IT has ever been a Maxim with the Ottoman Emperors to Educate in the Seraglio a great Number of Young Persons, without any Distinction of Birth or Country. The Edu­cation, they receive, is so confor­mable [Page 2]to the Interests of the State; that all these Young Men, acknowledging no Kindred, pro­pose to themselves no other aim, but the Empire's Grandeur, and the Sultan's Glory. At their go­ing out of the Seraglio, they are usually put into the Troops with very small Pay, having neither Goods, Protection, nor any other Refuge, but the Hopes of Meri­ting Rewards by their Service. Those, that want Wit and Ad­dress to raise themselves, pass their Lives in a Condition, un­happy enough; whereas those, who have Merit, attain sometimes to the greatest Dignities of the State. It is certain, that the most considerable Officers of the Otto­man Empire, have had this Begin­ning; which is the Cause, that the Turks, who are in the first Stations, are ordinarily Men of [Page 3]Active Spirits, and full of Ad­dress, although for the most part of an insatiable Avarice, which obscures all their good Quali­ties.

Zouglan, who is at this day so well known in Hungary by the Name of the Serasquier Bassa, was Educated in this Manner. He was Handsom, very Generous, and full of high Thoughts; but so Proud, that being yet in the Seraglio, he disdained the greatest part of his Commarades, which much contributed to the getting him Enemies. It very often hap­pens, that these Young Men, un­certain of their future Lot, joyn themselves five or six together, making a kind of Union or So­ciety, whereby they reciprocally engage themselves to a mutual Participation, of Estates and For­tunes, if they have one day the [Page 4]Happiness of being advanced: which promise is afterward per­formed with very much fidelity. Zouglan would never enter into any such Engagements with any one. Ibrahim was the only Per­son of his Comarades, whom he esteemed, and familiarly convers'd with. He lived in so great a Confidence of his Fortune, that he many times promised Ibrahim to contribute to his Advance­ment, without troubling himself to require from him the same Condition. In fine Zouglan, at his going forth from the Seraglio, went to serve at Sea, where he gave Proofs of his Courage on many Occasions, meriting the Applause of his Generals; but foreseeing, he could at most ar­rive to be only Bey, or Captain of a Galley, because the great employs of the Sea were given [Page 5]only to very experienc'd Officers, so limited a Charge not being ca­pable to satisfie his Ambition, he resolved to serve on Land, put­ting himself in the Army, the Grand Seignior had on foot against Poland. He was not long there, e're he acquir'd a great deal of Glory. His Name became Fa­mous in the Ottoman Army, and they spake of him in all the Fron­tier Places, as of an Adventurer, that knew no dangers.

These happy Successes aug­mented his natural Haughtiness and also gave a jealousie to many Officers of the Army. Cabstan Bassa, who commanded the Ca­valry, hindring one day his going forth of the Camp with an hun­dred Horse, he had chosen for a very bold Attempt; Zouglan shewed himself not a little dis­contented at it, saying publick­ly, [Page 6]That he would complain to the Grand Visier of Cabstan Bas­sa's having made him lose a fa­vorable Occasion to destroy the Enemies of the Port. Cabstan Bassa, informed of it, sent to seek him in his Tent, and after hav­ing spoken to him in very out­rageous Terms, threatned to treat him very severely, if he ever happened to fail of the Respect he ow'd him. The fierce Zoug­lan, penetrated with Spight, and Choler, laid his Hand on his Sa­bre. The Bassa would have kil­led him on the Place, had he not been stayed by some other Offi­cers, that were near him. Zoug­lan was Arrested, and the whole Army blam'd his Action. The Bassa would not however have it brought before the Council of War, being contented with sending him Prisoner to the Ca­stle [Page 7]of Temisoüar, of which Selim Aga was at that time Governor. He was a Man of Service, who had acquir'd a great Estate by the Favor of the Sultaness Valida, his Protectress. He had a great Authority in his Government, living more like a Bassa, than a particular Governor. He had on­ly one fair Daughter, whom he lov'd with extream Tenderness: She being born in Hungary, he bred her up after the manner of the Country, making her al­ways eat with him, and not Sub­jecting her to the particular, and retir'd Life of the Turkish Women.

Zouglan being arriv'd at the Ca­stle of Temisoüar, Selim, who knew his Reputation, treated him with a great deal of Respect, and seeking to sweeten the Discon­tents, the loss of his Liberty [Page 8]might have caused in him, gave him a Chamber, commodious e­nough in the Castle, where he was so strictly Guarded, that none was permitted to see him. Selim trusted no body with him but himself, scarce suffering his Keaia or Intendent, tho' he were a Man, in whom he confided, to enter with him into his Prisoners Chamber.

Zaratima (this is the Name of Selim's Daughter) having often heard her Father speak of Zoug­lan's Courage, and the Gallant Actions he had done, was touch'd with his Disgrace, through a Sen­timent, natural to Persons of her Sex, who always bemoan the Il­lustrious Unfortunate. His Pri­son not being far from her A­partment, this gave her an ex­tream Curiosity to see him: which the great Precautions, her Father [Page 9]us'd in Guarding him, hindred her many days from satisfying: But seeing in fine, that he re­mitted a little of this first Exact­ness, trusting his Keaia with the Care of his Prisoner, she Addrest her self to this Keaia, instantly desiring him to put her in some place, where she might see Zoug­lan without beeing seen by him. The Keaia, who had a great deal of Respect and Complacency for his Masters Daughter, and who foresaw not any Inconvenience in giving her this Satisfaction, promis'd her to do what she de­fired, and dispos'd a Corner in Zouglan's Antichamber, where he so plac'd Zaratima, that it was easie for her to see him, and attentively examine him, without the Prisoners having the lest Knowledge of it: She found him very Handsome, the Discon­tent, [Page 10]that appeared upon his Face, having been so far from any way diminishing his good Meen, that it gave him an Air of Fierceness, which was not displeasing to Za­ratima. This view augmented the Compassion she already had for his Misfortune; and perhaps she was not far from passing to other Sentiments, when she re­flected, That it was not fit for a Person of her Birth, whom her Father destin'd to so great Esta­blishments, to concern her self so much with the Affairs of an Adventurer. She was asham'd of her Curiosity, and rejected even all her Compassion had hi­therto inspir'd her with, in Favor of this unhapyy one,

In the mean time Zouglan's Friends labor'd soeffectually with Ca [...]st [...] Bassa, that he promis'd them in fine to show him Favor, [Page 11]on Condition he would ask him pardon in the Head of his Troops. Selim Aga took a pleasure in ac­quainting his Prisoner with this good News, exaggerating to him the Indulgence of Cabstan, who would not let this Affair come before the Council of War; but he was very much surpriz'd at the haughty Answer of Zouglan, who declared to him, That he had ra­ther die, than do so mean an Action in the presence of the Army. Selim represented to him, That he ought to take the Benefit of the Bassa's good Will, and submit to the Counsels of his Friends. His Remonstrances were to no pur­pose. Zouglan, persisting in his first Sentiments, answered, That he had not desired to live, but for the acquiring of Glory, and that he should think himself un­worthy to bear the Name of a [Page 12]Souldier, should he ransom his Life, with the loss of his Honor. Assoon as Cabstan Bassa was in­form'd of Zouglan's Resolution he made his Complaint to the Council of War, and soon after a Cadi was sent to Temisoüar, to interrogate the Prisoner; which made every one judge, he would be condemn'd to lose his Head. Selim spake of it to his Officers with sorrow, not being able to forbear giving Encomiums to the Greatness of Zouglan's Soul.

Zaratima hearing them dayly Discourse of Zouglan's Affairs, that he could not escape losing his Life, had her first Sentiments awak'd by this sorrowful News, and it was impossible for her, not­withstanding the Resolution she had made, to resist the Motions of Compassion, inspir'd to her by the sad Destiny of a Man, of [Page 13]whom there were such great Hopes, and who appear'd wor­thy a better Fortune. At first she had a thought of giving him Means to escape by seizing with Address on the Keys of his Pri­son; but her natural Haughti­ness, and the great distance, she faw between her Fortune, and the unhappy Condition of the Prisoner, made her reject this thought. She apprehended also, that Zouglan, who was already very presumptuous, might give another Interpretation to her Ge­nerosity, and dare to impute to more tender Sentiments, what was purely an Effect of her Com­passion. These Reflections made her waver along time; but in fine vanquish'd by the recital, she heard of Zouglan's Noble Re­solution, and touch'd with the Pleasure a Gallant Mind finds [Page 14]in doing a Generous Action, she determin'd to procure him his Liberty, and took such fit Mea­sures, that she entred into his Chamber, without being percei­ved by any one, telling him, that, To save the Life of a Man of his Merit, she had been willing to do an Action, unsuitable to her Sex. Zouglan, who expected only an Executioner to Strangle him, was so agreeably surpriz'd, both with the obliging Discourse, and charming Beauty of Zarati­ma, That he believed her at first to be one of those Angels, who watch over the Consecration of Men, and of whom Mahomet speaks in his Alcoran; but Zara­tima pressing him to be gone, and not to lose his Time in useless Dis­courses, he told her, he would have an Eternal Acknowledge­ment of so particular a Favor, [Page 15]and that he would make Advan­tage of the Life, she gave him, only to employ it in her Service. Zaratima interrupted him, telling him, that she quitted him of his Acknowledgement, and giving him withal to understand, that she was Selim's Daughter, that she had no less Courage than he, and that she knew how to make use of it for supporting, as she ought, the Glory of her Birth, if she saw him pretend to any Advan­tage for the future, from what she had now done to save him: She would not so much as hear his Answer, but retired, after she had inform'd him, what he must necessarily do to secure him­self.

Zouglan, being in Confusion at the Obligations, he had to Za­ratima, and having his Imagina­tion fill'd with her extraordinary [Page 16]Beauty, repair'd to Constantino­ple, where he found his old Co­marade, Ibrahim, in favor with the Sultan, and possest of one of the chiefest Offices of the Court. I­brahim, who had heard of Zoug­lan's Gallant Actions, exprest a great deal of Joy to see him, re­ceiving him with all the Testi­monies of a sincere Amity. Zoug­lan inform'd him of his Adven­ture, and the manner of his Deli­verance. Ibrahim made him hope, he would employ the Credit of his Friends to stifle this Affair, procuring him in the mean time a considerable employ in an Ar­my, which the Grand Seignior sent against the Morlaques, who had refus'd to pay him the ordi­nary Tribute, and also made In­rodes into the Lands of the Turks. Zouglan, finding no real Satisfa­ction; but in seeking how to te­stifie [Page 17]his Acknowledgement to the fair Person, that had sav'd his Life, had at first, no small Re­pugnance to accept an employ, which removed him from Temi­soüar: Nevertheless, since he could not return into Hungary, with­out exposing himself to the re­venge of Cabstan Bassa, who was very powerful, he resolv'd to pass into Dalmatia, where he did such extraordinary Actions; that the Souldiers, wondring at the happy Success of his Valor, call'd him nothing but Cheitan, which signifies Devil. He, who com­manded these Forces, being kil­led in an Ambush, which the Re­bels laid for him. Zouglan Chei­tan, by the Credit of his Friend, or favor'd by his own Reputati­on, had order to command in Chief, and to finish this War withal the speed he could, be­cause [Page 18]the Grand Seignior had elsewhere occasion for his Troops. He accomplish'd this with so much Courage, and Conduct, that he re-establish'd the revolted Pro­vince in its first Tranquillity, and brought to the Grand Seignior, who was then at Adrianople, the Heads of those, who had occasi­on'd all this Disorder.

