THE REIGN OF Sultan MORAT, OR AMURAT IV. The Eleventh EMPEROR; AND Twenty first MONARCH OF THE TURKS.

THE weak Understanding of Sultan Mustapha, and his inability for Rule, caused the Affairs of State, both at Home and Abroad, to move disorder­ly and irregular. Where Violence and Injustice pre­vail, there is so little distance between the most emi­nent Height of Grandure, and the lowest Abyss of Misery, that a Prince may in a moment step from one unto the other. The Janisaries and Military Officers commanded more now than the Civil, all things being guided by the Air and Fancy of the Souldiery, who placed and displaced with that wind of Favour and Displeasure, which is agreeable to the Humour of a Multitude, and the Licentiousness of Arms. For at the same time there were three Emperors, seven Great Viziers, two Captain-Pasha's, five Aga's of the Janisaries, three Treasurers, six Pasha's of Cai­ro; and in proportion, the Changes and Altera­tions were as many in all the Provinces of the Empire. All this Confusion evidently proceed­ing from the weak and almost sensless Under­standing of Mustapha; the Ministers and People concurred, as it were, in an universal Consent to dethrone him a second time, and exalt into his Place Sultan Morat Brother to Osman, who was murdered the Year before. The Principal Actors in this Contrivance, were Kiosem the Mother of Morat, and the Mufti. But in the execution hereof, three Difficulties occurred: The first was Chusaein Pasha the Great Vizier; who by reason of the Inabilities of Mustapha, being become absolute Lord and Soveraign of all, would be unwilling to assent unto that Proposi­tion, which might degrade him of his Dignity, and divest him of his Power. A second Obsta­stacle was the Fancy and Humour of the Soul­diery, who having with much Zeal and Passion exalted Mustapha to the Throne, it might be doubted, that in maintenance of the same Hu­mour, they would with equal obstinacy perse­vere in their Election. A third was the Poverty or low Ebb of the Exchequer, which at that time was in no capacity to supply that Dona­tive to the Souldiery, which was usual and cu­stomary at the Inauguration of every Sultan. To forward and hasten this Change, and ripen this Plot, the News of the Rebellion of Abassa did much contribute; who with a Body of fif­teen thousand Horse, roved over all the Plains of Kara-hisar, calling himself Avenger of Sul­tan Osman's Murder, and Enemy of the Jani­saries; by whose Mutiny and Conspiracy he was put to Death: in satisfaction for which, he not only killed all Janisaries which fell into his hands; but their Wives, Children, and those allied to them, he destroyed with implacable Malice and bloody Rage. Upon this Advice, the Janisaries at Constantinople being moved with equal Fury and desire of Revenge, applied themselves to their Aga, proposing a speedy Union with the Spahees, for suppressing this Rebellion before Time gave it greater growth, and made the Hu­mour more stubborn and difficult to be purged. At the same time also came Letters from Cicala Pasha, (who was dispatched into Asia with a strong Party, to give a stop to the farther Pro­gress and Advance of Abassa) advising that up­on his near approach to the Enemy, so general a Fear possessed his Souldiery, that most of them [Page 2]disbanded and forsook their Colours; and that at present he had no more than five hundred Ja­nisaries, and two hundred Spahees under his Command, which he found to be an unequal Match to contend with the increasing Power of Abassa. This Intelligence served happily the occasion of the Mufti, Vizier, and Aga, to give a turn to the desired Change, and supplied them with an Answer to the Janisaries, that they were ready to yield compliance unto their Address, but that the Incapacity of their Soveraign ob­structed their Proceedings, and that the Defect in the Principal Wheel disordered all the Mo­tions of good Government. At which Reply the Janisaries becoming more unquiet, assembled themselves in a tumultuous manner at the Mosch of Sultan Solyman; where making anAyack in Turkish signifies a Foot. Ayack Divan, (so called, because they sit not down, but stand on their Legs, to denote the present haste and urgency of their Affair) it was en­acted, by an unanimous consent of the Civil and Military Power, That young Morat, or Amurat, should be promoted to the Throne, and that Mustapha should be deposed: And because the Exchequer was at its lowest Ebb, and wholly exhausted by miscarriage of the Officers, the Souldiers were contented to dispense with their Donative; which they relinquished in conside­ration of the Publick Good, reserving still their Title and Claim thereunto at times of a more happy Inauguration. With this News the Vi­zier immediately mounted on Horse-back to sig­nify this Universal Decree to Mustapha; but he found him so stupid, as if he had been insensible of the Message; and his Mother wanting Power to resist this strong Convulsion, gave way to Ne­cessity, and seemed to embrace what she could not oppose.

