Ottoman his Son to the Temple of their Prophet; alledging that his eldest Son ought to accomplish his vow.

The extreme care she had to free her Son from the tempest which she saw ready to fall on the Seraglio, and her desire to leave a place where she believed she had been poisoned, made her the more earnest to go, being seconded by the Mufti, who assured Ibrahim that he ought to send the eldest of his children: So that the Sultan being pressed by such strong arguments, yielded against his will to superstition, and a Mothers tenderness. He immediately gave order to the General of the Sea, to equip the strongest Gally he could find. There was one of a prodigious bigness, which was not quite finished. The Captain Bassa sent him word that it would require some time before she could be sit to put to Sea: But Ibrahim who was extremely importun'd, said, that if she were not ready to sail in four days, his head should pay for his negligence: in the mean while he imployed the little time prescribed for their departure, in ordering all things necessary for their voyage, intending they should imbark with the greatest splendor and pomp that had ever been seen.

The day assigned being come, the Sultana Bassée who was otherwise indisposed, was more sensibly troubled to depart without her dear Confident Zomboul, who had discovered the plot to her, and desired her to provide for her own, and her Sons safety by quitting the Seraglio.

This Eunuch had the charge of Ibrahim when he was in prison, and had not only counsell'd him to counterfeit himself mad, to avoid his Brothers cruelty, (who otherwise would have murdered him with the rest of his Brothers) but he preserved his life when the Emperor commanded him to dispatch him secretly. Yet Sultan Ibrahim was so ingrateful to Zomboul, that after he had put him out of his place of Capi Aga, he often threatned him with death; so that his resentment made him joy with those who conspired his ruine: and foreseeing the approaching revolution, he was willing to secure his fortune by following the young Prince, who in all likelihood would soon come to be Emperour. The Sultana Bassée just before she went away, when she took her leave of the Sultan, cast her self at his feet, with tears in her eyes, to implore the last favour that she should ever ask of him, on which the happiness of her life depended. The Emperor moved by her tears, presently lifted her up, and promised to grant what ever she would request. Sir, said she, I ask Zomboul of you, to accompany me in my voyage. I know well enough that I shall rob you of a faithful servant; but when you consider it is for the service of your Son, and a Mother afflicted by so cruel a separation, I am perswaded you will not refuse me this last grace. Ibrahim was a little surprized at this unexpected complement; he could hardly think of parting with a Slave to whom he owed his life, and one whom he believed the most faithful of all his Officers: but he had promised, and that to a person who was dear to him for his Sons sake; therefore he ordered Zomboul to be ready to part the next day, and gave him the general command of the conduct of the voyage. He would have their departure kept secret, to which end about midnight, the Sultana Bassée, Prince Osman her Son, and her Servants being let out at the Garden gate of the Seraglio, the Grand Signior came himself in a disguise to the Sea-side, to give the Sultana, and her Son his last kisses. This Princess answered the Sultan's tenderness in such a manner as would have inspired the most insensible Soul with love and sorrow, Farewel Sir, said she with a languishing voice, you will never see me more, for I am poisoned by my perfidious Rival. After these words she went abord the Gally, and set sail, leaving Ibrahim in a melancholy which continued upon him for many days. Her last words were imprinted in his Soul, and perhaps he would presently have made Zaime sensible of his displeasure, had he not believed her to be with child, it being his desire to leave a great many children behind him. This inclined him to wait till after her delivery, to punish her for what she was unjustly accused of. Bassée who it may be had been poisoned by some body else, was vexed to leave her Rival in the Seraglio, although she had been promised that she, and her Son Mahomet should be involved in the Grand Signiors ruine. She would rather have had her fall by the Sultans own hand, and this made her defame this Princess, who has given too sublime marks of her virtue, to let the world so much as suspect her of so base a crime.

Those who had conspired the death of Ibrahim, deferred the execution of their design, till Bassée and her Son were arrived at Alexandria; but the Gally which carried them, being met near the Isle of Rhodes by the Gallies of Malta, commanded by Boisbaudran the General of the Gallies of that fraternity, was assaulted, and made a long and a valiant resistance, in which the Aga Zomboul after he had given proofs of an extraordinary courage, and done all that a brave man, and a wise Captain could do on such an occasion, was shot through the body with a Musket bullet, which disabled him from fighting any longer. He caused himself to be carried down to the Sultana's Cabin, where having called the Captains to him, he counselled them to compound with the Enemy: then kissing young Osman's hand, and taking leave of his Mother, he made them carry him up again into the fight, where he incouraged the Souldiers to the very last. His death disheartned the Turks, so that the Knights soon became masters of the Vessel; but the Prize cost the Victors dear. General Boisbaudran performing the part of a great Captain, died of a Musket shot in his breast. Piancourt, great Steward to the Grand Master of Maltha, and Captain of the St. Mary, was slain as he was drawing an arrow out of his hand: and Monsieur d' Albigre a Novice of great hopes, lost his life there, with many more gallant Knights. The great booty was but an inconsiderable recompence for the loss of so many brave men. The Sultana, and the Prince her Son, with their train were conducted to the Isle of Malta; An. 1644. and the news being brought to Constantinople made the Conspirators defer their enterprize.

The Grand Signior received the news with inexpressible sorrow, but when he heard that his dear Bassée was dead, his grief grew so excessive that he was almost distracted. He continued several days without speaking to any body; and upon coming a little to himself, he remembred Bassée's last words at her departure; which plunged him again into his former despair. He commanded Zaime to be brought to him, who apprehending his cruelty, took young Mahomet along with her, who was then look'd upon as heir to the Empire, that she might allay the Fathers fury by the presence of his Son: but he would have revenged himself on the Mother, and the Son too, if they had not been delivered out of his hands. As soon as he beheld Zaime, he reproached her with her treachery, and without hearing her justification, which she was ready to make on her knees: he had thrust his Dagger into her breast, if young Mahomet had not staid his hand, and received the stroke which he intended to have given his Mother. Hers and the Childs cries brought the Sultana Valide, and some Officers to the place, who freed them from the danger they were in. The young Prince was hurt above the right eye, where he has yet a great scar; which a modern Historian imputes to the scratch of a Diamond, which Ibrahim had on one day when he gave him a box on the ear. However it was, this action made a great noise in the Seraglio, and alarm'd all the City. Every body thought that the Heir of the Empire was dead; and Ibrahim himself was induced to believe it by the pains that the Sultana took to publish it, and her making a magnificent Funeral for him, which filled the Seraglio, and the Town with mourning.

He was the only man that shewed no sorrow for so deplorable an accident, which made him more hated than before. He sought to comfort himself for the death of his beloved Sultana, and the taking of his eldest Son, by the furious War which the undertook against Malta. He swore to ruine that famous Island, and to destory all the Kinghts that should come into his power: and having learn'd that they were French Knights that took his Gally, he could hardly forbear violating the person of the Sieur de Harley, Count of Cis • , then Embassador of France, at the Port, who retired to Pera to escape his fury. He would have massacred all the French in his Dominions, if the Aga of the Eunuchs who was very powerful with him, had not hinder'd him by Remonstrances that had very near cost him his life. His cruelty augmenting more and more, fell upon the chief Officers of the Empire. One Hussein whom from a poor Shepherd the Sultan had raised to an eminent condition, because during his confinement he had diverted him with his Pipe, and Country Songs, feeding his Sheep near the Prison, helped to nourish his brutish passions. The Grand Signior gave credit to none but this man, who being jealous of the authority of the Grandees of the Port, endeavour'd to build his reputation on the ruine of their fortune. To this end, he caused Mahomet the Grand Visier to be strangled, for going about to disswade the Grand Signor from the War of Malta, the event of which he judged to be very dangerous. This wholsom advice was the reason of his death, which was followed by that of Bekir, Captain General of the Sea; but whatsoever is too violent cannot last long. Zelim Achmet, Governour of Syria, and Baruth, Mahomet Coprogli's enemy was made Grand Visier by the favour of the Traitor Hussain, who was his particular friend; either made so by presents, or that the sympathy of their ill nature had begot their friendship. Achmet was no sooner raised to this high charge, but he thought of overthrowing all those whose fortune gave him any suspicion. He wanted but little of ruining Valide, and Zaime, by the counsel he gave the Emperour, because they had heretofore thwarted his interest.

The Sultan who had resolved whatsoever it cost him to be revenged on the Knights of Malta, seeing himself disswaded from that expedition, that his great preparations might not be fruitless, chose the Isle of Candy and the Dominions of the Venetians to be the object of his vengeance, sending all his Forces to the conquest of the ancient Kingdom of Crete, under the conduct of Mahomet Bassa, who commanded the Land Army, and of Saffi, who in right of his charge of Captain General of the Sea, which Ibrahim had bestowed on him after the death of Bekir who succeeded Pial, commanded the Fleet. These Generals attacked Canea, and took it, notwithstanding the vigorous resistance of the Governour Antonio Navario, and the succours which Andrea Cornaro the General of Candy sent thither, under the Colonels Angeli and Iustiniani, who signalized their address and courage, on this occasion, as they have done on a thousand others. They continued the War three years with great disadvantage, and with such excessive charge, as exhausted Ibrahim's Coffers, without making any great progress; which either proceeded from the Venetians couragious defence, or from the frequent change of the Generals, who out of jealousie, or vanity, acted quite contrary to their predecessors.

In the mean time the Army required continual supplies of necessary provision, and the General Vssain Bassa was very importunate for money to maintain his Troops; which not being sent, he suffered the Janizaries who were in Candy to return to Constantinople to demand their pay, and be relieved by their Companions; who seeing those who came back so ill satisfied, refused to embarque unless they were paid beforehand, which so provoked the Grand Signior that he threatned the Grand Visier Achmet with the loss of his head, if he did not find money to carry on the War. This base Minister was glad of this absolute order, which was a sufficient pretence for him to lay extraordinary impositions on the people, and to spoil all those Bassa's and Governours of Provinces, of their riches, whose power he either suspected, or envied. To this purpose he summoned several of them to give an account to the Treasurers of the Exchequer, not forgetting Mahomet Coprogli, whom he imprisoned, with a great many more, as innocent as himself. But he set himself particularly to persecute him, whom he had now gotten into the snare which he had so long laid for him. He thought he had now met with a lucky opportunity of revenging the affronts he had received from him, both in his love, and his fortune. He no longer feared the Sultana Zaime, who had ever protected his enemy, against whom he had maliciously fomented the Grand Signiors displeasure since the death of the Sultana Bassée; and he already beheld the ruine of unfortunate Mahomet with pleasure: but to accomplish his vengeance he had a mind to make him perish shamefully, by accusing him, as well as the rest of the Bassa's and Beys (whom he had imprisoned) of extortion, and rapine. Though Mahomet Coprogli was innocent, his behaviour having always been unblameable; yet he could not but apprehend so dangerous an enemy, who without doubt would have brought his pernicious design to pass, if he had not been obliged to neglect his revenge, to take care of his own life, which was odious to all the world. The injustice of this Grand Visier, and the crimes which he committed every day by sending persons of all ages and conditions to execution, on the least suspicion, and frequently without any other ground, than the satisfaction of his Hatred, and Avarice, or the keeping up of his Authority, were not to be indured. The Grandees of the Empire, the Mufti, and the Sultana Valide her self thought it not fit to defer the performance of their design any longer. They foresaw the ruine of the State, if the Government should continue in the hands of such a lewd hairbrain'd Emperor, who committed the Sovereign Authority of the powerfullest Empire in the world, to two of the basest Ministers that ever mannaged publick Affairs. They resolved to take away the root of all the mischiefs that threatned them, by depriving an unworthy Prince of his Power, and by punishing the crimes of the Grand Visier Achmet, and the Traytor Hussein. The people, and the Janizaries were easily brought into the Conspiracy, being both weary of the Tyranny. The people were so oppressed by the Grand Visier, and the Souldiers so provoked for want of their pay, that they offered to set the Seraglio on fire. The Mufti, Who is the chief Priest of the Turkish Law, the Kadileskess who are the Judges, the Visiers and Bassa's who are the Chancellors of State, and Intendents of Provinces, the Aga of the Janizaries, who is Colonel of all the Infantry, the Captain who is Admiral of the Sea, and generally all the principal Officers revolted with one accord. The Sedition was begun by the request which the Mufti made to Ibrahim, in the name of the whole State, to have the Grand Visier Achmet punished. The Sultan provoked by this boldness, commanded his Guard to chastise the Mutineers for making such an impudent proposition; but the Janizaries were too much incensed to obey him; which forced him to flie to the Sultana Valide, his Mother, who had fomented the Rebellion, that she might revenge the wrongs she had suffered from her Son by the counsel of the Grand Visier, whom with the Traitor Hussein, Ibrahim delivered up to the people to be torn in pieces; naming Mahomet a popular man who was threescore and ten years old, to supply his place, not being able to appease the Rebels any other way. But they were not satisfied with this, they would have Ibrahim himself come and render an account of his actions before the Mufti, who summoned him before the Divan or Consul, by sending a Kadilesker to him, whom the Sultan slighted, and tore the Fetfa, which is a summons to appear before the Judges. This being reiterated in vain, the Mufti, with the Visiers, the Bassa's, and other Officers went to the Seraglio, and took him by force out of his Mothers arms, and carried him to the prison, in which he was brought up; where ten days after he was Strangled,An. 1648. his Son Mahomet who was then about seven years old,Aug. 18. being placed in the Imperial Throne, and publickly proclaimed Emperor of the Turks, and his Mother Zaime, Regent, during his minority.

The Sultana was assisted by a Council of twelve Bassa's, who were to deliberate with her concerning Affairs of State; in which she was so well versed, that she soon obtained Authority enough to make any thing pass in the Divan, which she had resolved in her Closet, and discharged the Grand Visier of a great deal of trouble which she was willing to take upon her self. And not long after, the Visier died, leaving the Sultana at liberty to bestow his place on one of her own creatures.

However she was forced to use great caution, in the choice of this Minister, Policy instructed her not to raise one that might intrench upon her power, or one who by displeasing the Grandees, and the People, might render her odious to them both. She had fresh examples before her eyes, of the fatal consequence of such Elections, and of the dangers that the Sultans were exposed to by the imprudence of their Ministers. Dissimulation is a virtue in Princes; she had already formed her design in her head, nothing remaining but to put it handsomly in execution; to which end, she caused the Divan or Council of State of the Ottoman Empire to be assembled; to which the Mufti, and all the great men of the Port were summoned. She represented to them that by the death of Mahomet, the Office of the Visier Azem was vacant in a time, that considering the great Wars he was ingaged in with his most cruel Enemies, more than every required an able and experienced Minister to support the weakness of the Sultan, who could not in many years be capable of taking care of his Empire himself. She told them that the Treasures were exhausted, and that she had brought them together, to take their advice in such pressing necessities: adding, that it was requisite to re-establish the ancient Taxes, without oppressing the people, who had suffered so much in the last Emperors time, that they must not think of laying new imposts on them. She protested to them that she would wholly resign her self up to their counsel, in the sovereign administration which the Divan had conferr'd on her (an honour that had not been done to any Sultana before her) especially since it was composed of persons so well able to govern as they were. At last she concluded her discourse with a command to them to give their votes for him whom they thought fittest to be her partner in power, and Lieutenant General of the Empire. She foresaw that by this means she should make the Visiers and Bassa's so jealous of one another, that they would not resolve to choose any particular man, which was the thing she wished; and it fell out according to her expectation: for all those who aspired to the place, being ashamed to ask it, were unwilling to give their votes for another: and when she pressed them to declare themselves, they very submissively desired her to make the choice her self, since whatever liberty she had given them of electing a Grand Visier, yet there could be none but such a one as she should approve; which inclined them rather to deserve her favour by their obedience. The Grand Sultana who understood their meaning, was glad to see her designs succeed so well. She assured them she would not abuse the trust they reposed in her, and that she would make such a choice as should be to their satisfaction, and to ingage them the more, she told them it was necessary to supply those Governments which were vacant, and to examine the accusations of those Bassa's, Beys, and Sangiacks, whom Ibrahim had imprison'd before his death, some for Rapine, others for imbezelling the Publick Treasure, that the innocent might be freed, and the guilty punished. This was a nice proposition, and sensibly touched those Visiers and Bassa's who protected the prisoners, and had contributed to Ibrahim's destruction. But the Sultana was glad to find this means to reproach them with the death of her Husband, and to oblige them to give her some satisfaction Since the love of your Country, and the interest of State, said she, caused you to remedy the disorders of the Government, by summoning my Lord, and your Emperour to the Tribunal, you ought to continue your justice to all the world, by relieving the innocent, who indure those pains which are only due to the criminal: and it were of odious example if they should escape that punishment to which you condemned an Emperor who certainly was not faulty, if you think those whose Sentence you defer, innocent. As she said these words, she let fall some tears, which she presently wiped away, for fear of provoking those, whom she intended to mannage to her advantage. She added, That although Sovereigns are above all Laws, and Subjects have no power to call them to an account of their actions, yet the Sultan her Son would forget what was passed, and she would sacrifice all her resentment to the furtherance of that Justice, which she doubted not but they would render to those who expected it from them.

The Sultanas discourse was very surprising to the Visiers, and the Bassa's, who had rather have set the Prisoners at liberty, without any farther inquiry. But the Divan was concerned in honour to approve of her advice, lest they should be thought to exercise their Justice on none but their Princes. Commissioners therefore were named to go along with the Nectangi or Secretary of State, and the Tefterdar or Treasurer General of the Revenue, to visit the Prisons. There they found Mahomet Coprogli, who seeing himself among a great many Criminals, had insinuated himself so into his companions in misery, that with too much freedom they made him, whom they believed as guilty as themselves, the confident of their crimes: but he did it with design to make an advantage of their easiness, either of his own accord, or by the command of the Sultana, who made use of this invention as a means to promote him to that dignity which she intended for him. She knew where his prison was as soon as he was led thither, and Fatima who was very dear to her because of the care she took in the Education of the Princess Iohaime her Daughter, continually solicited her to use her Authority in setting her Husband at liberty, which she could not do, being her self in disgrace at that time. However she might have freed him as soon as she was possessed of the Sovereign Power, but it was Coprogli's interest to remain in prison then, when his enlargement would have been fatal to him, because of the Sedition of the Janizaries, who having already murdered some of the chief of the Port, would certainly have destroyed him to have weaken'd Zaime's party. She esteemed him not only for his Wifes sake, but for his own merit, and left nothing undone to preserve him. She secretly disposed the Commissioners to inform themselves particularly of Mahomet Coprogli's case, who behaved himself so well, that every thing seemed to fall out naturally: for when he had fully justified himself from all the Crimes that were laid to his charge, he demanded with submission, which yet shewed his courage, and the greatness of his soul, whether his death was decreed. I am ready, said he, to suffer it with patience though my life might perhaps be very useful to the State: wherefore I desire my Judges to lead me to the Sultan before I go to Execution, that I may acquaint him with a secret, which I will discover to none but his Highness, or the Great Sultana. These speeches were reported in full Divan, where the Mufti, the Visiers, and the Bassa's knowing Zaime had a kindness for Coprogli, desired her earnestly, to be just to so brave a man, to hear what he had to say, and to reward his merit. She willing to take the advantage of their zeal, to accomplish her design, commanded them to send for that important man who had the applause of the whole Divan. Coprogli, when he came, by his good Min, and eloquence, confirmed the opinion that had been conceived of him: and the Grand Sultana, after she had inlarged upon the report that had been made her of his virtue and merit, asked him what it was he had to impart to his Highness. And when she had learn'd that it was an infallible expedient to replenish the Grand Signiors Coffers without oppressing the people, or raising new Taxes, she declared him Visier Azem by the authority of the Sultan, and the Divan. The whole Assembly was exceedingly astonished at this, having never so much as dreamt, that Coprogli should have been brought out of prison to be raised to the first charge of the Empire. But the Visiers had consented to it themselves, by the information they had given the Sultana in favour of him whom she named. Every one murmured secretly, though they did not complain; and Coprogli He receives the Seal of the Empire the 5th. of February, 1649. received from Zaime's hand the golden Box, in which was the Grand Signior's Seal, which it was his Office to keep.

Here was an extraordinary change, Mahomet who a little before was laden with irons, is freed from them to take upon him the Government of the most powerful Empire in the world; and what is more admirable, the alteration of his fortune wrought no change in his manners: he was not at all dazled with the splendor of those honours which were heaped on him, but established the foundation of his greatness by his discretion. He was complacent to the Great Men, merciful to the People, and equally just to all, making it appear that he was truly worthy of his charge, which he began to exercise by restoring several good Laws, which the late disorders had interrupted. He made every one to do his duty, terrifying the Magistrates by the sentence which he pronounced against the Bassa's who were left in prison; where while he was their companion, he had dived into their secrets, and found none of them innocent. The Crimes they were convicted of were of such a nature, as could not be pardoned without great prejudice to the State. He had given marks of the gentleness of his nature while he was Governour of Baruth and Aleppo, and the people of those Provinces knew him not to be inclined to bloodshed: but he was now raised to a charge that obliged him to force his inclination. All the Bassa's, Beys, and Sangiacks who were found guilty of Extortion, Rapine, or Treason, were condemned to death. And that the punishment of these Crimes might serve as an example to all the Officers of the Empire, and a pattern of exact Justice to the Grand Signior. He got into his hands the wealth of the Bassa's, who had been executed, and set up two Tables in the Hall, through which the Sultan was to pass to go to the Devan. On one of them he placed twenty of the principal heads that had been cut off, and covered them with a great mourning Carpet; and on the other he set a great many rich Purses full of Gold and Precious Stones, which was covered with another Carpet, imbroidered with Gold and Pearls; and then waited for the Sultan and his Mothers coming to the Divan, to shew them this strange spectacle. The great Sultana presently had a mind to know, to what end those preparations were, and what was under the Carpets; one of which the Prince her Son, without staying for an answer, lifted up, and in a fright asked what those heads did there? Sir, replied Mahomet Coprogli, directing his speech to him, they vomit up the blood of your Subjects, which they have sucked from them, and which, continued he lifting up the Carpet, you may see in these Purses: It is fit that Robbers should be punished: those men who have destroyed so many by their cruelty, and avarice, who have robbed so many innocent people, are at last stripped themselves, and have rendred that money of which they have defrauded you. This proceeding seemed a little bloody, and made it feared that his administration would be very severe; but he regulated his actions with so much Justice, that he never put any man to death, unless he certainly knew that he deserved it.