These happy Successes gain'd Zouglan a great Reputation, in which his Friend Ibrahim took as much Pleasure, as if himself had vanquish'd the Rebels. Zoug­lan alone was insensible of the Applause, that was given him on all sides, living perpetually in great Inquietude. He repre­sented to himself every Moment his Obligation to Selim's Daugh­ter, and the Remembrance of her Beauty augmented the Ardor and Impatience, he had to give [Page 19]her Marks of his Acknowledge­ment. He met about that time an Officer of the Army in Hun­gary, who told him, that Cabstan Bassa, unmeasurably incens'd at his Escape, had turn'd all his Resentment against Selim Aga, whom he had got condemn'd to pay him a great Summ of Money, or to restore him his Prisoner; that he also had the Credit to disposess him of his Government, till he had satisfied him. Zoug­lan was sensibly afflicted at the Infelicities, he had drawn upon Selim; which obliged him to in­form himself more exactly of the particulars of this Affair. All, that the Officer had told him, was confirm'd to him, and he learn'd farther, That Selim Aga had been a long time at the Port, solliciting his re-establishment, without being able to effect it; [Page 20]That he had brought his Daughter to the Sultaness Valida, at whose Feet he had cast himself, desiring her Protection; and that this Sul­taness, charm'd with the Beauty of Zaratima, would have her Father leave her with her, till his Affairs were finish'd. The Generous Zouglan, being incon­solable for his having made Se­lim lose the Government of Te­misoüar, sought him hastily out, and delay'd not to put himself a­gain into his Hands, and make himself once more his Prisoner. Selim, tho' very much astonish'd at so extraordinary and bold an Action, fail'd not to make Ad­vantage of it, and to demand Reparation for all the Calumnies, Cabstan had advanced against him. Zaratima, who, being with the Sultaness Valida, had confusedly learn'd, that Selim's Affairs were [Page 21]in the most favorable Disposition, he could desire, had at first an extream Joy to know, that her Father was in Condition to justi­fie his Innocency; but when she was inform'd of the Generous Proceeding of Zouglan, she had a secret Inquietude for him, bla­ming within her Soul his over­great Generosity in an Occasion, where he hazarded no less than his Life. Ibrahim having acquainted the Grand Seignior with this Af­fair, and with the great Actions, Zouglan had done against the Polanders, and the Rebellious Morlaques, the Sultan, who re­membred to have heard him spo­ken of with Esteem, caus'd him to be set at Liberty, and having forbidden any farther mention of Cabstan's Affair, order'd Se­lim to be re-establishld in the Government of Temisoüar. But [Page 22]the Sultaness Valida, who was much pleas'd with Zaratima, see­ing that her Father retir'd in the depth of Winter, would not consent, she should return into Hungary; but promised Selim to send her back to him in a Season, less incommodious for the mak­ing of long Voyages. Zouglan's Affair made a great deal of noise at the Port, which fail'd not to be very Glorious to him, as oc­casioning every one to learn the Particulars of his worthy A­ctions.

The Sultaness Valida, who was full of Wit and Address, had still kept a great share in the Govern­ment. As her Authority was very great, so she wholly em­ployed it in procuring all man­ner of Advantages to her second Son Soliman, for whom she had an incredible Tenderness. She [Page 23]had caus'd him to be educated with extraordinary Care, and had often stood in need of all her Skill, to avoid this Prince's giving Jealousie to the Emperor Mahomet, his Brother, who would on many Occasions have Sacrifi­ced him to his own security, and particularly when Sultan Musta­pha his Son was born; but the Sultaness Valida had always the Dexterity to hinder it, and knew so well to manage the Sultan's Spirit, that he determin'd in fine, through his Mothers Importuni­ties, to settle a Revenue upon Soliman, and consented also, that he should retire to Bursa, which is a strong Place; that was given him with all its Dependences. The Sultaness Valida, having pro­vided for the security of her Son Soliman, took every day new Precautions to preserve him [Page 24]from the Snares, that might be laid for him. She gave him for his Guard five Thousand of the bravest Janisaries of the Empire, and spar'd neither Care nor Cost, to fix in his Service a great num­ber of Experienc'd, Valiant, and Courageous Officers. As she lost not any opportunity of giving this dear Son faithful Servants, the Merit of Zouglan, and what she dayly learn'd to his Advan­tage, bred in her a desire of en­gaging him in the Service of So­liman.

Tho it appears by all the Rela­tions we have seen of the Serag­lio, that the Sultaness's Apartment is inaccessible to Men, Valida, who being a Woman of great Abilities, had for a long time govern'd the Empire, during the Minority of her Son Mahomet, now reigning, had acquir'd an [Page 25]Authority, which no other Sul­tanesses had ever had; and whe­ther she took no great Care to subject her self to the Custom, or that the Sultan, who is not over violently inclin'd to Ladies, was not so Jealous of his Seraglio, as his Predecessors had been, it is certain, that Valida admitted Men into her Apartment without any Obstacle. She sent also for Zouglan, to propose to him the taking Engagements with her, and fixing himself in the Service of her Son Soliman, whose Guard of Janisaries he should Command.

This Princess spake with so much Wit, and accompanied, whatever she said, with so agree­able an Air, that it was impossi­ble to resist her when she at­tempted any thing. Zouglan, [Page 26]who knew, that Zaratima was with Valida, flattered himself, that the Relation, he should have to the Sultaness, might facilitate to him the means of seeing this fair Person, and perhaps of giv­ing her some Mark of his Ac­knowledgement. At this view he promised Valida all she would require of him. The Sultaness assur'd him, that she would make him find so many Advantages, that he should never have Cause to repent the Attachment, he had for her; and as her Addresses were very great, and that she knew how to engage Men, by whatever might most sensibly touch them, she shewed him a great number of fine Young Wo­men, which were about her, giv­ing him to understand, that she took a Pleasure in educating them to recompense those, who [Page 27]should serve her faithfully.

All these Maids, who had heard Zouglan spoken of to Vali­da in very Advantageous Terms, testifi'd a Joy in seeing a Man of so great a Reputation. Zaratima did not at first comprehend, that Zouglan Cheitan was the same Zouglan, whose life she had sa­ved, and who had nevertheless so frankly put himself again into her Fathers Hands. Judge the greatness of her Joy, when she came to know him. The Plea­sure, she felt, was so much the more real, as that she imagined her self to have a great share in the glory he had gotten; she also from that very Moment took a particular Interest in his Per­son. Zouglan, who easily sing­led her out, had not the least Thought of casting his Eyes up­on the Sultanesses other Maids, [Page 28]and letting Zaratima know by the Attention, with which he beheld her, that nothing could equal his Acknowledgement. He was about to unsay all he had promised Valida, and to tell her, that he could not enter into any manner of Engagement without the Participation of Zaratima, whose Right it was to dispose of a Life, he ow'd to her Generosi­ty, but the Fear he had of dis­pleasing this fair Person, hindred him, and he was obliged, by his Respect for Valida, to go forth at that very time, when his Eyes began to make Zaratima un­derstand the Sentiments of his Heart.

He fail'd not to inform Ibrahim, of the Conversation he had with the Sultaness; but durst not speak to him of Zaratima, nor of all the Secret Motions, he felt in fa­vor [Page 29]of that charming Person. I­brahim, who saw, that all the People, and even the Janisaries, bare a great Affection to Soliman, and who was very glad, if there should happen any Revolution, to have a powerful Protector with that Prince, was not sorry, that his Friend applyed himself to his Service; but was so far from deturning him, that he gave him new Reasons to confirm him in his Resolution. Zouglan had ne­vertheless a great deal of diffi­culty to remove from Adrianople, because Zaratima dwelt there. In the mean time as he expected all things from Valida's Protecti­on, he imagined, that Zaratima might be the Recompence of the Services he should do Soliman. This sole Thought so agreeably flatter'd his Love and his Hopes, that no longer delaying his De­parture, [Page 30]he was in a short time after at Bursa.

Bursa was heretofore the seat of the Bithynian Kings, and is at this day the Appennage of the Ottoman Princes, when they are so happy, as not to be Victims to the cruel Policy of the Turkish Emperors, who ordinarily cause their Brethren to be strangled, to take away from the People all Pretexts of Sedition and Revolt. Soliman, who had a great many Persons of Merit in his Service, led there a Life sufficiently plea­sant. His Revenue, which was already very considerable, in­creased dayly by the care Valida took to give him whatever she could handsomly lay up; and as his Place was one of the strong­est in the Empire; he feared not being assaulted, since he was moreover assur'd both of the [Page 31]Peoples, and the Janizaries Af­fection. In the mean time, tho he were in Condition to live at an height, suitable to his Quality, yet through the Counsel of his Mother, he was contented to live safe, and retir'd, not trou­bling himself with Pomp, but always avoiding, whatever might give a jealousie to his Brother, the Sultan. Soliman, who knew the Reputation of Zouglan, and was over and above particularly in­form'd of his Merit by the Letters of Valida, receiv'd him with all the Testimonies of esteem he could expect from a great Prince. He also took a singular pleasure in hearing him discourse of Mili­tary matters, and several times oblig'd him to give him a particu­lar Account of the Combats, in which he had been. Zouglan, loving only true Glory, and [Page 32]seeking to shun the Fault, into which false Bravoes ordinarily fall, spake of all the Actions, he had seen, giving a thousand Commendations to those, that had accompany'd him, and scarce ever saying any thing of himself; which if he were at any time constrain'd to do, he attributed to Fortune the happy Successes, that were due only to his Valor, and Courage. Soliman, who has a very delicate Wit, was so charm­ed with his Modesty, that it augmented the Esteem, and good Opinion, he already had of him, and engaged him to give him all the Satisfactions he could expect in a Court, so peaceable, and limit­ed, as that.

