The third volume of letters writ by a Turkish spy who lived five and forty years undiscover'd at Paris : giving an impartial account to the Divan at Constantinople of the most remarkable transactions of Europe, and discovering several intrigues and secrets of the Christian courts (especially of that of France) continued from the year 1645 to the year 1682 / written originally in Arabick, translated into Italian, and from thence into English by the translator of the first volume. Marana, Giovanni Paolo, 1642-1693. 1691 Approx. 580 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 195 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2011-04 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A51890 Wing M565CD ESTC R33498 13419520 ocm 13419520 99492

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A51890) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 99492) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1552:21) The third volume of letters writ by a Turkish spy who lived five and forty years undiscover'd at Paris : giving an impartial account to the Divan at Constantinople of the most remarkable transactions of Europe, and discovering several intrigues and secrets of the Christian courts (especially of that of France) continued from the year 1645 to the year 1682 / written originally in Arabick, translated into Italian, and from thence into English by the translator of the first volume. Marana, Giovanni Paolo, 1642-1693. Bradshaw, William, fl. 1700. Midgley, Robert, 1655?-1723. [23], 360 p. Printed by J. Leake for Henry Rhodes ..., London : 1691. The first edition of this work began publication in 1684 when a volume in Italian entitled "L'esploratore Turco" and a French version entitled "L'esplou du grand seigneur" were published in Paris by C. Barbin. Authorship is disputed, but it is generally agreed that the first fifty letters (the original four volumes) were written by Marana. In the English editions, v. 1 contains the substance of the letters commonly ascribed to Marana. The continuation (i.e. v. 2-8), said to have appeared first in English, has been variously ascribed to Robert Midgley and William Bradshaw; Bradshaw has also been attributed as the translator (from Marana's Italian manuscripts) of the entire work under Dr. Midgley's editorship. cf. DNB; also Gentleman's magazine, 1841, p. 270. Engraved frontispiece: "Mahmut the Turkish spy." Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.

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eng Spies -- Europe. Europe -- History -- 17th century. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2010-01 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-01 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-02 Sampled and proofread 2010-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2010-04 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Mahmut The. Turkiſh ſpy. Aetatis suoe 72. F. H. Van. Hove. Sculp:

THE Third Volume OF LETTERS Writ by a Turkiſh Spy, Who lived Five and Forty Years, Undiſcover'd, at PARIS: Giving an Impartial Account to the Divan at Conſtantinople, of the moſt Remarkable Tranſactions of Europe; And diſcovering ſeveral Intrigues and Secrets of the Chriſtian Courts (eſpecially of that of France) continued from the Year 1645, to the Year 1682.

Written Originally in Arabick, Tranſlated into Italian, and from thence into Engliſh, by the Tranſlator of the Firſt Volume.

LONDON, Printed by J. Leake, for Henry Rhodes, near Bride lane, in Fleet ſtreet, 1691.

TO THE READER.

OUR Arabian having met with ſo kind Entertainment in this Nation, ſince he put on the Engliſh Dreſs, is reſolv'd to continue his Garb, and viſit you as often as Convenience will permit.

He brings along with him many Foreign Commodities, to gratify the Various Expectations of People: His Cargo conſiſting of Jewels and other Rarities, which are the Genuine Product of the Eaſt; and ſome Kinds of Merchandiſe, which he has purchaſed here in the Weſt, during his Reſidence at Paris.

It will be Pity to affront this Honeſt Stranger, by raiſing Scandals on him, as if he were a Counterfeit, and I know not what. This will appear Inhoſpitable, and Unworthy of the Engliſh Candor and Generoſity.

To ſpeak without an Allegory, in this Third Volume of Letters, as in the former Two, you'll find an Exact Continuation of Modern Hiſtory, acquainting you with all the Memorable Sieges, Battels and Campagnes, that were in Europe, from the Year 1645, to 1649. As alſo, with all the Remarkable Negotiations and Tranſactions of State, Embaſſies, Leagues and Overtures of Princes; the Policies and Intrigues of Publick Miniſters, eſpecially thoſe of Cardinal Mazarini; the Great and Stupendous Revolutions and Civil Wars, in England, China, Naples, Turky and Paris; the Prodigious Riſe of a Poor Young Beardleſs Fiſherman, to the Height of Sovereign Power; the Diſmal Tragedies of an Engliſh King, and a Chineſe Imperor; with the Murder of a Turkiſh Sultan. And, all theſe, intermix'd with Proper and Uſeful Remarks, Pleaſant and Agreeable Stories; couch'd in a Style, which being peculiar to the Arabians, cannot be match'd in any other Writings that are Extant.

If his Philoſophy will not abide the Teſt of our Learned Virtuoſi, yet it may paſs Muſter in a Mahometan; ſince it is taken for granted, That the Men of that Faith, rarely apply themſelves to ſuch Studies; or, at leaſt, not in the Method us'd in Chriſtian Schools. They may have the ſame Idea's of Natural Things as We; but they expreſs themſelves in a different Manner.

As for his Morals, they are Solid and Grave, and ſuch as could not be reprehended even in a Chriſtian Writer, if we reduce what he ſays to Ʋniverſals. For, abſtracting from the Particular Obligations he had to his Native Religion, and to the Grand Signior, whoſe Slave he was; there will be found little Difference, between his Ethicks and ours. He every where recommends Loyalty, Juſtice, Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence; and all thoſe other Virtues, which are requiſite to fill up the Character of a Hero, or a Saint.

And, who will not bear with him, for Patronizing the Religion and Intereſt in which he was bred; it being Natural for all Men, to adhere to the Notions, they have ſuck'd in with their Mothers Milk? In this alſo, he ſhews great Moderation; and a more unbyaſs'd Temper, than one would expect from a Turk: Which may, in Part, be aſcrib'd to his Studying in the Chriſtian Academies, his Converſation with the Learned'ſt Men in Paris, and ſome of the moſt Accompliſh'd Perſons in the World. Hence it was, that he was accus'd by his Superiors at the Ottoman Port, of Inclining to Chriſtianity or Atheiſm; as he takes Notice, in his Apology to a Religious Dignitary, in the Firſt Letter, of the Third Book of this Volume, Pag. 255. to which the Reader is referr'd for farther Satisfaction.

In his moſt Familiar Letters, ſuch as this laſt mention'd, and others to his Intimate Friends, you will find ſome Expreſſions, diſcovering a certain Fineneſs and Strength of Thought, which is not very Common in Chriſtian Writers. Which is an Argument, That the Mahometans are not all ſuch Block-Heads, as we take 'em for.

And, though his Picture, which we have affix'd to Our Tranſlation, ſince we had the Italian Tomes, repreſents no Extraordinary Perſon, yet you know Juvenal's Remark, Fronti mulla Fides. And, it has been a Common Obſervation of one of the Greateſt Philoſophers in this Age, That by his Outward Aſpect, no Man would gueſs, what an Illuſtrious Soul lodg'd within.

If you would know, how the Italian came by this Picture (for, in his Preface, he aſſerts it to be the True Effigies of this Arabian) he ſays, That being acquainted with the Secretary of Cardinal Mazarini, and frequenting his Houſe, he ſaw a Picture hang in his Cloſet, with this Inſcription at the Bottom, TITUS DE MOLDAVIA, CLERICUS. Aetatis ſuae LXXII. He ask'd the Gentleman, who this Titus was, who inform'd him, That he was a great Traveller, and underſtood many Languages, eſpecially the Sclavonian, Greek and Arabick; on which Account, Cardinal Richlieu, and his Succeſſor Mazarini, had made great Uſe of him; and, That the Latter had caus'd that Picture of the Moldavian to be drawn, and hung up in his Cloſet, from whence he had it. Our Italian being ſatisfy'd, after ſome Diſcourſe about him, That this Stranger was the very Arabian, whoſe Writings he had ſo happily found, got leave of the Gentleman, to have a Draught of the Picture taken, by a Skilful Limner, which he afterward plac'd in the Front of his Tranſlation.

There is one of theſe Letters, Pag. 306. wants a Beginning in the Italian Copy. Which the Author of that Tranſlation takes Notice of in his Preface, ſaying, That by ſome Accident or other, the Arabick Paper had been torn aſunder, and one, Part was miſſing.

There needs no more be ſaid, but to acquaint the Reader, That we are going forward with the Engliſh Tranſlation of theſe Letters, as faſt as we can. So that in all Probability, you may expect a Fourth Volume before Chriſtmas. Wherein you will find, more Particular Remarks on our Engliſh Affairs, with Political Diſcourſes, on the Original and Diſſolution of Governments. As alſo, many Curious Paſſages during the Wars of Paris, which have not hitherto come to Publick View. In fine, you will there be inform'd, of all the Remarkable Events, that happen'd at that Time, either in Peace or War on the whole Globe.

Adieu.
A TABLE OF THE LETTERS and Matters-contained in this Volume. VOL. III. BOOK I. LETTER I. MAhmut, an Arabian at Paris, to Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna. p. 1.

He exhorts him to be prepar'd for the Worſt Events: To ſtand upon his Guard againſt the Chriſtians; but, above all, to beware of himſelf. He tells him a Story of Carcoa, Nathan's Predeceſſor.

II. To the Kaimacham. 7

Of the Tranſylvanian Agent's Buſineſs at the French Court: Of Monſieur Croiſſy's Negotiation with Prince Ragotski. The Speech of Prince Ragotski's Son.

III. To the Inſtructed in all Knowledge, the Venerable Mufti. 13

He makes a Compariſon between the Chriſtians and Mahometans; prefers the Devotion and Charity of the Latter: And relates a pleaſant Paſſage of a Chriſtian that Whipt himſelf.

IV. To Muſtapha, Berber Aga. 16

Of the Battle of Mergentheim, between the Germans and French. The Ʋnfortunate Adventure of a French Officer.

V. To Shaſhim Iſtham, a Black Eunuch. 19

He pardons the Scandals caſt upon him by the Eunuch; commends his Apology; adviſes him to ſet a Watch on his Tongue; and relates the Adventure of a Buſy-Body.

VI. To Zelim of Rhodes, Captain of a Galley. 23

He acquaints him with the Execution of Three Witches at Naples, who were hired to deſtroy him by Enchantments.

VII. To the Invincible Vizir Azem. 29

He compares France to the Four Great Monarchies: Relates the Battle of Allerſheim, and the Progreſs of the French Arms.

VIII. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople. 34

Of a Blind Man who diſtinguiſh'd Colours by his Touch: Of another who Carv'd to the Life. Of the Mute Saqueda; and of a Deaf Man, who apprehended ones Words by the Motion of the Lips.

IX. To Ʋſeph Baſſa. 39

He congratulates his New Dignity; Informs him of the Diſſolution of the Diet of Francfort, and of the King of Poland's deſiring the Queen of Suedeland in Marriage.

X. To Ichingi Cap' Oglani, Praeceptor to the Royal Pages of the Seraglio. 44

He expoſtulates with him concerning his Calumnies.

XI. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of State. 46

Of the taking of Canea, and the Policy of Sultan Ibrahim.

XII. To the Magnificent and Redoubtable Vizir Azem. 49

Of the Duke of Enguien's Return to Paris. Mahmut extols the Hardineſs of the Ottoman Generals. He relates a Private Amour of Cardinal Mazarini.

XIII. To Egri Boinou, a White Eunuch. 57

He thanks him for his Intelligence of what is practis'd againſt him in the Seraglio.

XIV. To Muſtapha, Berber Aga. 59

Of the Elector of Saxony's falling in Love with a Suediſh Lady in Armour: And of the odd kind of Articles, agreed on between him and General Koningſmark by that Means.

XV. To Mahummed, Hogia, Derviſe, Eremit, Inhabitant of the Sacred Cave, at the Foot of Mount Ʋriel, in Arabia the Happy. 66

He extolls his Abſtinence, and the Happineſs of a Retir'd-Life; Rehearſes the Bleſſing which the Angel pronounc'd on that Cave.

XVI. To Ʋſeph Baſſa. 70

He acquaints him with the Marriage of Uladiſlaus, King of Poland, with Louiſe Marie de Gonzague, Princeſs of Mantua.

XVII. To the Kaimacham. 73

He relates the ſucceſs of the French Arms in Flanders, Catalonia and Italy, that Year; with an Adventure, that happen'd to the Duke of Orleans, in his Camp before Bourburgh.

XVIII. To Dgnet Oglou. 77

He entertains him with a Familiar Diſcourſe of his Sickneſs, and of the Mind's Tranquility: Telling him a Story of a Man, whoſe Brains were turn'd to a Neſt of Serpents.

XIX. To the Selictar Aga, or Sword-Bearer to his Highneſs. 83

He reproaches the Europeans, with their Rebellions and other Inhumanities. Of the Aſſemblies at Munſter and Oſnaburg. Of a Private Treaty between Spain and Holland.

XX. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire. 87

Of the Mighty Fleet the French were fitting out to Sea. Of the Predictions and Adventure of an Old Prophet, who went to Cardinal Mazarini. Of Monſieur Chanut, the French Embaſſador in Suedeland.

XXI. To William Voſpel, a Recluſe, in Auſtria. 93

He adviſes him to turn Eremite, for the ſake of Silence and Contemplation.

XXII. To the Captain Baſſa. 96

Of the Preparations the Europeans were making, to aſſiſt the State of Venice. He tells him, what the Chriſtians ſay of him.

XXIV. To Adonai, a Jew at Venice. 98

He deſires him, to ſend ſome Remarks on the People he has ſeen in his Travels. A ſhort Character of Italy, with ſome Reflections on the Goths and Vandals.

XXV. To Muſtapha, Berber Aga. 100

Of the Preſent War of Candy. A Memorable Saying of the Duke of Orleans, at the Surrender of Graveling, with a Generous Action of that Prince.

XXVI. To Naſſuf, Baſſa of Natolia. 104

He congratulates his New Honour, puts him in Mind of his Name-ſakes Fate, in the Reign of Achmet III. and gives him many good Counſels.

XXVII. To the Kaimacham. 107

Touching Moroſini's quitting the Port of Canea to the Turks.

XXVIII. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople. 110

Some Remarks on the Spring, and on the Difference between living at Conſtantinople and Paris. The Queſt of the French Philoſophers.

XXIX. To the Tefterdar, or Lord-Treaſurer. 113

Of the French Deſigns by Sea, and other Matters.

XXX. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna. 116

He applauds his Reſolution, not to take Religion on Truſt, but to enquire into its Grounds. And ſends him an Abſtract, of the Muſſulman Hiſtory.

XXXI. To the ſame. 120

He exhorts him, not to let Intereſt byaſs him in the Choice of his Religion. Of the Duke of Brandenburgh's demanding the Queen of Sueden in Marriage.

XXXII. To the Kaimacham. 122

Of a Private League between the Venetians and the Baſſa of Aleppo, diſcover'd by Adonai the Jew. Several Inſtances of that Baſſa's Juſtice.

BOOK II. LETTER I. TO the moſt Magnificent and Illuſtrious Vizir Azem, at the Port. 127

Mahmut's Project, to divert Cardinal Mazarini, from attempting againſt the Ottoman Empire.

II. To Iſmael Mouta Faraca, a White Eunuch. 143

He condoles the Misfortune of Egri Boinou, whoſe Eyes were put out by the Grand Signior's Command.

III. To Dgnet Oglou. 145

He diſcourſes more frankly to him, on the ſame Subject.

IV. To Dicheu Huſſein Baſſa. 148

Of the Early Campagnes the French made that Year. The Hardineſs of a French Officer.

V. To Kerker Haſſan Baſſa. 150

He thanks him for his Preſent of Coffee; compares Part of Arabia, with the Fields of Tempe. Concerning his Fathers hunting of Lyons, Tygers, &c.

VI. To Huſſein Baſſa. 153

Remarks on the taking of Retimo in Candy. A Character of Monſieur Varennes, the French Embaſſador at the Port.

VII. To the ſame. 156

Remarks on the Nature of the French, and their Method of obtaining Victories.

VIII. To the Venerable Mufti, Sovereign Guide of the True Believers. 158

Touching the Books of the Ancient Pagans. Certain Memorable Paſſages of Alexander the Great.

IX. To Murat Baſſa. 167

Of the taking of Courtray by the French. Of the Want of Rain, and Scarcity of Proviſions at Paris.

X. To the Aga of the Janizaries. 169

Of the Benefit of Reading Hiſtories; and the Ill Conſequences of Printing in Europe.

XI. To the ſame. 173

Of Guſtavus Adolphus, King of Sueden, and of Queen Chriſtina, his Daughter. Remarks on Queen Elizabeth.

XII. To the Selictar Aga, or Sword-Bearer to the Grand Signior. 180

Of the Duke of Orleans his Return to Paris, after he had taken Mardyke. Of the Diet of the French.

XIII. To Abubechir Hali, Merchant at Aleppo. 182

He exhorts him, not to grieve for the Loſs of one of his Wives, who ran away with his Slave: Relates a Story of an Italian Lord.

XIV. To Solyman his Couſin. 185

He reproves him, for deſerting the Publick Aſſemblies of the Faithful, and following of Schiſmaticks.

XV. To Haſnadar-Baſſy, Chief Treaſurer to the Grand Signior. 187

Of the Duke of Enguien's Triumphant Entring into Paris, after the taking of Dunkirk.

XVI. To Ibrahim Hali Cheik, a Man of the Law. 189

Touching the Suppreſſing of Brothel-Houſes in Paris.

XVII. To Muſtapha, Baſſa of Siliſtria. 192

He attributes the Loſs of Aſac, to the Valour of the Moſcovites. A Character of that People, with the Manner of the Czars Succeſſion in Former Times.

XVIII. To Solyman Kyzlar Aga, Chief of the Black Eunuchs. 196

He acquaints him with the Death of the Prince, of Conde. The Character of that Prince, with a Brief Account of his Life.

XIX. To the Kaimacham. 199

Of the Count d' Harcourt's Diſgrace, in Decamping from before Lerida. The Succeſs of the French Arms in Italy. Of a ſtrange Fountain in the Iſle of Elbe.

XX. To Bajazet, Baſſa of Greece. 201

He acquaints him, with his Suſpicion of ſome deep Deſigns in the French Court. Of a Fellow, who rais'd a Sedition in Paris.

XXI. To Peſtelihali, his Brother. 206

He thanks him for the Journal of his Travels; Congratulates his Eſcape from Male and Female Thieves; tells him a Story of the Mogul's Father; and another of a Merchant's Widow in the Indies: With other Diſcourſes of that Nature.

XXII. To Afis Baſſa. 218

Of a Quarrel between Monſieur Chanut, the French Ambaſſador at Stockholme, and the Suediſh Secretary of State. The Repartee of a French Embaſſador to the King of Spain.

XXIII. To the Mufti, moſt Venerable, and worthy of all Honour. 222

A Compariſon of the Three Miniſters of State, Ximenes, Richlieu and Mazarini.

XXIV. To Danecmar Keſrou, Cadileſquer of Romania. 228

Of the Perfidy of the Scots, in ſelling King Charles I. to the Engliſh Parliament. A Story of Biſhop Hatto.

XXV. To Ragel Hamet, Antiquary to the Sultan. 234

Remarks on Old Magical Statues and Images: Of the Palladium and Ancilia: Of the true Name of the City of Rome.

XXVI. To the Vizir Azem. 238

Mahmut acquaints him, with his Return from Orleans. The Reaſon of the great Conflux of Strangers to that City.

XXVII. To the Aga of the Janizaries. 240

Of Joan d' Arc, the Maid of Orleans.

XXVIII. To Dgnet Oglou. 244

Of Eliachim's falling in Love with a French Lady on the Road, as he accompanied Mahmut to Orleans.

XXIX. To the Captain Baſſa. 251

Of the Bold Propoſal, which a Sea-Captain made to Cardinal Mazarini: And of a Magnificent Ship, which Queen Chriſtina preſented to this Miniſter.

BOOK III. LETTER I. TO Bedredin, Superiour of the Convent of Derviſes, at Cogni in Natolia. 255

He makes an Apology for his Faith, againſt ſuch as ſlander'd him. Of a Hermit then living near Paris, who had almoſt doubled the Years of Bedredin.

II. To Murat Baſſa. 262

Of the Chriſtians Joy, for their Victory by Sea and Land. A Compariſon between Sultan Ibrahim, and Sultan Amurat.

III. To Mahomet Techli, Baſſa of Boſna, at his Camp in Dalmatia. 266

He reproaches him with Cowardiſe, in Decamping from before Sebenico.

IV. To Achmet Baſſa. 268

He tells him of an Attempt, to Murder Queen Chriſtina in her Chappel.

V. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople. 272

He Diſcourſes of the Manna in Calabria, ſome of which he ſends him.

VI. To Kerker Haſſan, Baſſa. 277

Of the Revolution in China.

VII. To Darniſh Mehemet Baſſa. 286

Of Maſanello, and the Revolution in Naples.

VIII. To Solyman his Couſin. 291

He again reprehends his Manner of Life, and perſwades him, by the Example of his Grandfather, to obſerve the Laws of Purity.

IX. To the Kaimacham. 296

Of the Cruelty executed by the Turkiſh General, on a Chriſtian Prieſt. Of the Veneration the Ancient Mahometans paid, to Scanderbeg's Bones. Of Porſenna's Generoſity.

X. To the Mufti. 301

Remarks on the Spaniſh Misfortunes, the Inſurrection in Sicily, and particularly, on the Revolution in Naples. He prays him to furniſh Nathan Bed Saddi, with Religious Books.

XI. This Letter wants the Title and Beginning. 306

Of the Chriſtians Revenge on the Son of Ali, Sangiac-Bey of Lippa, for the Sufferings of the Chriſtian Prieſt. The Extravagant Revenge of an Italian Captain.

XII. To the Venerable Mufti. 308

Of Cardinal Mazarini's ſupporting the Tumults in Naples. Remarks on the Duke of Guiſe his Attempt to ſuccour the Revolted. A Deſcription of the Extent and Riches of that Kingdom.

XIII. To Abdel Melec Muli Omar, Superintendent of the College of Sciences at Fez. 315

He Diſcourſes about the Duration of the World: The Viſion of Omar, Succeſſor of Mahomet. Of Adam's Firſt Wife Alileth. That the Earth was Inhabited for Many Ages before Adam.

XIV. To the Mufti. 323

He relates to him the Tragedy, of the Sicilian Veſpers. Of a Woman and her Daughter, that were Immur'd Seventeen Years by a Scribe in Naples.

XV. To the Kaimacham. 327

He informs him, what Reaſon he has to be jealous of Cardinal Mazarini's Deſigns againſt the Ottoman Empire. Oſmin the Dwarf's Dexterity, in prying into the Cardinal's Secrets, and thoſe of the Grandees.

XV. To Peſtelihali, his Brother. 332

He farther commends his Journal. A Rare Example of Indian Charity. Of the Ingenuity of the Chineſe. Of the Conqueſt of that Kingdom by the Tartars. He diſcourſes of the Original of Nations, and the Unmix'd Blood of the Arabians and Tartars. Of a Gu •… •… in, Two Thouſand Years Old.

XVII. To the Aga of the Janizaries. 339

Of the Famous Victory the French obtain'd at the Battel of Lens. Of the Tumults at Paris, and the King of France's Speech to the Senators. Mahmut informs him, how he imploys certain Agents, to foment the Publick Sedition.

XVIII. To Achmet Beig. 344

He acquaints him, with the Death of Uladiſlaus, King of Poland, for which the Court of France was in Mourning; as alſo, with the Duke of Bavaria's Death. Of the French Campagnes in Flanders. Of a Sea-Fight between the French and Spaniards. Of a Formidable Conſpiracy, againſt the Czar of Moſcovy.

XIX. To the Mufti. 347

He ſeems to approve of Sultan Ibrahim's being Depos'd, &c. Cenſures his Attempt on Sultan Amurat's Widow, and his Rape of the Mufti's Daughter. The Continence of the African Scipio. The Stratagem of Athenodorus the Philoſopher. He incites the Mufti, to encourage the Tranſlation of Greek and Latin Hiſtorians.

XX. To Chiurgi Muhammel, Baſſa. 351

Of the Concluſion of the Peace of Munſter. Of the Troubles of Paris, and the Duke of Beaufort's Eſcape, out of the Caſtle of the Wood of Vinciennes.

XXI. To Dgnet Oglou. 353

He complains of the Ʋnjuſt Proceedings of the Conſpirators againſt Sultan Ibrahim: Refuſes to Defame him after his Death: Owns that he did but Diſſemble in his laſt Letter to the Mufti. Of the Statue of a Famous Wraſtler, which fell down, and cruſh'd to Death, a Man that through Envy went to Demoliſh it. Of the Motto, on Plato's Ring.

XXII. To Danecmar Keſrou, Kadileſquer of Romania. 357

Remarks on the Murder of the Engliſh King, Charles I. and what Cardinal Mazarini ſaid, when he firſt heard the News of that Horrid Tragedy. Of Matchiavel's Corrupt Principles.

LETTERS Writ by A SPY at PARIS. VOL. III. BOOK I.
LETTER I. Mahmut, an Arabian at Paris, to Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna.

I Believe, the News of my Impriſonment, might fill thee with Doubts of thy own Liberty; and, make thee careful to avoid at Vienna, ſuch a Misfortune as befel me at Paris. Yet, if thou wert much ſurprized at this Accident, it is an Argument, that thou art but a Novice in the World, and art yet to learn the firſt Rudiments of Uſeful Wiſdom, which teach us, That there is no Stedfaſtneſs in Humane Affairs.

There has Nothing happned to me in this, which I was not before provided for; neither did the ſuddenneſs of the Event, make me change Countenance. I ſmil'd at the fulfilling my own Preſages; and, went to Priſon as unconcern'd, as I would have gone home to my Lodging. Not, that I would have thee think, I was inſenſible of a Loſs ſo afflicting as that of Liberty: but, my Chains did not appear ſo very formidable, having made them familiar to my Thoughts long before.

When I firſt came to Paris, I look'd on my ſelf, but as a Priſoner at large; owing the freedom I had to walk about, only to the Careleſsneſs of the State, and the favour of Deſtiny. So that when that Indulgence was retrench'd, no new thing happen'd to me. What I had expected for Seven Years together, could not ſeem ſtrange when it came to paſs.

By what I have ſaid, thou may'ſt learn to prepare thy ſelf for the Worſt Events, which commonly ſteal upon the ſecure and unthinking; being wrapt up in greater Darkneſs and Silence, than the Moments which bring them to Light. Theſe ſlide away without our Advertiſement; unſeen, unheard: Neither can our Watches or Dials, inform us any thing of them, till they are paſs'd. So, there is no Index to point out to us, the Hidden Decrees of Fate, till they are accompliſh'd; no Ephemeris of Deſtiny, but our own Experience.

Thou, and all thy Nation, are ſuſpected by the Chriſtians: They eſteem you Enemies of their Intereſt, as well as of their Law. They deſpiſe and vilifie you, calling you, The accurſed of God. Yet, they admit you, as Members of their Common-Wealth. They receive you to the Protection of their Laws, and entruſt you with their Secrets, that they may ſerve themſelves of your Money. Thus are you become Banquiers for your ſworn Enemies: And, while you profeſs an Eternal Obedience to the Injunctions of Moſes, you make underhand Leagues with the Diſciples of Jeſus. I do not accuſe your Commerce with theſe Infidels; but, I ſay, you have Reaſon to be upon your Guards, when you are environ'd with ſo many Millions of Enemies. They are not ignorant of the Intimacies between the Miniſters of the Sublime Port, and thoſe of Thy Nation: It is common in the Mouths of the French, That the Jews are the Turks Intelligencers. Thou oughteſt therefore, to have a ſpecial Regard to thy Conduct, that no imprudent Action may expoſe thee to the Jealouſy of the State where thou reſideſt. That Court is full of Eyes; and, thou haſt need of a ſtricter Veil, than what thou weareſt in the Synagogue. The very Walls of thy Houſe, will betray thee; and, thy Domeſticks, may prove thy greateſt Enemies: Yet, ſuſpect none more than thy ſelf. This will not ſeem harſh Counſel, if thou reflecteſt Twice on it; there being nothing more certain, than, That it is not ſo eaſy to defend ones ſelf from him in whom we confide, as from one we are jealous of: and, every Man is apt to put too much Truſt in himſelf. I believe, thou art faithful, and abhorreſt Treachery; yet, at the ſame Time, thou mayeſt be remiſs and weak: What could not be extorted from thee by an Open Enemy, may be diſcovered by the Inſinuations of a Pretended Friend. Thy own good Nature may cajole thee; and therefore, 'twill be no ſmall Point of Wiſdom, to beware of thy ſelf. As for Contingencies, I adviſe thee not to be perplex'd about them, or be uneaſy. Thou canſt not avoid the Inevitable Appointments of Heaven: Only, be ready for the Worſt that may happen; ſince, thou canſt never be certain of any Thing.

Thy Predeceſſor Carcoa, was a Man of exquiſite Fore-caſt; always on his Watch, prying into the dark Orb of Futurities; yet, an Accident ſurprized him once, of which his ſtricteſt Caution never gave him Warning. I read it in one of his Letters to the Kaimachan, which thou ſenteſt me from Vienna. The Story is this. As he was one Day writing Diſpatches to the Port, a certain tame Bird, which he kept for his Divertiſement, ſnatches from the Table, the Paper on which he was writing to the Tefterdar; and, the Window being open, flies with it out into the Streets. The Paper was dropt in the Garden of the Auguſtin Friars, at the very Moment when the Spaniſh Ambaſſador, was walking there with the General of that Order. 'Tis true, the Letter was unfiniſh'd, no Name ſubſcribed, and ſo Carcoa eſcap'd an imminent Hazard of his Life. But, the Secrets therein contain'd, gave a vaſt ſuſpicion to the Imperial Court; it being ſoon carry'd to the Principal Secretary of State, and by him communicated to the Emperor and Divan. Strict Inquiſition was made throughout the City for the Author of that Letter. A Reward of a Thouſand Rix-Dollars, promis'd to any that would diſcover him. The Bird was ſeen by many, to fly along with a Paper in her Bill; but, from whence ſhe came, none knew. Nor had any curious Eye, attended her uncertain Motions back: No Man divining, That that Paper was deſigned to tranſmit to the Ever Happy Port, the moſt important Counſels of the German Empire. Neither was Carcoa's Hand taken Notice of, having lived very privately, and uſed another Character in his common Dealings. But, how near was he to a Diſcovery when he ſays himſelf in his Letter, That he wanted but Five Words to the Concluſion, where he would have ſubſcribed his Name! From hence thou mayeſt learn, That a Mariner in a Tempeſt, amongſt Rocks and Sands, runs not greater Hazards, than he who acts in thy Station.

However, thou may'ſt now continue thy Advices to Paris, but obſerve the Directions of Eliachim, who brings thee this Letter. He will inform thee, of whatſoever is neceſſary for thee to know; taking this Journey on Purpoſe, to prevent the wakeful jealouſy, and active Inquiſition of Cardinal Mazarini, from whom Nothing can be hid, that's truſted to the Poſts. Receive him with ſingular Honour; he is an incorruptible Friend of the Ottoman Port. From him thou ſhalt learn the ſafeſt Methods of our future Correſpondence. He is the Apollo of thy Nation; and, his Wiſdom and Fidelity, will be recorded in the Regiſter of that Empire, which ſhall know no earlier Period, than the Moon, whoſe Creſcent is her Arms, and the Happy Omen of her Encreaſing Luſtre.

When thou beholdeſt that Noble Enſign of Mahomet, on the Top of the Chief Temple of Jeſus in Vienna, let it augment thy Veneration of our Law, and convince thee, That all Nations muſt ſubmit to the Meſſenger of God and Seal of the Prophets. Be Faithful and Wiſe, and thou canſt not miſs of Happineſs.

Paris, 28th of the 7th Moon, of the Year, 1645. According to the Chriſtian Style.
LETTER II. To the Kaimachan.

SInce my Releaſe, I have inform'd my ſelf of ſome Paſſages, to which I was a Stranger during my Reſtraint. The Tranſylvanian Agent, continues ſtill at this Court; and, his Negotiation is not now a Secret. Monſieur Croiſſy is gone Ambaſſador Extraordinary to Prince Ragotski, on the ſame Errand, from this Crown. The Subject Matter of both their Embaſſies, is a League. Cardinal Mazarini ſuſpected Tergiverſation in that Prince, and that he would privately treat with the Emperor, if the Grand Signior ſhould withdraw his Aſſiſtance and Protection from him; or, if he himſelf ſhould grow weary of the War. Wherefore Monſieur Croiſſy, according to the Cardinal's Inſtructions, would not ſign the League, till Ragotski had call'd Home his Ambaſſadors, who were treating with the Imperialiſts at Tyrne, and ſent away the German Envoy from his Camp.

The League being concluded, he inſiſted on the Neceſſity the Prince lay under, of marching his Army nearer to Torſtenſon, the Suediſh General, that ſo they might ſupport one another againſt the German Forces.

This was the Pretence; but, in Reality, it was deſign'd to engage the Tranſylvanians, beyond the Power of a Retreat; and, to poſt them under the Eye of the Suediſh General; who ſoon after poſſeſſed himſelf of Tyrne, the Place appointed for Treaty between the Imperialiſts and Prince Ragotski.

It is a Town in the Lower Hungary, not far from Preſburgh. The Suedes entred this Place the 17th of the 5th Moon, but left a Garriſon in it of Seven Hundred Hungarian Horſe, and Three Hundred Foot, according to their Articles with the beſieg'd.

Theſe were ſoon forc'd to quit the Town by Count Forgatſch, an Imperialiſt, the Suedes and Tranſylvanians being march'd a great Diſtance off: And, 'tis ſaid, this Hungarian Garriſon, yielded not unwillingly to the Imperial Arms.

'Tis certain, General Torſtenſon puts but ſmall Confidence in the Hungarian Soldiers: For, above Six Hundred of the Common Sort deſerted him, the 29th of the 5th Moon, and the reſt raiſed ſuch frequent Tumults and Mutinies, that their Commanders ſtood in more Fear of them, than of their Enemies. It's reported likewiſe, That there has been lately no good Underſtanding between Ragotski and Torſtenſon, about the deſigned Siege of Preſburgh: The former ſeeming too much to favour the Hungarians, and being rather inclined to carry his Arms into the Emperor's Hereditary Countries. Yet he would not conſent, that Preſburgh ſhould be in the Hands of the Suedes.

The French ſay, that this Prince is humorous and wavering, yet of a fair Intention; but, that the greateſt Part of his Officers, are corrupted by the Emperor: And, that therefore, both they and the Common Soldiery, were for Peace; only his Wife, his Son, and ſome few of his Counſellors, perſwaded him to adhere to the Suedes.

They add, that the Young Prince, being inſtructed by his Mother, one Day in a full Aſſembly of the Chief Commanders, made the following Oration, Ragotski himſelf being alſo preſent:

PErmit me, moſt Serene and Illuſtrious Prince, my Royal Father, to perform the Part of a Dutiful Son, a Faithful Counſellor, and a Loyal Subject. The Law of Nature and of Nations, entitles you to my Obedience; and, the particular Honour you have done me, in admitting me to your Cabinet, obliges me to exemplifie it, in an humble Remonſtrance of my Sentiments, at a Time when the Intereſt of Tranſylvania calls for freedom of Advice.

It is with no ſmall Complacency, that I now behold you encompaſſed with a Circle of Heroes, whoſe Valour and Fidelity may give ſuch a Luſtre to your Victorious Arms, as ſhall eclipſe the Glory of the Roman and Grecian Conquerors. The Alexanders, Caeſars, Scipio's, and Hannibals, ſhall no longer draw the World into an Admiration of their obſolete Atchievements. The Regiſter of your Deeds, ſhall foil their antiquated Hiſtories; whilſt Plutarch, Tacitus, and Livy, muſt veil to Modern Pens, the Recorders of your Matchleſs Actions.

Let not the crafty Inſinuations of the German Court, warp your Reſolutions, and cajole you with the deceitful Umbrages of Peace, only to gain Time, that they may more ſucceſsfully carry on the War. Neither ſuffer your ſelves, already in Part Victorious, to be amus'd with feigned Treaties, and Overtures which you cannot but ſuſpect. We are now in a Condition to give the Law; and, ſhould Fortune turn the Scale, it will ſtill be in our Power to make our own Terms of Compoſition. The Alliances of Sueden and France, have rais'd us to a Capacity of braving all Europe: Whilſt the One with a Potent Army on the Rhine, the Other on the Danube, keep the Imperialiſts in ſuch perpetual Action, that it will be impoſſible for them to Barrier Germany from our Conquering Arms. Now is the Time to raiſe Tranſylvania above the Title of a Tributary Province, and reſtore this Kingdom to her Ancient Renown. If we miſs this Opportunity, we muſt for ever be Slaves to the Turks or Germans. Let us not ſeek any longer Protection, but from the juſtice of our Cauſe and the Dint of our Swords. Let not France and Sueden, boaſt of their Turenne, their Torſtenſon, as if no other Nation could furniſh the World with famous Generals! Whilſt Prince Ragotski lives, and lives at the Head of ſuch an Army, your Fidelity and Courage, ſhall render his Name more terrible than that of Tamerlain, and his Attempts more proſperous than thoſe of Scanderbeg. And our Poſterity ſhall be oblig'd, to raiſe Pyramids to your Honour; and, from your preſent Atchievements, to date a New Epocha, the Eternal Memoir of Tranſylvania's Redemption.

'Tis ſaid, that Ragotski was not very well pleas'd with his Son's Speech, ſuſpecting that he held ſome private Correſpondence with Torſtenſon, for whom he had no great Affection. Laſt Moon he inſiſted earneſtly on the Money and Men promiſed him by Rebenſtock. But, General Torſtenſon thought it ſufficient, that he himſelf was ſo near him with his Forces. Yet, leſt he ſhould take an Occaſion of Diſcontent, he ſent him a Supply of Money; though he was not without ſome Apprehenſions, that the Prince having receiv'd it, would underhand treat with the Emperor.

'Tis ſaid here, that a Chiaus was arriv'd in the Tranſylvanian Camp, expreſly forbidding Ragotski to enter into the Hereditary Provinces of the Emperor. But, that he, truſting to the Strength of his Army (which conſiſts of Five and Twenty Thouſand Germans, Tranſylvanians, Hungarians and Walachians) was reſolved to purſue his firſt Reſolution.

Thou knoweſt what Reaſons the Port had, to ſend him this Prohibition. The French ſay, 'twas out of Fear, that he would joyn with the Emperor's Forces.

By this thou may'ſt know, what Opinion the Infidels entertain of the Meaſures taken by the Sovereign Divan. They deſcant at Liberty, whilſt I ſend up Vows to Heaven, for the Exaltation of the Ottoman Empire.

Paris, 4th of the 8th Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER III. To the Inſtructed in all Knowledge, the Venerable Mufti.

HAil, Holy Interpreter of the Sacred Law; may the Divine Light guide thee beyond the Errors of Humane Frailty. I am amongſt Infidels, Enemies to Truth; who yet ſeem as certain of being in the Right, as thou art ſure they are in the Wrong. They hate us with an Inveterate Hatred. I muſt diſſemble my Reſentments; whilſt, with the loweſt Proſtrations to the Ʋnity, I celebrate his Glorious Mercy, who has ſent us ſuch a Star, to guide our Feet into the Way of Peace.

The Chriſtians ſcoff at the Faithful People, as divided into ſeveral Sects. Would my Death could wipe out theſe Reproaches, and vindicate the Honour of the Holy Profeſſion. I could retort, that Error ſhews it ſelf infinite in them: but, I muſt hold my Peace, and reſtrain my ſelf, leſt my Zeal tranſport me beyond Diſcretion: Remembring, I am not ſent here to diſpute, but to act ſecretly for my Great Maſter, whoſe Empire be extended over all the Habitable World.

Theſe poor Wretches, boaſt much of their Traditions, their Sacred Synods and Fathers; as if we ever wanted Holy Men, working Wonders, and penetrating into the profoundeſt. Myſteries, by only wiping their Eyes with the Duſt of their Feet.

They talk much of Faith and Reaſon; at which I ſmile, as knowing it to be only Education. Yet, as the Worſt of People have ſomething that is Good; ſo, theſe are not wholly deſtitute of Devotion. They pray often, but not ſo often as the True Believers; it being, as thou knoweſt, a juſt Exception againſt a Witneſs amongſt us, That he prays not Six Times a-day. They pray to Men and Women deceaſed; whereas, thou knoweſt, there is no Deity but One. They faſt often, but not ſo ſtrictly, as the aſſiſted with the Vertue of the Supream Diſpenſer of Graces. They are Charitable; but, this hinders 'em not from excluding all from the bleſt Abodes, who are not of their Belief: Whereas, thou affirmeſt (who art the Reſolver of all the Problems of Faith) That it will go well at the Laſt Day with all Honeſt People; ſeeing theſe have all the ſame Object of Worſhip; and, their Different Religions, are but as ſo many Different Ways, which lead a Man to the ſame Place of Reſt, like various Roads to the ſame City.

Theſe Chriſtians whip themſelves often with ſmall Cords; which Humour, they ſay, was ſet on Foot by an Hermit's Preaching and Example. Not many Countries diſtant from that where I am, there happ'ned ſuch an odd Inſtance of this Extravagant Zeal (which was to be heightned, it ſeems, with the Fumes of Wine) as plainly juſtifies our Prophet's Wiſdom, in charging the Faithful to avoid it. It was particularly the Cuſtom of ſeveral People in this Place, in their Proceſſions to whip themſelves, till the Blood ſtreamed down their Frocks; which were ſo made, as to cover their Faces, and leave only their Backs bare. One of theſe Zealots, diſtruſting the Firmneſs of his Conſtitution, had taken ſuch large Draughts of this intoxicating Liquor, that reeling up and down with his Whip in his Hand, and his Head againſt the Walls, he was followed by all the Boys of the Town hooting after him; which ſo leſſen'd the Repute of this ſottiſh Religion, as made 'em abſtain for the future, from this pompous Uſage of it. What low Thoughts have theſe People, of the Almighty Lord of All; when, allowing him to be Omnipotent, yet repreſent him to themſelves and others, as delighting in Cruelty? Whereas, thou knoweſt, this Paſſion is only to be found amongſt the Weak and Miſerable.

That the Divine Preſerver of Men, may continue thee long for the Edification of his Elect, are the paſſionate Wiſhes of the meaneſt of thy Servants, Mahmut.

Paris, 4th of the 8th Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER IV. To Muſtapha Berber Aga.

WOuld to God, I could converſe with thee Face to Face in the Seraglio, as in former Times. I vent many paſſionate Wiſhes to Conſtantinople, that happy Reſidence of my beſt Friends, the Nurſery of my Childhood, the School of my Youth; and, I hope, the future Repoſitory of my Old Age. When I think of that City, 'tis with a Paſſion hardly ſecond to that, which I cheriſh for the Place of my Nativity. In Arabia, 'tis true, I firſt ſaw the Light of the Sun; but, 'twas in Greece I receiv'd the more friendly Illuminations of the Moon, the Splendors of the True Faith; which, though they diſcloſe not to us, ſo clear a Proſpect of the Earth and all its Gayeties; yet, they preſent us with an unveil'd Diſcovery of the Heavens and Stars; ſhewing us Paradiſe, with its glittering Inhabitants, the purpl'd Colonies of True Believers, Champions and Martyrs of the Eternal Ʋnity. In the Deſert I left my Father; or rather, he left me before I found my ſelf, being but an Infant when he dyed: but, in the City I found Friends, which is not a leſs endearing Title. He gave me but my Birth, whereby I enter'd on the Stage of Miſeries, with which he ſoon after left me to ſtruggle, before I could diſtinguiſh Miſery from Happineſs. But, they gave me Education, which taught me how to ſhun thoſe Evils, which are the Natural Conſequences of our Birth. So that in the Main, I am more indebted to them than to him. Let it be how it will, I cannot ceaſe to love them, and often wiſh my ſelf with them. This is Second Nature. And, becauſe I cannot have my Deſires fulfill'd in that, I gratify my ſelf by often writing to them. Should I make Compariſons, thou wilt ſay, I am a Flatterer. Suffice it to tell thee, That thou art one of the Number, whoſe Remembrance affects me with ſenſible Complacency. Yet, I cannot write to thee, nor any of my Friends, ſo often as I would, without entrenching on the Obligations I have to the other Miniſters of the Sublime Port. I ſend Diſpatches to all by Turns, ſacrificing my Private Regards, to the Expectations of the State, and the Pleaſure of my Superiors.

Had I been at Liberty, I could have ſent thee the earlieſt News, of the Slaughter which the Germans made Three Moons ago, in the French Army at Mergentheim. 'Tis not too late now to ſay ſomething of it. The Imperialiſts owe that Triumph, to the Candor of Turenne, and the degenerate Craft of the Duke of Bavaria; who, to lull the French in a Fatal Security, ſent an Agent into France, to negotiate a Peace, with deceitful Overtures, and Umbrages; commanding alſo, that none of his Soldiers, ſhould dare to call the French their Enemies. Yet, ſome lay the Blame of this Overthrow, on the Suedes; whoſe unſeaſonable Suſpicion of a Private Treaty between the French and Germans, hindred Torſtenſon from joining the former; and, expos'd Turenne, with his raw and unexperienced Forces, to the numerous Army of veterane Imperialiſts.

'Twas a Fatal Engagement, and the French loſt many brave Men; beſides an Hundred and Fifty Commanders taken Priſoners, Fifteen Hundred of the Common Soldiers, Fifty Enſigns, with many Waggons, and Four Mules laden with Money.

It is reported, that whilſt Turenne, in the general Retreat and Flight of his Army, betook himſelf to Mergentheim, as he lay on his Bed the firſt Night, one of his Officers was coming to alarm him with the News of the Germans Approach to that Town, but unfortunately ſtumbled at his Chamber-Door: With the Noiſe of which, Turenne awaked; and, fearing ſome Attempt on his Life, leap'd off his Bed with his drawn Sword; and, making toward the Door, juſt as the Officer open'd it, he run him into the Heart. By which Miſtake, he himſelf, and the Troops that were in the Town with him, had like to have fallen into the Hands of the Bavarians. But, receiving Notice of their Approach accidentally by ſome other means, he withdrew his Troops out of the Town by a contrary Road, and eſcaped the Purſuit of his Enemies.

This Victory has given new Courage to the Imperialiſts; and has not much diſpirited the French, who are by this Loſs, enflamed with greater Ardors, meditating a ſpeedy Revenge. The Genius of this Court, ſeems to be undaunted, breathing Nothing but War.

I ſhall not fail to ſend thee ſuch Intelligence, as will demonſtrate, That Mahmut paſſes not away his Time in vain.

I pray the Sovereign of as many Empires, as there be Worlds, to diſtinguiſh thee, by ſome particular Mark of his Favour, from the Crowd of thoſe he makes Happy.

Paris, 4th of the 8th Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER V. To Shaſhim Iſtham, a Black Eunuch.

AT length thou haſt condeſcended to beg my Pardon, for the Calumnies thy Tongue has loaded me with. I am not ill pleaſed with thy Letter. It abounds with elegant Expreſſions of thy Sorrow, for an Offence to which thou hadſt no Provocation. Thy Submiſſion, tho' late, abates my Reſentment; and, if thou performeſt thy Promiſe, 'tis baniſh'd. The firſt Crime ſo ingenouſly acknowledg'd, claims a Title to Forgiveneſs: Let Eternal Oblivion ſeal it. I am not by Nature revengeful. I rather bluſh for Shame, than grow pale with Anger, at him that injures me. Yet, Self-Preſervation will rouze our Choler; which is the moſt active Humour, and precipitates many to violent Courſes. The Effect it has on me, is, to put me on my Guard, leſt he who has wrong'd me, without any Signs of Repentance, ſhould continue his Malice to my Deſtruction. But, thou haſt diſpers'd all my Suſpicions, by thy ſeaſonable Addreſs; and, if I cannot pronounce thee Innocent, I will believe thou art not Incorrigible. The beſt Advice I can give thee, is, henceforwards to attend to thy own Affairs, and refrain from thoſe of others; remembring the Arabian Proverb, He that peeps in at his Neighbour's Window, may chance to loſe his Eyes. There is a great deal of Wiſdom, couch'd in theſe ſhort Sentences. They are not the Product of one Man's Experience, nor of a few; but, they are the Reſult of Ʋniverſal Obſervation. And, our Country has been happy above others in the choice of her Proverbs. This that I mention'd is peculiar to the Eaſt: Yet, I can produce an Inſtance, whereby 'twas lately verified in the Weſt.

There is hardly a Night paſſes in this Populous City, wherein ſome Murder is not committed in the Streets. Two Nights ago, a Man was found dead on the Ground, whereupon a Tumult was gathered about his Bleeding Carkaſe. Among the reſt, a Fellow came crowding in, inquiſitive what ſhould be the Matter. Thoſe who ſtood by, beholding his Cloaths bloody, which he was not ſenſible of himſelf, ſeized on him as the Murderer. His wild Looks encreaſed their Jealouſie; and, the incoherent Words with which he endeavour'd to excuſe himſelf, rendred him Guilty in the Judgment of the Rabble. They carried him before a Cadi, by whom he was ſtrictly examin'd: He ſtoutly deny'd the Fact; and, no Proof could be brought againſt him, but his ſtained Cloaths. 'Tis the Cuſtom here, to put to the Torture, Perſons ſuſpected of Capital Crimes, in Order to draw a Confeſſion of the Truth. This they did to this poor Wretch; and, in the Extremity of his Pains, he acknowledg'd, he had kill'd his Wife that Evening, but was altogether Innocent of this poor Man's Death, who was Murder'd in the Streets. All the Torments they inflicted, could force no other Confeſſion from him, ſave that which his real Guilt prompted him to make. For which, he was condemned to Death, according to the Laws. Thou ſeeſt by this, that had he gone about his Buſineſs, without prying into other Mens Matters, he might have eſcap'd a Diſcovery. But, that mediing Itch of the Imprudent, betray'd him (not without the particular Direction of Fate) to a Death, which indeed he merited, but not on the Score of the murder'd Man, whom he went out of his Way to ſee.

Thou wilt ſay, this Story is not applicable to thy Caſe; ſince, thou haſt never yet embru'd thy Hands in any Man's Blood. I tell thee, what I have ſaid, was not deſign'd as a Reflection on thy paſt Offence (let it be forgotten); but, as a Caution for the future, not to engage thy ſelf, in Matters out of thy Sphere. For, a buſie Body, is never without Trouble.

Above all, I counſel thee, to practiſe the Government of the Tongue, which is a great Virtue, eſpecially in the Courts of Princes. The Arabians ſay, That a Wiſe Man's Soul, repoſes at the Root of his Tongue; but, a Fool's is ever dancing on the Tip.

Thou haſt no Reaſon to take in ill Part, the Freedom with which I adviſe thee for thy Good; unleſs, thou thinkeſt thy ſelf too Old to learn. But, I have a better Opinion of thee, than to rank thee among Pythagoras's Aſſes.

I have ſaid enough for a Friend; too much for an Enemy. It is in thy own Choice to make me which thou pleaſeſt. Adieu.

Paris, 4th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER VI. To Zelim of Rhodes, Captain of a Gally.

THOU haſt never vouchſafed to acknowledge the Advice I ſent thee ſome Years ago, of a Chriſtian's Deſign againſt thy Life. Perhaps he wanted an Opportunity, to put. his Revenge in Execution that Way; and therefore, the Caution I gave thee, look'd like a falſe Alarm. Thou truſteſt in thy Courage, the Strength of thy Veſſel, the Multitude and Fidelity of thy Slaves, and thinkeſt thy ſelf invulnerable. But, let me tell thee, That neither thy Courage, nor thy Veſſel, can defend thee from the Stroke of Deſtiny; and thou haſt no greater Enemies than thoſe who eat thy Bread. Whether it be, the Continuance of thy Cruelty; or, the Natural Regret of Servitude has rend'red them ſo, I know not; but, if what I am inform'd of be true, thou art the miſerableſt Man in the World. Wert thou only in danger to loſe thy Life by a Stab, a Bullet, or the ſwift Effects of Poiſon, it would be a Happineſs, in Compariſon of the Method that is now taken to deſtroy thee: And, the Inviſible Death which thou wert formerly to receive from a Prayer-Book, would have been ſoft as the Stroke of Cupid's Arrow, in Reſpect of the Tragical and Ʋnheard-of Fate, which is now preparing for thee. Think not I go about to amuſe, or, affright thee with Chimaera's and Tales, ſuch as Nurſes uſe to awe their Children into Compliance and good Manners. What I tell thee, is Matter of Fact; and, confirm'd by many Letters from Italy, to ſeveral eminent Merchants in Paris. I have ſeen ſome of them, and hear that the reſt agree in the ſame Relation.

They give an Account, That at Naples, on the Second of the laſt Moon, Three Witches were ſeized, and accuſed of practiſing Diabolical Arts; of enchanting ſeveral Perſons; of doing great Miſchief; and, in fine, of having private Commerce with the Devil. They ſtoutly denied all at firſt, and made very ſubtle and plauſible Apologies. Inſomuch, as the Inquiſitors were almoſt perſuaded of their Innocence; till it was ſuggeſted, That their Houſes ſhould be ſearch'd. Officers were ſent accordingly: who, after a narrow Scrutiny, found ſome Magical Books, ſeveral Vials of ſtrange Liquors, Pots of Ointment, with an Image of Wax, reſembling a Man, but partly melted. There were imprinted on the Breaſt of the Image, ſeveral unknown Characters, Figures and Magical Symbols: And, on the Forehead was to be read, ZELIM EBEN SAGRAN. All theſe were brought, and expoſed before the Inquiſitors (of whoſe Office thou art not ignorant.) Great Deliberation was had, about this unuſual Emergency. The Imaums and Cheiks, were ſent for and conſulted. The Witches were examined apart; and put to the Torture, as is the Cuſtom in Capital Crimes. Admirable was their Conſtancy for a conſiderable Time; but, at length, overcome by the Continuance and Sharpneſs of their Pains, they confeſs'd, They had for ſome Years practis'd Magick Arts, convers'd with Familiar Spirits, rais'd Tempeſts, Earthquakes, and done other wicked Feats. Being examin'd about the Image of Wax, they declar'd, That it was the Image of a Turkiſh Captain of a Gally, whoſe Name was written on the Forehead: And, that they were hired, by certain Italians, who had been Slaves in the Gally of the ſaid Captain, to bewitch him to Death, in the moſt lingring Method they could invent: That, in Order to this, they had made this Image; That every Night they met together, with a Fourth of their Gang, (who was not to be found) and made a Fire of the Bones of Dead Men, which they ſtole from the Graves and Charnel-Houſes: That they laid this Image down at a convenient Diſtance, before this Fire, repeating certain Magical Words and Charms; and, as this Image gradually melted, ſo the Body of the ſaid Turkiſh Captain, did inſenſibly waſte and decay. And, to add to his lingring Death an intolerable Torment, they baſted the melting Image, with the Oyls and other Liquors, which were contain'd in the Vials and Pots: That, by this Means, he was perpetually rack'd with moſt pungent and acute Pains in his Bowels, Head, and all Parts of his Body; raging under moſt violent Fevers, inſatiable Thirſt, and Want of Sleep. Finally, That this lingring Kind of Death would continue, as long as they pleas'd to protract the Diſſolution of the Waxen Image.

This Confeſſion, though extorted from the Witches in the Midſt of inſufferable Torments, yet was delivered without any Inconſiſtencies, and with all the Demonſtrations of a real Penitence. And, being ſeconded with the Teſtimonies of many Credible Witneſſes, who had overſeen them in ſome of their Nocturnal Ceremonies; the Inquiſitors, moved with a juſt Horror of ſo nefandous Abominations, ſentenc'd them, To be burnt, and their Aſhes to be ſcatter'd into the Sea. Which was accordingly executed, on the Sixth of the laſt Moon, in the Preſence of infinite Spectators.

The News of this Extraordinary Event, is freſh in the Mouths of almoſt all the Inhabitants of this City; Yet, no Man, I dare ſay, hears it with that Concern for the Turkiſh Captain, as I do. Even thoſe among the Chriſtians who abhorr Witchcraft, would nevertheleſs rejoice, if not only thou, but all the Muſſulmans were deſtroyed with Enchantments; ſince, they can never hope, it will come to paſs by the Succeſs of their Arms.

I am not credulous of every Story that is related of Witches, being ſatisfy'd, That Superſtition and Ignorance, has liſted many in that Infernal Number, who were Innocent and never deſerv'd it: Some having been forc'd, by Racks and Tortures, to confeſs themſelves Guilty of practiſing Enchantments, when, after their Execution, there have appear'd evident Proofs to the contrary. Yet, I cannot be ſure, but that there have been ſome in all Ages and Nations, who have entred into Leagues and Aſſociations with Devils, and have been enabled thereby, to perform Things above the Power of Nature. However, I have a Particular Deſire to hear from thee, and to be inform'd, Whether thou haſt experienc'd the Effect of their Enchantments. If thou haſt not, bleſs thy Stars, that thou wert born and bred a Muſſulman, againſt whom the Magick of the Infidels cannot prevail; and, that thou haſt ſwallow'd the Impreſſion of Mahomet's Seal, which is of Force to diſſolve and make invalid, all the Charms of Men and Devils. But, if thou haſt felt the Force of their Enchantments, and pineſt away with unaccountable Pains and Languors; then, think with thy ſelf, That thou art defective in keeping ſome Point of our Holy Law; That Mahomet is angry with thee, withdraws his Protection, and expoſes thee to the Malice of Evil Spirits. Neither perſuade thy ſelf, That becauſe the Three Witches are put to Death, thou ſhalt preſently recover thy former Health and Eaſe again: For, ſo long as there is a Fourth living; and out of the Reach of Juſtice, thou art not ſafe. Nay, if ſhe were taken and executed too; ſo long as thy Enemies are yet alive, who firſt employ'd theſe Hags, thou art ſtill at their Mercy. They will ſearch every Corner of Italy, and of all Europe, but they will find Inſtruments of their Revenge. They will rummage Hell it ſelf, to gratifie their Fury. The beſt Counſel I can give thee in this Caſe, is, To pacifie thine Enemies, by extraordinary Acts of Civility to the Chriſtians, where-ever thou meeteſt them; by uſing thy Slaves mildly, and giving them their Freedom, after a limited Time of Service; without exacting a Ranſom, which neither they, nor their Relations and Friends can ever be able to pay. This will abate the Rancour of the Infidels, and turn their Revenge into Kindneſs and Love. Thou wilt every where be free from Dangers; and, thoſe very Perſons, who now ſtudy all Means to take away thy Life, will then hazard their own to preſerve thee from Death.