The chief scope of this Grand Visier was to raise his Princes Authority, weaken'd of late by the frequent Seditions of the Janizaries, whose insolence he endeavoured to curb for the establishment of his own fortune too. He told them they were unworthy of being inrolled, and receiving pay, if they were not in condition to serve, and ready to obey the Emperors orders. But they instead of being satisfied with the death of Ibrahim, thought to take the advantage of Sultan Mahomet's youth; and believing that the Grand Visier was as weak, and timorous, as his Predecessors, whom they had either murthered or deposed; they slighted his commands, and refused to pass into Candy, alledging that the Janizaries were priviledged from making War by Sea, that they were not to march any where without the Emperor, whom they would not leave, for fear of some innovation against him in their absence. The Sultana Kiozem furnished them with this pretence, the better to compass a design which she had contrived.

This Sultana who had still the title of Valide, was Grandmother to Mahomet the Fourth. She had contributed to the death of her Son Ibrahim, because he took away the Authority which she had usurped. She fancied that since she had a share in the Government, in three Emperors Reigns, she should have been made Regent of the Empire, during her Grandsons minority: but the Grandees of the Port, and the Divan having conferred the Sovereign Power on the Grand Signiors Mother, she was extremely offended to see the affairs of the Ottoman Empire mannaged by a woman, who owed her fortune and greatness to her. She hoped that Zaime would surrender her Authority to her, but this being too unreasonable and improbable a wish to succeed, Ambition which considers the extent of the desires, more than of duty, made her think of revenge. She thought of nothing but how to execute her projects, and despaired not yet to make her self absolute Mistress of the Empire. To this purpose she imparted her design to the Kislar Agazi, who had always been her confident; but he could not so much as hear her Treason without horror. How Madam, said he to her, in disorder, is it possible that you would destroy a Princess who honours you as her Queen, and respects you as her Mother? could you be so cruel as to kill young Sultan Mahomet, because he is her Son? is he not yours too? does not nature it self speak in his behalf? No, continued he, I will rather lose my life than be an assistant in so foul an enterprise. Well, well, Vglan, replied the malicious Princess (who perceiving how coldly the Eunuch entertained her proposition, bethought her self of counterfeiting repentance, lest he should betray her) endeavour then to restore my Authority, and dispose Zaime to take me along with her in the Regency; my advice will be very advantagious to her, and I will always behave my self like a good Mother towards her. The Kislar Agazi promised her more than she asked, and swore never to speak of what she had imparted to him; neither had he any time to do it: he spoke with her in the beginning of the night, and the next morning he was found dead in his bed. No body could tell how it came to pass, but since that time it has been discovered, that a Slave whom she had gained, had blown poison into his Nose when he was asleep. The death of this Eunuch was exceedingly deplored by the Great Sultana, who reflected on all the good Offices he had done for her: and she would have been more afflicted if she could have comprehended the greatness of her loss in him who would have done her a more important service than ever, if death had not prevented him. The Grand Visier who owed his fortune to him, and looked on him as his Father, was inexpressibly grieved, and suspected somewhat of the truth, but could not guess at it all.

In the mean time the Sultana Valide lost no time; she had by great promises ingaged the Aga of the Janizaries to the Aga of the white Eunuchs, the Bostangibachi, the Governour of the Pages, called I • hoglans, who are six hundred of the handsomest young men in the Empire, the Captain General of the Seas, and some of the most considerable Bassa's. She had so disposed every thing, that her design would infallibly have succeeded, if Heaven which takes a particular care of crowned heads, had not put it into the Visier Azems mind to go out of his Seraglio at the beginning of the night, and to pass through the quarters of the Town in disguise, with one Slave only whom he trusted most, to see what the Janizaries did, of whom he had some apprehension, as not being well affected either to him, or the Emperors service. He was much surprised to find them all in the Hippodrome with their Muskets on their shoulders, and their Matches lighted, and Sentinels placed at all avenues. He was presently stopt, his looks betrayed his intention of not being known, but he wanted not courage, and on this occasion manifested the presence of his mind. He asked with a great deal of confidence for Bactas the Aga of the Janizaries, and being led to his Oda, was astonished at his arrogance in not rising to salute him, though he knew him very well; when at another time he would have prostrated himself before the Grand Visier, who never goes to see any body but the Grand Signior, and when he receives a Visit, never rises to any body but the Mufti. However he dissembled his thoughts at present, knowing himself certainly lost if he did not make use of some subtilty to disingage himself from the danger he was in. The Aga in the mean time having made him sit down on his left hand, which is the most honourable place among the Turkish Souldiers, was just going to ask him the cause of his disguise, when Mahomet preventing him, Bactas, said he, I was informed that you assembled your Troops to night for some great enterprise: I received this notice from the Seraglio, from persons whom you know to be your chiefest friends, and I disguised my self, for fear of being known, to come and learn of you what I should do for your security, and my own. Bactas was struck speechless to hear that the Grand Visier was informed of all the Plot; he easily believed that he was come on purpose to him to endeavour his own preservation: and imagining it would be a great advantage to ingage this first Minister in the Conspiracy, he examin'd him a little, and then discovered the whole design to him; telling him, that he was to make himself master of the Seraglio, and seize on the young Sultan Mahomet, whom he would either cause to be strangled, or shut him up in prison with his Mother; that all was agreed on with the Sultana Valide, who was to have the Regency of the Empire in the minority of Prince Soliman, whom they would place on the Throne instead of his Brother Mahomet: and finally, if he had a mind to secure his Authority and his life, he must necessarily be assistant to this change. The Grand Visier demurred not one minute to give his assent, making as if he had been before informed of all that Bactas told him, and expressed a great deal of satisfaction that it was in his power to serve the Sultana Valide by imbracing her party, which he believed to be the strongest. Bactas suffered himself to be wheadled by Coprogli's promises, whom he obliged by Oath to be faithful to the Sultana Kiozem, and as a pledge of his faith to deliver his Boult, a Seal ingraven on a Gold Ring, which the Grand Visier always wears on his finger, (as a mark of his Dignity and Power) into his hands: then he sent him away without Guards, to go and assemble the Divan secretly two hours after midnight, at which time he was to receive order from the Sultana Valide to enter the Seraglio with his Janizaries. These insolent Souldiers were resolved on the attempt, and were impatient to begin it, in hopes of rifling the great Wealth, and inestimable Treasures, which so many Emperors had heaped together in this voluptuous Palace.

But heaven which abhors the revolt of Subjects against their Princes, so blinded the Commander of the rebellious Troops, that he let the Visier Azem escape, by whose order soon after, he and his Complices received the punishment they deserved. Mahomet Coprogli had no sooner got loose from him, but he went to the Seraglio, where he was amazed to find the Gates open, and most of the Guards besotted with Wine, and Tobacco. Some of them would have stopt him, but he easily avoided that, by telling them that he carried a Letter from Bactas to the Sultan Kiosem. His habit of a Slave protected him, and they were so drunk that they could not discover him. Being passed them he ran presently to the Apartment of Soliman Kislar Agazi, who succeeded the Eunuch Vglan: but not finding him, he went to that of the Grand Signior, by the way meeting with the great Eunuch Soliman, who walked about the Lodgings of the Sultana Valide, whom he mistrusted. He had that very night found her privately discoursing with the Bostangibachi, and the confusion the sight of him put them into made him watch to avoid surprizes; fearing lest something was contrived against the Grand Signior's service, to whom he was very faithful. He was no less astonished to see the Visier Azem in that place, at such an unusual hour, than Mahomet Coprogli was to meet him. They presently acquainted one another with what they knew, and suspected, and consulted how to free the Seraglio from the storm that threatned it. They judged it expedient to advertise the Sultan, and the Great Sultana, that they might interpose their Authority: therefore they went straight to the Grand Signior's Apartment, who slept in his Mothers arms, and made signs to the woman who watched by them, to wake them both; which they did without speaking: it being an inviolable custom among the Turks not to speak, out of respect in the Seraglio in the night time, but chiefly while the Grand Signior sleeps: and it is a great crime whatsoever the occasion be, to break silence in the place where his Highness reposes. A woman went near the Sultana's Bed, and softly scratching her Feet, waked her, who was surprized to see two men she did not know at first. Ah my Son, said she, rising briskly, and taking him in her arms, we are lost. The young Prince without any fear looked on the Visier, and taking him boldly by the hand, asked him what was the matter, and if he were come to save him. The Grand Visier admiring the Princes Courage, threw himself at his feet, and kissing his hand, told him he need not fear any thing, that the Traitors should do him no mischief, and that his faithful servants would prevent the Treason. But Madam (continued he, directing his speech the Great Sultana) you must make use of all your prudence to avoid the danger that menaces us all. Then he sent for the Mufti and signed a Catecherif or express order of the Grand Signior, to the Captain Governour of Constantinople to come immediately to his Highness. He caused the Gates of the Seraglio to be shut up, and commanded that none should be let in or out without the Emperors permission. The Captain Bassa being come, he ordered him presently without noise to advertise the Inhabitants of every quarter that they should arm themselves, and Barricade the Streets, and seize on the Gates of the Town, that no body might go out. He sent to the chief of the Spahies, Solaquis, and Capighis to come and watch about the Seraglio, and secure the Emperor: five hundred of them presently came, and the Mufti, to heighten their courage by zeal for their Religion, cited several passages of Mahomet's Law, which admonished them, that those who eat the Princes bread, ought to expose their lives for his service. And to make his Harangue more effectual, he distributed some Purses among them, obliging them by Oath to die, if there were occasion in the Sultan's defence. In the mean time the Kislar Agazi had waked all the Eunuchs, and Officers of the Seraglio, to the very Cook, and made them take Arms. The Pages too were put into the same posture, after the seizure of the Eunuch their Governour, the Bostangibachi, chief Gardener of the Seraglio, the Capi Aga Captain of the Gates of the Seraglio, and the Aga, or chief of the White Eunuchs, who acknowled all the particulars of the Conspiracy, and confessed that the Sultana Valide had plotted with the Aga of the Janizaries, and the principal Officers, to depose Mahomet, and Crown his Brother Soliman. This Prince was the second of four Sons which Sultan Ibrahim had by three Wives. Mahomet the eldest was the Son of Zaime; Soliman his younger Brother was the Son of the Sultana Maiama; and Bajazet and Orchanes were born of an Albanese. Maiama in hopes of raising her Son Soliman to the Empire, had promised the Sultana Kiozem all the advantages that she could desire, and her extravagant ambition had made her neglect nothing that could bring those over to her party, who might further her enterprize. Her chief pretence was, that Mahomet was too weak and unhealthy to be capable of governing so powerful an Empire: and that besides Zaime was too young and unexperienced to supply his defects by her prudent Conduct, and would never be fit for so weighty an employment. That on the contrary, Prince Soliman was strong, handsome, and promising, and would be able to take care of his own Affairs, when she should be forced to leave them to him, by age, and incapacity. Thus had she gained all those we mentioned, who by the incredible diligence of the Visier Azem were Arrested, he caused her Apartment to be secured to prevent her escape. The Sultan though very young had so much tenderness for his Grandmother, that he could not be brought to sign a Warrant for her Death who intended his: And his Mother was as good natur'd as himself, being of opinion that she should only be imprisoned. She reflected on their former friendship, and her generosity outweighed the necessity of her wrong: but her Virtue appeared not only in behalf of the Sultana Kiozem, she was moved with compassion also to her Rival Maiama, who with her Son Soliman was to have been punished with the rest of the Conspirators.

She obtained their Pardon of the Grand Signior, and the Ministers who would have sacrificed her to his Highnesses safety: but she was forced to yield to the Remonstrances of the Mufti and other Officers, who convinced her and the Sultan too, that the Sultana Kiozem's Death was absolutely necessary to the good of the State, and quiet of the Empire: so that her Grandson Mahomet was obliged to consent to her death. The Ichoglans, Eunuchs, and some of the Souldiers, out of a brutish zeal, undertook this execution instead of the Mutes, and running tumultuously to the old Sultana's Apartment, they could hardly find her; for hearing she was looked for, she hid her self in a Wardrobe, under the cloaths; from whence they pulled her out by the feet, and forgetting the Emperour's Orders, who charged them to put her to no pain, they treated her basely without any respect to her Character or age. She in vain endeavoured to stop their insolence by fair words, and offers of great sums of money; for without hearkening to what she said, they drew her by force out of her Chamber, stript her, gave her several blows, and tore her very ears for Pearls of a prodigious greatness that hung in them. She strugled a great while with them, defending her self with extraordinary vigour for a woman of her age, but at last with much ado she was strangled. Thus dyed this unhappy Princess, after she had lived fourscore years in the reigns of five Emperors. She was of the Isle of Chios, nobly descended: She had five Sons and two Daughters by Sultan Achmet; Amurath, Osman and Ibrahim sate on the Throne; her two Daughters, with Bajazet and Orchanes died by the hands of Executioners. She seemed not to be above fifty years old. Her Constitution was wonderful, her great age had abated very little of her strength, and brought no inconvenience at all along with it. She had still some remains of beauty that shewed her to have been the handsomest woman of her time. Her stature which was the most advantagious in the world, did not incline her to stoop; she was not grown too lean, her gate was steady, her conversation pleasing, her hair very thick, and the change of the colour had taken away very little of its grace. Her forehead was not wrinkled, and her eyes were very lively. Her teeth were still so strong, that she bit off one of his fingers, who went to take away a rich Necklace she had on. She was naturally very neat, her heart was magnificent, her inclination generous, her soul great, resolute, and constant: she was mistress of a thousand extraordinary qualities, which had rendred her the most admirable person of her Sex, if she had been less cruel and ambitious. These were the two greatest defects that could be imputed to her, which at last deprived her of her honour, and her life. Bactas Aga of the Janizaries, the Bostangibachi, the Capi Aga, the Captain General of the Sea, the Aga of the White Eunuchs, the first Capigi, or Captain of the gate of the Seraglio, and all the other Officers who were concerned in the Conspiracy, expiated their Crimes, by several kinds of deaths.

And the Grand Visiers command to hinder the Criminals from escaping, was so well executed, that none of them could avoid the punishment they had deserved. The Janizaries knew nothing of what had passed till they were disabled from doing any mischief, and were not in a condition to resist the Spahies, who would have fallen upon them, and stirred up the people to put them to the Sword for their Treason to Ibrahim, and their attempt on Sultan Mahomet; and the Grand Signiors Authority would not have kept them from coming to blows, if the Grand Visier had not with-held the Spahies by giving them money, and assuring them that the Sultan was satisfied with the punishment of their leaders. After that, he assembled the Divan, whither all the Grandees of the Port, and Constantinople repaired; to whom he made a fine speech, which he ended with thanking them from the Sultan, and the Great Sultana who were present. All the Assembly answered him with a thousand acclamations of Joy; and nothing was heard all over the City, but, live Sultan Mahomet, and the Great Sultana Valide his Mother. This Title which signifies Queen, or Empress, was then conferr'd on her, it being never given to any but the Emperors Mother.

The second Book.

AFter that Mahomet Coprogli had thus diverted the dangers that threatned the Sultana, he made it his business to restore the peace of the whole Empire, which had been long disturbed by the tumults of the Janizaries: but knowing their seditious humor, and foreseeing it would be difficult to make them continue the War of Candy, in which they could never succeed, if they undertook it unwillingly: He resolved to desist from that a while, and find them imployment somewhere else, where they could make no excuse or objection to keep them from fighting. He took exceptions at the ambitious projects of Ragotski, Prince of Transylvania, who was fallen out with the King of Poland, in favour of the Swedes, contrary to the orders of the Port, which allowed not that Prince to make any War without its approbation. The Grand Visier chose the most factious Officers to send with the Janizaries into Transylvania, as well to chastise Ragotski's rashness, as to receive the punishment due to their own disobedience; for he doubted not but that they would meet with a vigorous resistance. This War proved extremely bloody, and disadvantagious to the Janizaries; they almost all perished in it either at the siege of Clausembourg, which they were fain to raise after they had lost most of their Forces before it; or at the Conquest of Waradin, and the Combats they had with Prince Ragotski; besides those whom the Plague swept away in the Camp, finishing the destruction of those who survived the War: so that there hardly remained an handful of them to bring the news of their total defeat to Constantinople. The Grand Visier who hoped for no better success, was satisfied to see his expectation was not deceived. Their arrogance was so much abated that he could not have taken a fuller revenge of them who had been so bold as to undertake to dethrone their Emperor. He deliberated a while whether he should reestablish this Militia or no, which is accounted the best of the Ottoman Empire, whose strength and support it is said to be: And this presumption is the reason of the liberty it so often takes of being seditious. It was in this Ministers power to abolish them; but considering that then the Spahies who take themselves to be the only Gentlemen among the Turks, would grow so potent that they would be no less dangerous to the Emperor and the State. He concluded it would be better to maintain two sorts of Militia in the Empire, whose emulation and jealousie would keep them in obedience. Therefore he made a levy of men fit to bear Arms, out of whom he chose fifteen thousand of the best to be Janizaries. These he Disciplined for some time, often taking reviews of them, and exercising them before the Grand Signior. To accustom them to be obedient, he gave them Captains that were at his devotion, who conducted them into Candia, where he resolved to continue the War, though it was very toilsome, and expensive. The Generals who had been sent to the Conquest of this Island, since the beginning of the War, made use of the command they had over the Army, to raise their authority; so that they would hardly submit to the Port. They pretended at least to be equal to the Grand Visier, whom they no longer looked on as their Superior. The exigency of affairs, and the troubles that hapned in the State, had hindred the Divan from repressing their insolence: But Mahomet Coprogli thought it high time to oppose the growth of an authority that destroyed his, and prevent the ill consequences which the ambition of Bassa Delle Vssain, General of the Army in Candia, might have, who took a great deal of state upon him, contemned the Grand Visier, would receive no orders from the Port but such as pleased him, and used threats when he had not every thing he asked. He craftily got this proud General to Constantinople, to make a memorable example of him to posterity, and to maintain the honour of his Master, and the authority of his Charge. Vssain Bassa was no sooner arrived at the Port, whither his own presumption, fortified by the Visier Azems splendid promises, had unhappily brought him: but he was thrown into the bottom of a prison, with a great many Christian Officers, whom he had brought along with him in triumph, and whom, swelled with pride and rashness, he still abused in the Dungeon, where not long after he was strangled before them; which afflicted him more, than death it self.

By this exact Justice, Mahomet Coprogli kept the Souldiers, and all the Officers of the Empire in obedience. The resolution of this great Minister was admirable, in this bold action, of putting to death so famous, and so important a man, who thought his Authority secure, and much more his Life; having gained an absolute power over the Souldiers, and engaged the chief of the Empire to his side. But the apprehension of the consequence of this blow, hindred not the Visier Azem from giving it, to prevent the Bassa's intrigues, which must needs have been prejudicial to the Emperor, and his Subjects. He foresaw how much he should expose himself, but his zeal to serve the State, and his Master, made him pass by such considerations, and slight all dangers. He was not at all concerned that his enemies blamed this action, being certain that those who were of Vssain Bassa's party would impute his death to his jealousie: but he knew that there is no station at Court free from censure, and no behaviour so prudent, as to prevent all accidents, and that the Ministers of Princes are most exposed to the wounds of envy. This consideration kept him from punishing the chief of the Port, among whom was the Mufti. The Sultana Valide was Regent of the Empire; she knew the fidelity, and wonderful genius of Mahomet Coprogli; she had an intire confidence in him, relied on his care, communicated all things to him, and was not ashamed to testifie her gratitude to him to whom she owed her life, and her Son, his life, and Empire. Those who envied the greatness, and desert of the Visier Azem, found fault with the Sultana Valide's kindness to him; which when this wise Politician perceived, that he might prefer the good of the State before his own interest, he was so generous as to desire the Sultana to moderate her affection, which perhaps was but the pure effect of her gratitude. And she did it in conformity to the prudence of this great man, who established his fortune with so much modesty, and discretion, that it was never subject to the least difgraces; and he sustained the affaults of his Enemies with so much constancy and steddiness, that they were forced at last to beg his pardon; which the generous Coprogli easily granted them, besides many other favours.

In the mean time the Recruits which he had sent into Candia, and the Troops which Ali Bassa had led into Dalmatia, gave hopes of great advantages over the Venetians, who seeing themselves attaqued by two powerful Armies at once, thought it their best way to make a League with some Prince that was able to divert the Ottoman Forces. To this purpose they sent to their Agent whom they usually maintain in the Persian Court, to treat an Alliance out of hand with the Sophy, to oblige him to take Arms in behalf of the Republick. The Resident succeeded in his Negotiation, as well as the Signiory could wish. And Achab Acmes Sophi newly newly come to the Throne by the Death of the King his Father, took occasion to demand of Sultan Mahomet the restitution of Bagdet, which has ever been the Domain of the Kings of Persia, and in case of denial, declared War against him.