Thus Mustapha falling from the Heaven of his Throne to the Abyss of his Prison, seemed to return unto his Centre; for being only by the Wild-fire of Fortune carried as far aloft, as the force of popular Powder could reach, he after­wards by the meer weight of his earthly Temper returned with the like quickness of Motion to the place from whence he ascended.

Hereupon Sultan Amurat, a Youth of about fourteen years of Age, was brought forth to the People, and placed in the Throne with all the Acclamations and Rejoycings of the People. And being taught by his Mother in a feigned man­ner to refuse acceptance of the Empire, he pre­tended that the Exchequer was exhausted, and that therefore he was not able to demonstrate the Affection and Esteem he had for them; and that since they had killed their former Sultans, he was fearful lest the tenderness of his Age should be­tray him to the like Violence: but the Souldiery having not the patience to hearken to his Excuses,Amurat installed. immediately carried him to the Divan, where ha­ving cloathed him in White, they seated him on a Safraw, erected with four Pillars, studded with precious Stones; the Covering of which was of Crimson-Velvet, richly embroidered with Gold and Oriental-Pearl. And being so seated, the Mufti with all reverence approached, and kissed his Hand; and then turning to the People, he de­manded of them, If they were contented with that Prince whom they now beheld in the Seat of the Ottoman Kings? To which they having gi­ven assent by their loud Acclamations; Morat, with a becoming gravity, encharged the Mufti to take care that Justice and the Law be executed, and so retired to his Lodgings with general satis­faction. The next morning he was carried by Water to the Mosch of Jub in the Suburbs of Constantinople, where according to the Solemnity of the Ottoman Empire, having performed hisWhich is a dispensing of Mutton to the Poor. Corban, or Sacrifice, and having his Cemiter grit to his Side by the Emirsheriff, he mounted on Horse-back, and with a magnificent Train en­tred by the Gate of Adrianople. In the mean time Mustapha, who was more worthy to bear a Fool's Cap than an Imperial Diadem, was con­ducted to Prison, and more narrowly guarded than formerly; howsoever no Man offered to take away his Life, the Persons of Fools and Idiots being sacred in esteem of the Turks, and the least Injury offered to them accounted Irreligious and Unlucky.

Morat was of a lively Countenance, full-fac'd, dark Hair, of a black and lively Eye, ruddy and sanguine Complexion, and in every degree of a promising and hopeful Aspect: but his exteriour appearance did not correspond with the internal Cruelty of his violent Spirit, having some simili­tude with the Swan, which hath white Feathers and black Flesh.

The Great Vizier who assisted at this Solemnity, was (as we have said) Chusaein Pasha, a Person of Self-interest, who had wasted and consumed the Treasury, and converted a great part there­of to his own Benefit; he was a Tyrant, hated of all Men, and supported himself by no other Art than bribing of the Souldiery: And to his other Crimes he added, that of having unjustly persecuted Halil Pasha, and deprived him of his Office, his Power not reaching to the taking a­way his Life; which being reserved for better Times, he was again recalled from his Retire­ment, and by special Command of the Sultan, was unwillingly restored to the Office of Vizier, being best pleased with a quiet and pacifick Life, to which his melancholy Temper had naturally disposed him. In the mean time Chusaein Pasha being terrified by the sensible touches of his own Conscience, took his flight by way of the Black Sea; and being out of the reach of Justice, a Fine was set of Five thousand Zechins, and of Lands to the Revenue of an hundred thousand Aspers a Year, to be given unto him who should bring his Head. Many of those who had sold him their Friendship and Favour, being affrigh­ted with this Sentence, voluntarily disgorged the Rewards they had received; and amongst the rest, the last Aga of the Janisaries, who had been his Kahya or Steward for the space of three months, restored 8 hundred thousand Dollars as an Atonement for his Sin, and a Ransom for pur­chasing his own Life and Office. At length, by force of the foregoing Reward, Chusaein Pasha was betrayed and taken alive; and being brought to Constantinople, was immediately strangled be­fore the Gate of the Divan.