Think not, that I go about to perſuade thee to change Temper with thy Slaves, and, from the Reſolution and Bravery of a True Muſſulman, to ſink into the abject Timorouſneſs of a Chriſtian. Be fearful only of thy ſelf, and ſtand in Awe of none more than of thy own Conſcience. There is a Cato in every Man, a ſevere Cenſor of his Manners; and, he that reverences this Judge, will ſeldom do any Thing he need to repent of. Let not the Authority of thy Station, tempt thee to be Cruel or Unjuſt; but, in all Things, Do as thou wouldſt be done unto. This is a Precept engraven on every Man's Heart; and, he whoſe Actions write after this Copy, will always be at eaſe here, and tranſcendently happy hereafter. Follow this Rule, and thou wilt experience the Effect. Adieu.

Paris, 1ſt of the 9th Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER VII. To the Invincible Vizir Azem.

IF One may judge of future Events, by applying to them the Symptoms of Things paſt; and, if a Man may compare one Kingdom with another; I ſhould think, that France will in Time extend the Limits of her Empire, as far as any of the Four Great Monarchies, that have been recorded in Hiſtories for their Ʋniverſal Sway. I will not ſay, as far as the wide-ſtretch'd Empire of the ever-victorious Oſmans: Yet, the Genius of this Nation, ſeems in ſome Manner to inſpire the French with as ardent a Thirſt of Glory and Conqueſt, as that which has in all Ages, appear'd to be the Inſeparable Vertue of the Muſſulmans. They preſs forward to the Mark, for which they take up Arms; that is, to ſubdue All before them, and lay Kingdoms, Provinces and Cities at the Feet of their Sovereign. They are not diſcourag'd at Difficulties and Loſſes. The Checks and Oppoſitions they meet with, do but animate them with new and freſh Vigors. So that it is become a ſure Prognoſtick of ſome great Succeſs to that Nation, when at any Time they receive ill News from their Armies. In this, their Courage ſeems to be of the Quality of Naptha; which, by pouring on of Water, takes Fire; although, thou knoweſt, theſe Two Elements be Contrary to each other. So, this Warlike People, inſtead of being dejected, or made timorous by any Defeat given to their Armies, are rather inflam'd with more active and valiant Reſolutions; as will appear, by the Repulſe given them by the Duke of Bavaria, not many Moons ago.

As ſoon as that News arrived in this City, one would have expected to have ſeen ſome Tokens of Fear in the People; but, it wrought a contrary Effect. No Tears of Women and Children, no compaſſionate Sighs for their ſlain Husbands, Fathers or other Relations; no down-caſt Looks, or ominous ſhaking of Heads; no melancholly Whiſpers or portentous Stories, were murmur'd in the Ears of the Multitude: But, all Things appear'd lively and proſperous; the very Women exciting the Young Men to liſt themſelves Soldiers, and the Boys in the Streets making all their Paſtime conſiſt, in imitating the Men of Arms, and learning the Diſcipline of War. There was no need, to force Men to the Field. No ſooner was the King's Intention to raiſe New Forces divulg'd in the Provinces, but Thouſands came voluntarily and took up Arms; chuſing rather to ſeek Honourable Deaths in the Toils and Hazards of War, than to lead Inglorious Lives at Home, in the ſoft Enjoyments of Peace.

Theſe Things appear'd to me, as certain Preſages of the Riſing Greatneſs of this Monarchy, and an Evident Sign, That the French Nation in this Age, ſhall out-do their Anceſtors in Warlike Deeds.

The Stage of that Bloody Combat, between the Forces of the Duke of Bavaria, and thoſe under the Command of Mareſchal Turenne, was Mergentheim. Since which, there has been a more fierce Encounter, between the French and Imperialiſts at Allerſheim. Wherein the former, have recover'd the Honour they ſeem'd to have loſt in the Spring, owing much to the Bravery of the Landgrave of Heſs-Caſſel; who, with his Regiments, had a conſiderable Share in the Actions of this Day; and therefore, has been preſented with Magnificent Gifts by the Queen-Regent. The Bavarians loſt in this Battle, above Two Thouſand Common Soldiers, beſides many Officers of Note. On the French Side, the Duke of Enguien (who had newly join'd his Forces to thoſe of Turenne) was wounded in the Arm, with Two other Commanders. Monſieur Grammond was taken Priſoner; but, honourably treated and ſent away with Preſents by the Duke of Bavaria, together with Inſtructions about a Neutrality; who is exchang'd for a German of equal Quality. The French have alſo loſt in this Battle, above a Thouſand of the Common Soldiers; ſo that their Victory coſt them dear.

The Duke of Enguien, notwithſtanding his Wounds, marches on the next Day with his Army to Norlinghen, offering to that Town a Neutrality, and Liberty for the Garriſon to march out, which conſiſted of Three Hundred Bavarians. But, receiving a fierce Anſwer from the Governor, he caus'd the Approaches to be made in Order to an Aſſault, which was begun that very Night, and a Breach made in the Walls; upon which, the Inhabitants were forc'd to intercede with the Duke, that there might be a Ceſſation of Violence till the next Morning, promiſing, that then the Soldiers ſhould ſurrender at Diſcretion; which was done accordingly.

There he tarried Eight Days, to refreſh his Army. Then he marched to Dunkenſpule, which was defended by a Garriſon of Five Hundred Bavarians. He took this Place by Storm, yet gave Quarter to the Soldiers, who laid down their Arms, and yielded themſelves Priſoners. Leaving a Garriſon of Three Hundred French in the Town, he remov'd his Forces toward Heilbrun. But, in regard this Place was defended by Fifteen Hundred Men, he forbore to aſſault it, and only Quarter'd his Army in the Neighbouring Villages.

Since that Time, which was about the Middle of the laſt Moon, there has been no conſiderable Action between the French and the Germans. Yet, thoſe who pretend to be vers'd in Military Affairs, laugh at the ill Conduct of the Arch-Duke Leopold; who, when he had the French ſhut up in a Narrow Streight, through which it was impoſſible for them to paſs, but by ſingle Files, neglected that Opportunity to cut them off; deferring the Victory (whereof he was too ſecure) till the next Day, by Reaſon of the preſent Wearineſs of his Soldiers. In the mean Time Turenne, with his whole Army, paſs'd the Streight in the Dead of the Night, and came to Philipsburgh.

This Overſight of the General, is much talk'd of; becauſe, had he purſu'd his Advantage, he had not only entirely defeated the French, but, in all Probability, falling with the whole Force of the Empire on the Suedes, he had likewiſe vanquiſh'd them, and ſo put an End to the War. But, it ſeems, as if the Inſcrutable Providence had determin'd to infatuate the Minds of the Germans, and reſerve thoſe Two Potent Nations, their Enemies, to be a farther Scourge to the Empire.

Adieu, Great Guardian of the Eternal Monarchy, and believe Mahmut, when he ſolemnly ſwears by Mount Sinai, and by the Tenth Night of the Moon, that he adores thy conſummate Virtue and Wiſdom, which never fail thee in Extremities.

Paris, 8th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER VIII. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople.

I Am weary of writing News of Battles and Sieges to the Grandees; and, I know, thou ſeldom troubleſt thy ſelf with the Care of Foreign Tranſactions. Beſides, I have no certain Intelligence of Moment to communicate. But, I can acquaint thee with ſomething more agreeable to thy Studies and Genius.

Here is a Man in this City, who was not born Blind, but by ſome ill Hap loſt the Uſe of his Eyes. Yet, Nature ſeems to have recompens'd that Misfortune, in the Exquiſiteneſs of his Feeling. Thou wouldſt ſay, he carried Eyes in his Fingers Ends; ſince he diſtinguiſhes thoſe Things by his Touch, which are the only proper Objects of Sight. Believe me, I think there can be no Deceit or Confederacy, whereby he might blind others, inſtead of being ſo himſelf. I ſaw him muffled up with a Napkin which cover'd all his Face, when divers Pieces of Eaſtern Silks of various Colours, were laid on a Table before him. He felt them attentively, and told us the Colour of each Piece exactly. I, who was never over-credulous of extraordinary Pretences, ſuſpecting that either the Fineneſs of the Linen which veil'd his Face, might give him ſome Glimpſe of the different Colours; or, that ſome By-ſtander, with appointed Signs, might inform him; caus'd all the Company to withdraw, except a Learned Derviſe, who was intimate with me. We threw a thick Velvet-Mantle over his Face, which reached down to his Navel, girding it about his Waſte, ſo as to leave his Arms at Liberty. Then I procur'd ſmall Shreds of Silks, ſuch as I could conceal in the Palm of my Hand: Theſe I caus'd him to touch with his Fingers, brought up as high as his Chin, ſo that 'twas impoſſible for him to ſee them, had he had the Uſe of his Eyes: Yet, he made not the leaſt Miſtake in Five ſeveral Colours. We chang'd the Order of the Silks, and ſometimes gave him the ſame Piece Four or Five Times together; yet, as ſoon as he had felt it, he readily told us, 'Twas the ſame Colour.

I tell thee, O learned Hali, ſuch an uncommon Experiment, afforded me Matter both of Delight and Wonder. I concluded from hence, That Nature is no Niggard in her Gifts, but ſupplies the Defects of one Sence, by the ſuperabundant Accuracy of another. We ask'd this blind Perſon, by what Diſtinction he thus knew one Colour from another, without the Help of his Eyes. He was not able to expreſs the particular Manner of this diſcriminating Senſation; but, only told us in General, That he felt as much Difference between the Red Silk and Black, as he had formerly done during the Enjoyment of his Eye-Sight, between the Silks of Perſia, and the fine Linen of Europe: Which, thou knoweſt, are as different to the Touch, as fine Paper and Vellum.

Thou that daily pryeſt into the Faculties of Humane Bodies, art beſt able to judge, Whether this Man's Excellency, lay in the Tenuity and Fineneſs of his Skin, the Subtlety of his Spirits, or ſome unuſual powerful, yet delicate Energy of his Soul; or, whether it conſiſted in all theſe together.

The Derviſe who was with me, ſeemed not much to admire at this rare Quality of the Blind Man: Telling me moreover, That about Ten Years ago, in his Travels, he had ſeen a Blind Statuary at Florence, who undertook to make the Reſemblance of an Image, in the Chief Temple of that City; which he finiſh'd ſo much to the Life, that his Work could no otherwiſe be diſtinguiſh'd from the Original, than by the difference of the Materials, that being Alabaſter, his white Clay; which he ſo temper'd and molded with his Fingers, as he continually felt of the other, that no Lineament was left unexpreſs'd.

Indeed, when I reflected on our Mutes in the Seraglio, and the unaccountable Sagacity with which they apprehend thoſe Words which they never heard, I ceas'd to be ſurpriz'd at what I had ſeen the Blind Man perform, or what the Derviſe had ſaid of the Statuary. I remember in Sultan Amurath's Time, there was a Mute, in whom the Grand Signior took infinite Delight. For, Beſides a Thouſand pretty Geſtures and Tricks, with which ſhe us'd to divert that Prince, he often made her his Secretary, employing her in Writing Letters to his Baſſa's and others, whilſt he dictated to her by Signs. Although ſhe could never receive the Sound of Words, nor utter any that were articulate; Yet, I have ſeen her tranſcribe a whole Chapter in the Alcoran, containing a Hundred and Seventy Verſicles, in as fine a Character, as the moſt celebrated Scribes of the Empire; and, when ſhe had done, would explain what ſhe had thus written, by Signs, which made it evident, that ſhe perfectly underſtood the Alcoran.

Theſe are rare Gifts, my Friend; yet, were all the Mutes educated, with as much Diligence and Care as was Saqueda (ſo was ſhe call'd) 'tis poſſible, they would attain to greater Perfection. I have been told, That her Tutor, one of the Learned'ſt Men in Arabia, beſtowed Twenty Years in teaching her this Method of Reading, Underſtanding and Writing.

This puts me in Mind of a Man, who was bred a Mahometan, but being taken Captive by the French, embrac'd their Religion, not in his Heart, but only in outward Profeſſion. When I firſt came to Paris, I fell into his Company by Accident, and underſtanding that he was an African, I deſired to ask him ſome Queſtions; but, he was Deaf, ſo that I had almoſt laid aſide my Hopes of converſing with him; till perceiving that he mov'd his Lips, and open'd his Mouth as one that was Talking, I offer'd him Pen, Ink and Paper; making Signs to him, that I would gladly know his Mind in Writing. He accordingly writ in Moreſco, That he was ſtruck Deaf and Dumb about Eighteen Years ſince; telling me alſo, the Place of his Nativity, and how he came hither. I took the Pen; and, in the ſame Language, expreſs'd my Compaſſion of his Misfortunes. When he ſaw, that I underſtood Mereſco, he writ again, ſignifying to me, That if I open'd my Mouth wide at the Pronouncing of every Syllable, he could underſtand my Meaning by the Poſture of my Lips and Tongue. I found his Words true, to my no ſmall Admiration; for, he would write down what I had ſaid. We convers'd together often; and, at Length I procur'd his Eſcape, in the Retinue of a Chiaus, that was returning from hence to Conſtantinople.

I beſeech the Wiſe Architect of Nature, and Repairer of Humane Defects, either to continue to us the Uſe of our Sences, or to ſupply that Want, by ſome Superlative Endowments of the Mind.

Paris, 20th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER IX. To Uſeph Baſſa.

THOU wilt ſay, I am unmindful of my Duty, in not Congratulating thy New Honour before this; and, that I forget the good Offices which formerly paſs'd between us in the Seraglio. I tell thee, my Obligations are infinite, not only to thee, but to many others of my Friends at the Port: It is impoſſible for me, to acquit my ſelf of ſo many Engagements. As for the Dignity to which the Sultan has rais'd thee, I receiv'd the firſt News of it within theſe Fourteen Days. And, I dare affirm, That none of thy Friends, or of thoſe whoſe Dependance is on thee, could with greater Complacency, behold thee Veſted by our Moſt Auguſt Emperour, than I read the Letter which conveyed to me this welcom Intelligence.

Long mayſt thou Live, to enjoy the Bleſſings which thy Good Fortune has heap'd on thee. Yet, I counſel thee to enjoy them ſo, as not to forget thou muſt die. Let not the Grandeur of thy Station, render thee proud and wilful: But remember, when thou art ſurrounded with a Crowd of adoring Suppliants, That Death ſhall level thee with the Meaneſt of thy Slaves. Thus, the Ancient Philoſophers, ſpar'd not to perform the Office of Monitors, to their Kings and Princes: and, I hope, thou wilt not take in ill Part, the wholeſom Advice of Mahmut, who diſcovers a Temper void of Hypocriſie, in the Freedom he aſſumes. If thou giveſt Ear to Flatterers, they will compliment thee to thy Ruine; and, when thou art on the Brink of a Precipice, they will perſuade thee there is no Danger; though, if thou goeſt on, they know thy Fall is inevitable. They will pride themſelves in the Dexterity of their Malice, and inſult over thee with ſcornful Sarcaſms, whom not long ago they idoliz'd.

The Eminent Command thou haſt, requires thy frequent Preſence in the Sovereign Divan: And, that thou mayſt not ſit there, only as an Auditor of other Mens Counſels, and incapable of making one in the Number of thoſe, who become Remarkable by their Orations, or Reports of Foreign Events; I will now entertain thee with ſome Paſſages, which have happen'd in Europe ſince the Beginning of this Year, whereof the other Baſſa's may poſſibly be ignorant.

The Diet of Francfort, which had continued for Three Years, was diſſolv'd on the 12th. of the 4th. Moon. This may be known at the Port, while they remain Strangers to the Reaſon of it. There are a Sort of Chriſtians in Germany, whom they call Evangelicks. Theſe are oppoſite to the Roman Church, both in Religion and Intereſt; and, their Cauſe is chiefly eſpous'd, by the Dukes of Saxony and Brandenburgh. It was to comply with theſe, that an Aſſembly was appointed at Oſnaburgh; but the Emperour and the Catholicks, were either for continuing that at Francfort, or tranſlating it to Munſter. While the contending Parties, were bickering and ſtriving to gain their ſeveral Ends, the Deputy of the Duke of Bavaria, tired out with ſuch intolerable Delays, departed from Francfort; whom, the Reſt of the Deputies follow'd. And, this thou mayſt report, for the true Occaſion of the Diſſolution of that Diet.

Thus, at the Beginning of the Year, the Diſputes which theſe Infidels rais'd about Safe Conduct, Exactneſs of Titles, Priority of Addreſs, and many other vain Punctilio's, hinder'd them from coming to any Concluſion about a Peace, which was the Principal Cauſe of their Aſſembling. And, this is a Folly peculiar to the Nazarens, That in all Publick Aſſemblies, the very Strength and Vitals of their Counſels, are ſpent in a vain adjuſting of empty Ceremonies.

It is credibly reported here, That the King of Poland, earneſtly ſollicits a Match with Queen Chriſtina of Suedeland. It ſeems, he had formerly ſent an Embaſſador on that Subject, to the Suediſh Court; but, he return'd without any poſitive Anſwer, or effecting any Thing in it. In the Second Moon of this Year, that Queen ſent an Embaſſador, to give the King of Poland an Account, that ſhe had taken the Government upon Her. While he tarried in the Poliſh-Court, there were not wanting ſuch, as by the King's Order, ſifted his Inclination, in Reference to this Affair. It was propos'd to him, That this Match would be a happy Occaſion, to Unite the Two Kingdoms in a firm and durable League; That the Evangelicks in Poland, would be much eas'd thereby; That Ʋladiſlaus, was not much decay'd in his Natural Vigour; That Suedeland might in the mean while, be govern'd by the Council. With many other Propoſals and Encouragements to this Purpoſe: Among which, I muſt not omit, that it was ſuggeſted, How eaſie 'twould be for Two ſuch Potent Crowns in Conjunction, not only to humble the Germans, but alſo to put a ſtop to the Victorious Arms of the Ottoman Empire. But, all this came to Nothing; that wary Queen ſuſpecting, that there was a deeper Deſign in the Courtſhip of this Old Fox: And, that by ſuch a Match, the Kingdom of Suedeland, in Default of the Iſſue-Royal, might be ſubjected to a Foreign Crown.

However, it is eaſie to apprehend from this, That if the Poles maintain at Preſent their Accord with the Sublime Port, 'tis for want of Strength to break it; and, that they only wait an Opportunity, to make ſome Potent and Firm Alliance, which may ſecond the Deſigns formed by that Court, againſt the Firſt Throne on Earth, whereof thou art One of the Principal Pillars.

Remain firm in thy Station; and, let neither the Tempeſts of War, nor the Convulſions of State, which are the too frequent Products of Peace, ſhake thy Conſtancy. But, above all, ſuffer not thy Integrity, which is the Baſis of all Virtues, to be undermin'd by Bribes.

If thou followeſt this Counſel, God and his Prophet ſhall Eſtabliſh thee, all Men will Honour thee, thy Sovereign ſhall Exalt thee; and, Mahmut will rejoice, to ſee thee in Time become the Atlas of the Eternal Empire.

Paris, 5th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER X. To Ikingi Cap' Oglani, Praeceptor to the Royal Pages of the Seraglio.

THere is a vaſt Difference between thy Letter, and that of Shaſhim Iſtham. He, is Eloquent in the Acknowledgment of his Crime; thou, Rhetorical in thy own Juſtification. Thou haſt plunder'd Demoſthenes and Cicero, and robb'd 'em of all the Flowers and Tropes of Oratory, to dreſs up a faint, liveleſs Excuſe. Such an artificial Apology, inſtead of cancelling, heightens thy Offence. It might have procur'd thee the Applauſe of the Academy; but, it comes ſhort of giving me Satisfaction, for the Injuries I have receiv'd at thy Hands. I have Reaſon to eſteem them ſuch, becauſe ſo deſign'd, although they took no Effect. For, Wrongs of this Kind, ought to be meaſur'd by the Intention of the Author, not by their Succeſs. The Miniſters of the Divan, will hardly be prevail'd on to ſuſpect Mahmut, who has given Subſtantial Proofs of his Fidelity.

Tell me, in the Name of God and Mahomet, what was the Motive that induced thee to ſlander me? Wherein have I merited this Perſecution at thy Hands? It could not be Revenge, becauſe I never gave thee Occaſion: unleſs thou ſtill retaineſt a Grudge, on the Score of my ſtudying in the Academies; and, that at my Return from Palermo, thou wert not able to expoſe me, in the Preſence of the Mufti, in any Point of Language or Learning. But, I had rather charitably believe, 'twas thy Ambition not thy Malice, which gave Birth to thoſe Calumnies thou haſt vented againſt me. Thou envieſt me the Honour of ſerving the Grand Signior in this Station, thinking thy ſelf capable of diſcharging this Office more ſucceſsfully than Mahmut. I cenſure not thy Abilities; but, I think 'tis beſt for every Man to be content with his own Condition, ſince Deſtiny diſtributes the Employments of the World among Men, by Rules into which we cannot penetrate.

Thou art Maſter of the French Tongue; but, doſt thou think that a complete Qualification for a Man in my Poſt? Art thou fit to converſe in the Court of a Foreign Prince, who canſt not govern thy Tongue in that of thy Native Sovereign? Thou art yet to learn a Courtier's Maſter-piece, which is, To diſſemble even the neceſſary Art of Diſſimulation. That is, as the Arabians ſay, To have a Veil upon a Veil; or, as the Italians, To have a Mask with a Natural Face on the Outſide. Thou art ſo far from this, that thou canſt not yet draw perfectly the firſt rough Strokes of a Counterfeit.

To ſpeak plain, hadſt thou by an Artificial feigning of Friendſhip to me, made Way to inſinuate thy Story into the Belief of the Grandees, thou might'ſt have prais'd me to my Ruine. But, to go bluntly to Work, without preventive Encomiums, diſcover'd at once the Weakneſs of thy Judgment, and the Strength of thy Paſſion; giving the Miniſters Occaſion to think, There was leſs of Truth, than of Deſign in thy Accuſations.

For the Future I adviſe thee, to mind thy Books and Scholars, and meddle not with Mahmut, whoſe Buſineſs is, to ſtudy Men. Adieu.

Paris, 5th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XI. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of State.

WITH extream Joy, I have received the certain News of the taking of Canea, by the Invincible Ottoman Arms.

I muſt confeſs, when I firſt apprehended the Intentions of Sultan Ibrahim, to make War with the Republick of Venice, I was apt to hearken to ſome thinking Men in this Court; who, making their Obſervations, of the Sultan's indulging himſelf in Female Pleaſures, conjectured from thence (as by a Common Rule) that he would not have diſcovered ſuch a Martial and Active Spirit, in aſſerting the Honour of the Ottoman Empire. His dext'rous concealing his Deſigns, even to the very Execution of them, has ſtruck a Damp into all the Courts in Europe; inſomuch as Cardinal Mazarini, this Day told the Queen-Regent, That he doubted, leſt Sultan Ibrahim would prove another Junius Brutus, who, being the Nephew of Tarquin, One of the Primitive Kings of Rome, for ſome Years, counterfeited an extraordinary Simplicity and Weakneſs of Spirit: but, having privately ſecured a Faction to his own Intereſts, by Popular Arts; he, to gain the Sovereignty, chang'd the Form of Government; procur'd himſelf to be made Conſul, and diſcovered a Genius, ſurpaſſing in Policy and mature Judgment, all his Predeceſſors.

Though the Cardinal's Compariſon, be diſproportionate to the Grandeur of the Sovereign Emperor of the World; who cannot, without a vaſt Injury, be poſt-pon'd in Virtue, Wiſdom or Power, as a Second or Imitator of any Prince upon Earth: Yet, the Character holds good in the Main, That he has timely and maturely diſſembled, the moſt Sublime Abilities and Endowments a Sovereign Prince is capable of, rend'ring thereby by his Enemies ſecure and careleſs; till at length, all thoſe Illuſtrious Attributes exert themſelves on a ſuddain, breaking forth like the Sun from an Eclipſe; at once dazling the aſtoniſh'd World, and ſurprizing the Enemies of the Ottoman Empire, in the Slumbers which proceeded from the Contempt of his Sacred Majeſty.

I thought indeed once, that the Venetians would have been in a Condition to have fac'd the Ottoman Navy, and diſputed their farther Progreſs on the Seas. I expected no leſs, than that they would have made ſome huffing Attempts on the Iſles of the Archipelago; that they would have enter'd the Helleſpont, brav'd the Dardanels, and ſailing forward, would have block'd up the Ottoman Navy in the Propontis, or driven them into the Euxine Sea for Shelter. And, who could have thought otherwiſe, had they been provided for a War? But, our Sage Emperor, by Secrecy, which is the very Soul of all great Undertakings, has anticipated their very Fears, and leap'd upon the Prey, while the Keepers were aſleep.

Had the Chriſtian Princes and States, laid aſide their Private Punctilio's and Animoſities, when the Venetians firſt made their Application to them for Aſſiſtance, it might have prov'd a doubtful War. But, inſtead of generouſly uniting their Forces in the Common Defence of Chriſtendom, they began to divide their Intereſts and Hearts one from another; and that, upon the vaineſt Motives in the World; One State diſputing with Another, about Precedency of Poſts in the Army; which proceeded to that Height, as to fruſtrate the Main Deſign: For, the Pope himſelf at laſt, is forc'd to raiſe the greateſt Aids the State of Venice are like to have; joining his Galleys with theirs, and ſending a Thouſand Foot on Board, at his own Coſt.

Thus does Divine Providence, out of the Diſcords of Chriſtian Princes, draw Occaſions to enlarge the Sacred Empire of the Muſſulmans; and to ſpread the Ottoman Conqueſts o'er the Weſtern World.

Paris, 20th of the 11th Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XII. To the Magnificent and Redoubtable Vizir Azem.

IT appears, that the Queen of France is very Indulgent to her Generals, having call'd Home the Duke of Enguien from the Toils of War. This Prinee neglecting the Wounds he receiv'd in the Battle of Allerſheim, not many Days after, fell into a violent Fever: So that he was carried in a Horſe-Litter to Philipsburgh, with no ſmall Danger of his Life. As ſoon as he recover'd his Health, he was commanded to return to France, and the Charge of the whole Army committed to Mareſchal Turenne.

Such Tenderneſs is never ſhew'd to the Invincible Ottoman Generals, neither would they eſteem it a Favour, but a Diſgrace. When they go to the Wars, they make no underhand Leagues with the Elements to ſpare their Bodies; but, are reſolv'd to combat with Cold, Heat, Hunger, Thirſt, and all the Hardſhips to which Soldiers are liable, as well as with the Swords of their Enemies. They take no other Armour againſt the Rigorous Froſts of a Ruſſian Winter, or the Scorching Sands of a Perſian Summer, but an Unſhaken Reſolution, an Invincible Patience, and a Mind incapable of bowing under the Worſt Misfortunes. They are not angry with the Weapons of their Adverſaries, when they carve in their Limbs the Marks of an Honour, which will far outlaſt the Pain of their Wounds; and, in their Fleſh hew deep Characters, of an Immortal Fame, and a Renown which ſhall know no Period. They are not parſimonious of their Blood, but court their Enemies to ſpill it on the Ground, from whence it will ſpring up in Lawrels and Wreaths, to crown 'em with Triumphs and Glory whilſt they live, and to ſweeten their Memory with the Praiſe of Future Generations.

Thus, Magnanimous Vizir, do the Muſſulman Heroes, the Props of the Firſt Empire, manifeſt their Courage, in defying of Dangers and Wounds, and ſcorning to capitulate with Fortune, for Eaſe and Exemption from Death. They know, that when they march againſt the Infidels, 'tis in Vindication of the Eternal Ʋnity: And therefore, inſtead of endeavouring to ſhun, they court a Death ſo glorious, as that which will immediately tranſport them to the Boſom of our Holy Prophet, and to the Inexpreſſible Delights of the Gardens of Eden. Where this Truth is firmly rooted, there is no Room for Fear to plant it ſelf. But, the Caſe is otherwiſe with Infidels, who blaſpheme that pureſt Ʋndivided Eſſence. They aſſert and believe a Plurality of Gods, and therefore in Time of Danger, amongſt ſo many Deities, they know not whom to addreſs, or whom to confide in. The Apprehenſion of Death, is terrible to them, whoſe Hope is only in this Life; whoſe Conſciences are ſtained with a Thouſand Pollutions, and yet renounce the very Method of being Clean. Who not only err themſelves, but by their Evil Example and Influence, (for I ſpeak of the Princes and Great Ones) draw Innumerable after them, to taſte of the Tree Zacon, which grows in the Middle of Hell.

People ſpeak variouſly of the Duke of Enguien's Conduct in the Battel of Allerſheim. His Creatures, extoll his Valour and Experience with Hyperboles: Whilſt his Enemies, endeavour to leſſen his Reputation. Some ſay, he owes his Revocation to the Queen's Diſlike; Others attribute it, to the extraordinary Concern ſhe has for his Health. But, ſuch as would be eſteem'd the Wiſer Sort, ſay, his Return is voluntary and ſought by himſelf, ſcorning to hold his Commiſſion any longer at the Pleaſure of Cardinal Mazarini; who, 'tis thought, firſt procured him this Employment, only to have him out of the Way, and take off his Application from the Domeſtick Affairs of France. Theſe are the Diſcourſes of the People at preſent, who yet perhaps may change their Opinions before the Sun goes down. They will always be cenſuring and deſcanting on the Actions of their Superiors; few being willing to think their Tongues were given 'em to lie Idle. It is but a Little Member, but often does Great Miſchief by its Activity. One of the Ancients gave no good Character of it, when he call'd it a Daemon. Yet, we are not bound to believe all that the Philoſophers ſaid. Aeſop gave the moſt impartial Account of this Member, when he ſaid, 'Twas the Beſt and the Worſt. Sometimes I ſit ſilent many Hours together; not for Want of Company; (for, here's a Glut of that in this Populous City) nor, becauſe I know not what to ſay, (for, I could ſpeak a great Deal more, than 'tis ſit for others to hear) but, that I may ſtudy with leſs Interruption, how to ſerve my Great Maſter. For, much talking enervates the Judgment, and evaporates the Mind into Air. Beſides, by thus practiſing Silence in Private, I learn the Art of reſtraining my Words in Publick, when it is requiſite to promote the Ends at which I aim. 'Tis not for a Man in my Station, to be open and talkative; but, to diſtinguiſh Perſons and Seaſons; to underſtand the due Stops and Advances of my Tongue; ſometimes to ſay Much in a Little, at other Times to ſay Little or Nothing at all; but, ever ſo to ſpeak, as not to lay my ſelf naked to the Hearers; yet, to ſeem a very frank, open-hearted Man, in what I diſcourſe of.

I would not have thee conclude from what I have ſaid, That Mahmut uſes any Reſerve to the Miniſters of the Divan, who are Mines of Science and Wiſdom, and can eaſily diſcern the Heart through the moſt artificial Veil of Words. But, it is abſolutely neceſſary for me, to uſe Diſſimulation in this Court; ſeeming many Times Ignorant of what I really know, that I may not be thought to know more than they would have me. I was never yet ſo indiſcreet, as to publiſh any Secret that was committed to my Charge; whereby I have gained great Confidence, with Men who delight to unboſom their Intelligence. They eſteem me a Man of Integrity, and fit to be truſted. Thus am I made privy to many Intrigues of the Grandees, and a Repoſitory of the Court-News: Whilſt they whiſper in Mahmut's Ear, what is tranſacted in the Royal Bed-Chambers, and private Apartments.

By this means, I came acquainted with an Amour of Cardinal Mazarini, which is known but to a few. This Miniſter has none of the Worſt Faces, and a proportionate Elegance in his Shape: Much addicted alſo to the Love of Women; yet, he manages his Intrigues with that Caution and Privacy, as not to expoſe the Honour of his Function. Among the Reſt, he had frequent Acceſs to the Chamber of a certain Counteſs-Dowager, her Husband being lately deceas'd. This was not carried ſo privately, but 'twas whiſper'd about, That a Man was ſeen often to come out of this Ladies Chamber a little before Day; but, no Body knew who it was (for, the Cardinal went diſguiz'd.) At laſt, it came to the Queen's Ear, who was reſolv'd to unravel this Intrigue. She cauſed Spies to be placed at a convenient Diſtance from the Lady's Chamber-Door, which opened in a Gallery of the Royal Palace, with Orders to trace him Home. That Night the deſigned Watch was firſt ſet, it fortun'd, that the Cardinal being in the Counteſs's Chamber, her Maid (who was privy to this Amour) overheard theſe Spies, talking to each other concerning her Lady; which made her more attentive (being in a Place were ſhe could not be ſeen) till at length ſhe plainly diſcovered, That they lay in wait to find out who it was, that had been ſeen coming out of the Chamber. She quickly acquaints the Counteſs with this News. She conſults the Cardinal what was beſt to be done to avoid Diſcovery. In fine, it was agreed between 'em, That the Counteſs ſhould put on the Cardinal's Diſguize, and he a Suit of her Clothes; That ſhe ſhould go out at the uſual Hour of his Retreat, and walk in the Gardens; That, if examin'd, ſhe ſhould pretend, This Diſguize was to guard her from the rude Attempts of Men, who if they found a Lady alone in the Night-Time, would not fail to offer ſome Incivilities; That ſoon after her Departure, the Cardinal ſhould go forth in her Dreſs, and ſhift for himſelf. This was perform'd accordingly. The Counteſs walk'd into the Gardens in the Cardinal's Diſguize, followed by the Spies, whilſt he goes to an Intimate Friend's Houſe, (an Italian, whoſe Fortune depended on this Miniſter) and changes his Female Accoutrements, for the proper Apparel of his Sex. The Counteſs having walk'd about half an Hour in the Garden, was ſeized on by ſome of the Guards, under Suſpicion of ſome ill Deſign. She was carried before the Queen, and examin'd. She then diſcover'd her ſelf, begging the Queen's Pardon, and telling her, That a particular Devotion, had oblig'd her to take that Courſe for ſeveral Mornings; but, if it offended Her Majeſty, ſhe would hold her ſelf diſpenſed with, and would forbear. The Queen ſeeming ſatisfied with this Anſwer, diſmiſſed her. Thus, the Amours of the Cardinal and the Counteſs, remain'd a Secret; and, there are but Three Perſons (beſides themſelves) that know any thing of it; among which, Mahmut is one.

Thou ſeeſt, Illuſtrious Miniſter, that the Reputation of my Secrecy, has gain'd me the Confidence of One of the Cardinal's Privados; for, I had this Relation from the Italian whom I mentioned, at whoſe Houſe the Cardinal chang'd his Diſguize. I am not without Hopes, by the prudent Management of this Diſcovery, to penetrate farther into the Court Intrigues. For, he that told me this Story, conſider'd not, that he made me thereby, Maſter of his Fortune; and, that it is no longer ſafe for him, to deny me any Intelligence I require of him. He has put a Key into my Hand, which will open his Breaſt at my Pleaſure.

Yet, I need not magiſterially claim Diſcoveries from him, as the only Conditions, on which he is to expect my Concealing what he has already diſclos'd. There is a more dextrous and ſerviceable Way to become his Confeſſor, without ſuch an ungrateful Inſult; whilſt with a well acted Candour, I feign a Relation of ſuch Things, as I ſuſpect, yet cannot be certain are true, till atteſted by himſelf; profeſſing at the ſame Time, not to believe thoſe pretended Reports I heard. If I ſhall be ſo happy, as to do any effectual Service to the Grand Signior by this Engagement, it will anſwer my Ends, and I ſhall not repent of my Craft.

Mahmut Salutes thee, Sovereign Baſſa, in the humbleſt Poſture of Adoration, lying proſtrate on the Ground, in Contemplation of thy Grandeur. Beſeeching God, That he would grant this Favour to thee, To live happily, and to die in thy Bed.

Paris, 20th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XIII. To Egri Boinou, a White Eunuch.

THOU giveſt me abundant Proofs of thy Affection and Friendſhip, in frankly telling me, what they ſay of Mahmut in the Seraglio. I do not expect to be free from Cenſure; and, am ſo far from being diſcouraged at the Obloquies ſome Men faſten on me, that it adds to my Comfort; it being an aſſured Mark of Innocence, To be traduc'd. I am not deſirous, that the Arabian Proverb ſhould be verified in me, which ſays, That he deſerves no Man's Good Word, of whom all Men ſpeak Well. I dread to be Popular at ſuch a Price, and will rather court the Slanders of the Envious, by a ſtedfaſt Perſeverance in my Duty, than lay a Train for the Compliments of Flatterers, by favouring Sedition. Thou knoweſt what Reaſon I have to ſay this. There needs no Interpreter between us. Though the Black Eunuch has recanted his Aſperſions, yet there are others who perſiſt in their Malice; and, it will be difficult for the Maſter of the Pages, with his beſt Rhetorick, to exempt himſelf from the Number.

I have received both their Apologies, and have anſwered them. I wiſh they would reform this Vice; not ſo much for my Sake, who am Proof againſt their Accuſations, as for their own: For, the Injury they intended to do me, will redound moſt to themſelves. Miſery is on him, that perſecuteth his Neighbour.

He that is Merciful and Gracious, who hath ſeparated the Brightneſs of the Day from the Obſcurity of the Night, defend both thee and me from the Malice of Whiſperers, from the Enchantments of Wizards, and ſuch as breathe Thrice upon the Knot of the Triple Cord.

Paris, 20th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XIV. To Muſtapha, Berber Aga.

THOU wilt laugh at the Hypocriſy and Folly of the Nazarenes, when thou ſhalt know the Articles agreed upon between the Elector of Saxony, and Knoningſmark, one of the Suediſh Generals, on the 27th. of the 8th. Moon.

The Suedes had prevail'd on the Son of the Elector, to intercede with his Father for a Truce; but, the Old Duke would not hearken to any Thing of that Nature, till Torſtenſon gave Orders to the Suediſh Army in thoſe Parts, That they ſhould oppreſs the Elector's Subjects, by exacting from them unreaſonable Taxes and Contributions; and, that they ſhould lay deſolate all the Countries about Dreſden, if they refuſed to pay what was demanded of them. Accordingly they took a Caſtle, which commanded a large Valley of Meadows and Corn-fields. The Suedes burnt the Corn on the Ground, led away the Peaſants Captives, and demoliſh'd many Towns and Villages; yet, not without ſome Loſs on their Side: For, the Saxons one Night ſtole upon them while they were ſecurely ſleeping, and ſlew an Hundred and Twenty, taking above Three Hundred Priſoners. Thoſe who were left in Poſſeſſion of the Caſtle, met with no better Fortune; being compell'd in a few Days, to ſurrender this their new Conqueſt, with Five Enſigns, and a Hundred and Fifty Priſoners, which were all carried in Triumph to Dreſden.

One would have thought, That theſe Succeſſes ſhould have confirm'd the Elector in the Averſion he had already conceiv'd for a Treaty, that he would rather have purſu'd his good Fortune with Arms: Eſpecially, when by entering into a private ſeparate Treaty with the Suedes, he muſt needs give a great Suſpicion to the Aſſembly of the Deputies. But, the Old Duke doated; and, what neither the repeated Solicitations of his Son, nor the continual Ravages which General Koningſmark made in his Territories, could procure from him, that he granted to the charming Addreſſes of a Beautiful Lady.

The Elector's Son adhering much to the Suediſh Intereſt, and finding all other Means ineffectual to oblige his new Friends; It was agreed upon between him and Koningſmark, That he ſhould at leaſt perſwade his Father to a Truce of a few Days: That during this Ceſſation of Arms, the Son ſhould invite his Father to a Banquet, where Koningſmark ſhould be preſent, with ſome of the Principal Suedes in his Army. All this ſucceeded according to their Wiſhes. The good Old Man conſented to a Ceſſation of Arms, and to give Koningſmark a Meeting at his Son's Banquet. The German Gallantry, and indeed that of all North-Europe, conſiſts much in their Exceſſive Drinking: He is eſteem'd the moſt polite Man, who can bear moſt Wine, with leaſt Alteration of his Temper. This they call Carouſing. The Son had provided Plenty of thoſe Wines, which grow on the Banks of the Rhine, eſteem'd the wholſomeſt and moſt delicious of all theſe Parts. It is not neceſſary to repeat particularly, their firſt Salutes and Addreſſes: Both Parties ſeem'd emulous to exceed in Civilities. They fell to their Wine with Freedom and Mirth, after the Manner of the Country. When in the Midſt of their Glaſſes, whilſt the Heart of the Old Duke was elevated with the Juice of the Grape, came into the Room a tall Perſonage all in Armour, and making his Obeiſance to the Company, deliver'd a Letter to General Koningſmark. The General having receiv'd it, the Stranger was invited by the Elector's Son to ſit down with them. He was Maſter of the Feaſt, and onely Koningſmark and the Stranger, beſides himſelf, were privy to the Intrigue.

The Stranger unbuckling his Helmet, and pulling it off (for, all the Reſt of the Company were uncover'd, it being the Hotteſt Day in all the Summer) diſcover'd a Face and Hair, much like one of thoſe Nymphs, deſcrib'd by Poets and Painters.

The Duke could not withdraw his Eyes from this ſurprizing Beauty, nor fix his roving Thoughts: Sometimes it put him in Mind of Ganymede, the diſcarded Minion of Jupiter; but, Ganymede was never ſeen in Armour. Then he thought of Adonis, then of the Babylonian Pyramus, the Indian Atis. In fine, he run over all the Celebrated Youths of the Eaſt, to match the Beauty of this Illuſtrious Stranger. He drank and gaz'd, whilſt his Son and Koningſmark, were pleas d to ſee the Bait take. From ruminating on our Sex, he paſs'd to that of Women: And, remembring that in ſome former Battels between the Suedes and Germans, ſeveral Ladies had diſguiſed themſelves in Armour, and followed General Torſtenſon to the Field, he concluded preſently, That this was ſome beautiful Female of Suedeland.

This Thought, put the Old Duke into a pleaſant Fit of Raillery, yet not without ſome Mixture of Paſſion for this lovely Heroine. There was ſomething ſo peculiarly graceful in all her Carriage and Addreſs, as charm'd the Elector's Heart. The Women in thoſe Parts of Europe, are not ſo preciſe in their Converſation with Men, as in the Eaſt. And, 'tis a great Point of Education, ſo to adjuſt the Punctilio's of their Deportment, as neither to appear too open, nor too reſerv'd. This was her Maſterpiece; for, ſhe ſo equally divided the Parts ſhe was to act, both of a Maid and a Soldier, that neither entrenched on the other, but ſhe acquitted her ſelf with exquiſite Honour and Gallantry.

The next Day after the Banquet, the Son renewed his Mediation for a Treaty; but the Elector ſeemed cold. All his Thoughts were buſied in ruminating on his fair Enemy.

Not to detain thee longer, in Expectation of the Iſſue; The Love of this young Amazon had taken ſo deep Root in his Heart, that he would grant Nothing but for her Sake, neither could he deny any Thing which ſhe deſired. Thus by this Stratagem, they accompliſh'd their Aims, and he condeſcended to a Treaty, after Fourteen Days Debate on the Articles: Of which I here ſend thee a True and Particular Copy, that thou maiſt find ſome Divertiſement in the Folly of the Infidels. The Articles are as follows:

THAT it ſhould be lawful for the Duke to keep due Faith to the Emperor; nor ſhould he be obliged, to admit any Thing contrary to the Intereſt of the Empire.

That the Elector ſhould not lend the Emperor above Three Regiments of Horſe, nor ſhould permit him to raiſe Soldiers in his Principality.

That the Suedes ſhould have free and ſafe Paſſage through Saxony, provided they came not within Three Miles of Dreſden.

That there ſhould be free Traffick, between the Elector's Subjects and the Suedes, by Land and Water.

That at the End of Three Months, each Party ſhould be obliged to declare, Whether they would prolong the Truce, or break it off.

That the Elector ſhould again enjoy his Revenues, except thoſe which were drawn from Leipſick. That he ſhould pay the Suedes Eleven Thouſand Rix-Dollars a-Month, and a certain Quantity of Corn.

That the Elector ſhould do Nothing, which might hinder the Siege of Magdeburgh.

Theſe Articles, at firſt Sight appeared to be equally favourable to the Saxons, as to the Suedes. But, in Reality, they ſerved onely as an Umbrage to deeper Deſigns, which the Suedes had in Agitation. For, this was the Firſt Step to draw the Saxon off from the Emperor's Party; and Torſtenſon was now ſecure, that whilſt the Suedes ruſhed farther into Germany, the Saxons would not moleſt them behind.

For my Part, I neither underſtand the Policy nor the Integrity of the Elector, in ſigning theſe Articles; nor, how he can reconcile the Firſt of them, with any of the Reſt: To give Safe Conduct, and kind Entertainment to the Enemies of his Sovereign: To be obliged not to lend him any more Aſſiſtance, than his Enemies ſhall allow, nor ſuffer him to raiſe Forces at his own Charges: To be cheated of his own Revenues, and tamely yield to pay a Monthly Tribute beſides: To be tyed up from ſuccouring one of the Principal Towns in his Principality, at that Time beſieged by the Suedes; this is a new Method of keeping due Faith to Sovereigns, or of obſerving common Prudence for ones ſelf. But, Women and Wine cauſe a Wiſe Man to ſtumble, as the Arabians ſay. And this Old Prince, is bleſſed in a hopeful Son, who is not aſhamed to turn Pimp, that ſo he may betray his Father to his Mortal Enemies. But, let the Chriſtians proceed in their Falſhood and Treachery, one againſt another, while every good Muſſulman, proſtrates himſelf Five Times a-Day; and prays in his Integrity, for the Conſummation of that Time, wherein God has determin'd to put a Period to the Monarchies of theſe Infidels, and to reduce them to the Faith and Obedience of his Holy Law.

I wiſh ſome of my Friends, would ſend me ſome Relation of what paſſes in the Eaſt: I have heard Nothing of Moment out of Aſia, theſe many Moons. I could almoſt think my ſelf baniſh'd from the Eternal Providence, while I reſide among theſe Ʋncircumciſed.

Think ſometimes on Mahmut; and, if thou canſt not relieve his Melancholy, at leaſt pity him, whom all the Honours and Pleaſures of theſe Weſtern Parts, would not be able to exhilarate, ſo long as he apprehends himſelf forgotten by his Friends at Conſtantinople.

Paris, 20th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XV. To Mahummed Hogia, Derviſe, Eremit, Inhabitant of the Sacred Cave, at the Foot of Mount Uriel in Arabia the Happy.

THY Remembrance is as the Dew of the Evening, or the Midnight Breezes in Africk, after the ſcorching Fervors of a Summers Day, when neither Trees nor Houſes, nor higheſt Mountains afford any Shadow. Such are the Employments of State, keeping the Mind in as reſtleſs an Activity, as that which the Philoſophers ſay, is the Occaſion of Heat. Such alſo the Refreſhment I find in thinking on thee, whoſe Soul is a Manſion of Tranquillity, an Ʋmbrella of Temperance and all Vertue. Thither I retreat for Reſpiration, from the Fatigues of Worldly Buſineſs. Pardon the bold Acceſs of an humble Slave, who cannot be ſo happy, as to viſit thee any otherwiſe than by Letters, yet would be miſerable in the Want of this Privilege.

Ever ſince I had the Honour to kiſs the Duſt of thy Feet in that Sacred Retirement, I was fill'd with Love and Admiration of thy Sanctity. Thrice happy are the Neighbouring Shepherds, whoſe Flocks feed under thy auſpicious Protection. No fierce Lions, nor ravenous Tygers, dare violate that Sanctuary; or, hunt for Prey within thoſe Meadows, conſecrated by thy Preſence. That Rich and Flow'ry Vale, was firſt ſecured, with an Eternal Immunity from Spoil and Rapine, by the Bleſſing of our Holy Prophet. Now that Bleſſing ſeems to be redoubled by thy Prayers and Abſtinences, who inheriteſt his Spirit as well as his Abode. 'Twas in that Holy Cave, the Meſſenger of God faſted for the Space of Three Moons: Thy whole Life there, is one continued Abſtinence. When thou lifteſt up thy Venerable Hands to Heaven in Prayer, the Enemies of our Holy Law are ſeiz'd with Fear and Trembling: Thou art the Guardian Angel of the Ottoman Empire. Thy Body attenuated with Twenty Years Faſting, is purified almoſt to Immortality: Thou art become a Denizon among the Spirits. Neither the Beaſts of the Earth, nor the Fowls of the Air, nor the Fiſh of the Sea, will charge thee with their Blood: Thy Table never ſmoak'd with ſlaughter'd Dainties. Every Tree affords thee a Feaſt, and the Meadows regale thee with a Thouſand harmleſs Delicacies. Thy Thirſt is allay'd with the Cryſtal Streams; and, when thou art diſpoſed to Banquet, the Arabian Sheep ſupply thee with Nectar. Thus, like a prudent Traveller, thou accuſtomeſt thy ſelf before-hand, to the Diet of the Country whither thou art going: Thou liveſt the Life of Paradiſe, here on Earth.

Thou art not privy to the Wickedneſs of the Age: That Cell guards thee from other Mens Vices; while thy incomparable Humility, defends thee from thy own Vertues. Thou art not puffed up with thy ſublime Perfections. Pride is a Serpent, which commonly poiſons the Root of the faireſt Endowments. But thou haſt cruſh'd this Serpent in the Egg.

In that Solitude, the Angel open'd the Heart of the Sent of God, and took out from thence the Devil's Seed-Plot. When Mahomet awaked (for, this was done while he lay in a Trance) he ſaid, I am a Worm. When Gabriel ſaw his Humility, he pronounced a Bleſſing on the Place; That whoſoever ſhould dwell in that Cave, ſhould be Meek as Abraham, Chaſt as Joſeph, and Temperate as Iſmael. Thou haſt experienc'd the Effect of his Benediction.

There is another Happineſs alſo attends thy Retirement: Thou liveſt free from Cares and Anxieties: Thou committeſt the Publick Good to the Conduct of thy Sovereign, and thy Private Welfare, to the Protection of Providence; neither diſquieted for the one, nor ſollicitous for the other. Who riſes, and who falls, in the Favour of the Sultan; who purchaſe the Governments of the Empire by their Merits, or who by their Money; whether it be better to remain in the Seraglio, or to be made Baſſa of Aegypt, are Cares that never moleſt thee. Thou canſt ſit in that Sanctuary of Peace, and pity thoſe whoſe Ambition, and the Love of Glory, has driven into the Toils of War. Thou canſt behold with Compaſſion, the burdenſom Attendants of the Great; their Labours by Day, and their Watchings by Night; their reſtleſs Thoughts, and buſy Actions; macerated Bodies, and uneaſie Souls: While with indefatigable Pains they purſue meer Shadows, endeavour to graſp the Wind, or ſecure to themſelves a Bubble, which is no ſooner touched, than it vaniſhes. Thou in the mean time, art filling thy Mind with ſolid Knowledge, and laying up Poſſeſſions which ſhall never be taken from thee: For, the Soul carries her Goods along with her, to that Other World.

I often wiſh my ſelf with thee; and, the Remembrance of what I once enjoy'd in thy Converſation, cannot be effaced by Diſtance of Time and Place. The farther I am from thee, the more ardently do I long to ſee thee. But, even in theſe Innocent Deſires, there is neceſſary a Mortification; ſince, we are not born for our ſelves, but to comply with the Myſterious Ends of Fate. I am appointed to ſerve the Grand Signior in this Place: Where I endeavour to acquit my ſelf a Faithful Slave, and a Good Muſſulman. If I fail in the Firſt, my Great Maſter will puniſh me; if in the Laſt, God and his Prophet will revenge it. Yet I hope every Frailty, will not be eſteem'd a Tranſgreſſion; ſince the Heart and the Hands, go not always together. I often ſtrive to imitate thy Abſtinence, but my Appetites are too Strong for me; I return to my Old Courſe again, like a Bow that is forcibly bent. Yet I ſin not in this, ſince it is not required at my Hands.

Pray for me, Holy Man of God, that while I aim at the Beſt Things, I may not fall into the Worſt; and, by ſtriving to arrive at Perfection, I may not crack thoſe Powers which are requiſit to keep me ſtedfaſt in the Highway of Moral Vertue. I leave thee to thy Contemplations, and the Society of thy Courteous Angels, who ever wait at the Door of thy Cell.

Paris, 20th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XVI. To Uſeph Baſſa.

I Formerly acquainted thee, That Ʋladiſlaus King of Poland, ſought Chriſtina Queen of Sueden in Marriage; but, that his Propoſal was rejected. Now thou maiſt know, that this Monarch has made a more ſucceſsful Amour, being married to Louiſe Marie de Gonzague, Princeſs of Mantua. The Nuptial Solemnities were performed in this City, by the Ambaſſador of Poland, who was his Maſter's Proxy. The greateſt Part of the laſt Moon, was ſpent in Masks, Banquets, and Court-Revels, to Honour the Eſpouſals of this New Queen; who is ſince gone towards Poland, being attended to the Frontiers by a numerous Train of the Nobility, with all the Ceremonies and Regard due to a Perſon of her Rank.

The French, who are never ſparing in Words, are too liberal in the Praiſes they beſtow on this Princeſs. For, if all were true they ſay of her, ſhe might be liſted in the Number of Angels: Whereas, ſome more impartial Eyes, have diſcover'd ſuch Imperfections, as ſpeak her yet on this Side a Saint. But, ordinary Vertues in Princes, dazzle the Multitude; borrowing a greater Luſtre from the Nobility of their Blood, and the Eminence of their Quality: Whilſt, their Vices are either ſhrowded from the Vulgar, or made to paſs for Vertues, in the Artificial Dreſs, which Flatterers put on them. 'Tis under this Advantage, the New Queen of Poland is cry'd up for a Diana; though a late Satyriſt, vindicates her from being half ſo Cruel as that Goddeſs: It being no Secret, That a Young Italian Marquis, had ſomething kinder Uſage, than had Acteon, when he accidentally encounter'd this Princeſs, as ſhe was walking alone one Evening in a Grove belonging to her Palace.

I am no Patron of Libels; nor would I ſpeak irreverently of thoſe, whoſe Royal Birth claims Reſpect from all Mortals. But, the Stupidity of the Nazarenes provokes my Pen, who allow their Women all the uncontroulable Freedom and Opportunities, that commonly give Birth to the moſt irregular Amours, and yet believe 'em Innocent. They are perfect Idolaters of that Sex; not having learned, with the illuminated Muſſulmans, That Women are of a Creation Inferior to that of Men, have Souls of a lower Stamp, and conſequently more prone to Vice; and, that they ſhall never have the Honour to be admitted into Our Paradiſe.

But thou, who believeſt the Doctrines Clear and Intelligible, and haſt kiſs'd the Garment of the Sent of God, wilt not ſuffer thy Reaſon to be blinded by the Enchantments of theſe deluding Fair Ones; but ſo love Women, as ſtill to remember thou art a Man, which is ſomething more Sublime.

Paris, 1ſt. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XVII. To the Kaimacham.

IT is hard to gueſs, where the French Victories will terminate. Either Fear, or the Deſire of Novelties, opens the Gates of moſt Cities to them; and, when that will not do, the Force of their Cannon makes a Paſſage into the ſtrongeſt Holds of their Enemies, and puts whole Provinces under their Subjection.

Their Enemies ſay, That the French never beſiege a Town, but their firſt Aſſaults are made with Bullets of Gold; and, when that will neither prevail on the Governour, nor win a Party, then they only try the Force of the courſer Metal. Yet, this will appear but a Slander, if thou conſidereſt a late Action of the Duke of Orleans, when he lay down before Bourburgh.

He had ſcarce finiſh'd his Trenches, when the next Morning an Arrow was found with a Letter faſtned to it, not far from his Tent. The Letter was directed to the Duke, and ſubſcribed by the Governour of the Town. The Contents of it were, to ſignifie to him, That if he would give him Fifty Thouſand Pieces of Gold, and continue him in his Office, he would the next Night open the Gates, and let in his Army; and, that before Mid-day, he would ſend a Meſſenger to know his Pleaſure. The Duke waited the Arrival of the Meſſenger, who ſeconded what his Maſter had ſaid. But, the Magnanimous Prince, in ſtead of accepting his Offer, ſent him back to his Maſter with this Meſſage, That he came not before the Town as a Merchant, to purchaſe it at the Price of a needleſs Treaſon; but as a Soldier, at the Head of an Army fluſh'd with continual Victories: Summoning him forthwith to ſurrender at Diſcretion, That being the only Way to experience his Generoſity.

This Year has been ſignaliz'd with much Action in Flanders, Catalonia and Italy. The Field was ſhared among many brave Generals.

The Duke of Orleans had the Command of the Army in Flanders, where he took the Forts of Vandreval, Bourburgh, Link, Dringhen, Bethune, St. Venant, Guiſca, Lens, Mardike, Lillers, Mening and Armentiers.

Theſe Places were won by ſeveral Parties, under the Commands of the Mareſchals de Gaſtion, de Rantzan, and the Duke of Guize; who all acted in ſeparate Bodies, under the Duke of Orleans.

Nor was the Count d' Harcourt idle in Catalonia, where he ſucceeded in the Charge of the Mareſchal de la Mothe. The firſt Effort of his Arms, was the retaking of Agramont, which the Spaniards had ſeiz'd; a ſtrong City, and which kept a large Part of Catalonia in Subjection.

From hence he marched toward Roſes, one of the moſt Important Places for Strength, under the Spaniſh King's Dominions, and govern'd by an experienced Soldier, who fail'd not to defend the Place to the laſt Extremes; but, after a Siege of Two Moons, was compell'd to yield for Want of Proviſions.