Zouglan had now been near six Months at Bursa, and was al­ready seeking some Pretence to make a Journey to Adrianople, in [Page 33]hopes to see there the fair Zara­tima, when he received a Letter from Ibrahim, by which he ac­quainted him, that he was be­come passionately amorous of a very fair Person; that he had u­sed all indeavors to gain his Sa­tisfaction, without being able to effect it; that he had just learnt, how this same Person was return­ing to her Parents, and that she would pass by Bursa, or therea­bouts; which obliged him to desire Zouglan to keep his Jani­saries in readiness, that he might seize on her, and afterward send her back to him, the most secret­ly he could, to Adrionaple, assu­ring him, that he could never do him a more agreeable Service. Those, that know, how Cavalier­like the Turks Act with Ladies, will not wonder at Ibrahim's Pro­ceeding, which is not extraordi­nary [Page 34]for a Turk. Zouglan, who was very glad to have an Occa­sion of doing his Friend a Plea­sure, sent Janisaries into all Pla­ces, through which he judged Ibrahim's Mistress might pass; and two days after he was advertiz'd, that she had been stopt within three Leagues of Bursa. Whe­ther it were, that he might take all Measures necessary for the conducting her secretly, and without noise; or whether he was very desirous to see that fair Person, which had wounded his Friends Heart, he went to the Place, where she was; but be­fore he saw her, he disposed all things for her immediate depar­ture, and gave order, she should have notice to be in readiness, not being willing to delay the Satisfa­ction, his Friend might receive by the return of what he lov'd. He entered some time after into her [Page 35]Chamber, where he found a Person in despair, that melted into Tears between the Arms of two Wo­men, which served her. The Dis­order in which she was, hindred him from observing her Counte­nance; but the disconsolate La­dy cry'd out so loud at the sight of him, that Zouglan was surpri­zed at it, and approach'd to view her a little nearer. The Lady sav'd him from the Labor; for advancing towards him with Precipitation, she call'd him Coward, Traytor, and Monster of Ingratitude. Zouglan knew his fair Zaratima, and was so seiz'd with Sorrow, Joy, and a thousand other confus'd Motions, that he continued a long time in a maze, not having the pow­er to speak one word to her. In fine being inconsolable for hav­ing given so much discontent to a Person, to whom he was in­debted [Page 36]for his Life, he cast him­self at her Feet, acknowledging, that he should Merit all the Re­proaches she heapt upon him, were he guilty of any thing, but having had too much Compla­cency for a Friend. He endea­voured consequently to let her know, that, if he had been ad­vertis'd of her Journey, he would not have fail'd being on the way to serve her, and receive her Or­ders, adding, That he was not capable of ever being deficient in his respect to her; and to let her see, that she alone possest all his thoughts, he told her farther, That he had so much indifference for all other Persons in the World, that he would not go one step to enjoy the fairest Princess on the Earth. He presented her his Friends Letter, beseeching her to look into it, to the end it might the [Page 37]better serve to justify what he told her. Zaratima, judging by Zouglan's Submissions, and the good opinion she already had of him, that he spake sincerely to her, found her self less unhappy, than she thought, for Zouglan was overjoy'd to see her Choler dissipated, and went a little after forth of her Chamber, that being alone with her Women, she might more easily recover out of the disorder, in which he left her. As soon as he was alone, he made a thousand Reflexions upon his adventure, which appear'd to him very singular. The remembrance, of what he ow'd to Ibrahim, put him at first in a great perplexity. It was difficult for him to resolve to fail him. His particular Interest, and the Sentiments, he had for the fair Zaratima, appeared to him of too feeble importance, to [Page 38]hinder him from doing his Friend the Service, he expected from his cares. But when he represent­ed to himself, what he ow'd to Zaratima, and made reflexion, That he should never have known this Friend, had she not given him the means by delivering him out of the danger he had been in, he no longer question'd the put­ing himself on her side, believing, he embrac'd it only through a pure motive of acknowledgment. The Pleasure he took in deceiv­ing himself, making him shut his Eyes against the different mo­tives, that shar'd in his Resolu­tion, he revok'd all the Orders, he had already given, and willing to draw some advantage from his Error, he magnificently treated Zaratima, causing her to be serv'd, with what ever could be found most rare in Bithynia. He after­ward [Page 39]desired her to give him leave to wait upon her to Temi­soüar with a Guard of five hun­dred Janisaries, to secure her from all Attempts, her extraor­dinary Beauty might inspire into those, that should see her. Zaratima was so satisfied to see, that Zouglan gave not himself the Lye by any of his Actions, and that she was not deceiv'd in the Advantageous Judgements, she had made of him, that she let him in fine understand, she per­ceiv'd his Care, and that he might assure himself, she should always be dispos'd to render Ju­stice to his Merit. Zouglan, who had never dar'd speak to her of his Love, acquainted her, that he had very passionate Senti­ments for her from the first Mo­ment, he saw her, making use of the strongest Expressions Love [Page 40]could furnish him with, to de­monstrate to her, That his Life would be insupportable to him without the hopes he had to employ it for her Service. Za­ratima, perswaded of his Love, and mollified by these last words, spake to him in very obliging Terms. In the mean time she forbad him going along with her, refusing also the Guard, he of­fered her; but Zouglan was too much interested in her safety, to let her go without being well attended. The Prohibition, she had made him, was to no pur­pose. He caused her to be fol­low'd by thirty Janisaries, of whose Fidelity, and Valor he was assur'd, ordering them not to leave her, till she was near Temisoüar. Zaratima departed, very well satisfi'd with her Lov­ers Conduct, and so far from be­ing [Page 41]displeased with his not having obey'd her, that the Care he had of making her be guarded, tho against her Will, finished the convincing her of his Passion, and confirm'd her in the favora­ble Sentiments, she already had for him: So true it is, That there are Occurrences, in which Indis­cretion passes with Ladies for Merit. Zouglan in the mean time was not a little disquieted. The Letter, he had receiv'd from his Friend, oblig'd him to give him an Account of what he had done, and at the same time to set himself right in his Opinion; but not being able to resolve on the making use of any Artifice, to disguise the Truth to him, he chose rather not to write. Ibra­him some time after sent him word that he believed he had not re­ceived his Letter, since he made [Page 42]him no Answer about a matter, for which he relyed on him, be­ing throughly perswaded, that he wanted not good Will to serve him, when Occasion offer­ed. Zouglan, without descend­ing any farther into particulars, answered him. That he did him Justice in holding himself assured of the Zeal, he had for his Interests.

About this time dy'd the Sulta­ness Valida, which wrought a great Change in the Affairs of the Port. The Ministers, who fear­ed her, had very great Respects for her, not daring to decide any thing in important Matters, with­out demanding her Advice. Kislar Agasi governed within the Serag­li [...], and stood very fair in the Grand Seignior's Opinion. Cara Mustapha, the Grand Visier, re­gulated all State Affairs. Ibrahim Caimacan had the Direction of [Page 43]the Finances, subordinate to the Grand Visier; and Soliman Aga, Master of the Horse, was the Pri­vado of the Sultan's Pleasures, and kept a perfect Intelligence, with the other Ministers. However, as they all knew the Address of Valida, and were sensible, how great an Ascendant she had over the Grand Seignior's Spirit, when she would give her self the Trou­ble to cultivate it, they liv'd with great Circumspection towards her, and testified to her abundance of Attachment and Respect, always fearing, she would cause some Revolution in favor of her second Son Soliman; but after the Death of that Sultaness, they no longer kept Measures with this Prince. His Party became in a little time very weak; and as he had not any Relation with the Ministers, to advance his Creatures, the most [Page 44]part abandoned him to follow the Grand Visier. There was soon after a Discourse of War; and Cara Mustapha, who, during the Life of Valida, durst not stir from the Port, declar'd, That at the beginning of the Spring he would go into the Campaign at the Head of a powerful Army.

Zouglan, who was accustomed to the Fatigues of War, and to lead a Tumultuous Life, very opposite to the Tranquillity, in which he was with Soliman, with­out hope of seeing his Mistress, and far from Opportunities of ac­quiring Glory, fell into a Lan­guishment, which dayly decayed his Health. His Generosity, and the Remembrance, of what he had promised Valida, obliged him to force his Temper, and to suf­fer all the Incommodities, which the Violence, he did himself, ren­dred [Page 45]inevitable to him; but the Rumors of War, which were spread about on every side, awa­ked his first Ardor, and gave him new Inquietudes. He repre­sented to himself, that being en­gag'd in the Service of Soliman, he could not abandon that Prince, without offending his Honor, and particularly, since it was every where said, That the vast Designs of Valida would come to nothing, and that this Reason had already made Soliman lose many of his Creatures. Zouglan was continually tormented with these Reflexions, not being able to resolve either upon living any longer without the sight of his Mistress, or upon quitting the Service of Soliman. He was asha­med of the Idleness, he lived in at a time, when the whole Otto­man Empire was preparing for [Page 46]War. Zaratima continually came into his Mind, his Love reproa­ched him with his Laziness, and he seem'd to himself unworthy to Love so fair a Person, since he was able to live so long away from her. The greatness of his Courage, and the Attachment, he had for Soliman, combated these Sentiments, and he would perhaps have dyed without ta­king any Resolution, and over­whelmed with his Perplexities, if the Prince himself had not ob­served his Melancholy, which the Change of his Countenance ren­dred but too visible. This obli­ged him to ask the Cause of it. Zouglan was uncapable to make use of any Artifice. He could not therefore conceal from the Prince, how he felt himself of too stirring a Temper to accommode himself to a quiet Life, and that [Page 47]the Rumors of War, which were disperst about, had made so strong an Impression on his Mind, that he was necessitated to call his Duty to Succor, and to remem­ber himself of the inviolable At­tachment, he had sworn to his Service, to be able to resist it. Soliman, who was persuaded of Zouglan's sincerity, and who could not disapprove of such Noble Sentiments, testifyed, That it would be very displeasant to him to lose him, but yet that he had rather consent to his Departure, than deprive the Ottoman Empire of a Man of his Merit, who was in Condition to do the Sultan important Services. Zouglan, touch'd with the Prince's Good­ness, defended himself a long time from accepting the Per­mission he gave him to depart; but Soliman having let him know, [Page 48]that he was so far from not being content with it, that he would absolutely have him make use of the Occasion, which presented it self, Zouglan kist the Hem of his Garment, assuring him, that he would be no less his in the Army, than at Bursa, since he regarded the Empire, as a good, which might one day appertain to him, and that he should believe he still serv'd him, whil'st he was la­boring to extend the Limits of that same Empire, in which he had so great a share. Soliman was the first to hasten his departure, that he might go sollicit Employs at the Port, before the Grand Visier had disposed of them, and to shew the Satisfaction, he had in his Services, he made him con­siderable Presents.

Zouglan, being arrived at A­drianople, gave an account to Ibra­him [Page 49]Caimacam, his Protector and Friend, of all, that had passed between him and Soliman, and in what manner he retired from that Prince; but always avoid­ed speaking to him of Zaratima. He desir'd him afterwards to em­ploy his Credit with the Grand Visier, to get him employ'd in the War, he design'd against the Ger­mans. This Minister, who alrea­dy bragg'd of exterminating all the Christians, would himself a­lone have the whole Glory of that War, and therefore know­ing Zouglan's Reputation, appre­hended, that, if he should make use of his Service, the Publick would attribute to him the good Success of the War. This Rea­son oblig'd him to reject the Cai­macan's Proposition; but Ibrahim, who had abundance of Wit, pe­netrating the Cause of this Refu­sal, propos'd a new to the Grand [Page 50] Visier, the employing of Zouglan upon the Frontiers of Persia. The Visier promis'd to satisfie him; but withal told him, That he could not send any Troops to­wards Asia, till he had first seen, whether those, he design'd for Europe, were compleat. The Cai­macan was contented with this Answer, of which he advertiz'd his Friend, who was mean while in great Impatience to see his Mi­stress. Judging therefore, that the Troops, which were levying in so great number through the whole extent of the Ottoman Em­pire, could not be ready of a long time, he resolv'd to take advantage of this Interval for the making a Journey to the place of Zaratima's abode. Having told the Caimacan, that he was going to divert himself in the Country, he repaired with great diligence to Temisoüar, to endeavor there [Page 51]the seeing of this fair Person. Tho' the Turks never quit the Turban, Love, which works many other Miracles, and the Difficulties Zouglan foresaw, he might meet with in seeing his Mistress, made him resolve to disguise himself like a Christian, and to put on a Peruke, and an Hat; and since it very often happens, that Chri­stian Cavaliers, travelling into the Lands under the Grand Seig­nior's Obedience, carry, without being Merchants, many Curiosi­ties, with which they furnish themselves in Europe, to make use of an Occasion, Zouglan made Provision of these sorts of Curi­osities at Belgrade, particularly of Stones, set in work with sin­gular Perfection. He gave so li­berally to all those, who could facilitate the success of his Design, that he was without any difficul­ty introduc'd to Zaratima, under [Page 52]pretence of shewing her his choi­cest Rareties. He took Care to disguise his Voice, feigning, That with much difficulty he under­stood the Turkish Language. All these Precautions so well deceiv­ed his fair Mistress, that she did not know him. She admir'd the Jewels, and thought only of cho­sing such, as she most fancy'd. Having set aside many pieces, that pleas'd her, she ask'd their price: The Stranger answered her, That he was not skill'd in the Mer­chant's Trade. This Answer trou­bled Zaratima, who already fea­red his taking back the Jewels, she had chosen; but the counterfeit Christian told her, she might keep them, and that he would take others in Exchange, or whatever she pleas'd to give him. Zara­tima, who had many old Pieces, of which she made no use, was glad to find a man of so Com­modious [Page 53]a Commerce; but what more surpriz'd her, was the Stran­gers Easiness, who contented him­self with an old Ruby, and some other Trifles, for many Jewels, she had taken, which were ex­actly fair. He offer'd also, if she thought good, to bring her on the morrow some other very cu­rious things. Zaratima gave him leave to come again, telling him, he would oblige her in letting her see, whatever he had, that was curious. He retir'd, having had the Satisfaction to be some time with this amiable Person, and to get her to accept of some Presents, which her Scrupulosi­ty would have caused her to re­fuse, had they been made her in any other way. Zaratima, tho very well skill'd in Jewels, di­strusted nevertheless her own Judgment in this rencounter, wherefore she sent for a Jewess, [Page 54]that was verst in this sort of Traf­fick. The little, which the pre­tended Merchant had taken in Exchange, for what he left her, made her fear, he had cheated her, and that the Stones she had of him were false; but the Je­wess assur'd her, they were right, and even of greater Value, than she thought for. All these Cir­cumstances redoubled her amaze­ment, and she was impatient to see this Man again, who set so little by things, that appear'd to her of so great Price. Zouglan had too much love, to forget, what he had promis'd her. He came again on the morrow, and presented her with new Jewels. Zaratima, after she had for a Mo­ment considered them, fix'd her Eye with an entire Attention up­on him, that brought them. She examin'd his Features, and his Voice, which he endeavoured to [Page 55]disguise, hinder'd her not from finding under an Habit, so little suitable to a Turk, what the day before she had been so far from seeking. It was difficult for her to resist the first Transports of Joy, which this agreeable sur­prise caus'd in her; but fearing, lest some Motion of Tenderness might escape from her in presence of her Women, she dexterously rid her self of those, that were about her, and then manifested to Zouglan the sensible Pleasure, she receiv'd from the obliging manner, he had found out of te­stifying to her his Love. They gave one another, a mutual Ac­count of their Affairs, and Zoug­lan told Zaratima, he could not resolve on his departure to go and command the Troops on the side of Asia, without first taking leave of her Zaratima was great­ly afflicted, that they were to be [Page 56]so remote one from the other, but he assur'd her, that after the Success of this Compaign, of which the Grand Visier, promis'd himself so great Advantages, he would demand some employ in Europe, protesting to her, that in what State soever his Fortune should be, he would seek only to merit her Esteem, and to do some Action, which might render him worthy of her. Zaratima conjur'd him, no more to expose himself to so many hazards, since he had already given Proofs e­nough of his Valor. Their Con­versation was very tender: Zoug­lan gave her his Word to return to her, assoon as ever his Honor could permit it; and Zaratima, after she had assur'd him of mak­ing Vows incessantly for his spee­dy return, promis'd him, on her side, that nothing should be ca­pable to diminish the Sentiments [Page 57]of Tenderness, of which she would have him rest secure. One of her Women coming back, hinder'd their proceeding, and they no longer spake of any thing, but the Stones. Zaratima, who would not propose the giv­ing him back the Present, he had made her with so much Address, presented him with a Bracelet of her Hair. He receiv'd it with a great deal of Pleasure, pretend­ing in presence of his Mistress's Women, that such Works were very rare in his Country. Tho the time pressed him, he having none to lose, that he might ar­rive at Adrianople before the de­parture of the Troops; yet was it impossible for him to resolve upon removing from Zaratima, without making her a third Visit. They gave one another recipro­cal Assurances of ever continuing in a mutual Love, affirming, [Page 58]they should never have happy Moments, whilst distance of pla­ces depriv'd them of the Joy of seeing each other; but Zaratima who was very tender, foreseeing, that her Tears might betray her in the presence of her Women, left Zouglan, without having the Power to bid him adieu, and be­ing privately withdrawn, she caus'd him a moment after to be advertiz'd, that he should take back his Jewels. He departed on the morrow, hasting with extream diligence to Adrianople, where he found Ibrahim in very great pain for him; because the Grand Visier, who had already made his Army March, would have him Assemble all the Militia, he could raise, and form a Camp of them, to Guard the Frontiers of the Empire, lying toward, Persia. Zouglan, after he had made his Acknowledgement to the Caima­can, [Page 59]put himself in Condition to execute the Grand Visier's Orders, and having assembled the Militia, which he found in very great dis­order, he joyned them to a small Body of regulated Troops, that his Friend Ibrahim had caus'd to be given him. 'Twas time he should be on his March, since the Persians began to appear, per­swaded, they might without fear ravage the Provinces of this Neighborhood. He not only drove them from the Frontiers of the Empire, but entered also into their Country, hinder'd them from keeping the Field, and made himself Master of the Province of Serüan, which he abandon'd, after he had taken Measures to render it tributary to the Sul­tan.