Many were the Difficulties which this young Sultan was to encounter; the greatest of which was the Insolence of the Janisaries, who feeling themselves empty of Mony, began to repent of the prodigal and easy remission of their Dona­tive, and in a tumultuous manner to redemand it again. There was no Argument or Debate to be used against Men of the Sword, who hearkned to no other Reason than their own Wants, and to satisfy them, there was no other Remedy than Compliance; wherefore all Officers and Persons not employed in Military Affairs were forced to contribute towards a large Tax, and a shame­ful Demand was made for the Loan of Thirty thousand Zechins from the four Christian Am­bassadors resident at the Port, that they also as Friends might yield an assisting hand towards the present Urgency of Affairs: so little consi­deration [Page 3]and shame have Turks to lay open the Nakedness and distress of their Country even to Strangers and Enemies of it. And indeed such was the Insolence and uncontroulable Power of the Souldiery, that their Desires and Commands were Laws, and their Determinations Rules for their Sultan and his Subjects.

This Humour of Usurpation and unlimited Power, wearied all the Officers of the Empire, and inclined them secretly to approve the Cause of Abassa Pasha of Erzirum, who declared and stiled himself Enemy to the Janisaries; and of Bechir Pasha of Babylon, who was joined with him. The Vizier also finding his Power abrid­ged by the Arbitrary Will of the Souldiery, mo­ved slowly and coldly into Asia, where all the Force he could make, consisted of no more than fifty thousand new and unexperienced Men, such as were uncapable to contend with a more nume­rous Army of veterane Souldiers; to which al­so the Beglerbei of Anatolia joined himself, as did all other the chief Timar-Spahees, who con­spired together to confound and destroy the Pride and Government of the Janisaries. The Vizier also was of the same Party, and coldly at first answered the Request of the Janisaries, when they earnestly pressed him to lead them a­gainst Abassa their common and mortal Enemy: At length, being fortified with the Force of the Timar-Spahees, he told them plainly, That if they would go and fight, he would be a Specta­tor of the Success, but would not engage him­self in a Quarrel wherein the Blood of Mussel­men might be spilt on one side and the other: by which means the Rebels in Asia took Head, in­creased in Force, and every day rendred them in a more formidable and dangerous posture.