Babylon, now Bagdet, is not only one of the best flowers of the Ottoman Crown, but is a place of such importance, that the Turkish Emperor could not restore it to the Persian, without opening him the way to Constantinople. The Grand Visier thought it not convenient to facilitate the means of so dangerous an Enemies visiting his Master, when he should have a mind to it: therefore he sent back the Persian Embassador with a refusal, which made the Sophy endeavour to reduce Babylon with a powerful Army. The Grand Duke of Muscovy had pretensions to the Provinces that border'd his Dominions: he listned favourably to the Complaints and Propositions of the Venetian Embassador, and received his presents, with the offers which the Commonwealth made him of a very considerable sum, in case he would invade the Turks. He sent an Embassador to Venice, to assure the Senate of his assistance. At the same time the Cham or Emperor of the Tartars thought of revenging the death of his Father, who was murthered by Sultan Ibrahim. The alliance that has always been between the Chams, and the Sultans, makes those Princes be thought to hold in some sort of the Turkish Empire, because they receive great sums of mony to maintain the vast Armies which they have always on foot, to furnish the Grand Signior with Troops, when he undertakes any War; which causes a continual commerce between them: therefore the Grand Cham is not treated at the Port like other Forein Princes, but is looked on as the presumptive Heir of the Ottoman Empire, in case the Race of the Sultans comes to fail for want of Males. And this was it that caused the Cham to send an Embassador at Mahomets coming to the Empire, to desire that he might be named Tutor to the young Prince; believing that it belonged to him before any other, by the right which the laws of the Musulmans, and the Turkish Constitutions give him to the Crown. But the Divan having rejected this Demand, he did not openly shew his displeasure, waiting an occasion to make it appear, and to require satisfaction as well for that, as for the murther of his Father. This conjuncture of affairs seeming favourable to his design, he declared the cause of his discontent, by denouncing War against the Grand Signior, and sending his Forces to spoil his Dominions. This Enemy was very considerable; the Sophy was no less formidable; the Moscovite was not to be slighted; and the Venetians on their side made great preparations: but beside, there sprung up a domestick dissension, which was no less dangerous. The Spahies and the Janizaries who are the two strongest nerves of the Grand Signior's Forces, and are in continual enmity, by reason of their jealousie of one another, hapned to quarrel, and proceeded so far as to fortifie themselves one against the other; so that they became intractable, and could not be brought to march to the place where they were ordered. They kept Constantinople in perpetual fears, no body durst stir abroad into the streets; nothing was heard of but Murthers, and Robberies, and apprehensions of Fire; the desolation was general, and the Seraglio was in the greater consternation, because it seemed impossible to provide against so many mischiefs at once. But as if fate had raised all these disorders together, on purpose to set forth the prudence of the Visier Azem, by his prodigious conduct, he found means to appease the domestick tumults, and to stop the torrent of so many Potentates, who seemed to have united their Forces in order to the Sultans ruine. However, Mahomet Coprogli preserved his constancy in the midst of their misfortunes; shewing how advantagious it is both to a Prince, and his people, to have a Minister whose steady courage no revolutions can shake: He judged it necessary to resist the greatest danger first. The Persian War seemed the most important, therefore he resolved to discontinue that of Candia, that he might not be obliged by so many diversions, to encounter so many enemies at once. It was requisite to unite the Ottoman Forces to repulse the Sophy, who had made a furious irruption into the Sultans Dominions: but though he withdrew some of his Troops out of Candia, and Dalmatia, he left enought behind, to let the Venetians see that he did not abandon his design. The Garrisons were sufficient to preserve the conquered places, and the Works that were begun; which were furnished with provisions enough to subsist till he should be in a condition to supply them with new Forces to continue his Conquests. These Troops being formed into the body of an Army were sent towards Transylvania, under the conduct of Ali Bassa. At the same time he caused a mighty Fleet to be rigged, with which the Bassa of the Sea was to oppose the Venetians. He ordered the Governors of Syria, and Mesopotamia, and the Provinces bordering on Persia to send all the Provisions they could to Bagdet, and to make speedy Levies to reinforce the Garrisons, whilst he prepared a numerous Army to resist the Sophy, who on his side also made great preparations for the War.

The Divan seeing the Grand Visier had so many Armies to bring into the Field, proposed to him to put the Law in execution, by which all the Grand Signior's Subjects, above the age of seven years, are obliged to take Arms for the defence of the State: But Mahomet Coprogli would not suffer it to be published, though they reproached him of rashly exposing the Sultan's Honour, and Power, and the liberty of his people, who were invaded on all sides, and had not forces enough to repulse so many Enemies at once. He answered that it was true, the summoning of all the Grand Signior's Subjects might compose vast Armies, but that he did not think it fit to come to those extremities: besides, that among such multitudes a thousand disorders would happen more prejudicial, than their assistance would be useful; that it was the way to expose the Emperors, and the Nations glory: that the Enemies would believe the Empire was reduced to the utmost straits, and would make their advantage of it; and lastly that the people whom they advised him to arm, not being disciplined, would make a tumultuous Army, and would confound the other Troops: and that he hoped the Sultan might face his Enemies, and finish the War without this last refuge.

But as if Fortune had a mind to punish his presumption, and put his courage and constancy to the highest proofs, she raised him up a new enemy whom he never dreamt of. This Orcan Ogli Bassa of Aleppo, who having made use of the Grand Visier's orders to raise an Army of forty thousand men, caused them to march towards Constantinople, without declaring his design. Mahomet Coprogli was advertised of his march at that time, when he was busied in raising of men to provide against the most pressing necessities. He was much surprized when he understood that he had taken the Field without his order, not thinking at first, that he was revolted: but he soon found that this Bassa who had succeeded him in the Government of Aleppo, and was Nephew to Delli Vssain Pacha, whom he had put to death some time before, was resolved to make use of this conjunction of time to revenge his Unkle, and some private grudges of his own. He had drawn to his side several Captains, and abundance of Souldierr, who had served under this famous Bassa Dalli Vssain Pacha, whose memory was dear to them; and to make his revenge the more remarkable, and give the enterprize more weight, he pretended to establish one Soliman Amurath on the Ottoman Throne, who said he was the Son of the Emperour Amurat, and joyned himself to him with an Army of twenty thousand Arabians, Drus, and Armenians. Orcan Ogli acknowledged him, and made his Army own him to be the lawful Successor to the Empire. This news was quickly spread over all the Provinces, and met with so much credit, that several Bassa's came to pay homage to the new Prince, who already behaved himself as Emperor. The Provinces of Asia made no difficulty of submitting to him. His Authority increased daily, and the little opposition he found to his new greatness, made the Bassa of Aleppo so confident of success, that he counselled him to reject the Sophi's Propositions, who offered to assist him to conquer the whole Turkish Empire. This Prince swelled with his prosperity, and governing himself by Orcan Ogli's advice, whom he made his Lieutenant General, slighted these advantagious offers, believing he should have no need of Succors that would cost him so dear, to gain a Crown, which he hoped to wear without sharing it with so powerful and dangerous a Prince as the King of Persia. Therefore he continued his march streight to Constantinople, where the Bassa of Aleppo, General of his Army intended to place him on the Throne; not questioning but the Capital City of the Empire would open its Gates, in obedience to their Emperor Soliman Amurat, as many others had done already.

The noise of approach put all the world into a strange consternation. The Divan knew not what counsel to give the Grand Visier, but the extremity of Affairs made him find expedients in the greatest necessities. He preserved his judgment as well now as before, and studying how to prevent what was most to be feared, seized on those Bassa's and Officers whom he knew to be ill affected, and might forment the Rebellion: and to suppress all murmurs, immediately punished these Incendiaries. Then he furnished the City with all sorts of Ammunition, and commanded his Son Achmet Coprogli at the head of threescore thousand men, with which he had design'd to oppose the Sophy, to march under the conduct of Mustapha Bassa, a man of integrity and great experience, against Soliman Amurath, and the Bassa of Aleppo, and give them Battle as soon as he could. The apprehension of some insurrection, kept him from commanding this Army himself, believing it necessary for him to remain at Constantinople, to have an eye to all: he had much ado to contain the Sultan, who burned with impatience to be in the Field, not induring to stay in the Seraglio, while his Favourite Achmet, who was almost of the same age, exercised his Valour against his Enemies, whom he would have chastised himself: but the Grand Visier told him, with the authority of a Governour, that his Highness ought not to remove from Constantinople, lest the Mutineers should raise some Sedition in his absence, which would be of worse consequence than all the other mischiefs that threatned his fortune. That he should not hazard his person against an Adventurer, and a revolted Subject; that he could acquire no glory by their defeat, and that it became his greatness rather to punish them, than to expose himself to the danger of a War, which his Captains might terminate, while he sate on his Throne, to take care of the Affairs of his Empire, and answer the Embassadors of Princes, that arrived every day at the Port. The Sultan yielded at last to the Remonstrances of this great Minister, and suffered Achmet Coprogli to go, who made all the haste he could to meet the Enemies; but he soon learnt that they having notice of his March, discontinued theirs to Constantinople, and made show to take some other way. He immediately advertised the Grand Visier, his Father of it, who at the same time was inforthat the Sophy advanced towards Bagdet with thirty thousand Horse, and fifty thousand Foot. Mahomet Coprogli found that the Enemies design was to stay till the Sophy was come into the Grand Signior's Dominions to make a diversion, which might facilitate their enterprize, and that this consideration made them decline meeting his Son Achmet: therefore this Minister, judging truly of events, hastned the march of the Army, which he sent against the Bassa of Aleppo, reckoning that it would come time enough after his defeat to the relief of Bagdet, and the success answered his expectation. Mustapha and his Son Achmet no sooner received his orders, but they followed the enemy with such expedition, that they overtook them when they least looked for them; and gave them no time at all to look about them, and put themselves in order to fight. Achmet would not suffer his Troops to lose any of their zeal by resting after their tiresome march. He represented to his Captains and Souldiers, that they ought to make use of the enemies disorder, and without any longer delay he charged them so smartly, that he not only remained master of the Field, the Artillery, and the Baggage; but he took abundance of Prisoners, and so routed the Army, that the Bassa of Aleppo despairing of saving himself by flight, perswaded Soliman Amurath to render himself to the Conqueror, in hopes of better usage than if they should be taken flying.

At first he rejected this proposition, but fearing some treachery from Orchan Ogli, whom he began to mistrust, and seeing his Army cut in pieces, he suffered himself to be carried to Achmet, who presently sent him, and the Bassa of Aleppo, to Constantinople. The rest of the rebellious Troops yielded at discretion, and he pardoned them on condition they would serve the Grand Signior faithfully for the future, and having joyned them to his own Army, he marched according to the Grand Visiers order to the relief of Bagdet.

The news of Achmet Coprogli's victory was as satisfactory to his father Mahomet, as the arrival of Soliman, and Orcan Ogli was welcome to the Sultan, and the Sultana his Mother. The Visier Azem was infinitely pleased to have so hopeful a Son; and nothing diminished the Grand Signior's Joy, to see himself delivered from a competitor who had shaken all his Empire, but his melancholy for not having vanquished him himself: But as if Fortune were weary of persecuting Coprogli, and intended to bless him by an happy return, she furnished him with fresh subjects of rejoycing, by the pleasing news of the Sophy's retreat. This Prince being informed that Achmet Coprogli was coming to meet him with a victorious Army, and that the Mogul or Emperor of India, at the Grand Signior's desire, was ready to enter into his Kingdom, returned the way he came, to defend himself from the Mogol; which made Achmet bring back his Army, to imploy it where his Father thought fit: but he would not return to Constantinople, till he had chastised all the Bassa's, and Governours, who favoured the Bassa of Aleppo's Revolt, and Soliman Amurath's enterprise. The Grand Visier caused them both to be beheaded, without regard to their Remonstrances that his Son had promised to save their lives; and that they had not yielded but on that assurance. Policy would not give way to the performance of this promise; and Soliin in Amurath, seeing he had no hope of safety, reproached Orcan Ogli with his baseness, in forcing him to yield, when he might have died gloriously with his arms in his hand, and have prevented the ignominy of dying by an Executioner.

The death of this Prince is no less worthy of compassion, than his story is odd, and deserves to be known. He was the Son of Sultan Amurath the Fourth, and that Rachima, of whom we spake in his reign. Though this Sultana had abundance of wit, yet she was very superstitious; so that she believed the predictions of an Almasairis (so are the followers of Hali called, whom the Persians and Arabians own as a great Prophet; fancying that all his race have the gift of Prophesie.) Rachima consulted this man upon all occasions, as soon as she found her self with child, she would needs know the success of her lying in. The Almasairis after some consideration, answered, That she should bring forth a Prince, who would be one day Emperor of the Turks, if he could avoid the cruelty of his nearest kindred: and that if Heaven did free him from a misfortune that was to happen to him in the capital City of the Empire, which he was to avoid dwelling in, he would surpass the greatness of all the Ottomans his Predecessors. Rachima received this answer as an Oracle; she desired Amurath, who prepared to return to Constantinople, notwithstanding a Prediction of the Almasairis which forbad it, to leave her at Damas. Sir, said she, lying at his feet, if I deserve any grace of your Highness, shew that your faithful Slave is not displeasing to you at this time, by granting her one favour. You know, Sir, that I never importuned you; it is true, your magnificence has loaded me with all sorts of benefits; but the favour I now implore will be more welcome to me than any I have already received, because your Highness is concerned in it: it is to suffer me to stay here till you return: I know no greater unhappiness than such a separation; it would kill me with sorrow, Sir; but I had rather lose my life than expose you to the misfortunes that threaten you, if I follow you to the Seraglio, where my presence would cause too much disorder. Sultan Amurath was at first more surprized at this request, which he expected not, than unwilling to grant it; whether he apprehended the effect of the Almasairis's Prophesie, or that his passion for Rachima was abated, or that he would not expose her to the resentments and jealousie of the Sultana Roxana, whose love was increased more than ever by his absence. He bestowed rich Presents on Rachima, commanding the Bassa of Damas to have a care of her, and to pay her a very considerable Pension. He assigned her besides, the Tribute which the King of Arabia paid him, and took leave of her with great marks of affection. A little while after Amurath's departure, Rachima was brought to bed of a Son, whom she named Soliman Amurath. She observed the circumstances of the Prediction, and brought him up secretly, lest Roxana being informed of his birth, should order him to be put to death. She knew that this great Sultana was no less dangerous than powerful, and that only her distance from her freed her from her cruelty. The news of her death was the more welcome to her, because she hoped to have supplied her place. And she was preparing to let the Sultan know the birth of his Son, when Amurath's death spoiled her design: and she thought it not fit to discover the young Prince Soliman Amurath, not having power enough to place him on the Throne: On the contrary, she was careful to keep him from being known to Ibrahim, who succeeded Amurath, lest he who came not to the Empire, but for want of an heir, and was thought incapable of leaving any, should follow the cruel policy of his Ancestors by sacrificing Prince Soliman, who alone would dispute the Crown with him. Rachima therefore stood upon her guard, and contented her self with the Revenue that Sultan Amurath left her. But Sinan Bassa, Governour of Damas, who always had honoured her in the life of the deceased Grand Signior, and paid her Pension exactly, discontinued his respect to her in the new Emperors time, and threatned to send her to the old Seraglio at Constantinople. The Sultana mistrusting the Bassa, resolved to retire into Persia, where she was born, or to some Prince, whose Authority might protect her, and her Son, from her enemies. To colour her retreat, she gave out that she had made a Vow to visit the Tomb of the great Prophet Mahomet, and having begun her journey under this pretence, she went to Reba King of the Arabians, the same who was to pay his tribute to her. This Prince not being so barbarous, as usually those of his Nation are, received Rachima with a great deal of kindness. This young Sultana, who was not above two and twenty years old, appeared so handsome to him, that he not only promised her his protection, but also offered her his Crown, and his Heart. Rachima was no less pleased with King Rabas person, than his generosity: He had so many good qualities, that he easily made himself be beloved. The Sultana sought a Protector, and thought it not fit to neglect the Arabian King. They found they had inclination enough to one another; she received so many marks of sincere good will from him, that she made no great difficulty to bestow her heart on him. He took a particular care of the young Prince Soliman Amurath, being glad of having such a Subject as might revenge the persecution he had suffered from the Port in the Reign of Amurath, who reduced him to pay Tribute; from which he would have freed himself by joyning with Emir Ficardin Prince of Dus his Kinsman, whom Bassa Giaphar overcame, and sent to Constantinople, where he was ignominiously put to death. King Reba preserved his resentment, only waiting an occasion to shew it, and impatiently suffered the obedience and homage which he was bound to render to the Grand Signior. To shake off this yoke, he armed Prince Soliman, whhm he educated as his own Son, and negotiated secretly with the Bassa of Aleppo, and some other Governors of Provinces in Asia, who revolted from Sultan Mahomet when his Empire was invaded on all sides, with intention to drive him from the Throne, and place Prince Soliman Amurath on it in his stead. We have seen how their enterprize succeeded, and the King of Arabia was slain with his arms in his hand, performing the part of a brave Souldier, and a great Captain, in the Battle that Soliman lost.

Rachima, who followed him in this War, died a little while after of grief, that she had destroyed her Son, by endeavouring to bring him to the Throne, according to the Prediction of the Almasairis. This Prince had something extraordinary in his air, and Person. The Turks affirmed that he perfectly resembled Sultan Amurath his Father, who was the handsomest man in his Empire.

After the death of Soliman Amurath, Orcan Ogli, and the Bassa's, and Governours who followed his Fortune, the retreat of the Persian Sophy left Asia in a peaceable condition; which made the Grand Visier apply himself to oppose the other Wars that menaced the Ottoman Empire. He ordered all his Troops to be in the Field by March, in the mean time he continued his negotiations with the Great Duke of Moscovy, to divert him from invading the Grand Signior, in favour of the Venetians. He expected the arrival of his Deputies at the Port, who were to explain the Dukes intentions; and not finding it so easie to appease the Emperor of the Tartars, whom he dreaded more than all the rest of the Sultans enemies, he secretly engaged the Cham of the petty Tartars to joyn himself with the chief of the Great Chams Subjects, who were revolted: so that when this Prince prepared vast Forces to invade the Grand Signiors Provinces, he was obliged to make use of his preparations to defend his own Estate; and was glad to send an Embassador to the Sultan, to make him reparation, and offer him all his Forces, when he had appeased the Troubles which the petty Cham, and his own Grandees had raised. This Embassy secured the Grand Visier, and freed him from a very dangerous enemy. However he left not off his warlike preparations, both by Sea and Land, and continually endeavoured to render his Master the most formidable, and powerful Prince in the world.

While he waited for a proper season to make some expedition, he dispatched a Chiaux to the Emperor, to demand passage through his Dominions for the Sultan's Army into Friuli. The Chiaux was sent back with a refusal dishonourable to the Grand Signior; but the Visier Azem thought it not time to shew his resentment, or to send any Troops into Dalmatia, till the Sophy were quite determined either to Peace or War. He feared lest he should agree with the Mogol, seeing the Ottoman Arms imployed in another place, and defer the sending his Embassadors to Constantinople to renew the Peace which he had broken.

The Venetians in the mean time being informed that the Troubles of the Port were accommodated; and that Embassadors were arrived there from those Princes of Asia, who had given them hopes of diverting the Ottoman Forces, were afraid of having them all turned upon them in a short time; and though they had obtained great advantages over Sultan Mahomet's Fleet, they resolved to send, and implore peace of him. But this Prince being swayed by his first Minister, received their Agents very coldly, and told them that the Signiory of Venice had no other way to end the War, but to yield the Kingdom of Candia to him, and the Town of Clissa, the most considerable place in Dalmatia; and to pay him three Millions of Gold for the charges he had been at since the beginning of the War.

These conditions were too hard to be accepted, and the War it self could not be more disadvantagious to the Venetians; and it was the Visier Azem's design to continue it: he had private reasons not to make Peace with the enemies of the Empire. He knew by experience that after such considerable preparations, it was dangerous to dismiss the Souldiers without abating their heat, and impetuosity, by the toils of War. He had a mind to imploy the Janizaries, to avoid the Seditions they commonly raise in Peace: So that the Venetians seeing themselves rejected, implored the assistance of all the Princes of Christendom. The Grand Visier who foresaw they would have this refuge, prepared to resist all their attempts, and obstinately pursued the getting of Candia, accounting it the most glorious and beneficial conquest the Emperor could ever make. He sent great refreshments to the Troops that were there, and all provisions necessary to continue the Siege of the chief City of the Island. Now the Sultan was more desirous than ever of commanding his own Army, threatning if they continued to with-hold him, that he would steal away privately to go to the Camp, and discover himself to his Souldiers. Mahomet Coprogli imployed all his art to moderate his ardor, without incurring his hatred; making use of all his prudence on so nice an occasion. The Grand Signior honoured him as his Father, and had intire confidence in his conduct; but he listned to the flatteries and partial perswasions of a great many young men, and Bassa's, who would have drawn him out of the Seraglio, that they might with more ease insinuate into his favour, and diminish the authority of the Grand Visier. This Minister foreseeing the consequences, desired the Sultana Valide to joyn her endeavours with his, to convince the Emperor, that he ought by no means to expose himself to those disgraces that might be followed by the loss of his Estate, and life too. The Sultan would not disoblige the Sultana his Mother, or the Visier Azem; he permitted him to send an Army into Dalmatia, under the conduct of Mahomet Coprogli, who had order to besiege Clissa, and Zara; but his Valor was not seconded by his Souldiers, and with all his attempts, he could not carry these two places. This young Captain shewed a fierceness that astonished the most resolute; he desired nothing but a Battle to end that War. Those who wondered at this vehemence, knew not that the desire of glory was not the only passion that animated his courage: but it is not yet time to discover the cause, and interrupt the relation of Mahomet Coprogli's Ministry, to treat of his Sons loves, which we will speak of at length in the sequel of this History.

While brave Achmet pressed the Siege of the Capital City of Dalmatia, and the Army in Candia endeavoured to conquer that Island in spight of all the Venetians resistance; the Grand Visier who applied himself to the particular Affairs of the Empire, and to provide for the subsistance of the Armies, found himself at the same time obliged to extinguish a Civil War, which began to break out by the factiousness of some discontented persons. The frequency of these kind of disgraces had so confirmed Mahomet's soul, and courage, that nothing surprised him: nevertheless he stopt not this flame without difficulty, and bloodshed. It cost young Morat, the Author of the Revolt, his life, who was the Son of Vssain, Captain General of the Sea, whom the Grand Visier caused to be beheaded for favouring Soliman Amurath, and the Bey of Togor suffered the same punishment, for having committed some fault contrary to his duty.

These troubles were no sooner quieted, but the death of Ragotski Prince of Transylvania, gave the Visier Azem an opportunity of extending the Grand Signiors Dominions. This Province had been the seat of a long War, which was ended by the submission of the deceased Prince, who paid great sums to the Port. The Grand Visier pretended this was a Tribute, and that this Province holding of the Turkish Empire, the right of nominating a Prince belonged to the Sultan. The States of Transylvania not giving way to this pretence, were assembled after Ragotski's death, to elect another Prince. Chimin Ianos, and Count Barelay, were Competitors at this Election. The first, who was the most considerable, put himself into the Emperors protection; promising never to have any thing to do with the Grand Signior. The other on the contrary, relied on the Sultan, and promised to own him for his Sovereign. These two pretenders divided the Estate by their Factions. Count Barelays submission was accepted of at the Port, and in his behalf the Grand Signior ordered Ali Bassa to enter Transylvania with fifty thousand men, who presently took a strong place called Waradin, which refused to acknowledge Count Barelay.