Whilst Zouglan made War with so advantageous a Success, the Grand Visier, who was at the [Page 60]head of two hundred Thousand Men, threatned all Christendom, and had also besieg'd Vienna, which is the Metropolis of Au­stria, and the seat of the Ger­man Emperors. But as the hav­ing of numerous Troops is not enough to make one Succeed in his Enterprises, there being re­quir'd also an Head, who has ex­perience, Valor, and Conduct, the Grand Visier took his Mea­sures so ill, or perhaps, to speak more justly, the Besieged defend­ed themselves with so much Re­solution, that they gave the Chri­stian Army, tho very weak, time to come to their Assistance, and to appear upon the Hills about Vienna. This so astonish'd the Grand Visier, that consulting on­ly his own Fear, he shamefully rais'd the Siege. All the World knows, that, to retreat with the less danger, he abandon'd his hea­viest [Page 61]Baggage, and Sacrific'd to the Christians Resentment five hundred Janisaries, that guarded the Trenches; which hindred not his being pursu'd by the Ger­mans and Polonians, who pilla­ged, what Baggage was left him, defeated his Reer, and carried off a very great Number of Pri­soners. Amidst the Vexation of so much ill Success the Visier for­got nothing, that might preserve him the good Will of the Sultan, his Master, with which he held himself assur'd to repair all he had left. In this Design he gave him account of all things with great Exactness, but in so dexte­rous a Manner, that he cast all the Infellicities of this Compaign upon the Bassa of Buda, and Count Tekely, whom he endea­vor'd to render suspected to the Grand Seignior, by accusing him of Intelligence with the Christians. [Page 62]His Artifice succeeded to his Ex­pectation. The Grand Seignior testified, that he was very well satisfi'd with his Grand Visier's Conduct, and sent him also a great Standard with all the Marks of Esteem, and Acknowledge­ment, this Minister could have hop'd for, had he taken Vienna. In the mean time the Christians gaining dayly new Advantages o­ver the Turks, and the Grand Vi­sier not making any Motion to repel them, they began secretly to murmur against him at Adria­nople: And Count Tekely, who was wont to receive great Subsi­dies from the Port, having about the Sultan Spies, which gave him notice of all, that pass'd, know­ing, that he had been render'd su­spicious to the Grand Seignior, and that they spake no more of send­ing him the usual Aids, forgot not to justifie himself by Letters; [Page 63]but it was in Vain. His Letters did not undeceive the Ministers of the Port, who remain'd per­swaded, that he held Correspon­dence with the Germans. Tekely, seeing no Medium between being ruin'd, or justifi'd, took a Reso­lution extreamly dangerous. He went himself incognito to the Port, and having found Means, by the Credit of the Kislar Agasi, who was his particular Friend, to have an Audience of the Grand Seignior, before whom he pro­strated himself with his Face to the Ground, he told him, that he brought him his Head, chosing rather to lose it, than to be ex­pos'd to the Calumnies of his E­nemies, and the disfavor of his Lord and Protector. Tekely's Boldness was happily successful to him. The Sultan heard his Reasons, and judg'd by the Re­cital, he made him, that all the [Page 64]Misfortunes, arriv'd during the fiege, ought to be imputed to the Grand Visier's ill Conduct. He permitted Tekely to return, assuring him of the Protection, he demanded, and engaging to send him such powerful Assist­ance, that he should soon be in Condition to repair with ad­vantage all the losses, he had suf­fer'd. They began afresh to make Complaints against the Visier. E­very one blam'd him, and no body was any longer afraid to decry his Conduct, against which they murmur'd publickly. Ki­slar Agasi, who had a long time expected an opportunity to do the Grand Visier ill Offices, find­ing the Sultan favorably dispos'd to hear all, that was said against him, inform'd him of the Com­plaints, that were made openly, and having acquainted him with the particulars of the Advantages, [Page 65]the Christians had newly gain'd over the Ottoman Troops through the Visier's Sole negligence, he let him understand, it was to be fear'd, that the hatred, which not only the People, but the Ja­nisaries also, bore this Minister, might give Occasion to a general revolt. The Sultan, who since his Conversation with Tekely, was already much prepossest against Cara Mustapha, determin'd, tho with difficulty enough, to sacri­fice him to the publick Venge­ance, and dispatch'd two Agaes, who went to Belgrade, where he was, and cut off his Head.

The Visier's Death gave a new Face to the Affairs of the Empire. The Grand Seignior, who got sixteen Millions by it, refus'd to give consent, they should be em­ploy'd in paying the Troops, and re-establishing the Affairs of Hun­gary, altho the whole Divan was [Page 66]of that Opinion. He also obsti­nately persisted in not permitting his Treasure, which is the great Spring of the Ottoman Emperors, to be open'd, answering those, who represented him the Neces­sity, there was of opening it, to remedy the Disorder, there was in Affairs, that they must make use of the ordinary Revenues; and if they were not sufficient to resettle all things, it was for his Council to find other Funds, to supply the defect. The Sultan's Humor, and the difficul­ty, they foresaw, there would be in bringing the Affairs of the Em­pire again into a good State, a­bated the Eagerness of those, that had Right of pretending to the Office of Grand Visier. The Ki­slar Agasi, who had alway a great deal of Credit, and who imagi­ned, tho without any Ground; that the Grand Seignior thought [Page 67]of putting him into this Post, de­clar'd before hand, that he would not accept this great Charge, well knowing, he had not Capacity enough to support the Burthen, of it. Soliman Aga, Master of the Horse, who was the Grand Senior's true Favorite, judging, he should always be powerful e­nough, as long as he had his Ma­sters Favor, told the Sultan, who offer'd to make him Grand Visier, that all his Ambition was to please him, and that he much more desi­red to be solely attach'd to his Person, than to share his Cares between the Prince, and the State, as he should be obliged to do, if he accepted the Charge, with which he would honor him. So obliging a Refusal augmented the Esteem, and Affection, the Grand Seignior had for him, and deter­min'd him to name for Grand Vi­sier, Ibrahim Aga, who before was Caimacan.

In the mean time there came Advice, that the Christians, who dayly made new Progresses in Hungary, had besieged Vicegrade. The decay of Affairs obliged the Grand Vister often to affemble the Divan, to resolve on the means of breaking the Effect of this Enterprise. Many Expedients were propos'd; but the new Grand Visier was of Opinion to aban­don the Frontiers of Hungary, and asserting, that his Predecessor Mustapha had unjustly declar'd War against the Germans, he concluded it much more reasona­ble to turn their Arms against the Polonians, who had without any Reason broken the Truce, which the redoubtable Port had grant­ed them. The Sultan, who had promis'd Tekely, he would never abandon him, was of a contra­ry Sentiment to the Grand Visier; which hinder'd not this Minister [Page 69]from bringing other Reasons for to support his first Opinion. This was to resist the Sultan's Pleasure, which made him enter into so great a Fury against him, that he rose up with a Design to pu­nish him. He pardon'd him ne­vertheless at the Petition of his Favorite Soliman, and this Affair, gave Occasion to the report, which at that time ran through all Eu­rope, that the new Grand Visier was strangl'd.

There arrived at that time a Courier at Adrianople, by whom they understood, That the Ger­mans had taken Vicegradt; that Cabstan Bassa, who advanc'd to relieve that Place, had been bea­ten by Prince Charles of Lorrain, and that in this dispute the Turks had lost eight hundred Janisaries, several Colors, and the greatest part of their Canon. They learn'd almost at the same time that the [Page 70]Prince of Lorrain, taking advan­tage of the Disorder, the Turks were in, had attack'd Weitzen, a Place situated upon one of the Arms of the Danow, which form the Isle of St. Andrew, and that the Garrison, terrifi'd by the Re­port of the Turks defeat, has made but a very weak Resistance, yielding upon Discretion, tho it was compos'd of five hundred Janisaries, commanded by an Aga, who were all made Prisoners of War, and sent to Gran. This ill News augmented the Confusi­on of Affairs at the Port. But the Grand Seignior, who conti­nually look'd with contempt on all, he learn'd of the Progress, the Christians made in Hungary, trou­bled himself neither at the loss of Weitzen, nor the defeat of his Troops; but went a Hunting on the side of the black Forest, with so much earnestness, that he pas­sed [Page 71]several days without unclo­thing himself. The Grand Visier, who saw himself alone charg'd with the Conduct of the State, forbore not laboring with a great deal of Application, to prevent the Ruin, which seem'd to threa­ten the Ottoman Empire. War, being the most important Affair of his Ministry, he who had no Design of removing from the Port, to put himself at the head of an Army, resolv'd to give this employ to Zouglan, whom he regarded as his other self, and whom he had already sent for to be near him; but well knowing, that the Generals of Armies oft­en lose good Occasions, because they dare not hazard the Events of Affairs without particular Or­ders from the Prince, he desir'd, Zouglan, whose Fidelity and Va­lor were known to him, should have a general Power, which [Page 72]might set him above Governors, Bassa's, and Berglerbegs them­selves. Now since among the Turks, the Grand Visiers alone are in Possession of this Despotick Authority, he expected the Grand Seignior's return, to get his con­sent to a Project, he was medita­ting in favor of his Friend.