After this, the French General cut off Seven Hundred Spaniards, who were poſted to hinder his Paſſage over a River. The next Day, the whole Armies meeting in the Plains of Liorens, there was a furious Encounter; in which, the Spaniards loſt Ten Regiments of Horſe on the Spot; the Reſt threw down their Arms and yielded. The Marqueſs of Mortare, one of the Spaniſh Generals, was taken Captive; with other Perſons of Note; among which, was the Standard-Bearer of Spain.

Yet, this was but the Engagement of One Wing: For, when the Other enter'd the Combat, the Slaughter was dreadful. Of the Spaniards were ſlain, Six Thouſand Horſe, and Sixteen Hundred Foot. And Three and Twenty Hundred of them were made Priſoners. The French loſt not above Three Hundred in all, and had but a few wounded.

This Battel has brought infinite Glory to the Count d' Harcourt. After which, there happen'd Nothing remarkable in Catalonia, ſave the taking of Balaguier, which is like to end this Years Campagne on that Side.

Prince Thomas of Savoy commanded in Italy, but had no great Number of French in his Army, the Main Body being drawn off to ſerve in Catalonia. Yet, vexed to ſee the Succeſs of the Spaniards, who had poſſeſs'd themſelves of a Strong Caſtle, and kept the Field in a Bravado, as if he were not able to face them; he raiſed ſome Recruits, and enter'd the Milanez, where he took the City and Caſtle of Vigevano. After this, deſigning to return into Piemont, he found all the Paſſages block'd up by the Spaniards, who had a far greater Army than his. Yet, aſſuming Courage, he attempted to paſs the River Moura; and, the Enemy preſenting themſelves to oppoſe his Deſign, he gave them Battel, and killed Five Hundred and Threeſcore of them; among which were Nine Officers of Principal Command and Quality: On his Side, were loſt Two Hundred Common Soldiers, and Twelve Officers; among which, was his Brother, Prince Maurice of Savoy. Theſe are the Chief Actions on that Side. As for Portugal, there has happened Nothing in that Kingdom, worthy of Remark.

I have in this Letter, Sage Governour of the Imperial City, obſerv'd the Method thou enjoined'ſt me. I have acquainted thee, with whatſoever has Occurred in the preſent Wars of France and Spain during this Year.

'Tis diſcourſed here, That the Venetians will lay Siege to Canea next Spring, in Hopes to recover that Important Place, from the Arms of the Victorious Ottomans.

The Duke of Orleans will be on his March to Flanders, toward the latter End of the next Moon, reſolving to make an early Campagne; being alarm'd with the late Loſs of Mardyke, which the Spaniards took by Surprize, without much Bloodſhed; having not the fourth Part of a hundred men kill'd on their Side. Whereas, when the French took it from them, it coſt five Thouſand Lives of the beſt Souldiers the King of France had in his Army.

The Hour of the Poſt will not permit me to ſay more, than that I am the humbleſt of thy Slaves.

Paris, 14th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XVIII. To Dgnet Oglou.

I Will not make Tryal of the Virtue of Friendſhip at this Time, in the Way that Philoſophers propoſe to be uſed between ſuch as own that Title. I will not complain of the Dolors I undergo, that ſo by making thy Compaſſion ſhare them with me, I may eaſe my ſelf of a Part. It appears to me a puſillanimous, if not an unjuſt Action, for a Man to transfer his Sufferings, by diſcovering 'em to his Friend, and deſignedly throw that upon another, which is ſcarce tolerable to himſelf.

I am ſick; and, Cuſtom has rendred this, almoſt as Natural to me as Health. My Conſtitution, is not Proof againſt the envenom'd Arrows, that are ſhot from the Stars. Nor am I Conſtellated, to reſiſt the Secret Contagions that lurk in the Elements. The Herbage of the Field languiſhes, when poyſon'd with Inviſible Atomes from above; and, all the Leaves of the Foreſt wither, when touch'd with the baneful Emiſſions of certain Meteors, or ſcorch'd with the winged Exhalations of the Night. So our Bodies receive a Thouſand Impreſſions from Things without us, and not a few Maladies from our ſelves. The very Channel of Life, proves many Times the Vehicle of Death; while our Lungs ſuck in unwholſome Airs, and our very Breath becomes our Bane. We have Radical Poyſons in our Complexions, which though they do us no hurt, while we let them lie dormant; yet, once excited by our Paſſions and Vices, they become noxious and Fatal, hurrying us into the Chambers of Death, by unaccountable Diſeaſes, and Pains which are under no Predicament.

This makes me bear my preſent Diſtemper with an equal Mind, becauſe I know its Original, and 'tis not in the Liſt of thoſe Maladies which have no Name: Whereby I can eaſily calculate its Duration, and almoſt point to a Day, when I ſhall be well again. For, 'tis in the Number of thoſe, Phyſicians call Acute; and, the Anguiſh it inflicts, confirms that Title.

Take not this for a Complaint; nor, what I am about to ſay, for a Paradox, when I tell thee, That I know not which is greater, my Pleaſure or Pain during this excruciating Fever. Theſe Affections border ſo near one upon another, that I find it difficult to diſtinguiſh 'em. They ſeem to be Inmates to each other, and blended together in their Roots. Sure I am, they are ſo twiſted and interwoven in my Conſtitution, That I never felt One without the Other. Every Man may experience, That his ſtrongeſt Deſires, are compounded of theſe Two Paſſions; and, the very Moment of Fruition it ſelf, cannot ſeparate 'em. The Minute of Enjoyment, is but conſecrated to his Loſs, while the Height of his Joy is the Riſe of his Grief, ſince the ſmalleſt Particle of Time, cannot diſtinguiſh the Life and Death of his Pleaſure.

Do but reverſe this Contemplation, and apply it to my Sickneſs, and thou wilt find no Riddle in my Words, when I aſſure thee, That as the Torment of my Fever advances, ſo does my Eaſe. Pleaſure and Pain, ſit and ſhake Hands in my Heart, embrace and equally divide its Syſtole and Diaſtole between 'em.

Yet I muſt needs own, I am indebted, for this Allay of my Dolors, to the Preſence of my Mind; which I ſuffer not to be torn from it ſelf, or carried away by the violent Motion of my agitated Spirits. Were it not for this, a Fever would prove a Hell upon Earth, and every Pulſe a Tormenting Fury. My very Drink (which is all my Subſiſtence now) would appear but the loathſome Diſtillation of that Tree, whoſe Ʋnpalatable and Scalding Gum, is appointed for a Beverage to the Damned. The ſofteſt Entertainment of my Bed while awake, would but be a Tranſlation of the Tortures of Ixion and Syſiphus; and, the flattering Intervals of Sleep, would but renew the Sufferings of Tantalus. Whereas now, whether aſleep or awake, my Mind keeping aloft in her proper Sphere, buſied in the Contemplation and Enjoyment of her ſelf and Superior Objects, partakes not in the Fever of my Body; but, as if on the cool Top of ſome high Mountain, ſurveys all the Valleys beneath, without being ſenſible of their raging Heats.

I owe this Tranquility, in the Midſt of Bodily Perturbations, to the Examples of Ancient Philoſophers, which, thou knoweſt, have far more Influence than Precepts. Ever ſince I read, That Plotinus could chaſe away the racking Tortures of the Gout and Stone, by the ſole Force of his Thought, I daily try'd the Experiment, ſpurr'd on by Emulation of his Vertue; as judging it ignoble in a Muſſulman, to give the Palm to a Pagan in any Point of Maſculine Bravery.

'Tis recorded of the ſame Philoſopher, That by the mere Strength and Majeſty of his Mind, he diſſipated the Enchantments of Apollonius Tyaneus; and, the Infernal Spirits confeſs'd, They were baffled by that Thinking Man. As if his Soul were of the Nature of Meduſa's Head, which turned all into Unactive Statues, who did but look on it.

Surely, great is the Efficacy of Contemplation, hinted at in the Arabian Proverb, which ſays, He that can ſee his own Eyes without a Glaſs, ſhall be able to move the Bulls Horns. Which Myſterious Expreſſion, is thus interpreted by the Learned Avicen. A Prophet or Spiritual Man, who always converſes within, ſhall have power to ſhake the Foundations of the Earth. Which, thou knoweſt, reſts on the Horns of a Bull, according to the Doctrine of our Holy Lawgiver.

I need ſay no more to convince thee, That I am in a Fever. My thus expatiating and running from one Thing to another (when I thought to have ſaid all in a few Words) will ſatisfie thee what Temper I am in. Yet, recollecting my ſelf with Comfort, That I know my Diſtemper, I will crave Leave to tell thee a ſhort Story, of a Man who was ſick for many Years, and yet the ableſt Phyſicians in Paris, could not diſcern his Malady.

This Perſon, was an Officer of the City; whoſe Buſineſs 'twas, to arreſt Men that were in Debt. He was obſerv'd, to be the ſubtleſt of all his Brethren, and the moſt dextrous at plotting another Man's Ruine. This augmented his Eſtate, and he grew extremely rich. But, in the One and Fortieth Year of his Age, he was ſeiz'd with an unknown Malady, a Diſtemper to which the moſt skilful were Strangers. He languiſh'd Five Years in a Condition, which mov'd all Men to Pity. 'Twill be tedious to recount the Symptoms of his Illneſs. At length, he died; and, according to his own Will, was diſſected. The Phyſicians found all Parts of his Body decay'd and waſted; but, when they came to his Head, they were above Meaſure aſtoniſh'd, to ſee a Neſt of Serpents inſtead of Brains. This was concluded by, all to be the Source of his Diſtemper; and, People deſcant variouſly on it. Some ſay, 'twas a Judgment of God inflicted on him, for his cruel Subtlety, in trepanning Men out of their Liberties by a Thouſand Wiles. Others are of Opinion, That it is a Natural Product; it being uſual in ſome Conſtitutions, for this Sort of Creature to be bred out of their Vitals. A Merchant that had been in Peru told me, That in a Province of that Empire, there were People, who by drinking the Water of a certain River, had Serpents often engender'd in their Bowels; That he had ſeen one preſented to the King of Spain, which was taken out of a Dead Man's Heart, a Cubit in Length. He ſaid 'twas of a Crimſon Colour, without Scales or Eyes; neither was it Venemous. This he aſſerted very ſolemnly, and with Imprecations.

I tell thee, Dear Friend, if theſe Things be true, who can be ſure he harbors not ſome ſuch loathſome Inmate in his Body? Yet, I would not have thee grow Melancholy upon it, and diſturb thy Repoſe. The Day will come, when we ſhall all be metamorphoſed into Worms and Serpents in the Grave.

In the mean while, live thou happily, in the Favour of thy Sovereign, in the Enjoyment of thy Health, the Vigor of thy Senſes; and, have ſometimes in thy Thoughts, a Man full of Infirmities, without murmuring, Mahmut, that loves his Friend in all Conditions.

Paris, 26th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
LETTER XIX. To the Selictar Aga, or Sword-Bearer to his Highneſs.

I Wiſh I cou'd time my Letters ſo, as to gratify all the Miniſters of the Bleſſed Port, by making each alternately, the firſt Relator of ſome acceptable News, in the Myſterious Divan, where all humane Events are ſcan'd with Impartial Judgment. But, every Moon does not preſent us with Sieges or Battels; neither can I receive Intelligence of all remarkable Events, ſo ſoon as they come to paſs. What I ſhall now tranſmit to thee, is an Account of what has been omitted in my Diſpatches to the other Miniſters.

Europe is a Field, fertile in Rebellions, Tumults Diſorders and Unnatural Wars. No Part of Chriſtendom, which is not polluted with Treaſons, Perfidies, and Maſſacres; no Corner undefiled with Human Blood. The Son conſpires the Death of him who firſt gave him his Life. The Brother lays Trains to enſnare the Partner of his Blood, the Offspring of her that bare himſelf. No Bond of Affection or Tye of Conſanguinity, is of Force to reſtrain theſe Infidels, from purſuing each other with Malice. Neither has their Religion any more Influence on their Paſſions, than the Fables of the Ancient Poets. In Publick and Private, all Things are govern'd by Intereſt. Thus, while every Man and every State, are onely byaſs'd by the narrow Principles of Self-preſervation; they abandon the General Good of Chriſtendom, and expoſe it as a Prey to the next daring Invader.

There is no Reaſon, that we ſhou'd grieve at this Folly of the Nazarenes. 'Tis from their Impiety and Vices, the Vertue and Wiſdom of the Victorious Muſſulmans receives the greater Luſtre; who are created to diſplant theſe Ʋncircumciſed, and inſtruct the Nations which they poſſeſs'd, in the Faith free from Blemiſh.

Yet, Since the Depredations which the Suedes have made in Germany and Denmark, the neighbouring Crowns and States, notwithſtanding their Inſincerity, have ſeemingly interpoſed their Endeavours, to prevent the worſt Effects of a War, ſo deſtructive to the Common Intereſt of Chriſtendom. Deputies were ſent from all Parts, to Munſter and Oſnaburgh, with Inſtructions from their reſpective Sovereigns. They have ſquander'd away much Time in vain Overtures of Peace; whilſt the Suedes daily get Ground on one Side of the Empire, and the French are not Unſucceſsful on the other.

The Enemies of France, ſenſible that they cannot reduce this Crown by open Force, have Recourſe to Artifice. They endeavour to corrupt her Allies, and inſinuate into the Minds of the Ʋnited States of the Low Countries, all thoſe Apprehenſions, which may ſerve to improve the Jealouſie they had already conceived of the French Neighbourhood. Suggeſting, That the Spaniſh Netherlands are the onely Bar, which ſtops the Armies of France from overrunning Holland, and the reſt of the Ʋnited Provinces. In fine, they have prevail'd on them to enter into a Separate Alliance, and not to treat in Conjunction with the other Miniſters at Munſter.

On the other Side, The French by their Agents in Holland, endeavour to unmask the Artifice of the Spaniards; repreſenting, That that they have no other Deſign in theſe Inſinuations, but to breed an Ill Underſtanding between this Crown and the Ʋnited Provinces; that ſo, by their ill Offices, in Time Things may come to a Rupture, and the States be depriv'd of the Friendſhip and Protection of France, which alone is able to ſupport that Commonwealth, againſt the Pretenſions of their old Enemies, the Spaniards. All Europe is aſtoniſh'd to ſee, that notwithſtanding the utmoſt Condeſcenſions of the French Court to conſerve Peace, yet the States led by their Ill Deſtiny, ſhou'd embrace the Propoſals of Spain. This makes a great Impreſſion on all the Miniſters aſſembl d at Munſter and Oſnaburgh, who now conclude, That the Spaniards onely ſeek Occaſions to perpetuate the War in Europe; that whilſt the Princes of the Empire are engag'd in a Defence of their Territories, and the Suedes and French are buſi'd in purſuing their Conqueſts, they may pick a Quarrel with their New Friends, whom they have depriv'd of a more powerful Protection, and reeſtabliſh themſelves in the Revolted Provinces.

The Deputies have had ſeveral Conferences about this Important Affair; and, the Reſult of their Counſels is, to ſollicit the French Court, to uſe its utmoſt Power, to prevent the ill Conſequences which this Separate Treaty will bring along with it.

'Tis diſcours'd here, That Monſieur de la Tuillerie, will be recall'd from the Court of Suedeland; being eſteem'd the fitteſt Man, to diſſwade the Hollanders from this New Alliance; He having been already employ'd in ſeveral Negotiations with the States, and is well vers'd in the Methods of treating with that Nation.

This ſome judge to be the Reaſon, of the Sieur Chanut's being ſent to Suedeland, that he may reſide at Stockholm, and continue to act there in the Abſence of la Tuillerie.

So nice and delicate is this Affair, that all France cannot afford another Man duely qualify'd, to manage it with any Probability of Succeſs. If he ſhew not more Candour in this Negotiation, than he did when he was ſent to mediate a Peace between Suedeland and Denmark, he will receive but ſlender Thanks at his Return. But, if he ſucceeds, 'tis ſaid, That Cardinal Mazarini has declared, he will merit to be inſtall'd in the Order of the Holy Spirit. I have formerly ſpoken of this in one of my Letters, as the moſt Eminent Order of Knighthood in France.

I wiſh the Chriſtians may ever find Difficulties, to obſtruct the Meaſures they take to eſtabliſh an Ʋniverſal Peace; and may continue to amuſe and vex one another, till the Day of the Scourge.

Paris, 20th. of the 1ſt. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XX. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire.

IT is not yet publickly known, what Deſigns have mov'd this Court, to order a mighty Fleet to be fitted out to Sea. But, it is privately whiſper'd, That they will ſail to the Levant, to aſſiſt the Venetians againſt the Turks.

People diſcourſe variouſly, according to the Strength or Weakneſs of their Reaſon; and, Five Days ago, an Old Man went to Cardinal Mazarini, pretending to ſpeak by Inſpiration: He told him, That 'twas in vain to truſt to their Winged Caſtles, (ſo he call'd the Ships) the Multitude of their Armies, or in the Treaſures of their Money; for, a Decree was ſign'd in Heaven, againſt all the Nations in Europe; That the War was begun Above, between the Potentates who have the Cuſtody of Kingdoms and Empires; That they ſhould ſoon ſee the Banner of the Eternal, diſplay'd in the Firmament; That the Stars ſhould fight in their Courſes, againſt the Wicked Profeſſors of Chriſtianity; That the Iſmaelites ſhould come out of their Holes, and ſhould flow down like a Torrent from the Mountains of the Eaſt, over-running all Chriſtendom. In fine, That Germany, France, Italy and Spain, ſhould be laid Deſolate, their beautiful Cities ſack'd, and the Inhabitants led into Captivity; That the Pope, with all his Prieſts, ſhould be exterminated; and, that all Nations ſhould embrace One Law.

They put him in Priſon, but he was found walking next Day in the Streets. The Keeper chain'd him in Irons; but, in the Morning he was ſtanding at the Gate of the Priſon, preaching to the People. Some ſay, he is a Chymiſt, and has found out the Maſter Secret: Others ſay, he is a Prophet: But, moſt judge him to be a Magician. He ſeems now to have loſt his Vigor, not being able to releaſe himſelf from the Chains, which faſten him to the Ground where he lies. Yet he continues to foretel the Ruine of Chriſtendom. 'Tis ſaid, he will be ſent to Rome, there to receive Sentence of the Holy Father, according to his Demerits. I am no Admirer of Viſionaries; yet, there appears ſomething extraordinary, in the Conſtancy of this Man. Time will demonſtrate, whether he be a True or a Falſe Prophet.

A Courier came to this City laſt Night from Suedeland, who brings Letters from Monſieur Chanut, which ſay, That he has received great Encouragement to hope for the Ships which he was to buy in Suedeland. Thou haſt already heard, that Monſieur la Tuillerie, Ambaſſador from this Crown to Queen Chriſtina, was thought the only proper Inſtrument, to diſſwade the Ʋnited States of the Low Countries, from entring into a Separate Treaty with Spain; and that therefore Monſieur Chanut, was ſent to reſide in his Abſence at Stockholm, to obſerve what paſſes, and to continue the Alliance between the Two Crowns.

This Miniſter arrived in Suedeland, the 15th. Day of the Moon of December in the laſt Year; where Monſieur la Tuillerie, had prepared all Things ready for a ſpeedy Diſpatch of his Negotiation; having the Day before his Arrival, made known to that Court, the Pleaſure of the King of France and the Queen-Regent; whoſe Letters were receiv'd by Queen Chriſtina, with all the Marks of Royal Affection; ſhe telling the Ambaſſador, That ſhe infinitely honoured the Perſons of the King and the Queen-Regent; and, that ſhe would give them ſuch Proofs of the Integrity of her Friendſhip, as would demonſtrate, That ſhe was ſenſible of her Obligations to them, for what they had contributed to the good Succeſs of her Affairs: And, that there was nothing more dear to her, nor more fixed in her Reſolution, than to conſerve inviolably, the League that was between them. She farther told the Ambaſſadors, That it was with no ordinary Complacency ſhe now beheld Two Miniſters of France in her Court, after ſhe had been without any for a long time. In fine, ſhe aſſured them, That whatſoever could be ſpar'd from the neceſſary Defence and Service of the Kingdom, whether Ships, Arms or Men, ſhould not be wanting to the Aid of the King of France.

By this thou maiſt perceive, that though the King of France has powerful Armies by Land, yet he is defective in Naval Forces: Or, if he has Ships enough to defend his own Realms by Sea, and to ſerve as Convoys to his Merchants, it muſt be concluded, that ſome Foreign Expedition is deſign'd, which has put him upon this extraordinary Method to encreaſe his Fleet.

I thought it highly neceſſary to acquaint thee with this Paſſage, that the Miniſters of the Port, Auguſt and every Happy, may conſult what Meaſures to take with this Prince, if it be true, that he deſigns to break the League, which he made with Sultan Ibrahim Four Years ago. There is but little Confidence to be repoſed, in the moſt Solemn Oaths of Chriſtian Monarchs, who hold not themſelves obliged, to keep Faith with thoſe whom they eſteem Inſidels; and, thou knoweſt, that is the beſt Title they can afford the Obſervers, of the moſt perfect Law in the World. Yet, the French, among all the Nations of the Meſſias, ſeem to bear the greateſt Reſpect to the Ottoman Empire. But they are inconſtant, and changeable, which is an Argument of Inſincerity. They are very prompt and warm in contracting Friendſhips, and as ready to infringe thoſe Sacred Bonds, on the leaſt Occaſion, eſpecially where Intereſt and Ambition have the Aſcendant.

The Venetian Reſident at this Court, makes daily Viſits to the Queen-Regent, and has frequent Conferences with Cardinal Mazarini. Many Couriers paſs between Munſter, Stockholm, and this City. Yeſterday one arrived from the Venetian Ambaſſador at Munſter, giving an Account, That the Secretary of that Embaſſy, whom he had ſent to Queen Chriſtina, was return'd with the Promiſe of Eight Ships of War, lent by that Queen to the Republick, to aſſiſt them againſt the Allconquering Muſſulmans.

It ſeems, as if Sueden were become the Common Arſenal of Europe, from which the other Kingdoms are ſupply'd with all the Inſtruments of War. But, what is moſt obſervable, is, That the Venetians obtain'd not this Favour, without the Mediation of the French Miniſter at Stockholm. By which it ſeems evident, That this Court has newly entered into a Private League with the Republick; And, that they Deſign to ſurprize the Ottomans, with ſome ſudden Enterprize by Sea.

I ſhall not let a Moment eſcape, which may preſent me with the leaſt Opportunity, to diſcover what is in the Hearts of theſe Infidels.

If thou wilt favour me with thy Inſtructions, I ſhall make the ſafer Steps. God, whoſe Eye penetrates into all Obſcurities, enlighten us with a Ray of that Wiſdom, which once revealed to his Meſſenger, the ſecret Conſpiracy of the Corei's, when they plotted to deſtroy the Temple built without Hands.

Paris, 17th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXI. To William Voſpel, a Recluſe, at Halmerſtadt in Auſtria.

I Received thy Letter with Abundance of Complacency, in that it argues the Continuance of thy Friendſhip; and, that I trace therein no Footſteps of an Angry Pen, notwithſtanding the Liberty I took to deſcant on thy Manner of Life. On the Contrary, thou ſendeſt me an Apology full of Meekneſs. Thy Reaſons have a marvellous Force in them; they ſeem to ſpring from a Soul vegete and living, yet dead to Paſſion. Thou almoſt perſwadeſt me to affect a Monaſtick Life, which may not unfitly be term'd, a Sociable Solitude.

I much admire, what thou ſay'ſt concerning Silence; and wiſh I could practiſe that Paſſive Vertue. It is the firſt Step to Wiſdom, the Nurſe of Peace, and the Guardian of Vertue. Words do but ruffle and diſcompoſe the Mind, betraying the Soul to a Thouſand Vanities. Therefore, Pythagoras enjoyn'd his Diſciples Five Years Silence, before he admitted them to his Myſterious Philoſophy.

But tell me, why thou didſt not rather chuſe to live in a Deſart, remote from Men, where thou wouldſt have no Temptation to ſpeak, unleſs thou wert diſpoſed to hold a Conference with the Trees, or Beaſts, or hadſt a Mind to ſport thy ſelf, and have thy Words retorted by mocking Eccho's? If a Recluſe Life be thy Choice, for the ſake of Contemplation, I would adviſe thee to turn Hermit. But perhaps, thou dareſt not venture thy ſelf among the Satyrs of the Wilderneſs; or, thou art afraid of the Wild Beaſts. As for the Firſt, there are either the Dreams of Poets; or, if they be any ſuch Beings in Reality, they will not hurt thee, ſince thou voluntarily forſakeſt the Company of Men, to become a Sylvan, as they are. As for the Latter, I muſt confeſs, I cannot diſcommend thy Fear, there being no Friendſhip or Intelligence common between us and the Lions, Tygers, Bears, &c. of the Foreſt. Yet, I can tell thee for thy Comfort, That by long and aſſiduous Practice, the fierceſt of theſe Creatures have been taught to converſe with Men, to obey their Commands, and to perform the Parts of Diligent Servants, and faithful Friends.

The Wilderneſs will afford thee a fair Opportunity, of ſtudying the Natures of Plants and Animals, the various Alterations in the Elements, the Influence of the Winds and Rains, Meteors and Exhalations; with many other Secrets, which are hid from the greateſt Part of Men, who are buried alive in populous Towns and Cities, baniſh'd from the Familiarity of their Mother-Earth, and moſt of her genuine Products.

In the Deſert, the unforc'd Harmony of Birds, ſhall lull thy Soul in innocent and grateful Slumbers; the gentle Winds ſhall waft Immortal Whiſpers to thy Raviſh'd Ears, breathing unutterable Sounds from Paradiſe. The murmuring Streams, ſhall warble forth their ſoft and ſweet, Eternal Stories. All ſhall conſpire to ſerve thy Contemplation, and to tranſport thy Mind with Sacred Ecſtaſies.

If after all this, thou ſhalt preferr the Menaſtick Encloſure; Follow thy Reſolution, and be happy. Only remember, That tho' thy Body be ſhut up within thoſe Walls; yet, if thy Mind ſtraggle in Vain and Worldly Thoughts, thou art no longer a Recluſe. Adieu.

Paris, 25th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXII. To the Captain Baſſa.

IF all be true, that I have Reaſon to ſuſpect, thou wilt find a warm Divertiſement at Sea this Spring. Though the Europeans have ſeem'd ſlow in their Preparations to aſſiſt the State of Venice, ſuffering their ſeparate Intereſts to ſuperſede the Care of that Republick, yet now they turn their Eyes thither. Their Backwardneſs hitherto, is owing to the Secrecy, with which our Sage Emperour meditated the preſent War. His Counſels were never whiſper'd out of the Seraglio, till the ſame Winds tranſported the News, which wafted our Invincible Fleet to the Shore of Candy. Now they behold the Ocean, cover'd with the Ships of the Eaſtern Empire, Fear ſurprizes them; the Princes of the Nazarenes tremble. They look no longer on the Republick of Venice with the Eyes of Envy, becauſe of her Preheminence in Traffique, but with another Regard: They conſider her, as the Bulwark of Chriſtendom; the Tide of the Ottoman Puiſſance, and ſtopp'd our Victorious Armies from overflowing all Europe.

I have informed the Reis Effendi, of what I knew concerning the Naval Forces which are fitting out, in ſeveral Parts of the North and Weſt, to aid the Venetians; but I have not told him what the Chriſtians ſay of thee; neither am I willing to believe it. They ſpeak of thee, as of a Man not more difficult to be corrupted, than was thy Predeceſſor, who was ſtrangled by the Order of the Sultaneſs-Mother. this Cenſure, I hope, is an Effect of their Impotence; while they flatter themſelves with the Imagination of bribing him, from whoſe Courage and Fortune they can expect Nothing but Defeats.

They truſt much in the Force of thy Birth and Education, and diſcourſe of a certain agical Character, imprinted in thy Soul, when thou waſt baptiz'd, which, they ſay, is indelible; And, they promiſe themſelves, That thy Native Chriſtianity, has more Influence on thy Heart, than Forced Circumciſion; and, that thou wilt not Fight with any Zeal, againſt Men of the ſame Principles, as thoſe who gave thee thy Breath. But, they confide more in the Charms of their Gold, with which they deſign to bribe thee. In fine, they drink Healths to the Honeſt Renegado. So they term him who commands the whole Fleet of the Ottoman Empire.

I do not give Credit to theſe Calumnies, having good Grounds to boaſt of thy Integrity. However, I counſel thee, by ſome extraordinary Service to thy Maſter, to give the Lye to theſe Infidels: And, ſuffer not that, which at preſent may be but a bare Suſpicion, to be improved by thy Neglect or Cowardiſe, into a palpable Evidence, That thou art falſe and perfidious to the Supreme Lord of the Globe.

Paris, 6th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXIV. To Adonai, a Jew at Venice.

NOW thou art fixed, 'tis Time to write to thee: Thou haſt been a Rambler theſe Three or Four Years, and no Body knew where to find thee. I have received Eleven Diſpatches from thee, ſince thy firſt Departure from Genoua: Wherein thou haſt informed me, of many Paſſages of State. Now I deſire thee, to ſend me ſome Remarks, of the different Nature of the People thou haſt ſeen, their various Cuſtoms and Laws, with whatſoever was worthy Obſervation in thy Travels.

Italy is a fair Field, yet produces Darnel as well as wholeſom Corn. It is a Beautiful Garden, yet bears Aconites intermix'd with her Roſes: Great Vertues, and no Leſs Vices. This Region is famous for the Wiſdom of its. Inhabitants, and for their Proverbs: It is the Arabia of Europe, in many Sences. Yet, much leſſened in its Renown, ſince the. Decline of the Roman Empire. The Goths and Vandals, turned all into Deſarts, where they came; and, have left ſuch Impreſſions of their Northern Barbariſm behind them, as made the People they conquer'd, half-Savages. Hence came the General Decay of Learning and Knowledge in theſe Weſtern Parts: Hence the Corruption of Ancient Manners. The Great, the Noble, and the Wiſe, bowed under the Yoke of their New Maſters, learned their Faſhions, and gloried in their Shame. Their Examples influenc'd the Vulgar; Debauchery became Modiſh and Authentick: Thus, a General Depravation of priſtine Integrity took Place, and Men became Vicious by a Law.

Neither has Wickedneſs planted it ſelf onely in Europe: The Sea could not ſtop this Boundleſs Evil. Aſia is infected alſo, and the Vice of Italy is tranſported to the Empire of the True Believers. Thou haſt ſeen all the Chief Cities between the Alps and Rhegium, which is the utmoſt Angle of Italy, to the South: tell me whether Sodom could exceed any of them, in Licentiouſneſs: We will not except, even Rome, the Seat of the Chriſtians Mufti. Theſe Ʋncircumciſed, have learned of thy Nation, to call the Ancient Philoſophers, Infidels; but, had any of thoſe Sages liv'd to ſee the Abominations of the Modern Nazarenes, they would have deſpiſed the Faith which produced no better Works.

Adonai, put in Practice the Import of thy Name; be Lord of thy ſelf; and, if thou ſtumbleſt at the Light of the Muſſulmans, walk in that of Moſes, but ſhun the Paths of the Chriſtians; for, they are enveloped in Darkneſs, and grope at Mid-day. Live according to Reaſon, and thou ſhalt be Happy. Adieu.

Paris, 18th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXV. To Muſtapha, Berber Aga.

THE preſent War of Candy, is like to render that Iſland as much the Subject of the Worlds Diſcourſe, as it was formerly famous, for being the Cradle of Jupiter. In thoſe Days, it was called Crete; much celebrated in the Writings of the Greek Poets. Afterwards, it became a Province of the Roman Empire; then of the Grecians; next, it ſubmitted to the Saracens. But, in the Time of the Chriſtian Expeditions in Paleſtine. when Baldwin, Farl of Flanders, was Crown'd Emperour of Conſtantinople, this Iſland came into his Poſſeſſion: Which he gave to a certain valiant Commander in his Army, a Man of a Noble Deſcent; of whom, the Venetians purchaſed it; and, in their Hands, it has continued ever ſince. But now, in all Probability, bability, it will be the Prize of thoſe Arms, which Nothing Sublunary can reſiſt.

The Poſts from Italy and the Sea-Coaſts of this Kingdom, confirm each other's News; all agreeing, That notwithſtanding the Utmoſt Efforts of the Venetians and Candiots, to hinder the Relief of Canea; yet, our General is got into that Haven, with vaſt Quantities of Proviſions, and a ſufficient Reinforcement of Men. They add, That Forty Thouſand of our Soldiers have made a Deſcent in another Part of the Iſland, have gain'd the Forts of Ciſternes, Colmi, and Bicorno, and were on their March toward Suda, with a Deſign to beſiege that Place. They accuſe our General of barbarous Cruelty, in that he cauſed Five of the Principal Noblemen of that Kingdom, to be put to Death; becauſe they refuſed to betray their Country, or enter into the Intereſts of the Grand Signior.

I muſt confeſs, Magnificent Aga, That whatever may be ſaid in Commendation of this General's Policy, and Fidelity to his Maſter; It is no Argument of the Goodneſs of his Diſpoſition. I rather admire the Temper of the Duke of Orleans, when who Graveling was ſurrender'd to him, juſt as he enter'd the Town, was heard to ſay theſe Words: Let us endeavour by Generous Actions, to win the Hearts of all Men; ſo may we hope for a daily Victory. Let the French learn from me, this new Way of Conqueſt, to ſubdue Men by Mercy and Clemency.

Theſe are Heroick Sentiments, and agree well with the Character of this Prince, who is ſaid, Never to have been the Author of any Man's Death, nor to have revenged himſelf of any injury: Yet, a valiant Soldier, an expert Commander, and no bad Politician.

It is not hid from the Court, with what a matchleſs Vertue he diſmiſs'd a Gentleman, that was hired to murder him. This Aſſaſſin, was ſuffered to paſs into the Duke's Bed-chamber one Morning early, precending Buſineſs of great Moment from the Queen. As ſcon as the Duke caſt his Eyes on him, he ſpoke thus; I know thy Bus'neſs, Friend; thou art ſent to take away my Life: What Hurt have I done thee? It is now in my Power with a Word, to have thee cut in Pieces before my Face: But, I pardon thee; go thy Way, and ſee my Face no more.

The Gentleman ſtung with his own Guilt, and aſtoniſh'd at the excellent Nature of this Prince, fell on his Knees, confeſs'd his Deſign, and who employ'd him: And, having promis'd eternal Gratitude for this Royal Favour, departed without any other Notice taken of him; and, fearing to tarry in France, entred himſelf into the Service of the Spaniſh King. It was his Fortune afterwards, to encounter the Duke of Orleans, in a Battle in Flanders. The Duke, at that Inſtant, was oppreſſed with a Crowd of Germans who ſurrounded him; and, in the Conflict, he loſt his Sword. Which this Gentleman perceiving, nimbly ſtepp'd to him, and deliver'd one into the Duke's Hands, ſaying withal, Now reap the Fruit of thy former Clemency. Thou gaveſt me my Life, now I put thee into a Capacity to defend thy own. The Prince, by this Means, at length eſcaped the Danger he was in; and, that Day, the Fortune of War was on his Side. The French had a conſiderable Victory.

Thou ſeeſt by this, That Heroick Actions have ſomething Divine in them, and attract the Favours of Heaven. No Man ever was a Loſer by good Works: For, though he be not preſently rewarded; yet, in Tract of Time, ſome happy Emergency or other ariſes, to convince him, That Vertuous Men are the Darlings of Providence.

Thou that art near the Perſon of the Grand Signior, maiſt find an Opportunity to relate this Story to him, which may make no unprofitable Impreſſion on his Mind. Princes ever ſtand in Need of faithful Monitors.

Adieu, Great Miniſter, and favour Mahmut, with the Continuance of thy Protection and Friendſhip.

Paris, 25th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXVI. To Naſſuf, Baſſa of Natolia.

I Received thy Letter, as an Argument of the Continuance of that Friendſhip which was between us, when we lived together in the Seraglio. Since that Time, thou and I have been employed Abroad, in different Services of our Auguſt Emperor, who has now rewarded thy Fidelity with a Command; which, if it be not adequate to thy Merit, is nevertheleſs agreeable to thy Wiſhes.

I congratulate thy Honour, and wiſh thee a gradual Encreaſe of it; for, ſudden and violent Leaps are dangerous. But, our Glorious Sultan, diſcovers his Abilities in Nothing more eminently, than in adapting Places of Truſt to the Deſerts and Capacities of his Faithful Slaves. So that, if he ſhould in Time think fit, to exalt thee to the Higheſt Dignity in the State, we might from the Choice of ſo wiſe a Prince, preſage thee a better Fortune, than befell one of thy Name, in the Reign of Sultan Achmet III. who, from a Slave ſold in the Market for Three Sequins, was advanced to an Honour too weighty for his Vertue; being made Vizir Azem, and Lord of the moſt delicious Provinces in Aſia. But, being Ambitious of abſolute Sovereignty, he plotted Treaſon againſt his Maſter; which being diſcovered, the Fatal Firm was ſign'd, and all his Deſigns were ſtifled with a Bow-ſtring.

By this thou maiſt comprehend, how neceſſary it is for Princes, not to overload any Man with Dignities, beyond the Proportion of his Humility and Faithfulneſs. Yet, Rewards well placed, give new Vigor to the Endeavours of a Slave; whereas, when good Services are ſlighted, it does but quench the Ardour, with which they were perform'd. Few Men are ſo Spiritual, as to do Great and Heroick Things, purely for the Sake of internal Complacency. And, I doubt not, but the Decii themſelves, in ſo freely ſacrificing their Lives for their Country, had Regard to Humane Glory. Even Seneca, whom one would take for the moſt mortify'd Stoick of that Age, by his Writings; yet, is conceived to have found more Encouragement, in the Treaſures of Gold, with which Nero's Bounty had fill'd his Coffers, than in all his Morals, of which he had ſuch refin'd Sentiments, and elegant Expreſſions.

What I have ſaid, thou haſt Wiſdom enough to apply to thy Self, without being vain-glorious: Let thoſe whom thou employeſt in any meritorious Services, and who diſcharge their Truſt well, be encourag'd with the ſame Proportions of Bounty. Munificence will not only add to thy Glory, but alſo advance thy Intereſt. Since, thou wilt ever have Occaſion for thy Slaves: And, he who has once taſted thy Liberality, as a Reward for any Eminent Performance; had he no other Motive, than the Pleaſure of renewing ſo profitable an Experiment, will freely hazard his Life, to ſerve thee in an Extremity.

This Method thou wilt find of no ſmall Uſe to thee, in the Wars to which thou art going; where it will be neceſſary for thee, to recompence the leaſt ſingular Bravery of the meaneſt Soldier, not only with Applauſe, but with ſome Preferment in the Army. This will not only prove a Spur to others, but even to the Perſon ſo rewarded; and put him upon new Efforts of Courage, to attract the Eyes of his Munificent General. This will be the Way for thee, in Time, to have an Army compoſed all of Captains, or Men qualified for ſuch.

Yet let not this diminiſh the Severity of that Diſcipline, which is requiſite to retain a proſperous Army in their Obedience. I counſel thee, to be ſtrict in requiring the leaſt Military Duty; and, Induſtrious in performing thy own Part, which will be an Example to the Reſt: Yet, rather be forward to lead in Labours, than in Dangers; in Regard thou wilt be more ſerviceable in a Battel, by thy Counſels and Orders, than by perſonally entring the Combat. In all Things, prefer the Welfare of the Ottoman Empire, to whatſoever elſe is moſt dear to thee; even to thy own Honour, which yet ought to be dearer to thee than thy Life.

If thou thinkeſt I have taken too much Liberty to adviſe thee, accuſe thy Self for having honour'd me with thy Friendſhip, which admits of no Reſerves in Converſation.

Paris, 7th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXVII. To the Kaimacham.

IT is a vaſt Diſappointment to the Venetians, that our General in Candy has ſo opportunely revictuall'd Canea, and encreas'd the Garriſon there. Moroſini is blam •… for this, by thoſe that wiſh him no Good. What will not Envy ſuggeſt, when it beholds a Man on the Top of Honour? This General, to give an Enemy his Due, is a Man of Spirit and true Fortitude: neither courting, nor ſhunning Dangers in the Service of his Country; but when once engag'd in Perils for that Cauſe, he is fearleſs as a Lyon. If he has not hitherto had Occaſion to give the State ſo deſperate a Proof of his Loyalty, as once did the Roman Curtius (who bravely gallop'd into the Bottomleſs Chaſm, to pacify their Angry Gods) yet he has often demonſtrated, That his Courage and Fidelity, come not ſhort of the Ancient Heroes. In a Word, he has done too much for the Republick of Venice, to eſcape the Spleen of other Grandees. All muſt be Generals, or the War will not proſper. Each Man's Ambition dictates this to the State, That a Man of Conduct, wou d ſoon expell the Turks out of that Iſland: Thus, in his Conceipt, laying a Train for his own Promotion.

Wouldſt thou know Moroſini's Crime, that excites all this Paſſion? To ſpeak the Truth, it was an Overſight advantageous to the Ottomans. He put out with his whole Fleet to ſea, and left the Port of Canea open. By which means. Three of our Ships got in with Plenty of Proviſions. So that the Town is now in a Condition to ſuſtain a long Siege, and the Venetians deſpair of ever recovering it. Yet Moroſini has made ſo plauſible an Apology, that the Senate have acquitted him; not judging it conſiſtent either with Juſtice or their Intereſt, to ſuffer one Miſcarriage, the Effect of a fair Intention, to out-weigh his numerous Merits and Services. For, the Occaſion of his thus ſuddenly abandoning the Avenue of that Haven, was, to chaſe ſome of our Veſſels, then under Sail not many Leagues off; and the Taking of thoſe Veſſels, on Board of which were Abundance of Slaves juſtifi'd to the Senate, the Truth of his Pretenſions. However, there are not wanting ſuch as ſay, he held a private Correſpondence with our General: Others, That the preſent Governour of Canea, had formerly taken Captive at Sea a Son of Moroſini's, whom he now offer'd to reſtore, in caſe he wou'd withdraw his Ships from before the Haven, for a few Days. I know not how far this may be credited. But, 'is a certain Truth, That Moroſini has his Son again, and he defended himſelf by pleading, That he redeem'd him by exchanging a Mahometan Captive of Equal Quality, whom he had aboard his Ship.

And, thou knoweſt, That this Manner of Barter, is lawful in War. Adonai the Jew, ſends me this Intelligence; and, I dare believe him: For, ſince the Inſtructions I ſent him to Genoua, he has taken Care to aſcertain his Reports. I wiſh it were as true, That Moroſini cou'd be prevail'd on, to accept the Friendſhips of the Sublime Port. But, the Character of that General, gives me no Encouragement to hope, for ſo fortunate a Treachery, from his ſevere Vertue.

However, I will hope and believe, That the Eternal Patron of True Believers, will give ſuch a happy Iſſue to the Ottoman Arms in Candy, and all other Parts, as ſhall diſpoſe the Nazarenes, that remain unconquer'd, to honour Him whom they have hitherto deſpiſed and blaſphem'd; even the Prophet, who cou'd neither Write nor Read.

Paris, 7th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXVIII. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople.

THE Time of Year is now come, wherein the Earth turns her Inſide out; and, Nature calls forth the hidden Vertues of that Element, to grace the World with an Infinite Variety of pleaſant Forms and Colours. The Eye is loſt in ſuch a Crowd of different Beauties; and, every Sence is raviſh d with delightful Objects. The Young Men and Virgins throng the Fields, to behold the Reſurrection of Flowers and Herbs; and, the Old, feel new Vigours ſpringing in their Bodies, as though they had been in Medea's Cauldron. Even Mahmut himſelf, who has droop'd all the Winter, now begins to lift up his Head, and partake in the Common Reſtauration of all Things.

If I am capable of gueſſing at the Occaſion of my frequent Sickneſs, I believe it may, in Part, be attributed to the Want of freſh Air, in the Place where I lodge. There is a vaſt Difference between the Streets of Paris, and thoſe of Conſtantinople. I ſeem to my ſelf to be buried alive in this cloſe City, where my Chamber-Window, affords me no farther Proſpect than I can ſpit: Whereas, in Conſtantinople, the Gardens are ſo intermix'd with Houſes, That it looks like a City in the Midſt of a Foreſt; and, by the Advantage of its Situation, is always refreſhed with Breezes from the Sea.

Beſides the Impurity of theſe Infidels, who empty all their Filth in the Streets, ſo that the Dirt of Paris may be ſmelt ſome Miles off; the Uncleanneſs of their Diet, contributes in no ſmall Meaſure to my Diſtemper; being forced either to feed on Fleſh with the Blood in it, or live on Herbs. They laugh at the Niceneſs of the Muſſulmans, who will eat no Meat, that was knock'd down or ſtrangled. They ſeem to be greedy of Blood, ſaving it in Veſſels; and, mixing it with Flower of Wheat, make a certain Bread thereof, which they devour without the leaſt Squeamiſhneſs. A True Believer, would tremble at the Sight of ſuch Impiety. I tell thee, it is impoſſible to live among them, and not be polluted: They have no Methods of Purification. They wallow, and hug themſelves in their Uncleanneſs: they are worſe than the Beaſts.

Now the Spring has provided a new Banquet wherein there is no Impurity, I am reſolved to live like a Muſſulman, and conform to the Precepes of our Holy Lawgiver; Who, when he beholds my Zeal and Abſtinence, will ſend the Angel of Health from his Paradiſe, to repair my decay'd Conſtitution.

The French Philoſophers, are buſied in an Inquiſition after certain Kinds of Birds, which from the Second Day of this Moon, they ſay are not be found in the whole Kingdom, though the Woods and Fields were full of them during the Winter. Some are of Opinion, That they fly to the Moon; aſſerting, That if their Wings will but carry 'em beyond the Magnetick Force of the Earth, it will be no Pain to glide through the Upper Aiery Region, till they arrive within the Attractive Energy of that Planet, where they will Naturally ſeek Reſt. Others, with more Probability, ſay, That theſe Birds take their Flight to ſome other Region on Earth, whoſe Climate is more agreeable to their Natures, at this Time of Year.

I wiſh I could as eaſily once a Year take my Flight to Conſtantinople, where my Heart is Winter and Summer. Adieu, Dear Hali, and pity Mahmut, who counts himſelf unhappy in Nothing ſo much, as in being abſent from his Friends.

Paris, 7th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXIX. To the Teſterdar, or Lord-Treaſurer.

IT appears, That France has ſome extraordinary Deſign by Sea: When and where 'twill be put in Execution, is not yet known; but the vaſt Preparations that are making, ſeem to threaten ſome Foreign Invaſion, rather than a Naval Combat: It looks, as if they had an Expedition in Hand greater than that of Xerxes; to make a Bridge over the Ocean, and join the Separated Parts of the World together. New Arſenals are built, in ſeveral Maritime Towns; and, all the Foreſts are cut down, to fill them with Timber for Ships of War: The Mountains are left naked of Trees, and the ſtately Woods are tranſplanted into the Havens. An Infinite Number of Men, are employ'd in making Cordage, Chains, Bullets, Anchors, Ordnance, and all other Neceſſaries belonging to a Navy.

This is Cardinal Mazarini's Project, under Pretence of ſetting the Poor of the Kingdom at Work, and disburthening the Commonwealth of Vagabonds and Idle Perſons. But, Mahmut is not placed here, to be amus'd with State-Umbrages. It is evident, that this Miniſter deſigns to render his Maſter formidable on both Elements. Agents are ſent to buy Ships in all Parts; and, the very Peaſants are forced from the Vineyards and Fields, to Man the greateſt Fleet that ever this Kingdom fitted out to Sea.

Laſt Moon the Sieur de Queſne, was ſent to aſſiſt Monſieur Chanut, in purchaſing Veſſels in Suedeland. It ſeems, there had been ſome Demurrs in his Negotiation; to remove which, this latter was ſent with freſh Inſtructions. But, Monſieur Chanut rejected him; And, Ten Day agoe, came an Expreſs from that Miniſter, deſiring, That a more Intelligent Colleague might be ſent him; in Regard, he found it difficult to treat ſucceſsfully, with a People too much elated with continual Victories.

Upon this, the Court have ſent a Courier to Stockholm, with new Orders; whereby he is forbid to make any farther Overtures in Order to the Continuance of the League between theſe Two Crowns: That France may not always appear in a Suppliant Poſture, whilſt the Suedes ſeem careleſs to conſerve a Friendſhip, which they themſelves firſt coveted.

Theſe Miſunderſtandings, may in a ſhort Time proceed to a greater Alienation; and, in the End, to an open Rupture. Which has the more Probability, in that, General Koningſmark lately ſtopp'd ſome French Troops in their march, under Pretence of ſeeing their Paſsports; but really, as 'tis thought, to corrupt the Soldiers, and withdraw them from the Fidelity they owe their Sovereign.

This is highly reſented here; and, they begin to diſcourſe, of making Peace with Germany.

What the Iſſue of theſe Things will be, is yet in the Dark; but God, from whoſe Throne hangs the Chain of Deſtiny, which reaches to the Center of the Earth, will, I hope, ſo diſpoſe of all Humane Events, That the Quarrels of the Nazarenes, ſhall miniſter Occaſion to the Oſmans, to encreaſe the Territories of our Puiſſant Emperor.

Paris, 1ſt. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXX. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna.

I Cannot but highly Applaud the Reſolution thou haſt taken, as thy Letter intimates, to enquire into the Grounds of the Religion thou art of. This ſhews, that thou ſetteſt a Value on thy Reaſon, and thinkeſt thy ſelf beyond the Pupillage of a Child; that thou eſteemeſt thy ſelf of Years, to make a Choice of thy Religion, and not to take it up on the bare Credit of thy Forefathers. 'Tis certain, that Error may be Traditional as well as Truth: And, the Pagan Idolaters, pleaded a Greater Antiquity, for the Altars of their Gods, than could the Followers of Moſes, for the Temple of Jeruſalem, the Tabernacle in the Deſart, or for the Promulgation of the Law it ſelf on Mount Sinai: Since, there was ſcarce a Region on the Continent, which had not Eſtabliſh'd Rites and Ceremonies of Worſhip, long before Moſes, or even Jacob, the Great Father of the Iſraelites were born.

Among the Reſt of the Nations, Arabia, my Native Country, was peculiarly bleſs'd with the Footſteps of the Illuſtrious Ibrahim, Grandfather to Iſrael, from whom the Jews deſcend. In this Happy Country, that Renowned Prophet ſojourned, converſed with Angels: And, with the Majeſty which cannot be Uttered: he preached the Ʋnity of the Divine Eſſence, Converted the People from their Idolatry, built an Oratory at Meccha, and was taken up into Paradiſe.

Iſmael his Eldeſt Son, and Heir of his Father's Spirit, as of his Territories, trod in the Footſteps of the Aſſumpt of God. He brake down the Idols, aſſerted One God, the Reſurrection, the Day of Judgment, the Joys of Paradiſe, and the Torments of Hell. His Off-Spring Multiplied, and Peopled all the Eaſt: The Princes of this Holy Line, ſubdued the Infidel Nations, and rooted themſelves in the moſt fertile Regions of Aſia, profeſſing themſelves Muſſulmans or True Believers. Thus paſſed the Light of God, from the Face of Ibrahim, to his Poſterity by Succeſſive Generations; till at Length, it reſted on the Face of Mahomet, Our Holy Lawgiver, and was encreas'd with admirable Splendors, by the frequent Viſits of the Angel Gebrail. He took the Root of Evil, out of the Prophet's Heart; brought him down the Alcoran from Heaven, and gave him Victory and Honour; call'd him by a New Name, THE SEAL OF THE PROPHETS; carried him to the Throne of God, through Legions of Devils, that waited below the Moon to deſtroy him. And finally, made his Sepulcher Glorious and reſorted to, by the Believers of all Nations on the Earth.

I ſend thee this Abſtract of the Muſſulman Hiſtory, to the End, thou maiſt ſee what Pretenſions the Children of Iſmael have to the True Law; which you, of the Poſterity of Iſaac would monopolize to your ſelves: As if, God had not ſent Prophets to all Nations, to lead them into the Right Way, and not into the Way of Infidels. Nevertheleſs, take not theſe Things on my Credit, but examine the Records of thy own Nation, and the Hiſtory of paſt Times. Weigh all Things in the Balance: Conſult thy Reaſon, which is an indeficient Light, to thoſe who follow it. Your Law, was once Pure and Uncorrupted; but, in Time, the Devil inſerted many Errors: He ſeduced your Fathers; they return'd upon their Steps, and fell back into Idolatry. Then God raiſed up the Meſſias, to reform all Things; but, Him ye rejected. And when he was taken up into Paradiſe, ye reported, That He was hang'd on a Tree. In this, the Nazarenes are your Fools, and fight againſt themſelves; Whilſt they aſſert, as you do, That he who is Immortal and Triumphant, among the Hundred and Twenty Four Thouſand Prophets, Was Crucified betwixt Two Thieves; Thus bringing a Reproach on the Apoſtle of God, and on their Own Faith; in believing Things, inconſiſtent with the Goodneſs and Power of the Divine Majeſty. Without Doubt, Jeſus, the Son of Mary, is Aſcended Body and Soul into Paradiſe; Who, whilſt he was on Earth, ſaid, Worſhip One God, Your Lord and Mine.

Let me not ſeem importunate, or troubleſome. I ſeek not to circumvent thy Reaſon, but to direct it. Think Seven Times, before thou Change Once. I will procure thee Books of our Law; Peruſe them with Judgment; and tell me then, Whether thou haſt ever ſeen any Writing comparable to the Alcoran? The Majeſty of the Style, ſpeaks it above Humane Original: It is exempt from Contradiction, from the Beginning to the End: It confirms the Old Teſtament, which thou believeſt: It is all over cloath'd with Light. Doubtleſs, it is no other, than a Tranſcript of the Book written in Heaven.

If after all thy Search, thou ſhalt determine otherwiſe, follow thou Thy Law, and I will follow Mine. We both Worſhip One God, Lord of the Ʋniverſe.

Paris, 10th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXXI. To the ſame.

LET not the Fear of diſpleaſing thoſe of thy Nation, hinder thee from embracing the Truth. God ſhall protect thee from the Malice of Ʋnbelievers. Thy Intereſt is already great among the Muſſulmans; our Auguſt Emperour will augment both that, and thy Honour. Take hold of the ſtrongeſt Knot, and adhere not to Tagot. The Cleanlineſs and Delicacy of the Muſſulmans may invite thee, which far exceeds that of the Jews, and yet is void of Superſtition: We only obey the ſincere Dictates of Nature, which teach us, That ſo long as the Soul dwells in this Manſion of Fleſh, it partakes of Bodily Pollutions. 'Tis to avoid theſe, we abſtain from certain Meats and Drinks, which cannot be touch'd without Contamination. To this End, do we obſerve that ſuperlative Niceneſs, in our Waſhings and Purifications, which diſcriminates us from all the World beſide. Doubtleſs, Our Law is but the Law of Moſes, refin'd and ſublimated from the Dregs of adventitious Error.

Write often to me, and whatever Reaſons may prevail on thee not to change thy Religion, let no Arguments tempt thee to ſwerve from thy Fidelity to the Sovereign of Sovereigns on Earth, the Grand Signior, in whoſe Veins runs the moſt Exalted Blood of Humane Race.

Here is a Report in this City, That the Elector of Brandenburgh, will demand the Queen of Sueden in Marriage: let me know if it be true, That I may inform the Miniſters of the Lofty Port, from whom Nothing ought to be concealed, that occurs of Moment betwixt the Two Poles.

Inform me alſo, what paſſes of remarkable in the Aſſembly of the Deputies at Munſter, and whether it be true, That the Danube has lately overflow'd its Banks, and carried away Four Hundred Houſes in its rapid Courſe.

Such Stories are told here, by thoſe who know not how to paſs away their Time, but in hearking after Foreign News, to furniſh themſelves with Matter to amuſe the Credulous, and beget Admiration of their Intelligence.

I have ſent thee a Watch of my making; If thou accepteſt it with good Will, 'tis a ſufficient Acknowledgment.

May God, whoſe Preſence fills the Ʋniverſe, diſcloſe himſelf to thee, in the Way of Salvation, and continue to breathe good Motions into thy Soul.

Paris, 10th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XXXII. To the Kaimacham.

A Donai the Jew, has much improv'd himſelf, in his late Progreſs through Italy: He is grown a perfect Statesman; having found out the Way to penetrate into Secrets, and to diſpatch Buſineſs without any Noiſe. He may prove very ſerviceable at Venice, during the preſent War of Candy. His Acquaintance in that City, gives him Acceſs to the Cabals of the Senators; who ſpare not, over their Wine, to whiſper the Counſels of the State, and to deſcant on the Meaſures that are taken to defend that Republick, againſt the Invincible Proweſs of the Ottoman Armies.

It is publickly known, That they have ſent Embaſſadors to the Crown of Moſcovy, that of Poland, and to the Coſſacks; inviting them to enter into a League, againſt the Grand Signior. But, few are acquainted with the Private Treaty they are making, with the Baſſa of Aleppo. We owe this Diſcovery, to the Diligence and Wit of this Son of Iſrael. He has drawn the Secret, from the Mouths of ſeveral Eminent Counſellors of State; and aſſures me, That the Senate have made ſuch Propoſals to that Governour, as cannot fail of inducing him to Revolt.

This may prove of ill Conſequence, if not timely preyented: The pernicious Example of this Baſſae, may incite others to tread in his Steps, eſpecially his Neighbours of Sidon and Damaſcus, who have for a long Time meditated a Sovereignty, Independent of the Throne which firſt eſtabliſh'd 'em in thoſe Charges. Beſides, the ſingle Forces of this Baſſa, will be able to give a powerful Diverſion to the Arms of the Empire, already engag'd in Candy, Dalmatia, and other Parts, by Sea and Land. He ſays, the Venetians ſpeak much in Praiſe of this Baſſa's Juſtice, whereof they relate many Examples: Among the Reſt, A certain Cook among the Franks of that City, was accus'd of dreſſing and ſelling putrify'd Fleſh, whereby many that eat thereof, were infected with the Plague. Complaint being made of this to the Baſſa, he ſends for the Cook, and examines him about it: He reply'd, That he ſold none but good and wholſome Meat; for, if it happen'd, That at any Time he was forc'd to keep any Fleſh in his Houſe above Three Days, he ſo ſeaſon'd it with Spices and Herbs, as made it very ſavoury, and without any ill Scent.