The Emperor on the other • ide sent an Army to defend Chimin Ianos, and to keep the Turks from breaking into his Territories. Ali Bassa was no sooner informed of this, but he sent to Count Souches the General of the Imperial Troops, to pay the Sultan Homage for the places which the Emperor possessed on the Frontiers of Hungary; and in case of refusal, denounced War, and threatned his Highnesses own coming with an Army of an hundred thousand men. The Emperor having received this news, put twelve thousand men under the conduct of Count Montecuculi, to guard the Frontiers, and sent to demand aid of all the Princes of the Empire, fearing the Grand Signior would break the Peace. But the arrival of a Chiaux whom the Sultan dispatched to him by the advice of the Visier Azem, who was not yet fully prepared to make War on the Emperor, secured him a little. The Sultan sent him word that he desired to maintain the Peace with him, and that he disapproved the proceedings of Ali Bassa, whom he had only ordered to support the Prince of Transylvania, who put himself under his protection. But the Emperor finding that without any regard to the assurances of this Envoy, the General of the Turkish Army continued his Conquest in Transylvania, he stood on his guard, and recalling Count Souches to face the Enemy, and enter into the Ottoman Dominions, he sent Count Serini to command his Troops: So that these two parties provok'd one another by little and little, without coming to an open War. The Grand Visier was unwilling to declare, yet he would not lose the opportunity of wholly reducing Transylvania, or at • least of making its Prince hold directly of the Grand Signior. To this purpose he solicited Chimin Ianos (whom the Estates owned as their lawful Prince, and who in spight of the Ottoman Army had possessed himself of the best places) to submit himself to the Port, giving him hopes of a favourable protection: but the Prince rejected his propositions, which so provoked him, who had set his heart upon joyning this Province to the Sultans Dominions, that he could no longer contain his displeasure against the Emperor; resolving to have satisfaction from him, for hindering his projects: and to revenge himself more speedily, and obtain that by force which he could not get fairly, he put the Cham of the Tartars in mind of his promises to the Grand Signior, and received thirty thousand men from him with which he augmented Ali Bassa's Army. This General being thus re-inforced, divided his Troops, to make several attaques at once, at the same time besieging Zeiklit, Callo, and Zatmar, three places that belonged to the Emperor: but he found so much resistance, that with all his attempts he could take none of them but Callo, and was forced to raise the other Sieges, and retire, to avoid fighting with the Imperial General, who offered him Battel.

This War hindred not the Grand Visier from pressing that of Candia, and sending continual refreshments to the Army, which held Canea against the Venetians; and after he had put all the Affairs of the Ottoman Empire to a good posture, he designed to go in person to carry on the Transylvanian War, not being satisfied with the General Ali. He mistrusted the great power which this Bassa had gained among the Souldiers, and feared he would be very troublesome to him, on the least discontent; he could not take away his command, or revoke him, without a specious pretence, for fear of reducing him to make use of his present reputation to maintain himself in his charge. This consideration made him resolve to command the Army himself, finding no better expedient, to take away all suspicion from Ali Bassa, who would be obliged to give place to him without complaining, because the Souldiers always look upon the Grand Visier, when he is in the Camp, as their only General. He had a mind besides to establish his Son among the Souldiers, who already knew how to gain their kindness: and he flattered himself with the hopes that he should one day be able to repose part of his cares on him. He knew his valour, and conduct, and believed him capable of filling up that place in the Army which was not fit for himself, and which he could not securely trust another with: but death prevented this great mans design. He was no sooner gone from Constantinople with the Grand Signior, who removed from thence because of the Plague, but he found himself attaqued by a violent Feaver, which forced him to stay at Adrianople, whither he sent for his Son; to give him his last instructions; foreseeing that he should not recover. At this time he imparted to Achmet Coprogli, all the politick maximes which his long experience, and penetrating wit had taught him. He charged him never to do any injustice; to sacrifice his own interests, and particular inclinations to the good of the State; to be always faithful to the Sultan, and to advise him to undertake no new War till those of Candia and Transylvania were ended: Remember my Son, said he, to observe the Laws, and that to serve your Prince is to accomplish the greatest part of the Law. After these Remonstrances, he called Fatima his Wife, who was infinitely afflicted to see this great man die without leaving any authority to his Son: but Mahomet Coprogli having somewhat recovered his spirits, resolved to do something before he died, worthy of his subtilty, and prudence. He contrived with Fatima, and his Son, all that was necessary to make his last designs succeed; and he writ a Letter to the Grand Signior; in which he told him, that finding himself at the point to die, nothing troubled him more than that he died before he had finished the Wars which his Highness had with two powerful Enemies: but he hoped that he would happily put an end to them if he made use of the counsel which he had given his Son Achmet, to whom he had delivered the Seal of the Empire, to give it to his Highness, if he judged him unworthy to keep it: yet if the Sultan had any respect to his passed services, or gave any credit to the last words of the faithfullest of his Slaves, he protested to him that he could not choose a man worthier to be Grand Visier than Achmet Coprogli, of whose ability he was assured, and whom he had furnished with all instructions necessary to acquit himself perfectly of that great charge. He added that he knew well enough this choice was unusual; but that the Sultans interest ought to make him neglect a piece of Policy that was not so useful to him as it had been to his Ancestors; and that besides his Highness should consider, that Empires would perish, if the Laws were not often subjected to necessity.

When he had written this Letter with a great deal of pain, he commanded Fatima to send it to the Grand Signior, by the Visiers, who would come to receive his last words: but he charged her not to give them the Seal, ordering Achmet to keep it, and to deliver it to none but the Emperor. At last, finding himself grow very weak, he left off speaking, for fear of being surprized by the Deputies of the Divan. When he saw them, he made as if he had lost his speech; and to let them see that he understood what they said, he pointed to his Son, who was by his bed-side. The Visiers, that they might know his meaning, looked on Fatima, as if they would learn it of her. This cunning Woman bursting out into tears, told them that his meaning was that the Sultan might know by Achmet, what he would have learned of him; that he had intrusted him with the secrets of the Empire, by giving him the Seal, and discovering to him some particulars, very important to the State, of which she was ignorant: but perhaps that Letter which she gave them might clear all; that they should carry it to the Emperor, and inform him in what condition they left the Grand Visier.

She spake these words so naturally, that the Deputies suspected nothing, they were indeed concerned, that they did not carry the Seal of the Empire back with them; but they never imagined that the Visier Azems Son should keep it. They were hardly gone from him, when he expired, and his death was no less deplored than it was particular to a man of his condition: for it is not usual for a Minister of the Ottoman Empire to die a natural death. Almost all his Predecessors, either through the Grand Signiors jealousie, or for their evil administration, or their injustices, died by the hands of Executioners. The important services Mahomet Coprogli had done the State,March 7. 1663. and his great integrity deserved a better end, which happened in the seven and fiftieth year of his age.

Those who envied the glory of this great man, did all they could to obscure it. They reproached him with too much gravity, which they ascribed to his pride; but it was rather the effect of his temper: it is true, he knew the advantage he had over others by his experience, and was very careful to preserve it; often handling those very roughly, who contradicted his opinion, which he never ventured to declare, but when he was well assured of the consequence. The Divan, which he always governed, taxed him of referring nothing to them, and invading the Sovereign Authority. The success of his Ministry manifested that he had reason to act so, and that he had no need of any bodies assistance: but how unjust soever his enemies are, they cannot affirm, that since the beginning of the Turkish Monarchy, there were ever so many troubles, as during the administration of this Grand Visier. Never was any Prince more disturbed in his minority than Sultan Mahomet, or more vigorously defended: and when he was ready to sink under the weight of so many Civil and Forein Wars, in his most tender age, he made three parts of the world tremble. He has increased his Empire by the conquest of a part of Transylvania, and by the wonderful prudence of this great Minister, constrained the mightiest Potentates to sue for Peace.

His readiness to punish those who were seditious was accounted cruelty; yet he never exercised this rigour, but to prevent combinations, which are ever fatal, and destructive to the people. He knew that the first strokes of Justice and Revenge are the best, and that the way to quiet a Sedition, was to strike at the authors of it. He had several other Maxims; and when he was forced to raise money to defray the charges of the War, he was wont to say, that Peace was not to be obtained without Arms, or War carried on without money. So he exacted Tribute, without rendring his Administration odious to the people, who yet honour his memory in the person of Achmet Coprogli, the Successor of so worthy a Father.

The Visiers, whom the Grand Signior and the Sultana Valide had deputed to receive the Seal of the Empire, and the Visier Azem's last words, having discharged their Commission, brought the first news of his death, which was extremely lamented by the Sultan, and the Sultana his Mother: but when they had learned the particulars that Fatima informed them of by the Letter, which she delivered to the Visiers, they suspended their sorrow, to consult how they should proceed in the choice of another Minister. Achmet Coprogli's youth, who was not yet thirty years old, out-weighed his desert, and seemed an invincible obstacle to the Grand Signior's design, of complying with the Sultana Valide, who had a mind to confirm the deceased Visier Azem's choice of his Son to succeed him: and she alledged such strong reasons, that the Sultan, who referred all things to her, at last gave his consent. The Visiers represented to him, that to give the first Charge of the Empire to his Son who had possessed it before, was a contradiction to the Laws, and Maxims of State; that the Divan, the Militia, and the People, would repine to see a young man raised to a Dignity that was fit for none but a Bassa of extraordinary desert, and consummate experience. However he was swayed by the Sultana his Mother, who on the other side, represented to him, that he could not sufficiently reward Mahomet's services, but by putting Achmet into his place. This was not the only consideration that made the Sultana favourable to him; she held her self obliged to endeavour the preferment of a man who had married a person that was so nearly related to her. This is a story that deserves to be treated of at length; therefore I will return to those things which I before only touched at, the better to clear those adventures that have hitherto been obscure: the most secret particulars of which are come to my knowledge.

The third Book.

WHen Fatima had received the Princess Iohaime, the Daughter of the Sultana Zaime, she brought her up as her own child in the house of Mahomet Coprogli her Husband, who was then Governour of Aleppo. Her Son Achmet was yet so young, that he easily believed Iohaime was his Sister: he accustomed himself to love her; and as much a child as he was, conceived a stronger friendship for her than usually that tender age is capable of. This kindness ness increased with the beauty of Iohaime, who grew every day more and more amiable. Achmet always drooped when he saw her not, and Iohaime was equally affected with his absence: their mutual inclination grew with them, and never was there a stronger sympathy of two hearts; they were bred up together with a Politene, which is not common among the Turks. Mahomet Coprogli, and Fatima omitted nothing that might give them an education conformable to their quality. They knew the union of these two persons, and their tenderness for one another; but they did not at all mistrust their virtue, or imagine that they could have other thoughts than such as were inspired by their seeming nearness of blood: therefore they suffered them to live at liberty, taking care to maintain their mistake, in which they continued them, till Achmet whose age made him more discerning, discovered it by remarking the difference which his Parents put between Iohaime and his other Sister; that they refused several advantagious matches that were offered her; and often had private discourses together in which she was concerned. This made him believe there was some mystery in it, and desiring his Mother to unfold the whole secret to him, which his own curiosity had already half discovered. Fatima who loved her Son extremely, and was assured of his discretion, told him that Iohaime who passed for hers, was the Daughter of a Sultana, but that it was as much as her life was worth to reveal it. Now Achmets eyes were opened, he found that all that he had felt for this Princess, was nothing but a violent passion; and examining his heart more nearly, wondered that he had so long mistaken himself to be her Brother, whom he had always beheld with a Lovers eyes. The possibility of having her one day in his possession, redoubled his joy, which he moderated as well as he could, lest Iohaime should find out the cause of it, being unwilling to lose the title of her Brother, till he could assume that of her Husband, of which he did not despair; knowing that the Daughters of the Sultana's are frequently married to the Bassa's, and Grandees of the Port. The favour his Father was in augmented his hopes, and he beheld his felicity with so much assurance, that he was in pain for nothing but to know the happy moment. Now he became more assiduous about Iohaime, whom he had promised Fatima always to treat as his Sister: but he could not keep his promise long; there are transports in Love, that are not usual in Friendship. Achmet's passion was too strong for a Brother, and soon betrayed it self to proceed from love. The Princess Iohaime, who had no less wit, than beauty, observed an alteration in Achmet's behaviour: he was more particularly diligent about her; he received the innocent favours she did him as her Brother, with more satisfaction than ordinary, and endeavoured to make her bestow them oftner on him. Iohaime perceived it, and he saw that she did. This reflection put him into confusion, so that he answered her trembling, when she desired him to moderate his kindness, which seemed too passionate for a Brother.

Achmet's disorder and ambiguous words surprized Iohaime, What say you, said she to him, of Passion and Love? do you remember that I am your Sister, and that you ought not to have any more than an innocent, and a pure friendship for me? Achmet, who was no longer master of his love, found that he had spoken too much, that he could not counterfeit any more, and that it was necessary to undeceive her: besides, a scruple came into his head of being beholden to Friendship for those pleasures, which he would rather owe to Love. I should abuse your ignorance, and credulity too much, fair Iohaime, said he, throwing himself at her feet; you would have reason hereafter to reproach me of going about to surprize your heart by a stratagem, unworthy of a man who adores you. You are not my Sister, fair Princess, and love took care to tell me so before my Mother confirmed it: but Madam, will not the confession I make injure this love? and will the Daughter of a Sultana permit the Son of Fatima to be her servant? will she remember the kindness she had for Achmet when she was yet his Sister? The Princess Iohaime, who was strangely astonished at this discourse, beheld Achmet at her feet a good while, without being able to lift him up, or answer him: but having recovered her self, and not comprehending the truth of all that he said to her, she made as if she did not understand him, to oblige him to speak more plainly of her condition; which he did after he had made her promise inviolable secresie. She having a tender friendship for Achmet, and being quite ignorant of love, lived still with him as she was wont to do before she knew that she was not his Sister, and discovered no great joy to find a Lover in him, whom she had always respected as her Brother. But Achmet quickly converted her friendship into a reciprocal love. These two Lovers were indowed with all that was capable of maintaining a lasting passion. They were almost of the same age, Achmet being but two years older than the Princess. He was well and proportionably shap'd, his behaviour and manners pleasing, his eyes were lively, and sparkling; his complexion white, and his hair of a chestnut colour; he went handsomly about every thing he did; and the Grand Signior has been often heard to say, that he did those exercises which the Turks usually perform before him, better than any man in his Empire. The Princess Iohaime had qualities that rendred her no less amiable: her shape, though not yet quite formed, was likely to be the best in the world. The figure of her face was oval, her forehead was large, her eyes full; they were blue, and so sweetly languishing, that one could not see them without being sensibly affected; her nose was of a just bigness; her mouth and teeth admirable; her complexion incomparable; her hair brown, and very thick; her min answered the greatness of her birth, and her wit was perfectly correspondent to her outward charms: besides all this, her modesty made all the world adore her; especially Achmet, with whom she avoided being alone, since the declaration which he had made to her: her chastity reproaching her with those harmless privacies which she had before permitted. She lived so strictly, and reservedly, as hindred her Lover from taking any of those liberties which she had given way to, while she believed him to be her Brother. Never were so many charms, so much love, and virtue seen together. She obtained of Achmet, that he should require nothing of her, but what the most innocent friendship could not refuse, and that he should keep his passion secret. They lived together very calmly, expecting when fortune would favour their desires, by rendring them completely happy; but fate, envying their felicity, disturbed their repose, by a separation, which almost killed them with grief.

Mahomet Coprogli, from being a Captive, and on the brink of destruction, became the first Minister of the Ottoman Empire; he was no sooner raised to this degree, but he took care to render his Son capable of serving the State under him. He had given Achmet better Education than usually those of his Nation bestow on their children, and then brought him to the Court of the Sultan, who at the very first took a kindness to him; and the Sultana Valide perceiving his good qualities, would have him always be with her Son Mahomet, into whose favour he so insinuated himself in a short time, that he could not indure to be one moment without him: but the Grand Visier had no mind to let his Sons courage decay among the soft pleasures of the Seraglio, intending him for a man of business; and the power he had over the Sultan, who minded nothing but his diversions, prevailed with him to consent that Achmet should go and make his first Campagna; where he came off with so much success, that he gained the esteem of all the Captains: who seeing him begin so well, doubted not but he would be one of the greatest men in the Ottoman Empire. When he parted from the Princess Iohaime, he left her in inexpressible sorrow. Achmet would have discovered his love to his Mother Fatima, but Iohaime opposed it so strongly, that he durst not do it, for fear of displeasing her: besides, he was afraid his Mother would reproach him with his weakness, and indiscretion, which might produce an effect contrary to his wishes: therefore he took leave of her, after a thousand protestations of loving one another eternally. Yet the kindness of these two Lovers at parting, was not so secret, but that Fatima perceived it; who whether she already suspected the truth, or feared the effect of so long a conversation, interrupted it as soon as she could. She knew somewhat of her Sons love, and apprehended the consequence; not being assured that the Sultana Valide would approve of Achmets passion for Iohaime. She thought it convenient to make use of the opportunity of her Sons absence, to return the Princess to her Mother; knowing that when she was in the Seraglio, her Son could not so easily see her, and hold correspondence with her: besides, that it would be more decent for her to be with her true Parents, than in Mahomet Coprogli's house, whose Daughter she was thought to be. Therefore Fatima perswaded the Sultana Valide to have Iohaime near her: but the Sultana having some secret reasons why she would not yet own her for her Daughter, ordered Fatima to present her to her as the Visier Azem's own Daughter, which was done without acquainting Iohaime, who was brought to the Seraglio to live with the Sultana Valide. This young Princess who was not suffered to know her Mother, foreseeing the difficulty she should have to see Achmet, and how grievous this separation which was contrived without his knowledge, would be to him, was so sensibly touched at it, that a great while she pined away; at last she fell sick, and had no body about her that she could trust to give Achmet notice of their misfortune. She was in a place where she was watched very nearly. She mistrusted Fatima, whom she still called Mother, being thought to be so by every body. Seeing her very often, she resolved at last to give her a Letter, which she said the Sultan had delivered to her to send to her Brother (so she called her Achmet;) Fatima, suspected nothing, taking it to be a mark of the Grand Signiors affection to her Son, with whom he was sometimes very familiar: therefore she sent the Letter to him, who received it just as he was going to fight, and opening it found it, written to this purpose:

As if your being exposed to the dangers of War, and my continual apprehensions of losing you, were not sufficient to afflict me, that I may quite despair. I am shut up in the Seraglio, I can accuse no body of it but your Mooher: I still pass for your Sister, and I fear lest Fatima believes I love you, and that for that reason she has shut me up in a place, where your absence is not the only thing I dread; but return quickly, and free me from this mortal disquiet I am in. Write not back to me, lest your Letter discover the trick I used to conveigh this to you, which your Mother sent you as from the Sultan.