Whilst Zouglan, who was ex­treamly impatient to pass again in­to Hungary, that he might see his Mistress, expected the Effect of the Grand Visier's good Will, Za­ratima was in continual Alarms, and hasten'd by her Desires the happy time of his Return. Cab­stan Bassa, who after the Death of Cara Mustapha had the Gene­ral Command in Hungary, being inform'd of Selim's great Wealth, and of the Design, he had to give it his Daughter at her Mar­riage, resolved not to lose so fa­vorable an opportunity of secu­ring [Page 73]it to himself, with the Pos­session of a very fair Lady. In prospect of this he sought a Re­accommodation with Selim, after which he shew'd him all the signs of Consideration and Esteem he could desire, not taking any Reso­lution in matters of War, without demanding his Advice. Selim sen­sible of this General's kind Usage, and perswaded he would conti­nue to Command in Hungary, of­fer'd, as a mark of his Acknow­ledgment, to give him his Daugh­ter with all his Estate. Cabstan, glad of his having been prevented by Selim's Offers, embrac't him with the Testimonies of a very strict Amity. From that time he always call'd him his Father, and they remain'd of accord, that the Bassa should espouse Zaratima, as soon as the Christians Army, which gave him a great deal of Disquiet, should have manifested [Page 74]their Design, either by their Re­treat, or by their Sitting down before some one of the Places which were menac'd. Selim in­form'd his Daughter of the Honor the Bassa would do her, and of the Measures they had already taken together upon this Alliance. Zaratima, surpriz'd and troubled at so precipitate an Engagement, conjur'd her Father not to press her Marriage; but to be pleas'd, she might continue some time longer with him. But Selim, at­tributing to his Daughters Mode­sty, all the Reasons she gave him to oblige him to grant her the De­lays, she desir'd, told her, without being toucht with her Tears, That as soon as the Christians were re­tir'd, he would put her into the Bassa's Hands. This cruel Reso­lution sensibly afflicted Zaratima, who, tho she were determin'd to expel all sorts of Extremities, even [Page 75]Death it self, if it were Necessary, rather than prove false to Zouglan, yet fail'd not to send him a Person in whom she confided, with order to put into his hands the follow­ing Billet.

HAsten your Departure, if you still love me: my Father is resolv'd to deli­ver me to Cabstan Bassa, and tho I can answer you for my Heart, I fear all from so Potent a Man, supported by the Autho­rity of a Father: for, methinks, the Death, I should without delay give my self, to pre­vent his Violence, would be but a sad Com­fort to you.

The Grand Seignior, who was on his return to Adrianople, learnt at his arrival there, that the Ger­mans daily made new Conquests upon him, and that there was so general a Dread amongst the Ot­toman Troops, that upon the Re­port, which was spread abroad, of Prince Charles of Lorrain's having a Design to Besiege Pest, the Gar­rison had abandon'd that Place, [Page 76]after they had set it on Fire, and were retir'd with diligence to to Buda.

The Grand Visier, taking ad­vantage of the Disorder of Affairs in Hungary for the advancement of his Friend, procur'd of the Grand Seignior, in favor of Zoug­lan, the reviving the Office of Se­rasquier, which had been several years supprest, being much like that of Constable in France. Zoug­lan was preparing to pass into Hungary, to Command there with so resplendent a Dignity, when he receiv'd Zaratima's Billet. He was ready to die with Grief, under­standing, that his most cruel Ene­my was going to deprive him of his Mistress at the time, when he found himself in Condition to de­mand her of her Father, without danger of being refus'd. Had he follow'd the Motions of his Love and of his Courage, he would [Page 77]have parted immediately to go to his dear Zaratima; but his new Dignity oblig'd him to manage himself, and to take other Mea­sures before his Departure. Never­theless, since he was not sensible of the Greatness of his Fortune, but through Relation to his Love, preferring his fair Mistress before all the Goods of the Earth, he re­solv'd to put his Mind in repose, and obtain'd upon other Preten­ces, an Order from the Grand Vi­sier for Arresting Cabstan Bassa, and causing him to be conducted to the Castle of Zighet. He after­wards finisht the Regulation of his Affairs with all the speed he could, and parted soon after from Adrianople to repair to Belgrads.

Whil'st he was in his March, Prince Charles of Lorrain, who had a Design to Besiege Buda, caus'd a Bridge of Boats to be built over the Danow, in the place [Page 78]where that River is separated into two Arms, which form the Isle of St. Andrew. The Bridge being finisht the Tenth of July, 1684. the Imperial Troops pass'd thi­ther the same day in very good Order. The Turks, who had not been able to imagin, that the Chri­stians durst attack Buda, charg'd very vigorously the Vauntguard of the Imperial Army, perswaded, that it was only a Detachment; but they soon knew, they had to do with the whole Army; which ob­lig'd them to retire in disorder, and with the Loss of a great num­ber of their Men, which were slain by the Imperialists Artillery. In the mean time the Count de Sta­remberg, Mareschal General of the Camp, approacht Buda, setting men to work on the Preparatives, necessary for the Siege. The Im­perialists at first possest themselves of the Fauxbourgs, maugre the [Page 79]great Fire, those of the Place made to hinder them. Three days after the Turks set the Lower Town on Fire, retiring themselves into the Upper, which is defended by a well-fortify'd Castle. The same day the Imperialists began to play their Canon, and made themselves Masters of the first Ditch, and of Mount St. Gerard, which com­mands the Town. On the Twenty second the Turks made a vigorous Sally, in which they lost a great many Men, and kill'd Four hundred of the Imperia­lists. Prince Charles of Lorrain, having learnt at that time that the Turks were assembling the Body of an Army about Hanschabec, leaving Count Staremberg Foot and Horse, necessary to continue the Siege, marcht all the Night with the rest of the Horse, and a thousand Foot. He came by break of day within half a League of the Turks Camp, in a place, whence he might plainly discover them. He judg'd them to be about Twenty thousand Men, and saw them make Motions, which caus'd him to believe they had advice of his March. They would have faln on the Imperia­lists Flank, but they found every where [Page 80]a great Resistance, and Prince Charles of Lorrain charg'd them so home, and with so much Success, that the Turks were oblig'd to make a furious Retreat. The Imperialists kill'd them above Four thousand Men upon the place, wounded a great number, and took many Priso­ners. The Turks lost also all their Bag­gage, and their Canon. Prince Charles of Lorrain return'd again before Buda, and having acquainted the Besieged with the Advantages he had gain'd o­ver the Turks, summon'd them to yield; but they testify'd by their Answer, That they were resolved to defend themselves to the utmost extremity.

Zouglan, who already knew of the Siege of Buda, was at his arrival at Bel­grade inform'd of the Turks Defeat, and of the great Consternation all their Troops were in. He apply'd himself with extraordinary care to give order for all things; and the sole Hope of speedily seeing his Mistress, comforted him for the ill Condition, in which he found all the Affairs of Hungary. He was already preparing himself to go to her, whil'st the Troops, he destin'd for the Relief of Buda, were drawing toge­ther, [Page 81]when he learnt, that Cara Maho­met, Bassa of Mesopotamia, who com­manded in Buda, being sick at the time, he was advertiz'd that the Chri­stians thought to attack him, had sent order to Selim, Disdar or Governor of Temisouar, of whose Valor and Expe­rience he was satisfy'd, to come and assist him with his Counsels, and Com­mand in the Place, if his Sickness con­tinu'd; and that the Disdar, to answer the Bassa's Confidence, and shew him that he fear'd not the Christians was gone to join him, having taken with him whatever he had most precious, and also his Daughter Zaratima, judg­ing, she would be in greater Security with him, than any where else. This News was not a little displeasing to the Serasquier, who saw his Hopes fru­strated by it, and his Mistress expos'd to all the Perils and Incommodities, that are suffer'd in a Besieged Town. This Reason augmented the Hatred, he already had for the Christians, and made him redouble his Cares speedily to relieve the Place. He wrote [...] Grand Visier, to acquaint [...] the State of Affairs, and to [...] [Page 82]him new Succors. He sent Couriers on all sides, to press the March of the Troops, he would assemble. He visi­ted all the Places, to the end he might see, whether he could not draw out a Party from the Garrisons, without ex­posing them to be assaulted, and distri­buted also store of Money, to make Recruits. His great Reputation, his Liberalities, and the Confidence, that appear'd in all his Actions, greatly contributed to raise the fallen Cou­rage of the Ottoman Troops. In the mean time, tho he were a Man of very great Merit, the Newness of his Office of Serasquier, fail'd not to impose upon the People, who were so prepossest in his favor, that they spake of him as the Restorer of the Empires Affairs, even before he had attempted any thing. Being arriv'd at Zighet, he went to vi­sit Cabstan Bassa in his Prison, and ha­ving askt him, whether he knew him, the Bassa, who was already inform'd of his Advancement, and perswaded he would cause him to be Strangled, answer'd him fiercely, That he must not expect to see him guilty of so much Mean-spiritedness, as to ask him a Life, [Page 83]he well knew, he had resolv'd to de­prive him of, as himself would not have fail'd to treat him in the same manner, had he not escap'd from him at Temisouar; but that Fortune having dispos'd it otherwise, it was reasona­ble he should be punisht, since he was the most unfortunate. The Serasquier, surpriz'd at so haughty an Answer, and so beseeming a Man of War, gave him his hand, and told him, That the only Revenge he would take of him, was to desire his Amity, and to give him the Command of an Army, for to put a great Convoy into Caminiec, and to oppose the Attempts the Polo­nians might make upon that Place. He would not so much as require of him any Condition, as to oblige him to think no more of Zaratima, being throughly perswaded, that his Love and his Fortune would cause him to be preferr'd before his Rivals. Cabstan, confounded at the Serasquier's Gene­rosity, kiss'd the Hem of his Garment, assuring him; he should have an eter­nal Acknowledgment of the Favor he did him.

The Serasquier, being departed from [Page 84] Zighet to go to Alba Regalis, learnt by the way that he must no longer expect to receive any Succor from the Bassa of Possega: because Count Lesly at the Head of an Army, he had rais'd in Croatia, had besieged the Fortress of Wierovitza, the taking of which facili­tated that of the Bridge of Esseck: which had oblig'd the Bassa of Possega, who knew of what Importance the conservation of that Fortress was to them, to draw together all the Troops that were in the neighbouring Places, and to endeavor the Relief of Wiere­vitza; but that the Imperialists had repell'd him, and constrain'd him to retire, after he had lost the greatest part of his Troops: which had so much intimidated the Garrison of Wie­rovitza, that they had Surrendred on the single Summons of the Christian General. The Serasquier was sensibly afflicted at this ill News. He learnt others at his arrival at Alba Regalis, which comforted him for the loss of Wierovitza: for he had advice, That Cara Mahomet Bassa, who commanded in Buda, was perfectly recover'd, since the Christians had besieg'd his Place; [Page 85]That he wanted neither Victuals, nor Ammunitions; That he had Seven thousand Men of the old Troops, not counting the Inhabitants and Jews, who did almost as much Service as the Souldiers; and in fine, that he made vigorous Sallies, which much incommoded the Besiegers. These Ad­vices made the Serasquier judge, he should have time to get together Troops, sufficient to relieve the Place; but when he made reflexion on the In­quietudes of his Mistress, who was in a besieged Town, and had not of a very long time heard from him, he was asham'd, he had so long delay'd to let her know his Arrival, and determin'd immediately to write her the follow­ing Billet.