The Baſſa, not having Patience to hear any more of this foetid Apology, commanded his Arms and Legs to be cut off, and the Veins to be ſeared up: Ordering, that during the ſhort Time he had to live, he ſhou'd have no other Food, but what was made of his own Limbs.

They relate one more Paſſage, of a Complaint that was made by a Peaſant, whoſe Daughter this Baſſa's onely Son had raviſh'd: The Baſſa compell'd him to marry her with this Charge, Let me hear no more Complaints of thee, unleſs thou art reſolved to leave me without a Son.

It is reported here, That the King of Perſia, has made a Peace with the Great Mogul; and that they will both turn their Forces, againſt our Auguſt Emperour.

Here is alſo a Courier arriv'd from Marſeilles, who brings News of the Revolt of Cavarra; the Inhabitants of that Place, having ſhaken off the Obedience they owe to the Sultan, and put themſelves under the Protection of the Venetians: and, that General Grimani, has taken Four Ships of Raguſa, laden with Ammunition for our Army. He adds alſo, That Moroſini has Thirty ſmall Veſſels, beſides Galleys, under the very Walls of the Dardanells. I long ago ſuggeſted to the Vizir Azem, That the Weakneſs of thoſe Caſtles, would one Time or other encourage the Chriſtians, to perform ſome notable Exploit in the Helleſpont. But, Mahmut's Counſel was not regarded: Now the Event juſtifies my Advice, the Port will conſult the Security of 〈◊〉 Avenue. I wiſh they do not practiſe the T •… Wiſdom. The Venetians have a powerful Fleet; If they block up the Helleſpont, and hinder our Ships from ſailing into the Archipelago; and the Coſſacks, in the mean while, cover the Black Sea with their Barks, committing a Thouſand Piracies and Ravages, What will become of the Imperial City? Whence will they provide Suſtenance for ſo many Millions of People, as inhabit that City and the Parts adjacent?

Theſe Things are Worthy of Conſideration: And thou, who haſt the Care of that Capital Seat of the Ottoman Empire, wilt not blame Mahmut, for putting thee in Mind of the Danger which threatens even the Seraglio it ſelf at this Juncture. However, I have done my Duty, Sage Miniſter, and refer the Reſt to thy Wiſdom. My Letters are all regiſter'd; and if Affairs ſhou'd ſucceed ill, it will be manifeſted, That Mahmut, who watches Night and Day, to ſerve the Great Maſter of the World, has not been wanting to give timely Notice of what might be advantageous to the Monarchy of the True Faithful.

Thou, who art celebrated for thy Juſtice and Probity, pardon the Liberty which my Zeal for Thy Maſter and Mine, renders worthy of Excuſe.

Paris, 19th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
The End of the Firſt Book.
LETTERS Writ by A SPY at PARIS. VOL. III. BOOK II.
LETTER I. To the Moſt Magnificent and Illuſtrious Vizir Azem, at the Port.

OSmin the Dwarf, whom I formerly mentioned, remains ſtill in the Court; and continues his good Offices, in communicating to me ſuch Paſſages as come to his Knowledge. He has a ſubtle Wit, and bears no hearty Love to the Chriſtians, though he be One himſelf in Profeſſion. He frequently viſits me, and truſts me with his Secrets. One Day he convinc'd me by evident Circumſtances, That Cardinal Mazarini, was projecting to give ſome ſecret and ſudden Blow to the Ottoman Empire, for which Oſmin ſeems to be concern'd by a Natural Inclination; being, as I told thee, born of Mahometan Parents. He was uneaſie, till he had acquainted me with his Apprehenſions; and, I gave him ſuch Inſtructions, as I thought moſt proper on this Occaſion. I ſet my Thoughts on the Rack, to prevent ſo dire a Miſchief. And, having premeditated well on this Affair, I pitch'd on a Courſe, which would at once clear me from the Cardinal's Suſpicion; and, by ſeeming to favour his Deſigns, would abſolutely overthrow them. I went to him boldly one Day; and being admitted to his Cloſet, I thus addreſs'd that Politician:

THERE are now Nine Years elaps'd, Great Miniſter, ſince I firſt breath'd the Air of France; during all which Time, I have not only ſhar'd in Common with the Natives, the Benefits which have accru'd to this Noble Kingdom, under the Auſpicious Miniſtry of Cardinal Richlieu, and his no leſs Eminent Succeſſor; but have alſo receiv'd many particular Honours from that Illuſtrious Prince of the Church, to which Your Eminence, has been pleaſed to make ſome undeſerv'd Additions. 'Tis to you both, I owe the Character which has introduc'd me into the Acquaintance and Favour of the Nobility; who, on that Score, have thought me Worthy to Inſtruct their Children, in the Greek and Arabick Tongues; have vouchſafed to admit me to their Salt; and to encourage me with the Hopes, of finding a Comfortable Repoſe in the Boſom of the Gallican Church, after a tedious Peregrination from my own Country.

When I reflect on all the accumulated Bleſſings I enjoy, under the Protection of Your Eminence; Bleſſings equally tranſcending my Ambition, as they do my Merits; I apply all my Studies, to find out ſome acceptable Way of Acknowledgment, to my Gracious Benefactor. And, becauſe nothing can be more Welcom to the Guardian of France, than the Means of advancing the Publick Good of the Kingdom committed to his Care; I now preſume, as a Teſtimony of my Gratitude, to propoſe to Your Eminence, ſome Speculations, which if put in Execution, will in my Judgment, not only render France the moſt Formidable and Abſolute Monarchy on Earth, but alſo tie the whole Catholick World in Eternal Obligations to her; and give juſt Reaſon to change the Style of his Moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, from Eldeſt Son of the Church, to that of Father of all Chriſtendom.

Your Eminence will not wonder at the Zeal of a Stranger, or the Care that Titus of Moldavia takes for France: In being Sollicitous for this Kingdom, I conſult the Welfare of my own Country, and of all the Nations which profeſs the Faith of Jeſus; ſince it is ealie to ſee, That in the Fate of France, that of all Europe is involv'd.

It is a long Time ſince the Diſmember'd Reliques of the Roman Empire, bordering on Aſia, found themſelves too weak to reſiſt the Puiſſance of the Ottoman Arms. All Greece was ſoon o'errun, by the Warlike Turks. Tranſylvania, Walachia, Moldavia, with the greateſt Part of the Ʋpper Hungary, quickly became Tributaries to the inveterate Enemies of the Chriſtian Name. And, Germany it ſelf is ſo enfeebl'd by their repeated incurſions, that all the Emperour can do, is, to make diſhonourable and coſtly Compoſitions, buying a Precarious Peace with little leſs Charges, than would ſerve ſome more Fortunate Prince, to carry on a Glorious and Succeſsful War. Neither is the State of Venice in any better Condition of Defence, the Turks having par'd away whole Provinces, from that once flouriſhing Common-wealth; and, by their continual Invaſions and Hoſtilities, reduc'd her to a Neceſſity of Merchandizing with the Ottoman Port for Peace. Which is no ſooner concluded, but, on the leaſt Pretence, is broke again, by thoſe, who hold themſelves not oblig'd, to keep Faith with Chriſtians. Behold, at this Time, without Provocation on the Part of Venice, or a Declaration of War by the Grand Signior, the late League broken on a ſudden, and in a moſt Clandeſtine Manner. Behold Candy environ'd with their Fleet by Sea, and her fertil Plains, cover'd with Armies of Mahometans by Land. Behold her Cities in the Hands of her Enemies, and her Villages laid Deſolate; her Nobles put to the Sword, and her Merchants led into Captivity. In fine, behold this afflicted Common-wealth yet ſtruggling with her Fate, and ſending her Ambaſſadors 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 to all the Princes and States of Chriſtendom, Demanding, or rather, in a ſuppliant Manner, Imploring their Aſſiſtance. Yet, ſhe finds little or no Help from any but the Pope, and the Knights of Malia. And, his Holineſs has enough to do, to preſerve the Patrimony of the Church from Violence. The State of Genoua, is too intent upon her Traffick, to regard the Calamities of her Neighbours. And, all the Princes of Italy have ſuch Diverſions at Home, as render their Application to Things Abroad, very Cold and Indifferent. In the mean while, the Turks gain Ground, double their Strength, and encreaſe their Victories! Oh Deplorable State of Chriſtendom! Is there no Redreſs for theſe Miſeries? Yes ſurely, there is! and ſuch a Redreſs, as only lies in Your Power, Great Miniſter, to apply; which, in the Experiment, I dare aſſure will prove Effectual.

I do not pretend to the Viſions and Inſpirations of Peter the Hermit, who garbl'd Secular and Divine Offices; and arming himſelf in Habiliments of Steel, went Dragooning up and down Chriſtendom, at the Head of a Confuſed Rabble, to render himſelf Popular, and acquire the Triple Character, of Pilgrim, Prieſt and Captain. The ill Succeſs of his raſh Expeditions, ſhew'd, That he was only ſtung with a Religious Caprice, and that God approv'd not his Folly. I do not go about to propoſe another Cruſade, or contrive a Way to ſhed whole Deluges of Humane Blood, with no other Conſequence, than to ſtain Hiſtory, with the Sanguine Memoirs of Chriſtendom's Vanity and Misfortune. Beſides, that would be found Impracticable in this Age, which was eaſie to put in Execution, Five or Six Hundred Years ago: The World is not ſo Devout now, as it was in thoſe Days; neither are Men ſo prompt to run the Riſque of their Lives, on Religious Errands, for the Honour of being eſteem'd Martyrs. 'Twill be difficult to find out a New Liſt of Godfrey's, Baldwin's, Guy's, and other Hero's, to lead the Champions of the Croſs, through all the Hardſhips of Sea and Land, ſo many Hundred Miles, into Remote and Deſolate Regions; to combate not only with Fleſh and Blood, but with Famine, Peſtilence, And all the Miſeries of Human Life; And, as if this were not enough, to ſheath their Swords alſo in each others Bowels, for Punctilio's, meer Trifles of miſtaken Honour, and illtim'd Emulation. And, all this only, to purchaſe the Empty Title, of King of Jeruſalem; or the Precarious Authority of a Grecian Emperor: Both ſhort liv'd Honours; the One to be loſt in a little Time, with all Paleſtine, to the Saracens; the Other, depending only on the Pleaſure of the Multitude! Such were the Glorious Fruits of the Chriſtian Arms in thoſe Days! Such the Triumphs, attending Our Victories! Theſe the Trophies, which our Fathers erected to their own Diſgrace; when, after a War of ſo many Years, they left the Holy Land in a worſe Condition than they found it; and, of ſo many Hundred Thouſand Men as marched thither, threatning the utter Subverſion of the Saracen Empire, there ſcarce return'd enough, to diſperſe the News of their own Overthrow.

Waving therefore theſe Viſionary raſh Expeditions, I now propoſe to Your Eminence, an Undertaking, which tho' it may make leſs Noiſe in the World, yet carri •… more Probability of Succeſs; and, will not only promote the Intereſt of France, but redound to the Advantage of all Europe,

No Man who is acquainted with Hiſtory, can be ignorant, what Claims the Kings of France have made to the Empire of the Weſt, ſince the Days of Charlemaine, the Royal Predeceſſor of his Preſent Majeſty, who was dignified with the Imperial Title, by the Sovereign Biſhop. Neither is it unknown by what Artifices the Houſe of Auſtria have procured the Tranſlation of this Sacred Authority to their Own Family.

Your Eminence is ſenſible, by what Tyrannous and Unjuſt Methods, they have maintain'd themſelves in this higheſt Pitch of Humane Glory; and, not content with this, how they have aſpir'd after the Monarchy of the Whole World! All the North have groan'd under the Burden of their Inſupportable Tyranny. And, their Encroachments on the South, have render'd that Line, little leſs Infamous. They ſpare neither Civil nor Eccleſiaſtical Rights, in the Purſuit of their Ambition; not even the Patrimony of St. Peter, which has ever been eſteemed Sacred and Inviolable, by Chriſtian Princes: they have ſack'd Rome it ſelf, and led the Supreme Paſtor of the Church into Captivity. What ſhould I ſpeak of the Hollanders, Suitzers, Griſons and other Nations, which, impatient of the Auſtrian Yoke, revolted from their Cruel Maſters; and, have ever ſince aſſerted their Liberty, by the Force of their Arms? What ſhould I mention, the frequent Troubles in Bohemia, Tranſylvania and Hungary, when the Inhabitants of thoſe Countries, grown deſperate with their daily Oppreſſions, have bravely endeavour'd to redeem themſelves and their Poſterity, from perpetual Servitude; but, for Want of a Powerful Protector, have been forc'd to yield to their Old Maſters? That Inceſtuous Race, are grown Odious to the Whole World: Even the Princes of the Empire, are forced to ſmother their Reſentments, when they Elect One to poſſeſs the Imperial Diadem, whom they cannot but hate!

That therefore which I aim at in this Addreſs, is, to repreſent to Your Eminence, how eaſie it will be in this Juncture, for his moſt Chriſtian Majeſty, to recover the Imperial Crown, which of Right belongs to None but the Succeſſors of the renown'd Charleinaine; and, which even the greateſt Part of the Germans themſelves, wiſh to ſee plac'd on the Head of Lewis XIV. Moſt of the Electors, are already inclining to the Intereſts of France: It will not be difficult to win the Reſt. The Hungarians, &c. long for a Deliverer; And, the other Provinces beyond the Danube, will freely open the Gates of their Cities, to let in his Armies, whom they look on as the Hope of all Chriſtendom. The Helvetians, who are Allies of this Crown, will not fail to perform their Part. The Suedes have already pluck'd many Feathers, from that Ravenous Eagle. And, the Forces of this Crown, have blunted her Talons. Another Campagne will quite deplume her, enervate her laſt Vigour, and end the tedious Controverſie.

Let not therefore an Untimely Peace with the Emperour, ſo much talk'd of, ſtop the Current of the French Triumphs! Let not the Siniſter Practices of German Penſioners in the Suediſh Court, occaſion a Rupture between Two the moſt Potent and Victorious Crowns in Europe! Or rather, let not Queen Chriſtina, reap the ſole Glory of ſo fortunate and profitable a War! His Majeſty has a Formidable Army by Land; and, in a ſhort Time, will have an Invincible Fleet by Sea. Continual Victories, court the Perſeverance of the French Valour; whilſt the Juſtice of your Cauſe, invites to the Battel.

All Things conſpire, to put a Period to the Auſtrian Grandeur. Only ſnatch the preſent Opportunity; which once loſt, may never be recover'd again. 'Twas only the ſudden and unexpected Fate of Henry IV. this King's Grand-father, of Eternal Memory, that hinder'd him from putting in Execution the ſame Deſign I now propoſe. And, if Lewis XIII. did not proſecute it, 'twas becauſe he wanted a favourable Juncture. Now, behold, it offers it ſelf: 'Tis in your Power, Supreme Director of the State, under his Majeſty, to build the Fortune of France ſo high, that all the Nations of Chriſtendom, may repoſe under its Shadow. Purſue the Succeſs which Heaven has already granted. And, when all Europe is thus ſettled in a Durable Peace, either making Honourable Friendſhips with, or entirely ſubmitting to, this new Gallick Empire; then will be the Time to call the Ottomans to an Account, for the Ravages and Spoils they have committed in Chriſtian Countries, and to carry Our Arms to the Walls of Conſtantinople, and drive theſe Barbarians, back to their Primitive Rocks and Deſarts; from whence they have thus long ſtraggled, to ruine the moſt deſirable Provinces of Aſia and Europe; nay, and of the Whole World.

There is no other Way but this, in my Judgment, to ſtop the Progreſs of the Turkiſh Victories. Since it is impoſſible, to make a Durable Peace among Chriſtian Princes, but by Conqueſt; I mean, ſuch a Peace, as will inſpire them with the Reſolution, and put them into a Capacity, to unite all their Forces, in a War againſt the Mahometans. As for the preſent Condition of the Republick, if their Loſſes were greater, than they are like to be, yet they will be inconſiderable, in Compariſon of the mighty Gain which will afterwards accrue, not only to them, but to all the Chriſtian Nations, by advancing the French Crown to that Height of Grandeur, deſign'd for it by Fate. Hitherto the Chriſtian Princes, have only endeavour'd to apply a Remedy to the Part particularly affected; from whence, if by Fortune they chas'd the Diſtemper, it ſoon brake out in ſome other Member; Whence it came to paſs, that we loſt Province after Province, and the Turks are almoſt gotten into the Heart of Europe. If therefore, We deſign to drive them thence, it is neceſſary to follow this Method, which will be found the only Way, to pluck this Evil up by the Roots.

Go on then, Moſt Prudent and Illuſtrious Guardian of the Crown, deſtin'd to Command the Earth; Go on, and lift up our Great Maſter, to the Wreath with which the Tutelar Angel of Europe, is ready to environ his Sacred Temples. Let not the German Deputies at Munſter, any longer amuſe You with feigned Overtures of Peace. But, purſue the Propitious Fate of France, which waits to lead Our Armies to Victories, Triumphs and Glories; and to eſtabliſh a New Empire in the World, to which all Nations ſhall pay Homage, and fly for Protection.

Thou ſeeſt, Illuſtrious and Serene Vizir, That I have us'd much Flattery in this Addreſs. It is a neceſſary Vice in the Court of France, where no Diogenes can have Audience. It cannot be expected, That I ſhould diſcover by the Cardinal's Anſwer, What his Sentiments were of my Project. He is of a debonair Humour, and will rather feign Vertues to commend in another Man, than put him to the Bluſh by mentioning his Real Vices. This is an Effect of his Natural Diſpoſition, which he is wiſe enough to improve to the End of Policy. There being no ſubtiler Artifice to gain a Popular Eſteem, than by the Reputation of a Generous Temper.

However, I think I ſaid Nothing that could juſtly offend Him, unleſs he were endued with the Incommunicable Gift of diſcerning Hearts. For otherwiſe, at the Worſt, he could but tax me with a Loyal Preſumption and Miſtake, in propoſing Things altogether Impracticable.

Theſe were ſuch, thou wilt eaſily diſcern, when thou conſidereſt, That though they appear fair and eaſie in the Attempt, as the Circumſtances of Europe are at preſent; yet, the Revolution of a few Moons, may quite change the Face of Affairs; new and unthought of Difficulties may ariſe; the Emperor may make a Peace with Suedeland; the Pope might interpoſe his Mediation and Authority; the Aſſembly at Munſter might have a Concluſion according to their Wiſhes; the Electoral Princes, might be more firmly faſtned to the Intereſt of the Empire. Beſides, another Campagne may prove as fatal to the French, as the former have been propitious. After all, if they ſhould find Encouragement to begin this Enterprize, and ſhould meet with anſwerable Succeſs in the Proſecution of it; yet, a Thouſand Occurrences would emerge, to hinder them from enjoying their new-gotten Empire long; or, from being able to maintain a War againſt the Empire, whoſe Subjects are Infinite, and Treaſures Inexhauſtible.

If thou, who art the Light of the Oſman Monarchy, ſhalt approve of what I have done, my Happineſs will be great; nevertheleſs, thy Reproofs will not make me Miſerable, ſince they are Arguments of thy Condeſcenſion and Favour.

Paris, 10th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER II. To Iſmael Mouta Faraca, a White Eunuch.

THY Letter is come ſafe to my Hands, accompany'd with a Munificent Preſent from Egry Boinou, who, thou telleſt me, is depriv'd of his Eyes by the Grand Signior's Order. I condole the Calamity of my Friend, yet accuſe not the Juſtice of Him who is Maſter of us All. We are Muſſulmans, and muſt not diſpute the Pleaſure of Heaven, or the Commands of our Sovereigns. It is an Argument of their Clemency, when they retrench their Anger, and ſpare the Lives of their Slaves. The Sultan is merciful in a higher Degree, in not extending his Hands to the Wealth of our Friend; but, has left that, and his Liberty untouch'd: Whereby he is ſtill in a Capacity, of enjoying many Pleaſures, which are denied to Thouſands who have their Sight.

I do not write this, as if I were void of Compaſſion toward my Friend. I owe him ſtill the ſame Affection, as when he was able to read the Sincerity of it in my Face. But, I would not have the Loſs of his Eyes, abate the Sight of his Soul, which is his Reaſon. Let him remember, That a Famous Philoſopher has done that voluntarily to himſelf, for the Sake of a leſs interrupted Contemplation, which is impoſed on our Friend as a Puniſhment. There is no outward Diſaſter, can hurt the Opticks of a Mind guarded with Patience, and ſhut up within the Circle of its own Light. Such a Soul, is impregnable againſt all the Aſſaults of Fortune, and triumphs over Deſtiny it ſelf.

Beſides, our beloved Eunuch, can ſtill converſe with his Friends; which is a Privilege, the Deaf would almoſt give their Eyes to enjoy. It is hard to determine, which of thoſe Two Sences would be miſs'd with leaſt Regret; eſpecially, to a Man, who by his excellent Voice, and Skill in Singing, ſeems to be the very Soul of Muſick.

What is it in all this infinite Variety of Viſible Objects, that affects the Eye with ſo refin'd a Pleaſure, but the harmonious Diſpoſition and Symmetry of the Parts, which compoſe the whole Scene of the Univerſe? And, may not that Pleaſure be tranſlated to the Ear, when it receives the proportionate Meaſures, and exquiſite Cadencies of Sounds? Certainly, Muſick is no other, than Beauty to the Ear, as Beauty is Muſick to the Eye.

But our Friend Egry, needs not theſe Encouragements: He underſtands the Way to make himſelf Happy, and has Wiſdom enough to put it in Practice.

The Grand Signior's Fury is pacified. Egry Lives. He has Houſes and Gardens; Gardens repleniſhed with all Manner of Fruits and Flowers to gratify his Taſte and Smell. He is Maſter of much Treaſure in Silver and Gold, and of many Slaves. If all theſe cannot contribute to his Felicity, he is Maſter of Himſelf, which is Eſſential Happineſs.

Thou who ſucceedeſt him in that honourable Poſt, and guardeſt the Avenue of the Majeſtick Chamber, where the Addreſſes and Supplications of all the Princes of the Earth are made at the Feet of our Auguſt Emperor; watch thy Sences, and obey thy Reaſon. Remember thy Predeceſſor's Fate, and forget not Mahmut; but, above all Things, forget not thy Self. Adieu.

Paris, 20th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER III. To Dgnet Oglou.

I AM extremely ſurprized, and equally troubl'd, at the ſevere Puniſhment which Sultan Ibrahim has inflicted on Egry Beinou. His Succeſſor, Iſmael Mouta Faraca, ſent me the firſt News of it, but ſaid nothing of the Eunuch's Crime. Neither wou'd I requeſt that ſatisfaction of a Man, who derives a new Luſtre, from the Tragical Eclipſe of my Friend; leſt roy Love ſhou'd have betray'd my Diſcretion, and tempted me to utter that, which is not proper for a Slave of the Sult •… to expreſs. Our Thoughts are our own, whilſt we keep them chain'd up in our Breaſts; but, if once we ſuffer 'em to take Air in words, they become another Man's, who may make uſe of them to our Ruine. I never had Familiarity enough with Iſmael, to truſt him with Reflections of this Nature. Beſides, his own Letter to me, diſcover'd too much Freedom to be void of Deſign, it being the firſt that ever paſs'd between us; which, for that Reaſon, ought to have been dictated in a Style more reſerv'd. I ſet him a Pattern in my Anſwer; not letting a Word eſcape my Pen, which might ſpeak leſs Reſignation to the Will of our Maſter, than Tenderneſs for my Friends Suffering.

But, with thee I dare uſe greater Freedom: My long Experience of thy Integrity, will juſtifie this Boldneſs. Tell me, my Dgnet, was it not the Blindneſs of Sultan Ibrahim's Paſſion, which has robb'd Egry of his Sight? Anſwer me without Diſguize; Was it not ſome Caprice of Jealouſie? Was it not becauſe the Maſter thought he ſaw too much, that the Slave ſees not now at all? If that Sence was not judg'd Criminal in Egry, why was •… in particular puniſhed? But, 'tis in vain to meaſure the Cruel Frolicks of a Sovereign Monarch by a Rule, who makes his Will a Law.

The Chriſtians ſay, the Ottoman Princes are Butchers, and the whole Empire a Shambles; where Perſons of all Degrees, are ſacrific'd to the Luſt or Paſſion of a Tyrant. I tell thee, though I approve not the licentious Tongues of theſe Infidels; yet, it appears too true, That ſo uncontroulable a Power as the Eaſtern Monarchs are inveſted with, prompts them to commit many Violences, for which, Juſtice can make no Plea. It were to be wiſh'd, That the Practices of the Sublime Seraglio, did not too often verifie it. Suffer me to be exaſperated a little, for the Cruel Sentence executed on my Friend, the moſt accompliſh'd Perſon within the Walls of that Magnificent Palace. Doubtleſs, he owes the Loſs of his Eyes, to the Grudge of ſome Envious Minion, who could not brook ſo dangerous a Rival in the Sultan's Favour. For, this Unfortunate Eunuch, who charm'd all Hearts, had made ſome Impreſſion alſo on the Cruel Ibrahim's. He often lov'd to hear him ſing the lively Dorick Strains, to chaſe away his Melancholy: For, Egry is a Second Orpheus, whoſe Voice, thou knoweſt, inſpir'd the Trees and Rocks with Paſſion. Beſides, he has many other Gifts, which render'd his Perſon and Converſation delectable to all; and taught the whole Seraglio, new Leſſons of Platonick Love.

When thou haſt receiv'd this, I deſire thee, to give him a Viſit: Thou knoweſt his Houſe at Galata. Embrace him in my Name, and give him a Kiſs of Faithful Friendſhip. Forget not alſo to return him my Acknowlegements, for the Diamonds he ſent me. And, chear him with this Thought, That one Day, his Eyes ſhall be renew'd in Paradiſe, far brighter than thoſe Glittering Jewels. Adieu.

Paris, 20th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER IV. To Dicheu Huſſein Baſſa.

'TIS not eaſie to gueſs at the Motive, which induc'd the Duke of Orleans, to begin this Years Campagne in ſo Rigorous a Seaſon. It was the Firſt Moon, and the Ground was covered with deep Snows (An ill Time, to march in an Enemies Country.) And, when theſe Snows were diſſolv'd, Floods follow'd. It ſeems as if he were thirſty of Fame, and would acquire the Character of a Hardy Warriour: Reſolving to ſhun no Fatigue, which might advance the Reputation of his Arms.

The Duke of Enguien, ſpurr'd on with a glorious Emulation, ſoon followed with another Army, but by a different Road. There are Four Mareſchals of France, gone with them. Theſe Early Marches, make a great Noiſe. But, little of Action could be expected, while the wary Flemmings, knowing the Paſſes of the Country, and the Force of the Floods, have kept their Winter-Quarters; ſpending that Time at Eaſe, in preparing all Things Neceſſary for a more ſeaſonable Campagne, which they have now begun.

In this, the Spaniſh Policy deſerves Commendation; who would not expoſe the Health and Lives of their Soldiers to unneceſſary Rigors, but waited till the Sun had well dry'd up the unwholſome Damps of the Earth, and ſhedding his benigner Influence through the Air, invited them forth into the Field. But, when I thus approve the Wiſdom of the Spaniard, think not, that I condemn the ſprightly Genius of the French, who ſeem to approach neareſt the Bravery of the Muſſulman Armies.

The Action of a French Officer, was worthy of Remark; who being ſent from the Camp, with Letters to the King and Queen, arrived at the Court the 24th. Day of the Second Moon, whilſt the Ground was yet frozen hard. After he had deliver'd his Meſſage, the Chamberlain of the Royal Houſhold, appointed him a Lodging for that Night in the King's Palace, he being to return to Flanders the next Day. But, he generouſly refuſed it, ſaying, It became not him to lie in a Bed of Down, when his General, with the whole Army, were forc'd to ſleep on the frozen Earth. Therefore, cauſing ſome Straw to be brought out of the Stables, he took his Repoſe thereon in the open Air. The Young King, extreamly pleas'd with his Gallantry, order'd him a Hundred Pieces of Gold; and recommended him to the Duke of Orleans, as one of the braveſt Men in his Army.

I ſwear by the Whiſtling of the Winds, and the Ruffling of the Leaves, that I honour ſuch Vertue even in an Infidel.

Paris, 20th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER V. To Kerker Haſſan Baſſa.

THY Letter is come to my Hands, with the Preſent of Kopha; which is ſo much the more acceptable, becauſe thou broughteſt it thy ſelf from the Valley of Admoim, the Place of my Nativity. It is an evident Sign, that thou haſt not forgot thy Countryman, in that thou condeſcendeſt to oblige him in ſo peculiar a Manner. The Place where we drew our firſt Breath, is always dear to Mortals; and, the Remembrance of that delicious Vale, affects Mahmut with ſingular Delight. 'Tis true indeed, I was brought from thence, before I could diſtinguiſh one Place from another; but, I have viſited that Region ſince, and have Reaſon to pronounce it, the moſt Delectable Part of Arabia. Had the Grecian Poets ſeen that Paradiſe, they would not have ſo extoll'd the celebrated Fields of Tempe in Theſſaly. This Happy Vale, is the Elyzium of the World, bleſs'd with an Eternal Spring.

Thou art highly oblig'd to the Sultan, for the Liberty he has given thee to viſit the Place of thy Cradle, and to ſojourn ſo long among thy Kindred. Thy Father was famous in that Country, for hunting of Lions, and other Beaſts of Prey. I have heard ſome of our Tribe, praiſe his Valour and Dexterity, in the Chaſe of thoſe Fierce Animals. They told me, That in the Space of Two Years, he had preſented the Beglerbeg with Twenty Lions Heads, kill'd by his own Hand: That he had Three Tame ones in his Houſe, which he had taken when Whelps from a Lioneſs of prodigious Bulk: That the Walls of his Houſe were hung with the Skins of Tygers, Panthers and Lions, the Trophies of his Indefatigable Diligence, Skill and Courage, in Purſuit of Wild Beaſts. In a Word, they ſaid, he was the moſt ſucceſsful Hunter in all Arabia. If thou inheriteſt his Inclinations as well as his Blood, (for, they commonly go together) thou haſt had a fair Time, to range the Foreſts, and purge the Deſart of thoſe Ravenous Creatures. Were it not for the Enmity of the Gnats, the Eaſt would be over-run with theſe Savages. They ſay, this little deſpicable Inſect, deſtroys more Lions, than all the Huntſmen in Aſia. For, ſwarming about them in the Heat of Summer, they chiefly faſten on their Eye-Lids; which they ſting ſo vehemently, that the Lions thinking to eaſe themſelves by ſcratching, often tear their own Eyes out, and ſo are famiſh'd.

To underſtand well the different Natures of Beaſts, is a Study fit for Kings. 'Twas the Glory of Solomon, to be accurate in this Knowledge: And, Alexander the Great, had ſuch an Eſteem for it, that he beſtowed on Ariſtotle the Philoſopher, Eight Hundred Talents, only for writing a Treatiſe of Animals. Our Holy Prophet was eminent above all other Mortals, for his Familiarity with the Brutal Generations; underſtanding their Qualities and Language, and often diſcourſing with them. When he lived in the Deſart, a Libbard continually waited at the Door of his Cave, and did all the Offices of a kind and faithful Servant. Such Grace is given but to a few.

But, I forget my own Opportunity, of venting my Affection to my Country and my Friends. I forget, that I am writing to one, who is newly come from Arabia. Would to God I could ſee thee, were it but for an Hour: I have a Thouſand Queſtions to ask about my Relations; and what Changes have happened, ſince I was there.

But, I muſt ſacrifice theſe Natural Fondneſſes, to the Will of Deſtiny. I am a double Exile: And, ſince it is for the Service of the Grand Signior, I am reſign'd.

Adieu, Happy Miniſter; and, if Mahmut may be admitted ſometimes to mingle with the Train of thy better Thoughts, he ſhall count himſelf happy, where-ever he is.

Paris, 2d. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER VI. To Huſſein Baſſa.

THE taking of Retimo in Candy, has fill'd the Nazarenes, with Apprehenſions of greater Calamities.

The Firſt fortunate Strokes in a War, make deep Impreſſions on the Enemy; the Vulgar looking on them, as the Index of their future Deſtiny: But, repeated Succeſſes, chill their Vitals, bereave 'em of Courage and Hope, leaving 'em Nothing but Ominous Portents, and Superſtitious Preſages of their approaching Ruine. So hard a Thing it is, to judge of Human Events, without being carried into Extreams. They already give over the whole Iſland for loſt. I wiſh and believe it may prove true. Yet, at the ſame Time, I know the Fortune of War is uncertain; and, another Campagne, may repair or revenge the Damage, they have ſuſtained in this and the former.

The Venetians loſt Five Thouſand Men before the Walls of that Town; among whom, was General Cornaro, the Viceroy of the Iſland, ſlain in the firſt Onſet; beſides what were killed by our Soldiers, when they entred with the retreating Candiots, and ſacrific'd all to the Heat of Martial Paſſion.

But, that which appear'd moſt Ominous to their Cauſe, though the preſent Damage were leſs, was the falling out of the Sopraveditor and the Proveditor of the Iſle: Who not agreeing about the Extent of their different Commiſſions, formed Two Parties; between whom there happened a furious Encounter, in which Four Hundred were ſlain on both Sides.

Theſe ſiniſter Events, occaſion'd the Republick to make freſh Applications to the Court of France; and, an Ambaſſador is ſent from this Crown to Conſtantinople, in Order to mediate a Peace. They call him Monſieur de Varennes; a Man of a preſumptuous Diſpoſition, and who delights to attempt difficult Things. When there could not be found a Perſon, willing to undertake a Negotiation, which carries ſo little Probability of Succeeding; this Gentleman, in a Bravado offered himſelf; telling the Queen, That he made no Doubt, of ſo repreſenting Matters to the Grand Signior, as would infallibly produce a Peace.

It had been eaſie for Cardinal Mazarini (whoſe Counſel the Queen follows in all Things) to have hindred this Mans Voyage. But, thoſe who are acquainted with the Picque that is between them, conclude, That the Cardinal conſented to his Commiſſion, on purpoſe to lay a Train for his future Diſgrace; as knowing, the Boldneſs of his Temper, was far from being ſeconded with equal Wiſdom and Conduct; and, that though he was prone to undertake Great and Hazardous Actions, yet he never had the good Fortune to accompliſh any Thing of Moment.

They that know this Gentleman's Character, ſay, That any Example will encourage him to ruſh into Labyrinths and Perils. And, where Examples are wanting, he is Ambitious to be made one himſelf. He fears not to tread in the Footſteps of ſuch, as have miſcarried in the moſt Deſperate Enterprizes; but, promiſes himſelf Succeſs, where a Thouſand have fail'd. In fine, he is eſteemed the raſheſt Man living.

I ſend thee this Deſcription of the French Ambaſſador, that thou maiſt communicate it to the Sovereign Divan. It will be no ſmall Advantage, to know the Temper and Qualifications of Foreign Miniſters, reſiding at the Auguſt Port: Eſpecially at this Juncture, whereon the Fate of Chriſtendom depends. Beſides, there cannot be too great Caution us'd, to obviate the ſubtile Trains of Cardinal Mazarini, who, I fear, is contriving no kind Offices to the Ottoman Empire.

I kiſs the Hem of thy Veſt, Illuſtrious Baſſa, and bid thee Adieu.

Paris, 2d. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER VII. To the ſame.

THE Captain Baſſa, has the Reputation of a Good Seaman among the French. They highly applaud his expeditious Relief of Canea, and no leſs commend the Secrecy, with which he landed his Army and took the Town of Retimo. The French are generally great Criticks in Military Affairs; and are not ſo partial to the Honour of the Chriſtians, as to deny the Praiſes that are due, to an expert Leader among the Muſſulmans. Yet they are inconſtant, and ſeldom retain the ſame Sentiments long. Every Circulation of their Blood, begets new Friendſhips, new Opinions, new Cenſures. In this, they ſeem to inherit the Vices of the Ancient Gauls, as well as their Country.

A Roman Emperour, who made War in this Nation, has left excellent Memoirs behind him; wherein among other Things, he deſcribes the Nature of the Gauls, their Diſpoſitions, and Genial Inclinations. He that ſhall read his Writings, which were penn'd above Sixteen Hundred Years ago, and ſhall converſe with the preſent French, will eaſily conclude, That the Latter are a Living Tranſcript of the Former; and, that their Humours and Actions, are exactly copied from his Words. Yet, in Nothing does the Character of the Primitive Gauls, ſuit more truly to the preſent Inhabitants, than in their furious Onſets in a Battel, and their equal Readineſs to Flight. Their Firſt Aſſault ſeems to ſpeak 'em More than Men; their Second, Leſs than Women; and, they ſeldom venture on a Third.

Wilt thou know then, how they obtain ſo many Signal Victories? It is by Stratagems and Money. Where they cannot circumvent their Enemies, they corrupt a Party of 'em with Bribes and Penſions. Thus they purchaſe their Conqueſts, with a more powerful Metal than Steel. The Force of Gold, to which all Things yield, lays Cities and Provinces, at the Feet of this Invincible Monarch.

But, I pray Heaven, ſo to proſper the Armies of the Empire founded on Vertue, that this Infidel Prince, and all the Nazarenes, may experience their Gold to be as Ineffectual as their Swords, againſt the Valour and Juſt Revenge of the True Believers.

Paris, 2d. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER VIII. To the Venerable Mufti, Sovereign Guide of the True Believers.

THou, who art all Goodneſs, the Arch-Type of Clemency and Vertue, wilt not number me among the Importunate, for ſo often troubling thee with Diſputes of our Holy Law. I ask thee no Common Queſtions; neither am I captious, ſeeking Occaſions to darken what is Apparent, or invalidate the Teſtimony of Him who touch'd the Hand of God. I revere the Holy Oracles, and the Book not dictated on Earth. Every Chapter I read in the Alcoran, makes me bleſs the Angel, who took ſo many Flights, to bring down the Sacred Pages from Heaven. And, my Reverence is encreas'd towards that Volume of Glory, when I conſider, it was not haſtily compos'd; every Verſicle, being the Product of Divine Premeditation. Doubtleſs, it excells all the Writings in the World. No Scripture, before or ſince, has approach'd to the Myſterious Elegance of thoſe Celeſtial Lines. Yet methinks, I find a great Profundity of Wiſdom in the Treatiſes of the Ancients.

Thou wilt ſay, My Station requires me to read Men more than Books, being not ſent hither to Contemplate, but to act for the Intereſt of my Maſter, and the Ottoman Empire. 'Tis true, my Buſineſs is now to unravel the Deſigns of the Infidels; but, bear with me, if I tell thee, That in Order to this, I took no wrong Courſe, when in my Younger Years, I apply'd my ſelf to Books, which are but Men turn'd Inſide out, or Metamorphos'd into Letters; againſt who, thus ſurviving themſelves, the Stroke of Death cannot prevail.

Thoſe who have erected Statues of Gold, Silver, Braſs or Marble, to the Memory of departed Heroes, can but tranſmit the Effigies of their Bodies to Poſterity; which, thou knoweſt, is the Ignobler Part of Man: And herein, they come ſhort of the Aegyptians, who have the Art of preſerving the Bodies themſelves Incorruptible, for a Thouſand Generations. But they who left their Writings to Poſterity, have oblig'd the World with an Immortal and Lively Image of their Mind: This is properly the Man, and lives for ever; when the Body is conſum'd in the Grave, and the Statue perhaps is eat up by Time, or demoliſh'd by Envy.

Pardon this Digreſſion, Oraculous and Ʋnerring Mouth of God, I have a great Deal to ſay, and cannot comprehend it in a few Words. It has been enjoyn'd by our Holy Doctors, That a Muſſulman ſhould not read the Books of Prophane Infidels. But tell me, thou who art the Reſolver of Doubts, Whether this Precept is extended to all, without Exception; or, Whether a Diſpenſation may not be allow'd, to ſuch as read thoſe Books with One Eye, whilſt the Other is fix'd on the Law, which balances the Mind with Truth? The Alcoran tells us, That the Devil has inſerted ſome Falſities in the Beſt Writings: But, is it not poſſible for a Man, to ſeparate the Good from the Bad? I read in the Book of Glory, many remarkable Things concerning Alexander the Great: But, is it unlawful alſo to peruſe what has been writ by others, of the Life of that Famous Warriour, and Holy Prophet? Both Grecian and Roman Hiſtorians, have related his Adventures in Aſia, his Battels with Darius the Perſian Monarch, and Porus the Indian. They praiſe his Continence and modeſt Regard to Syſigambis and her Daughters, when they were his Captives; his Inviolable Friendſhip to Epheſtion, whilſt living, and the affectionate Tears he ſhed for him, after his Death. Yet, they condemn him of cruel Ingratitude, for ſacrificing Clitus to his Choler, and the Fumes of Wine, who was a Faithful Friend, a Valiant Soldier, and once had ſaved his Life in a Battel. They cannot paſs over the Burning of Perſepolis, without ſome Reflections on the unmanly Softneſs of this Warriour; who, to pleaſe his Concubine, gave Orders, that the Faireſt and moſt Magnificent City in Aſia, ſhou'd be ſet on Fire. The Perſians boaſt, That that City was built all of Cedar; That Cyrus had wholly diſplanted not only Mount Libanus, but the choiceſt Nurſeries of that fragrant Wood, through all Aſia, to build this glorious City, in Emulation of Solomon, King of the Jews, who was by other Princes thought to value himſelf too high, for building the Temple at Jeruſalem of the ſame Materials. They add, That Alexander found in this City, Ninety Millions of Caracl •… in Gold; That after the Debauch was over, and the Flames had conſum'd to Aſhes this Phoenix of Aſia, the Conquerour wept, and commanded the Mony he had found there, ſhould be expended in raiſing Another in its Room, more glorious than the Former; but, That Thais, who had perſwaded him to ruine it, was the onely Obſtacle to its Re-edification. For, ſuch was her Empire over this Monarch, That he could deny her Nothing.

What I have ſaid of Perſepolis, is recorded by Perſian Hiſtorians; Other Writers make ſome Mention of it, but not ſo particularly. There are ſome alſo, who mention his demoliſhing of Tyrus; a City ſo Ancient, That 'tis ſaid to be firſt built by one of the Grand-children of Noah; of whom, thou knoweſt, the Alcoran ſpeaks often. They tax him alſo with Cruelty, in cauſing Two Thouſand of the Chief Tyrians, to be crucified, as a Sacrifice to Hercules. Thou art beſt able to Judge, Whether this be agreeable to Truth; for, what Muſſulman will believe, That the Victorious Prophet, was guilty of ſo Barbarous an Idolatry.

The Method he took to ſubdue this Impregnable City, is an Argument of his Invincible Courage; and, that there is Nothing Impracticable, to a Mind arm'd with Reſolution and Perſerverance.

Tyrus was ſituated above Half a Mile in the Sea, when the Macedonian demanded a Surrender. The Citizens truſting to the Strength and Heighth of the Rock whereon they liv'd (for, 'twas a perfect Iſland) and to their Diſtance from the Shore of the Continent; bid Defiance to him, whom God had ordained to ſubdue all Nations, between the Extremities of India and the Pillars of Hercules. The Conquerour, enflam'd at their Refuſal of offer'd Peace, prepares for an Aſſault. He attempted, without the Miracle of Moſes, to make a Path for his Army through the Sea. He follow'd the Steps of the Babylonian Monarch, who, not Three Ages before, had joyned this Proud Neſt of Merchants to the Firm Land. Twice his Induſtrious Soldiers rais'd a Cauſſey, above the Waves, to the very Walls of Tyrus; and as often was their Labour defeated, by the Watchful Tyrians. When, the Third Time he prov'd ſucceſsful; and, in Spight of all their Reſiſtance by Fire and Sword, after a Siege of Six Moons, he ſcal'd the Walls of that Queen of Maritime Cities; and convinc'd the World, That no Humane Force could put a Stop to his Conqueſts, whom Deſtiny had appointed, to chaſtiſe the Nations of the Earth.

That Chapter in the Alcoran, which ſpeaks of this Renowned Worthy, tells us, That he marched ſo far Eaſtward, till he came to a Country where the Sun riſes. This Paſſage the Chriſtians ridicule, ſaying, That the Sun riſes and ſets in all Countries; and, that there is no Stated Point of Eaſt and Weſt, in the Fabrick of the World; ſince the ſame Place which is Eaſt of one Country, is Weſt of another. Thus, the Deſpiſers of our Holy Law, cavil at the Alcoran, and ſay, 'Tis compos'd of Old Wives Tales; a Rude Indigeſted Collection of Eaſtern Romances, and Superſtitious Fables, calculated for the Meridian of Ignorance; firſt promulg'd in the Savage and Unpoliſh'd Deſarts of Arabia, and afterwards propagated by the Sword through thoſe Countries, whoſe Vices had baniſh'd their Learning, and render'd them flexible to a Religion, whoſe higheſt Pretenſions conſiſted, in Gratifying the Senſes.

Theſe Criticks, conſider not at the ſame Time, That they argue againſt the Old and New Teſtament, (which is eſteem'd the Alcoran of the Chriſtians) wherein there is often Mention made, of the Riſing and Going down of the Sun; of Eaſt and Weſt, as proper Points or Marks, from which to take the Situation of Countries. Aſſuredly, in this they are captious: For, though there be no ſtated Point of Eaſt or Weſt in the Globe; yet India being the neareſt Region of this Continent, to that Part of the Horizon where the Sun daily firſt appears, it has not without Reaſon, gain'd the Additional Epithet of Eaſt. And 'twas here the Macedonian Hero ſweat, becauſe he could conquer no farther, unleſs he would have begun a War with the Fiſh of the Sea.

There are many other Paſſages related of Alexander's Temperance, Moderation, Juſtice, Fortitude and ſuch like Vertues; and, ſomething of his Vices. But, I will not tire thee with all that is ſaid of this Invincible Monarch, nor trace him in all his Marches through Aſia. I will not trouble thee with what they ſay of his Journey into Aegypt, and aſpiring to be call'd, the Son of Jupiter Ammon; his being poyſon'd at Babylon, in the Height of all his Triumphs; and the Cantonizing his Empire, among his Chief Captains. Whatſoever in theſe Hiſtories is agreeable to the Holy Alcoran, I acquieſce to; what is repugnant to that Summary of Truth, I reject as a Fable.

Tell me, thou Sovereign Reſolver of Doubts, Whether on theſe Terms, I may not read the Writings of Infidels? Books are a Relief to the Mind oppreſs'd with Melancholy, and eſpecially Hiſtories, which alſo bring Profit, by rightly informing us of the Tranſactions of Paſt Ages: So that Things, which were done Thouſands of Years ago, are made preſent to us. Where then is the Crime, in reading theſe Memoirs of the Ancients? Is it not conſiſtent with the Faith of a Muſſulman to read theſe Hiſtories, becauſe they were penn'd by Heathens? Muſt we reject all that the Pagans did or ſaid? Why then are the Works of Plutarch, had in ſuch Veneration by the Princes of Our Law? I tell thee, I not onely read Plutarch, Livy, Tacitus, Xenophon, Polybius, with many other Hiſtorians that were Pagans, but I improve by their Writings. Such rare Examples of Vertue, ſuch Illuſtrious Patterns of Juſtice, ſuch Solid Precepts of Morality, as theſe Authors abound with; cannot, in my Opinion, hurt any Man, who deſires to ſquare his Life by the beſt Rules.

I read alſo the Poets, whoſe Fables and Parables, ſeem to me, but to veil many excellent and profitable Maxims of Human Life.

The Story of the Birth of Typhon, his Warring with Jupiter, and his final Overthrow; denotes the monſtrous Riſe of Factions in a State, and their Ruine.

The Cyclops being employ'd by Jupiter in making Thunderbolts, and killing Aeſculapius, for which they themſelves were afterwards ſlain by Apollo; intimates the Uſe, which Sovereign Princes make of Cruel, Covetous and Unjuſt Officers: Who when they have fulfill'd the Pleaſure of their Maſters, are abandon'd by them, to the Revenge of the Oppreſs'd Subjects. This is commonly experienc'd in all Monarchies, and eſpecially in the Mighty Empire of the Oſmans; where the Baſſa's, though the Grand Signior, for the Ends of State, connives a while at their unjuſt Oppreſſion of the Muſſulmans under their Government, yet in due Time, to ſhew his Abhorrence of their Villanies, conſigns 'em over to the Executioner. Thou knoweſt, to whom the Bow-ſtring was ſent laſt; I wiſh his Succeſſour may not equally merit it.

Actaeon's being devoured by his Dogs, onely for ſeeing Diana in a Bath; might have ſerv'd as a Warning to Ʋſeph, the Black Eunuch, who could not reſtrain his Tongue, from babling out the private Amours of Sultan Ibrahim. It was Danger enough to know the Secret; but, to divulge it, was a ſure way to incurr the Revenge of the Prince.

Not much unlike was his Error, who tho' he did not report to others, yet had the Preſumption to check his Sovereign to his Face, and reproach Him with Luxury. Had he been acquainted with the Fable of Endymion and the Moon, it would perhaps have taught him, That it is not the Part of a Favourite, to take Notice of his Maſter's ſtol'n Pleaſures, but rather to invite him ſometimes from the Toils of State, and unbend his Mind with Recreations.

There are many other profitable Remarks, hidden under the Fictions of the Poets: which, though they may ſeem Myſterious at firſt View, yet being examined with a little Attention, prove as eaſie to be underſtood, as the Hieroglyphicks were of old to the Aegyptians, who knew no other Letters.

God, the Firſt Intellect, who imprinted his Mind on Tablets of Marble, in Letters of Arabick, and Writ the Decalogue with a Beam of his Glory; having alſo inſpir'd all Nations with the Knowledge of Letters, grant, That whilſt I read the Records of the Gentiles, I may not forget the Precepts of the Alcoran.

Paris, 23d. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER IX. To Murat Baſſa.

A Courier came to this City laſt Night, bringing News of the Taking of Courtray by the French Army. This is a conſiderable Town in Flanders, and commands a great part of the Country. The Duke of Orleans, inveſted it on the Ninth of the laſt Moon; and on the Eighteenth, lay down before it with the whole Army. The Spaniſh Generals, haſten'd to its Relief, and brought Thirty Thouſand Men of Six Nations, to combat with the French. But they quarrel'd about Precedency of Poſt. High Words paſs'd between the Duke of Lorrain and General Lamboy. Thus, while they ſpent their Time in Needleſs Conteſts, the French took the Town: And, having left a ſtrong Garriſon there, Part of the Army, commanded by the Mareſchal de Grammont, is marched to joyn the Hollanders, with Deſign to attack Antwerp; and the Reſt follow the Duke of Orleans, who, they ſay, intends to beſiege Mardyke. This is a Sea-Town, that has Nothing in it conſiderable enough to tempt a Conquerour, ſave the Haven, which is of great Importance in thoſe Seas.

We have had no Rains here theſe Three Moons, which makes the People fear a Famine. Proviſion of all Sorts, is very Dear; and thoſe who have great Quantities of Corn, will not bring it to the Markets. The Fruits are all blaſted, and a Diſtemper rages in the City, which fills all Places with Death and Mourning. The Cattel drop down dead in the Fields, and the Rivers are almoſt dried up: Men languiſh and wither, as if parch'd up by ſome inward Fire. Fearful Apparitions are ſeen in the Air; each Night brings forth New Prodigies. The People lament the preſent, and preſage greater Calamities to come. While Mahmut perſeveres unmov'd; and neither moleſts himſelf nor others, about the Inevitable Decrees of Deſtiny. I keep in the Path of my Duty, without turning to the Right Hand or to the Left. I ſerve the Grand Signior faithfully: I pray for his Health, and for the Welfare of the Empire. I neither give Alms to the Infidels, nor do them any Injuries. In fine, if I cannot reap any Profit from other Mens Vertues, I take Care their Vices ſhall do me no Harm.

'Tis ſaid, there will be a Proceſſion here ſhortly, whereat the King, the Queen-Regent, and the whole Court will aſſiſt barefoot, for an Example to others. The Body of a certain Female Saint, whom they eſteem the Patroneſs of this City, will be taken out of the Church where it lies, and will be carried with other Reliques of Saints, through the Streets of Paris, to atone the Wrath of Heaven, which ſeems to be kindled againſt them.

In the mean Time, I 〈◊〉 Heaven to ſend down its Bleſſings on the oman •… pire; and preſerve the True Faithful, from the Three Scourges of God.

Paris, 23d. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER X. To the Aga of the Janizaries.

I Perceive thou haſt follow'd the Advice I formerly gave thee, to read Hiſtories; wherein thy Letter ſpeaks thee very Converſant. Thou wilt have no Reaſon to repent of a Labour, that affords ſo agreeable a Diverſion, eſpecially to a Soldier and a Stateſman. They open the Graves, and call forth the Dead, without diſturbing their Repoſe; and preſent to us thoſe Heroes living, talking and acting Great Things, whoſe Bodies have lain buried in Silence and Obſcurity many Ages. They introduce us into the Cloſets of Princes, revealing their moſt Secret Counſels. They make us familiar with the Intrigues of Politicians, and the Stratagems. of Warriours. In fine, there is Nothing Publick or Private, in the Courts or Camps of the Greateſt Monarchs, to which an Hiſtorian is a Stranger.

I applaud the Choice thou haſt made of Grecian Hiſtories, and others of the Eaſt; yet, I counſel thee, not to neglect thoſe of the Weſt. The Ancient Roman Writers, are full of rare Examples; and Modern France, which emulates all Great and Glorious Undertakings, takes equal Care to commit to Poſterity, the Lives of Illuſtrious Perſons. I ſay not this, in Contempt of other Countries in Europe. The Chriſtians of theſe Parts in General, are accurate Hiſtorians. They are univerſally Learned; in Regard, there is no Kingdom in Europe, where they have not Schools and Academies, where all Languages and Sciences are taught. The Ploughmen in the Field, ſpeak Latin and Greek; which, thou knoweſt, are now grown obſolete, and no where to be learn'd but in Books. The Mechanicks are Philoſophers; and, every Man ſets up for an Hiſtorian, or an Antiquary. It was not ſo in former Times, when the Eccleſiaſticks had engroſs'd all Manner of Learning to themſelves, except ſome few of the Nobility and Gentry, who had the Advantage of Patrimonial Libraries, and Leiſure to apply themſelves to Study. For, then it was difficult to purchaſe Books, there being but few; and, for thoſe they were obliged, to the Labour of the Scribe. Hence it came to paſs, That onely ſuch as had Plenty of Mony, and a ſtrong Inclination to Knowledge, monopoliz'd the choiceſt Manuſcripts into their Hands, and bequeath'd them as a Legacy to their Off-ſpring. But, ſince the Invention of Printing, Books are infinitely multiply'd, grown Cheap and Common. And, thoſe Hiſtories and Sciences, which before were ſhut up in the Latin, Greek, or ſome of the Oriental Languages, are now tranſlated into the Vulgar Speech of every Nation; whereby the loweſt Sort of People who can but read, have the Privilege to become as Knowing as their Superiors, and the Slave may vye for Learning with his Sovereign. This makes the Nazarenes, upbraid the True Faithful with Ignorance and Barbariſm, becauſe Printing is not ſuffered throughout the Muſſulman Empire. They conſider not, the bad Conſequences of this Art, as well as the good: And, that the Liberty of the Preſs, has fill'd the World with Errors and Lyes. Beſides, they are Strangers to the Education of the Muſſulmans, who are generally taught the Arabick and Perſian Tongues from their Childhood: In which Two Languages, how many famous Hiſtories have been writ? There is no Point of uſeful Wiſdom, which is not compriz'd in the Writings of the Eaſtern Sages. And, as for unprofitable Treatiſes and Pamphlets, with which the Europeans abound, they are ſuperfluous and burdenſome, bringing a double Loſs, both to Writer and Reader; while they rob them of their Time and Mony, and commit a Rape on their Underſtandings. Add to this, the Fatal Effects which this deprav'd Indulgence of Printing, has produc'd in Chriſtendom. What Sacrileges, Maſſacres, Rebellions and Impieties, have overflow'd moſt Parts of the Weſt in this licentious Age? What Hatred among Chriſtians, What Seditions among Subjects, Diverſities in Religion, Contempts of all Law both Divine, Natural, and thoſe of Nations? The Vices, at which former Times would have bluſh'd; nay, at the very naming of which, our Fathers would have ſtarted, as at a Prodigy, are in theſe Day committed openly, without Shame, without Contradiction; whilſt there are Authors, who dare publickly aſſert the Cauſe of Impiety, and patronize all Manner of Prophanations.

But thou, who haſt the Honour to guard the Incorruptible Seat of Juſtice and Vertue, the Bright Throne of the Oſman Emperours, who are the Shadows of God on Earth; haſt made ſuch a Choice of Books, as commends thy Wiſdom, and the Sincerity of thy Morals. Thou wilt not ſuffer thy Imagination to be tainted, with thoſe enchanting Idea's of Evil, which are drawn by the Pens of ſome Elegant Writers. All that thou ſeekeſt in Books, is to inform thy Underſtanding, rectify thy Judgment, and enflame thy Affections with the Love of Vertue. To this End, ſerve the Divine Precepts of our Holy Doctors, and other Learned Sages; the Writings of Philoſophers, and the Examples of Renowned Heroes. From theſe thou gathereſt Strength, to practiſe the Four Maternal Vertues, and all the Good Qualities, that ſpring from thoſe Roots.

Go on, and encreaſe in the Graces and Accompliſhments, which ſhall render thee Worthy to be made the Subject of a Particular Hiſtory; while the Old ſhall recommend, and the Young ſhall covet, nothing more paſſionately, than to read the Life of Caſſim Hali, Janizar-Aga.

Mahmut ſalutes thee with a Kiſs of Affection. Reverence thy ſelf, and all Men will Honour thee: So taught Pythagoras.

Paris, 17th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XI. To the ſame.