Achmet was thunder-strook with this news, at first despair seized on his soul, but his hope of dying in the Battel did a little allay the misfortunes of his love. The fight drew near, and he was impatient to be ingaged; at the first incounter he rushed in among the thickest, and fought as one that sought not victory but death; but his good luck had the better of despair; he was not so much as hurt; and his desire of dying which made him face the greatest dangers, passed for the effect of an undaunted courage, and gained him the reputation of one of the bravest men in the Army. The Campagna being ended, he returned to Constantinople, where his valour received the applauses of all the Grandees of the Port, who studied to make themselves acceptable to the Grand Visier his Father, and the Sultan whose Favorite he was: but all their praises which perhaps would have satisfied a more vain, or an ambitious man, did not move him at all. His love wholly imployed his thoughts, and he was already weary of those troublesome complements that hindred him from contriving a way to see his Mistriss. He was warned by her Letter to mistrust his Mother, and he employed all his subtilty to know why she had delivered Iohaime to the Sultana Valide; but Fatima found out his drift: She loved him too well, to give any cause to be angry, or complain of her; therefore she told him, that the Sultana had asked for the Princess, and that she was forced to obey her against her will. I know, added she, that it makes you melancholy, and I know the friendship you have for one another; I would have you always preserve the same thoughts, and should be glad you could give Iohaime assurances of them your self; but since it is impossible, I will do it for you. Achmet was vexed at this discourse, but he dissembled his grief as well as he could, and went to pay his respects to the Sultan, who received him very kindly. After he had given his Highness an account of his Campagna, the Grand Signior in requital, told him what he had done in his absence, and ended his relation with the praise of Achmet's Sister, who was come a little before, to be with the Sultana Valide his Mother. If the Sultan had taken notice of the disturbance that appeared then in his Favourites countenance, he had perhaps suspected something of his love, but he did not perceive it; and Achmet then discovered part of his unhappiness: he knew not that the Emperor Mahomet was Iohaime's Brother, and saw nothing that could hinder him from being her Lover. The thoughts of this wounded his heart, and he had almost betrayed himself by shewing his jealousie; yet at last he forced himself, and summoned all his reason to assist him, to beg the Sultan's permission to see his Sister. None but Achmet, who was so familiar with the Grand Signior durst have asked such a favour which is never granted to any body; for neither the Father, or the other kindred of the young women in the Seraglio are suffered to see them, till they go out to be married. The Sultan, who had a secret end in Achmets discoursing privately with his Sister, presently granted his request. He no sooner knew his Masters intention, but he was grieved that he had given him an opportunity of requiring a service of him, that was so contrary to his passion. The Sultan had seen Iohaime a little before with his Mother, and he found her to be what she appeared to all the world, infinitely charming. His heart having never yet been ingaged, he soon lost his liberty, and without considering whether it were as easie to be beloved, as to love. It was not long before he declared himself to her, not taking any notice of the Sultana, who he believed would not oppose him. She being informed of his love, did all she could to cure him; she employed all the arguments she could think of, to fix him on some other object; and all her authority was little enough on this occasion; his obstinacy surmounting his respect; yet he durst not continue his addresses openly, for fear of disobliging his Mother: besides, he was unwilling to gain the favour of a beauty by force, which he had rather win by his diligence, and services; therefore he courted Iohaime secretly, who being prepossessed in Achmet Coprogli's behalf, easily defended herself from the Sultan's importunity. Difficulties commonly augment love. The Grand Signiors was heightned by the resistance he found; but being naturally gallant, and free from those brutish inclinations which most of his predecessors were subject to: he would try all honourable means to perswade Iohaime to admit of his passion, and believed that his Favourite Achmet, (whom he took to be her Brother) might induce her to be kind to him. In order to this, he desired the Sultana Valide by a particular priviledge, to give the Grand Visier's Son leave to converse with his Sister. The Sultana, who had thwarted her Sons inclination, thought it not prudent to refuse what he asked in Achmet's behalf, lest her denial should provoke him to transgress those bounds of respect he had hitherto kept: therefore she consented that Iohaime should receive a visit from Achmet; but she charged her under pain of her displeasure, to repulse the Sultan's addresses, and to be deaf to what ever the Favorite should plead in his Masters behalf. This prohibition was needless; Iohaime's own interest was more prevalent with her than any command; as soon as the Grand Signior had obtained the Sultana's consent, he ran to find Achmet, who waited impatiently for him in his apartment where he left him. There, with a rapture of Joy which proceeded from his hope of succeeding in his love, You may my dear Achmet, see the fair Iohaime when you please; I have with great difficulty obtained my Mothers leave; and I believe you will thank me for it, and do me all the good offices, that I may promise my self from your friendship: you have a great deal of power with her, and I hope you will make use of it to make me happy; for (added he) I will no longer conceal from you my love for your Sister: the Sultana Valide opposed it, she forces charming Iohaime to be cruel to me, it may be against her will: but you may assure her, that it is her own fault if she be not Grand Sultana. This declaration made with all the earnestness of a tender and passionate Lover, so surprized him, that it was a good while before he could answer him. The Sultan could not tell what to make of this. What? (said he) will you too declare against my love? These words uttered with some vehemence, brought Achmet out of the confusion he was in; and hiding as well as he could the jealousie and despair which the Emperors love for his Princess filled his soul with, he recovered himself so well as to say, Your passion, Sir, honours Iohaime too much, and I have too much respect for your Highness, to contradict your desires; but I am afraid of creating some mis-understanding between you and the Sultana Valide, by assisting your love. You know, Sir, that your Mother is positive in her opinion, and will be obey'd; if she does not approve of your kindness for my Sister, and comes to hear of my negotiation; she will never pardon me, or Iohaime, and by removing me from you, will render me incapable of serving you. The Grand Signior, who was pre-possessed by his love, made him a thousand protestations to protect him, and free him from all that he apprehended: and conjuring him to pity his affection, cast him into a strange confusion. This Favourite had two things to choose, which were more cruel to him than death; on one side he saw himself in danger of losing his Masters favour, whom he infinitely esteemed, if he refused to serve him in his love; and on the other hand, he was forced to speak against his own interest, in behalf of the most dangerous Rival in the world: for the Grand Signior was not only considerable for his high birth, and the possession of the greatest Empire on earth; but he was furnished with qualities that rendred him very acceptable. This Prince is capable of being strongly ingaged, and his conduct has manifested that he is very constant in love, his soul is great, and royal, his humour is chearful, sociable, and familiar, but not indifferently with every body; for he can be grave on occasion, and that with so much majesty, as imprints an universal awe: his shape is not very advantageous, but it was straight, before he fell from his Horse one day in leaping a ditch in hunting, which hurt him on the left side, and makes him a little crooked. He has the finest eyes that a man can have; his mouth is good, his complexion is a little gross, and not very smooth, since he had the Small Pox; his beard is of Chesnut colour, like as his hair; his gate is grave, and though his constitution be somewhat tender, yet he is very vigorous: he is very skilful in the use of the Bow, and the Musquet; he is exceeding generous, and when he has any War in hand, lays aside all his pleasures • though he loves them excessively. The knowledge of so much desert did strangely alarm Achmet, however he resolved to promise the Sultan any thing rather than lose the opportunity of seeing the Princess, who was as impatient to impart her discontents, and the Grand Signiors addresses, to him. The first moments of their interview (which was in the Gardens of the Seraglio) were taken up with tears of joy to see one another again. The rest of the time was imployed in expressing all that two perfect Lovers could say to one another, after a long absence. They acquainted one another with the Emperor Mahomet's love, and contrived what they should do to hide their own: but they could not find any way to be soon happy, and to protect their love from the storm that threatned it in the Seraglio. The Sultans passion was an impediment to their felicity. Achmet was forbid to own that he knew Iohaime's birth, and she durst not declare that Fatima was not her Mother; so that they were obliged to keep a secret that contributed to their unhappiness, They concluded that they ought not to put the Grand Signior in despair, lest they should want a pretence to see one another; and after a thousand reiterated protestations of inviolable fidelity, Achmet took his leave of her, to go and give Mahomet an account of his negotiation, who waited for his return with all the disquiet of an impatient Lover. He told him that he found more difficulty in perswading his Sister, than he imagined he should; and that her fear of displeasing the Sultana Valide made her refuse the honor which his Highness offered her; but that he hoped in time to render her more flexible, provided he might have the liberty of conversing privately with her sometimes. The Emperor embraced his Favourite, and promised him his favour on all occasions that might require it. In the mean time Achmet and Iohaime, who abused the Sultans credulity, to carry on their love, had new subjects of complaint, and were once more forced to suffer the torments which Lovers feel in long absence. Mahomet Coprogli sent his Son with a powerful Army against the Bassa of Aleppo, and Prince Soliman Amurath who pretended to be the lawful successor of the Ottoman Empire. This second separation afflicted him more than the first; he could not resolve to go, without discovering his passion to his Mother, and making her promise him that she would assist him, and oppose Prince Mahomet. Fatima perceiving her Sons despair, promised him all that he desired, and told him she would endeavour to make him happy; and that if he would write to the Princess Iohaime, she would deliver his Letters to her, and send him her answers: But she required of him that he would trust her to mannage his affairs with the Sultana Valide, lest he should provoke the Grand Signior, who would have reason to be angry, if he should come to know his falshood. These assurances did a little compose Achmets mind; he marched against the enemy with more courage, and fought them so successfully, that he defeated them; and he took the new Prince Soliman Amurath and the rebellious Bassa prisoners: and his good fortune was such, that the Sophy of Persia, who intended to besiege Babylon, being informed that Achmet was coming to its relief, left his enterprise imperfect. After this expedition he returned glorious, and triumphant to Constantinople, where all the applause that he met with, did not please him so much as the hope of seeing his Princess. But this joy lasted not long; for fate envying his felicity, soon put an end to it: he hoped to have laid all those Laurels which love had animated him to win, at the feet of Iohaime: but the Sultana Valide apprehending the consequences of her Son Mahomets passion for Iohaime, to keep him from seeing her, had confined her to a secret apartment, pretending that she was sick, and was to bathe her self privately. The sorrow and melancholy that appeared in Iohaime's countenance, made her pretended sickness probable enough. The report of her being sick, soon spread abroad, and Achmet heard it before his Mother could have time to disabuse him, by telling him the true cause of her feigned indisposition. She loved her Son too well to let him continue in his mistake, believing that since she had discovered more important secrets to him, she ought not to let him be ignorant that nothing troubled Iohaime but his absence. By this means she comforted him a little, but could not quite cure him of the melancholy which the impossibility of seeing his Princess put him into. In the mean while the Sultana Valide endeavoured to take off the Sultans thoughts from Iohaime, by making him fall in love with some other beauty. She found none so capable of ingaging him as a young Candiot, named Eugenia. She was a Greek, and a Christian, and was born at Retimo a Town in Candia, from whence she was taken away very young, and made a Slave, when the Turks made their first descent upon that Island, and took, and sacked Retimo in the reign of Ibrahim. She changed her name into that of Zachi, which signifies dear, or favourite, in respect of her beauty, which gave place to none. Her stature was moderate, but so just, that it could not be higher or lower, without losing some of its grace: her complexion was admirably white and smooth: her eyes were so lively and sparkling that one could not discern their colour: her mouth and teeth incomparable: her hair of the finest black that was ever seen: her neck and arms as one would wish them: her min and behaviour were so agreeable, that it was impossible for Sultan Mahomet, notwithstanding all the pre-possession of his soul, not to yield to so many charms. He found Zachi so handsome and so witty, that he could not keep himself from showing that Iohaime had not so much inslaved him, as to hinder her from having some influence on him. Eugenia was strictly charged by the Sultana Valide to neglect nothing that might ingage the Grand Signior to love her; but the Sultans own merit, and good qualities prevailed more with her than this command. So accomplished a beauty as Zachi finds no great difficulty in the conquest of so tender a heart as the Grand Signiors. With this new Mistress he diverted the melancholy that Iohaime's sickness had caused: but unhappy Achmet, who could love none but his Princess, grieved almost to death that he did not see her: and to increase his sorrow, the Grand Visier his Father, who thought of nothing but the good of the State, and of making his Son capable of being hereafter necessary to his Master, without reflecting on Achmets amours, or giving him time to contrive any thing, sent him into Dalmatia, to make War on the Venetians, who were at the same time invaded in Candia. His obedience to his Father, and his own glory, obliged him to sacrifice his Love to his Duty: therefore he went away without any other comfort, than that of writing a Letter to his Princess. His Mother promised him to deliver it into her own hand. Without staying for an answer he went to besiege Clissa, where, as I have already told you, he behaved himself with extraordinary courage. Fatima was not very punctual in delivering her Sons Letter, but at last she sent it to Iohaime, who found it to this purpose.

Fate, the enemy of my joy, and repose, hinders me from seeing you, my Princess, and I go a great way off from you, to seek death, which alone can put an end to my pains: my duty takes me against my will from the place where my love would detain me. I know not at my departure what your thoughts are; but if you continue the same to me, I presently know what I ought to be.

Iohaime received this Letter with such sorrow, as is easier to imagine than express; she could not restrain her complaints and tears from breaking out, just when the Sultan passed under the window where she was, not knowing that she was in this Apartment, which in a very remote quarter looks into the Sultana's Garden. He was wholly taken up with his new passion, which led him to Eugenia. The Princess blinded, with her tears, did not see him, but the Grand Signior hearing some body sigh, looked up, and discovered Iohaime. This sight both moved his compassion, and surprized him to see her there whom he believed to be at the Sultana's private baths, whither no man, not so much as the Sultan himself ever comes. His flame which was not quite extinguished, was presently kindled again with more heat than before; and forgetting his design of visiting fair Zachi, he endeavoured to learn of Iohaime the cause of her sorrow, and why she was lodged in so solitary a place. She wondering to hear her self named, and knowing the Sultans voice, notwithstanding all that he could urge to her, retired from the window without speaking to him. This behaviour of hers so raised Mahomets curiosity, that he ran to the Sultana Valide's Apartment, and very furiously asked her where Iohaime was, saying he would see her immediately. The Sultana taking notice of her Sons disorder, and vehemence, answered him very calmly, that he might be easily satisfied; and adding flattery to this assurance, desired him to tell her, whence his suddain curiosity proceeded. The Prince who loved and respected his Mother extremely, being a little appeased, related to her what had hapned to him. The Sultana was much surprized at this adventure, not being able to guess at the cause of Iohaime's affliction: but it was necessary to satisfie the Grand Signior, who challenged her promise, and would needs know why Iohaime was removed under pretence of sickness. This question strangely perplexed the Sultana, who now saw the secret, which she had particular reasons to conceal, in danger of being discovered: but at last she told him, that being informed of his love to Iohaime, who for some reasons which she conjur'd him not to inquire farther into at present, could not possibly come to be Sultana; she had removed her in hopes of abating his passion by her absence, and engaging him somewhere else: but since her caution proved to no purpose, he might see her if he pleased; and that she believed when he once knew the obstacles of his love, he would continue it no longer. Then she gave him her hand, and bid him lead her to Iohaime's Chamber, who was in such confusion, that she never thought of hiding Achmet's Letter. The Sultan seeing it on a cushion, snatched it up, and having read it, he turned briskly to the Sultana Valide, with his eyes sparkling with anger, and jealousie: Well Madam, said he, was it perfidious Achmets love then, that was the invincible obstacle of my passion? do you betray me to favour the Grand Visiers Son, who by abusing my goodness, kept a correspondence with her whom I always took to be his Sister? And you, ingrateful woman, continued he, addressing himself to Iohaime, Could the love of a Slave make you so firm, and constant in your denials to me? but I know how to be revenged on your contempt, and the treachery of your base lover. Then fury and grief not suffering him to say any more, he would have gone away from them to have satisfied his rage by some cruel action or other, when the Sultana Valide who was astonished at the discovery of the intrigue between Achmet and Iohaime, immediately reflected that it was necessary to disabuse the Sultan, and prevent his resentment of the deceit that had been put upon him. She staid him by the arm, and with tears in her eyes desired him to hear her. Then she told him that Iohaime was his Sister, and why she had concealed it from him; conjuring him to own her and love her as he ought to do. Anger and jealousie now gave place to reason, and tenderness; and nature spake more in Iohaime's behalf, than all that her Mother could say. He immediately relented, and wondered he had not sooner found out the meaning of those secret agitations that were caused by nearness of blood. He embraced his Mother, and his Sister, giving marks of a most pure and violent inclination, and a very particular esteem of her virtue. He promised her that since she loved the Visier Azem's Son, he would not hinder their happiness: and from thenceforwards he addressed himself more assiduously to fair Zachi who was owned as Sultana, as soon as she was perceived to be with Child. He loved this Princess so tenderly, and respectfully, that he has always contrived his secret intrigues, to which he is much inclined, with such caution, as to avoid giving her any cause to be jealous.

In the mean time valiant Achmet hazarded his life against the Venetians, at the Siege of Clissa, the Capital City of Dalmatia; from whence the Ottoman Army was forced to retire: which afforded him leisure to return to Constantinople. He knew nothing of what had hapned in the Seraglio, in his absence, because the Grand Signior having a mind to surprize him presently at his return, had charged Fatima not to send him word of any thing. When Achmet came to wait on him, he received him with open arms, and looking more chearfully than he was wont; after he had asked him some questions about the War, he took him aside, to tell him that he was not only obliged to him for his diligence in serving him, and exposing his life for his glory; but that he was more particularly beholden to him for the good offices he had done him in his love, which had succeeded according to his wishes: for at last, dear Achmet, continued he, I am conqueror; your Sister Iohaime is no more cruel to me, and I enjoy those delights in her that make me perfectly happy. He accompanied this discourse with such transports of joy, that unfortunate Achmet believed him. His colour changed, and his heart was quite overcome with grief: all the respect he had for the Emperor could not hinder him from yielding to his infirmity; and his strength failed him so, that the Sultan seeing him ready to sink down, was afraid he would have died upon the place: when, not to torment him any longer, Can You Achmet, said he, holding him up, faint away, when the time you have so ardently wished for is arrived? the Princess Iohaime is still faithful to you, and may yet before night, assure you her self that she loves you more than ever. Nothing less than this could have recalled amorous Achmet from death. But he was in doubt still whether he should believe the Grand Signior; he could not flatter himself with such hopes, or imagine which way such a change should happen. The Sultan soon convinced him by expressing himself more clearly: he told him how he found out the secret of his love, and the mystery of his Sisters birth, which had been so long concealed from him; and without any more delay, that very night concluded the marriage between Achmet and Iohaime. He sent to acquaint the Grand Visier with it, and celebrated his Favourites marriage with extraordinary magnificence. Thus were these two Lovers rendred happy, and for many years tasted the sweets of a consummate love.

This alliance which according to the maxims of the Ottoman Emperors, ought to have removed Achmet Coprogli from the supreme Ministry, by an extraordinary event proved the motive, that obliged the Grand Signior to slight the policy of his Predecessors, who rather chose to marry their Daughters and Sisters to simple Bassa's, than to their Grand Visiers, lest they should make use of that honour in the frequent Seditions that molest their Empire; and secretly contrive the destruction of the Males of the Imperial Family, that by their alliance they may have right to pretend to the Crown.

The Emperor Mahomet by conferring the charge of Visier Azem on his Brother-in-law, shewed that a Prince ought not to be a slave to Policy; that he is above Laws and Customs; that he should not submit to them any farther then he finds them advantagious to his State and Glory; and that he is always at liberty to reform them, or establish new ones, when there is occasion, or necessity requires it. He could not have made a better choice to supply the first charge of his Empire; and though he did not find as much experience in Achmet Coprogli, as in his Father, at least he met with the same zeal for his service, the same courage in the highest undertakings, and the same genius and resolution in the greatest affairs.

As soon as Achmet was invested in his new Dignity, he shewed the greatness of his soul, and the strength of his wit; for as young as he was, he was no more surprized, or confused in this place; the burthen of which so few Subjects are vigorous enough to support, than if he had the experience of the ablest Politicians, and greatest Statesmen. He followed his Fathers foot-steps so exactly, that no body could perceive any other change in the administration, than that it descended from the Father to the Son; and that one was as expert as the other, who was the greatest, and most judicious Minister that ever managed the affairs of the Ottoman Empire.

This young Minister therefore imitating his Father Mahomet Coprogli, acted every thing with wonderful prudence; he at first accustomed him self never to let either Malice, Melancholy, Anger, or Haste, which are the four dangerous shelves of ready and and subtil wits, to have any influence on his resolution. He is always methodical in his discourse, judicious in what he writes, sincere in his proceeding, punctual in his promises, secret in his orders, quick, and ready to engage, and very constant in his resolutions. His good qualities made the other Visiers and Bassa's of the Divan jealous of him, who could not endure that a young man should be preferred before them, whom they were obliged to own as their Superior, and to submit their opinion to his. The most powerful and discontented of those who pretended to the Dignity of Grand Visier was Rustan Bey, Bassa of Babylon. He had great intrigues at the Port, and abundance of Creatures among the Spahies and Ianizaries that were at Constantinople, whither the Sultan was not returned since the death of the Visier Azem. He engaged them underhand to mutiny, and endeavour by threats to oblige the Grand Signior to name another Grand Visier; but the Emperor as soon as he was out of his minority, made himself absolute among them; and after the example of Sultan Amurath his Unkle, often came abroad to see them exercise. By this means he shewed that he had more courage, and resolution than his male-content Subjects were willing to allow him; and that the Sultana Valide, and the Visier Mahomet Coprogli had given him a more heroick education than any Ottoman Prince ever had before him. That great and faithful Minister taught him to behave himself like an Emperor, and to make use of his Sovereign power. The Sultan therefore had a mind to practise his lessons, and imploy his policy in maintaining the choice he had made of his Son to succeed him in his charge, and keeping the mutineers in order. He was not ignorant of the mischievous consequences of Seditions; and that it is difficult to appease them, when the people and the Militia are united in a Rebellion. He concluded with the Grand Visier that it was necessary to gain the chief leaders of the Spahoes, by distributing mony among them, to oblige them to withdraw their Troops from the Ianizaries faction. These two sorts of Militia, as we have elsewhere mentioned, have been always opposed to one another; nor was it difficult to divide them. The Spahies being appeased by the Visier Azems liberality, not only laid down their Arms, but promised also to resist the Ianizaries attempts; who on the other side fearing the Grand Signiors menaces, and hoping to be as well rewarded as the Spahies, if they returned to their duty, declared that they were ready to punish those that were guilty, This submission caused the Sultan immediately to leave Adrianople, to come and quiet the trouble at Constantinople, by taking advantage of the Spahies zeal to suppress the seditious. He assembled the Divan, whither he came himself with all the Bassa's and Officers of the Port, and the principal of the City; and with some sharpness told them how much it displeased him, that they should contradict his actions, and that the Ianizaries should go about to impose laws on him. He spoke with so much Majesty, that he strook an awe into the most insolent. At the same time he gave order to seize the Bassa of Babylon, who was the chief author of the Sedition, the Aga, and the most criminal Officers of the Ianizaries, and some of the principal inhabitants, causing them all to be strangled; and threatned to cashier the whole body of the Ianizaries, if ever they committed the least disorder.

This proceeding seemed the more rigorous to these Troops, because they expected more favourable usage; but they durst not complain. The Grand Visier in the mean time in conformity to his Fathers maxims, thought it necessary to employ the Ianizaries, that they might have no leisure to mutiny again. He intended to continue the Siege of Candia, but he would first make an end of the Transylvanian War, which Ali Bassa managed with no great success: and he was preparing himself to march with the Ianizaries, and Spahies, when he was informed that the Sophy of Persia was about to attaque Bagdet. This news changed the face of things, and made the Sultan send an Aga, and a Chiaux to Vienna, to propose a Peace to the Emperor. These Envoys met not with that satisfaction that the Vivier Azem wished. The Emperor gave them to understand, that the Principality of Transylvania, which was the cause of his difference with the Sultan, was a member that had been separated from his Estate, and that his Highness could not without injustice think of obliging him to quit his pretensions to that Province, and to desert Prince Chimin Ianos, who had put himself into his protection: and that he could not agree to the dismantling of Serinwar, unless the Grand Signior would demolish the Fortifications of Waradin, and some other places.

This answer did not please the Grand Visier, who was no less careful than his Father had been, of his Masters glory, and industrious to enlarge his Dominions: but hearing for certain that the Sophy marched against Bagdet, he saw it was necessary to temporize now: therefore he sent orders to Ali Bassa, the General of the Army in Transylvania, to continue the overtures of Peace. This General at the same time received the news of the taking of Chimen Ianos by Michael Abaffi, who succeeded Count Barelay, and was protected by the Port in his pretences to Transylvania. The death of Chimin Ianos, whom Abaffi caused to be beheaded in Prison, as Chimin had treated his first Competitor, facilitated the Conquest of the Province, and favoured the Grand Visiers designs. Ali Bassa immediately sent a Courrier to him to know what he should do in this conjuncture; but Achmet sent him word again that he should observe the orders he had received: so that he pressed the Emperor to send Deputies to the Port to negotiate a Peace between the two Empires. In the mean time the Ottoman Army made continual inroads into Hungary, and the Imperial Troops did the like in the Grand Signiors Dominions. But the Turks being tired with this tedious skirmishing War, threatned the coming down of the Grand Signior himself with a formidable Army to invade Hungary, if the Emperor did not very suddenly conclude a Peace; which made him dispatch Doctor Perez to the Divan. The Grand Visier, whose drift was to prolong the Negotiation till his own affairs were in a better posture, dismissed him, with order to tell his Master that he should send his Agats to Themidwar, to treat there with Ali Bassa, and the Cappigi Bassa: but hearing that the Sophy for fear of being invaded by the Mogol, had given over his enterprize on Babylon, he commanded General Ali not to recede from the first conditions which he had proposed in order to the conclusion of the Peace.

The Emperor finding the Sultans propositions unreasonable, and that the Turks continued their Incursions, believed, the Divan, whatever it pretended, had no desire to terminate the War: therefore he began to look about him betimes, for fear of being surprized; foreseeing that it would not be long before the Grand Visier would fall upon him; who, as soon as he had put the particular affairs of the Ottoman Empire into order, resolved to pursue the enterprize which his Father began, and was forced to leave unfinished by death. After he had rigged a powerful Navy to encounter the Venetians, and the Christian Princes, whose Forces he apprehended at Sea, he prepared to march against the Emperor, to let his Master see that he was as expert as the old Generals, who proud of their long command, and age, flighted him as a young man, and raised disadvantageous stories of him. He ordered the Bassa's of Albania, Natolia, Buda, and some others, to draw towards Hungary with their Troops, and desired the Sultan to stay at Adrianople, and to permit him to go and exercise his Authority, and give proofs of his valour. He led with him the old bands of Ianizaries, and Spahies, placing the Mutineers in the Forlorn Hope, that they might be cut off in this War, which he hoped to finish in a short time, that he might turn all the Ottoman Forces against Candia. But while he marched towards Hungary, his Fleet which he set forth to scour the Sea, and succor Canea, which was distressed by the Venetian Army, was not so successful as he expected: it shun'd ingaging the Venetian Fleet, which would have fought to have prevented the relief of Canea. The same Fleet however pursued Turkish Gallies in the Archipelago so briskly, that it took ten Saiques, gave chace to four great Vessels that followed a Caravan of Alexandria; and being come up with them, took three, and several Saiques that carried abundance of persons of quality of both Sexes, who were going on Pilgrimage to Mecha.