He would not send her word of his new Dignity of Serasquier, either through Modesty, or perhaps to sur­prize her more agreeably, when he should see her. He forbad also a dex­trous Renegado, who was got out of Buda, and who undertook to return thither, to tell Zaratima that it was the Serasquier, who gave him that Billet. His Love hindred him not from ma­king use of this Occasion to exhort Ca­ra Mahomet to a sedulous Performance of his Devoir, telling him, that he had already given an account to the Grand Visier of the Resolution, he testify'd to make a good Defence of his Place; that he could assure him, he should soon be reliev'd; but that he pray'd him to remember, that, if the Chri­stians should succeed in their perni­cious [Page 87]Enterprises, the Mosques of the great Allas most intimate Friend would be profan'd by his most invete­rate Enemies, and that the important Place of Buda, where the Ottoman Em­perors had formerly made their Resi­dence, would no longer be inhabited but by Infidels. He added farther, That well knowing, he writ to a Man, who to a great Valor joyn'd no less Wit and Penetration, he forbare to mention many other Reasons, which should oblige him rather to Die, than Surrender the Place: since it was to be fear'd, the Grand Seignior, being inconsolable for such a Loss, would Sacrifice to his just Resentment him, that should prefer an infamous Life to the Glory he might acquire by finish­ing his Days in the Bed of Honor. These two Letters, which were pun­ctually deliver'd, had all the Effect, the Serasquier could desire. Zaratima, who was in cruel Inquietudes for ha­ving no News of Zouglan, and equally fear'd the good or bad Success of the Siege, perswaded, that her Father would deliver her to Cabstan Bassa, as soon as the Christians were retir'd, [Page 88]or the Place should have capitulated, receiv'd with all the Joy imaginable her Lover's Letter. She bid the Re­negado, who brought it her, give her notice, when he should return to the Musulmens Camp, and comforted her self for all the Discontents, the Absence of Zouglan had caus'd her, by the Pleasure, she had, in reading over his Letter a thousand times.

Tho Cara Mahomet was resolv'd to defend his Place to the utmost Ex­tremity, the Serasquier's Letter made so much Impression on his Mind, that Prince Charles of Lorrain sending him the next day an Officer to Summon him to yield, and to inform him of the Turks Defeat, and the taking of Wierovitza by Count Lesly, he an­swer'd fiercely, That he pretended to revenge upon the Christians, that were before Buda, the Losses, those of his Party had receiv'd at Vicegrade, Pest, and other Places, of which the Christians had lately seiz'd. He de­clar'd at the same time, That he would not accept any Quarter for himself, or his Garrison, being resolv'd not to give any to the Christians which [Page 89]should fall into his hands: and to the end he might perswade him by Effects of the Truth, of what he said, he caus'd Forty German Prisoners to be brought upon the Ramparts, and their Heads to be cut off in presence of the Officer, telling him, he wisht it were in his power to do as much to all the Christian Army. The same day, after the Officer was gone back, the Besieged made a vigorous Sally, and would have cleans'd the Tren­ches, and fill'd up the Works, had not Prince Charles of Lorrain run thither himself, accompany'd with several Voluntiers, and oblig'd them to retreat, after a very obstinate Fight, and very Bloody for both Parties. The Count d' Harrach, the Count de Nassaw, the Count de Fur­stemberg, and many other Voluntiers were Kill'd upon this occasion. The Turks lost there above Three hun­dred Men: which hindred them not from continuing to make such frequent Sallies, that the Imperia­lists were oblig'd to have always a double Guard in the Trenches, to repel them. They had advice about [Page 90]this time, that Cara Mahomet Bassa was Kill'd by a Canon Shot; but Selim Aga, Father to Zaratima, who succeed him, testify'd no less Re­solution of holding out, than his Predecessor had done. He assur'd the Garrison, That the Serasquier was taking care to relieve them; and to shew that he did not fear the Germans, nor would keep any Measure with them, he cut off the Heads of all the Prisoners, which had the unhappiness to fall into his Hands.

In the mean time the Serasquier receiv'd Letters from the Grand Vi­sier, who fent him word, he could not possibly give him the Succor he demanded, because he had been ob­lig'd to send all the good Troops he had left to the Dardanelles, to Tenedos, and the Isle of Chio, to hinder the Descent of the Venetian Forces, which had already taken St. Maure. He conjur'd him in suit to supply all things by his Vigi­lance, and Industry, and to hazard all, rather than let Buda be lost. The Serasquier assembled his Troops [Page 91]about Alba Regalis, and prepar'd to put Relief into the Place, perswa­ded, that the Christian Army, which was very much weakned by the length of the Siege, and the fre­quent Sallies of the Besieged, would not be in condition to hinder him; but the Elector of Bavaria's Arri­val at the Christian Camp rais'd the Courage and Hopes of the Imperia­lists. This Prince, having Landed his Forces, caus'd them to march in Battalia on a Line, which made a great Front that they might ap­pear more numerous to the Besieged. He visited afterwards all the Works, and chose the Place, that appear'd to him most proper for the ma­king an Attack, which he began the same day by his Troops. They carried it on so far by the Care and Example of this young Prince, that they were oblig'd to stay, till that of the Imperialists was sufficiently ad­vanc'd, to the end they might make Lines of Communication between the two Attacks. But during all this In­terval, their Courage remain'd not unexercis'd: for the T [...]k's, wondring [Page 92]to see an Attack so forward, made such vigorous Sallies upon them, that they would infallibly have been dri­ven from their Post, had not the Prince supported them by his firm­ness, and his Orders for the advancing of other Troops, which were in bet­ter condition to fight. Selim, per­ceiving that the Elector of Bavaria's Arrival, and the Vigor his Forces shew'd in their Attack, had disqui­eted the Garrison, and that the Jani­saries began to draw together, and speak of Surrendring the Place, had the Address to perswade them, That he had new Assurances, they should be reliev'd within three Days; and to the end he might take out of their Minds those flattering Hopes of Capi­tulation, which the Souldiers pro­mis'd themselves after a long Siege, he bethought himself of telling them, he knew from good hands, That the Christians in prejudice of the Articles they had granted the Garrison of Wierovitza, had pillag'd all their Baggage, and afterwards put them all to the Sword; that the same Lot attended them, since they had to do [Page 93]with the same Enemies; and that it was for them to choose, whe­ther they would live by giving the Serasquier time to relieve them, or perish by delivering themselves to the Perfidious Chri­stians. This Artifice, tho it had no other Ground, but the Falshood of five or six Croats, who pillag'd and ill entreated some Turks, that were stray'd in a Wood, fail'd not to prove advantageous to Selim. All the Garrison engag'd by new Oaths to defend themselves to the utmost Extremity, and consented, That the first, who should speak of Capitulating, should be imme­diately Strangled.

Prince Charles of Lorrain, ha­ving notice that the Serasquier was drawing together an Army of Fifty thousand Men for the Relief of Buda, caus'd Retrench­ments to be made along the Lines, to the end he might hinder them [Page 88] [...] [Page 89] [...] [Page 90] [...] [Page 91] [...] [Page 92] [...] [Page 93] [...] [Page 94]from being assaulted by the Turks, and gave all the Orders necessary for their good Reception, if they presented themselves.

Whil'st the Serasquier was making an end to assemble his Troops, he understood, That Selim, who commanded in Buda, was slain; and that the Eldest Aga had taken the Command in his place. This News much discontented him, foreseeing that his Mistress would be afflicted at it, and fearing besides, lest the Loss of a Man of his Merit might diminish the Ardor of the Besieged. Scarce had he receiv'd this Advice, when the Renegado, who had already for­merly brought him News from Buda, presented himself before him, and after he had confirm'd the Death of Selim, gave him a Billet from Zaratima, which was written in these terms:

The Serasquier, having read this Billet with all imaginable Joy, made her the following Answer:

The Serasquier gave the Rene­gado Marks of Liberality, and promis'd him great Recompences; if he could deliver this last Let­ter with the same Felicity he had done the precedent. He order'd him also to assure the Comman­der of Buda, he was upon his March, to approach the Place, and that he might reckon, he should be succor'd on the Mor­row, during all the Day. In Effect, his Impatience to see his Mistress, and his Fear, lest this new Governor might not defend himself with the same Resolu­tion, his Predecessors had done, oblig'd him to make his Army march the same day. He had al­ready sent many Parties to tire the Besiegers, and to endeavor the cutting off their Foragers. In fine, on the Twenty second of September he drew near the Chri­stians Camp about Break of day, [Page 98]and perceiving it was fortify'd with good Retrenchments, and that all the Army appear'd in a Disposition to fight well, he de­tach'd several Squadrons, which advanc'd as far as the Circumval­lation on the side of Count Maxi­milian de Staremberg. The Impe­rialists, who were in Battalia re­ceiv'd them with much vigor; but they had only Skirmishes, which lasted long enough, and the Turks, who were advanc'd too forward, lost a great many more Men, than the Imperialists. In the mean time the Serasquier, who had view'd the Camp, whe­ther he found new Difficulties in relieving the Place, or that he ex­pected his Foot, which were not yet come up, thought fit to re­treat, and took no Benefit of three Sallies of above Fifteen hundred Men, which the Besieged made on the side of the Imperialists At­tack [Page 99]at the time he approach'd the Camp. They had at first some Advantage, advancing as far as one of the Batteries, which they overthrew in a little time; but the Elector of Bavaria, who lost no opportunity to give Marks of his Courage, running thither at the Head of several Voluntiers, and three Squadrons of his Troops, repell'd them with so much Valor, that they were oblig'd to Retreat, abandoning two Pieces of Canon, they had began to bring thither. The Turks lost above Three hundred Men on this occasion. The Ger­mans loss would not have been so considerable, had not Count de Tilly, and other Persons of Quality been then slain. On the Twenty third the Serasquier attackt again the Christians Camp, at the Head of all his Horse, but was beaten back with much vigor, losing also [Page 100]two Standards. The Troops of Bavaria, who had supported the Turks Efforts for many hours, were scarce entred into their Lines, when they were charg'd by the Garrison, which made upon them a great Sally of Horse and Foot; but the Bavarians, animated by the Example of their brave Prince, who gave them his Orders himself with a Resolution above his Age, defended them­selves a long time, and the Impe­rialists coming to their Assistance, the Turks were in fine beaten back. On the Twenty fifth the Serasquier presented himself again before the Lines, and dispos'd his Troops in Battalia, making a shew, as if he would fight. Whilst the Imperialists were pre­paring to resist him, he detach'd Four thousand Horse, which he made march along an Hill, to gain a Passage, which was not [Page 101]guarded, because the Imperialists judg'd it inaccessible. They with much difficulty possest themselves of it, and fell afterward upon a Quarter of the Imperialists, which was guarded only by two Regi­ments of Horse, and two Battal­lions of Foot. They charg'd them, before they had time to look about them. During this Disorder, the Serasquier, who aim'd only to deceive the Imperia­lists Vigilancy, that he might get Relief into Buda, detach'd about Twelve hundred Foot, which, slipping along the Hill, got into the Place by favor of a Sally, the Besieged made at the same time. In the mean time Major General Dunewald ran to assist the Regiments, that were envelop'd by the Turks. He hin­dred their being quite routed, and charg'd the Infidels so home, that he defeated them five Squadrons, [Page 102]Killing above Three hundred Men. The Serasquier, satisfy'd with having reliev'd the Place, would no longer expose his Troops, but retreated in very good order. On the Morrow the Elector of Bavaria and Prince Charles of Lorrain, who expected the Serasquier would not retire without Fighting, marcht forth to go attack him in his Camp; but the Serasquier, having advice of it, decamp'd about Midnight, and went to encamp so advanta­geously between Alba Regalis, and a great Marsh, that the Chri­stians, judging it impossible to force him in so advantageous a Post, were oblig'd to return to their Camp. Tho the Besieged wanted many Necessaries, and particularly Forage, it is mani­fest, the Succor they receiv'd, fail'd not to comfort them, and to give them great Hopes, they [Page 103]being perswaded, That, since the Serasquier had put Troops into the Place, he would find a Means to get in abundantly all things, of which they might have need. They also flatter'd themselves, that the Christians would raise the Siege, without expecting the Serasquier should force them to it by giving them Battel.