I Had forgot to perform in my other Letter, what thou commandedſt me. Yet, knowing the Eſteem thou haſt for Women of Vertue and rare Endowments, and with what Pleaſure thou readeſt their Stories; I ſhould never ſend any Diſpatch to thee, wherein there is not a Relation of ſome Heroine. I will be more diligent hereafter, to obſerve the Diſpoſition of my Superiours; and will endeavour, to procure a Collection of the Lives and Characters of all the Famous Women, that have been Recorded in Hiſtory. In the mean while, hear what the French ſay, of Chriſtina Queen of Suedeland, of whom thou requireſt a Deſcription.

She is the onely Daughter of Guſtavus Adolphus, the moſt Victorious Prince, that ever govern'd that Nation; and, one of the moſt Succeſsful Warriours in the World. As his whole Life was led in the Field, ſo there he received an Honourable Death, being ſlain in the Battel of Lutzen: Some ſay, by the Treachery of Duke Albert; who had in Appearance, deſerted the Emperour, and offer'd himſelf a Voluntier to Guſtavus Adolphus. I formerly mention'd this Duke, and that he was kill'd by a Suediſh Lady. If the Suſpicion of the Suedes be well grounded, and that Duke Albert was really Guilty of the Murder of Guſtavus, it may be, This was the Motive which brought thoſe Amazons into the Field, to revenge the Death of their Prince. But, it is impoſſible to be aſſur'd of the Truth, among ſo many different Opinions.

When the French ſpeak of Guſtavus Adolphus, they cannot reſtrain their Words on this Side a Panegyrick. They ſay, he was a Prince above all Praiſe. 'Tis certain, his very Enemies admir'd his unimitable Courage, and matchleſs Fortune. I have ſent thee the true Effigies of his Face, wherein thou wilt ſee, a moſt agreeable Mixture of Majeſty and Benignity, creating Reſpect and Love at the ſame Time in the Beholders. He was ſo familiar with every one, as if he had forgot himſelf, as well as he was a Stranger to Pride. He was a great Student in his Youth, and made himſelf Maſter of Latin, French, and Italian; being alſo perfectly skill'd, in Ancient and Modern Hiſtories. He had a wonderful Faculty, in diſcovering Impoſtures; a dextrous Wit in Time of Danger and Difficulty, being Ready at Counſel, and ſwift in Execution; and, as cunning at a Stratagem, as he was bold at an Onſet. He was Liberal to his Officers, and to all Men of Merit; but, a ſevere Puniſher of Diſorders in his Army. And, that which Crown'd all the reſt of his Vertues, his Piety to God was ſingular and worthy of Remark. The French relate a Memorable Saying of this King, when he was once in his Camp before Werben. He had been ſolitary in the Cabinet of his Pavilion ſome Hours together, and none of his Attendants durſt interrupt Him; Till at Length, a Favourite of his having ſome important Matter to tell him, came ſoftly to the Door, and looking in, beheld the King very devoutly on his Knees at Prayers. Fearing to moleſt him in that Sacred Exerciſe, he was about to withdraw his Head, when the King ſpied him, and bid Him come in, ſaying unto him, Thou wondereſt to ſee me in this Poſture, ſince I have ſo many Thouſands of Subjects to pray for me. But, I tell thee, That no Man has more Need to pray for Himſelf, than He, who being to render an Account of his Actions to None but God, is for that Reaſon, more cloſely aſſaulted by the Devil, than all other Men beſide.

Guſtavus was born in the Year 1594. At which Time, they ſay, a Comet was ſeen in the Form of a Sword, with its Point directed toward Germany; which the Aſtrologers of thoſe Times, interpreted as a Preſage of that King's Warlike Genius, and of his future Conqueſts in the Empire. He came to the Government, before he had ſeen full Seventeen Winters, and was cut off in the Eighth and Thirtieth Year of his Age.

It is ſaid, That a few Days before his Death, when his Soldiers received Him with Infinite Acclamations, and all the Marks of an unuſual and intemperate Joy, he ſeemed to be troubled at it, ſaying, That he took that Exceſſive Demonſtration of his Soldiers Love, for an Omen, of ſome approaching Diſaſter; And, that he was aſſured, God would, by taking him away, teach them, That there is no Confidence to be repos'd in any Mortal.

After the Death of Guſtavus, the States of the Kingdom aſſembling, proclaimed Chriſtina Queen; And, during her Minority, committed her to the Tutelage of Five Principal Officers of the Kingdom, who alſo took on them, the whole Care of the Commonwealth,

She is perfect in Seven Languages. Well vers'd in Ancient and Modern Philoſophy; And, a complete Hiſtorian. In fine, ſhe has acquired the Title, of the Moſt Learned Princeſs of her Time.

She is of a Graceful and Majeſtick Aſpect: Has a piercing Eye: Wears Part of her Hair looſe about her Temples, and flowing down in Curls to her Shoulders; the Reſt braided up behind, in Form of a Wreath. Thus is ſhe repreſented by her Picture, which I have ſeen in a Gallery of Cardinal Mazarim's Palace, who profeſſes a great Veneration for this Queen. Could I have purchas'd her Portraicture, as I did her Father's, I would have ſent it thee: But, all the Pencils in Paris are hardly ſufficient, to ſupply the Cloſets and Galleries of the Nobles, with this Admired Figure. She is become the Idol of the French.

Many great Matches have been offered her; but, ſhe refuſes all, either for Reaſons of State, or Diſlike of the Perſons, or an Averſion ſhe has for a Married Life; or through Oppoſition of her Nobles, who ſeem to covet to be governed by a Maiden Queen. Soon after her Father's Death, the King of Denmark attempted to make her his Wife; but his Redreſs was abruptly rejected.

No better Encouragement did the King of Poland lately meet with, who Twice ſollicited the ſame Thing for Himſelf, and was as often repulſed. But this, 'tis thought, proceeded from ſome Politick Reaſons; he being deſcended of Sigiſmund, a former Abdicated King of Sueden; all whoſe Poſterity, are for ever excluded from enjoying the Suediſh Crown, by a Law.

The Engliſh alſo gloried in a Virgin Queen, the laſt Age: Her Name was Elizabeth; whom thou can'ſt not but have heard of. She was the Daughter of Henry VIII. King of that Nation. She was a Princeſs of an extraordinary Genius, remarkable for her Wit and Learning. 'Twas one of her Subjects, who, the firſt of all Mortals, ſail'd round the Globe: And, by his fortunate Service, ſhe vanquiſh'd the reputed Invincible Armada of Spain. She governed her Kingdom with ſuch exquiſite Conduct, as made the Greateſt Potentates revere her Wiſdom. 'Tis to her Bounty, the Ʋnited Provinces owe the Riſe of their preſent Grandeur and Riches; when they addreſs'd this Potent Queen in Form of Humble Suppliants, entitling themſelves, The poor diſtreſſed States. But now, they're High and Mighty; puſhing for an Equality with Sovereign Princes,

I cannot comprize in a Letter, all that may be ſaid of this Great Queen. Beſides, Hiſtorians vary in her Character. Thoſe that ſpeak moſt Impartially, ſay, That ſhe had Extraordinary Vertues, yet was not free from Great Vices. We muſt not expect in any Mortal, a Temper exempt from the Common Malediction; much leſs in that Sex, whoſe Natural Weakneſs, claims our Indulgence and Excuſe. It is admirable to ſee, or hear of a Female, whoſe Active Soul can diſingage it ſelf from the Common Frailties of Women, and perform Things ſcarce below the Power of Maſculine Vertue.

If thou thinkeſt my Letter too tedious, accuſe thy ſelf, for commanding me to write of Perſons, whoſe Uncommon Gifts and Tranſcendent Vertues, the moſt Accurate Hiſtorians can but render in Epitome; and, the moſt durable Records of Fame will injure, in not being capable to tranſmit them to Eternity.

We ought not to contemn the Excellencies of the Nazarenes; who, though they are Unhappy in not knowing the Alcoran, yet they have a Law engraven on their Hearts; which if they obſerve, they ſhall be in the Number of the Bleſſed.

I am no Stranger to thy Moderation and Juſtice; being fully ſatisfied, that thou honoureſt Vertue, even in the moſt prejudic'd Enemy of our Holy Profeſſion. Let the Furioſo's among the Muſſulmans or Chriſtians ſay their Pleaſure; thou and I, ſhall be conformable to our Holy Lawgiver, in believing, That the Innocent and Good of all Religions, ſhall have no Reaſon to tremble, at the Second Sound of the Trumpet.

Paris, 17th. of the 18th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XII. To the Selictar Aga, or Sword-Bearer to the Grand Signior.

THE Duke of Orleans, is newly return'd from the Campagne in Flanders. He ſeems to be either tired with the Fatigues of War, or at leaſt, to be ſatisfy'd with his Exploits this Summer.

After the Conqueſt of Courtray, of which thou haſt heard in the Divan; this Prince march'd directly to Bergues, which he took after a Siege of Six Days. Then being join'd by the Duke of Enguien's Forces, he lay down before Mardyke. This Town had been in the Spaniards Poſſeſſion, ever ſince laſt Winter. Now it held out to a Miracle: but, after a Stout Reſiſtance, was at laſt forc'd to ſurrender. There were ſlain before it, many of the Chief Nobility of France. The French entred it, on the Four and Twentieth of the laſt Moon.

The Churches here are hung with Mourning, and the Eſcutcheons of the Heroes, who loſt their Lives in the Bed of Honour. The Bullets, which know no Difference between the Noble and Vulgar, ſeem in this Battel, to have been directed by Art or Envy: As if the Flower of the Army, had been cull'd out for Marks.

In a Letter to Murat Baſſa, I gave an Account of a grievous Drought and Mortality in theſe Parts. Now Heaven ſeems to be pacify'd; and, the Angel of Death, has put up his Sword. Yet, the Scarcity of Corn and other Neceſſaries, continues ſtill; only, there is Plenty of Wine: Which the Poor, who have moſt Need of it, abſtain from, leſt it ſhould enrage their Appetites, already ſharpen'd with Hunger, whilſt they have Little or Nothing to eat.

Thou wilt wonder at the Dyet of theſe Miſerable Wretches, whom Oppreſſion and Poverty has forc'd to feed on Frogs and other Vermin. Yet, they extoll it for a dainty Diſh. Both Poor and Rich reckon it a Feaſt, when they can make an Addition of a few Muſhromes, which they commonly gather themſelves. This is a Vegetable, of which the Italian Proverb ſays, Muſhromes well pickl'd with Spices, may do no Harm, but can do no Good.

God, who has commanded us to ſeparate the Clean from the Impure, and has taught us what we may eat without Pollution, grant, That we may not either through Neceſſity, or to indulge our Appetites, taſte of any Thing, which has in it the leaſt of the Seven Maledictions.

Paris, 14th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XIII. To Abubechir Hali, Merchant in Aleppo.

THOU telleſt me a Tragical Story of One of thy Wives, That ſhe is become a Fugitive, and gone away with thy Slave Lorenzo; whom I remember to have ſeen at thy Houſe at Conſtantinople. Either thou wert too Unkind to them both, or gaveſt 'em both too much Liberty: Whichſoever of theſe Ways thou haſt exceeded, thou art in the Fault. Too great an Indulgence, either to a Wife or a Servant, makes them preſumptuous: And, too great Severity, hardens them to Deſpair. However, ſince it is ſo, I adviſe thee to comfort thy ſelf with this Thought, That thou art rid of Two Evils. Had they prov'd Faithful, they would not have merited that Title; but now, they are neither worthy of thy Grief, nor of thy Revenge.

But, if thou art reſolv'd to purſue them, ask not my Counſel, or Aſſiſtance in this Place; where I ſhould have as much Reaſon to apprehend Danger, as they. 'Tis true, I know thy Slave; but, were I to meet him in the Streets of this City, I ſhould be very unwilling, by diſcovering him, to be made known my ſelf. Beſides, thy Paſſion has made thee forget, That the Nazarenes would commend his Wit, and rejoice in his Fortune; who being a Slave to one, whom they eſteem an Infidel, has now by his Wiſe Conduct, purchas'd both his Liberty and a Beautiful Mate, with no ſmall Treaſure.

I rather adviſe thee, to apply thy ſelf to Jaſmir Sgire Rugial, the Little Aſtrologer in Aleppo, who perhaps may tell thee ſome News of 'em. There is not a Star in the Eighth Sphere, can ſtir without his being privy to it. And, he pretends to behold in their Motions, whatever is done on Earth.

But, to be ſerious, thy Slave was an ungrateful Fellow, thus to abuſe all thy Favours. Thou hadſt made him in a Manner, Maſter of all thy Riches, only reſerving thy Wives to thy ſelf. And, if the Deſire of Liberty tempted him to eſcape, he ought in Juſtice to have ſacrific'd his Luſt, to the Regards he ow'd thee. But, every Slave is not a Joſeph. Lorenzo's Villainy, puts me in Mind of the Continence of an Italian Marquis.

This Young Lord, fell in Love with a Dutcheſs of ſingular Beauty, but knew not how to make her ſenſible of it. At length, Fortune favour'd him with an Opportunity, beyond his Expectation. One Evening, as he return'd from Hawking, he paſs'd through the Fields of that Dutcheſs, bordering on the Palace. The Duke her Husband and ſhe, were walking together, as the Young Lord came by. The Duke ſeeing his Train, and what Game they had been at, ask'd him ſome Queſtions concerning their Sport; and being of an Hoſpitable Diſpoſition, invited him into his Palace to take a Collation. Nothing could be more agreeable to the Young Lover. He accepted the Offer; and here commenc'd an Acquaintance, which made Way in Time for an Aſſignation between the Dutcheſs and Him. He was let into the Gardens one Night, and ſo conducted privately to her Chamber, where ſhe lay ready in Bed to receive Him. After ſome Compliments, the Dutcheſs ſaid, My Lord, You are obliged to my Husband for this Favour; who, as ſoon as you were gone from our Houſe, the firſt Time we ſaw you, gave you ſuch Commendations, as made me conceive an immediate Paſſion for you. Is it true, Madam? (replied the Young Lover already half undreſs'd) Then far be it from me, to be ſo ungrateful to my Friend. With that he put on his Garments again, and took his Leave.

But, it cannot be expected, that ſo much Vertue ſhould be found in a Slave. I would not have thee vex thy ſelf, for what cannot be recover'd. Adieu.

Paris, 14th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XIV. To Solyman, his Couſin.

I Cannot approve thy Singularity, in preſcribing to thy ſelf a Rule of Life, different from that wherein thou wert Educated, and from the Laudable Manners of all True Believers. Thou haſt not done well, in deſerting the Publick Congregations of the Faithful, to follow the Superſtitions of New Upſtart Sects: Who, whilſt they profeſs greater Purity than others, do ſecretly undermine the Credit of our Holy Law-giver, reproach all the Muſſulmans throughout the World, and introduce Libertiniſm, and a Contempt of the Majeſty, which cannot behold Ʋncleanneſs.

Are they Wiſer than their Fathers, who for ſo many Ages have obey'd the Sacred Traditions? Or, will they pretend to correct the Meſſenger of God? He commanded us, to obſerve the Purifications taught by the Angel: Whence do theſe Innovators derive their newfounded Authority, of Diſpenſing with the Poſitive Injunctions of Heaven? Will they enter into the Blaſphemy of 〈◊〉 Infidels, and ſay, the Prophet was a Seducer, and that the Alcoran is but a Collection of Fables? If they believe the Pages repleniſh'd with Truth and Reaſon, why do they ſeek to retrench the Divine Commandments, and traverſe the Law tranſported from Heaven? Is it an Argument of their Piety, that they carve out to themſelves ſuch a Religion, as ſuits with their Licentious Spirits? And, that they pick and chuſe ſuch Precepts, as indulge them moſt in a Careleſs Life? Is this to be Muſſulmans, that is, Reſign'd, when they will not obey the Sovereign Lawgiver of Heaven and Earth, but upon their own Conditions? Couſin, I counſel thee, to beware of theſe Schiſmaticks; who, by breaking the Ʋnion of the True Believers, ſecretly oppoſe the Eternal Ʋnity it ſelf, on which our Mighty Empire is founded, and reſts.

I am obliged to the Poſt, who waits at my Door, till I have finiſh'd my Diſpatches. Therefore, I cannot now anſwer thy Letter at Large: Another Time expect a more ample Expoſtulation. Mean while I adviſe thee, to return to the Practice from which thou art fall'n: Go to the Aſſemblies of thoſe, who pour out Devout Oraiſons: Keep a Clean Skin, and a Pure Heart: And, make not thy ſelf a Companion of Swine.

Paris, 24th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XV. To Haſnadar-Baſſy, Chief Treaſurer to the Grand Signior.

THIS Day Paris makes a Figure like Ancient Rome, when that Miſtreſs of the World honour'd her Generals with Publick Triumphs, at their Return from the Conquer'd Nations. The Streets are hung with Tapeſtry, and ſtrew'd with Lawrels: The Shops are ſhut up. The Young Men and Virgins, are cloathed in their beſt Array. They walk up and down in Conſorts, ſinging the Duke of Enguien's Praiſe: Whilſt the Old and Decrepid, ſit at their Doors, to ſee the Hero make his Entry, and rehearſe the Memoirs of their former Years. With Tears of Joy, they heap Bleſſings on the Victorious Youth, as he rides along: And, throwing their Age and Crutches by for a while, they conſecrate the Reſt of the Day to the Publick Jubilee.

Wouldſt thou know the Occaſion of all this Joy? 'Tis to welcom this Prince Home from the Succeſsful Toils of War. For, let his Courage and Conduct be what it will, if he had made a fruitleſs Campagne, his Entertainment had been different. But, Fortune has been propitious to him; and, the happy Event of his Arms, crowns him with Glory.

After the Departure of the Duke of Orleans from the Camp, the Command of the whole Army devolv'd on this General. Whoſe fiery Genius would not let him Reſt, till he had done ſomething worthy of the Character he aim'd at.

His firſt Attempt was, on a Place of no great Strength, called Furnes, which he took with Eaſe. Then he marched to Dunkirk, one of the Strongeſt Towns in Europe. There was in it at that Time, a Garriſon of Five and Twenty Hundred Foot, and Three Hundred Horſe, commanded by a Nobleman of great Valour. I think they call him the Marquis de Leide. This Governour did ſo many brave Things, in Defence of this Place, as even ſurpaſs'd his own Fame, and the Expectations of others; though, both were very Great. Yet at Length, he was forced to yield to the Courage and Fortune of the Young Duke; and that, at a Time, when the other Spaniſh Generals were coming to his Relief. The Town was ſurrendred, on the 7th. of this Moon. And, the Duke having left the Neceſſary Commands to the Mareſchals his Lieutenants, is come Home to receive the Acclamations of the People, the Honour of a Publick Triumph, and the particular Careſſes of the King, and the whole Court. Amidſt all this Applauſe and Glory, he muſt be content to ſtand the Shock of Envy, which always endeavours to leſſen the Reputation of the Brave and Heroick.

As for Mahmut, he neither Envies nor admires the fading Honours of Mortality: Knowing, that when a Man is on the Higheſt Pinnacle of Humane Glory, he ſtands uneaſie; nor can he deſcend from thence, but by a Precipice.

Paris, 24th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XVI. To Ibrahim Hali Cheik, A Man of the Law.

IF it be a Sign of a Flouriſhing State, when Vices are ſuppreſs'd; one would preſage, That Paris is in a thriving Condition. The Governour of this City, has newly publiſh'd an Edict, forbidding all Stews and Brothel-Houſes under ſevere Penalties; baniſhing all Harlots, and ſuch as by the Toleration of the Government, have hitherto made a Profeſſion of Whoredom, getting a Livelihood by Debauching the Youth of the City. This appears a great Novelty to the French; who, in this Matter, have been permitted all along, to live in an unbridled Licentiouſneſs. The lewder Sort, exclaim with open Mouth againſt this unſeaſonable Rigor (as they call it;) and thoſe who are aſham'd to appear publick Advocates for Harlots, yet privately murmur againſt their Superiours, for retrenching a Liberty, without which, they ſay, their Lives would be uncomfortable.

They give a very favourable Character of a Whore; calling her, A certain kind Creature, born to mitigate the Labours, and ſoften the Cares of Human Life. They plead, That ſuch Women are Neceſſary Members of a Commonwealth; whilſt, with their Careſſes, they reſtrain libidinous Youth from falling into greater Enormities: That the State receives no ſmall Profit from the Tribute, which is levied on theſe Houſes of Pleaſure; and, that therefore they have been, and are permitted in all Countries: That the Holy Father himſelf, tolerates an Infinite Number of them in Rome; which nevertheleſs has acquired the Title, of the Holy City: That all the Princes in Italy, have followed his Example; there being no other way to prevent Adulteries, Inceſts, and the Vice which ought not to be named: That the State regarded not the Morality or Immorality of Mens Actions, any farther than they tended to the Publick Welfare: And, in fine, that ſo vaſt a Number of Prieſts, and Religious, ſerv'd for no other End, but to atone by their Sacrifices, Prayers, Alms and Faſtings, for the Sins of the People.

Theſe are the Diſcourſes of ſuch as patronize the Corruption of Government; and are unwilling to be wean'd from a Wickedneſs, eſtabliſh'd by Immemorable Cuſtom in the City. But, thoſe who cheriſh an Eſteem for Vertue, and an incorrupt Life, applaud the Wiſdom and Reſolution of the Magiſtrate, ſaying, That he deſerves a Statue to be erected to his Memory, who firſt had the Courage to check this Popular Evil, and introduce an Integrity of Manners.

I, who was bred in the Profeſſion of Purity, and the Law which admits no Pollution, cannot but acquieſce to the Sentiments of the Latter; our Holy Lawgiver, having expreſsly forbidden, the Practice of Uncleanneſs and Fornication with Strangers, and Women that proſtitute themſelves to all Lovers. It being ſufficient, that to gratify Human Paſſion, and to ſweeten the Toils of Life, he has indulg'd us the Uſe of Four Wives, and as many Other Females, as we can purchaſe either by the Sword or Money.

Adieu, Sage Cheik; and, if I have interrupted thy more Important Studies with ſo Trivial a Subject, believe, that it is for want of a proper Occaſion to ſignifie to thee, how much thou art in my Thoughts; and, that I would not have our Friendſhip die, through too long Silence.

Paris 24th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XVII. To Muſtapha, Baſſa of Siliſtria.

THE Fortune of War, has raviſh'd Aſac from the Grand Signior, but has not robb'd thee of the Glory thou acquiredſt Three Years ago in the Conqueſt of that City; nor ſullied thy preſent Arms, with any Marks of Diſgrace, that were of late ſo vigorouſly employ'd to relieve it. Had the Moſcovites performed the ſame Part, when thou didſt encircle that Neſt of Pyrates, with the Ottoman Forces, as they have now done; the Coſſacks would not then ſo tamely have abandon'd their Native Seat, and left the Characters of their Deſpair, imprinted in the Ruines of their Habitations. The Protection of that Potent Crown, has given them new Vigor; and, 'tis to the Valour of thoſe Northern Salvages, they owe the Liberty they now enjoy, to ſit by their own Fires.

The Moſcovites are a fierce and warlike Nation, inur'd to Hardſhips from the Womb. The Midwives plunge the new-born Infants in Cold Water; and, if they out-live not that Tryal, the Mother thinks her Child not worth a Tear. The Women have no partial Tenderneſſes for their Babes, but cheriſh all for the Service of their Country. They teach 'em when Young, to rowl in Snow, and Bathe themſelves in Ice diſſolv'd to Water. They make 'em familiar with the Extremities of Heat and Cold, Hunger, Thirſt and Labour, that when they come of Age, and can bear Arms, they may go boldly to the Wars, and bravely throw their Lives away to ſerve the Publick Good. In this, they ſeem to revive the Wiſdom of the Ancient Spartans, who gloried in Nothing ſo much, as in educating their Youth hardily, and free from the Effeminate Softneſſes of other Nations. They eſteem'd Infancy and Youth, the Spring time of good Manners, when Vertue is in the Bloſſom: If that be nip'd or blaſted, the Fruit muſt prove abortive and unprofitable. Therefore they took Care, to ſeaſon their Early Years, with wholeſom Inſtructions, and Maſculine Exerciſes.

Who, among the warlike Oſmans, does not laugh at the unmanly Education of the Perſian Sophi's; who being for ſo many Years confin'd to the Company and Diſcipline of Females, ſeem fitter to be made Overſeers of a Nurſery, than to aſcend a Throne?

But, thou wilt ſay, I take large Leaps, from the North of Europe, to one of the moſt Southern Tracts in Aſia. I was diſcourſing of the Moſcovites, and the Aſſiſtance they afforded the Coſſacks in recovering Aſac. I paſſed from thence to the Manner of their Education. Permit me now, to divert thee with Something peculiar and uncommon, in the Character of the Ruſſian Women. I am acquainted with a Gentleman in this City, who has travelled through all that Part of Europe, and reſided ſome Years at Moſco. He ſays, The Ruſſian Wives think themſelves not beloved by their Husbands, unleſs they beat them every Day. They take his Correction, as a Mark of his Favour and Eſteem. If theſe ſilly Females are angry or peeviſh, he has no other way to court 'em into a better Humour, but by Stripes. This is the only convincing Argument of his Sovereignty over them, the Demonſtration of his Manhood, the Charm which faſtens both their Love and Obedience.

He highly applauds the abſolute Reſignation, which this People ſhew to their Great Duke; in that they pretend not to Poſſeſs their Eſtates and Lives, but through his Favour, and during his Pleaſure. He ſays, the Succeſſion of the Czars, or Great Dukes of Ruſſia, was in former Times determin'd after this Manner. A great Stone was plac'd in a large Field belonging to the City of Moſco. When any Czar died, His Sons or the next of Kin, were conducted into this Field, and placed all at an equal Diſtance from the Stone: Then, at a certain Signal given, they all ran together toward it; and, he that firſt reach'd it, ſo as to ſtand on the Top of it, was eſtabliſh'd in the Throne.

The Reverence which theſe People pay to their Prince, may in Part be aſcribed to his ſeldom appearing in Perſon to them, and then ſurrounded with his Boyars or Nobles, in the moſt Magnificent Equipage, that can be ſuppoſed proper, to ſtrike a Terror and Awe into his Subjects, and cauſe them to Honour him, as little leſs than a God. The Eyes of the Vulgar, are dazl'd with ſo many Splendors, of Silver, Gold, and Jewels; And, when the Great Duke makes his ſolemn Appearance or Cavalcade, they are almoſt ready to think, That Heaven has deſcended to Earth, to do them the Honour of a Viſit. Theſe are the Arts of Ruſſian Policy, by which ſuch an Infinite Number of People are charmed, into an Obedience to the Sovereign. Doubtleſs, the Majeſty of a King, receives no ſmall Luſtre from External Ornaments; the Multitude being captivated, with whatſoever is Gay and Glittering. Yet, our Glorious Sultans, ſcorn to borrow Advantage from, or owe their Grandeur to any Thing, but their Exalted Blood, and ſublime, innate Vertues.

But, every Nation have their peculiar Cuſtoms, and diſtinct Reaſons of State. The Conſtitution of all Governments is not alike: The Model of Lacedaemonian Policy, would ſuit ill with Athens.

Thou, whoſe Education was in the Royal Seraglio of the Oſman Emperours; that haſt been inſtructed to imitate the Bee, which ſucks Honey, from every Flower: Thou that knoweſt how to make a Choice of Good Examples, and to reject the Ill; practiſe the Valour of One Nation, the Prudence of Another, the Frugality of a Third; ſo ſhalt thou be conſummate in Vertue, and acquit thy ſelf a good General.

Paris, 15th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XVIII. To Solyman, Kyzlar Aga, Chief of the Black Eunuchs.

I Am juſt now return'd to my Chamber, from the Palace of the King. As I paſs'd along the Streets, I ſaw in every Face the Signatures of a profound Sorrow, which ſeems to have diffuſed it ſelf over their whole Bodies; for, both the Court and City have put on Mourning, for the Death of Henry Bourbon, late Prince of Conde.

He was not full Sixty Years of Age, when he left this Viſible World, to be new-born in a Region utterly unknown to Mortals. The French, not without Reaſon, lament the Loſs of a Man, who, to ſpeak the Leaſt of him, buoy'd up the Domeſtick Intereſt of this Kingdom, which ſeemed otherwiſe inclining to totter. He was the Balance, which pois'd the different Paſſions of the Court and City; by his Prudence and Juſtice, calming both into a peaceable Mediocrity.

He was born ſome Moons after his Fathers Death, whom the moſt execrable Method of Murdering, would not ſuffer to Spin out thoſe Years, which Nature would have indulg'd him; being ſnatch'd away by Poiſon.

Henry IV. ſo long as he remain'd without Iſſue, fix'd his Eyes on this Poſthumous Young Prince, and gave him an Education ſuitable to one, whom Fate had deſigned to be the Heir of the Crown. Yet afterwards, Jealouſie cool'd his Affection, when the Prince had married Charleotte, the Duke of Montmorency's Daughter, whom Henry IV. loved to a Degree of Paſſion.

It is dangerous to have a Sovereign Prince, ones Rival in Love. That Match had well-nigh ruined the Young Prince of Conde. He was forced to fly into Holland with his Princeſs, and make that Province the Sanctuary of her Honour. From thence he travelled through Germany, and return'd not to France, till after the Murder of Henry IV.

During the Minority of Lewis XIII. he Headed the Factions, affecting to become Popular. Were it not for this Ambition, his Life had been without Blemiſh, and he might have blown out Diogenes his Mid-day-Candle. But, no Man is free from Fault. All the Difference between the Vertuous and Vicious, conſiſts in this, That one commits fewer Crimes than the other, and thoſe not by Intention or Habit, but through the Inſuperable Proclivity of Nature. Every Man has his Genial Vices, his Conſtitutional Errors; and, though he may appear a Saint in all Things elſe, yet in theſe he will ſtill be a Sinner.

He ſuffered Five Years Impriſonment in the Baſtile, which is a Place put to the ſame Uſe, as the Caſtle of the Seven Towers in Conſtantinople. The Princeſs his Wiſe, was his Companion all the Time, and ſhared in his Miſfortunes, as well as his Proſperity.

During that tedious Confinement, he became Father of a Daughter, who was afterwards Married to the Duke of Longueville. And, when he was ſet at Liberty, he begot the Duke of Enguien, now Prince of Conde, and the Prince of Conti.

The French ſpeak well of the Departed Prince. He was of a lively Spirit, chearful and affable in Converſation, mixing daily Recreations with his ſeverer Buſineſs, regularly obſerving Order in all his Affairs. Yet, they ſay, he was Covetous, having heaped up great Treaſures, by a Parſimony which none of that Blood had ever before practiſed.

On his Death-bed, he recommended Two Things to the Practice of his Son, the Duke of Enguien; Never to revenge a Private Injury; And, freely to hazard his Life, for the Publick Good.

I choſe to tranſinit to thee the News of this Prince's Death, with this brief Account of his Life, and Character of his Diſpoſition, in Regard thou haſt ſeen him in Germany, and I remember to have heard thee ſpeak in his Praiſe.

Continue to love Mahmut, who is never forgetful to oblige his Friends. Adieu.

Paris, 15th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XIX. To the Kaimacham.

THE Poſts from Catalonia came in laſt Night, laden with ill News from the Army, which has been forced to decamp from before Lerida, leaving the greateſt Part of their Artillery to the Spaniards. That Place, was always fatal to the French. Yet, the Paſſion of the Court, vents it ſelf on the Count d' Harcourt, becauſe he could not reverſe the Decrees of Deſtiny. All his Former Meritorious Actions, ſeem now to be cancell'd, by this one Diſgrace, though it was unavoidable: So peeviſh are Princes, when their Expectations are croſs'd. Some ſuſpect him guilty of private Correſpondence; Others tax him with Cowardiſe. All this is, during the Heat of their Reſentments: The ſame Perſons, it may be, will change their Cenſure, when they conſider, that he had lain before it Seven Moons, even till the Trenches of his Camp were filled with Snow, and that his Soldiers died of Famine or Cold: For, the Winter began to be inſupportable, and the Country was barren of all Things neceſſary to ſuſtain ſuch an Army. I cannot ſee, wherein this General deſerves Reproach; unleſs it be a Crime to be a Man, and to have the Command of ſuch as are made of Fleſh and Blood, as well as he.

In Italy, the French have taken Piombino and Portolongone. This Latter, is the moſt important Town in the Iſle of Elbe; Yet, was not able to ſuſtain above Nineteen Days Siege.

They ſay, there is a Fountain in this Iſland, whoſe Waters flow at the Sun-riſing; but, in the Evening, are dryed up. The Superſtitious have odd Conceits of this Fountain, reliſhing of the Ancient Pagan Vanities; but, the Learned attribute it, to Natural Cauſes. So, the Jews tell of a River in the Eaſt, that ſtands ſtill on the Seventh Day of the Week. This they adduce, as a Confirmation of their. Law, which commands them to reſt from Labours on the Seventh Day; becauſe, on that Day, God reſted from forming the Creatures of the World. They ſay alſo, That the Satyrs and other Monſters of the Deſart, ſhun the Light of the Sun that Day; hiding themſelves in Caverns of the Earth, and Curſing the Sabbath, becauſe it ſurpriz'd God, before he had quite finiſh'd their Forms; for which Reaſon, they are Imperfect and Monſtrous to this Day.

The Divine Ʋnity, who is the Root of all Numbers, and has conſecrated the Number Seven, to many Myſterious Ends, grant, that neither thou nor I may forget the Anſwers we muſt give, to the Seven Queſtions of the Porter of Paradiſe.

Paris, 7th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1646.
LETTER XX. To Bajazet, Baſſa of Greece.

IT appears to me, by evident Symptoms, that there is ſome deep Deſign afoot in this Court. The Grandees aſſemble often, and ſit late. Extraordinary Couriers are ſent out, and come in, at all Hours of the Night. Strange Reports are induſtriouſly ſpread about the City. Trading is at a Stand, the Banquiers reſerv'd, and little Money ſtirring; which makes the Populace murmur. They complain of the Times, as is uſual in Publick Diſcontents: The Old diſcourage and incenſe the Young, by making Compariſons of this Age and Reign, with the Happy Days of Henry the Great. They fill their Ears, with Golden Stories of former Times; and, inſpiring into them a Love of the Paſt, they equally introduce a Hatred of the Preſent Government. Theſe are the Common Artifices of Faction. And, though none appears yet under any diſtinct Name or Title, yet 'tis eaſie to Prognoſticare, from theſe Preludes, That are long the Maſque will be taken off, and Sedition will ſhew her ſelf barefac'd.

Tother Day, a Follow run Crying through the Streets, God ſave the King, but the Devil take the Italian. He was followed by a few, and thoſe of the moſt Contemptible. Yet, no Officer or Magiſtrate in this City, would cauſe him to be apprehended, or attempt to ſuppreſs the Mutiny he was raiſing. The Citizens ſmil'd at his Boldneſs, and Money was brought him from unknown Hands: The Women bleſs'd Him as a Prophet, and the Virgins fell down before the Altars on his Behalf: The Temples were crowded with Votaries, or rather with the Fautors of this new Sedition; as if they ſtrove to draw their Gods into the Cabal, and would make Heaven it ſelf abert their Tumults. His Train encreas'd, as he meaſured the Streets; till at length he was ſeiz'd by the Royal Guards, the Rabble diſperſed, and all Things reſtored to Quiet. That Night, a Double Watch was kept throughout the City; the Fellow was ſtrictly examin'd, and put to the Rack; yet no Confeſſion could be extorted from him, ſave, That the Publick Good induc'd him to take this Courſe; That the Tyranny and Oppreſſion which Cardinal Mazarini exerciſed, were Inſupportable; and, That he was ready to ſacrifice his Life for the Welfare of his Country. He is condemn'd to the Gallies during his Life. And, great Endeavours are uſed, to find out the Authors of this Novelty. For, he is look'd on but as an Inſtrument, ſet at Work by ſome Malecontents of higher Quality, and the Forerunner of ſome more formidable Inſurrection.

Proclamations are iſſued out, to forbid all Diſcourſe of State-Matters; but, the People ſpare not, to whiſper their Sentiments.

The Young King is taken ill, which augments the Publick Jealouſie: Men ſhake their Heads, and look dejected, as they walk along the Streets. Some menace Revenge with their furrowed Brows; others ſpeak openly, That the Kingdom is ſold to Strangers. A General Conſternation and Diſorder has ſeiz'd all, while their Fears prompt 'em daily to expect a Change. To obviate the Miſchiefs which theſe Popular Paſſions threaten, Soldiers are drawn from divers Parts of the Country by Mazarini's Order, and by inſenſible Companies quarter'd up and down Paris. Between theſe and the Citizens, there happen divers Quarrels, frequent Murders are committed; while the Night, which covers all Things with Darkneſs, ſerves to ſhroud their mutual Outrages, and private Revenges. Thus, the Publick Calamities are cheriſh'd: What will be the Iſſue, Time will evince.

In the mean while, the Affairs of Germany and Suedeland, ſeem to be in a fair Way of Compoſure. Divers Treaties are on Foot, in Order to a General Peace in Chriſtendom. The Embaſſadors and Deputies of the ſeveral Conteſting Crowns, have frequent Conferences. But, each Party inſiſts ſo vehemently on Circumſtantials, that Nothing but fruitleſs Demurs conclude their Meetings. France has a great Stroke in all theſe Affairs: And, 'tis grown to a Proverb, That Cardinal Mazarini carries all the Courts of Europe in his Boſom.

The Suedes treat like Victors; and the Germans, though much enfeebl'd, yet cannot forget the Majeſty of the Imperial Sceptre. The Danes have an Intereſt to proſecute; and, the Poles are not without their Pretenſions. National Pride and Honour, have a great Influence on theſe Crowns. But, the Hollanders, like Merchants, act according to the Rules of Profit. They ſtand on no Punctilio's, but ſuch as advance their Traffick; knowing, that Money is the Nerves of War. In this they are to be eſteemed Wiſe, their Commonwealth being as yet but in her Nonage; her Strength not knit, nor ſhe in a Capacity, to wraſtle with her Potent Neighbours.

England finds Buſineſs enough at Home, to employ both her Money, Wit and Arms. Nor can ſhe be at Leiſure, to attend to Foreign Tranſactions.

Spain ever follows the Intereſt of the German Court; it being the Unalterable Maxim of the Houſe of Auſtria, To remain Ʋnited, and aggrandize it ſelf.

Italy has various Intereſts; and, Venice in particular, is in ſtrict Friendſhip with this Court.

Portugal is ſtill upon her Guard, againſt the reſtleſs Spaniards: and, Don Juan de Braganza, makes Foreign Alliances.

The Supreme Monarch of the Viſible and Inviſible Worlds, who ſits on the Throne of Adamant, under the Covert of the Eternal Tree, grant, That the Diſtractions of theſe Infidel-Princes and States, may continue, till the Time appointed by Fate ſhall come, wherein the Faithful Oſmans ſhall poſſeſs the Red Apple.

Paris, 25th. of the 1ſt. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXI. To Peſtelihali, his Brother.

I Thought my ſelf forgotten by the Son of my Mother, who has ſuffer'd ſo many Decads of Moons to meaſure out the Term of his unkind Silence, and of my Melancholy. 'Tis now Three Years, ſince I heard from thee: But, I will not complain, of a Fault ſo ingenuouſly expiated, though late. Thou haſt made me ample Amends, in ſending me ſuch an Elaborate and Succinct Hiſtory of thy Travels: In reading of which, I know not whether my Pleaſure or Proſit is greater. Thou haſt ſo interwoven Delightful Adventures of thy own, and pleaſant Paſſages of others, with Curious and Solid Obſervations, that a Man improves himſelf Inſenſibly; whilſt the Charming Language and Miſcellany, ſerve as a Spur, at once to rowze and faſten his Attention, to Points of moſt uſeful Knowledge.

The Chriſtians are apt to deſpiſe the True Believers, as a Company of Ignorant People, Unacquainted with the World, Unpoliſh'd both in their Underſtandings and Manners, not vers'd in the Liberal Sciences, nor addicted to the Study of any Thing, but Riches and Honour, and how to augment the Muſſulman Empire. They conſider not at the ſame Time, that God has made us Rational Creatures, as well as them; has endued us with the ſame Natural Faculties; and, that in all Nations, he has Inſpir'd ſome with a Thirſt of Knowledge, furniſhing them alſo with the Abilities and Means to attain it. They conſider not, that if Printing be prohibited among us, 'tis to ſuppreſs the Multitude of Unprofitable Books, with which Europe too much abounds: And, that in their Stead, we have many Thouſands of Induſtrious Scribes, whoſe whole Employment is, to tranſlate the moſt Excellent and Learned Treatiſes of the Ancients. And, that conſequently, a ſtudious Mahometan cannot be deſtitute of ſuch Books, as may inſtruct him in True Philoſophy, ſound Morals, and the Hiſtory of the Moſt Memorable Tranſactions in the World. Aſſuredly, our Arabia may boaſt of her Avicen's, Meſue's, Averroe's, Hali's and Albumazar's; and, that ſhe has brought forth many others, who need not in any Point of Human or Divine Learning, yield the Palm to the moſt Eminent Doctors, Philoſophers, Orators and Poets among the Chriſtians.

Add to this, the equal Benefit ſome of our Belief reap, by Travelling into Foreign Countries, which crowns all their Studies with Experimental Knowledge and Wiſdom: Rendring them as familiar, with the different Natures of Men, and the various Conſtitutions of Government, as before they were with Books.

This appears evident in thy Letter, which is repleniſhed with ſo many ſolid Remarks and ſage Comments, on the Laws and Cuſtoms of the Regions through which thou haſt paſs'd, their Religions, Strength and Riches, and whatſoever elſe was worthy a Traveller's Notice; That, were this Narrative publiſh'd in Chriſtendom, the Nazarenes would forbear to ſpeak ſo contemptibly of the True Believers.

But, they flatter themſelves with a falſe Notion, That the Ottomans never travel beyond the Limits of their own Empire, except the Publick Chiauſes, who are ſent by the Grand Signior. They are ignorant, that the Auguſt Port maintains Private Agents in all Nations; and, that there is hardly any Prince's Court in Chriſtendom, without a Muſſulman in it one Time or other. 'Tis true, we appear not in the Garb peculiar to the Eaſt. Our Miſſion, requires a Conformity to the Faſhions of the People where we Reſide. But, we ſtill retain the Interiour Veſtment of Mahometan Purity; being in a double Senſe Circumciſed. Thus we become Maſters of the Chriſtians Secrets, whilſt they account us Stupid, Ignorant, and Men void of Common Sence.

Beſides, had we not this Advantage, in theſe Weſtern Parts; yet, the Univerſal Priviledge of Travelling and maintaining free Commerce over all the Eaſt, muſt needs afford great Opportunities of Accompliſhment, to ſome among the Caravans of ſo many Thouſands, as viſit Perſia, India, China, Tartary, and all Places where the Faith of the Miſſioner of God is profeſſed.

I am extreamly pleaſed with thy fortunate Eſcapes from Robbers on the Road, whoſe Malice rarely extends farther, than to deprive a Man of thoſe Outward Goods, which, if he be wiſe, he will not call his Own. Much more am I delighted, with thy Deliverance from thoſe Female Thieves, who ſteal from Men their Hearts and Reaſon; which laſt, is our Nobleſt, and onely proper Inheritance. All Perſia and the Indies, abound with Courtezans; and, he had need of Oſman's Chaſtity, who would withſtand ſo many and ſtrong Temptations.

Thou needeſt not wonder at the Effeminacy of the Preſent Mogul, who ſuffers himſelf and his State, to be governed by Women. That Subtle and Aſpiring Sex, have always ſought to undermine or over-reach our Race. They keep behind the Scenes, yet act their Parts, in all the Tragedies and Revolutions of the World. The Father of the preſent Indian King, made an Abſolute Reſignation of his Sovereignty to his Queen, for Four and Twenty Hours. This Prince, by a ſtrange Affectation, called himſelf, King of the World. His Wife was the Daughter of an Arabian Captain, who had ſerved him in the Wars: But, having forfeited his Head by ſome Notorious Treaſon, his Daughter went and threw her ſelf at the Mogul's Feet to beg his Life. He fell paſſionately in Love with her, (for, ſhe had not her Equal for Beauty in all the Eaſt) granted her Petition, and married her. Afterwards, ſhe got ſuch an Empire over him, that he would do Nothing without her Advice and Conſent. At her Inſtigation, he made War or Peace: And, to pleaſe her Cruel Humour, he put out the Eyes of his Eldeſt Son. But, not ſatisfied with theſe Diſcoveries of his Love, and reſolving to make herſelf Famous by ſome extraordinary Action, ſhe never ceas'd ſolliciting the King, with all the Arts of Female Policy, till ſhe had prevailed on him, to ſurrender up his Authority to her for the Space of a Day. In which Time (having prepared all Things beforehand ready for her Purpoſe) ſhe cauſed Two Millions of Roupies in Silver and Gold to be coin'd, and ſtamp'd with the Twelve Signs of the Zodiack; contrary to the Fundamental Laws of the Empire, the Expreſs Prohibition of our Holy Prophet, and the Ʋniverſal Practice of the Muſſulman's throughout the World, who admit not the Repreſentations of any Creatures that have Life. This Relation I had from my Ʋncle Ʋſeph, who reſided in the Indian Court Eleven Years. He added moreover, That during this ſhort Female Reign, ſhe cut off the Heads of Seven Grandees, the moſt zealous for the Muſſulman Faith among all the Indian Princes, and eſtabliſhed as many Idolaters in their Places: And, that if her Orders had been fully executed, ſhe had quite changed the Government, Conſecrated the moſt beautiful Moſquees to the Service of Idols, Exterminated the True Faithful, and Reſtored the Ancient Abominations of the Infidels. Which thou wilt not think Impracticable, when thou conſidereſt, That the Number of the Ʋncircumciſed in the Indies, far exceeds that of the Muſſulman's; there being Ten Thouſand of thoſe, to a Hundred of ſuch as profeſs the Ʋnity of the Divine Nature. But however, there was Loyalty found even among thoſe Pagans; and, they would not fuffer a Blind Zeal for the Worſhip of their Gods, to ſupplant the Duty they ow'd their King.

The Deſcription thou haſt made of Candahar, and the Method thou haſt projected to take that Impregnable City, diſcover at once thy Conduct and Diligence, in procuring Liberty to ſurvey ſo narrowly, the moſt Important Place of the Indies; and thy Skill in Fortifications, with the Quickneſs of thy Invention, which has ſuggeſted to thee, that which all the Engineers of Aſia have never ſo much as dreamt of. This is the right Uſe of Travelling, when a Man returns from Foreign Nations, cultivated with Experimental Knowledge, and ſtock'd with Improvements, that may render him ſerviceable to his Country.

Thou condemneſt the Injuſtice and Avarice of the Indian Mogul's; who, as ſoon as any of the Omrahs, or Great Men die, cauſe all his Eſtate and Goods to be ſeiz'd, to their own proper Uſe. Whereby it comes to paſs, that the Widow and Children of the Deceaſed, are reduced to the loweſt Condition of Poverty, being many Times forced to beg for a Subſiſtence. 'Tis true, this is an Oppreſſion not to be juſtified, eſpecially in thoſe who profeſs to Believe in One God, Creator of All Things, the Incorrupt Judge of the Ʋniverſe. But, what thinkeſt thou then of our Sultans, who not having Patience to wait, till a Natural Death ſhall make them Heirs to the Wealth of a Baſſa, generally ſecure their Title, and haſten their Poſſeſſion by a Bow-ſtring? Theſe are Royal Violences: Though the Reſignation of Subjects, muſt not tax them with any Crime, who are Accountable to none but God.

It was, however, a notable Piece of Raillery, with which the Widow of a Rich Merchant, reproved this Unreaſonable Cuſtom in the preſent Mogul. Her Husband was an Idolater, who had heaped together an Infinite Treaſure by Trading and Uſury; and, when he died, left her Worth Two Hundred Thouſand Roupies. Her Son, ſome Years after coming of Age, demanded of her a Stock to ſet up with as a Merchant. Which ſhe, either out of Avarice, or for other Ends, refuſed him; furniſhing him onely with ſuch ſmall Sums, as ſerved to nouriſh his Diſcontent, and tempt him to a lewd careleſs Life. But at length, not being able to prevail on his Mother, to part with ſo much as would anſwer his Expectations, he complained to the Mogul, diſcloſing alſo what Eſtate his Father had left. The Mogul being inform'd of ſo much Riches, ſent for the Young Man's Mother, and commanded her, to ſend him Half her Mony; ordering, that the other Half, ſhould be divided between her Self and her Son. The Widow not being at all ſurprized, or caſt down at this unjuſt Propoſal, made the Mogul this ſhort Reply: O King, may the Gods make thee Happy. My Son has ſome Reaſon to require his Share of his Father's Eſtate, having his Blood running in his Veins; but, I deſire to know, what Relation Thou art to my Husband or Me, that Thou claimeſt a Share in his Inheritance. The Prince abaſh'd at ſo ſmart and bold an Addreſs, commanded her to give Half her Eſtate to her Son, and ſo diſmiſſed her.

I have heard ſome of our Chiauſes praiſe the Magniſicence of the Mogul's Court, the Infinite Number of his Attendants: But, above all, they extol the Inimitable Grandeur of his Throne, which is adorn'd with ſo many Topazes, Rubies, Emeraulds, Pearls and Diamonds, as amount to Thirty Millions of Roupies. But, were it not much better, if in ſtead of all this Needleſs Glory, he could boaſt, That his Empire is founded in the Hearts of his Subjects? He does not conſider, That ſuch prodigious Heaps of envied Treaſure, are but ſo many Glittering Snares, Golden Manacles, which ſerve for no other Uſe, but to chain him up from that Freedom, and thoſe more Innocent Delights, that the Meaneſt of his Subjects enjoy.

Thou haſt, I perceive, diſcourſed with the Indian Bramins: Doſt not thou diſcover, even in theſe Idolaters, a Contempt of Riches? What mean Thoughts have they, of the Splendor and Gayeties of the Court? What a low Eſteem, of the Long and Proud Series of Titles, with which the Moguls endeavour to exalt themſelves? Whilſt they are call'd, the Lights of the World, and Companions of the Sun; theſe poor Philoſophers know, That in a Little Time, they ſhall be laid in Darkneſs, and have no better Society than that of Worms. What ſignifies their Pedigree; or, that the preſent Mogul, is but the Tenth Deſcendent from the Mighty Temurlen, who made all Aſia tremble, if he has loſt the Vertue of his Glorious Anceſtor? 'Tis that alone, makes all Men truly Noble.

Thou telleſt me, That the Empire of the Mogul, affords him more Revenues, than the Dominions of any Two the moſt Potent Monarchs on Earth. I have heard as much from Others; which convinces me, That thou haſt inform'd thy ſelf rightly of the Preſent State of the Indies. But doſt thou therefore eſteem this Monarch the Richer? Conſider the vaſt Extent of his Dominions, which are ſaid to contain more than Six Hundred Leagues in Length, and thou wilt find, that to maintain ſo great a Tract of Ground, both againſt his Foreign and Domeſtick Enemies, he is oblig'd to keep in Conſtant Pay, ſome Millions of his Subjects and Strangers: For, he is in the Midſt of Enemies, even amongſt his own Subjects. There are above an Hundred Sovereigns in his Empire, who perpetually by Turns moleſt his Government, refuſing to pay Tribute, and raiſing Armies againſt him: Whereby it comes to paſs, That he is at an Infinite Expence to defend himſelf, and carry on thoſe Endleſs Wars. Thou thy ſelf having obſerv'd, That once in Two Moons, there is an Indiſpenſible Neceſſity of paying theſe prodigious Armies: Not a Soldier throughout his Empire, having any Thing to live on, ſave the Wages he receives of the King.

Conſider alſo, that this Monarch, always keeps ſome Thouſands of the fineſt Horſes in the World, near his Perſon, ſuch as coſt him Thouſands of Roupies apiece: Beſides a Thouſand Elephants, with an Incredible Number of Mules, Camels, and other Beaſts of Burden, to carry his Wives, his Goods and Proviſions when he takes the Field: That whole Cities, even as Large as Conſtantinople, are obliged to follow the Kings Camp for Subſiſtence, their Livelihood altogether depending on the Army. Add to this, the Immenſe Charges of his Seraglio, his Caſtles and Sea-Port Towns, with all the other Neceſſary Expences of the State; and thou wilt conclude, That when this Potentate comes to caſt up his Accompts, he will find himſelf a Poor Man.

But, I ſhall cloy thee with a Rehearſal of ſuch Things, as thou canſt not be a Stranger to.

Only tell me, Whether one of the Raias, or Princes ſubject to the Mogul, be the real Deſcendent of Porus, the Ancient King of India, in the time of Alexander the Great? I have been told by ſeveral Travellers, that there is ſuch an One, that his Name is Rana, and that an Hundred of the Idolatrous Princes, pay Homage to him, as to their Natural Sovereign.

Thou confirmeſt the Truth, of what has been ſo often reported in theſe Parts, That the Prince of Java has Six Fingers on each Hand, and as many Toes on his Feet.

But, that ſeems very ſtrange, which thou relateſt, of a certain Language among the Indians, which is not Vulgarly ſpoken; but, that all their Books of Theology, the Pandects of their Laws, the Records of their Nation, and the Treatiſes of Humane Arts and Sciences are written in it. And, that this Language, is taught in their Schools, Colleges and Academies, even as Latin is among the Chriſtians. I cannot enough admire at this: For, where and when was this Language ſpoken? How came it to be diſus'd? There ſeems to be a Myſtery in it, that none of their Brachmans can give any other Account of this, ſave, That it is the Language, wherein God gave to the Firſt Creature he made, the Four Books of the Law; which, according to their Chronology, was above Thirty Millions of Years ago. I tell thee, my Dear Brother, this News has ſtarted ſome odd Notions in my Mind: For, when I conſider, that this Language, as thou ſayeſt, has nothing in it Common with the Indian that is now ſpoken, nor with any other Language of Aſia, or of the World; and yet, that it is a Copious and Regular Language, learn'd by Grammar, like the other Maternal Languages; and, that in this Obſolete Language, Books are written, wherein it is aſſerted, That the World is ſo many Millions of Years old; I could almoſt turn Pythagorean, and believe the World to be within a Minute of Eternal. And, where would be the Abſurdity? Since God had equally the ſame Infinite Power, Wiſdom and Goodneſs from all Eternity, as he had Five or Six Thouſand Years ago. What ſhould hinder him then from exerting theſe Divine Attributes ſooner? What ſhould retard him, from drawing forth this Glorious Fabrick earlier, from the Womb of Nothing? Suffer thy Imagination to ſtart backwards as far thou canſt, even to Millions of Ages, and yet thou canſt not conceive a Time, wherein this Fair Unmeaſurable Expanſe, was not ſtretch'd out. As if Nature her ſelf had engraven on our Intellects, this Record of the World's Untraceable Antiquity; in that our ſtrongeſt, ſwifteſt Thoughts, are far too weak and ſlow, to follow Time back to its Endleſs Origine.

The Revolution in China, ſurpaſſes the Common Changes in Kingdoms and Empires. There is Something exceſſively Tragical, in the Cataſtrophe of that Royal Houſe.

Brother, in beholding that, thou haſt ſeen Humane Nature in a Trance: And, thou art ſo thy ſelf, if, after this, thou canſt be fond of any Thing on Earth. Traveller, adieu.

Paris, 25th. of the 1ſt. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXII. To Afis Baſſa.

SEveral Diſpatches have been lately ſent between this Court and that of Sucdeland; containing rather Matter of Compliment, than any Thing of Great Importance. Queen Chriſtina has been very Ill, which has occaſion'd Letters of Condoleance from the Queen-Regent of France.

Thoſe which come from that Part ſay, That General Torſtenſon is made a Count, and the Dignity entail'd to his Poſterity, in Recompenſe of his Eminent Services to the Suediſh Crown.

Theſe Letters add, That there have paſs'd ſome high Words, between Monſieur Chanut, and the Sucdiſh Secretary of State. And, that the latter, in going out of the Chamber where they diſcourſed, laid his Hand upon his Sword, with theſe Words; Monſieur Chanut, Were is not for the Fence which the Law of Nations has raiſed about your Perſon, I would anſwer you in another Language. To which Monſieur Chanut replied, That he wore a Sword to defend himſelf and his Private Honour, as well as any Suede in the Kingdom.

The Occaſion of this Quarrel was, the great Reſort of Roman Catholick Strangers to Monſieur Chanut's Chappel, which gave diſguſt to the Suedes, who allow not the Exerciſe of the Roman Religion within their Territories. They caſtrate all the Prieſts of that Communion, whom they find; and proſecute the Laity with rigorous Penalties. But, Monſieur Chanut pleaded the Law of Nations: And, when the Secretary told him, That the Queen permitted him and his Family the Liberty of their Religion, but deſired him not to admit any other Perſons of what Nations ſoever; This Miniſter replied, That he could not receive as a Favour or Permiſſion from her Majeſty, the Liberty of Exerciſing his Religion; ſince, he held it only of his Maſter, the King of France, who had ſent him thither, and, that he would not ſhut the Door of his Chappel, againſt any that would come in: That their Law, which according to their own Calcule, was made above Two Thouſand Years after the Foundation of their Eſtate, could not abrogate the Law of Nations, which is Eternal: That this Perpetual Law, gave particular Privileges to certain Perſons, and eſpecially to the Miniſters of Foreign Princes: That their New Law, ſuch as it was, being only made to maintain the Publick Worſhip, reſpected not what was done in the Houſe of a Foreign Miniſter, by a Special Privilege; it being of no Conſequence to the State, whether ſuch Foreigners ſerved God or not, or whether they worſhipped Him in a Right or Wrong Way: That no Suede came to his Chappel, but only ſome French who were Sojourners in the Land: That they did not uſe the Suediſh Ambaſſadors ſo in France, who admitted whom they pleaſed into their Chappels. That the Houſe where he now dwelt, was the Houſe of the King of France, and that therefore, he could not by Conſequence refuſe any Catholicks an Entrance into it, eſpecially ſuch as were born Subjects of his Maſter: And, in Fine, That it was very Rude, to oblige him to be the Executioner of this ſevere Law, in requiring him to ſhut his Doors upon his Countrymen, againſt the Common Laws of Hoſpitality, the Honour of a Publick Miniſter, and the Pleaſure of the King his Sovereign.