The news of this disgrace did more inflame the Grand Visiers courage, who made long marches to arrive at Belgrade, where the body of the Army expected him under the conduct of Ali Bassa, who was newly made Visier of Hungary. The approach of this great Minister, and the arrival of the Bassa's of Bossina, Silestria, Waradin, Aleppo, and the Beglerbeg of Natolia, so terrified the Emperor, that he presently commanded the Baron de Goez, one of his Deputies, to divert the dreadful storm that threatned the Empire, by granting several of the demands which Ali Bassa made in the Grand Signior's name. Ali acquainted the Grand Visier upon what terms the Emperor was willing to purchase Peace: that he consented that Michel Abassi who was under his Highnesses protection, should be acknowledged Prince of Transylvania, and promised to withdraw his Garrisods out of some places, and to demolish the Fort of Serinwar: but Achmet had no mind to go back now he was so forward, and had made such preparations for the War; thinking it below him to make Peace on any conditions, either less advantageous to his Master, or less glorious for himself, than the Victories that seemed to attend his Arms; and for this reason, not being satisfied with what the Emperor offered. He asked over and above, two millions for the expences he had been at, with a Tribute of an hundred thousand Rixdollers a year for the Kingdom of Hungary, which he resolved to make wholly tributary to the Ottoman Empire. Besides this, he would have the Emperor give free passage for what Troops the Grand Signior pleased to send into the Venetian Territories.

These proud demands made the Emperor despair of the accommodation, he had hitherto flattered himself withal. He perceived that the Grand Visier would not let the Ianizaries return to Constantinople, till their fierceness and insolence were abated by the toils of a War, which through the animosity of both parties would undoubtedly prove very bloody. Achmet Coprogli being informed of the Emperors continual preparations for War, was glad to meet with resistance in such an Enemy, whose defeat would augment his glory, and convince the world that he was as able in the Camp, as in the Divan; and could not only advise like an Oracle, but could command also like a great Captain.

The fourth Book.

THE Emperor seeing his Commissioners return without any effect of their Negotiation, made no question but that the Visier Azem would endeavour all he could to come and besiege him in Vienna. Therefore he fortified that City, that it might be in a condition, if need were, to resist the Ottoman Forces, implored the assistance of all the Potentates of Europe, and with four distinct Armies secured the hereditary Provinces of the Empire. The Grand Visier on the other side aimed at some considerable Expedition, and having determined what to do, passed the long Bridge of Essek, and sate down before Newhausel. He immediately invested the place, and defeated some Troops which Count Forgate, and Balsi, and Marquiss Pio, would have put into it, then he summoned it according to the custom of the Turks, who do so to all places they besiege. But Count Forgats the Governour having given such an answer to his summons, as made him find that fair words and splendid promises were not sufficient arguments to perswade him to surrender a place which the Emperor had intrusted him with: he planted so furious a Battery as soon made breaches wide enough to invite the Turks to an assault, in which great numbers of them were slain by the defendants. But the Grand Visier pressed the Siege so vigorously, that the Governour was forced to yield the place upon composition; and the Articles were so advantagious, that several of the Officers, and the chief of the besieged knowing to what necessity of surrendring the Town was reduced, and what multitudes of their Enemies had perished before their Walls in so small a time, were of opinion at first that the Grand Visier readily consented to whatever Count Forgats demanded, with design to break his word, and to have it the sooner in his power to revenge the loss he had sustained during the Siege: but the event shewed that they did him wrong to suspect he could be guilty of a baseness so much below the greatness of his soul, though otherwise such actions are very common among the Turks. Achmet Coprogli has always profest himself an enemy to treachery, and thinks himself concerned in honour to keep his word on all occasions. The Governour of Newhausel was the first that found this to be true; the good usage he received from the Grand Visier constrained him to be just to his vertue and desert, and far from what his Officers apprehended, to thank him for the complement he made him, upon his generous defence of a Town which seemed incapable of holding out against so powerful an Army.

Count Forgats being marched out of Newhausel, the Visier Azem made his entry into it, and at the same time dispatched an Officer to carry the news to the Grand Signior; but designing to make an entire conquest of Hungary, to accomplish it without shedding of blood, for ruining the Country, he bethought himself of issuing out a Proclamation, that all the places that would submit to the Ottoman Empire, should be exempted from Contribution for six years, at the end of which each house should pay but a Rixdoller. This did not succeed so well as he expected; however he possessed himself of Schinta, Novigrad, Levens, and some other places of less importance, with which he ended the Campagna, that he might refresh his Army, and be at leisure to look after the affairs of the Port, which he still took care of, notwithstanding the War. To this end he had Courriers continually on the way, who informed him of all that passed, and carried messages from him to the Sultan, who was then at Adrianople, where he made publick rejoycings for three days together for the Victories of his chief Minister, and concluded them with the death of his principal Nectangis or Secretary. His Highness caused him to be beheaded upon the advice he had from the Visier Azem, that he was corrupted by the Emperors Ministers, from whom he had received a very considerable sum of money, which was found in his Coffers; being not only a certain argument of his Crime, but a mark of Achmet Coprogli's faithful correspondence in all parts. The season of the year which obliged the Visier to retreat, did not hinder him from sending Succors to Canea, and Recruits to the Troops that were in Dalmatia; so that at the same time that he had undertaken another War, he pressed the Venetians in two several places, to show the Christian Princes, that the Sultan could maintain more Armies than one against his Enemies, and that he did not at all fear the great preparations they threatned him with; being advertised that Count Serini did very much distress the Troops that wintered in the conquered places, and along the River Traag, and Dravus. He composed three small Armies of Tartars, Moldavians, and some Turkish Companies to wast Moravia, and Silesia, and to make inroads as far as Presburg, the Capital City of Hungary, by that means to divert Count Serini, who by the Emperor, and the Diet at Ratisbon was nominated Generalissimo of the Hungarian Forces. But neither these Forces, nor the extremity of Winter, could hinder this Hero from taking Bernezet, Raboscha, Seques, and several other places which the Turks had conquered. He made himself Master of Palanka, and Peez, a populous trading Town; and leaving his Army under the conduct of Count Horlac, he besieged and took Tainskirken, and attacked the Bridge of Essek, where he met with a vigorous resistance, which however could not keep him from burning that, and many Magazines which the Turks had along the River Dravus. After this he undertook the Siege of Canisia, a place of great importance.

The Grand Signior hearing of this Siege, was resolved to go in person and relieve this Town, and stay the course of Count Serini's conquests; but the Visier Azem dissuaded him from his design, representing the danger he exposed himself to, and the mischievous consequences of his absence from Constantinople; where the people being provoked at the punishment the Sultan had inflicted on the chief of the City, who conspired against him, were ready to rise, and spoke of making one of his brothers Emperor. The Grand Visier too had a mind to finish the War he had so happily begun, and was unwilling that his Highnesses presence should rob him of his glory, and be thought to have effected more than all his industry; yet the care of his own glory was not the only motive that caused him to divert Sultan Mahomet from this expedition, the affection and zeal which he ever had for his Masters service, at this time prevailed over all other considerations, knowing the violence of his nature, and the greatness of his courage, he feared he would engage himself too far into danger, and that he would receive more prejudice by the enterprizes of the Mutineers at Constantinople, than advantage by the conquest of the whole Kingdom of Hungary. Nor did he doubt but that he should finish the Expedition successfully, without the assistance of the Captains and old Generals that were in his Army, who out of jealousie opposed his design, and hindred him from advancing his Conquests so far as he might have done, if he had taken less heed to their counsel, which he rather chose to follow, and proceed slowly, than to hazard any thing upon his own account. Being informed of all Count Serini's exploits, who nearly distressed Canisia, and as valiantly repulsed Sultan Mahomet's Forces, as his Grandfather did those of the Emperor Soliman, he took the Field to prevent him from joyning Canisia to the other conquests he had made during the Winter; but the death of Ali Bassa obliged him to suspend his intention of repulsing the enemy, to allow him those Funeral Ceremonies which his great services to the state deserved.

Ali was one of the greatest, and most expert Captains of the Ottoman Empire: he bore Arms first under Sultan Amurath, and behaved himself so well in the Persian War, that the Emperor in recompence gave him one of his Sisters in marriage, and made him Bassa-General of his Armies. He had gained such reputation, that his power made the Grand Visier Mahomet Coprogli jealous of him, and resolve to take away his command of the Army in Transylvania, as we have already mentioned; and he advised his Son to take heed of him as one that might well be his Competitor for the charge of Grand Visier: but equitable Achmet perceiving the extraordinary merit of this brave man, respected his virtue and age, which was threescore and ten; and instead of following the politic cautions of his Father, submitted often to his advice, and extremely deplored his death, which was also lamented by the Grand Signior. After he had rendered him all the Offices that the Mahometan Law required, he pursued his march to Canisia. His Army consisted of seventy thousand men, whose approach forced Count Serini, Count Hohelac, and Strozzi who were joyned with him, to raise the Siege, and retire into the Isle of Serin. Their retreat was but just time enough, for as soon as they were gone the Turks arrived, and posted themselves in the same places that the Christians quitted. The Grand Visier having put sufficient relief into Canisia, sent Ismael Bassa with twenty thousand men to pass the River Mur at the place where it joyns with the Dravus, that by getting that passage, he might have free entry into Stiria, Carinthia, and Croatia; but Count Strozzi valiantly defended the Pass, and performing the part of a gallant Souldier, was slain with a Musquet Bullet.

In the mean time the Emperor impatiently expected the Succors he had desired of the Christian Princes. The Pope, the Princes of Italy, and the King of Spain, had promised him large sums of money, for which he had great occasion, but they made no haste to send them. Sweden and Lorain gave him hopes of men, but he heard nothing of their coming; so that he despaired of receiving any of the Succors he looked for time enough except those of France. The King on this occasion, as on a thousand others shewed himself to be the most Christian, and the most zealous of all Princes for the good of Christendom; for when Count Strozzi whom we spoke of, who was sent from his Imperial, to his Most Christian Majesty, had represented the necessity the Emperor was in, the King granted all that he desired; and not at all satisfied that they should limit the Succors to two thousand Horse, and four thousand Foot, that they should think to bound his liberality, and hinder him from giving more splendid marks of his extraordinary generosity, and zeal for Religion. This incomparable Monarch could not keep himself from telling his Courtiers, that he had rather they were in Hungary than at the Louvre; and that if the Dauphin his only Son were old enough, he would send him to this War. The chief of the Court, and Kingdom were ambitious of serving as Volunteers under Count Coligni, whom the King chose to be General, making the Duke of Feuillade his Mareschal de Camp. The Duke of Bouillon great Chamberlain of France, was the first that begg'd leave of his Majesty to make this Campagna, his example was followed by his Brother the Count d' Auvergn • , the Chevaliers de Lorain, and de Rohan, the Dukes of Saubieze and Brisac, the Marquess de Guitery, Master of the Wardrobe, the Marquises de Ragny, Villery, Castelnau, Seneçay, Bethune, and Estrade; the Counts de Saux, and Canaples, the Chevaliers de St. Agnan, and Coaslin, and several others who prepared themselves to signalize their valour on the bank of Raab, where by and by we shall see them defeating the most formidable Enemy of Christendom.

The news of the Troops that were to come to the Emperors assistance being brought to the Grand Visier, he resolved to advance his Conquests before their arrival. Ismael Bassa whom he commanded to gain the passage over the River Mur, having been repulsed, as we said before by Count Strozzi, sought a more favourable place, and besieged the Fort of Serin, which commanded all the Country about it. Count Nicolas Serini did all he could to make the Enemy retire, and perhaps had effected it, and forced them to give over their enterprize, if Achmet Coprogli, who earnestly sought an opportunity of disputing the glory of a victory with this General, whose reputation was so great, that the Turks trembled at his very name, had not arrived in the Camp, with the Bassa's of Bossina, and Albania, followed by a body of twenty thousand men, having made another body of the rest of his Army, which was employed in another place, His presence animated the Souldiers, who were discouraged by the stout resistance of their Enemy, and the toils they indured in the Siege. They were ashamed not to follow their General, who exposed himself to the greatest dangers, and would have gone to the assault himself, if the crowd of the Officers of the Army had afforded him any room. They strove who should first take the Fort, and having at last carried it, they put two thousand men whom they found there in Garrison to the Sword, inraged that such an handful should presume to resist an Army of forty thousand men. The Grand Visier caused this Fort to be razed; the demolition of which he had before in vain demanded of the Emperor, because it awed the Ottoman Garrison in Canisia. Afterwards he marched against little Comora, and took it by Composition; and hearing that Count Souches one of the Imperial Generals had defeated the twenty thousand Tartars, Moldavians, and Valachians, whom he sent into the high Hungary, at Sernevers. He determined to extend his vengeance to the very Gates of Vienna, to waste all Austria, and to besiege the Emperor in the Capital City of his Empire. To this purpose he approached Sarvar a considerable place on the River Raab; but seeing no likelihood of forcing it suddenly, and being informed that the imperial Army advanced to hinder his passage, he resolved to prevent it, and marched in haste to possess himself of the Bridge of Kermen, a Town on the same River, and in his march took the Town of Ergevart; but he met with a vigorous resistance when he came to the Bridge where he intended to pass his Army. Count Montecuculi the General of the Imperial Troops, and Count Hohenlac, General of the Confederates, foresaw that the Grand Visier would choose this passage as the most commodious, and were come thither to make it good: but they would have been forced to have quitted it, if a party of Count Coligni, General of the Auxiliary French Troops Cavalry had not arrived when the Turks were forcing the Bridge. This General, who according to the order he had received from the Generalissimo, had hastned his march to joyn the Imperial Army, advanced with some Volunteers, and a party of his Guards, and for almost two hours together withstood all the fire and attempts of the Ottomans. Then the Hungarians who were deserted by the Germans, seeing themselves seconded by the French, took heart, and fell upon the Enemy, who was forced to seek a pass two Musket-shot lower, where the French Horse still behaved themselves gallantly, and drove back the Ottoman Army, which lost there abundance of Souldiers and Officers, and among the rest the Bassa of Bossina, who was slain fighting in the formost Ranks. The Visier who would not shrink from the resolution he had taken, impediments increasing his thirst of victory, persisted obstinately in his design of passing the Raab. Therefore he went up higher towards St. Godard, a little Village, now famous for the action that happened there, whither he was followed by the Christian Army, which he galled with Cannon-shot all night, while he in the mean time held a Council of War, where it was concluded to swim over part of the Cavalry, and pass the rest over a bridge, which was made under covert of the Artillery between St. Godard and Glostorff. Ismael Bassa of Buda had the conduct of this enterprize, he passed at the head of six thousand Ianizaries and Spahies, and the flower of the Ottoman Army. The Grand Visier commanded him to make a retrenchment on the other side of the River, to amuse the Christians, while he passed the body of his Army in another place, that they might charge the Imperialists on both sides: but Ismael being gotten over to the other side, in spight of the Germans resistance, could not withhold his Souldiers from assaulting and defeating Count Horlac's Troops that disputed the Pass with them. After which he possessed himself of their post, where he retrenched himself, after he had put them to flight, taken their Cannon, and cut off above two thousand heads. He presently sent the Grand Visier word that he was master of the Pass, and that if he would advance with the rest of the Army, he might cut the Imperialists in pieces. Upon this advice Achmet caused more Troops to pass over to him, who not having room enough to put themselves in order to fight, were attacked by the French; and the Cavalry too being in the same distress, were not able to resist the onset of the illustrious French Volunteers: so that the first Ranks turning their backs, they were all so disordered, that they betook themselves to flight, and threw themselves into the Raab, where they were drowned in sight of the rest of their Army, and their General, who not being able to assist them, did all that a great Captain could do to animate his Souldiers, and make them renew the Fight, that they might revenge the defeat of their companions; but they were seized with such a panic fear, that they gave back instead of advancing. The Visier in vain represented to them how much they were concerned to repair their loss, for they persisted in their disobedience. He went himself before them with his Simitar in his hand, promising them victory, and great rewards if they would go where their honour called them, and conjured them to follow him; but seeing this did not prevail, he added threats to his intreaties, and upbraided their baseness. His fury carried him so far, that he had like to have perished in sight of his disobedient Army, and not able to suppress his indignation any longer, he killed three Officers with his own hand, whom he in vain called by their names to follow him, pursuing two more, who cried out to him • that they came to make War on the Transylvanians and Hungarians, and not to fight with the French. This brave General finding there was no remedy, caused his Troops to retreat into a secure place, and he with his followers only retired into a quarter apart, to shew how he contemned his own Army. He sent with a great deal of civility to the Christian Generals to demand several Captains, and some Bassa's, and chiefly Ismael who perished in the Fight, which lasted nine hours; offering whatever they pleased for their ransom, if they were Prisoners, and sent back all the Christian prisoners that were in his Camp. After the Battle, the two Armies attempted nothing considerable, but stood upon their guard only. The Turkish Officers and Captains being ashamed of their disobedience, desired their General to let them recover their credit by some Siege, or any thing but engaging the Christian Army: but the places they proposed to besiege were of so little importance, that he reproached their cowardize, and flight before an handful of men tired with a long journey; and told them he would have no more to do with Souldiers who disgraced the Ottoman Empire, and by their baseness sullied the glory of their Ancestors.

After this Declaration he sent the Grand Signior word of his loss, and the disobedience of his Troops, and advised him to renew the Peace between the two Empires, to prevent his being exposed to a second disgrace: all the Divan was of his opinion. The Sultan sent him order to conclude it, and gave notice to the Emperors Resident, that to stop the progress of the War, they should renew the Conferences that were held at Themiswar. The Resident immediately sent away a Courrier to advertise Prince Lakowits the President of the Emperors Council of War, who willingly entertained the proposition, and negotiated so secretly with the Visier Azem, that the Peace was published before it was thought to be treated of.

All the world was surprized at this suddain Peace; the Imperialists were of opinion that it was opportunely concluded: but it is certain, that if it had not been made so hastily, and they had then pursued the Turks when they were discouraged by their losses and disorder in the Battle of S. Godard, the rest of Hungary and Transylvania might have been recovered, which the Sultan without doubt would have surrendered, to finish a War that imployed the best part of his Forces, which he wanted to oppose the Sophy, who made new attempts on Babylon, and the Provinces bordering on Persia, to preserve his Conquests in Candia, from whence the Venetians were driving him; and to appease the troubles which the revolt of the Governour Chazan Bassa had raised in Egypt.

All Christendom having taken Arms to assist the Emperor, would have made great advantages by the continuation of the War against the common Enemy, and particularly the Commonwealth of Venice would have forced him wholly to quit his design upon Candia. There can never happen so proper a conjuncture to humble the Sultan's pride. All the Potentates of Europe were ready to unite against him. His own Dominions were disturbed with intestine broils; the Sophy and the other Princes of Asia were about to declare War against him. The Venetians had a strong Fleet at Sea. Every thing seemed to contribute to his ruine. But the Emperor by a mistaken policy took false measures, which in the consequence fell heavy not only upon himself, but the common interest of Christendom; for he concluded such a Peace as left the Sultan at liberty to assemble all his Forces against Candia; which proved afterward to be the loss of that Island. Whereas, had his Imperial Majesty comprehended the Venetians in his Treaty, it might on the other side have turned as much to the advantage of that Commonwealth. This proceeding gave likewise great offence to the most Christian King, who had so generously assisted the Emperor against the Ottoman power, in the preservation of his Hereditary Countries, which at that time his Imperial Majesty was not of himself in condition to defend. The French were but ill requited for their pains, particularly by the Confederates, who shamefully left them as soon as they saw them engaged with the Turks; insomuch that Count Horlac the Confederates General, not being able to make them stand, retired into a Wood, where he was found after the Battle foaming with rage, to see some of our Captains and Volunteers covered with their own, and their enemies blood; who asked him what became of his Troops, and why they would not partake of the honour of the victory, The generosity of our Souldiers which deserved the acknowledgment, and friendship of the Germans, received so much the contrary, that they would not allow them so much as victuals and forrage; so that the Officers were forced-to use threats, to get necessaries for the subsistance of their Troops in their return to France, whither they led them, the Proclamation of the Peace leaving them no more to do in Hungary and Germany.

Achmet Coprogli was afraid he should have been forced to have relinquished many of his Masters pretensions; but seeing how easily the Emperor was satisfied, he managed the Sultans interest as well as he could, and subscribed to Articles which he at another conjuncture would never have agreed to. He sent them presently away to his Highness to be ratified, and in the mean time he retreated to Belgrade, where he dismissed the Asian Troops, to go and Winter in their own Country, and sent those of Europe to Winter in Bossina, that they might be the nearer to Dalmatia, which he intended to attacque the next Campagna.

Nothing now remain'd for him to do but to return to Constantinople, where his friends and the people impatiently expected him; but he would not set forward without the Grand Signior's order, and till he had received the ratification of the Peace. It was the more welcome at Constantinople at this time,Octob. 22. 1664. because it fell out at the birth of the Sultan's Son, who by the death of his Brother was looked on as Chas Adas, which is as much as the eldest Son, and Heir of the Empire.

The first Article of the Peace, was, that the Emperors should send Embassadors to one another, who should bring the Ratifications, and presents usual on the like occasions. The Grand Signior pitched upon Mahomet Bassa, and sent a rich Vest by him to the Visier Azem, whom he should find at Belgrade, and receive the Instructions of his Embassie from him. Mahomet acquitted himself faithfully of his Highnesses Commissions, and at the same time that Achmet received from him the marks of his Masters gratitude and affection, he was informed of the death of generous Count Serini. This news so surprized the Grand Visier, that he broke off his conversation with Mahomet Bassa, to learn the particulars of that sad accident, which no relation hitherto has given a clear account of, as I find by some secret Memoires which have more truth in them.