Zaratima, who had receiv'd her Lover's Billet, took a great share in the publick Joy. Yet neither Zouglan's Letter, nor all, she heard in commendation of the Serasquier, who had the Re­putation not to suffer any Inju­stice, could re-assure her. She thought her Lover flatter'd him­self, and that his Passion gave him this great Confidence, she remarkt in his Letters. Cabstan perpetu­ally troubled her, and she fear'd the last day of the Siege would be the Beginning of her Misfortunes, [Page 104]prepossest, that this Bassa would seize of all her Father's Estate, and of her self too, without her being able to hinder it, since her Father dy'd in that Will. Zouglan ap­pear'd to her a weak Protector against a Bassa, so authoriz'd. Her Love and her Fear made her see a thousand Dangers in the Assistance she might expect from her Lover: for she doubted not, but he had Resolution enough to kill Cabstan; but she foresaw, he would be immediatly punisht for it, and that she should still equal­ly lose him. All these Reflexions cruelly perplext her, and she saw some Moments, when she knew not, whether she ought to desire the raising of the Siege. In fine, after having a long time tormen­ted her self, she found some Con­solation in thinking, she might avoid Cabstan, by casting her self at the feet of the generous Seras­quier, [Page 105]asking him his Protection, and informing him of the parti­cular Reasons she had to prefer Zouglan before this Bassa. Ani­mated with this Hope, she fail'd not to wish, the Siege were ended, and was already meditating upon all she should say to the Seras­quier, that she might encline him to her Interest, when one of her Slaves acquainted her, That her House was guarded by Fifty Ja­nisaries, and that the Aga, who commanded them, desir'd to speak with her. Her Fear, or rather her Love alarm'd, made her pre­sently judge, they were Cabstan Bassa's Emissaries, who would secure themselves of her Father's Succession, and perhaps of her Person; but the Aga, presenting himself before her, told her, He was of the number of those, that entred into the Place the day be­fore, and that he had Orders from [Page 106]the Serasquier Bassa to continue near her Person with Fifty Jani­saries, and to obey, whatever she would command him; and if through Misfortune the Place should be assaulted by the Chri­stians, which was not probable, not to abandon her, but rather to be all cut in pieces, than to let her fall into their hands. Zara­tima was extremely surpriz'd at the Aga's Discourse, not being able to comprehend, through what Motive the Serasquier should so much concern himself for a Person, he had never seen. Having reason'd long within her self, to divine the cause of it, she imagin'd the Serasquier had per­haps heard something to her Ad­vantage, and that he was without doubt of the same Humor with the greatest part of the Turks, who always begin to satisfie their Love, before they declare their [Page 107]Passion to the Person, that causes it. This Thought gave her a thousand Horrors, and engag'd her to make Reflexions on the unhappy Condition of the Turkish Women, who are rather their Husband's Slaves, than Compa­nions. She was troubled at the Education her Father had taken so much Care to give her: since it serv'd only to make her more severely feel the Infelicity of her State. She thought nevertheless, she should be the most happy Person of her Sex, if she might pass her Life with her Lover; and maugre all the Reasonings, she had made, she found a sensi­ble Pleasure in reading over again Zouglan's Letter, judging also, that, if it were true, the Seras­quier had a Merit proportion'd to his Reputation, it was not im­possible, he might be her Lover's particular Friend, and might [Page 108]seek to give him an essential Proof of it, by the Care he took of a Person, which was not in­different to him.

Whilst Zaratima was busied with such like Thoughts, the Elector of Bavaria, who was vext that he could not fight the Serasquier, visited the Attack of his Troops, and finding it ve­ry much advanc'd, made them mount to the Assault. The Breach, which was not sufficient, oblig'd them to retreat, and expect, till a Mine, that was to be sprung, had made a greater. Tho the Christians Army began to want Victuals and Ammunition, and was extremely diminisht by the frequent Combats, they had with the Turks, by the ordinary Fa­tigues of so long a Siege, and by the continual Sallies, they were forc'd to oppose; yet were they not rebutted. The Duke of Ba­varia [Page 109]also declar'd, That he would not raise the Siege till the last Ex­tremity, sending to his States for other Troops, for Munitions of War, and Mouth, and for Cloths, to keep the Souldiers from the Cold, which began to incommode them. A French Engenier, who had serv'd in the King's Armies, being at that time arriv'd in the Imperialists Camp, gave them new Hopes, they being perswa­ded, that a Man, which had made War under a Monarch, who never undertook Siege without Success, might facilitate their ta­king of the Place. The Count Bielk, whom we have seen Ambassador from Swedeland in France, and who was a Volun­tier in the Imperial Army, pre­sented this Engenier to the Ele­ctor of Bavaria. This Prince, who neglected nothing, that might contribute to the taking [Page 104] [...] [Page 105] [...] [Page 106] [...] [Page 107] [...] [Page 108] [...] [Page 109] [...] [Page 110]of Buda, gave him Employ the same Day. He wrought to make a great Mine, of which the Effect would have been infallible, had it not been overflown by the run­ning in of Water from the Town. The Turks, who from the Begin­ning of the Siege foresaw, that the Christians might take from them the Water of the Danow, digg'd a prodigious number of Pits, which were afterwards very serviceable to them: for the Elector of Bavaria, perswaded of his En­geniers Capacity, had already dispos'd his Troops, to go up to the Assault, assoon as this great Mine should be Sprung; but at the time, when they no longer doubted of Success, word was brought them, that many of these Pits were broken into the Miners Work, and had quite drown'd it. This hindred not the Elector of Bavaria, whom all these Diffi­culties [Page 111]could not rebut, to give immediately new Orders for be­ginning a Mine on another side.

In the mean time the Seras­quier, having receiv'd a Reinforce­ment of Troops, and seeing, that the Besiegers Army daily de­creas'd, appear'd before the Chri­stians Camp at the Head of a great Body of Horse. The Be­sieged made at the same time a vigorous Sally. Whilst a Part of the Imperial Army was busied in repelling it, and the Serasquier amus'd the Horse by Skirmishes, eight great Boats, laden with Men and Provisions, sent by the Bassa of Agria, pass'd the Danow above Pest. A Detachment of these Turks, having charg'd a a small number of Imperialists, who guarded the Redoubts, drove them away without much diffi­culty, because all the Troops were employ'd another way; [Page 112]which was the Cause, this Relief got easily into the Place. Never­theless this hindred not the Impe­rialists, who expected great Effects from their Mines, to dispose all things for the giving a general Assault; but a Deserter of the Imperial Troops, being at that time got into Buda, discover'd to the Besieged the Place where the Mines were, telling them also, That, if they had their Effect, it was impossible to avoid the Places being taken. This Advice gave no little Disquiet to the Turks, and oblig'd them to work with an extreme Diligence, to discover the Mines by opening the Earth in many different pla­ces, to meet with the Besiegers Works. Tho they had labor'd a whole day to no purpose, yet did not this ill Success discourage them, They resolv'd on the con­trary to hazard all, that they [Page 113]might hinder the Effect of these Mines, and having made a Sally with all the Troops they had left in a Condition to fight, they drove the Imperialists as far as the Batteries, after having Kill'd them above Two hundred Men. A great Number of Laborers, who were come out of the Place, got in the mean time to the Mouth of the Mines, and drew out the Powder. All the Imperial Army took Arms, to repel this great Sally. The Elector of Bavaria ran thither in Person, and ani­mated all things by his Example. Many Squadrons were made to March. The Turks, who would give their Laborers time to draw out the Powder, made many Dis­charges, before they retreated. They lost a great many Men upon this occasion; but they re­entred not into the Place, till after the Mines were empty'd, [Page 114]and the Imperialists Works en­tirely ruin'd.

Prince Charles of Lorrain; see­ing, that the Army was very much weakned, that the Souldiers were discourag'd by so long a Siege, that the Serasquier conti­nu'd to tire them out by such fre­quent Alarms, and that the Cold and continual Rains would quite destroy the Troops, call'd a Coun­cel of War, to deliberate upon the Resolutions, they ought to take in so contrary Conjunctures. Some of the General Officers were for a continuation of the Siege, as ex­pecting yet a good Effect from a new Mine, the Troops of Bava­ria had made; but the most part were of Opinion, That they ought to retreat in the best order they possibly could, to save the Re­mainder of the Army. The Ele­ctor of Bavaria, who hearkned only to his Glory, made a great [Page 115]Difficulty of consenting to it. General Serini, who commanded this Prince's Troops, seeing, that the Imperialists were determin'd to retreat, represented to him, that he was not responsible for the the Success of the Siege of Buda, since it was not he that under­took it, who only went to assist the Imperial Troops, mov'd by the Zeal, he had for Religion; That he ought to be very well contented with the Actions, he had done in the frequent Sallies, his Troops had born, and in the several Combats, in which they had beaten back the Serasquier; That he might also assure him­self, the whole World would do him Justice, not having had less Ardor to take Buda, than he had shewn the year before to drive the Infidels from the Gates of Vienna; That, if the Success had not been equal, his Glory was [Page 116]not therefore less, since it is cer­tain, That if the other Princes of Germany had imitated his Exam­ple, they might not only have taken Buda, and chas'd the Turks out of all the Places they held in Hungary, but have driven them also as far as Constantinople, and made the whole Ottoman Empire tremble; That after all, great Princes are often expos'd to lose Forces, but that the Glory they have acquir'd, is immortal, and continues always with them, and that they find Means to raise other Armies in their States; That in fine, an Assault was no longer to be thought of, since they could not give it without exposing themselves to be all lost, nor avoid fighting between two Fires, the Garrison, which had made good Retrenchments, being yet very strong, and the Serasquier always ready to charge the Chri­stians, [Page 117]as soon as they should make any Motion to give a ge­neral Assault.

The young Prince, maugre the Heat of his Courage, let himself be perswaded by such good Rea­sons. Orders were given for Transporting, by the means of a Bridge of Boats, Eight thousand Sick and Wounded, with the Artil­lery, and heavy Baggage into the Isle of St. Andrew. All the Army, about Thirty thousand strong, Decampt afterwards, and having pass'd the Danow, took their March by old Buda, for to go to Gran.