To this the Secretary made ſomething too tart a Reply. Whereupon, Words increaſing between them, and the French Ambaſſador being reſolute to aſſert his Privilege, the Secretary broke out into a Paſſion, as I have before mention'd; laying his Hand upon his Sword, as he was leaving the Room.

The Suedes, are Naturally a rugged, ſurly People, as are all the Northern Europeans. They are Strangers to Civility, and the Gentile Addreſs of the French. Yet, the Queen, when ſhe heard of this Paſſage, was angry with her Miniſter, and excuſed his Rudeneſs to Monſieur Chanut; telling him, That the Secretary was a Faithful Servant, but had been educated among the Bears of the Foreſt.

This puts me in Mind of a Story, which the French tell of another Ambaſſador, whom Lewis XIII. ſent to the Court of Spain. The Spaniards are of a haughty Temper, expecting more than ordinary Submiſſions, from thoſe who approach the King's Preſence. This Ambaſſador, on the ſame Ground, was required to do ſome Homage, which would not conſiſt with the Inſtructions of his Maſter; and therefore, he refuſed to comply. The King of Spain, thinking to put him out of Countenance, ſaid aloud, What! has the King of France, no other Men in his Court, that he ſends to me ſuch a Fool as this? To which the Ambaſſador replied, My Maſter has many Wiſer Men than my ſelf about him; but, to ſuch a King, ſuch an Ambaſſador.

Thou wilt not perhaps approve ſuch Raillery as this to Crown'd Heads, who ought to be treated with Reverence and Gravity. Yet, I believe, thou wilt condemn the Cruelty of a Duke of Moſcovy, who cauſe the Hat of a French Ambaſſador to be nailed to his Head, for ſitting covered before him. This is contrary to the Genius of the Eaſt, who abhor to ſee a Man bareheaded.

But, every Nation has its Mode: And I, according to the Faſhion of my Country, kiſs the Border of thy Veſt, in Token of my Submiſſion and Reſpect.

Paris, 7th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXIII. To the Mufti, moſt Venerable, and Worthy of all Honour.

THE Criticks, who ſpend their Time, and manifeſt their Wit, in deſcanting on the Court and the Grandees, find perpetual Matter of Diſcourſe concerning Cardinal Mazarini. His daily Actions, furniſh them with New Themes; and ſometimes, they rehearſe the Old. They compare him with his Predeceſſor Richlieu, and with Cardinal Ximenes, a Spaniſh Miniſter. They term theſe Three, the Trinity of Chriſtian Stateſmen; Thus diſtinguiſhing their Perſonal Characters: Richlieu, they ſay, was Crafty, Covetous, and Revengeful; Ximenes was Politick, Severe, and Valiant; Mazarini is Wiſe, Merciful and Liberal.

The Firſt made good his Character, they ſay, in heaping up ſuch Prodigious Treaſures; in raiſing all thoſe of his Family or Dependance, to the Higheſt Honours; in occaſioning the Voluntary Baniſhment of the Queen-Mother; in ruining whomſoever he ſupected; and finally, in making himſelf ſo much the Maſter of all Secrets, That the King, however diſguſted and averſe from him, yet cou'd neither ſit ſafe on his Throne without him when Living, nor venture the Management of the Publick to any but his Creatures when Dead. Thus ſpeak they of that Great Miniſter.

As to Cardinal Ximenes, they ſay he diſcover'd the Qualities which they aſcribe to him, in the Method he took to raiſe himſelf to that envied Greatneſs; which was, by ſeeming to ſhun the Honours at which he ſecretly aim'd. For, being a Devoted Derviſe, or Religious Frier, he appeared to be the moſt Mortify'd Man of the whole Order: Which being taken Notice of, he was made Provincial; from which Dignity, he made but one Step more to the Purple: And, growing Eminent for his Abilities, he was made the Firſt Miniſter in the Court of Spain.

He levy'd Sixteen Thouſand Men at his own Coſt, invaded Barbary, ſtorm'd their ſtrongeſt Cities, and reduc'd the whole Kingdom of Tripoli and Algiers to his Maſter's Obedience.

Whilſt he was at the Head of his Army, one Day there happen'd a Mutiny among his Soldiers. A certain Fellow, running up and down between the Ranks, and exciting them to chuſe a New General, ſaying, It was a Shame to ſerve a poor-ſpirited Friar: The Cardinal perceiving this, ſtepp'd to the Fellow, and, with one Blow, ſever'd his Head from his Body. This ſtruck ſuch a Terror into all, that from that Time, there was not the leaſt Tumult or Diſorder in his Army.

They ſay, he was in the End poyſon'd by eating of a Fiſh, of which a Friend of his receiv'd Intimation on the Road, as he was riding to the Place where the Cardinal was at Dinner. But, he came too late, to prevent the Effects of the Poyſon: For, though the Cardinal was but juſt riſen from the Table, yet he began to void Blood by his Ears, and the Extremities of his Fingers; and, in a few Days, drew his laſt Breath. He was Tall, and well Limb'd; His Two Foreteeth of the Upper Jaw, grew ſo far out of his Mouth, that he was called, The Eccleſiaſtick Elephant. The Sutures of his Skull, were ſo cloſely indented, that there was no more Room for Tranſpiration of the Groſſer Vapours, than through the moſt Solid Part of the Bone. On this Account, he was ever troubled with the Headach; contrary to Cardinal Richlieu, who never felt any Pain in that Part, becauſe he had two little Holes in his Crown, through which the Fumes exhal'd.

Theſe are the Remarks, which are made on Cardinal Ximenes. As to Mazarini, they ſay he ſurpaſſes both theſe Miniſters, in the exquiſite Moderation of his Temper: And, comes ſhort of neither, in the Contrivance or Succeſs of his Affairs; being ſolid in his Counſels, ſecret and ſwift in their Execution. He had this alſo peculiar in his Conduct, That none are more ſure of his Favour, than thoſe who have done him Injuries. He is Magnifick in his Expences; building Palaces, that may vye with the moſt Celebrated Structures of the Ancient Romans: A curious Collector of Choice Paintings, and Sculptures; furniſhing his Houſes, with Utenſils of Cedar, Ebony' Silver, Gold and other Ornaments befitting the Palace of a King: Liberal beyond the Expectation of his Friends and Servants; yet, not to Profuſeneſs. He has a wonderful Sagacity in diſcovering Cheats and Impoſtors; and, no leſs Dexterity, in diſcerning Men of Merit, though never ſo much obſcur'd by Misfortune.

Not long ago, he catch'd a Gentleman in a Crime, which expos'd him to the Laughter and Contempt of the whole Court, but not to the Cardinal's Hatred. He had been recommended to this Miniſter, by a Lady of the Court, for whom he had a great Eſteem. On which Account, he had free Acceſs to the Cardinal's Preſence, and would always mix with his Retinue.

But, his Curious Patron, had obſerv'd ſomething in his Carriage, which gave him Ground of Miſtruſt. For, he would always place himſelf, as near as he could, to a certain Table in the Chamber, where the Cardinal gives Audience. There is a Drawer under this Table, which commonly ſtands half open, it being the Place where all Petitioners throw in their Bribes or Preſents; It not being ſeemly for a Prince of the Church, to take Mony himſelf. The Cardinal obſerv'd, that this Spark always had his Eye glancing on that Drawer, as if he coveted what was there contained. However, he took no Notice, but gave him all the Opportunities imaginable to do his Pleaſure; yet, ſtill one Accident or other, hinder'd the Gentleman from executing his Deſign; which was, to borrow ſome of the Gold that lay in that Drawer. At length it happ'ned, that the Cardinal having appointed ſome Curious Pageants to be made in Honour of the King's Birth-Day, he with ſeveral of the Courtiers, ſtood looking out of the Windows, to ſee theſe Triuphant Shows paſs by. The Gentleman taking this Opportunity, whilſt he thought all Eyes were intent on the Gayeties without, ſlips to the Table, and takes out of the Drawer a Bag of Gold, putting it up in his Pocket, and retiring to the Window again. He imagined, that no Body had ſeen him, and therefore hugged himſelf in the Thoughts of his Booty. When the Show was over, and the Company withdrew from the Windows; after a while, they all took their Leave, and departed: And, among the Reſt, this Gentleman Thief was going out. But the Cardinal deſired him to tarry, in that he had ſomething to ſay to him. The Gentleman, ſtung with the guilt of what he had done, fell a trembling, and was ready to drop down at the Cardinal's Feet. But, he bid him be of good Comfort, ſaying thus to him; My Friend, what thou haſt done, is not hid from me. If thou hast not Gold enough, I will double thy Sum. Therewith, he gave him another Bag of equal Value; ſaying withall, Go thy Way, and ſee my Face no more. I pardon, but canont truſt thee.

Wouldſt thou know, by what Means the Cardinal diſcovered this Theft? He always wears on his Finger a Ring, in which is ſet a Jewel of Ineſtimable Value; it being a Natural Mirror, and diſcovering all Things that are done in the Room, though behind a Man's Back. 'Twas on this Stone the Cardinal caſt his Eye, when the Gentleman thought he was looking out of the Window. Therein he beheld him go to the Table, take out the Money, and put it in his Pocket. Thou ſeeſt how curious this Miniſter is, to ſtock himſelf with uſeful Rarities.

May that Great Chancellour of Heaven, the Angel who beholds in the Divine Eſſence, as in a Mirror, whatſoever is done on Earth, and records all Human Actions in the Book of Judgment, never diſcern any Thing in Mahmut, which may render him worthy to be excluded the Preſence of God.

Paris, 12th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXIV. To Danecmar Keſrou, Cadileſquer of Romania.

THOU that art Principal among the Judges of High Dignity, the Illuſtrious Ornament of Three Empires, the ſtrong Support of Equity, who preſerveſt Reaſon, and correcteſt Vice; I congratulate thy deſerved Honour: And, in doing ſo, I wiſh Encreaſe of Joy to all the Faithful Oſmans.

The Knowledge which thou haſt acquir'd in the Law of Nations, and in the moſt perfect Sanctions of our Auguſt Monarchy, has made thee famous through the Seven Precincts of the Earth; and has veſted thee, with the Robe of Sublime Honour, the Gift of the Lieutenant of God.

I made Choice of this Occaſion, at once to perform my Duty, and to acquaint thee with a National Villainy; ſuch a Violation of the Publick Faith of a Kingdom, as it will be difficult to Parallel.

The Civil Wars of England, are known throughout the World: And, thou art no Stranger to the Particular Intelligences I have ſent to the Sublime Port, concerning that Nation.

Since that Time, the Rebels have by Degrees gain'd Ground of their Ʋnhappy King, chaſing him from One Place to Another: Till at Length, finding, that neither by Arms nor Treaties, he could reduce them to any Terms of Reconciliation; and, being Beſieged in one of his Cities, which was not in a Condition to hold out long, this Ʋnfortunate Monarch, was forc'd to diſguiſe himſelf, and eſcape by Night; wandring through Unfrequented Ways, and enduring much Hardſhip. He at length threw himſelf upon the Faith of the Scots; who had ſolemnly engaged themſelves upon Oath, to defend him againſt all his Enemies whatſoever.

The Scottiſh Army was then in England, being hired to aſſiſt the Rebels. Whence ſome take Occaſion, to accuſe this Prince of Raſhneſs, and too much Credulity, in ſeeking Protection from thoſe, who firſt began the Rebellion; and who had ſtain'd the Records of Scotland, with the Blood of many of their Kings. But, Innocency is void of Suſpicion; and therefore, becauſe his own Intentions were ſincere, he knew not how to be Jealous of others.

However, the Scots at Firſt, ſeem'd to act the Parts of Loyal Men. And, when they were threatned by the Engliſh Rebels, and their Pay was ſtopp'd, with Declarations alſo iſſued out againſt their Proceedings; they continued to aſſert the Juſtice of their Deportment, in receiving and defending their Injur'd King, who had fled to them for Succour.

They detained him thus, from the 4th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1646. to the 30th. Day of the 1ſt. Moon, of this preſent Year. At which time, having agreed with the Engliſh Parliament, for the Sum of 400000 Sequins, as the Price of their Sovereign, they delivered him up to the Engliſh Commiſſioners, deputed by the Rebels for that Purpoſe.

The French Ambaſſador, was at that time in the Scotch Army: Who having been a a Witneſs of their Deteſtable Perjury, took his leave: And being attended with a Guard of Light-Horſe to the Sea-Port, at parting he pull'd out a Piece of Engliſh Money, valued at Half a Crown; And asking the Captain of the Guards, into how many Pieces of Coined Silver, that Half Crown might be divided, he anſwer'd, Into Thirty. For ſo much, replied the Ambaſſador, did Judas betray his Maſter.

Thou wilt better comprehend the Force of this Repartee, when thou conſidereſt, that according to the Chriſtians Belief, this Judas was a Slave of Jeſus, the Son of Mary; and, that for Thirty Pieces of Silver, he betray'd that Prophet to the Jews.

But, theſe Infidels have found out Ways, to elude all Engagements and Promiſes. They couch their Oaths, in Words more Ambiguous, than the Oracles of Delphos. As if they thought, not only to circumvent Men by their Equivocations; but alſo, to deceive Him who formed the Tongue and the Ear; even God, who is Perfect in Knowledge.

Such a Story I have read of one Hatto, a German Biſhop, whoſe Perjury is recorded. This Prelate, had a Couſin who was accuſed of Treaſon againſt the Emperor. On which Account, he was cloſely beſieged by the Imperial Forces, in a Caſtle ſeated on the Top of an Impregnable Rock. So that the Emperor, deſpairing to take him by Force, had withdrawn his Army; when this Biſhop came to him, and for a Sum of Money, promiſed to betray his Kinſman into the Emperor's Hands.

The Bargain being concluded, the Biſhop went to viſit his Couſin at the Caſtle, perſwading him to go and Humble himſelf to the Emperor, and he would engage to procure his Pardon: Binding himſelf with a Solemn Oath, That if he would rely on him, as he carried him ſafe out of the Caſtle, ſo he would bring him back alive and ſafe again.

His Kinſman deluded with theſe fair Pretences, and ſecured by the Sanction of an Oath, truſts himſelf to the Conduct and Fidelity of the Prelate.

When they had rode about Half a League from the Caſtle, the Biſhop pretending he had forgot ſome Papers of Moment, which he had left behind him in his Chamber, they return'd back to the Caſtle: And, when they had found the Papers, they ſet forward again toward the Emperor's Camp. Being arrived there, the Impious Wretch deliver'd his Kinſman to the Emperor, who Condemn'd him to Die. He, ſending for the Biſhop, reproaches him with the Violation of his Oath. But, the Perfidious Biſhop, ſought to acquit himſelf, by ſaying, He had perform'd his Promiſe, in carrying him back ſafe to the Caſtle, when he returned to ſeek his Papers. Thus, was his Kinſman betray'd by a Quibble, and loſt his Head. The Biſhop acquiring, for that Impious Deed, the Odious Title, of Hatto the Traytor. And, the Germans report, That he was afterwards carried away by Devils, and thrown alive into the Hollow of Mount Aetna: A Voice being heard at the ſame Inſtant in the Air, ſaying, This is the Reward of Perjury.

The Nazarenes believe this Flaming Mountain, to be One of the Mouths of Hell: The ſame Opinion they have, of Strombolo and Veſuvius. I am not curious, to pry into the Truth of ſo Coſtly a Secret; but leave the Experiment to the Forſworn, Treacherous Scots, who by this Barbarous Action, deſerve to follow the Fate of Hatto.

Much greater was the Integrity and Vertue of the Ancient Romans, whom theſe Infidels Number among the Damn'd. They eſteem'd Nothing more Sacred, than the Publick Faith; building Temples to its Honour, and ſtamping their Money, with the Figure of Two Hands joined together; having this Motto, THE FAITH OF THE ROMANS. But, the Scots ſhew themſelves to be of Lyſander's Mind, who us'd to ſay, Children muſt be circumvented with Good Words, and Men with Oaths.

This Monarch is now led in Triumph like a Captive by his Rebellious Subjects, who have confin'd him to one of his Country Palaces: Suffering none of his Friends, or Faithful Servants, to come near him; but in all Things endeavouring, to render his Reſtraint Inſupportable.

Thou who art accurate in Interpreting the Laws of Juſtice, wilt condemn theſe Infidels of Horrid Treaſon; yet canſt not acquit the Muſſulmans, who have often Depoſed our moſt Auguſt Emperors.

I divide my Intelligence, among the Miniſters of the Sublime Port, and the other Grandees of the State; praying God, to guard the Sultan from Secret Machinations, and open Enemies; and to grant, That an Exceſs of Good Nature, may not betray him to ſuch Misfortunes, as have befallen this Impriſon'd Monarch.

Paris, 21ſt. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXV. To Ragel Hamet, Antiquary to the Sultan.

THIS City is peſtered, with an Innumerable Multitude of Bats, and a Kind of Serpents, which they call Lizards or Newts. They breed in the Walls of their Houſes, and moleſt the Inhabitants Night and Day, ſwarming more than ordinary every Ninth Year.

The Pariſians give an odd Reaſon for this Plague. They ſay, That in former Ages, a certain Magician had undertaken to free this City, from all Venemous Creatures; and, that accordingly, he had made ſeveral Images of thoſe Animals, annexing to them Enchantments, and hiding them in obſcure Places under the Earth; promiſing alſo, that ſo long as thoſe Images remain'd untouch'd, Paris ſhould not be moleſted with any Hurtful Thing. This ſucceeded according to his Words; till, at a certain time, as they were digging up the Foundations of an Old Temple, the Work-Men found ſeveral Brazen Images; ſome repreſenting a Bat, ſome a Lizard. They making ſmall Account of theſe Magical Reliques, ſold them to the next Brazier for a piece of Money: Who, being ignorant alſo of the hidden Force of theſe Images, melted them down for his own Uſe. And, ever ſince that time, the City has been over-run with Bats and Lizards.

I relate this to thee, in regard I have often heard thee ſpeak of the Ancient Statues, that were in the Atmidan at Conſtantinople, and in other Parts of the City; particularly of that Pillar, which had Three Brazen Serpents winding about it; which, when Mahomet the Great beheld, the Conqueror ſtruck One of them with a Battle-Axe, and ſmote off the Lower Jaw. Upon which, a Multitude of Serpents infeſted the City; but, were ſoon exterminated, in Regard the Sultan, being warned by the Citizens, forbore to do any farther Injury to thoſe Images, which were the Guardians of the City.

The Annals of the Muſſulman Empire, make Mention of theſe Statues, as alſo of a Horſe of Braſs, and a Bull of the ſame Metal: The One erected as a Charm againſt the Peſtilence; the Other, as an Oraculous Sign, that the Enemies of the Grecian Monarchy, ſhould in that Place be repulſed, and driven out of the City. Yet, it proved otherwiſe: For, the Victorious Muſſulmans, againſt whom the Enchantments of the Infidels could not prevail, entred the Market-Place, where this Image ſtood, and drove from thence the timorous Grecians; cutting in Pieces all that made Reſiſtance, and rendring themſelves Lords of Conſtantinople, at that Time the Richeſt City in the World.

The Romans were extremely addicted to theſe Superſtitious Vanities: Believing, the Safety of their City and Empire, conſiſted in the Preſervation of the Palladium, and Image which they thought fell down from Jupiter, and was tranſported from Troy to Italy by Aeneas; being afterwards repoſited in the Temple of Veſta, but burnt in that dreadful Conflagration, which happen'd in the Reign of Nero.

They had in no leſs Veneration, the Buckler, which they were taught, drop'd down from Heaven, into the Hands of Numa Pompilius; whereon, the Fate of Rome was engraven, in Characters which none could read. Fearing leſt this Sacred Shield might be ſtoln, they caus'd Eleven others of the ſame Figure to be made, and all to be hung up together in the Temple of Mars.

And, to the End the Guardian Genius of the City, ſhould not be entic'd from them by the Enchantments of their Enemies, the True Name of the City of Rome was kept Secret, even from its own Inhabitants: Inſomuch, that Valerius Soranus was put to Death, for publiſhing it to one of his Friends. Many have gueſs'd at this hidden Name; Some ſaying, it was Valencia; Others, that it was Velia; a Third Sort, call it Anthuſa. But, there is no Certainty in their Conjectures. For, the Pagans were above all Things careful, to conceal the Names of their Cities and Patron-Gods: knowing, that thoſe Spirits would not forſake them, till they were call'd forth by their Proper Names.

They us'd alſo, to chain the Images of their Gods to the Altars, leſt they ſhould depart from them by Stealth. Thus the Tyrians, when Alexander beſieged their City, and they underſtood from the Prieſts, that Apollo, the Guardian of Tyre, was diſpleas'd with 'em, they faſtned his Image with ſtrong Fetters of Iron. So dealt the Spartans, with the Image of Mars. And, this was the Common Practice, among thoſe Idolatrous Nations.

As for Us, who have receiv'd the Law Clear and Intelligible, and believe in the Ʋnity of the Divine Eſſence; We uſe no Charms our Selves, neither do we fear the Magick of the Ʋncircumciſed. All our Confidence is in God, and the Protection of his Prophet: We go boldly to the Wars, whilſt we fight in Defence, neither of Statues nor Fictitious Reliques, but of the Volume repleniſh'd with Truth and Light, the Book brought down from Heaven by an Angel.

Paris, 17th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXVI. To the Vizir Azem.

I Am now returned from Orleans, whither I went in Obedience to thy Appointments: And, not without Abundance of Pleaſure to my ſelf; it being the Time of Year, when all Things conſpire to make a Traveller paſs his Time away with Delight.

Yet, my Return was Melancholy, in Regard I could not accompliſh what I aim'd at, nor be in a Capacity to render thee that Satisfaction thou requireſt, either in buying the Jewels, or in eſtabliſhing any Correſpondence. Thoſe who informed thee of the Germans inhabiting that City, were miſtaken in their Character, they being onely a Society or Corporation of Students, and no ways concerned in Traffick or Merchandize.

They told thee right in ſaying, There are a great Number of Strangers in Orleans: I think the Imperial City which commands the World, cannot boaſt a greater Diverſity of Languages, than are ſpoken daily in the Streets and Houſes of Orleans. There are ſome, almoſt of all Nations, reſiding in that City.

Wouldſt thou know the real Occaſion of this mighty Conflux of Foreigners. It is, that they may ſtudy that which the Nazarenes call the Civil Law, which is there profeſſed as in an Academy, erected for that Purpoſe by Philip the Fair, one of the Kings of France.

If thou knoweſt not the Meaning of the Civil Law, It is a Collection of the Ancient Roman Laws, drawn from above Two Thouſand Books of their Scribes, by the Command of the Emperour Juſtinian, for a Standard of Equity in thoſe Corrupt Times, in that Univerſal Relaxation and Decline of Good Government.

This is the Attractive, which draws ſo many Strangers, from all Parts of Europe, to that pleaſant City: Where, beſides the Opportunity of improving themſelves in the moſt Honourable Profeſſion among the Nazarenes, next to that of the Prieſthood; they enjoy a pure and ſerene Heaven, a fruitful and delicious Part of the Earth, and the Company of the moſt obliging and courteous People in all France.

'Tis for this Reaſon, the Germans, among other Nations, flock to Orleans; and, through the Favour of the French Kings, have obtained a Privilege beyond other Nations; that is, to Incorporate themſelves into a Society of Students. Neither is there any ſuch Thing as Merchandize, known among them.

If I have not anſwer'd thy Expectation, Supreme Prince of the Baſſa's, blame not Mahmut, but accuſe the Germans of Orleans, for not exchanging their Studies for Traffick; or rather, blame thoſe who preſumed to tell thee this far-fetch'd Fable. In finiſhing this Letter, I bow my Head to the Floor of my Chamber; and kiſs the Paper, which ſhall have the Honour to be touch'd by thy Illuſtrious Hands.

Paris, 1ſt. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXVII. To the Aga of the Janizaries.

THOU haſt heard of the Aſſyrian, Scythian, and Roman Heroines. Theſe were all Valiant Leaders of Armies, Women of Honour and Renown. Now I will inform thee of a Female, which France has brought upon the Stage of War.

According to the Orders which I receiv'd from the Vizir Azem, I took a Journey to Orleans laſt Moon: Where, on the Third Day after my Arrival, beholding a Solemn Proceſſion in the Streets of that Populous City, attended with ſome uncommon Ceremonies and Rejoycings, my Curioſity prompted me to enquire the Occaſion of it. Thou maiſt imagine, I did not apply my ſelf for Information to the Multitude, who take up Things on the Common Credit of Fame, which does not always deliver the Truth. I addreſs'd my ſelf to thoſe, that were acquainted with the Records of the Town; who told me, That this Solemnity was yearly obſerv'd, on the Eighth Day of the Fifth Moon, in Memory of their Deliverance from the Engliſh, who beſieged this City, and were beaten from before it by Joan d' Arc, a Maid of Lorrain, in the Reign of Charles I. This Virago, ſeem'd to be the Tutelar Angel of France: For, to her Valour and Conduct, that Monarch ow'd the Recovery of his Kingdom, almoſt loſt to the King of England; this being the laſt Place of Importance, which had not received Engliſh Garriſons. After ſhe had rais'd the Siege, ſhe purſu'd the Enemy, gave them ſeveral Battels, defeated them, took their Generals Captive, reduc d all the Cities to their former Obedience, and never ſheath'd her Sword, till ſhe ſaw her Maſter ſolemnly crown'd at Rhemes. Yet, at length, ſhe herſelf was made a Priſoner by the Engliſh, and was publickly burnt for a Witch at Rouen.

The Inhabitants of Orleans, have erected Brazen Statues in her Honour: They celebrate her Praiſes, and eſteem her, a Woman Divinely Inſpir'd, to ſave her Country. Yet, the more Intelligent Sort ſay, That ſhe was neither Witch nor Propheteſs, but only a Maid of good Wit and Courage, whom ſome of the Princes of the Blood-Royal, had inſtructed to act the Part of a Miſſionary from Heaven; That ſo by pretending Viſions and Revelations, ſhe might raiſe the Courage of the French, now almoſt diſpirited by their many Loſſes; and, whom Nothing leſs than a Miracle could perſwade to abide the Field againſt the Victorious Engliſh. This is certain, that ſhe diſtinguiſh'd the King, though diſguiſed like a Peaſant, and in a Crowd of People: She went boldly up to him, and ſaluted him by his Title, to the Aſtoniſhment of thoſe that ſtood by. She ſent a Meſſenger to bring her a Sword of Antique Workmanſhip, that lay hid in a Tomb in one their famous Moſques (for, the Nazarenes of the Weſt, bury their Dead in their Temples.) This Action extreamly enhanced her Reputation; in Regard, none knew of this Sword but the King himſelf. She was therefore look'd upon, as an Extraordinary Perſon; and, the People could hardly be reſtrain'd, from paying her Divine Honours.

When they were Encamped on a certain Plain of a vaſt Extent, where there was no Water to be found, ſo that the Army was ready to periſh through Thirſt; the King came to the Tent of this Propheteſs, to conſult her as an Oracle in the General Diſtreſs. She bid Him be of good Courage, and follow her. They went out together to the Door of her Tent, where at a little Diſtance there grew a Knot of Flowers. The Admirable Maid, ſtruck her Spear into the Ground amidſt the Flowers, and incontinently there ſprung forth a Fountain of Water, to which the whole Army repaired to allay their Thirſt. They ſay, the Place is ſhown to this Day, with an Image of this Maid ſtanding in an Oratory cloſe by it; a Place of Refreſhment and Devotion for Travellers, that paſs over thoſe barren Plains.

However, whether it were Artifice, or that ſhe was endued with ſome Supernatural Gift; it had a marvellous Influence on the Soldiers, who began to reaſſume Courage, and feared nothing under the Conduct of ſuch a General.

'Twas Revenge, without Doubt, rather than Juſtice, that extorted that Cruel Sentence from the Engliſh, which put a Period to the Heroick Actions of this Illuſtrious Maid, whoſe Fame will live for ever.

It is recorded, That whilſt ſhe was bound faſt to the Stake with ſtrong Cords, they would have kindled the Fire upon her before ſhe had ſpoke to the Spectators; but, that ſhe ſuddenly became looſned, and ſnatching a Lance from one of the Soldiers, ſhe drove the Guards before her: Then returning of her own Accord to the Stake, ſhe made her laſt Dying Speech, foretelling many Things to come, which afterwards prov'd true. And having made an End of ſpeaking, ſhe bid the Executioner ſet Fire to the Wood. Which he did accordingly, and ſhe was burnt to Aſhes.

Certainly, every Nation may boaſt of ſome Female Warriour, that at one Time or other, has done remarkable Service to her Country. And, thou art not a Stranger to the Hiſtory of the Amazons, who excluded Men from their Society, yet became formidable to all the Regions round about them.

Adieu, Brave Commander of the Muſſulman Forces; and, let the Memory of theſe Valiant Females, inſpire thee with freſh Ardours, when the Ottoman Empire is in Danger.

Paris, 1ſt. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXVIII. To Dgnet Oglou.

THou art the Man that muſt participate in all my Adventures. And, I ſhould be a Churle, in not letting thee ſhare with me, the Pleaſure I found in a late Journey to Orleans, one of the Preſidiary Towns of France. It was by the Order of the Vizir Azem, I undertook that Journey. Some body had informed Him, That this Town was full of Merchant-Travellers of ſeveral Nations, but eſpecially of Germany, who brought the choiceſt Jewels of the Eaſt, to vend in this Place at ordinary Rates. That Miniſter gave me Commands, to buy certain Stones; with Inſtructions to treat of another Affair, which it is not neceſſary for thee to know. I accordingly ſet out from Paris, the Third Day of the 5th. Moon; and, Fliachim the Jew (of whom thou haſt heard) bore me Company.

I need not deſcribe to thee, the Country through which we paſs'd: It exactly reſembleth the Plains of St. Iſidore, not far from Palermo in Sicily. Thou and I, have Reaſon to remember that Place of our Captivity, carrying the Marks of our Maſter's Cruel Anger yet in our Bodies. Thoſe Plains, thou knoweſt, afford a very agreeable Proſpect; eſpecially at this Time of the Year, when the Verdure of the Trees, mixed with the Brightneſs of the Corn-fields, and the parti coloured Meadows, tempt the Eye into a Controverſy of Pleaſure; a Man neither knowing well how to take it off, nor yet where to fix it, in ſuch an Orderly Confuſion and Medley of Charming Objects.

Such is the Province between Paris and Orleans; which has this Advantage of thoſe Sicilian Plains, That here all the Way one rides, Innumerable Magnificent and Beautiful Palaces appear, ſhooting up their glittering Turrets above the lofty Groves, which environ thoſe Seats of Pleaſure. Indeed, this is one of the pureſt Airs, and the moſt fertile Soil in all the Kingdom; which invites the Nobles and Gentry, to reſide here during the Summer, and occaſions much Travelling on his Road.

About Mid-day, we came to a Town called Chaſtres, where we alighted to refreſh our ſelves. Travellers in theſe Weſtern Parts, are better accommodated with Proviſions, than they can be in Aſia, where they muſt carry their own Beds with them, and dreſs their own Victuals, or lie on the naked Floor faſting. This makes the Nazarenes, call the Eaſt Inhoſpitable. They conſider not at the ſame Time, that 'tis the Niceneſs and Delicacy of the Mahometans, which occaſions this Cuſtom. For, the Eaſtern People, are fearful of defiling themſelves, by eating Meat prepared by other Hands than their own, or thoſe of their Servants: As alſo, to lie on a Bed, common to all Paſſengers.

But, theſe Infidels are like the Swine, to whom all Meat is Welcom, and every Ditch an Acceptable Bed. Here are Inns all along the Roads, whereinto when you enter, the Hoſt provides you both Bed and all other Neceſſaries. A Man muſt venture to ſleep on the ſame Pillow, where perhaps a Leper has lain the Night before, or ſome Perſon Infected with a worſe Diſeaſe. The Hoſt examines none, but harbours all alike, provided they have Mony to pay him. And as for Victuals, 'tis the Cuſtom for all Travellers, to eat together at one Common Table, where ſeveral Diſhes of Meat are ſerved up, and every Man is free to eat what and how much he pleaſes, paying a ſtated Price for his Dinner.

Thus, no ſooner were we come into our Inn at Chaſtres, but the Hoſt ſaluting us after the Manner of the Country, invited us to ſit down at the Ordinary, (for ſo they call their Publick Dinner in an Inn.) We were not ſo ſcrupulous as to refuſe his Offer, but followed him into the Chamber, where the Dinner was prepared. There were many Gueſts at the Table, and all buſie in feeding themſelves. We took ſuch Seats as we found vacant, and without much Ceremony fell to eating. The Jew truſted to the Indulgence of Moſes, and I to that of Mahomet, for eating with the Ʋncircumciſed, whoſe Meat is ſeldom free from the Pollutions of Blood. We knew, that neither God nor his Prophets, required us to ſtarve.

There was Plenty of Wine, and that ſo delicious, as would have tempted an Hogia to taſte it, without the Mufti's Diſpenſation. To avoid Singularity, I made a Shew of eating, as the Reſt; but, the greateſt Part of my Repaſt, conſiſted in Bread and ſome Fruits, with that exhilarating Juice of the Grape.

The honeſt Jew ſwore, 'twas a Banquet prepared by Cupid, to render him the moſt Miſerable of all Men. For, juſt in the Midſt of our Mirth, came in a French Gentleman with a Lady in his Hand, who placed themſelves at the Table exactly oppoſite to us. I perceived evident Symptoms of ſome Diſorder in Eliachim, who ſeem'd to read his Fate, in that fair Creatures Face; yet had not Power to check his Wandering Eyes, or guard 'em from Inevitable Wounds. He'd almoſt acted o'er the Story of the Aegyptian Wives, whom Joſeph's Miſtreſs had invited to behold his Beauty: they cut their Fingers for their Meat, whilſt gazing on the Charming Youth: So, poor Eliachim was all Confuſion, turn'd to a Statue, whilſt he looked on this enchanting Gorgon. He had forgot to eat or drink, till I began to rowze him from his Dream. I told him ſoftly in the Ear, This Lady was but the Younger Siſter of Ixion's Miſtriſs. This brought him to his Sence again, but could not reſtore his Peace. Prudence taught him, to diſſemble the violent Emotion of his Soul, and not to expoſe himſelf in ſuch a Company; but, Nothing could expell the Fatal Poyſon from his Breaſt.

When we had ſufficiently repoſed our ſelves, we bid adieu to the Inn; all joyning Company, and ſetting forward to Orleans. On the Road, both Eliachim and I, had many Opportunities of converſing with this Young Lady; ſuch Familiarity with Women, being allowed in France. We found her Wit ſurprizing as her Beauty; and, her Mien and Conduct, ſuch as gave Advantage to them both. In a Word, Eliachim was loſt amidſt ſo many Perfections.

When we came to our Inn at Night, and were in our Chamber together, he vented his Paſſion in theſe Words. Mahmut, I've paſs'd theſe Years hitherto, without any other Sentiments of Love, ſave thoſe which in General I owe to all our Race, and ſome more particular Regards of Friendſhip and Duty. But, ſince I ſaw this lovely Creature, methinks my Friends, and all that ought to be beloved on Earth, is now contracted into her. 'Tis not her Snowy Skin or Matchleſs Features, are of Force to move me; though they are ſuch, thy ſelf being Judge, as would have ſoiled Apelles Art to imitate: but, 'tis a Luſtre which I can't expreſs! Surely, 'twas Lightning darted from her Eyes, thoſe fair Avenues of her brighter Soul! The ſubtle Flame, glanced through my Breaſt, and in a Moment ſcorch'd my Reaſon up! The lovely Baſilisk, ſhot Deaths at every Look: Thou ſaweſt how I ſate as one transformed; ſo lifeleſs and without motion was I, whilſt gazing on my Ruine! And, to this Hour, a Fatal Numbneſs ſpreads though all my Veins, as if I d touch'd ſome dire Torpedo.

Thus went he raving on, till I interrupted him with Laughter and Raillery, endeavouring to cure him of this Love-ſick Humour, by ridiculing it. I told him my own Experience of this Fooliſh Paſſion, rehearſed my former Adventures with Daria, and how at length I got the Victory of this vain Fondneſs, by Abſence, and the Exerciſe of my Reaſon. But, all that I could ſay, made no Impreſſion on the ſtupid Lover. He grew but worſe, and ſo I left him to ſeek Repoſe from Sleep.

We came not to Orleans till the next Day, where we tarried not long, having no other Buſineſs, as it happen'd, but to ſee the Rarities of the Town, and inform our ſelves of thoſe Things, it is convenient for Travellers to know. After which, we returned to Paris; I, with the ſame Sentiments I had at my firſt ſetting out from thence; but, it ſeems, the World was Metamorphoſed in poor Eliachim's Opinion: To him the Trees had now loſt all their Greenneſs; the Flowers, and Graſs, and Corn look'd wither'd; the Birds ſung mournful Notes; the Winds blew hoarſe unwelcome Sounds; and, every Thing in Nature, ſeemed to him to droop, becauſe Falante was not there (ſo was the Fair one called,) as Eliachim had learned of her, when we parted from Orleans.

In this melancholy Condition, the poor Brain-ſick Jew has continued ever ſince. When his Cure will commence, I know not.

If thou yet retaineſt thy Native Liberty, and haſt not ſacrificed it to Unhappy Love, learn by his Misfortune to watch thy Sences, which are the Firſt Traytors to the Soul. Adieu.

Paris, 1ſt. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER XXIX. To the Captain Baſſa.

THou that haſt had thy Education in Arſenals, and haſt led the Reſt of thy Life in Ships of War, wilt be beſt able to Judge of the Propoſal, which a certain bold Sea-Captain made to Cardinal Mazarini not long ago.

It being the General Diſcourſe of this City, with what Inſult and Defiance Admiral Moroſini, with about Thirty Men of War, entred the Helleſpont, and brav'd the Dardanels; This Officer told the Cardinal, That if he would furniſh him with half that Number of Ships, he would engage to drive the Sultan out of his Seraglio, lay that Palace in the Duſt, and beat down the Towers of all the Moſquees in Conſtantinople, or loſe his Life in the Attempt. To which the Cardinal replyed. Monſieur, I believe 'tis poſſible, if you could finiſh your Work, before they would board your Men of War, with a Hundred Gallies and Saicks full of Armed Men.

It is ſaid, that Cardinal Richlieu, had ſuch a Project once; which made him propoſe the building of Prodigious High Ships, whoſe Outſides ſhould be ſtuck all over with ſharp Spikes, that ſhould render it Impoſſible for Gallies to board them.

By this thou mayſt know, that ſuch an Attempt is not thought Impracticable by the Chriſtians. I wiſh it be not put in Effectual Execution by them, when the Port may leaſt dream of it.

Chriſtina, Queen of Suedeland, has cauſed a moſt Magnificent Veſſel to be built, with Deſign to preſent it to Cardinal Mazarini. The Inner Work of the Cabin, is of Cedar, curiouſly overlaid with Flowers and other Imagery of Gold. The Extremity of the Stern, adorned with Windows, Statues and Galleries; the Wooden Work, all overlaid with the ſame Mettal. The Roof of the Cabin, preſents the Story of Jaſon's Expedition to get the Golden Fleece, painted by the beſt Maſters in Suedeland. All the Furniture, ſpeaks the Royal Bounty of her that gives it. The Cannon, are of the pureſt Braſs. The Reſt of the Tackle, ſuch as are fitteſt to weather the Winds and Waves; from which, neither this Queen's Sovereignty in Suedeland, nor the Cardinal's Grandeur in France, could exempt either of them, were they expoſed to Sea.

There are thoſe who whiſper on this Occaſion, That the Queen of Suedeland, has ſome Inclinations to the Roman Catholick Religion; That ſhe has had ſeveral Conferences with Monſieur Chanut, on that Subject, as alſo with his Prieſts; That her Reſident in Portugal, has openly embraced that Faith, not without the Queen's private Conſent and Approbacion. It is not Material to us, what Religion the Infidels profeſs, whilſt they aſſert Doctrines repugnant to the Divine Ʋnity, and the Truth of the Sent of God. I behold, at this Time, an evident Sign of his Ʋnity in the Heavens; it is the New Moon, juſt riſing from the Lower Hemiſphere. At the Sight of this Planet, the Meſſenger of God has commanded me to fall on my Face, and adore the Eternal.

Wherefore praying, that her Influences may prove propitious to thee, whilſt thou art on the Ocean, I bid thee adieu.

Paris, 23d. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
The End of the Second Book.
LETTERS Writ by A SPY at PARIS. VOL. III. BOOK III.
LETTER I. To Bedredin, Superior of the Convent of Derviſes, at Cogni in Natolia.

NOT more welcom are the Rich Perfumes of Arabia, to a Soul almoſt expiring through Grief and Melancholy, than is thy Letter to Mahmut, wherein is contain'd, the Certificate of thy being yet on this Side the State of Inviſibles. Methinks, all Nature flouriſhes, while thou art alive. And, I feel a Spirit within me, prompts me to preſage, That thy Death, like the Fall of Leaves in Autumn, will prove the Harbinger of the World's Laſt Winter. Whilſt thou liveſt, thy Prayers and Merits, ſupport the drooping Elements: Which are now almoſt ready to fall, into their Primitive Chaos and Inactivity. The Angel of the Trumpet, in Contemplation of thy Virtue, delays to found the Grand Tremendous Blaſt; which, at an Inſtant, ſhall puff out the Light of Sun, Moon and Stars, and blow the Breath out of the Noſtrils of all the Living Generations. That Day, ſhall be a Day of Darkneſs, Horror and Silence, till the Hour of Tranſmigration comes: When, at the Second Blaſt, the Firmament ſhall rent aſunder, like the Opening of Curtains; this Old World ſhall fly away, like a Shadow, to the Right Hand and to the Left. Then ſhall Naked Souls hang hovering in the Empty Space, 'twixt Paradiſe and Hell. The Throne ſhall be plac'd, Judgment ſhall be given: And, to wind up the Myſteries of Fate, A New and Immortal World, ſhall at a Moment ſpring forth from the Womb of Eternity, and poſſeſs the Place of the Former.

I write not this to Inſtruct thee, Venerable Bedredin, who art a Mine of Knowledge; but, to ſatisfy thee, That tho' I live amongſt Infidels, yet I conſerve Inviolate the Faith of my Fathers, believing the Book brought down from the Eternal Archives. Thou feareſt, that I ſhall turn Chriſtian, being accuſed by Some, of Levity in my Opinions; by Others, of Prophaneneſs and Atheiſm; by All, of diſcovering too favourable an Inclination to the Nazarenes.

Suffer me, O Holy Preſident of the Servants of God, to purge my ſelf from theſe falſe Imputations, the Product of Envy and Malice. Permit me to lay at thy Sacred Feet, a Modeſt Apology for my Faith.

Let not that Deſcription of the Chriſtians Meſſias, which I ſent thee in my laſt Letter, create in thee an Opinion to my Diſadvantage; nor prevail on thee to think, I can ever ſwerve from the profound Attach I owe to the Sent of God. I Honour Jeſus, the Son of Mary; and ſo I do all his Brethren, the Prophets in Paradiſe: This I am taught in the Alcoran. Where is then my Crime? If I give Virtue its due Praiſe, even in the Infidels, am I therefore a Nazarene? If I ſpeak with Reverence and Modeſty of Chriſtian Princes, am not I therefore a Muſſulman? Or, does the Book of Glory teach us Arrogance? Surely, my Traducers will bluſh, when they ſhall conſider, That Our Auguſt Emperors themſelves (who are Sovereigns of All the Kings on Earth) when they vouchſafe to write to Chriſtian Princes, they dictate their Letters in a Style, full of Affection and Regard. They give them Magnificent Titles at the Beginning; and, at the Concluſion, they wiſh them Encreaſe of Felicity, both Here and in Paradiſe. And, would it become a Slave, to treat Crown'd Heads with leſs Reſpect, than does the Maſter of the Ʋniverſe? If I have contracted Friendſhip with ſome of the Chriſtian Derviſes, it was to ſerve the Ends of the Sublime Port, and perform the Rites of Gratitude. I thought it no Crime, to receive a Kindneſs from any Man, or to return it, without examining his Religion. But, perhaps they ſuſpect the Intimacies I had with Cardinal Richlieu, and ſtill have with his Succeſſor Mazarini. Reſt aſſured, O Holy Derviſe, That my Acceſs to theſe Princes of the Roman Church, is ſo far from being Criminal, that without it I never had been capable of penetrating into the Counſels of the Infidels, nor of doing any effectual Service to the Grand Signior. The Countenance which my Familiarity with theſe Two Great Miniſters affords me, has all along facilitated my Deſigns. And, whilſt, under their Umbrage, I am taken for a Zealous Chriſtian, I ſecretly lay a Foundation, whereon, in due Time, ſhall be built, even in the Heart of Chriſtendom, Triumphal Arches, for the Victorious Muſſulmans. 'Tis ſtrange, methinks, that after all this, I ſhould be ſuſpected! That notwithſtanding, I have patiently endur'd Nine Years Confinement, to an Obſcure and Private Life; a Melancholy Baniſhment, to a Strange Country; yea, to a City, for which I have a Natural Averſion; a City the moſt Unclean, Noiſy and Vain in the whole Earth; to be ſhut up, for the Sake of avoiding Diſcovery, in a Chamber ſo Narrow, that Suſpicion it ſelf, nay, even Thought, the Mother of that Little Paſſion, would ſweat and be ſtifled, when once Circumſcrib'd within theſe Walls; and after all this, to be made a Priſoner of State, on Jealouſy of being a Mahometan: To abide that Puniſhment ſo many Moons, unmov'd, uncorrupted, and at length to be releaſed, to the Advantage of the Ottoman Intereſt; and yet, to be traduc'd at Home, for a Traytor to God, his Prophet, and my Sovereign, has ſurely ſomething in it of Inconſiſtent.

What is then my Crime? Or, why am I thus aſpers'd? Let my Slanderers hereafter be ſilent. Unleſs they will lay it to my Charge, That in ſome of my Letters, I have diſcover'd a Mind free from Superſtition; That I put a high Value on Reaſon, and have no low Eſteem, for ſome of the Ancient Philoſophers; That I endeavour to guard my Sence, and will not ſuffer it to be muzzled with the Impoſitions of Ignorance and Prejudice; That I do not think it a Neceſſary Qualification of a Muſſulman, to purſue with Inexorable Hatred, all Men that differ from me in Opinion. In fine, That in all my Converſation, I ſtrive to comport my ſelf, as One who aſſerts the Ʋnity of the Divine Eſſence, the Plurality of his Prophets, the Determinate Number of the Elect; and, who is reſolv'd and prepar'd, rather to die a Thouſand Deaths, than voluntarily to commit any Impiety againſt theſe Principles, or the Intereſt of the Grand Signior, who has a Right to command all Mankind. If theſe be Crimes, I muſt own my ſelf Culpable: If not, let my Accuſers lay their Hand upon their Mouth. And continue thou, Sage Doctor of our Holy Law, to inſtruct me with thy Counſels, to aſſiſt me with thy Prayers, and to protect me with thy Friendſhip. Then ſhall Mahmut perſevere a True Believer, a Faithful Slave to the Oſman Emperor, and a Devout Admirer of thy Longevity and Virtue.

I ſhould fear, this might be the laſt Letter I ſhould have the Honour to ſend thee, were I not convinced by ſome near Examples, That Old Age was not reſtrained to the Times before the Flood. Though thou haſt far outpaſs'd the ordinary Years of Men, yet there is at this Time, not far from Paris, a Man who has near doubled thy Age. He is an Hermit, living on a Hill, where all Things neceſſary for Human Suſtenance ſeem to be wanting. The Walls of his Houſe are built of Mud, with his own Hands (a weak Defence againſt Wind and Rains.) His Bed is compoſed of Leaves of Trees. A Stone ſerves him for his Pillow. His Diet conſiſts of ſuch Herbs and Fruits, as that Mountain affords him. A neighbouring Well, allays his Thirſt. He has dwelt in this Place, and in this Manner, Eighty Three Years, after he had Travelled moſt Parts of Europe and Aſia. Ask him by what Means he preſerv'd his Life ſo long, he anſwers, By living free from Care, and by being Indifferent to all Things. He foretells Things to come with marvellous Succeſs, as has been often obſerv'd. Which makes the People eſteem him a Prophet.

The French tell me of another, who lived longer than he, being Three Hundred Sixty and One Years Old when he died. He was call'd, John of the Times, in Regard he liv'd from the Reign of Charles the Great, to that of the Emperor Conrade. And, being ask'd, What Diet he uſed, his Anſwer was, Honey within, and Oil without.

This comforts me with the Hopes of ſeeing thee on Earth, tho' many Years hence: Since, no Man can exceed thee in Abſtinence, Sobriety, and the Calmneſs of thy Mind.

The Great Author of Life ſo grant, That if I may not enjoy this Felicity Here, yet I may not, by any enormous Crimes, merit to be excluded thy Society in Paradiſe.

Paris, 11th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER II. To Murat Baſſa.

THE French are puffed up, with the late Defeat they gave the Spaniſh Fleet in Sight of Naples. Their Joy would know no Bounds, were it not curb'd by the Loſs of the Duke of Breze, who was ſlain by a Cannon Bullet in this Naval Combat.

The Young Prince of Conde, has been alſo forced to withdraw his Army from before Lerida; that Place, being ever Fatal to the French. This has leſſened the Diſgrace, which the Count of Harcourt received laſt Campagne, in not being able to carry that Town, after Six Moons Siege.

But, the News from the Levant, has elated all the Franks beyond Meaſure: Yet, I hope the Relations that are ſcatter'd abroad on that Subject, are rather an Effect of their Wiſhes, than of any real Succeſs againſt the Invincible Oſmans.

It is reported, That there have been Two Sea-Fights, between our Fleets and the Venetians; that in the Former, we loſt Two Thouſand Men, Seven Galleys and a Baſſa; that in the Latter, the Venetians took Fourty Galleys, Six Caramuſals, and Fifty Saiques, laden with Men and Ammunition for the Relief of our Army in Candy.

The Honour of this laſt Victory, is aſcribed to the Valour and Conduct of Bernard Moroſini, and General Grimani; Bernard ſucceeding his Brother Thomas Moroſini, who was killed, as they ſay, it the Firſt Battel.

The Chriſtians every where expreſs great Joy for theſe Victories. The open Streets are filled with Tables, covered with all Manner of Dainties, at the Publick Coſt: They feaſt and revel Night and Day. The Bells ring continually, and Bonefires are made, to celebrate the Triumph of the Nazarenes. They preſage to themſeves, the Conqueſt of the Ottoman Empire, and Eternal Victories.

From Dalmatia, the Poſts bring daily News of our Loſſes and Diſgraces. It is known here, That the Caſtles of Xemonido, Novigrade, Nadin, Carin, and all the Places of Strength which we had in our Poſſeſſion, except Cliſſa, are taken by the Venetians.

They laugh at our Siege of Sebenigo, where we loſt Two Thouſand Men, and at Length were forced to leave our Camp to the Chriſtians; our General being frighted away by a few Women.

It ſeems Strange and Ominous to me, that thoſe Arms, which have formerly cruſh'd the Greateſt Monarchies to Pieces, and have chang'd the Face of the whole Earth, ſhould now be foil'd by a few Deſperado's! I dare be thus far a Prophet, That either the Soldiers are diſguſted, which will produce a Revolution; or, the Mighty Empire of the Oſmans, is in its Decline; which God avert.

The Chriſtians (who are not ignorant of our Affairs, nor of the very Secrets of the Seraglio) by an Odd Kind of Charity, pray for the Long Life of Sultan Ibrahim. For, they ſay, our Armies muſt needs miſcarry during his Reign; moſt of the Officers, being offended at his Licentious Life, and Cruel Actions. Beſides, they tax him with Profuſeneſs, in that he has not ſpared the Private Treaſury of Gold, which, by the Frugality of his Predeceſſors, had been heaped together; and, which it was not counted lawful for them to touch, unleſs in the utmoſt Peril of the Empire. They ſay, that by the Additions which Sultan Amurat had made, this Treaſure was augmented to above Thirty Millions of Sequins: But, that our preſent Emperor, has ſquandred moſt of it away, on his Pleaſure. They compare him to Heliogabalus, the moſt Effeminate Prince that ever Reign'd: Praiſing at the ſame Time, the Magnanimity and Valour of Sultan Amurat; who, they ſay, was the Stouteſt Man on Earth. They highly applaud his Bravery at the Siege of Babylon, when he accepted the Challenge of the Perſian Soldier; and entering into a ſingle Combat with the Unhappy Redhead, at one Blow, with his Sabre, cleft him (though in Armour) to the Middle. In Memorial whereof, thou knoweſt, that Armour hangs to this Day in the Hazoda. In fine, they extoll his Juſtice: Whereof he gave a remarkable Inſtance, in puniſhing a certain Hogia, who had cheated a Pilgrim of his Jewels. Thou remembreſt that Paſſage. And, the Stone-Mortar, wherein that Miſerable Wretch was pounded alive by his Own Sentence, is yet to be ſeen at the Gate of the Divan, a Monument of his Villainy, and the Sultan's Juſtice.

Theſe Things are not unknown in the Weſt: For, the Nazarenes have their Intelligencers, in the Imperial City. Hence they derive Occaſions, to Cenſure or Praiſe the Actions of our Auguſt Emperours, who are Companions of the Sun, and Brothers of the Stars.

What I have ſaid, I truſt to thy Integrity, whereof I have had Experience. Thoſe who degenerate from that Vertue, may their Souls find no more Reſt in the Other World, than a Frenchman's Hat has in This, which is always in Motion. Adieu.

Paris, 15th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER III. To Mahomet Techli, Baſſa of Boſna, at his Camp in Dalmatia.

THOU art a fit Man to lead the Muſſulman Armies, who durſt not hold up thy Head againſt a few Women? Perhaps thy Mother's Milk hangs yet on thy Chin; thou art not wean'd from the Diſcipline of the Nurſery. Was the Strong Fortreſs of Sebenico, of ſo ſmall a Price, that thou ſhouldſt baſely decamp from before it, becauſe a few Females appear'd on the Walls? Is this the Way to aggrandize thy Maſter? What will the Chriſtians ſay to this Cowardiſe? Nay, what do they not ſay already? The News of that Siege, had reach'd all Parts of Europe; the Nazarenes were big with Expectation of the Event. Now they know it, they laugh both at thee, and at all the Muſſulmans. Thou haſt brought a Diſgrace on the moſt Exalted Empire in the World.

What, if thou didſt loſe Two Thouſand Men before the Walls of that Fort? Is that a ſufficient Juſtification of thy raiſing the Siege? Our Glorious Sultans do not uſe to win Cities and Caſtles without Blood; neither do they ſpare to ſacrifice the beſt Part of their Army, to the Honour of their Arms; whilſt our Indefatigable Soldiers, have mounted on Heaps of Slaughter'd Spahi's, and ſcal'd the Battlements of their Enemies. Whereas thou, wert afraid of a few Stones, that the Women hurl'd on thy Men from the Walls! Thou art more effeminate than Sardanapalus! It were fitter for thee, to handle the Diſtaff, and Spin for thy Bread, than to draw a Sword in the Field of Honour. It is a wonder thy own Soldiers do not abandon thee, being aſham'd to ſerve under ſo Weak a Commander.

I counſel thee, ſpeedily to recover thy loſt Reputation, by ſome notable Service. Let not Perils affright thee; but remember, that true Fortitude ſurmounts all Difficulties; and, that thou canſt not paſs into the Temple of Honour, but through that of Vertue. It is not my Part to project for thee: The whole Country is before thee: Thou knoweſt, or at leaſt oughteſt to know, the Motions and Strength of thy Enemies. Do ſomething ſpeedily, that ſhall ſpeak thee Wiſe and Valiant. Thou hadſt better loſe thy Life ſo, than by a Bow-ſtring.

Take this Advice, as a Mark of my Friendſhip; for, Mahmut uſes not ſo frankly to reprove thoſe, whom he eſteems his Enemies. Adieu.

Paris, 15th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER IV. To Achmet Baſſa.

NOT long ago, arrived here a Courier from Suedeland, bringing Letters from Queen Chriſtina, and Monſieur Chanut, the French Reſident at Stockholme.

Among other Matters, they give an Account, That on the Twenty Seventh Day of the Seventh Moon, that Great Princeſs had like to have been ſtabb'd, in the Midſt of her Guards, ſurrounded with her Courtiers, before the Altar of her God; at an Hour, when all the Subjects of that Kingdom, were on their Knees, to render Heaven Propitious to Her and the Publick.

That Day, there was a Faſt proclaim'd through all Suedeland; and, he was eſteemed no Good Subject, who did not repair to the Publick Solemnities. The Queen, to give an Example, went at the Third Hour of the Day to the Moſque of her Palace, attended by the Great Officers of State, and a Numerous Train of the Nobility. When the Preacher (as is the Cuſtom) had made an End of ſpeaking, all that were preſent fell on their Knees, to perform the appointed Devotions. But, it being the Faſhion of the Nazarenes, to utter ſome ſecret preparative Oraiſons; the Men covered their Faces with their Hats, to be more recollected.

While all Eyes were thus veil'd, a certain Fellow ſnatching the Opportunity, ſteps from his Place; and, without making any great Noiſe, by large Strides, advances unſeen to the Rails which encloſe the Pavement, next to the Altar, where the Queen was on her Knees. But, in leaping over, he was perceived by a certain Nobleman; who, immediately cryed out to the Guards, to ſtop the Aſſaſſin. They croſs'd their Partiſans; but the Villain, hurl'd them one againſt another with ſo great Violence, that while they were ſtriving to recover their entangled Weapons, he got quite through them. At which time, the Queen alſo raiſing her ſelf up at the Noiſe, puſh'd the Captain of her Guards, who kneeled beſide her. He ſtarting from his Place, leap'd between the Queen and the Murderer, who was now within Two Paces of her. He ſeizes the Wretch; and, upon immediate Search, they found Two long ſharp-pointed Knives about him, without Sheaths; One in his Boſom, the Other in his Pocket. The Priſon being in the Caſtle or Palace of the Queen, under her very Apartment, ſhe was not willing he ſhould be carried thither; but ordered him, to be reconducted to his own Chamber, which was in the College of Stockholme; he being an Eccleſiaſtick of the ſaid College: Commanding alſo, a good Guard to be ſet over him; which was performed accordingly.