It was told the Ottoman General, that his victorious Arms having forced Count Serini to raise the Siege of Canisia, he retired into a Fort of his own name, which he had built, extremely dissatisfied that this enterprize, as well as several others before had succeeded no better for want of necessary assistance; and that his vexation for the loss, and raising of the said Fort, and the ill usage he received from the Emperor, and the Imperial Diet, caused him to retire into one of his Country houses, to comfort himself in the tranquillity of a private life, for the inconstancy of his fortune, and the injustice of the Court; where those who held the first rank, as being the most powerful, and considerable persons in the Empire, not satisfied with hindering the Diet from choosing him Generalissimo of the Army, which command justly belonged to him, still continued their design of destroying him, to satiate their envy, and free themselves from their apprehension that this Hero would one day shew his resentment of their ingratitude. But not daring to attempt his life openly, with their Arms in their hands, their Court-treachery pursued him in the midst of the Forrests, where, as he was wont to do, diverting his melancholy with Hunting, he was killed with a blow he received in the chase of a prodigious great Wild Boar, which he had already wounded; to whose fury the authors of his death falsly attributed his murther, and accordingly contrived the relations of it; endeavouring so to palliate the enormity of an action which it was their interest should be eternally concealed.

This recital had a contrary effect to what was reported. Generous Achmet considering the hard fate of valiant Count Serini, who may well be accounted the greatest Hero of this Age, far from rejoycing at the fall of so dangerous an enemy, was so touched at it, that all the satisfaction he reaped from the Grand Signior's obliging expressions, which Mahomet Bassa informed him of, could not keep him from shewing his grief, and lamenting the unhappy end of a Captain who had so obstructed the progress of the Ottoman Arms, to that degree, that he was angry with the neighbouring Turks for making Bonfires when they heard of it.

The Grand Visier having learned the Sultans intentions, dispatched Mahomet Bassa, that he might arrive at Vienna, at the same time that Count Lesbley, whom the Emperor sent to the Port, should come to Adrianople, where the Grand Signior was. Then having commanded the Bassa's of Bossina and Albania to have their Troops ready to pass into Dalmatia with the Sultans first orders, he began his journey to Constantinople, where he met with the applauses due to his great conduct, and invincible courage. The Emperor Mahomet received him with open arms, and sufficiently manifested his kindness for, and esteem of this great Minister, who far from abusing his favour, would have made use of it, to obtain pardon for those Officers who disobeyed him when he pressed them to fight, and would hardly suffer the Sultan to put five or six of them to death, for an example to the rest: not but that he was as sensible of their baseness as of the bravery of the French, whose courage he commended in the Grand Signior's presence, and testified how much he valued them, by his kind reception of, and civility to Monsieur de la Haye, then Embassador of France at the Port, whom he entertained three days together in his house, treating him with more respect than was ever shewn to any Embassador before.

The Grand Visiers return gave the Grand Signior the freedom of diverting himself with Hunting, and his Women; for leaving all his affairs to his care, which he had looked after in his absence, he retired to one of his pleasant Country Houses, which the Turks call Chioufti, not far from Constantinople, where Achmet Coprogli staid to send relief to Canea, which was still distressed by the Venetians, and to see the Sultan's Revenues paid, and replenish his Treasury, which was exhausted by the Wars. That of Candia was incredibly expensive, all the Ammunition and Recruits that were sent thither were little enough; and the innumerable Forces that had been consumed in it, had made but a very slender progress: therefore he considered how he might put a speedy end to it. He applied himself diligently to put the affairs of the Port into such a posture, as might permit him to go thither himself; and the conquest of this Island seeming to him the most glorious that he could ever make, he promised himself both good success in his expedition, and immortal renown, not only among the Turks, who knowing the importance of the Kingdom of Candia, obstinately contended for the mastery of it twenty years; but also among all other Nations, who would admire the valour of the Defendants, and the constancy of the Besiegers. Nor did he doubt of effecting more by his presence than all the Generals that had been sent thither before had done. His design was to finish the War by taking the Capital City, which he resolved to besiege with all the vigour and pains that can be expected from a Captain perfectly instructed in the art of War. He communicated his intentions to his Highness, and remonstrated to him that he ought not any longer to oppose his departure from Constantinople.

The great preparations he made were soon known to the Venetians, who on their side disposed themselves to resist them; but not finding themselves strong enough, they sent Embassadors to implore the assistance of all the Christian Princes.

In the mean time all things being ready for the Grand Visiers Expedition, he parted from Constantinople with the Grand Signior (who for some reasons you will learn hereafter, never returned thither since) and followed him to Adrianople, and from thence to Larissa, where he took leave of his Highness to go to Thebes, waiting for the union of the Troops he was to lead. As soon as they were assembled he caused them to march to Napoli di Romania, which place he chose for the general Rendevouze, and then went to meet his Wife Iohaime, and Fatima his Mother, who would needs accompany him in his voyage. He was glad of having the advantage of her counsel, whose wit, and courage was above her Sex. With these two persons who were so dear to him he embarqued at Malvezie, and set sail for Canea, where his arrival animated the besieged, who were closely pressed by the Venetians. At his first coming he forced the Enemy to retire, and after he had visited the place, took a general review of all the Troops that were in the Island, and those that he brought along with him, and then with a small party went to view the old Town of Candia, and to take notice how the former siege was disposed. The Venetians being advertised of his approach, sallied out, and repulsed him; but his design being to end this tedious, expensive War, by taking the chief City, he soon returned with a more considerable body of men, that he might with more safety view the Country, and the outworks of the place, about which he pitched a new Camp, and drew lines for a more regular Siege than the former; the execution of which he found very difficult; for not having been truly informed of the Forces of the Town, and the situation of the Country. He saw it would cost him more pains, and time, than he expected it would. However not at al discouraged by the difficulties he met with, he carried on the works with such diligence, that the besieged were quickly reduced to employ all the industry of their Engineers to secure them from the Mines which he continually sprung, and all the strength of their Souldiers to resist the assaults of the Turks. Never was any place so vigorously attaqued, and so stoutly defended. This being one of the most famous Sieges that ever was, several Writers have at large related it; therefore I shall not trouble the Reader with an useless repetition of what he may find elsewhere, but only succinctly mention what the story of the Grand Visier will not suffer me to omit, without specifying all the assaults and skirmishes that happened at it.

This General, besides the wonderful resistance of the besieged, had no less dangerous enemies to encounter with at this Port, who did him all the ill offices they could with the Grand Signior, and by making use of this troublesome conjuncture of affairs, endeavoured to destroy him. They represented to the Sultan, that the length of the Siege of Candia proceeded from the Grand Visiers want of courage, whose Army was powerful enough to subdue all Asia, or the greatest Empire in the world; but that his cowardize made him protract the time, that the Christians might have leisure to assemble their Forces, which would at last oblige the Ottoman Army to quit the conquest of an Island that had exhausted the strength of the Empire, and his Highnesses Treasures: that such an affront would be irreparable, and an eternal disgrace to the Musulmans, and would certainly happen through the baseness and weakness of the Grand Visier, who out of a vain presumption had undertaken the continuation of a War he could never end honourably. Thus these envious persons omitted nothing that might induce the Grand Signior to recal and ruine him.

The too credulous Prince provoked by the Grand Visiers ill success, who incessantly sent for Recruits, believed all that was said against him; and without any regard to his inviolable fidelity, or the high rank he held in the Empire, which made him subject to the malice of the Courtiers, without considering that those Ministers who are most affectionate to, and zealous for the services of their Prince, and the good of the State, are always most exposed to envy. He took a resolution which would have deprived him of the ablest, and best of all his Subjects, if Achmet Coprogli's prudence had not equalled the Sultans cruelty, and injustice. He sent this brave General word that he should suddenly put an end to the Siege, which his rashness had prompted him to undertake, and in a very short time either send him his Head, or the Keys of Candia.

This order was very peremptory, and sufficient to have shaken the firmest Courage. The Grand Visier had great reason to think himself very rigorously and unjustly dealt with; his fidelity and zeal for his Master, and the hazards his life was so often exposed to for his glory, deserved better usage, and might have inclined him to revenge himself, and shew his resentment by abandoning his Army, which would undoubtedly have perished, if he had sought to secure himself by going over to the Venetian side, as he might have done: but honour having ever been his only object, he never so much as entertained a thought that was prejudicial to his reputation. He answered the Sultan very submissively, yet in such terms as shewed the greatness of his soul; and that it was not the fear of death he was threatned with that made him hasten a conquest, which he undertook for the augmentation of his Dominions, and glory: that he never had any other end in it, and that if his Highness could reap any benefit by his death, it was in his power to satisfie himself when he pleased: that as to the Siege of Candia he hoped to finish it, if he would allow him time, having been deceived by a false account of the state of the place. Achmet imparted the Grand Signiors command to his Mother Fatima, and having consulted together, they concluded that this blow proceeded from the persecutions of his enemies at Court: and soon after they were confirmed in their opinion by the Couriers which they sent continually to the Port, to bring them news of all that passed there. They found that some Courtiers who had insinuated themselves into the Grand Signiors favour, had attempted to disgrace him, and had succeeded in it. However he did not much trouble himself, being assured that his conduct would justifie him, and that the detractors would be punished for their calumnies by their own remorse, and the Sultans anger, who would in time discover their treachery. He continued to press the besieged, who received great assistance from the King of France, under the conduct of the Count de la Feuillade, who was accompanied by the Count de St. Paul, the Duke of Chasteau Thierry, the Sieurs de Caderousse, de Villemaur, and many more Gentlemen and Officers, who came to shew the Turks that they could overcome them as well in Creet as in Hungary. And the sallies of these brave men put the Turks almost in despair, who were incouraged by their Generals presence. He went from quarter to quarter to animate them, and exhort them to do their duty. He caused new Candia which the Turks built after the taking of Canea to be demolished, that he might make use of the materials in his works, and by depriving his Troops of a safe retreat, force them to secure themselves by their valour, always telling them that they must either conquer or die.

But while he endeavours to become master of Candia, Constantinople was filled with tumults raised by the male-contents of the Empire, who seeing the ill success of the Grand Signiors Arms in this Island, and that several neighbouring Princes were ready to declare War against him, resolved to make use of this opportunity to revenge his Highnesses contempt of them, and prevent the punishment that was due to their Rebellion; in which they engaged the Ianizaries, who remained at Constantinople, to guard the Town, the Sultan, and the Seraglio. The Mutineers threatned to depose the Emperor, and to set up Prince Soliman his Brother in his room. The absence of the Visier Azem strengthened this Sedition, which all the Sultan Valide's power could hardly appease. The Sultan was then at Adrianople, and was so displeased with the Inhabitants of Constantinople, that he would not so much as take notice of their earnest solicitations of him to return thither. He declared openly that this proud City should no longer be the Imperial Seat, since she had rendered her self unworthy by her frequent disorders. The people, and the Ianizaries, who for the most part have their Families at Constantinople, were extremely provoked by this reproach. And if Prince Soliman had been among them, they had certainly proclaimed him Emperor: but he was in the Grand Signiors power, who not being so barbarous as his Predecessors, would not practise their inhumane policy of securing the possession of the Empire by the death of all their Brothers. Far from being so cruelly cautious he allowed his three Brothers an honourable freedom, and suffered them to employ themselves in exercises agreeable to their high birth: yet when he went from Constantinople he took Soliman along with him.

This Princes Mother Maiama was dead, she did all she could to place him on the Throne; which is partly the cause that the Sultan is jealous of him. His good qualities render him beloved by all the world, especially by the Souldiers, who are not ignorant of his vast courage. His impatience to give some proofs of his valour made him inconsiderately desire his Brother to let him accompany the Grand Visier in the Candian War, which his Highness thought not fit to grant; and the Visier Azem convinced the Sultan that it concerned him not to trust this young Prince with Arms, which he might one day turn against him, but to keep him where his actions might be better observed: not that he gave him this advice to exasperate him against his Brother, but he knew the Souldiers inclination to Soliman, who was of an active, undertaking spirit, and capable of raising great troubles in the State, if he should after the example of the Ottoman Princes, endeavour to free himself, and affect the Empire. Mahomet who had never seriously made these reflections, and did not at all distrust Soliman, suffered him to live at liberty; but the young Princes imprudence, in repining at his Brothers refusal, opened the Sultans eyes, and made him rereflect on what the Grand Visier had represented to him. The Sedition that happened afterwards at Constantinople, caused him to watch Soliman's behaviour more narrowly.

In the mean time Prince Soliman mistrusted nothing, Ambition was not his predominate passion, he loved hunting as well as the Grand Signior, always following him to that sport, and sometimes he went alone. But this exercise did not so take him up, but that he was well enough pleased with another, which is the usual employment of people of his age. His Brother was the most amorous Prince in the world, nor was he less inclined to gallantry himself; but he loved to keep it secret, not affecting to make a noise with his pleasures. He long sought for an object worthy of his kindness; and at last Zizim Morat Bassa by an extraordinary adventure furnished him with such an one as he desired. The Sangiac of Smyrna, who was akin to this Bassa, had sent him a very pretty Slave, which he bought of a Corsair Tartar, and brought up with a great deal of care, to make a Present of her to the Grand Signior, according to the custom of the Governors of Provinces, and Cities, who by this means, acquire, and preserve his Highnesses favour. The Sangiac Sinan who looked on Zizim Morat as his Patron at the Port, desired him to present her to the Sultan, who was then at Adrianople, where he intended to establish the Seat of the Empire, as Soliman the first of that name surnamed the Magnificent had done before. The Bassa deferred the acquitting himself of Sinan's Commission till the Grand Signiors return to Larissa, where he spends most part of the year, as well for the beauty of the place, which is the finest in all Thessaly, as for the convenience of Hunting in the great Forrests about it. He was an intimate friend of Prince Soliman, who a few days after came thither with his Brother. Zizim Morat told him he had a Present to make to his Highness, which would without doubt be well received; but that it must be kept secret, lest the Grand Sultana should come to hear of it, who would hate him mortally if he should know that he preferred a new Favourite to the Grand Signior; then he described the young womans beauty to him, which made Soliman desirous to see her, before she was delivered to the Emperor his Brother. The Bassa not dreaming of what would happen, carried him home with him, and shewed him the fair Slave, with whom he fell desperately in love. He made no secret of it to Zizim, but told him with a great deal of joy, that she was absolute mistriss of his heart, and conjured him to give him a proof of his friendship, by letting him have the young Slave. The Bassa used strong arguments to the contrary, and told him that he could not betray the trust the Sangiac of Smyrna reposed in him, without being at the same time false to the Grand Signior, who would punish them both if he came to know it. But amorous Soliman answered his arguments with so much force, and eloquence, convincing him, that it might be easily kept secret, since the Sultan was ignorant of it, and the absent Sangiac could never discover it, that at last friendship surmounted all other considerations, and he granted his request. Soliman embraced him a thousand times, and having expressed how much he was obliged to him, they contrived how they should conceal this Beauty from the Sultan, that he might not find out Soliman's treason, and Morat's falshood. They could think of no better way than to keep her in a Country house which Zizim had in the pleasant Valley of Ianica, heretofore the delicious Tempe, watered by the famous River Peneus, between the Mountains of Ossa and Olympus. In that Country there is a Forrest, the same that Virgil speaks of, where the Grand Signior often hunts, and Soliman with him, who then visits the fair Zulemai, without being taken notice of. This lasted some time, during which Soliman's life was as happy as Zulemai could make it, who loved him, and wanted no charms to engage him. She was perfectly well shaped; her complexion was so bright that it dazled those who beheld it, her hair was brown, her eyes black, and full, her mouth little, her lips juycy, her teeth white, and well set: she had a sweetness in her chin, and the midst of her cheeks that became her wonderfully when she spoke. Her neck was well shaped, as also her arms and hands; her carriage was noble, her speech pleasing, and her humor the best in the world. Soliman was tall, and strait; his face round, his complexion smooth, and white; his forehead large, and high, his eyes blue, and smiling, his nose a little aquiline, his mouth pretty, his min great, his humor magnificent, and his nature very generous. His inclinations are like the Grand Signiors, but he is a little more impatient and quick. His soul is noble, and extremely grateful, and his temper so complacent, that he easily gains the friendship of all men.

These two Lovers freely enjoyed the pleasures of mutual love, but one day chance brought the Sultan to Zizim Morat's Country house, where the Prince was abroad hunting in the Forrest. The Grand Signior being thirsty, came alone to this house to refresh himself, and there seeing the Bostangi's or Gardeners Daughter, he liked her very well. The good man presently found who he was, and told his Wife Zabra of it. They were both overjoyed to see that their daughter pleased the Sultan, and commanded her to use all her art to engage him, and deserve his favour, their good fortune depending upon it. They endeavoured to conceal Zulemai from the Grand Signior, fearing her beauty would eclipse Abdimai's, with whom he was so well pleased, that he desired them to take care of her, and let no body else see her, promising to come and visit her often. The good peoples joy appeared in their blessing of Mahomet, and throwing themselves at his feet, they gave him thanks for the honour he did their Daughter, who they hoped would bring forth a Prince, that should be the support, and strength of the Musulmans, and should spread the Law of their Prophet over all the earth. When the Grand Signior was gone, they charged Abdima not to tell any body what had happened, and to take heed of letting the Sultan know when she saw him, that Zulemai was in their house. Abdima who had no less wit than beauty, obey'd their commands, being convinced how much it concerned her to do so. In the mean time Prince Soliman continued his visits, and the Emperor his; but it was impossible for them both to go so often to the same place without meeting there at last. Mahomet has ever had a greater esteem for the Grand Sultana Zachi than usually the Sultans have for their Wives, and avoids doing any thing that may make her jealous, who loves him so tenderly, that she follows him where ever he goes, and seldom leaves him but when she lies in. Therefore he was glad of having a Mistress whom the Sultana could not find out, and whom he might visit under pretence of hunting. This was the reason that kept him from removing Abdima from Zizim Morats house; but the Sultana Zachi who often went hunting with the Grand Signior, observing that he always lost himself in the Forrest, she believed he had some design in his wandering, and caused a slave to go after him afar off: by which means she learnt that he went into a house on the edge of a Wood, whither she fail'd not to follow him the next time she saw him go that way. Prince Soliman was got thither before the Emperor, and was already with the charming Zulemai, when the Bostangi of the house seeing the Sultan at the gate, made all the haste he could to hide them. The Grand Signior was no sooner entered into the Chamber where he was wont to divert himself with the fair Abdima, but he was informed of the Grand Sultana's arrival • He presently imagined that she had followed him to surprize him, and therefore he thought of hiding Abdima from her, that she might not be exposed to her jealousie. To this purpose he would have opened the Closet where his Brother Soliman and Zulemai were: but old Zabra apprehending he might like Zulemai better than her Daughter, offered to dispose of her in a more secret place. Mahomet on the other side fearing the Sultanas sudden coming would prevent them, would not let Abdima go out of the room, and commanded her Mother to open the Closet. Prince Soliman hearing the Emperors voice, believed his love was discovered, but thinking he might do his Mistress some harm in the first transports of his fury, he endeavoured to keep the door fast, by putting his Dagger into the lock. The Sultan observing Zabra's delay, snatched the key from her; and not being able to undo the lock, broke open the door. The first thing he saw was his Brother Soliman, with a Dagger in his hand, which so surprized him, that he never minded Zulemai, who was behind him. At first he fancied that Soliman courted the Gardeners Daughter, and had hid himself in that place with a design to murder him, as was probable by the posture he found him in. Rage mingled with jealousie, and fear presently seized on his soul, and made him draw his Scimitar to have killed Prince Soliman, who could not have avoided the mortal blow, if the Sultana had not come into the room, and laid hold on Mahomet's arm, who was no less astonished to feel his arm held back, than to hear Zulemai shreek, when she saw the danger her lover was in. The Sultana Zachi having disarmed the Grand Signior, soon guessed why he would have killed his Brother, when she beheld Zulemai, believing her to be the cause of his losing his way so often in the Forrest; and that having found Soliman courting his Mistress, he would have slain him. She took his astonishment at the sight of Zulemai to be affected, and threatned to punish her for being the cause of such disorder; but the Sultan comprehending her meaning, after he had commanded Soliman to be seized on, protested he had never seen her before, and to justifie what he said, sent for the Gardener, who without mentioning the intrigue between the Emperor, and his Daughter, who was opportunely hid, related the story of Zulemai, and Soliman, who confirmed it, and discovered the other particulars of his adventure to the Sultana. She easily believed the Grand Signior, who assured her, that finding himself thirsty as he was hunting, he came thither to refresh himself with the water of an excellent Fountain in the Garden, that while they fetched him some water, he went into that room, and hearing a noise in the closet, his curiosity made him open it, where he found Soliman with a Dagger in his hand, just coming out to murder him; which he was endeavouring to prevent when she held back his arm.

The Sultana being satisfied with this Relation, never suspected Mahomet's fidelity, but requested him to pardon his Brother, and accept of his justification, as she had of his.

The Grand Signior was so displeased at his Brothers falshood in depriving him of this beautiful Slave that with great difficulty he promised the Sultana not to resent it, and gave him leave to live in the Seraglio at Constantinople with his Mistress, whose removal from his Highnesses sight was no little satisfaction to Zachi.

Soliman's confinement to the old Seraglio, which is the usual Prison of the Ottoman Princes that come not to reign, was rendered less insupportable by the company of his beloved Zulemai: but his disgrace had like to have caused great disorders. It was reported that the Sultan would have killed him with his own hand, at which the Town of Constantinople, and the Ianizaries who love Soliman, were extremely alarmed: They knew not the particulars of the adventure, and told the story much to the Grand Signiors disadvantage, with whom they were dissatisfied. They accused him of cruelty, and as they are wont to do, took hold of this occasion to raise a Sedition, under pretence of preserving the lives of the Sultans Brothers, whom they required to be delivered into their hands. The Sultana Valide who by experience knew the danger of those tumults, thought the best way to appease the Mutineers, was to go to Constantinople, where she hoped to have some influence on the Inhabitants, and the Ianizaries, who have ever been very respectful to her. This Princess was somewhat dissatisfied with her Sons carriage towards her, who slighted her advice, and repined to see her continue in that authority which she had exercised since the beginning of his Reign. Besides, the Grand Sultana looked enviously upon her, and could not endure she should be more absolute than her self. The Sultana Valide who always loved her Son extremely, was glad of an occasion of doing him a considerable service, and of absenting her self from the Port. Therefore she parted from Adrianople with a train suitable to her quality, and made a magnificent entry into Constantinople, where she endeavoured to quiet the people, and the Ianizaries, and to divert them from requiring the Grand Signiors Brothers to be delivered to them, fearing they would make Prince Soliman, for whom they had a particular kindness, Emperor; she promised them that no violence should be offered to the young Princes, and protested she would sooner die her self, than suffer any attempt to be made on their lives. In order to which she not only took them into her protection, but assured them she would not stir out of the Seraglio, till the Grand Signior came back to Constantinople, where the People, and the Souldiers desired he would make his constant abode: but the Sultan would not hearken to his Mothers solicitations, persisting in his resolution of not returning thither any more, in which he was confirmed, by being informed that the Grand Visier fomented the Sedition of the Ianizaries in that City, and encouraged them to place Prince Soliman on the Throne. These Impostures were affirmed with so many circumstances, that how good an opinion soever his Highness ought to have had of his first Ministers fidelity, he could not choose but believe them: yet to have a convincing proof of the Treason he was accused of, and to put his obedience to the utmost trial, he ordered him to send him the Seal of the Empire, which he had need of, and to bring back the rest of the Troops as soon as he could. The disorder at Constantinople increasing every day, enraged him so much, that in the heighth of his anger he repented of his past credulity, and clemency; and to take away all pretences of revolt, sent an express command to the Sultana Valide to strangle his Brothers: but this order being discovered to the Ianizaries, was immediately spread over all the Town, where the people joyned with the Souldiers to besiege the Seraglio; threatning the Sultana terribly if she executed the Grand Signiors command.