The Serasquier, who held it for a Maxim, That one must make a Bridge of Gold for his Enemy, when they will retire, and who had an extreme Impa­tience to see his dear Zaratima, made not any Motion to charge the Imperialists in their Retreat, [Page 118]but entred into Buda, as soon as the Christians had pass'd the Da­how. He was receiv'd with Ac­clamations and Shouts of Joy, which for a very long time hin­dred him from being able to make himself heard. He gave a thou­sand Commendations to the Gar­rison and Inhabitants, and forgot nothing to perswade the Aga, who commanded, that he might expect all manner of Recompence for the great Service he had done the whole Ottoman Empire. He found every where good Re­trenchments, which made him judge, that the Germans had ruin'd their Army, if they had given a general Assault, as they would have done. He got rid with all the speed, he possibly could, of the Aga, and other Officers, and feigning, he would honor the Memory of Selim, who had so well defended the Place, [Page 119]caus'd himself to be conducted to his Daughter Zaratima, who was preparing to go forth of her House, to cast her self at the Se­rasquier's Feet, and desire his Protection against Cabstan Bassa; but as soon as she faw Zouglan appear, the Presence of this dear Lover re-assur'd her. She thought no longer of visiting the Seras­quier; she had even a great deal of Difficulty to conceal the Tran­sports of Joy she felt, and to keep up in presence of the Offi­cers, that environ'd this General, the Personage, she represented, of a Daughter, afflicted for the Death of her Father. She was so busied with her Love, and found so much Pleasure in see­ing her Lover after so many Alarms, and so long an Absence, that she perceiv'd not the Re­spects, every one gave Zouglan, who having an Infinity of Orders [Page 120]to give, was oblig'd to quit his Mistress, and to delay till ano­ther time the giving her account of his Elevation to the Office of Serasquier, and of all other things, that had befallen him, since he saw her. Zaratima let him go out, perswaded she should soon see him again. She began to re­lish without constraint the Joy, this agreeable Interview had caus'd in her, when a Letter was brought her from Cabstan Bassa, who writ to her, That not doubting, but she was in the Resolution to execute Selim's last Will, he sent her a Man, in whom he confided, who should take care of all her Affairs, and should Con­duct her to Temisouar, where he promis'd to meet her, as soon as the Campaign was over. Zara­tima, who always foresaw, that Cabstan Bassa would give her some Trouble, would not see the [Page 121]Man, he sent her, determining to follow her first Thought, and secure her self of the Serasquier's Protection, to deliver her self by this General's Authority from the Bassa's Pursuits. In the mean time it being already late, and all being yet in Confusion in the Town, she delay'd her Visit till the Morning, pleasing her self before-hand with imagining, she should by this Step shew her Lo­ver the strong Passion she had for him. Tho she reckon'd much on the Serasquier's Generosity, she ceas'd not to take care of her Adornment, perswaded that fair Persons have great Advantages to obtain what they desire. There was already a great number of Officers and considerable Persons with the Serasquier, when Zara­tima arriv'd there, attended by many of her Slaves. The Se­rasquier, advertiz'd, that Selim's [Page]Daughter desir'd to speak with him, found himself at first very much embarrass'd. He went forth nevertheless to receive her, ac­company'd by a Crowd of Offi­cers, who gave him great Re­spects. Zaratima, seeing Zoug­lan come to meet her, was no less perplext than he, foreseeing, her Modesty would have much to suffer, if she must speak to the Serasquier in presence of her Lo­ver. She told him, she had newly receiv'd a Letter from Cab­stan Bassa, which extremely trou­bled her, and that to shelter her self from his Violence, she was determin'd to desire the Prote­ction of the generous Serasquier. Zouglan answer'd her, smiling, that she might be assur'd, the Se­rasquier would give her a favora­ble Audience. Zaratima, ob­serving, that the Guards were at their Arms, and that every one [Page]was in a profound respect, lookt about for the Serasquier, and saw only her Lover, who acted as Master, and desir'd her to go in­to another Chamber, where he told her, she might see the Seras­quier. Zaratima being entred, every one retir'd, except one of her Slaves, who continu'd with her. Then Zouglan, penetrated with Love and Joy, askt Pardon of his Mistress, that he had no sooner inform'd her of his Exalta­tion, telling her, That himself was the Serasquier, and that he was oblig'd to her alone for this great Fortune, since he had al­ways believ'd himself unworthy of her, whil'st he should have only ordinary Employs, which are daily given to other Bassa's, and that the Violence of his Pas­sion had made him attempt all, that he might come to be Seras­quier, and merit by it her Esteem [Page]and Love. Zaratima, astonisht, and ravisht at such furprizing News, wept for joy, assuring him nevertheless, that, Tho he should be Master of all the Crowns in the Universe, it could add nothing to the Tenderness she had for Zouglan. The Se­rasquier, toucht with so obliging an Answer, promis'd her, Time should never change the respe­ctuous Sentiments he had for her, and that he would regard her all his life, as his Divinity, and Li­beratress. They said a thousand tender and passionate things to each other. Afterwards the Se­rasquier propos'd to her the going out of Buda, where she saw only funest Objects, and offer'd to ac­company her to Alba Regalis, where they might celebrate the Ceremony of their Marriage with all sort of Magnificence. Zara­tima consented to it with Joy, and [Page 125]retir'd to dispose her self for her Departure the day following.

The Serasquier, having given the necessary Orders for re-esta­blishing the Fortifications of Bu­da, accompany'd Zaratima to Al­ba Regalis, declaring publickly, That he prepar'd to Marry her. Cabstan Bassa, who lov'd Zara­tima, only in consideration of her Father's great Wealth, thought no more of her, as soon as he un­derstood he had so redoubtable a Rival; but the Serasquier, who had always before his Eyes the great Obligations he had to the Grand Visier Ibrahim, remem­bring, that this Visier, lov'd Zara­tima, and that he had heretofore written to him to Bursa, to make him the Confident of his Passion, and desire him to seize this fair Person, made a scruple of Mar­rying her, believing he could not do it without betraying [Page 126]his Friend, and rendring himself unworthy his Amity. This cruel Reflexion cast him into Irresolu­tions, which gave him great In­quietudes. His Love press'd him to satisfie himself, and to hearken to nothing, since it was in his own power to be happy, and to give Marks of his Tenderness and Acknowledgment to the fair Zaratima, who had sav'd his Life, and lov'd him with so much Pas­sion; but when he represented to himself, that the Grand Visier might think, his Letter had gi­ven him occasion to see Zara­tima, to become amorous of her, and consequently to Marry her, without remembring his Friend's Interest, and that he might per­haps one day reproach him with his Perfidiousness, the sole thought of this imaginary Reproach struck an horror in him; and maugre the violence of his Passion, he [Page 127]determin'd, before he Marry'd Zaratima, to write to the Grand Visier, to acquaint him with the Obligations he had to Selim's Daughter, and to give him an exact account of his Love, and of all the Progress he had made in his Mistresses Mind, assuring him, That he lov'd her above his Life; and that he believ'd, he could not give a more essential Proof of the Attachment, he had for him, than the having delay'd his Marriage, till he was assur'd, he might do it without fear of exposing himself to sose the E­steem of so perfect a Friend. He sent a Courier to the Port with this Letter, promising to reward him liberally, if he return'd with­in a very short time he set him. Tho Zaratima was very well sa­tisfy'd with the Cares of her Lo­ver, and with the Honors every one paid her, since he had declar'd [Page 128]his Design to Marry her; she could not comprehend why he delay'd the Ceremony, and what Reason he had to speak no more to her of it. Her Modesty made her support her Discontent, du­ring five or six Days, without shewing any thing of it; but seeing, that the Serasquier still testify'd to her abundance of Love and Respect, and that neverthe­less he spake no more of Mar­riage, she entred into so great a Despair, that it was impossible for her to conceal it. The Seras­quier, who in the Transports of his Love often repented the ne­cessity he had impos'd upon him­self, to expect his Friend's An­swer before he espous'd Zaratima, avoided entring into any discourse with her about it, not daring to tell her the Reasons, which ob­lig'd him to delay his Marriage. There was stopt at this time up­on [Page 129]the Danow an Austrian Lady, who was a very handsom Person, and of very great Quality, as she was going to see her Husband at Pest, where he lay Sick. She was conducted to Alba Regalis. The Serasquier, who has much Respect for Ladies, visited her, and gave her all the Marks of Consideration, she could desire in the State, in which she was. Zaratima, who perpetually tor­mented her self to penetrate the Reasons of her Lovers pretended Indifference, believ'd, that he lov'd her not, and imagin'd, he had perhaps some particular Attach­ment for the German Lady, who had the Reputation to be a very fine Woman. Zaratima was in these Perplexities, when the Se­rasquier, who found no true Plea­sure, but in seeing his dear Mi­stress, came to her, and told her, That he had been so toucht with [Page 130]the strong Passion, the Captive Lady testify'd for her Husband, that he had not been able to re­solve any longer to deprive her of the Pleasure to see him, but had caus'd her to be conducted to Pest, without expecting her Ran­som, which he was oblig'd to Pay for her to the Souldiers, that had stay'd her. Zaratima, judg­ing by this Discourse, that her Suspicions were unjust, had a fe­cret Shame of the disadvatageous Judgments, she had made of her Lover, and not being able to sup­port any longer the thought of his Infidelity, acknowledg'd to him with blushing, That the small Earnestness, he had shewn since their Arrival at Alba Regalis to finish their Marriage, had a little troubled her. The Seras­quier, who never made use of any Artifice to disguise his veri­table Sentiments, entirely impar­ted [Page 131]to her the Letter he had written to the Grand Visier, and the Reasons, he had to shew this Deference to so faithful a Friend. You love me but with a very faint Passion, reply'd Zaratima in cho­ler, since you could resolve to ex­pect from the Grand Visier's Ge­nerosity an Happiness, which de­pends only on your self. Tears and Sighs hindred her going on. She retir'd into her Chamber, refu­sing to hear what her Lover said to appease her. As soon as she was alone, her Imagination, in­genious to torment her, repre­sented to her the Serasquier, as an Ambitious Spirit, who sacri­fic'd his Love to his Fortune, and who troubled not himself at dis­pleasing his Mistress, for to have occasion to make his Court to the Grand Visier. She pass'd all the Night in cruel Inquietudes, and tho there were Moments, in [Page 132]which her Lover appear'd to her less culpable, her Love could not relish any Reasons, which might serve to justifie him, and she re­main'd still very much offended at her Lover's Proceeding. The Serasquier, who was in no more Repose, than his Mistress, had an Answer from the Grand Visier much sooner, than he expected. This first Minister, who had just learnt with all imaginable Joy, that the Imperialists had rais'd the Siege of Buda, sent the Serasquier word, he was much troubled, that he had for his Sake delay'd his Felicity, and that in the Con­sideration he had of his Services, he not only consented he should Marry Zaratima, but offer'd also to send him the fairest Persons of his Seraglio, if he desir'd it. The Serasquier, who was extremely impatient to make his Peace with his dear Zaratima, went to her, [Page 133]as soon as he had receiv'd this Answer, and told her, wholly transported with Joy, That he was in fine at the height of his Wishes, since he saw no longer any thing that could hinder his Happiness. He presented her at the same time the Grand Visier's Letter, but she refus'd to see it, telling him, She had seriously reflected, on what she ought to her Father's Memory, and that she saw, ac­cording to all the Precepts of the Alcoran, she could not dispense with her self from executing his Last Will, and Marrying Cabstan Bassa. The Serasquier, surpriz'd at so little expected an Answer, flatter'd himself nevertheless, that his Mistress acted only through a Motion of Choler, and that she spake against her own Senti­ments. He conjur'd her to Par­don him, and no more to remem­ber any thing, but their Love. [Page 134] I am but too much possess'd with it, reply'd Zaratima; since I am resolv'd, before I take any Party, to make a Journey to Mecha, to the end I may consult the Great Cheq, to know, whether I can with a safe Conscience Marry you. The Serasquier, frighted at a Resolu­tion, so contrary to his Love, made use in vain of all his Elo­quence, to deturn her from this Voyage, and was oblig'd through respect to retire, without being able to obtain any thing. He was ready to dy for Grief, when he reflected, That he had lost all the Merit of a long and tender Passion through a Nicety, ill enough grounded; and without examining any farther, whether he had reason to write to the Grand Visier, he believ'd himself very culpable, because he had the Unhappiness to displease his dear Zaratima, to whom he had [Page 135]so great Obligations. He reproacht himself a thousand times with his Ingratitude, and not seeing any Torment more cruel for him, than to live, without being lov'd by his Mistress, he return'd to her with a Design to Punish himself, and dye at her Feet, if she per­sisted in her first Resolution. Za­ratima, observing the Discontent which appear'd in her Lover's Face, repented, she had put him in despair. The Serasquier told her, He pretended no more to oppose her Will, since he well saw, that he merited the Infe­licities, which opprest him: he assur'd her also, that his Return to her was only to put himself to death before her eyes, and to sacrifice to her a Life, she had heretofore preserv'd. Zaratima, mollify'd by her Lover's Dis­course, and by the Despair, which appear'd in all his Actions, had [Page 136]not the power to see him any longer in so sorrowful a Con­dition, but let him understand, she was toucht with his Repen­tance. The amorous Serasquier embrac'd her Knees with all the Transports of Joy imaginable, and conjur'd her with so much instance, no longer to delay his Happiness, that Zaratima per­mitted him in fine to dispose all things for their Marriage, which was celebrated a short time after with as much Magnificence, as if the Serasquier had espous'd a Princess of the Ottoman Blood.