But this was not all the Trouble which ensu­ed; for the Tartars having refused that King whom the Grand Signior had appointed them to receive, declared for Mehmet his Brother: who was seconded by the Votes of the Generality, and maintained by the strongest Nerve of that Nation. The Vizier was unwilling to ingage in this Quarrel, alledging, That a Civil War was the worst of Evils, and that it was better to connive at a present Inconvenience, than in this distracted Time of Affairs, to pollute the Empire with the Blood of Tartars, who were their Brethren, and of the same Religion and Alliance with them. Howsoever the Divan was of ano­ther Opinion, and resolved to dispeed the Cap­tain-Pasha with a Force sufficient to re-instate Gherey (for so the Elder Brother was called) in the Government of that Kingdom. But yet the Instructions given, rather directed him to act with Dexterity than with Force, supposing that the Authority of the Turks abetted with the presence of a considerable Force, would create an inclination in the Tartars to Obedience, so soon as they discovered them to appear on their Coast. The Captain-Pasha being arrived atThe chief City of the Krim Tar­tar. Caffá, declared, That he was sent by the Grand Signior, not to exclude either one or other of the Pretenders, but only to be Witness of a free and fair Election; that so all Civil Discord ceasing, that Party might be chosen who was most pleasing to the generality of the Peo­ple. To which end two Standards were erect­ed, one forGherey the Name of the Family. Gherey the Elder Brother desired by the Turks, and the other for Mehmet beloved of the Tartars. The People in multitudes ran to the Standard of Mehmet, and but few to that of Gherey; which demonstrated at how mean a rate the Tartars esteemed the Protection and Fa­vour of the Port. The Captain-Pasha vexed hereat, denied to give his Assent to the Confirma­tion, on pretence, that he was first to demand the Grand Signior's Pleasure; but at length was perswaded by Gherey to land a Force of about eight thousand Men to own and maintain his Cause, on hopes, that rather than ingage against the Turks, the People would condescend to Terms in his Admission and Favour. The Tar­tars not being in the least dismayed hereat, ar­rayed themselves in a warlike Posture, and feign­ing Fear and Flight, allured the Turks to a pur­suit of them, until they had brought them to a place where thirty thousand Horse lay in ambush; which on a sudden arising and encompassing them round, had entirely destroyed them, had not Salil the Brother of Mehmet given a stop to the slaughter, on hopes, that such a testimony of Friendship would reconcile the Spirits of the Turks, at least might render his Brother's pre­ferment more tolerable and grateful to the Turks. In this conflict, Ibrahim and Chusaein who were Viziers of the Bench, the kahya and a Capigi­bashe of the Seraglio were slain, whose Bodies were afterwards transported to Constantinople, six hundred Janisaries and as many Sea-men were kil­led, and fifteen hundred Prisoners were taken, whose Liberty was procured at a mean Ransom, for the sake of that Faith and Religion which they jointly professed; they also took thirty Pieces of Cannon, and might also have become Masters of the whole Fleet consisting of thirty six Gallies, had they been desirous to have prose­cuted their Victory to the utmost advantage: and moreover in that conjuncture of Affairs, when a general consternation had overspread the principal parts of the Ottoman Dominions, when the Councils were feeble and faint, and that a languishing Pulse beat in all the Government, had the Tartar with an Army of fifty thousand Horse then ready to march, made up to the Walls of Adrianople, it might have proved such an opportunity for dividing and destroying this Empire, as hath not offered at any time since that Occasion. But the two Brothers, Mehmet and Salil, stiling their War forced and defensive, used that moderation in their Victory, which might not provoke a desire of Revenge in the Turks. The Captain-Pasha being thus permit­ted to depart from Caffa with his Fleet, sailed to Varna, a Port in the Black Sea, about two hundred miles distant from Constantinople; where the News of this Defeat being arrived, put all the City into confusion, and raised the Viziers at midnight to consult of those Remedies and Ex­pedients which were agreeable to the present e­mergency of Affairs. The Great Vizier Ali was of opinion, that the Grand Signor ought to condescend to Terms of Accommodation, tho to the disadvantage and disreputation of his Power; and that accordingly a Letter should be wrote to Mehmet the Tartar, beginning with the usual Complements of Friendship and Saluta­tion; and afterwards declaring, That it was ne­ver the intention of the Port to ingage in a War against him, the late conflict having only pro­ceeded from a mistake and misinterpretation of Orders; and that there was no other design, than to compose the Civil Differences amongst themselves, by advancing that Prince to the Kingly Dignity who was most pleasing and grateful to the People. This Advice was appro­ved by the rest of the Council, and a Messenger dispatched with the Letter, accompanied with a Cemiter and Vest of Sables, which are the Sig­nals of the Sultan's Favour. In the mean time the People murmured at the pusillanimity of the [Page 4]Government, saying, That they had sent an Ambassador to thank the Tartar for not seizing their whole Fleet, and acknowledg their Obliga­tion to him for the Blows and Wounds he had gi­ven their Army. The Tartars also gloried in this submission, and took the boldness to vaunt of their Linage and Descent to be more Ancient and Noble than that of the Ottoman Family; and that in this time of decay and degenerate proce­dure of that Monarchy, it appertained to the Greatness of the Tartars to stir up the Fire and snuff the Lamp, that the Splendor of that Em­pire might become more bright and shining than in former Ages. And so little respect did they now maintain for the Port, that they surprised two Ambassadors sent from the Moscovite in their way to Constantinople, robbed and killed them, as also the Turkish Chiaus that was with them, lest his Testimony should be brought in for an evi­dence against them.

During these Troubles, the Cossacks taking advantage of the Captain-Pasha's absence in Tartary, entered the Bosphorus with about an hun­and fitty Sail of Saicks and Boats;The form of the Cossacks Boats. these Boats and Vessels which the Cossacks use, are built long and light, with ten Oars of a side, and two Men to an Oar; the Head and Stern are not unlike, so that they hang the Rudder sometimes at one end, and sometimes at the other, being not ob­liged to turn their Vessel, but without loss of time to proceed with that end which happens to be foremost. Each Boat carries fifty select Men armed with Fire-arms and Cemiter, in the ma­nagement of which they are very expert; and are a People sober, enduring Labour and hard Diet; and so speedy in their Incursions, that they forestal the Advices, and commonly strike be­fore they threaten. With these Boats and Peo­ple (as we have said) they entred the Bosphorus, where they burnt several Villages and Houses of Pleasure; on the Grecian side they burnt Boyuc­deri and Yenichioi, on the Asian side Stenia. The appearance of this Enemy so near the Imperial City, caused a general Consternation, not un­like that at London, when the Dutch entred the River of Chatham. To oppose this Force, there was not one Gally in readiness, so that Saicks, Chimbers, and small Boats were armed, to the number of four or five hundred, and man'd with such people as the present haste and expediti­on offered; the great Chain was then brought forth to cross the BOsphorus, which the Grecian Emperors used at the Seige of Constantinople: and Ten thousand Men were issued from the City to defend the Shoar from depredation and far­ther mischief. The Turkish Fleet faced the Cos­sacks to give them a stop, whilst they hovered about the middle of the Chanel in form of a Half-Moon, and so continued the whole day until Sun-set; when with the night they returned into the Sea, carrying with them, besides their Booty, Glory sufficient to have entred the Chanel, and without blows or opposition, to have braved the Capital Seat of the Ottoman Monarchy, and the most formidable City of the whole Word. Not many days after they returned again with a grea­ter Force than before, which put the City into the like consternation; and having hovered a­bout three or four days at the Mouth of the Black Sea, they burnt the Pharos or Lantern with certain Villages thereabouts, and being laden with Spoils and Glory, they again returned into their own Country. Thus we may observe, how bold Enemies are made with the weakness of a State: a Horse is soon sensible of his Rider, when backed by a faint Hand, and an unaccustomed Lightness, but a stiff Rein and a close Knee makes him obedient to his Ruler. All people having discovered the imbecillity of the Government, made head against it: and the young Sultan had those for his Enemies in the time of his Nonage, which in his strong and fiercer years became the most submissive and Fawning Slaves in the World.