As ſoon as the Wretch ſaw himſelf in his Chamber, he ſaid aloud, That when he went out in the Morning, he little thought of ever-returning again; having undertaken an Action, in doing of which, he expected to loſe his Life.

They uſed all Diligence imaginable, in diſcovering the Authors of this intended Murder; but, could learn Nothing more, than that this Fellow was a Lunatick, whom at Certain Seaſons, an Unaccountable Fury ſpurred on to many Extravagancies.

Yet ſome ſuſpect, that he was hired by the Lutheran Clergy to give this Execrable Blow; who were apprehenſive, that the Queen hearkning too much to the Inſinuations of her Tutor, who was a Calviniſt, would Innovate the Eſtabliſh'd Religion of the Country.

If this be a well grounded Suſpicion, it follows at the beſt, that Religion, which ought to correct the Morals of Men, and have an Influence in reſtraining their Exorbitant Paſſions, is become the Corrupter of their Manners, and the Fomenter of the moſt Enormous Crimes. But, this is common among the Chriſtians, who being divided into Innumerable Parties, diſtinguiſhed by as many Several Names; yet each Sect is ſo ſure that their Way is the only Right Path to Salvation, that they ſpare for neither Murders, Sacrileges, nor Treaſons, to proſelyte the Reſt to their Opinion; being unwilling, that any ſhould live, who are not of the ſame Mind with them.

The King of France and the Queen-Regent, received the News of Queen Chriſtina's Delivery from this Deſigned Blow, with much Joy; the Intereſts of both Crowns, being at this Time cloſely intermingled.

I can inform thee of Nothing more Remarkable at preſent, ſave, That certain Letters are intercepted, which the Duke of Bavaria had written to the Duke of Wirtemberg, and the Elector of Cologne: The Contents of which diſcover, that the Duke of Bavaria, is not far from a Reconciliation with the Emperor; and, that in the mean time, he only waits the Event of Things, to direct him in the Choice of his Party.

God confirm thee in thy Integrity, that thou mayſt never waver or ſwerve, from the Service and Duty thou oweſt the Grand Signior.

Paris, 28th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER V. To Cara Hali, a Phyſician at Conſtantinople.

THOU haſt heap'd many Favours on me; yet I have never had an Opportunity, of making the leaſt Acknowledgment. Accept now a Small Preſent from Mahmut's Hands, who being not Maſter of Wealth, can make no Great Ones. I ſend thee neither Silver, Gold, nor Jewels, which the Inſatiable Avarice of Mortals, has violently torn from the Bowels of their Common Mother. Neither ſhalt thou receive from me, any of the more familiar Products of the Earth, ſuch as grow on her Surface. Expect no choice Fruits, or Wine, or Oil; nor any thing framed by the Art of Man, whether for Delight, or Uſe. What I ſend thee, is the Dew of Heaven, a certain Quinteſſence of the Elements, an Aetherial Spirit, firſt condens'd into a Vapour, then into a more liquid Subſtance, and afterwards congealed into a Gum. It is the celebrated Manna of Calabria.

Adonai the Jew, ſent it to me out of Italy, as a Rarity. I knew not whom ſo properly to oblige with this Preſent, as the Studious of Natural Things, Haly the Sage Phyſician, and my Friend.

The Philoſopher Averroes, our Countryman, has written much of this excellent Subſtance. He calls it, the Food of the Airy Angels. And ſays, the Young Ravens crying in their Neſts, are nouriſh'd by this Heavenly Diet, when the Old Ones forſake them: And, that the Chamelions, ſeek no other Repaſt during their Lives, but the Inviſible Manna that every where floats in the Morning Air. He holds it poſſible, That a Man, after he has paſs'd his Great Climacter, may live without any other Suſtenance, ſave what he receives from this Heavenly Diſtillation; that he may thus prolong his Life, for the Space of Seven Years, which will complete the appointed Age of Mortals. Many of the ſublimely inſtructed among the Arabians, are of the ſame Opinion; ſo are not a few of the Hebrew Rabbi's: But, the Chriſtians, who are Gluttons, laugh at this Doctrine, as Ridiculous and Impracticable: Forgetting at the ſame time, what they read in their Bible (which they pretend is the Rule of their Faith) that the Iſraelites had Nothing elſe to feed on, for a conſiderable time, in the Deſart, when they were almoſt Eight Hundred Thouſand Souls, and the Greateſt Part of them in their full Strength, Men of Arms, and inur'd to the Toils of War.

Certainly, it were a deſirable Thing, that this Divine Largeſs, were diſtributed to all the Regions on Earth. But, God ſends his Bleſſings to whom, and when he pleaſes. 'Tis he that directeth the Clouds, when they move through the Air, and reſt not till they arrive at barren and dry Places, where they pour forth their Water to refeſh the Earth, and render it fruitful. God! There is but One God, Lord of the Worlds! Theſe are Signs of his Ʋnity to True Believers, but the Incredulous have hardned their Hearts.

It is recorded, That in former Times, the Ground whereon this Manna deſcended, belong'd to a certain Nobleman of the Country; who, covetous of the Unuſual Bleſſing, undertook to encloſe all that Land with a high Wall, to the End that ſo rare a Gift, might not be made Common to every one. But, as ſoon as the Workmen had begun to lay the Foundations of this Encloſure, the Manna ceas'd to fall, and ſo continued, as long as they proceeded in that Envious work. Which, when the Lord of the Ground was made ſenſible of, he commanded the Workmen to deſiſt: Saying withal, The Almighty gives, and the Almighty takes away. Henceforward, I will not ſeek to reſtrain the Free Gift of Heaven. Upon which, the Manna deſcended daily as before, and ſo has continued to do ever ſince. Doubtleſs, this is a Sign of God's Omnipotence.

If thou wilt permit me to play the Philoſopher, I will tell thee my Opinion, why this Manna is ſeen rather in the Kingdom of Naples, than in any other Region of the Earth.

It is well known, that the Earth of this Country, abounds with Veins of Sulphur, which are diffuſed up and down through all Parts, and heat the Soil to an Extraordinary Degree. Hence it follows, that the Lower Region of the Air in this Country, muſt needs acquire a greater Degree of Heat and Dryneſs alſo, being perpetually rarified by the Fiery Atomes, which every where tranſpire through the Pores of the Earth, as from a Furnace.

This being ſo, it is not hard to conceive, that the Vapours which are exhal'd by the Sun into the Ʋpper Region, in the Heat of a Summers Day, and there become Impregnated by the Aetherial Spirit, (which remains pure and uncloath'd in thoſe ſerener Tracts, and conſequently, is apt to Incorporate with any proper Vehicle) Naturally deſcend again in the Cool of the Night; but, not meeting with a Congenious Body of Vapours, in the Lower Region, that Air being over-purify'd, and grown defecate, through the too near Neighbourhood of the Burning Soil, ſo that they cannot diffuſe themſelves through the Air for want of a fit Medium, they conſiſting of Homogeneous Parts, and following the Natural Poſition of the Element, and the Laws of Gravity; contract themſelves into little Globular Forms the lower they deſcend, thus ſetling on the Leaves of Trees, on the Graſs and Herbs, on Stones and any Part of the Earth, appearing like Grains of Tranſparent Gum.

Hence alſo I conceive, That the ſame Manna (which is Nothing elſe, but an Aetherial Spirit, embodied in light and dulcid Vapours) abounds in the Air of moſt Countries, but remains inviſible, rarely ſo far condens'd, as to ſettle in a groſs Body on the Ground, becauſe the Air of thoſe Regions, is not ſo rarify'd as is that of Calabria, having no ſuch Subterranean Fires to drink the Vapours up; but being moiſt and thick, the deſcending Manna, inſtead of contracting it ſelf into Globular Bodies, and through its Weight ſinking to the Earth, dilates it ſelf, and incorporates with the floating Vapours: Juſt as if you pour drops of Water, into a Veſſel full of the ſame Element, thoſe Drops do not ſink to the Bottom, but finding an Homogeneous Body, they mix with it, and are diſperſed every way; whereas, if there be nothing in the way to ſtop them, they immediately fall to the Ground.

But, I ſhall tire thee with my Philoſophy, forgetting that I ſpeak to a Man conſummate in all Sciences. Adonai relates many remarkable Paſſages of this Country, too tedious for a Letter. I will only tell thee in ſhort, That the Kingdom of Naples, is eſteemed one of the moſt Delectable Regions on Earth, the Trees flouriſhing Twice a Year, and the Soil abounding to Prodigality with Corn, Wine, Oil and Fruits, and all Things neceſſary for the Life of Man. Yet, the Inhabitants, have this Proverb common among them; The Kingdom of Naples is a Paradiſe of Delights, but it is inhabited with Devils. So corrupted are the Manners of the People.

Adieu, Dear Haly, and think not Mahmut tedious in his Letters, who has no other Way at this Diſtance, to converſe with his Friends.

Paris, 19th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER VI. To Kerker Haſſan, Baſſa.

WHEN this Diſpatch ſhall come to thy Hands, be aſſured, that Mahmut thy Countryman, and Slave to the Slaves of the Grand Signior, wiſhes thee multiplicity of Happineſs. I have many Reaſons to honour thee, beſides the Natural Affection, which is or ought to be, between thoſe who were born in the ſame Region. The many Favours thou haſt done me, have far exceeded the Obligation, which ariſes from the Vicinity of our Birth: Though, that was ſo near, that a ſtrong Man, would have meaſur'd the Diſtance, with one Flight of an Arrow.

The Preſent of Kopha, for which I returned thee Thanks in my laſt, has wrought wonderful Effects on me, being a perfect Cure of the Melancholy, to which I was before ſubject. It has freed me from many Diſtempers; and, I owe the preſent Eaſe and Cheerfulneſs I enjoy, to this Generous Gift.

Methinks, while I am drinking this excellent Liquor, I am at Conſtantinople, converſing with my Friends. It revives in me the Genius of Aſia; and ſo advantageouſly transforms the Idea's of things which I ſee, that the Croſſes on the Tops of the Chriſtian Temples, appear to me as Half-Moons; And, my Imagination preſents to me, Turbants inſtead of Hats, as Men walk along the Streets of Paris.

Doubtleſs, great is the Force of what we eat or drink, which has occaſioned all Wiſe Lawgivers, among other Sanctions, to preſcribe certain Rules of Diet: And, the Care of our Holy Prophet, has been exquiſite in this Point, his Prohibitions, extending to all Unclean Meats and Drinks; ſince, they deprave the Conſtitutions of Men, and encline them to Vice. But, by his own Example, he recommended to us the Uſe of this Admirable Berry; Impoſing a new Name on the Tree that bears it, when he called it, the Tree of Purification. Hence it is, that all the Muſſulmans affect to partake of the Sanctifi'd Benefit; it being the Univerſal Beverage, of the Oſman Empire. Were the Virtues of it known in theſe Weſtern Parts, it would match, if not ſupplant the Credit of their Wines: ſince it equally refreſhes the Spirits, without Intoxicating the Brain.

I know not whether thou haſt ſeen Peſtelihali my Brother, ſince thy Return from Arabia: Or, whether thou haſt heard the News he brought with him out of the Eaſt. He has ſurvey'd the Indies, Tartary, China, Tunquin, Perſia, and other Regions, whoſe Names are hardly known in ſome Parts of the Ottoman Empire. Indeed, we have formerly had but an odd Idea of thoſe Remote Countries: But, eſpecially China, has been hid from the greateſt Part of the Earth.

In my earlier Years, I have heard Men of Gravity, who would be taken for Knowing Perſons, ſay, That China was but a Tributary Province of the Tartars, a Contemptible Corner of Aſia, and ſo barren, as it could hardly afford Suſtenance for its Inhabitants; which is a Sign, it is well Peopled. Aſſuredly, our Fathers were Ignorant of this Country; which, after the Perpetual Monarchy of the Oſmans, may be eſteemed the Second Empire on Earth.

My Brother ſays, it contains Sixteen Provinces, each as large as a Kingdom: And, that all together, they fill up a Tract of Ground as big as Europe; which, thou knoweſt, is one of the Four Quarters of the World: And, that this vaſt Dominion, contains above a Hundred Millions of Inhabitants.

The Emperour who Reigned, when Peſtelihali was there, was called Zunchin: A young Prince, not above Thirty Years of Age; in whoſe Veins, ran the Blood of Sixteen Emperours, his Progenitors.

In the Year 1640. Two great Officers in his Army, having drawn to their Party an Innumerable Company of the Soldiers, and being encouraged by ſome Grandees at the Court, made a Revolt. The Names of theſe Rebels, were Lycungz and Changien. They ſoon became Maſters of Five Provinces: But, quarrelling about their Shares, Lycungz cauſed his Aſſociate to be poiſoned; and taking on himſelf the ſole Command of the Rebels, was proclaimed by them, Emperour of China. After which, he marched directly with his whole Forces againſt Pequin, a City where the Emperour kept his Court: Knowing, that the Conqueſt of this Place, would ſecure to him, all the remaining Provinces of the Empire.

The Chineſe are reputed a moſt Ingenious People, excelling in all Manner of Mechanick Inventions; and the boldeſt Architects in the World. They build Bridges from one Mountain to another, to ſhorten the Travellers Journey o'er the Plain between them; and, raiſe Towers almoſt up to the Clouds. Some of their Cities, are ſaid to be near Thirty Leagues in Compaſs, having Double Walls and Ditches. And, my Brother ſays, the City Pequin, wants not much of this Extent: And, that the Palace of the Emperor, is near a League in Circuit, environ'd by Three Walls, and as many Moats; beſides Bulwarks, and other Fortifications. He adds, That this Mighty City and Palace, is guarded by an Hundred Thouſand Soldiers.

This Impregnable Place, the Rebels took by Stratagem, which was able to have reſiſted all the Force of Aſia. Lycungz held a private Correſpondence, with ſeveral Grandees within the Town and Palace. By whoſe Connivence, he ſent great Numbers of the Stouteſt Men in his Army, diſguized in the Habit of Merchants; who lodging themſelves in divers Quarters of the City, on a Day appointed, ſuddenly appear'd in Arms; and ſurpriſing the Guards who defended the Gates, ſlew them all, and opened the Gates to the Rebels.

Who can expreſs the Confuſion and Slaughter, that filled all Parts of the City with Mourning and Blood? The Barbarous Conquerour, ſacrificed all the Loyal and the Brave, to his Unpardonable Ambition; diſarmed thoſe who eſcaped the firſt Maſſacre; and having made himſelf Abſolute Maſter of the City, lays a cloſe Siege to the Imperial Palace.

The Emperour now finding that he was betrayed, and that it was too late to defend himſelf from the Cruel Perſecution and Inſult of the Traytors; takes Advantage of the ſhort Reſiſtance, which ſome of his Faithful Servants made, to conſult his own Honour, with that of the Empreſs and his Daughter. He had above Three Thouſand Wives, for whom he could not provide in that Flood of Calamities. All his Care being employed, to prevent the laſt Triumph of his Enemies, in not ſuffering the Royal Blood, to be ſhed by the prophane Hands of thoſe Villains. He entred into the Gardens of the Palace, accompanied onely by his Empreſs and Daughter, with Three Faithful Eunuchs. The Young Princeſs, (who was a Lady Educated in all the Chineſe Learning) ſeeing the great Affliction of her Royal Parents, the Inevitable Ruine of their Family, and the Univerſal Deſolation; fell on her Knees, and ſpoke to her Father, as follows: My Lord,

SInce it is the Will of the Immortal Gods, thus to extinguiſh the Luſtre and Majeſty of our Sublime Race, let their Decrees be fulfilled. But, let not me be a Spectator of my Parents Fall, or ſurvive a Tragedy, at which the Earth it ſelf muſt tremble. Have this Compaſſion on my tender Years, and let theſe Eyes be cloſed, before Death ſeal up Yours, from which Mine borrowed all their Light. Think not, becauſe I am Young, I fear to die: I long to ſee our Kindred Gods, and repreſent the Fate of China, ſo as to provoke their ſpeedy Vengeance. Surely, our Deifi'd Anceſtors, at my Complaint, would gather all the Thunder in the Heavens, and ſhower it down upon theſe Perjur'd and Ʋngrateful Traytors. Or elſe, they'd play the Chymiſts, and extract the moſt Envenom'd Influence of the Stars, and dart the Heavenly Poyſon on the Rebels, as they lye before theſe Sacred Walls, and thus would put a Period to their Curſed Treaſon. Make no Delay, My Royal Father, but, try the Experiment; releaſe me from theſe Chains, which hinder my Eſcape to Paradiſe: And, let me be the Herauld of ſuch News, as ne'er before ſurpriz'd the Bleſs'd Above.

The Emperor mov'd with this Paſſionate Addreſs of his Daughter, drew a Dagger from his Girdle, and therewith ſtabb'd her to the Heart. And then, ſtruck with Remorſe at ſo Unnatural a Deed, covered his Face with a Veil of Silk. Thus acting Agamemnon's Part, when, to fulfil the Oracle, he Sacrific'd his Daughter Iphigenia.

After this, the Empreſs overwhelm'd with ſo many Sorrows, retired into a Grove, and Hang'd her ſelf with a Silken Cord on a Tree. The Emperor ſeeing this Mournful Spectacle, was reſolved no longer to delay his own Death. Wherefore, following her Example, he diſpatch'd himſelf likewiſe by a String. But, he firſt bit a Vein; and, with his Blood, writ the following Words:

What is there now deſirable on Earth, after I am thus betray'd by my own Subjects? I accuſe not the Inferior People: They are Innocent? 'Tis to the Mandarins, I owe my ſudden Fall, with the Ruine of this Mighty Empire. Behold in me, the Royal Line extinct. I am the Laſt of Sixteen Emperors. I, that was Lord of ſo many Spacious Regions, Guardian of the Bedchamber of the Sun, ſole Monarch of the Orient, Lieutenant to the Gods of the Mines, Poſſeſſor of Infinite Treaſures, at whoſe Name a Hundred Millions of my Subjects touched the Ground with their Foreheads; am now ready to be trampled under Foot, by the Baſeſt of my Slaves. But, I will prevent my own Diſgrace, and carry this Majeſtick Soul Inviolate, to my renowned Fathers: Whoſe Vengeance join'd with that of all the Gods, ſhall fall on the Perfidious Mandarins, who have betrayed both Me and this Exalted State to Ruine.

A Narrative of theſe Mournful Paſſages, was Printed in the Chineſe Language; ſuppoſed to be done, by the Order of the Emperor's Attendants, who follow'd him into the Garden, and were Witneſſes of what was ſaid and done. A Copy of which, my Brother procur'd to be tranſlated into Arabick, by a Merchant of our Nation, who underſtood the Chineſe Language, and reſided in Pequin.

In fine, my Brother ſays, That when he departed from China, he left the Tyrant Lycungz in Poſſeſſion of the Emperor's Palace; where he found a Hundred Millions of Ingots in Gold and Silver, beſides an Ineſtimable Treaſury of Pearls and Precious Stones. All which Wealth, had been heap'd together, by the Frugality of the Chineſe Emperors.

By this thou mayſt take an Eſtimate, of the Grandeur and Strength of this Formidable Monarchy, of which we have had ſuch Contemptible Notions. Neither ſhalt thou have Occaſion, to be ſurprized at the Monſtrous Riſe and Fortune of this Rebel, who in ſo ſhort a Time, was lifted to the Height of Humane Sovereignty; when thou conſidereſt, that all Things are ſubject to Viciſſitude and Change.

That God, who eſtabliſhes whom he pleaſes on the Thrones of the Earth, and at the Determined Period of Empires, depoſes ſuch as truſt in their Strength and Riches; defend our Sovereign from Treaſons, and from the Arrows that fly in Obſcurity.

Paris, 13th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER VII. To Darniſh Mehemet, Baſſa.

WHAT Obligation have I, to be concerned for the Infidels? Or, what Intereſt in the Ʋncircumciſed? Yet, Nature has tied all our Race, in ſome Common Bonds of Affection; and Humanity teaches us, to rejoice at the Deliverance of the Oppreſſed.

The Kingdom of Naples, has long groan'd under the Yoke of Spaniſh Tyranny. The Labour of the People, ſufficed not to pay the Unreaſonable Taxes, that were Impoſed on them. They ſweat Blood, to become yet more Miſerable; whilſt their Cruel Maſters, having fleec'd 'em to Nakedneſs, would take Advantage of their Poverty, to rivet their Chains yet deeper, and render their Servitude paſt Redemption.

The People were ſenſible of their Calamity, yet knew not how to ſhake off the Yoke. It had gall'd 'em to the Nerves and Sinews; their Strength was gone. Deſpair of Redreſs, had rendred 'em ſupine; and took from 'em, the very Power of meditating their Recovery. But Heaven, which protects the Oppreſſed, has raiſed up a Youth from among the Meaneſt of the People, to aſſert the Publick Liberty. A Fiſherman, who has not ſeen Four and Twenty Winters, has undertaken to reſtore the Ancient Privileges of the Neapolitans. Who can penetrate into the Methods of Eternal Deſtiny, which makes Uſe of ſo Contemptible Inſtruments, to check the Power of the Greateſt Monarchs?

This bold Youth, inſpired with a Zeal for the Publick, ran one Day into the Streets, crying with a loud Voice, Long live the King of Spain, but let the Corrupt Officers periſh. He had no other Weapon, ſave a Reed in his Hand; but was ſoon followed, by a Multitude of Boys and Young Men, with Clubs and Staves, who went along the Streets of that Populous City, repeating the Cry after him, Long live the King of Spain, but let the Corrupt Officers periſh. At firſt, the Citizens laugh'd at the Infant Tumult; but, in leſs than Two Hours, this Fiſherman (whoſe Name was Maſanello) had enrolled above Two Thouſand Boys.

The next Day his Numbers encreaſed, by the Acceſſion of all Sorts of lewd and idle Perſons, Malecontents, Debtors, and ſuch as were deſirous of Novelty. Nay, ſome of the better Sort of Citizens, ſhut up their Shops, took Arms, and mingled with the Popular Inſurrection: So that, ere Mid-day, there were above Ten Thouſand Men and Boys, marching along the Streets, and burning the Cuſtom-Houſes, with all their Books of Accompts, throughout the City.

When Maſanello beheld himſelf at the Head of ſo vaſt a Multitude, he thought it time to declare the Reaſon of his raiſing this Tumult. Wherefore, getting on an Eminent Place in one of the Markets, he ſpeaks to his Followers to this Effect:

Rejoice, O ye Faithful People, and ſend up Acclamations to the God of Heaven, who hath this Day put it into your Hearts and Hands, to be your own Redeemers. As for me, my Spirit burned within me, to ſee the Publick Oppreſſion; and, I ſet no Value on my Life, when I firſt began this Glorious Enterprize. One of the Princes threatned me with the Galleys, if I perſiſted; but, here are Thouſands my Witneſſes, That in ſtead of fearing him, I ſmote him on the Breaſt, and ſent him away joyful, that he eſcaped with his Life. O ye Faithful People, truſt not the Princes or Nobles: They are the Men who Oppreſs you, and would enſlave you. Truſt in your Arms, and the Juſtice of your Cauſe. God has brought you together; let Nothing ſeparate you, till you have freed your Country, your ſelves, your Wives and Children, from perpetual Servitude. Chuſe you a Leader, a Man of Courage and Reſolution, who is willing to ſacrifice his Life for the Common Good. As for me, I have hitherto liv'd a Fiſherman, and ſo I intend to die.

The People, exceedingly mov'd with this Speech, choſe him with one Accord for their Leader; Crying out with loud Acclamations, Long live Maſanello, the Patron of the Neapolitan Liberties.

The firſt Thing he did, after he was confirmed in this Authority, was, to ſet open the Priſons, and liſt the Priſoners under the Banner of the People. Then he divided this confuſed Army, into Regiments and Companies; and ſent forth a Proclamation throughout Naples, commanding all to take Arms, on Pain of having their Houſes burnt. So that in a little time, he had above Fifty Thouſand Armed Men at his Heels.

Thus accompanied, he marches directly toward the Viceroy's Palace, veſted in Cloath of Silver, with a Naked Sword in his Hand. He was accompanied by a Cardinal, who undertook to be a Mediator, between the Viceroy and the People. His Preſence reſtrain'd the Multitude, within ſome Bounds of Moderation; for, they Reverenced him, as the Father of the City. Yet, they burnt above Sixty Palaces of the Nobles to the Ground, with all their Furniture and Goods; and, it was preſent Death for any one, to reſcue or purloin any Thing from the Flames: So rigorouſly Juſt was this New Lawgiver, this Moſes of the Neapolitans. It was in Vain for the Viceroy, to oppoſe Force againſt ſo Formidable an Inſurrection. He entertain'd the Young Fiſherman, with Ceremonies due to a Prince: And, having concluded a Truce, gave him the Title, of Chief Tribune of the Faithful People. This encreaſed the Veneration, the Citizens had already conceiv'd for Maſanello: So that in a Day or Two more, he ſaw himſelf at the Head, of a Hundred and Fifty Thouſand Armed Men. He gave out all Orders for the Republick; publiſh'd new Edicts; and, all Commiſſions, were iſſued in his Name. He procured the Gabels to be for ever aboliſh'd; reſtor'd the People to their Ancient Liberty: And, in Fine, was Murdered by his own' Followers.

Let me not ſeem an Advocate for Sedition, when I tell thee, there was ſomething Brave and Heroick in the Actions of this Youth. So ſtrange a Revolution, in ſo ſhort a time, has ſcarce been heard of in the World. For a Beardleſs Slave, to raiſe himſelf in Six Days, to as Abſolute and Uncontroulable a Sovereignty, as the Greateſt Monarch on Earth enjoys; to be obeyed by an Infinite Number of People, without the leaſt Heſitation or Demurr, were it for Life or Death; and all this, without any Motive of Ambition or Intereſt, but only to aſſert the Publick Liberty; Is a convincing Argument of his Vertue, and ſhews, That Heaven approved his Enterprize. But then again, for him to loſe all this Power in Four Days more, to be Murd'red in Cold Blood by his own Party, by the People whoſe Cauſe he had ſo ſucceſsfully vindicated; this ſhews, the Inſtability of Human Affairs, and, that there is Nothing Permanent on this Side the Moon.

I pray God, to inſpire the Miniſters of the Sublime Port, to take ſuch Meaſures, as may preſerve the Muſſulman Peace. Adieu.

Paris, 13th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER VIII. To Solyman, his Couſin, at Conſtantinople.

WHEN I clos'd up my Laſt, the Hour of the Poſt was near expir'd; and the Meſſenger who carries my Letters to him, haſtned my Diſpatch, preventing what I had farther to ſay to thee.

I am ſolicitous for thy Welfare, both as thou art a Muſſulman, and ſo near a Relation. Do not forfeit thoſe Titles, by degenerating from thy Kindred, and from all the Illuminated of God. Truth is compriz'd in a little Room; but, Error is Infinite. Thou makeſt a wrong Inference, from the Moderation and Charity of the True Believers, when thou concludeſt, That becauſe they believe, it ſhall go well with all Honeſt Men, let their Opinions and Ceremonies be what they will; therefore thou ſhalt be ſafe, in retrenching the Endleſs and Burdenſom Waſhings (as thou termeſt them) of the Muſſulmans, ſo long as thou leadeſt a Good Moral Life.

Art thou ſuch a Friend to Idleneſs and Impurity, that thou wilt by a moſt pitiful Sophiſtry, cheat thy ſelf of Salvation, rather than take the Pains to waſh thy ſelf after the Manner, and at the Times appointed by the Prophet of God, and practis'd by our Fathers, and all the Faithful throughout the World? If it be allow'd, that ſuch as either out of Ignorance, or hindred by ſome other Invincible Cauſe, do not embrace our Holy Law, are not Circumciſed, and repair not to the Aſſemblies of the Faithful, ſhall nevertheleſs enter into Paradiſe, provided they obey the Law of Nature Imprinted on their Hearts; does it follow therefore, that one who has been bred up in the Ʋndefiled Faith, who has been Circumciſed, and lifting up his Right Hand to Heaven, has pronounc'd the Seven Myſterious Words, which cannot be repealed; does it follow, I ſay, that ſuch an one, ſhall be regarded by God or his Prophet, any otherwiſe than as a Heretick or an Infidel, if he live not up exactly to the Graces that have been given him? No, aſſure thy ſelf, if thou art in the Number of theſe, thou art an Apoſtate; thy Vertues are Vices, and all thy Good Works are an Abomination.

Remember the Piety and Magnanimous Zeal of Aſſan Hali, thy Grandfather; who, when he was taken Priſoner by the Coſſacks, was entertain'd with extream Rigor and Severity. Nevertheleſs, a certain Jew in the City, who knew him, brought him every Day, by Permiſſion of the Keeper, as much Water as would ſuffice to waſh him, and to quench his Thirſt. But, one Day, as he went with his accuſtomed Load, and was entring the Gate of the Priſon; the Keeper, either out of Malice or Wantonneſs, ſpilt moſt of the Water on the Ground, forbidding the Jew at the ſame time, to bring any more that Day.

The honeſt Hebrew, went in with the Remainder of the Water, and deliver'd it to the Priſoner; who, preſently prepared to waſh himſelf, after the accuſtomed Manner of the Muſſulmans. The Jew ſeeing that, told him, There was not Water enough to quench his Thirſt. And therewith, related to him what the Keeper had done. I ſee there is but a Little (reply'd the Vertuous Old Man) but, he that Drinks, or Eats, before he has Waſh'd himſelf, is guilty of defiling his Soul, and is not worthy to be numbred among the True Believers. Therefore, it is better for me to die for Thirſt, than violate the Law brought down from Heaven, and tranſgreſs the Traditions of my Fathers. Having ſaid this, he Waſh'd himſelf, being Reſign'd to Providence.

Couſin, deceive not thy ſelf with vain Opinions, nor ſuffer Hypocrites to ſeduce thee. Imitate the Adder, and ſhut thy Ears againſt the Crafty Inſinuations of Hereticks. It is reported of this little Serpent, That by Natural Inſtinct, being ſenſible when a Magician is about to utter Words which being heard will enſnare it, lays one Ear cloſe to the Ground, and with its Tail ſtops the other, to the End the Enchantment may have no Effect.

Admit not any Man to thy Converſation, who ſhall attempt to warp thee from the Simplicity of the Faith and Obedience, which thou oweſt to the Apoſtle of God. Without Water, there is no Purity on this Side the Grave. That Element, has a Force in it, of which thou art not aware. 'Tis the Third, in the Rank of Living Principles. 'Tis the Tabernacle of the Winds; The Seraglio of the Generative Spirit; The Stage of Wonders. In fine, it is the Purifier of every Thing that has Breath.

Thou knoweſt, that to ſerve the Neceſſities of the Prophet and his Army, Ʋnderſtanding and Speech was given to a Fountain in Arabia; which having promiſed to follow him to the Place of his Repoſe, made a Channel through the Deſart, and kept Pace with the Troops of the Faithful, till they came to Medina Talnabi: That ſo, the Submiſſive to the Will of Heaven, might not want that Element, without which, Life it ſelf would be a Burden and a Curſe.

And yet, thou ſpeakeſt contemptibly of Water, as a very Indifferent Thing, whether we uſe it or not, any other ways than to quench our Thirſt. Thus, making no Difference, between the many Advantages we reap from that Element, and that Common Uſe, to which the Beaſts put it. In how many Places of the Alcoran, does the Holy Prophet record the Mercy of God, in giving us Water that is Freſh and not Salt? How does he celebrate his Wiſdom and Goodneſs, for directing the Clouds to barren and dry Places? Thou canſt not be Ignorant, that it is one of the Encomiums of Paradiſe, that there are Gardens wherein flow many Rivers. And after all this, wilt thou diſpiſe ſo Holy and Bleſſed a Gift, without which, Earth and Heaven, Men and Angels, could not be completely happy?

Go learn then of the Indian Idolaters, who have never heard of the Book of Glory: Go learn of theſe Barbarians, to prize this Sanctify'd Creature. They travel many Hundreds of Leagues, to bathe themſelves in the Waters of Ganges. With thoſe Incorruptible and All-purging Streams, the Brachmans fill certain Veſſels, and tranſport the Invaluable Liquor, to the Utmoſt Parts of that Wide Empire. They travel on Foot, ſometimes Two Thouſand Miles together, each Man with his Load of that precious Water, to ſupply the Wants of thoſe, who live ſo remote from the River. So that a Bottle of it, is many times ſold to the Princes and Nobles, for Two Hundred Sequins, or Eight Hundred Roupies: And yet, for all this, thoſe very Princes, would not die with a ſafe Conſcience, had they not at leaſt once in their Lives made a Pilgrimage, to this Renowned River, and bath'd themſelves in the Waves which blot out Sins.

O Couſin, let the Example of theſe Infidels, make thee bluſh at thy Impiety, and excite thee, to a diligent and indiſpenſible Practice of Cleanneſs. So ſhalt thou have a Sound Mind, in a Healthy Body. And, the Angel of thy Nativity, will not ſhun thy Perſon. Adieu.

Paris, 7th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER IX. To the Kaimacham.

THE Defeat of the Venetians and Morlacks in Boſna, has reached theſe Parts. That News, is not unwelcom to Mahmut. But, I could wiſh, our General had uſed his Victory with more Moderation. The Chriſtians term him Barbarian, Salvage, Devil Incarnate; and, load him with Execrations. For, having taken Priſoner the Captain of the Morlacks, he cauſed him to be flead alive, and afterwards to be Impal'd. This Captain, was an Eccleſiaſtick: They call him, Stephano Sorich; and, in Honour of his Zeal and Fidelity, they entitle him, the Good Prieſt. They applaud his Magnanimity and Courage in Battel; and, no leſs do they extoll his Conſtancy, during the Torments of ſo Cruel and Ignominious a Death. But, I tremble to think of the Blaſphemies and Curſes, they utter againſt our Holy Prophet, and all the Muſſulmans! For, this Cruel Execution, has ſcandaliz'd the Nazarenes, and imbitter'd 'em even to Fury. Their Revenge is implacable: They would go to Hell themſelves, provided the True Faithful might be Damn'd for Company!

What will our Divine Lawgiver ſay? Or, what Apology will our General make, when the Sent of God ſhall charge him, with driving ſo many Thouſand Souls, into an Irreconcilable Hatred of the Ʋndefiled Faith? For, they look not on this, as the Action of a Private Man, but of one who repreſents the Perſon of our Auguſt Sovereign, the Great Protector of the Law brought down from Heaven. They ſuppoſe him, to be honour'd with the particular Inſtructions of his Maſter. And therefore, they ſay, the Sultan has authoriz'd this Unheard-of Cruelty; and, that our Religion countenances Tyranny, and the moſt Nefandous Methods, of ſhedding Innocent Blood.

I am no Advocate for Infidels; yet, ſuffer me to vindicate Nature, which is the Common Parent of us all. Suffer me to be Solicitous, for the Honour of our Holy Profeſſion, which is blemiſh'd by this Inhumane Murder. What Offence had this Unhappy Captain given, that deſerv'd ſo dire a Puniſhment? Was it, becauſe he fought valiantly, and perform'd Wonders in Defence of his Country? This is Nothing, but what becomes every Honeſt Man to do. And, had our General been truly Brave, he would have entertain'd his Priſoner, with a Reſpect due to his Merit.

Who was a more Inveterate Enemy of the Muſſulmans, than the Renowned Iſchenderbeg, Prince of Albania? Who more Valiant or Succeſsful, againſt the Ottoman Armies? It is Recorded of him, That he never ſhun'd a Battel, never fled from his Enemies, never ſhrunk from Perils, nor was ever wounded but once, in all his Life. And yet, he ſuſtain'd a Continual War, from Two Succeſſive Oſman Emperors; defeated Seven Vizirs, with their Forces; took all their Ammunition and Baggage; and, in ſeveral Combats, ſlew with his own Hands, above Two Thouſand Mahometans.

Our Fathers did not baſely revenge themſelves for all this, but cheriſh'd a Veneration for this Heroick Enemy, and honour'd the very Duſt of ſuch an extraordinary Perſon. For, after his Death, having conquer'd Albania, they ſought out his Tomb; where they performed their Devotions, as at the Sepulcher of a Prophet. They open'd the Dormitory of the Deſunct Warriour; and, with Religious Solemnity, took up his Bones, ſharing the Honour'd Reliques among them; and, wrapping them up in Silk, wore them continually at their Breaſts, eſteeming them as Sacred Amulets againſt Misfortune.

Surely, our General would bluſh, at an Example of ſo great Vertue. But, perhaps he was incenſed, becauſe his Captive was a Prieſt: Miſtaken Zeal, might prompt him to this horrid Butchery. Thou, who art Juſtice it ſelf, wilt not approve his Bloody Paſſion, when thou conſidereſt, That the Prieſts of Jeſus, are Men, as well as others; and, if they live in Error, the Fault is in their Education. However, many of them, are Humble, Chaſt, Sober, and Lovers of Vertue. If there be others, whoſe Corrupt Lives have contradicted this Character, let the Crime and the Puniſhment, reſt on their Heads. It is not Reaſonable, that the Innocent ſhould ſuffer, for the Faults of the Guilty. The Captain of the Morlacks, had the Reputation, of a Devout and Juſt Man, and a Stout Champion for his Country. Had he been taken for a Spy, or an Aſſaſſin, the Law of Arms would have adjudg'd him to Death. Yet, ſuch was the Clemency of Porſenna, King of the Hetrurians, that when Mutius Scaevola, a Valiant Roman, came into his Camp, with Deſign to Murder him, but by Miſtake ſtabb'd one of the Captains, thinking it had been Porſenna; and, to revenge that Miſcarriage on himſelf, thruſt his Hand into the Fire, till the Fleſh was conſum'd to the Bones; the King aſtoniſh'd at his Undaunted Spirit, ſent him away in Peace, raiſed the Siege of Rome, and entred into a ſtrict Friendſhip with that Nation. Such Honour he bore, to the Fortitude of his Enemy, and deſigned-Murderer. But, the Captain of the Morlacks, was not taken under theſe Circumſtances: He loſt his Liberty in the Heat of Battel, bravely combating at the Head of his Army.

Wouldſt thou know the Grounds then of our General's Cruelty? It was purely for the Sake of a Jeſt. There went a Report, That when this Prieſt was born, his Body was all over raw; ſo that the Phyſicians, were forc'd by Art, to ſupply him with a Skin. Our Cruel General, to ſport himſelf in the Poor Man's Miſery, commanded him to be flea'd alive; uttering at the ſame Time, this Inhumane Sarcaſm; There was no Reaſon, that he ſhould carry a Skin out of the World, who brought none in. This is atteſted by Two Gentlemen, who were made Priſoners with their Captain, heard theſe Words, ſaw him Executed, and afterwards made their Eſcape.

The Nazarenes vow, to Revenge this Unparalell'd Cruelty, on all the Muſſulmans that fall into their Hands, if this Butcher (as they term him) be ſuffer'd to go Unpuniſh'd. I tell thee, ſuch Barbarous Actions, draw down the Vengeance of Heaven, on thoſe that commit them and, excite the very Beaſts of the Earth to make War, and rid the World of ſuch Monſters.

Thou knoweſt, what uſe to make of this Intelligence. I will not pretend to Inſtruct the Second Miniſter in the Ottoman Empire.

Paris, 7th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1647.
LETTER X. To the Mufti.

IF there be any Truth in what the Aſtrologers tell us, That the Stars have Influence on the Governments of the Earth; one would think, that Spain lies under ſome Malignant Aſpect.

The Fortune of that Kingdom, has for a long time run Retrograde. They have had nothing but Loſſes by Sea and Land. The Revolution in Portugal, the Revolt of Catalonia and Rouſſillon, the Loſs of Ormus in Perſia, and the Defection of Goa, with other Rich Towns of Traffick in the Indies, came one upon the Back of another.

Since which, there have been many Towns and Caſtles taken from the Spaniards in Flanders. The French made an Inſurrection in Palermo, breaking open the Priſons, and releaſing the Priſoners: And grew to ſuch a Head, that the Viceroy, fearing they would revenge the Tragedy of the Sicilian Veſpers; to pacifie the Multitude, was forc'd to repeal the Edicts for Taxes, and diſannul them for ever, and to paſs an Act of General Indemnity, both to the Rabble and to the Priſoners whom they had freed.

This Tumultuous Spirit, paſs'd from thence to the Kingdom of Naples; and there, like an Infection, ſoon ſpread it ſelf through all Parts, both of City and Country: Two Hundred Thouſand Men took up Arms, to vindicate the Privileges of the Neapolitans, under the Conduct of a Poor Young Fiſherman. I have already tranſmitted to the Sublime Port, a Relation of this Formidable Sedition: Wherein, it may be thought, I have diſcovered too much Tenderneſs to the Infidels, and ſeem'd to Favour the Violences of a Faction. But, I hope, thou wilt acquit me, when thou conſidereſt, that theſe Governments of the Nazarenes, are not to be compared to the Sacred Oſman Empire, which is eſtabliſh'd by a Divine Right: It having been determined by the Angel, That he who ſhould poſſeſs the Glorious Dormitory of the Sent of God, ſhould be Entituled, The Sovereign of all the Kings on Earth. Therefore, it would be a Crime of the Higheſt Nature, to raiſe a Tumult or Sedition, within the Territories of our Auguſt Emperour, whoſe Dominion is confirm'd to him for ever, by a Patent from Heaven. But, the Caſe of the Nazarene Princes is different; who being profeſſed Enemies to the Meſſenger of God, have no other Right to any Thing, but what their Swords purchaſe. And therefore, when they prey upon others, and by Rapine and Spoil augment their Riches, it is no Wonder, if the Great Avenger of Crimes, ſtirs up ſome undaunted Spirits, to free their Country from Slavery and Ruine.

Thoſe who are curious, have remark'd many Obſervable Circumſtances in this Revolution at Naples; as, that it was foretold by an Aſtrologer, a conſiderable Time before it happen'd, who pointed out the very Year wherein it ſhould come to paſs. The Extraordinary Eruptions alſo of Mount Veſuvius ſome Years ago, were eſteem'd as Preſages of ſome approaching Troubles in the State: For, it rained Aſhes on the City of Naples. I ſpoke of this Mountain, in one of my former Letters.

'Tis reported alſo, That about the ſame Hour, wherein Maſanello, the Ringleader of the Seditious was Murd'red, there was ſeen a Man hovering in the Air, over the Principal Temple of Naples, with a Sword in his Hand, which he was putting up in his Scabberd: And, that a Voice was at the ſame time heard from on High, to utter theſe Words, His Labour is finiſh'd, give him Reſt.

This is certain, that whilſt he was at the Head of an Hundred Thouſand Men, Seven Aſſaſſines were hired by ſome of the Princes to ſhoot him; yet, none of the Bullets could penetrate his Body, though Unarm'd, and only covered with his Fiſhing Rags: And, it was evident, that theſe Bullets ſmote him in divers Places; his Garments being marked with them, and he ſtagger'd with the Force of the Blows.

Theſe are Extraordinary Occurrences, and would tempt one to believe, That this Young Fiſherman was the Inſtrument of Providence, and that Heaven protected both Him and his Cauſe.

'Tis true indeed, it ſeem'd at laſt, as if he were abandon'd by that Divine Power, which had carried him through ſo Important an Enterprize, in that he was Slain by his own Soldiers. But, then it muſt be remembred, that this was not done, till his Work was finiſhed, and he went beyond his Commiſſion. Want of Sleep, the Multitude of Affairs, and much Wine, had impaired his Reaſon, and rendred him Frantick; ſo that, his Actions were Inſupportable, and his own Admirers grew weary of him. After his Death, his Head was cut off, and carried up and down the Streets on a Lance; and his Body was dragged through the Kennels. Yet, the very next Day, the Multitude, to ſhew their own Fickleneſs, took the Dead Body out of a Ditch, where they had laid it all Night: They Waſhed and Embalmed it; and, having join'd the Head to it, carried it with great Pomp and Solemnity to the Principal Temple of Naples, attended with Drums and Trumpets, and above a Thouſand Prieſts, with Torches in their Hands. A Crown of Gold was put on his Head, and a Scepter in his Hand.

Thus the Neapolitans honoured that Beardleſs Youth, who in 'Ten Days time, had cauſed ſuch a Revolution, as is ſcarce to be paralell'd. For, he was an Abſolute Monarch, in Effect, during that time. And of him it may be ſaid, as it was once of an Emperor, That during his whole Reign, there was neither Spring, nor Autumn, nor Winter: For, his Royalty begun and ended, in the Seventh Moon.

By Letters from Nathan Ben Saddi, at Vienna, I perceive he is moleſted with Scruples about his Religion, being deſirous to build upon the ſureſt Foundation. I ſent him the beſt Advice I could, without making my ſelf a Hypocrite; which, thou knoweſt, is more offenſive to God, than an Open Sinner. I drew up an Abſtract of the Muſſulman Records; and preſented him with the Faithful Genealogy, from Iſmael, the Son of the Patriaroh Ibrahim, down to our Holy Prophet. This I did, to rectifie an Old Inherent Errour of the Jews, who boaſt, That only the Sons of Iſaac were True Believers. I endeavoured not to proſelyte him, by Sophiſtry and Artifice; but referred him, for better Satisfaction, to the Writings of the Ancients. I promiſed to furniſh him with Books of our Law, and the Comments of our Holy Doctors. This is impoſſible for me to perform, whilſt I am in this Place; unleſs thou, who art a Guide of thoſe who ſeek the Truth, vouchſafeſt to ſecond my Zeal. I addreſs to thee, Sovereign Prelate of the Faithful, in Behalf of a Deſcendent from the Younger Brother of Iſmael; in Behalf of one Circumciſed, but not in the Right Way. Favour him with thy Divine Inſtructions, and ſupply him with Treatiſes of Light and Reaſon. A ſeaſonable Application, may bring this Hebrew, into the Number of the Muſſulmans; for he is already diſguſted at the Synagogue.

But, if I have preſumed too far, in endeavouring to ſnatch a Soul from the Paws of Tagot, correct me in thy Wiſdom; for, I am but as an Infant before thee.

Paris, 15th. of the 1ſt. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XI.

The Beginning of this Letter is wanting in the Italian Tranſlation, the Original Paper being torn. — All Mens Hearts are filled with Joy for this proſperous News, whilſt I mourn for the Diſhonour of Our Arms. Nothing but ſad Tydings grate my Ears from thoſe Parts, and more melancholy Preſages poſſeſs my Soul. Methinks, I ſee thick Clouds gathering o'er the Imperial City: My Sleep is diſturb'd with fearful Viſions. I ſtart in my Bed, and waking lay my Hand on my Sword, as if ſome Danger were at Hand. I dream of Tumults and Diſorders, neighing of Horſes, and claſhing of Arms in the Streets of Conſtantinople. I pray God avert the Omen.

It is reported here, That Ali, the Sangiac-Bey of Lippa, is taken Priſoner, and that his Son was tormented to Death before his Face, in a Manner peculiar to the Invention of the moſt Barbarous Tyrants: For, they cauſed ſharp Thorns, to be thruſt between his Nails and his Fleſh; which creates an intolerable Anguiſh. They laid him on a Bed of Iron-Spikes, and poured Melted Lead, Drop by Drop, on all Parts of his Fleſh. Then they made a ſmall Fire, and roaſted him ſlowly to Death. If he chanced to groan, or make the leaſt Complaint, in the Midſt of thoſe grievous Tortures, they bid him remember the Good Prieſt Sorich, who ſet him an Example of Conſtancy and Courage; in that he never ſhed a Tear, or ſo much as ſigh'd, when he was Flea'd alive.

Thou ſeeſt, that Revenge is ſweet, even to thoſe, who having receiv'd no Injury in their own Perſons, yet are touched to the Quick, with the Violence that is done to another. This will appear in the Humour of the Italians, who proſecute their Enemies, with irreconcilable Hatred and Malice; whole Families being often engag'd, in executing the Reſentments of Two ſingle Perſons, who firſt began the Quarrel: But, much more forcible is this Paſſion in thoſe, who have been notoriouſly hurt themſelves. And, the Revenge of a certain Captain was Extravagant; who being informed, that his General had Debauch'd his Wife, took an Opportunity to ſingle him out from all other Company, pretending to walk in the Fields. When he had him there alone, he clapt a Piſtol to his Breaſt, threatning to kill him forthwith, if he moved Hand or Foot. Then he upbraided him with what he had done, in ſuch Language, as convinced the General, his Life was in extreme Danger. Wherefore, he humbled himſelf, and confeſſed his Crime; begging of the Captain, to ſpare his Life, and he would preferr him forthwith, to the beſt Office in the Army next his own. But, the furious Italian, would not ſell his Honour ſo Cheap. He forced him to deny God, and utter many Blaſphemies, in Hopes of Saving his Life: And, when he had thus done, the Captain ſaid, Now my Revenge is complete, ſince I ſhall ſend thee Body and Soul to the Devil. With that he piſtoll'd him.

But, leaving theſe Infidels to their Diabolical Paſſions, I am concern'd at the Captivity of thy Brother; if it be true, which is related here, That he was taken in his Return from Canea to Conſtantinople. It will coſt the Baſſa of Algiers a Thouſand Crowns to ranſom him.

Adieu, Renarba. And, if thou art deſirous to raiſe thy Self, take that Method which I have now propoſed to thee. God be propitious to thy Endeavours.

Paris, 4th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XII. To the Venerable Mufti.

THou wilt ſay, the Neapolitans are a reſtleſs People, when thou ſhalt know, That there have been no leſs than Forty General Inſurrections in this Kingdom, ſince its firſt Separation from the Grecian Empire, whereof it was formerly a Member; and, that in the Space of Two Years, they have had Five Kings, all of different Nations.

One would have thought, That after the Death of Maſanello, the Ringleader of the late Innovation, the Popular Heats would have ſlacken'd, and the People returned to their Duty; but, the paſſionate Deſire of Liberty, caus'd them to continue in Arms, till the Confirmation of their Privileges, ſhould come from the King of Spain.

In the mean Time, Don John of Auſtria, who lay before the City with a Fleet of Fifty Gallions, play'd upon them inceſſantly with his Cannon by Sea; and, the Caſtles batter'd them by Land.

Cardinal Mazarini, who has the earlieſt Intelligence of Foreign Tranſactions, has had a Principal Hand in fomenting this Flame. For, as ſoon as the News of Maſanello's Death arriv'd here, he diſpatch'd away Couriers to Rome, with Inſtructions to the French Embaſſador at that Court, requiring him, to uſe all poſſible Means, to cheriſh the Tumults in Naples, and not neglect ſo fair an Opportunity, of reducing that Kingdom under the Protection of France.

It will not appear ſtrange, That this great Genius, ſhould aim at the Conqueſt of Naples, when we conſider, That this Kingdom abounds in all Manner of Riches, to which its fortunate Situation contributes not a Little: For, it lies in the moſt Temperate Part of the World. And, the Inhabitants, are not Second to any People of Europe, in Martial Courage and Bravery. This is a Bait, which tempts the Cardinal; who is not ignorant, how valiantly the Anceſtors of the preſent Neapolitans, behav'd themſelves in the Wars of Caeſar and Pompey, and thoſe between the Romans and Carthaginians. Nor are they leſs Celebrated, for the ſtout Reſiſtance they made againſt the Huns, Goths and Vandals. So that, this Kingdom, were it once brought under the French Dominion, would prove a Nurſery, from whence this Monarch might draw many Thouſands of excellent Soldiers, to ſerve him in his Wars.

Beſides, it would be more commodious for him, to make Incurſions from hence into the Pope's Territories, if there ſhould ariſe any Difference between the Two Courts; as there often do, about the Rights of the Gallican Church, the Franchiſes of the Embaſſadors of this Crown in Rome, and other Privileges to which they pretend.

Therefore the French Embaſſador, according to the Inſtructions of Mazarini, ſent Commiſſioners to treat privately with the People of Naples, offering them Two Millions of Crowns, Twenty Gallions, with Eight and Fifty Gallies, and other Veſſels. They accepted the Propoſal, being weary of the Spaniſh Government, and deſirous of Novelty, Encourag'd alſo by what thoſe Commiſſioners repreſented to them, concerning the Succeſs of the Engliſh, who by ſtanding on their Guard, and uſing that Power which God and Nature had given them, for the Defence of their Lives and Liberties, were now in a Manner become a Free People, having Aboliſh'd the Monarchy, and ſet up a Commonwealth: And this, they told them, was alſo done by Cardinal Mazarini's Counſels and Aſſiſtance. Now, all the Cry in Naples was, Let France and the People of England flouriſh, and let the Faithful Neapolitans, aſſert their own Liberty. So blind were theſe People, as not to conſider. That in putting themſelves under the Protection of the French, they did but exchange One Bondage for Another; it being impoſſible, for any foreign Prince, to keep this Kingdom, and pay all his Officers Civil and Military, together with thoſe under their Commands, with much leſs Charge than the Revenues amount to. And, the French are as good at inventing new Taxes, as any Court in Europe.

However, the Neapolitans were enchanted with the Thoughts of ſo much Gold, and other Aſſiſtance offer'd by the French Commiſſioners; and ſweeten'd, with their fair Words, and glorious Promiſes. So that they immediately ſent Deputies, to entreat the Duke of Guize, who was then at Rome, to come and protect them, in taking on him the Chief Command of their Arms.

This Prince, thinking it a Generous Action to relieve the Oppreſſed: And, that at the ſame Time, he ſhould do a conſiderable Service to the King of France, in rendring him Maſter of this Noble and Opulent Kingdom; went to Naples. Where, at firſt, he was receiv'd with Infinite Applauſe; was made their General; took an Oath of Fidelity to the People; did many Notable Services; but was, in the End, betray'd, and ſent Priſoner to Spain.

If the Generoſity and brave Reſolution of this Prince, has acquired Commendation from ſome, in attempting to reſcue theſe People from the Tyranny of their Governours: Yet, his Conduct is call'd in Queſtion by others, who ſay, He diſcover'd but little Prudence in truſting himſelf to the Neapolitans, who had already ſacrific'd Two of their Generals. (For, after the Death of Maſanello, they choſe another Captain, whom they call'd the Prince of Maſſa: This Prince falling under their Suſpicion, was beheaded by the Inconſtant People.)

'Tis certain, that there is little Confidence to be put in the Multitude, whoſe Paſſions Ebb and Flow, and are more Tempeſtuous than the Sea. Yet, a Brave and Generous Mind, will ſhun no Dangers, to ſerve his Prince and his Country; for whom, it is a Glorious Martyrdom to die. There is no great Undertaking without Hazards, and, he that is afraid to venture his Liberty and Life, in a Good Cauſe, is not worthy to bear Arms. Had the Duke of Guize ſucceeded, his Conqueſt of Naples had made him Viceroy of one of the largeſt Kingdoms in Europe. It is ſaid to be Five Hundred Leagues in Circuit, containing Twelve ample Provinces, Twenty Archbiſhopricks, Biſhopricks One Hundred Twenty Seven: Thirty Caſtles: Barons One Thouſand Four Hundred. Earls Fifty Three. Forty Marquiſes. Thirty Four Dukes, and Twenty Princes. The Inhabitants of this Kingdom, are ſaid to be above Two Millions. The ordinary Revenues of the King, amount to Three Millions of Crowns yearly, beſides the Voluntary Donatives, which have been given by the Subjects of this State to their Kings, within the Space of Forty Years, amounting to Twenty Eight Millions, and Six Hundred Thouſand Duckats. This Kingdom, is water'd by a Hundred and Fifty Rivers, beſides Ten Lakes ſtor'd with all Manner of Fiſh; among which, is one called Averno, over which if any Birds flie, they immediately drop down dead. The Ancient Pagans, had ſtrange Opinions of this Lake; it being the Place, where they uſed to Sacrifice Men to the Infernal Gods. And, hard by, is the Cave of one of the Sybills.

There are Thirty high Mountains in this Country, of which Adonai relates many ſtrange and delightful Paſſages, (for, 'tis from him I receiv'd this Account of the Kingdom.) I will not trouble thee, with a Repetition of all that this Jew tells me; onely one Thing is worthy Remark.

He ſays, That the Bodies of the Three Young Hebrews, who were put into the burning Oven by the Babylonian Monarch, becauſe they would not adore his Idols, are preſerv'd in a Moſque on one of theſe Mountains. And, that on the ſaid Hill, no Eggs, Fleſh or Milk, will endure an Hour without Putrefaction, but preſently breed an Infinite Number of Worms. He ſpeaks in the Praiſe of theſe Mountains, which are cloath'd with Vineyards, Gardens and Woods on the Top and Sides; and in their Bottoms, have very Rich Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Cryſtal, Alabaſter, Adamant. In fine, Adonai, who has travelled over all this Kingdom, calls it, The fertileſt Region of all Italy, which is eſteem'd, the Paradiſe of Europe.

Doſt thou not think now, Venerable Guide of the Elect, that the Duke of Guize had Reaſon to prefer the Honour of conquering ſo Renowned a Kingdom, to the Safety of his Perſon? or wilt thou not rather conclude, That the Reduction of this Happy State, would be an Expedition worthy of the Ottoman Arms? It is certain, That the Riches and Plenty of this Region, have tempted more Nations to invade it, than any other Kingdom on Earth: It having been the Prize, at which no leſs than Five and Twenty ſeveral Nations have aim'd.

Cardinal Mazarini, is much troubl'd at the Duke of Guize's Captivity, and has offer'd great Sums of Mony for his Ranſom; but, the King of Spain rejects all Propoſals of that Nature. So that 'tis thought, the Cardinal will contrive ſome Way for the Duke's Eſcape, either by bribing his Keepers, or by ſome ſecret Stratagem.

I am not much concern'd for the Infidels; but, it would be no ſmall Joy to hear, that ſome Care were taken, for the Redemption of Mahomet Celebee, who, thou knoweſt, has not deſerv'd ill of the Sublime Port. Adieu, Holy Patriarch, and forget not Mahmut in thy Addreſſes to Heaven.