This wise Princess had much ado to appease them by letting them see Soliman, Bajazet, and Orchanes, and shewed themselves very sensible of her kindness to them; especially Soliman, who still respects her as much as if she were his own Mother; and not without reason, for she has saved his life twice. She abhorred her Sons inhumanity, and sent him word, that her affection to him, and care of his preservation and glory, kept her from obeying his orders, • ince it was certain, that if she should put his Brothers to death, the Ianizaries would endeavour to revenge their murthers on his own person. She put him in mind of his Father Ibrahim, and his other Ancestors, who perished in the Factions of the Militia, and the people; and conjured him not to occasion his own ruine by that of his Brothers, whom she desired him to look upon as innocent, and not to think that the honour they had to be allied to him rendred them criminal, or engaged them in any seditious tumults. Moreover, she upbraided him severely for his cruelty, which was so contrary to the education she had given him, and that good nature which had hitherto made him detest the barbarous Maxims of his Predecessors.

In the mean time the Grand Visier knowing that the Grand Signio • s displeasure proceeded rather from the ill condition of his affairs at Constantinople, than from any real anger; and that the Selictar his Favourite had, to satisfie his hatred, caused him to send this injurious order. He was no more concerned at it than at such another which he received before; and only let the Sultan know by Iacup Bassa, that he had still fifty thousand men left to finish his Expedition; and that he understood himself better than to give over the conquest of a place which he hoped to reduce into his Highnesses power in a little time, notwithstanding the malice of his enemies, who hindered him from sending the Succors he demanded; and that he was ready to deliver the Golden Seal to whom soever he should judge worthy of it, as soon as he pleased to give him further notice. After this he endeavoured to hinder the besieged from receiving any relief, but in vain; for the Duke of Beaufort arrived at the Island with a Fleet of fourscore Ships, and landed an Army of twelve thousand men, which our invincible Monarch sent to Candia, moved by his own generosity, and the request of Pope Clement the Ninth, and the Venetians, when their Embassador came to demand the Marquess of St. Andr • Montbrun, of his Most Christian Majesty, to succeed the Marquess de Ville, whom the Duke of Savoy had recalled, in the command of the Venetian Infantry.

The Duke of Navailles, who was General of the Army, had no sooner landed his men, but he gave order to attack the Grand Visier in his Trenches; he was followed by the Duke of Beaufort, and his Nephew the Chevalier de Vendosme, who at the head of a great many Officers, and illustrious Volunteers, marched in good order to charge the Enemies, who prepared to resist them as vigorously, as they had before defended themselves from the attempts of Monsieur de la Feuillade: but the Turks found this last encounter much more violent than the former. They could not withstand the Kings Musqueteers, commanded by Monsieur Colbert de Maulevrier, and the Count de Montbrun, with the rest of the French Troops; and they began to give ground, when the Grand Visier perceiving their disorder, went from rank to rank, encouraging them to continue the Combat, which they were ready to have quitted. On the other side the Duke of Navailles behaved himself like a great Captain, and an experienced General. The Admiral the Duke of Beaufort exposed himself to the greatest dangers, without any care of his person. The Chevalier de Vendosme, though not above fourteen years old, signalized his courage in the formost ranks. The Duke of Chasleau Thierry did wonders at the head of his Regiment; and his Brother the Chevalier de Bouillon following his example, received a bruise in his Belly, which forced him to leave the Fight. These brave men, and the rest of the Volunteers animated the Souldiers to fight like Lions; insomuch that the Ottoman General seeing his men yield to the French, who advanced to drive the Ianizaries from their Post, caused the Mines to be sprung, which he had made to stop the progress of the Christian Army. The horrid noise and fire which rose all at once in the midst of the French Troops, surprised and scattered them. Their General, and the Duke of Beaufort, did all they could to rally them; but not being seconded as they were promised by the Town, they were oppressed with numbers, and forced to retreat, and reimbarque after the death of the Duke of Beaufort, who had performed all that could be expected from a Hero. Many Officers and Gentlemen of Quality perished in this engagement, but none was so deplored as this great man.

The Grand Visier seeing these dangerous enemies retreat, doubted not but that the besieged, who wholly relied on the French Succors, were infinitely discouraged. He chose out ten thousand of his best Souldiers to make an assault at noon-day, and to let the Venetians see that he was perfectly informed of the condition of the Town. He spoke so resolutely to his men, and promised them success with so much confidence, that they behaved themselves at this time more couragiously than ever: but they were entertained so warmly by the Christians, and so bravely repulsed, that their General interpreted their vigorous defence to be the effect of the gallantry of those French who staid to see the event of the Siege, and to hold the place to the very last. However he renewed his assaults so often, and the Forces of the besieged diminished so fast, that the Generalissimo Morosini, seeing there was no probability of preserving the City, was constrained to capitulate, and surrender on very advantagious conditions, considering the miserable state the Town was reduced to.

It was agreed on that the City, and all the Island of Candia should be delivered to the Visier Azem; that the principal Forts, together with the little adjacent Islands, which were in the Venetians possession, and all their other Islands in the Archipelago, and the other Seas, should remain in the Commonwealths power: that they should keep the Fort of Clissa, and the other places they had conquered in Dalmatia, and Albania: that neither party should be obliged to give the other any sum of money, upon any private pretence or title whatever: that the Generalissimo of the Venetian Troops might carry from thence three hundred pieces of Cannon, with all the warlike Ammunition, and Provisions that were there: that the Souldiers should march out with their Arms, and Baggage: that the Inhabitants who would not stay there might go whither they pleased with their Families, and Goods: that the Christians might take with them all the Reliques, and other things that belonged to the Church: that all Prisoners should be freed on both sides: and that there should be an inviolable Peace between the two Nations.

All these Articles being drawn up, were presented to the Grand Visier, who presently signed them, though they were somewhat too advantagious for a place that could hold out no longer; but he had urgent reasons that obliged him to grant these conditions, and to hasten the conclusion of a Peace. He had news from Constantinople that the troubles continued there, which he fear'd would be very prejudicial to the State, and the Grand Signior: besides, he apprehended that the fresh Succors which the King of France, and the Pope were sending under the Conduct of the Mareschal de Bellefonds, might retard the taking of Candia, which would be more inconvenient to him than all the favourable clauses that he granted to the Christians. Therefore he received the Keys of the place with great satisfaction, and gave him that brought them a Purse full of Sultanines, and sent rich Presents to the Venetian General; who not to be behind-hand with him in Magnificence, sent him an handsom service of Venetian Glasses, and several other curious things, which the Grand Visier received very civilly, and gave a considerable sum of mony to those who brought them.

The Venetians being retired, he made his entry into Candia, whither the principal Officers of his Army came to complement him: he received them with a great deal of modesty. I expect not, said he to them, any rejoycing or extraordinary pomp here in a place that has cost us so dear, over whose ruines we ought rather to weep. His astonishment increased at every step he made in the Town; and the desolation he met with every where augmented his good opinion of the Christians, who had so valiantly defended the City so long after it was in so wretched a condition. After this he bountifully rewarded his Souldiers, and dispatched a Courrier to Adrianople, to give the Grand Signior notice of the taking of Candia; and to let him know that he was now ready to give proofs of his Fidelity which had been suspected; and that in a short time he would be at Constantinople with fifty thousand well disciplin'd men, to reduce and punish those who had slighted his Highness, and had made use of his absence, to mutiny, and disturb the Empire. This unexpected news was exceeding welcome to the Grand Signior, who lived in strange apprehension of the tumults which daily increased at Constantinople. He thought he could never enough commend his first Minister, whom he fully absolved, notwithstanding all the ill impressions of his enemies; declaring openly, that Achmet Coprogli was the prop of the Ottoman Empire; and that none but he was capable of such brave Expeditions, or could have so happily ended a Siege that had lasted five and twenty years. He sent him the Ratification of the Articles of Peace, with a rich Cimarr embroidered with Gold, and a Scimitar; the Handle, Guard, and Scabbard of which were set with Diamonds, and Stones of inestimable value; withal assuring him that he would receive the Chevalier Molino kindly, whom the Republique designed to send to him with Presents for himself, the Sultana Valide, the Great Sultana, and the chief of the Port. He likewise gave him notice that he had nominated Commissioners to go into Dalmatia, and other places where their presence would be necessary to regulate the bounds of the Venetian Territories, and to remove all difficulties that might hinder the conclusion of a firm and lasting Peace.

The Visier Azem having procured this Peace, omitted nothing that might establish it, and punctually performed all that he promised. He was so careful not to violate the Treaty with the Venetians, and to shew the sincerity of his intentions, that he caused some Turks to be impaled for abusing the Christians at Sud • , contrary to his Proclamation, that they should do them no wrong upon pain of death; and treated the Prisoners that were in his Army very civilly, and set them at liberty, after he had given them several marks of his generosity.

When he had ordered all things necessary for the conservation of the Island of Candia, he prepared to march with the rest of his Troops to Constantinople, where the news of his Conquests, and design to chastise the Mutineers, quickly calmed the Sedition; and those who had been most active in it, provided for their safety by flight; which obliged the Sultan, who might perhaps apprehend the Visiers approach with so powerful an Army, to order him to send forty thousand men towards Mecha, and Medina, to punish the incendiaries that were retreated thither, that they might disturb the remotest Provinces of the Empire, where they had taken away the rich Offerings which the Grand Signior sent to Mahomet's Temple; and had slain the Officers, and Ianizaries that carried them. Achmet Coprogli obeyed the Sultans commands so exactly, that the Criminals soon received the punishment they deserved, and yet marched on to Constantinople, where the Sedition was not so well laid, but that there was still a secret Faction among the Ianizaries, against his Highness, and the Grand Visier. The Emperor advertised him of it, that he might hasten his march to that City, when his presence was absolutely necessary. When he arrived there, he was of opinion that the surest way to put an end to the Tumults, was, to remove the Garrison which corresponded with the people, to appoint new Troops to guard the Town, and the Seraglio, and to employ the others at a distance, where they might not be able to plot against his own, and the Sultans Authority. But before he would undertake a new War, he advised the Grand Signior to maintain a good understanding between himself and those Princes who might oppose his designs. From thence he took occasion to commend the extraordinary valour of the French, assuring him that they only had retarded the taking of Candia, as they had before stayed the progress of his Arms in Hungary; and inflamed him with a desire of con • racting an alliance with the King of France, and sending an Embassador to him to implore his friendship. The Sultan being convinced of his Ministers experience and judgment, agreed to his proposition, and resolved to follow his counsel; and not long after dispatched Soliman Mutafaraca into France, where he was magnificently received, and was incredibly surprised when he beheld the Majesty and Greatness of the incomparable French Monarch, to whom he presented a Letter stuffed with the most splendid Titles that ever any Ottoman Emperor had given to another Potentate. This Embassador staid some time at Paris, and after he had admired the Politeness and Glory of the French, he returned laden with rich Presents to give Sultan Mahomet, and the Grand Visier an account of his Embassie.

This great Minister perceiving that Peace rendered the Ianizaries and Spahies every day more insolent, like a good Pilot, apprehended a tempest in the midst of a calm, and was considering how he might remove them from Constantinople, when the troubles of Poland furnished him with an expedient.

This Kingdom was disturbed by the Factions of some private men, who sought to settle their own authority, during the vacancy of the Throne, by the voluntary abdication of King Cazimir, who being tired with the cares that attend Royalty, put it into his Subjects power to elect another King. Several Princes pretended to be chosen, but none so earnestly as the great Duke of Moscovy, who had a mind to place this Crown on his Sons head. The Succors which he had assisted the Polanders with to repulse the Tartars, who broke into their Territories with a vast Army, seemed to countenance his pretensions. He fancied that the under hand dealings of Dorosensko, the General of the Cossacks, would gain him all the voices of the States; but the Election of Prince Michel Wicloveski convinced him that the Faction of Sobieski Great Mareschal of Poland, was the most powerful, as tending to the good of the Kingdom: wherefore finding his expectations frustrated, he quitted the Polish Interest, thereby manifesting that his own ends had obliged him to embrace their Party, more than the alliance between them: but he was not the only man that was deceived of his hopes: Dorosensko was so concerned, and took the Great Dukes part so far, that he could not conceal his resentment. He was one of the most powerful, and ambitious men in the Kingdom, and could not endure to see Sobieski made Grand Mareschal. His jealousie made him seek all means to lessen his Rivals authority, opposing whatsoever he undertook; and Sobieski's siding with the Nobility, whom their own, and Countries interest permitted not to choose the Prince of Moscovy, was sufficient ground for Dorosensko to form a contrary Faction, and to favour the Great Dukes design by gaining as • many voices for him as he could: but finding this project did not succeed, and that the new King cherished the vertue and merit of Sobieski, whom he looked on as an invincible obstacle to his ambitious purposes; and besides, perceiving himself suspected to be an enemy to the State, and fearing he should be punished as a disturber of the publick Peace. He resolved to secure himself by Rebellion, and to raise his fortune by betraying his King and Country. In order to this he endeavoured to gain the chief of the revolved Cossacks that inhabit the Vkrain, which in the Sclavonian tongue signifies the Frontiers. He had a great deal of power there, and many friends whom he perswaded to revolt. To carry on his enterprize the better, he went to Constantinople to solicit the Grand Signior to make himself master of this Province. He represented to him, that this was the way to keep all the Polanders in subjection, who so often diverted his Forces, and to get the Kingdom it self when he pleased; promising to put the best places into his hands, provided his Highness would send an Army to assist him. The Grand Visier was glad of this pretence, not only to employ his Troops who mutinied through idleness, but to require satisfaction of some injuries which the Sultan had received from the Poles. Therefore he ordered the Tartars to be ready to joyn the Army which he sent under the conduct of the Bassa's of Natolia and Bossina; and at the same time commanded the Bassa's of Albania, and Romania, to march with the Hospodars of Moldavia, and Walachia.

The approach of such considerable Forces made Poland tremble. King Michel got together about fifty thousand men to withstand this invasion: but notwithstanding all his precaution, and resistance, the Turks made themselves Masters of Caminieck, which was ever accounted inexpugnable, and of the whole Vkrain: and doubtless they would not have stopped there, if the preparations of the Persian Sophy had not interrupted their progress, and caused the Visier to recal the Ottoman Troops to oppose him, in case he should declare War against the Grand Signior. Thus this Kingdom obtained a Truce which he broke the next year, to continue the War, and force the Poles to pay the Grand Signior the Tribute he demanded. The death of King Michel happening at this time, seemed to open the way to the designs of the Turks, if they had known how to make use of so favourable a conjuncture to have extended their Conquests. They assembled their divided Troops, that they might form a more considerable body of an Army; so that being united, without comprehending the Walachians, and Moldavians, they amounted to about two and thirty thousand men under the conduct of three Generals, the chief of which was Soliman Aga, who commanded the Ianizaries, Vssain Spahiler Agasi, or the Colonel of the Spahies commanded the Horse, and Caplan Bassa led the Forces of the Asiatique Provinces. They thought of nothing less than by taking of Leopold, which refused to pay contribution, to advance farther into the Country. But the Grand Mareschal Sobieski General of the Polish Army, not thinking fit to expect them, resolved to hinder their progress, though he was much inferior to his enemies in strength. He caused the General of Lithuania to joyn him with his Troops, that they might stop the passage of the Turks, who had retrenched themselves in a very strong Camp, as well by situation, as by the Works, and Fortifications they had raised about it. The Turkish Camp was raised on all sides, being bounded the South by Downs, and steep Rocks on the side of the River Niester, over which they had laid a Bridge, with an Half-moon at the end of it, to defend it towards Caminieck, which is about four leagues off. On the East it was covered by the Castle of Cotzchin, with which it had communication, by means of a little Bridge over some flowed ground. On the North it was strengthened by a Trench, and an Horn-work: and on the West it was raised in form of a Terrace, and divided by a large depth from another small Camp of the Moldavians, and Walachians, the Turks never suffering any strangers to incamp with them.

The Great Mareschal being arrived at this Camp the ninth of October, 1673. planted two Batteries of Cannon, to answer the enemies who fired continually. After this he wrought so far on the Hospodars or Walachia, and Moldavia, who came not to the War, but through a forced obedience, as to perswade them to desert the Turks as soon as the fight began: but the Hospodars fearing their correspondence would be discovered, and their design prevented, retreated the night following, leaving part of their Troops to the Poles, who immediately seized on their Post; when General Sobieski advancing to observe the enemies posture, and finding there was a great disturbance in their Camp, caused without doubt by the departure of the Walachians, and Moldavians: he thought it expedient to make advantage of their disorder, and without more delay, brought the Lithuanian Foot to force the Camp in the weakest place, ordering his Horse to cover them and oppose the enemies sally, while he attacked them in another quarter: but when he saw that the Turks stoutly repulsed the Lithuanians, and made the Poles themselves give ground, he put himself at the head of the Palatine of Russia's Dragoons, and alighting from his Horse, in the sight of all the Army, went to the assault, in so difficult a place, that he had much ado to climb up to the top; from whence with a bravery no less admirable than that of Alexander the great, when he leaped into the Town of the Oxidracans: the Great Sobieski threw himself into the Ottoman Camp, where he alone supported all the brunt; giving some of his valiantest Souldiers who followed him, time to level the bank, and fill up the Trenches, that the Horse might come in to their assistance. The Hussars who are deservedly accounted invincible, since by perpetual Victories they have ever gloriously maintained their reputation, immediately incompassed their illustrious General, who dispatch'd all that came in his way; and having remounted him, they followed him into the midst of the Battle, where he faced the greatest dangers, and dealing death on every side, exhorted his Souldiers not to plunder yet, since the vast riches of the Camp would be assured to them by the Victory. His example was so prevalent, that the most backward of his men durst not shrink from their Leader; insomuch that the enemies after they had four hours together withstood a violent assault, at last disobeyed their Generals commands, and endeavoured to save themselves by flight. Such a consternation seized on them, that above ten thousand cast themselves down the precipices; all the rest were put to the Sword in the Camp by the Poles: and some who thought to retire to Caminieck, were prevented by Colonel Miochenski, who swam the Niester, and cut them off. This Defeat was so great, that out of two and thirty thousand, but fifteen hundred escaped, amongst whom was Caplan Bassa: the two other Generals, Soliman and Vssain, were killed upon the place; the first of them having the honour to be slain by the Great Sobieski, who encountering him in the heat of the fight, dispatched him with his Sword, and took his Scimitar from him, which he now wears himself.

This Camp is fatal to the Turks. Osman, the first of that name was defeated there by the Poles, in the year 1621. commanded by young Prince Vladislaus, King Sigismund's Son, and Chodkieuiki, Lubomirski, and Sobieski, the Father of the Great Sobieski, now King of Poland.

The news of this Victory was as unwelcome to the Sultan, and his Grand Visier, as it was the contrary to the States of Poland, who were met together to elect a King. They believed they could not bestow the Crown on any one that deserved it more than he who had supported, and preserved it, when it was exposed a prey to its most dangerous enemies; therefore they offered it him as a just recompence of his desert, and vertue, and with one accord proclaimed him King: acknowledging him to be their lawful Prince, preferably to all other pretenders.

The Grand Visier, who before this Defeat had rejected all overtures of Peace with Poland, now advised the Sultan to name his Deputies for a Treaty; but the difficulties that were raised as well by the Tartars as the Grand Signior, hindered the conclusion of it. The Tartars, who cannot endure to be at rest, and cannot live without War, required the Turkish Emperor to make the Poles agree with them about the bounds of their Territories, which had been the occasion of a tedious War. The Sultan on the other side being unwilling to restore what he had usurped, would not relinquish his Conquests in Poland, unless they would pay him a very considerable yearly Tribute.

But the Great Sobieski being invested with the Sovereign Dignity, looked on the payment of Tribute as a mark of dependence unworthy a Diadem which owns no Superior Power, and rejected the Grand Signiors Propositions, who soon took the Field, and advanced with the Grand Visier as far as Caminieck; where having received news of the Sophies prepara • ions, and the revolt of some Governours, he granted a Truce to the Poles, leaving Commissioners to treat with King Sobieski's Deputies, and returned to Adrianople:

Though the Sultan suffered great losses in this War, yet it caused no great change in the State. The Grand Visier having pacified the Provinces, and allayed the tumults which the Mili • ia raised in his absence, applied himself to regulate the affairs of the Port, endeavouring to make the people sensible of the blessings of Peace, by easing them of the extraordinary taxes which the Sultan had laid on them, to defray the expences of the War, and to replenish his treasury, which was exhausted by it.

This great Minister by his industry and prudence, has so gained the esteem and friendship of all the world, that he is no less respected by the Army, and the people, than the Emperor himself, whom he governs as he pleases, having obtained an absolute power over him; which is not so much to be attributed to the Sultan's weakness, as to his perfect knowledge of Achmet Coprogli's vertue, and desert, who at this time keeps the City of Constantinople in obedience, which is so dissatisfied with his Highnesses ill usage, that had it not been for his first Minister, and the Sultana Valide, it would lately have revolted, when the Grand Signior threatned to take away its priviledges. Nevertheless, what a version soever this Prince has for the chief City of his Empire, he would have returned thither, if the Grand Visier had not hindered him for some secret reasons, which I may hereafter publish in the continuation of his Ministry, and the sequel of the History of the Ottoman Family, when I shall be furnished with new Memoires of the most curious affairs of the Seraglio, and the Grand Signior's Court • where nothing is concluded without the advice of Achmet Coprogli. So that one may affirm that this Minister shares the Sovereign Authority, and is the supreme Arbiter of the powerfullest Empire in the world. But that which is wonderful in the pre • erment of this great man, is, that his vertue and merit is so universally known, that all Nations think him worthy of his good Fortune.

FINIS. END