Paris, 27th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XIII. To Abdel Melec Muli Omar, Superintendent of the College of Sciences at Fez.

THOU, to whom the Iſſues of Paradiſe are Revealed, and the Road of the Angels when they come down and go up through the Seven Heavens! Thou, that canſt marſhal the Hoaſt of the Stars, and underſtandeſt the Diſcipline of the Armies living and ſtrong, the Orders of the Potentates encamped in the Fields of Light, the Domeſtick Guards of the Throne Bleſſed for Ever; Tell me the Age of the World, and declare the Beginning of Time. Reſolve me, Whether this Mighty Fabrick be but of Yeſterday, that is, of Five or Six Thouſand Years ſtanding, as the Jews and Chriſtians ſay; or, whether the Years of its Duration, be not paſt a Calcule.

The Viſions of thy Progenitor, the Lieutenant to the Sent of God, are extant in the Arabick Tongue. In them it is written, My Soul on a ſudden, became as though it had Wings; a Spirit enter'd me, and a ſubtle Wind lifted me up to the Top of Mount Uriel, where I beheld Marvellous Things. I looked behind me, and ſaw the Ages that were paſt; and loe, they were without Number, or Beginning. I beheld the Four Seaſons of the Year, ever returning at their accuſtomed Time, and the Sun forſook not his Courſe, for a Thouſand Thouſand Generations. I counted a Million of Ages, and yet there appear'd not an Hour, wherein Darkneſs had poſſeſſed the Abyſs of Matter, or wherein the Endleſs Firmament was not Illuminated by the Moon and Stars. Whilſt I conſidered theſe Things, a Liquor was given me to drink by an Ʋnknown Hand, it was of the Colour of Amber: When I had taſted it, I felt a marvellous Force in my Body, and my Eyes were more piercing than an Eagles. Another Wind, more powerful than the former, blew out of a Cloud, and carried me up to an exceeding High Place, for above the talleſt Mountains; There I trod in the ſoft Air, as on a Pavement of Marble. I was raviſh'd at theſe Things; and the Exaltation of my State, made me forget my Mortality. I beheld the Earth at a vaſt Diſtance under my Feet, as one that did not belong to it; it look'd like a ſhining Globe, not much unlike the Moon, but far bigger. All the Living Generations, which had ſucceſſively Inhabited the Earth from its Nativity, paſs'd by me; and they appear'd in various Forms. Firſt came a Race of Centaurs, then of Satyrs, next of Angels, and laſt of Men. While I marvelled at theſe Things, a Voice reach'd my Ears, as from behind me, ſaying, Theſe are the Four Ages of the World, and the Four Species of Beings, to whom I gave the Poſſeſſion of the Earth; but, for the Impiety of the Three former, I have exterminated them. And, when Men ſhall have completed the Meaſure of their Sins, I will cauſe the Trumpet to ſound, and all Things ſhall retire into the Cave of Silence and Darkneſs. Having heard this, I found my ſelf in a moment on the Earth, which I had before ſeen afar off; then I knew that I had been in a Trance, &c.

I do not rehearſe this Viſion, to reach thee any new Thing, Venerable Preſident of the Southern Sages (for, I know, the Archives of thy College, are repleniſh'd with all Manner of excellent Treatiſes, and that thou art no Stranger, to the Writings of the Prophets) but, to crave thy Interpretation of ſo great a Myſtery, and to reaſon with thee about the World's Duration. My Satisfaction would be ſmall, in contemplating the various Beauties of the Ʋniverſe, the Qualities of the Elements, the Natures of Living Things, the Vertues of Plants and Minerals, with the Force of the Heavenly Bodies, were I aſſur'd, That theſe Things were not always ſo. That Thought, would damp my greateſt Enjoyments, if I were convinc'd, That ſo many Splendors, Riches and Pleaſures, as this Viſible Frame affords, were not diſclos'd for Millions of Ages, but lay hid in the Boſom of Eternity. Methinks, it is too low an Opinion of the Omnipotent Goodneſs, and looks, as if the Authors of it, ſuſpected God of Envy: Who, when he might have made Infinite Myriads of Creatures happy, in theſe Viſible Emanations of his Divinity, without either Beginning or Ending of Time; yet, according to their Doctrine, contented himſelf, to let onely a Determinate Number taſte of his Munificence, for a few Centuries of Years. This is not ſuitable, to the Character of that Infinite Being, the Eternal Source of all Perfections.

What then is meant by thoſe Four Ages, and the Four Species of Beings, which were ſhew'd to the Exalted of God in that Holy Viſion? Tell me, Great Light of Aſrick, Is it repugnant to Reaſon or Faith, to believe, That the Earth has been Inhabited from Eternity; ſince our Holy Doctors teach us, That it was peopl'd long before the Creation of Adam? No Muſſulman, that has ever gone the Sacred Pilgrimage, but has viſited Mount Araffa, where Adam firſt ſaw Eve his Wife. There he has been inſtructed, in the Hiſtory of that Firſt Father of Mankind; and how that before his Time, the Earth was Inhabited by Angels, who being commanded to adore Adam, refus'd it, and were turn'd to Devils, being expell'd from the Earth. Thou knoweſt moreover, that it is in the Sacred Traditions, That God gave to Adam a Wife whoſe Name was Alileth; but, that ſhe being of the Race of theſe Devils, refus'd to obey Adam: Whence it came to paſs, That they liv'd in continual Quarrels and Enmity, for the Space of Five Hundred Years; till at length, Alileth flew up into the Air, and abandon'd her Husband. Of which, when Adam complained to God, he ſent Three Mighty Angels in Purſuit of her, commanding them to tell her, That if ſhe would return to her Husband, it ſhould go well with her; but if ſhe would not, a Hundred of her Children ſhould die every Day. The Angels follow'd her, and overtook her on the Red Sea, where they threatned to drown her, unleſs ſhe would return to her Husband. But ſhe made Excuſes, and told them, She was created to deſtroy Young Children. Then the Angels laid Hands on her: When ſhe, to pacifie them, ſwore by the Bottom of Hell, That whenſoever the Names of them Three, ſhould be written on any Schedule, that ſhe ſhould have no Power to hurt the Infants, they diſmiſs'd her. After this, God compaſſionating Adam's Solitude, gave him another Wife call'd Eve.

This Tradition, confirms the Viſion of the Prophet; and, we need not doubt, That the Earth was Inhabited before Adam's Time. And, if that be granted, why might it not be Peopled for Millions of Ages, as well as for the ſmalleſt Term, that Ignorance or Error may aſſign to its Duration?

I have diſcourſed with ſeveral of the Jewiſh Rabbi's, and Chriſtian Doctors on this Subject, Men of abſtruſe Learning, and ſublime Thoughts: Yet, I can find but a few, who are emancipated from the Prejudices of a Superſtitious Education. They have been from their Infancy, prepoſſeſs'd with a falſe Notion of the Works of God; believing them to be Finite, both in Extent of Space and Time. They circumſcribe this Viſible World, within, I know not what Flaming Circle; and believe the Firſt Matter it ſelf, to be but Five Days Older than Adam, taking each of thoſe Days, for the Space of Four and Twenty Hours, wherein the Sun finiſhes his Diurnal Circuit through the Heavens. They conſider not, That according to their own Bible, there was Light and Darkneſs, and conſequently Day and Night, before the Sun was Created. But, how long thoſe Days and Nights were, is not determin'd by Moſes. Yet in another Part of their Bible, it is ſaid, That a Day with God, is a Thouſand Years, and a Thouſand Years, is a Day. So that, according to this Interpretation, Adam was not Created, till above Five Thouſand Years after the Beginning of the World. Yet, when I bring this Poſitive Place of their Own Scripture, againſt the Nazarene Sages, they ſhuffle it off with empty Evaſions; and, rather than believe the Indeſinite Antiquity of the World, they contradict their own Sence and Reaſon, invalidate the Teſtimony of a Prophet, deny their Faith, and appear Unmask'd Inſidels.

Both they and the Jews, have corrupted the Truth with many Errors; and, we muſt ſeek farther, for the Original Science of Nature. The Illuminated of God, have always taught, That the Earth was Inhabited long before the Appearance of Adam. And, all the Eaſtern Sages, believe a Series of Generations, to have dwelt on this Globe, for Indeterminate Ages.

I have a Brother lately come from the Indies: He relates ſtrange Things of certain Books, which are onely in the Hands of the Brachmans. They are written in a Language, which none underſtand but theſe Prieſts; yet a Language as Copious as any other, and taught in their Colleges by Rule. Theſe Books contain a Hiſtory of the World, which, they ſay, is above Thirty Millions of Years Old. They divide the Term of its Duration, into Four Ages; Three of which they ſay are already paſt, and a good Part of the Fourth. Now I would fain know, who wrote theſe Books; and, at what Time, and where this Language was ſpoken? They call it, the Holy Language; ſaying, that it was the Firſt ſpoken on Earth. It is ſtrange, That no Hiſtory ſhould mention ſo Divine a Speech. We have the Chronology of the Latin and Greek; and can give an Account, when and where they were ſpoken, though they are now grown Obſolete, and no otherways to be learn'd, but in the Schools and Academies. This argues, the Antiquity of the Bramins Language and Books, in Regard, they fall not within any other Record ſave their own, which ſays, they are as Old as the World. For, if this Aſſertion were falſe, the Impoſture would have been diſcover'd as ſoon as broach'd, and the Learned Sages of the Eaſt, would quickly have diſprov'd ſo manifeſt a Lye. There ſeems to me ſomething Extraordinary, in this Pretenſion of theſe Indian Philoſophers, and I would gladly be convinc'd of the Truth. Methinks, it is an Illuſtrious Idea of the Divine Perfections, when one conceives all this Vaſt and Endleſs Concatenation of Beings, to flow from the Eternal Nature, as Rays from the Sun: And, that they can no more be ſeparated from it, than thoſe Beams can from that Viſible Fountain of Light. It will not be difficult then, to Interpret the Hiſtory of Moſes, by this Regiſter of the Bramins, and reconcile the Six Days of the one, with the Four Ages of the other; ſince, a Day in the Divine Sence, may amount to Millions of Years, as well as to a Thouſand. And, it will be more congruous and agreeable, to believe, that after the Birth of the Firſt Matter, there elaps'd Many Ages, before it was wrought into ſuch an Infinite Variety of Appearances, as we now behold; and, that the Five Days, which Moſes computes, before the Production of Adam, might be ſome Millions of Years: In which Time, the Divine Architect gradually drew from the Abyſs of Matter, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Plants and Animals; which may ſerve alſo to Illuſtrate, the Viſion of thy Holy Anceſtor, with which I begun this Diſcourſe.

Adieu, Sublime Intelligence of the Torrid Zone, and favour Mahmut with a Tranſcript of thy Thoughts concerning theſe Things. But, if thy Silence ſhall condemn my Preſumption and Importunity, I will wait for thy Anſwer, till the Platonick Year, when, according to the Doctrine of that Philoſopher, we ſhall all be alive again.

Paris, 19th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XIV. To the Mufti.

IN a former Diſpatch to thy Sanctity, I have acquainted thee with the Inſurrections in Palermo, mentioning the Fear of the Viceroy, leſt the French in that Iſland, ſhould then take their Opportunity, to revenge the Proverbial Cruelty of the Sicilian Veſpers. If thou art unacquainted with that Tragedy, I will inform thee in Brief.

About Three Hundred and Threeſcore Years ago, there Reign'd in Sicily, one of the Royal Blood of France; they call him, Charles of Anjou. He had French Garriſons in all the Cities of that Kingdom: But, theſe Soldiers committed ſo many Inſolencies, as rendred 'em Odious and Inſupportable to the Natives, who therefore reſolved to exterminate them.

The French are very Licentious in their Conqueſts; neither ſparing Men in their Anger, nor Women in their Luſt. They make no Difference, between the Noble and the Vulgar; but ſacrifice all the Regards of Honour and Civility, to their Impetuous Appetites.

They were guilty of innumerable Rapes and Violences in Sicily, among the Meaner People; and ſometimes, extended their Rudeneſs, to Perſons of the Beſt Quality. It was common for them, to affront both Virgins and Matrons as they went along the Streets, by thruſting their Hands under their Garments, on Pretence of ſearching for hidden Arms. Among the Reſt, the Wife of a certain Lord in Palermo, going to pay her Devotions at the Temple, was ſeiz'd by the Command of the Captain of the Guards, and ſtrip'd Naked before all the Soldiers, in Order to diſcover certain Treaſonable Papers, which they ſuſpected ſhe carried about her. But finding none, ſhe upbraided the Captain with Inhumanity, in offering ſo groſs an Affront, to a Lady of her Rank. He ſeeming to be ſorry for the Indignity ſhe had received, begged her Pardon; and retiring with his Soldiers out of the Room where ſhe was, left her to put on her Apparel. In the mean while, he was enflamed with a furious Paſſion for this Lady, (ſhe being very Beautiful;) and having ſent the Soldiers away, he return'd to the Room where ſhe was. He addreſs'd her with much Courtſhip; but, finding that Ineffectual, he Forc'd her.

When this was made known to her Husband, he burn'd with Deſire of Revenge. And ſtirring up all the Sicilian Nobles and People, it was privately agreed between them, that on a certain Feſtival, when the Bells ſhould toll to Even-Song, all the Sicilians ſhould take Arms, and Maſſacre the French throughout the Iſland. This Plot was carried ſo ſecretly, that before the French could get the leaſt Intimation of it, they were all murd'red, on the Day appointed.

I forgot to acquaint thee in my laſt, with a Villainy, which was diſcover'd in the late Tumults of Naples. As they were marching up and Down the Streets, burning the Cuſtom-Houſes, and the Habitations of thoſe who had been concern'd in gathering the Taxes, they entred the Houſe of a certain Notary or Publick Scribe of that City, who had been repreſented to them, as a Promoter of thoſe Unreaſonable Impoſitions. They ſeized on the Man, and began to carry his Goods out into the Streets, in Order to be burnt. But, as they were rummaging in an Apartment which was toward the Gardens, they heard a great Shrieking, as of Women affrighted: And, perceiving the Voice to proceed from within a Wall in the Room where they were, they ſearch'd about for a Door to enter into that Place; but finding none, they broke through the Wall, where they found Two Women, with their Hair hanging down to their Ancles, and their Nails grown like the Talons of an Eagle. Enquiring of them how long they had been there, and on what Occaſion, the Eldeſt of the Women made this Anſwer; The Maſter of this Houſe, is my own Brother, who when my Father died, was entruſted by him, to pay me Six Hundred Duckets, which he bequeath'd me as a Legacy, for my Maintenance, my Husband being dead: But my Brother, inſtead of doing me this Juſtice, Immur'd both me and my Daughter, whom you ſee here, between theſe Walls, where we have lived theſe Seventeen Years, being allowed, by this cruel Man, no other Food but Bread and Water.

The People Incens'd above Meaſure, at ſo barbarous a Cruelty, hang'd up the Notary, and gave all his Eſtate, to this Widow and her Daughter. An Exemplary Piece of Juſtice, performed by Mutineers, which could not have been done by the Law, the Crime not reaching his Life; though, in the Sence of all Men, he merited Death. This is another Argument, that Deſtiny had a Hand in this Inſurrection; and, that Maſanello the Fiſherman, was the Executioner of God.

I obey thee, Sovereign Prelate, with an Ʋnconditional Devotion, and revere the Idea of thy Sanctity: Vouchſafe to pray for Mahmut, that whilſt he condemns the Barbarous Cruelties of the Nazarenes, he may not render himſelf Inexcuſable, by doing any Injuſtice himſelf.

Paris, 22d. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XV. To the Kaimacham.

THE Arabian Proverb ſays, There is more Danger to be fear'd from one of the Coreis, than from a Thouſand Bobeck's. Thou knoweſt, both theſe were Noble Families in Mecca, and Sworn Enemies of the Meſſenger of God: But, the Latter, as their Name imports, were too open in their Counſels, to do any conſiderable Execution againſt the Holy One: Whereas the Former, were always reſerved, and laying of Secret Trains.

Such is Cardinal Mazarini, the Hidden Enemy of the Ottoman Empire. There ſeems to be an Ambition in this Great Genius, equal to that of his Predeceſſor Richlieu, who would be eſteemed the moſt Eminent among Men. Nothing will ſatisfie this Miniſter, leſs than a Subverſion of all the Monarchies on Earth, which appear Obſtacles of that Grandeur, to which he Deſigns to raiſe his Maſter. Yet, he attempts not this by Open Force, knowing, that is impracticable: but, acts in the Dark, ſtriving to undermine thoſe States by Intrigue, which he cannot ſubdue by Arms. He has his Agents in all the Courts of Chriſtendom; and, thou needeſt not ſtartle, if I tell thee, there is Ground to ſuſpect, he is not without his Creatures at the Sublime Port. All Europe is ſenſible, that the Late Revolutions in Portugal and Catalonia, the Inſurrections in Sicily and Naples, and the Rebellion of the Engliſh, Scots and Iriſh, are, in Part, owing to the Policies of this Miniſter: And, I can tell thee more on that Subject, than is known to every one.

Oſmin the Dwarf, who ſtill retains his good Inclinations to the Sublime Port, finds an inſuſpected Acceſs to all the Grandees, to whom the Smallneſs of his Bulk and Stature, affords no ſmall Divertiſement. Beſides, they delight to poſe him with Problems, in Regard, there is always ſomething ſo lucky, beſides the Wit in his Anſwers, as either creates Admiration or Laughter. But, their Mirth would quickly be changed into other Paſſions, were they ſenſible, that their Little Buffoon, is no other than a Spy upon them. For, Oſmin having ſo many. Opportunities, lurks in Corners like a Spider, undiſcovered, and unthought-of: He Creeps into their Bedchambers and Cabinets, where he becomes privy to their greateſt Secrets. If they ſhould catch him in any of his Concealments, behind the Hangings, or under a Bed, 'twould only paſs for a Frolick to give 'em Diverſion; and, he never wants for a Repartee or a Jeſt, to bring himſelf off.

I have taught him a Cypher, which he makes Uſe of, to tranſcribe any Letters, or other Papers of Moment; with Characters for Speedy Writing, which comprehend whole Sentences in a Daſh or Two of the Pen.

'Tis but lately, we have pitched on this Method; and, the firſt Attempt Oſmin made, was in Cardinal Mazarini's Cloſet: Into which he ſlipt under the Skirt of a Nobleman's Cloak, who juſt then went in to ſpeak with the Cardinal. This active Dwarf, taking Advantage of the Nobleman's Approach to the Table, dextrouſly crept under the Carpets which cover'd it, reaching down to the Floor, where he lay unſeen, till the Cardinal was gone, and the Cloſet lock'd up.

During the Time of their Conference, which was not very long, Oſmin heard the Cardinal ſpeak theſe Words to the Lord: One of the Slaves of that Baſſa, ſaid he, is an Italian, whom I formerly entertain'd in my Service, and one in whom I confide: He was taken by the Turks at Sea; and, as ſoon as he was ſold to this Grandee, he acquainted me in a Letter, with his Condition, imploring my Aſſiſtance toward his Ranſom. I promis'd to Redeem him, on the Conditions I have told you; and ſince that, he has not fail'd to perform them; his Maſter having accepted the Piſtols, and enter'd into the Aſſociation: So that I hope in a little Time, to ſee that proud Tyrannical Race exterminated, the Tartars excluded from Succeſſion, and the Empire divided by the Sword of Strangers. Ragotski is the onely Obſtacle; That Prince is wavering, and we cannot truſt him. The Baſſa of Aleppo, with thoſe of Sidon, Damaſcus and Babylon, are ready to cover the Fields of Aſia with their Armies. If Things were as ſecure on the Side of Europe, the Blow ſhould ſoon be given.

There paſs'd ſome other Diſcourſe between them, which Oſmin could not diſtinguiſh, in Regard, they removed to the Window, and ſpoke low. But, this was enough to rowze his Curioſity, and put him on a farther Inquiſition.

As ſoon as the Room was void, by their Abſence, he came forth from his Retirement, and fell to examining the Papers, which lay on the Table, hoping to diſcover more of this Plot; but, he was diſappointed, and only met with a few Letters from his Agents in England. Wherein, among other Matters, they gave the Cardinal an Account, That they had hunted the Lion into the Toils, paſt all Hopes of an Eſcape. By which, I ſuppoſe, they meant the Engliſh King, whom the Rebels have confined to a certain Caſtle in their Poſſeſſion. Oſmin tranſcribed ſome of theſe Letters, and brought them to me: A Copy of one of them, I here ſend thee encloſed. 'Twas written from the Council of the Iriſh Rebels. By which thou mayſt ſee, what a Share the Cardinal has, in abetting theſe Traytors. Elſe, how could they Demand of him, The Performance of the Queen-Regent's Promiſe, to aſſiſt them with Money and Men?

There is one alſo Dated this preſent Year, and Subſcribed by Monſieur Bellieure, the French Embaſſador in England. But, Oſmin had not time to tranſcribe that, being prevented by the Cardinal's Return; which made the Dwarf ſnatch up his Tools, and abſcond under the Table. Yet, he remembered ſome of the Contents of that Letter, and told them me at his next Viſit: The Ambaſſador in that Letter, informs the Cardinal, of a certain German Prophet, who foretold, That there ſhould be a great Revolution in the Government of England; and, that One of the Mightieſt of all the Eaſtern Princes, ſhould be Depoſed this Year, and Murdred by his Subjects (I pray Heaven, avert the Omen from the Seraglio.) He acquaints this Miniſter alſo, That he had ſucceeded in his Negotiation with the Officers of the Rebels Army. There were other obſcure Paſſages in the Letter, which Oſmin has forgot. But, theſe are ſufficient to demonſtrate, how buſie the Cardinal is, and what a Hand he has in Foreign Affairs.

Another Opportunity, I hope, will bring to Light, more of this Miniſter's Secrets. Adieu.

Paris, 4th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XV. To Peſtelihali, his Brother.

THE oftner I peruſe the Journal of thy Travels, the more I am delighted with it. For, it is evident, That the Countries through which thou haſt paſs'd, have been as ſo many Schools of Wiſdom to thee; Wherein thou haſt learn'd, even from Mens Vices, the Way to Perfection; much more from their Vertues. Thou haſt found, that though Mens Natural Diſpoſitions differ, as do the Climates, which afford them Breath; yet, they all agree in Common Frailties. There are alſo Vices peculiar to certain Countries; 'twere to be wiſhed, they could be match'd with as many National Vertues. But, Human Nature is a Rank Soil, more fertile in Weeds, than wholeſom Products. Yet, there are Gardens as well as Deſarts: And, thou haſt obſerved ſome Perſons, Illuſtrious for their Goodneſs, and the Noble Endowments of their Minds.

I am extreamly pleaſed with that rare Example of Generoſity, which thou relateſt of an Indian Merchant; who, not content to give Alms to all that ask'd him, or whom he knew to be Poor, ſought daily Occaſions to exerciſe his Charity, hunted out the Indigent and Unfortunate: And, where-ever he diſcovered the Lineaments of Poverty in a Man's Face, or trac'd the Footſteps of it in his Behaviour, he could not reſt till he had relieved his Wants, and made him Happy, to his very Wiſhes. I tell thee, Poverty is a Hell upon Earth; and, he that has this Curſe, anticipates the Torments of the Damn'd. It eclipſes the brighteſt Vertues, and is the very Sepulcher of brave Deſigns; depriving a Man of the Means to accompliſh, what Nature has fitted him for, and ſtifling the Nobleſt Thoughts in their Embryo. How many Illuſtrious Souls may be ſaid, to have been Dead among the Living, or buried alive in the Obſcurity of their Condition, whoſe Perfections have rendred 'em, the Darlings of Providence, and Companions of Angels; yet the inſuperable Penury of all Things, has ranked them among the Caſtaways of the Earth, in the Eyes of Men? To ſuch as theſe, our Divine Lawgiver commands us to extend our Charity, giving us certain Characters and Marks, by which we may diſtinguiſh them from the Crowd of the Unfortunate. And, I like the Indian's Bounty the better, in that he ſo exactly ſeems to comply with this Precept of the Alcoran, generouſly preventing the Requeſts of the Indigent, and by an Exceſs of Benignity, courting them to except of Relief. In this he alſo verifies the Arabian Proverb, which ſays, He gives Double, who gives unask'd.

Thou commendeſt the Induſtry of the Chineſe, the Advances they have made in Arts and Sciences, which, thou concludeſt, is to be attributed to the Force of their Laws, which oblige the Son to follow his Father's Trade, throughout all Generations. In this I muſt diſſent; for, it ſeems rather a Curb than a Spur to Ingenuity, to be confin'd to Employments, for which a Man may have an Averſion. The Son not ſeldom aborring thoſe Things, wherein his Parents took Delight. Or, if not ſo, yet he may be caſt in a Finer Mold, have a more ſubtile Invention; and conſequently, be capable of making greater Improvements, in any Trade of his own Choice: Since, Delight ſets an Edge on the Mind, gives Vigor to the Body, and adds Wings to Buſineſs. Beſides, I do not think this to be ſo much thy own Remark, as the Inſinuation of ſome of that Country, who are the moſt Conceited People in the World; ever extolling their own Policy, Laws and Government; and impoſing them as a Pattern, to all other Nations.

One Thing I grant, they boaſt of with a great Deal of Truth, that is, their Antiquity and unmix'd Race. Though, ſince the Conqueſt the Tartars have made of that Country, they are like to undergo the Fate of other Nations, and Corrupt their Genealogies with the Blood of Strangers.

Thou cameſt away before that Conqueſt was begun, or perhaps, before 'twas talked of. And, I can give thee, but a very Imperfect Account of it. All the Intelligence we have from that Kingdom of late, comes in Fragments: For, the Ships which bring this ſhatter'd News, left China in an Uproar and Confuſion. Only they aſſure us, That the Tartars had paſſed the Celebrated Wall, which divides them from China; that they entred and ſubdued the Northern Provinces, with an Army of Six Hundred Thouſand Men; that very little Reſiſtance was made againſt them, not even in Pequin it ſelf, the Capital Seat of the Chineſe Empire, which the Ʋſurper Lycungz had abandon'd to the Conquerors, carrying away with him, all the Ineſtimable Treaſures of the Palace, and retiring into one of the remote Provinces, was never heard of afterwards. Whence it was judg'd, That ſome of his own Party had murder'd him; partly, for the Sake of his prodigious Wealth, which they ſhared among them; and partly, to revenge his Treaſon againſt the Emperor, and the Innumerable Calamities he had brought upon his Country.

Before theſe Merchants came away, the Cham of Tartary was proclaimed in Pequin, and Crowned Emperor of China. They ſay, He was not above Thirteen Years Old at that Time; which was, in the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1644. And, that having ſent for the Chief Nobility of Tartary to Pequin, he made Preparations, to purſue his Conqueſts.

This is the beſt Account we yet have, of the Affairs of that Empire. By which thou wilt eaſily be induced to be of my Opinion, That the Blood of the Chineſes, will in Time be mix'd with that of Strangers.

We muſt not ſeek for the Originals of any People, in the Country where they dwell. The moſt Renowned Kingdoms and Empires in the World, had their firſt Foundations laid by Vagabonds and Fugitives. Thou art not ignorant, how vaſt an Extent, the Ancient Roman Empire had through Aſia, Africk and Europe. Yet, that City which was called the Miſtreſs of Nations, the Governeſs of the Whole Earth, was firſt built by a handful of Banditi, People who lived by Pillage and Robbery, the Outlaws and Scum of Italy, aſſembled together from divers Parts, under the Conduct of Romulus and Rhemus. Neither had that City, proved any better than a Sepulcher to them and their Deſigns, had they not by a witty Stratagem, over-reach'd the Sabine Women, and ſo ſecured to themſelves a Poſterity, who ſhould not only defend but enlarge the Dominions of their Fathers. Yet, theſe People of ſo Obſcure and Confuſed an Original, afterwards boaſted of the Antiquity and Noble Deſcent of their Families. No Name more Venerable in ſucceeding Ages, than that of a Roman.

To look no farther than the great and formidable Empire of the Oſmans, we ſhall find it took its firſt Riſe from Colonies of Tranſplanted Scythians; ſo that he who would have the Genealogy of a Turk, muſt not look in the Regiſters of Greece, where they now live, but muſt carry his Search beyond the Mountain Caucaſus, examine the Border of Palus Maeotis, or hunt his Pedigree ous in Cherſoneſus. What Revolutions have not happen'd in Aſia and Africk, ſince the Aſſumption of the Meſſenger of God into Paradiſe? Where ſhall we now find any Remains of the Ancient Saracens, or Mamalukes? The Mighty Empire of the Ottomans has ſwallow'd up all. Thus, one Nation expells another; and, there is ſo general a Mixture of Foreign Blood, made by the Converſion of innumerable different Nations to the Muſſulman Faith, that it is hard to know, Whether our Anceſtors were Scythians or Perſians, Jews or Grecians; Whether they were of the Mountains or the Valleys, of the Foreſts or the Plains.

In this I will except my Countrymen, the Arabians, and thoſe who ſeem to approach neareſt them in Manner of Life, the Tartars; the one dwelling in Tents, the other in Waggons; both in a moving Poſture; both Happy in this, That they are not confin'd to the Rigors of a Cold Winter, nor the Scorching Heats of the Summer; but, change their Soil and Climate, as the Seaſon of the Year varies: Thus ever ſecuring to themſelves in all Places, either a blooming flow'ry Spring, or a moderate and fruitful Autumn. Theſe were never ſubdued, nor expelled thoſe Regions wherein they take Delight, neither would they ever mix with Strangers. But, the Chineſe would excell all the World in the Purity of their Ʋnmix'd Blood, were it not for the late Incurſions of their Potent and Victorious Neighbours.

The French ſay, That theſe People had the Uſe of Guns and Printing, many Hundreds of Years before they were found out in Europe. But, the Germans claim the Honour of theſe Inventions to themſelves.

Thou confirmeſt the Opinion of the Former, in telling me, thou haſt ſeen ſome of the Cannon belonging to the City of Pequin, on which was engraven, in Chineſe Characters, a Regiſter of their Age, which was above Two Thouſand Years.

I had a great Deal more to ſay, Dear Peſteli, but the Poſt calls on me to haſten. Beſides, an extreme Dullneſs and Languiſhing of my Spirits, with which I have been perſecuted, ever ſince this Moon firſt ſhewed her Creſcent: Now ſhe is in the Wane, and ſo I hope is my Malady. The Influence this Planet ſeems to have on me, may make thee conclude me a Lunatick: We are all ſo, in one Degree or other. There are not more apparent Symptoms, That the Flux and Reflux of the Sea, owes its Original to the Neighbourhood and Motion of that Planet, than that our Conſtitutions vary, according to its Monthly Appearances.

He that Created the Moon, and the Conſtellations, not without Reſpect to Mankind, give us Wiſdom which ſhall entitle us to a Dommion over the Stars.

Paris, 14th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Years 1648.
LETTER XVII. To the Aga of the Janizaries.

THE Duke of Chaſtillon, arrived here Six Days ago from the Army in Flanders, bringing News of a Signal Victory, obtained by the Young Prince of Conde, on the Plains of Lens. This Battel was fought, on the 20th. of the laſt Moon, the French having entirely routed the Spaniards, kill'd Three Thouſand of them on the Spot, taken Six Thouſand Priſoners, with all their Artillery and Baggage. And, to crown the Day, they have taken Lens alſo.

But, though Fortune thus favours their Arms Abroad, ſhe has mixed Poiſon with their Counſels at Home. All Things here ſeem to portend a Civil War. The Parliament thwart the Proceedings of the Court, taking on them, the Power of the Ancient Spartan Ephori: They will be Comptrollers of the Regal Authority, ſuppreſſing the King's Edicts, calling his Expences to Account; and, pretending to reform the Court, they play the Paedagogues with their Sovereign. On the other Side, Cardinal Mazarini, the Duke of Orleans, and other Grandees, do their utmoſt Endeavours, to diſſolve the Meetings of this Senate. They perſwade the Young King, that it is but a Precarious Reign, where the Sovereign muſt be curb'd by his Subjects. Thus they inſtill into his tender Years, thoſe Maxims by which they would have him Rule, when he comes of Age.

There is a Man in the Parliament, whom they call Monſieur Bruſſels, one of their Great Counſellors, a bitter Enemy of Cardinal Mazarini, and therefore cry'd up by the People, for a Patriot: He is of a furious Temper, and mean Abilities; yet his noiſy Zeal for the Publick Liberty, has faſtened to him the Vulgar: He is become the Ring-leader of the Seditious.

This Man was ſeized, as he returned from the Chief Temple, where Te Deum was ſung Yeſterday, for the late Victory in Flanders. And, ſome are of Opinion, that 'twas this happy News, which emboldned the Court, to ſnatch from the People their Darling, their Idol, the Man from whoſe Courage, they expect a Redreſs of all their Grievances. Indeed, one may ſay, it would ſeem ſafer for a Traveller in the Deſarts of Arabia, to tear from a Lioneſs her Young One. For, the Heads of the Faction, waited but for ſuch an Opportunity, to ſet all in a Flame. And, the ill Succeſs of the Court in this Action, ſhews, That it is dangerous to provoke the Multitude. For, preſently we were all in Confuſion, the Burgeſſes in Arms, the Shops ſhut up, the Streets Chained, and all the Avenues of the Palace barricado'd. The Rabble marched up and down the Streets, threatning Deſtruction to Cardinal Mazarini, and all his Party. The Parliament were forced to become the Meſſengers of the People, to carry their Petitions, or rather their Commands to the Court; being threatned alſo, if they failed of Succeſs. For, they proteſted Unanimouſly, that they would not lay down their Arms, till the Impriſoned Counſellor was Releaſed.

The Queen appeared at firſt Inexorable and ſent theſe Senators away with Denial and, Scoffs; wiſhing them Joy of their New Honour, in being made the Porters of the Rabble. And, the Young Monarch, incenſed to ſee his Native Royalty, thus Prophaned by his Subjects, bent his Brows; and caſting a Look, divided betwixt Majeſty and Diſdain, on the Senators, uttered theſe Words: Sirs, Shall it always be a Cuſtom, thus to moleſt the Minority of your Kings? Or, do you think Our tender Years, incapable of the Common Senſe of other Mortals, that you preſume thus Inſolently to invade our Right? Accuſe not the Multitude, nor make them an Ʋmbrage to your Sedition. I know the Authors of theſe Tumults; and ſhall find a Time, to make 'em feel the Weight of my Diſpleaſure. Think not that I wear this Sword, only for Ornament, [laying his Hand fiercely on the Hilt] or, that the Blood of my Renowned Anceſtors, is grown degenerate, or turned to Lees within my Veins. Go tell your Factious Comrades, There ſits this Day upon the Throne of France a King, who, though he's Young, yet has a Spirit and Memory, which will outlaſt his Pupillage. With that, he commanded them out of his Sight.

Yet, notwithſtanding this, the People threatned, to bring their Darling away by Force, if he were not Releaſed in Two Hours.

There were above a Hundred Thouſand of them in Arms, and it might have proved a dangerous Inſurrection. But, the Queen, at the Second return of the Senators, hearkning to the Advice of Mazarini, and the Duke of Orleans, and remembring the late dreadful Effects of Maſanello's Tumult in Naples, releas'd the Priſoner; who was conducted Home laſt Night in Triumph, by an Infinite Crowd of People, who filled the Air with Shouts and Acclamations.

It is diſcourſed here, That the Prince of Conde will ſpeedily return to Paris. From whom, both the Court, and the Faction, promiſe themſelves new Grounds of Triumph.

During theſe Commotions, Mahmut fails not to act his Part, being at no ſmall Expence, to maintain a certain Number of Strangers, whoſe whole Dependance is on me. Theſe I inſtruct, to mix themſelves with the Rabble, to inſinuate into them hateful Notions, of Cardinal Mazarini, and the Court. They buz up and down the City, like Flies in this hot Seaſon, and ſting the Multitude to Fury, with their Stories. I ſpare no Coſt, to procure the Cardinal's Ruine. That pernicious Wit comes not ſhort of his Predeceſſor Richlieu, being as active in embroyling Foreign States; witneſs, the Revolutions of Portugal, Catalonia, England and Naples; (in all which, he had a principal Hand) and is ever projecting, how to aggrandize his Maſter. And, the Univerſal Succeſs of the French Arms in Germany, Flanders, Italy and Spain, has left him Nothing worth a Thought, but the Deſtruction of the Oſman Empire.

Eliachim brings me News every Hour, how my Mirmidons ſucceed; for, he acts abroad in the Streets, while I keep my Chamber, during the Tumults; being of Demoſthenes's Mind, who, when the Athenians were in an Uproar, took Sanctuary in the Temple of Pallas, and proſtrating himſelf before the Altar of the Goddeſs, uttered theſe Words, O Pallas, I fly to thee for Protection; defend me from Ignorance, Envy, and Inconſtancy; for, I love not the Society of the Owl, the Dragon, and the People.

Yet, whether in my Chamber or Abroad, be aſſured, Illuſtrious Prefect, of the Imperial City, that Mahmut divides his Time between the Vows he makes, and the Services he does for the Grand Signior.

Paris, 3d. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XVIII. To Achmet Beig.

THIS Court is now in Mourning, for the Death of Ʋladiſlaus, late King of Poland: Whilſt the Politicians, are canvaſing the next Election. Thoſe who Side with the Houſe of Auſtria, favour the Succeſſion of Prince Charles. But the French, are for Caſimir, their former Priſoner.

The Duke of Bavaria, is alſo dead. They ſay, he died of Grief, to ſee his Country expoſed to the Inſults of a Victorious Enemy: For, all his Forces were intirely defeated.

The Prince of Conde, has taken Ipre in Flanders; and, the Arch-Duke of Auſtria, has rendred himſelf Maſter of Courtray, without drawing a Sword, or firing a Gun: The Mareſchal de Rantzan, has made an unhappy Attempt, to ſurprize Oſtend, a Sea-Town in Flanders. For, carrying his Forces by Water, as ſoon as he had Landed his Men, a Tempeſt roſe, and drove all his Ships out to Sea: So that, being encompaſſed by a numerous Army of his Enemies, and having no Way to eſcape, he and all his Troops were made Priſoners.

From the Sea we have Advice, that there has been a Combat, between the Duke of Richlieu, Commander of the Naval Forces ſent to aſſiſt the Neapolitan Revolters, and Don John of Auſtria, Admiral of the Spaniſh Fleet on that Coaſt. But the Iſſue of the Battel, is not yet known: Though moſt People, gueſs the Victory to be on the French Side, in Regard Cardinal Mazarini had, by the Advice of an Indian Ship-wright, cauſed all the French Ships to be plaſtered over with Allom, ſo that no Fire-Ships can hurt them. The Spaniards make great Uſe of theſe Fire-Ships, in all their Sea-Fights; having learn'd to their Coſt, from the Engliſh, what Damage theſe Veſſels do, when they formerly loſt their whole Armada, which they before termed Invincible, and with which they ſailed to Conquer that Iſland.

From Catalonia the Poſts bring News, which pleaſes the Wives and Friends of the Soldiers in thoſe Parts: For, the Mareſchal de Schomberg, has cut in Pieces the Spaniſh Army, taken Tortoſa by Aſſault, where the Soldiers found a Booty of above Fifteen Hundred Thouſand Livres.

A Courier is come from Suedeland, who brings an Account of a late Formidable Conspiracy in Ruſſia, againſt the Life of the Czar. The greateſt Part of the Moſcovite Grandees, were concerned in this Plot; deſigning to Change the Form of Government, and divide that Mighty Empire into ſeveral Principalities, whereof every one of the Conſpirators ſhould have a Share. And, that they ſhould be all Subject to One Chief, who ſhould be elected by the Reſt, after the Manner of Germany. To this Purpoſe, they had made a Private Treaty with the Tartars. Moroſoph, the Prime Miniſter of State, and the Chancellor Nazari, were of the Conſpiracy. Perhaps, thou wilt lament the Fate of the Latter, having receiv'd extraordinary Civilities from him, when thou wert at that Court.

Banaanoph, Son of the Patriarch of Moſco, revealed the Plot, with the Names of the Conſpirators to the Grand Duke: Who ſent for them next Day to his Palace, under divers Pretences; where he commanded them all to be Killed, and their Bodies to be thrown to the Dogs in the Streets of that City.

The French report ſtrange Things of Sultan Ibrahim: I wiſh all go well at the Sublime Port. If thou haſt the ſame Deſires, reveal them to none but thy Friend. For, at ſome Times, a Man's beſt Thoughts will be interpreted for Treaſon. Adieu.

Paris, 15th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XIX. To the Mufti.

THY Venerable Letters are come ſafe to my Hands, bringing Light and Conſolation to the Faithful Exile. With profoundeſt Reverence, I kiſs'd and unfolded the Papers, which contain the Sacred Inſtructions of the Vicar of God. I bleſſed my ſelf, when I read the Charge of Royal Enormities, the exorbitant Paſſions of a Muſſulman Emperour, and the Prophanation of the Throne founded on Juſtice. Thou haſt prevented the Qualms of a too ſcrupulous Loyalty, by aſſuring me, That it is a Fundamental Maxim, of our Law, That all Men in the World, without Reſpect of Birth or Quality, are obliged to appear before the Juſtice of God: And, That he who obeys not the Law, is no Muſſulman: And, If the Emperor himſelf be in this Number, he ought to be Depoſed forthwith.

This has abundantly ſatisfied my Conſcience, coming from the Hands of him, from whoſe Sentence, there can be no Appeal on Earth. I ſhall therefore readily obey thy Orders; and, without Demurr, put in Execution what thou haſt commanded me.

Who can blame the Juſt Indignation of Sultan Morat's Widow, who in Defence of her Chaſtity, threaten'd to ſheath her Ponyard in the Breaſt of her Sovereign? But, incomparably more Eminent, was thy Daughters Vertue, who not being able to reſiſt the Force of the Mighty Raviſher, after ſhe was polluted, would like another Lucretia, have ſtabb'd her ſelf, had ſhe not been prevented by the Sultan. How has he ſully'd the Glory of the Oſman Race, by theſe Effeminate Vices? What an Indignity has he committed, againſt our Holy Law? Againſt the Principal Patriarch of the Elect? Much more noble, was the Continence of the African Scipio, who, when at the Conqueſt of New Carthage, a Virgin of admirable Beauty, was choſen from among the Captives and preſented to him, would by no Means defile her, but reſtor'd her again without Blemiſh to her Parents, ſaying withall to thoſe that ſtood near him, Were I a Private Man, I would gratify my Paſſion, by the Enjoyment of this lovely Maid; but, it becomes not the Leader of an Army, to give ſo bad an Example; nor a Conquerour, to yield his Heart to the Charms of his Captive.

But it ſeems, that Sultan Ibrahim was rather Ambitious of the Character of Auguſtus the Roman Emperour, of whom it is ſaid, That he never ſpared any Woman in his Luſt: but, if he caſt his Eye on a Beautiful Lady, though her Husband were of the Firſt Quality in the Empire, he would immediately ſend his Officers, to bring her to him by fair Means or by Force.

The Philoſopher Athenodorus, who was very intimate with this Monarch, took a pretty Method to reform this Vice in his Maſter. For, when the Emperour one Day had ſent a cloſe Sedan or Chair, for a certain Noble-Woman, of the Houſe of the Camilli; the Philoſopher fearing ſome Diſaſter might enſue, (for, that Family was very Popular, and highly reſpected in Rome,) he goes before to the Ladies Palace, and acquainting her with it, ſhe complains to her Husband, of the Indignity was offer'd her. He boiling with Anger, threaten'd to ſtabb the Meſſengers of the Emperour, when they came. But, the prudent Philoſopher appeas'd them both, and onely deſir'd a Suit of the Ladies Apparel; which was granted him. He ſoon put it on, and hiding his Sword under his Robes, enter'd the Sedan, perſonating the Lady. The Meſſengers, who knew no other, carried him away to the Emperour. He heighten'd with Deſire, made haſt to open the Sedan himſelf. When Athenodorus ſuddenly drawing his Sword, leap'd forth upon him, ſaying, Thus mighteſt Thou have been Murder'd: Wilt thou never quit the Vice, which is attended with ſo much Danger? Jealouſie and Revenge might have ſubſtituted an Aſſaſſin thus diſguis'd in my Room: But, I took Care of thy Life. Henceforth take Warning. The Emperour pleas'd with the Philoſopher's Stratagem, gave him Ten Talents of Gold, thanking him for this ſeaſonable Correction: And, from that Time, began to refrain Unlawful Pleaſures, applying himſelf to a Vertuous Life.

Thou ſeeſt, Holy Prelate, that by peruſing the Hiſtories of the Ancients, a Man may furniſh himſelf with uſeful Examples, and proper Obſervations. I always keep by me Plutarch's Works, and thoſe of Livy, a Roman Hiſtorian; as alſo Tacitus, who has left the Annals of that Formidable Empire to Poſterity. It were a deſirable Thing, That the Muſſulman Scribes were employ'd, in Translating ſuch Records as theſe, into the Arabick or Turkiſh Languages: That ſo the True Faithful, who are Deſtin'd by God to Conquer the World, may not be ignorant of the Memorable Tranſactions of Former Ages. Some of our Sultans have been curious, to have Plutarch's Writings render'd in the Familiar Speech of the Ottomans. There are other Memoirs, not leſs worth the Labour. If it ſhall enter into thy Heart, to encourage ſo profitable a Work, the whole Empire of the Reſign'd to God, will be indebted to thee. But, who am I, that preſume to direct the Great Father of the Faithful? Thou art enlight'ned with all Knowledge and Wiſdom! Peradventure, thou haſt Reaſons to divert thee from ſuch an Enterprize, which I cannot comprehend. Therefore, I cover my Mouth with Duſt, and acquieſce.

As to the late Revolution, I am not to diſpute the Will of my Superiours. However, I receive the News of that Tragedy with leſs Diſcontent, in Regard, Thou thy ſelf, who are the Oracle of the Muſſulmans, haſt thought fit to Depoſe Sultan Ibrahim: Uſing herein, the Advice and Conſent of his own Mother, and of Mahomet Baſſa, with that of the Janiſar Aga; who, next to thy ſelf, are Two the moſt Knowing Sages in the Empire.

What remains, but that I ſhall pray for the long Life of Sultan Mahomet? Deſiring alſo, that Heaven may ſo direct his Counſels, That he may never do any Thing, to merit the Fate of his Ʋnhappy Father.

Paris, 13th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XX. To Chiurgi Muhammel, Baſſa.

AT length, the Deputies of the Nazarene Princes at Munſter, have concluded a Peace. They have been theſe Six Years, debating about Trifles and Punctilio's, as is the Manner of the Chriſtians, even in the moſt Important Affairs. This Treaty was Sign'd, the 24th. of the laſt Moon; when all farther Hoſtilities ceas'd on all Sides, except on the Parts of France and Spain, whoſe Quarrel could by no Means be adjuſted, in this General Agreement of Chriſtendom.

Thou haſt by this Time, heard of the late Tumults and Emotions in this City; the Diſaffection between the Court and Parliament, with the Short Siege of Paris. Now Things ſeem to be compos'd, and in a Calm. But, it may only prove a Truce, while both Parties take Breath, to ruſh upon each other with the greater Violence. The City is unmeaſurably Rich and Populous, and can Arm an Hundred Thouſand Men at an Hours Warning. The Parliament abets their Quarrel. This encourages them to vye with the Court. The Merchants live like Petty Kings: Abundance of Gold, fills them with Pride and Ambition. Whilſt the Court, in the mean Time, are Cloſe and Reſerv'd, projecting how to deſtroy the Faction, and aſſert the Regal Authority. The Queen-Regent, is Reſolute and Severe; yet ſuffers her ſelf to be Mollify'd, with the Milder Counſels of Cardinal Mazarini, and the Duke of Orleans.

In the Beginning of this Reign, I gave an Account to the Miniſters of the Port, of the Duke of Beaufort's Impriſonment in the Caſtle of the Wood of Vinciennes, which is one of the King's Palaces. This Prince, is now eſcap'd from his Confinement, and come into the City. The Factious cry him up for a Patriot, and are reſolv'd to protect him, with their Lives and Fortunes.

If thou yet retaineſt thy Health and Vigor, thou art Happy. As for me, I feel continual Decays: Yet am not troubled; perceiving at the ſame Time, that I approach nearer to Immortality. Wherefore, I neither ſeek Reſtoratives, nor conſult the Phyſician; but ſuffering my ſelf to diſſolve Gradually, I die with Pleaſure, Pluming and preparing my ſelf daily, as one ready to take Wing for a more Happy Region.

Paris, 24th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1648.
LETTER XXI. To Dgnet Oglou.

I Am not ſurpriz'd at the News of Sultan Ibrahim's being Depos'd and Strangled: Tis but what I have for a long Time fear'd: Theſe reſtleſs Janizaries, will ruine the Ottoman Empire. Neither am I ſtartled to hear, that his Mother was acceſſary to his Fall; having a Double Motive, Ambition and Revenge, to induce her Conſent. She always affected to Rule; and therefore, could not brook the Sultan's reſolute Management of Affairs, without following her Advice. Beſides, ſhe could not eaſily forget her Diſgrace and Confinement, on the Account of the Armenian Ladies Death.

But, I am aſtoniſh'd and vex'd to hear, That the Mufti ſhould be concern'd in ſo Black a Tragedy. How ſhall we have the Confidence hereafter, to reproach the Chriſtians, with their frequent Treaſons and Murd'ring of their Kings; ſince it will be eaſie for them to retort, That the Supreme Patriarch of Our Law, has enter'd into the Secret of Rebels, Conſpir'd the Death of his Sovereign, and caus'd him to be Depos'd and Strangled?

As for the Aga of the Janizaries, I ſuppoſe him rather over-aw'd into the Conſpiracy, by the Forcible Reaſons and Elegant Parole of the Mufti, than any ways Voluntarily engaging himſelf in Crimes, to which he ſeems to have no Inclination. Beſides, he could not refuſe to make one in the Party, after it had once been propos'd to him; unleſs he were reſolv'd, to be the Firſt Victim of their Jealouſie, and be Murdred himſelf, to prevent the Diſcovery of the Reſt. Yet, his Duty and Honour, ought to have ſuperſeded all other Conſiderations: And, he ſhould have choſen to Die in his Allegiance, rather than to live ſtain'd with ſo foul a Crime.

However it be, I cannot approve their Treaſon. For, whatever the Vices of the Sultan were, they had no Right to puniſh him. He was accountable to None but God: And, they invaded the Prerogative of Heaven, in Dethroning Him, whom the Divine Providence, had inveſted with the Imperial Diadem.

Much leſs can I approve their Impiety, in Defaming him now he is dead. Neither can I in Conſcience comply with the Injunctions of the Mufti, who has commanded me in a Letter, to ſpread an Ill Character of Sultan Ibrahim among the Chriſtians, that ſo his own Proceedings may appear Juſt. 'Tis true, I owe Much to the Authority of this Sovereign Guide of True Believers; yet I muſt not, to pay this Debt, turn Bankrupt of my Reaſon: I owe Something to my Self, and to the Diſtinguiſhing Character of a Man. I promis'd him indeed to obey his Commands in this Point: But, he that has given me a Diſpenſation for all the Lyes and Perjuries I ſhall be guilty of in Paris; will, I hope, pardon me, if I turn my Own Confeſſor, and Abſolve my ſelf, for not performing my Word to him in this Point.

I am not often guilty of Aſperſing the Living, but I abhor to Injure the Dead: Leſt I ſhould incurr the Fate of him, who being at Enmity with a Famous Wraſtler, purſu'd him with Malice and Revenge even in his Grave. For, envying the Honour that was due to this Wraſtler's Memory, in that his Statue was ſet up in a Publick Place, he went privately one Night, with Deſign to throw the Statue down, But, after he had ſpightfully Disfigur'd it in ſeveral Parts with a Hammer, and was buſie in working its Overthrow; the Image, on a ſuddain, fell on him, and cruſh'd him to Death. As if the Spirit of him, whom it repreſented, had given it this Fall, to revenge the Malice of his Adverſary.

Certainly, the Ancients were not ignorant what they ſaid, when, among other Sage Counſels, they advis'd Mortals, Not to ſpeak Ill of the Dead, but to eſteem them Sacred, who are gone into the Immortal State. And, Plato's Ring had this Motto on it, It is eaſier to provoke the Dead, than to pacifie them, when once provok'd. Intimating thereby, That the Souls of the Departed, are ſenſible of the Injuries that are done them by the Living.

Therefore I will ſhun Detraction, eſpecially of the Dead. And, if I cannot ſay much in Praiſe of Sultan Ibrahim's Virtues, let his Vices be buried with him in Eternal Oblivion.

I run no Hazards in Writing thus frankly to thee, being aſſur'd of thy Fidelity. Beſides, Death (which is the worſt Puniſhment can be inflicted on me, for what I have ſaid, ſhould it be known) would not be bitter, when given by a Friend. Dear Gnet, Adieu.

Paris, 20th. of the 1ſt. Moon, of the Year 1649.
LETTER XXII. To Danecmar Keſrou, Kadileſquer of Romania.

WHEN I informed thee, how the Scots had Sold their King to the Engliſh Rebels, it was eaſie to preſage the Conſequence, without a Revelation. When Sovereign Monarchs become the Merchandiſe of Factions, they commonly pay the Price with their own Blood. And, there are few Examples, of Princes that have been Impriſon'd by their Subjects, and yet have eſcaped a Violent Death. For, thoſe who have once advanced ſo far in their Treaſon, as to ſeize the Perſon of their Sovereign, can never retire with Safety to themſelves; or, at leaſt, their Own Guilt makes them think ſo. The Conſciouſneſs of what they have already done, prompts them to proceed in their Wickedneſs: And, their Deſpair of ſaving their own Lives, makes them conclude it Neceſſary to take away his, whoſe Violated Majeſty, they fear, will never pardon ſo Impudent an Eſſay of Treaſon.

But, the Method which the Engliſh have taken to Murder their King, has not a Precedent in Hiſtory. Theſe Infidels, have outſtrip'd all Former Traytors, in the Contrivance and Execution of their Regicide: They have even ſurpaſs'd Themſelves, and their own Firſt Deſigns.

It has been uſual for Traytors, to take away the Life of a Depos'd Monarch Privately, by Poiſon or Aſſaſſin, either in Reſpect to his Royal Blood, or to avoid the Poſſibility of a Reſcue, from any of his Loyal Friends and Subjects. But, theſe Barbarians, were reſolved Publickly to inſult on Majeſty, to brave the whole World in the Execution of their Villainy, and make a Pompous Concluſion of their Treaſons. For, they Erected a New Divan or Court of Judicature, compoſed of the moſt Infamous Traytors: There they formally Try'd their Sovereign, by a Law of their own making; Condemn'd him as a Tyrant and a Traytor: And finally, cauſed his Head to be chopt off with an Axe, by an Executioner, before the Gates of his own Palace, in the Sight of Thouſands of his Subjects; that ſo they might appear, not ſo much to Kill their King, as to Deſtroy the Monarchy it ſelf, and Triumph in its Ruine.

Haſt thou, O Venerable Judge of the Faithful, ever Read or Heard of ſuch a Daring Treaſon? All Europe ſtartles at the Monſtrous Fact. And, Cardinal Mazarini himſelf, who carried on that Private Web of Factious Deſigns in England, whoſe Firſt Threds his Predeceſſor Richlieu had ſpun; yet expreſſed an Horror, at the News of this Tragedy. And, I look not on this, to be an Artifice of Policy in him to blind the World; but, a real Diſcovery of his Sentiments: For, he is too generous, to approve ſo Barbarous a Proceeding, againſt a Sovereign Monarch, though his Enemy.

T'other Day he was heard to ſay, That in Revenge of the King's Murder, he would embaraſs the Counſels of the Engliſh Rebels, more than he had done thoſe of their Sovereign.

This was not ſpoken ſo ſecretly, but Mahmut had Intelligence of it within an Hour: For, I have more Ears in Paris, than thoſe in my Head, to hearken after the Intrigues of this Miniſter: And, it will be difficult for him hereafter, to ſpeak, write or act any Thing; no, not even in his Private Cloſet, which will not be diſcloſed to me.

Yet, though I thus watch his Motions as an Enemy, and do my utmoſt, to render his Deſigns againſt the Ottoman Port, Ineffectual; I cannot in my Heart condemn this Miniſter, who all the while, acts but the Part of a Faithful Servant and an Able Stateſman, in ſtriving to aggrandize his Maſter.

His ſupporting alſo the Factions in England, and nouriſhing the Diſcontents of that Giddy-Headed People, were but the Reſult of his Zeal for his Country, and for the Church whereof he is One of the Principal Pillars: It being Evident from his Grief at that King's Murder, That he bore no Malice againſt him, but only ſought to humble him into Terms of Compliance with France.

When I ſay this, I ſuppoſe the Cardinal's Sorrow on that Account, to be free from Fiction: But who knows, when the Actions, of Stateſmen are Undiſguiz'd, and when not? For, I am well aſſur'd, That whilſt his Agents were buſie in Embroyling that Nation, he promiſed the Exil'd Engliſh Queen, to aſſiſt her Husband with Men and Money, againſt thoſe very Rebels, with whom he held a Private Correſpondence, and to whom his Coffers were really open.

Moſt of the European Stateſmen, are corrupted with the Maxims of a certain Famous Writer, whom they call Matchiavel. This State-Caſuiſt has taught them, to boggle at no Crimes, which may advance the Ends they aim at; Every Thing, in his Opinion, being Honeſt, that is Succeſsful. Thus, Policy among the Nazarenes, is Degenerated into Sordid Craft: And, that which was once deſervedly eſteem'd a Virtue, neceſſary to the Governments of the World, is now turn'd into a Vice; of which the very Out-Laws, Free-Booters and Pirates, are aſham'd.

God, who ſuffer'd the Earth to be Inhabited by Angels, for an Infinite Number of Ages before he Created Adam, and then Expelling them Hence for their Wickedneſs, and turning them to Devils, gave this Globe for a Dwelling-Place to Men; grant, that the Enormous Crimes of Mortals, may not provoke Him to Exterminate our Human Race, and Reſtore the Devils to their Ancient Habitation.

Paris, 12th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
The End of the Third Volume.