And though at this time the Turkish Ministers were corrupt and rebellious, and the Souldiery mutinous; yet Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transylva­nia, Bethlem Gabor de­sires assi­stance against the Emperor. a Christian, was observant to the Port, de­manding Licence to wage War against the Em­peror, which was easily granted, and upon paiment of the usual Tribute of Ten thousand Hungars, the Ambassador, with thirteen of his Followers, received Coftans or Vests of Honour, and a promise of Succour and Protection, as the Condition of his Affairs should require. Thus we see, that whilst the Turks themselves endea­voured to rent in pieces their own Monarchy, to which one would have thought, that the Chri­stians had most reason to contribute; yet such was the unhappy Fate of Christendom, that Ga­bor was the only Person at that time to court the Turks; and that for no other Reason, than that he might be supported and abetted in a War a­gainst the Emperor and other Christian Princes of Germany.

The Army of Bethlem Gabor consisted of above Thirty thousand Men, with which he marched over all Hungary, having taken most Towns of consideration, unless Presburg, alias Possonium, Rab, and Komorra. But if we penetrate into the depth and foundation of this War, we shall find that it had a deeper Interest than that of Gabor, and had its Original from the Discord and Civil War of Germany. For the House of Austria be­ing at that time in a condition to render it self formidable, and in a posture to create a jealousy in all the Princes subjected to it, did under co­lour of subduing the Palatine of the Rhyne, op­press also the Liberty of the Empire, and of the several States which composed it. For after the Emperor, against the Constitutions of the Gol­den Seal, and the Sense of the Electoral Colledg, had divested the Palatine and his Children of their Estates and Dignity, not so much by Force of Arms, as by Deceit and Breach of Promise; instead of disbanding the Army, which was to have been performed according to Agreement, new Troops were added; and though the Pro­testant League was dissolved, yet the Catholick Combination, with all its Adherents, remained armed and immoveable to compel the Protestants to a restitution of the Ecclesiastical Revenue, notwithstanding the Articles of Peace to the con­trary: so that the Princes and Towns of the Lower Saxony entring into a new League, raised an Army under the Command of Christian of Brunswick Bishop of Alberstadt. Bethlem Gabor having his Interest adjoyned to this Party, enter­tained the same Desires and Intentions, to sup­press the Greatness of the Emperor; and ha­ving the just complaint to alledge of wanting his annual Pension of Fifty thousand Crowns, as was agreed by the Treaty of Niclasbourg, he re­solved to force it by Arms, and take part with the Princes of the Protestant Religion which he professed: but because his Srength and Power was not sufficient, without the assistance of the Turks, he not only obtained their permission and approbation of this War, as we have said be­fore, but by paiment of Fifty thousand Dollars presented to the first Vizier, and of Forty thou­sand by way of annual Tribute, he procured an [Page 5]Auxiliary Force of Fifty thousand Turks and Tar­tars; with part of which, commanded by Budi­ani, he made an Irruption into the Lower Au­stria; and with the other, Bethlem himself, a­bout the beginning of October, entred into Mora­via, defeated the Regiment of Tiffenbach, re­took the Town of Turnova, and routed the Count of Montenegro General for his Imperial Majesty before the Town of Ghoding on the Fron­tier of Moravia, which he afterwards beleagu­red and held besieged until the 20th of Novem­ber, when Stanislaus Turzow a Hungarian Palatine became Mediator of the Peace, and at length obtained a Truce: the principal Articles of which were as followeth.

• 1. That on both parts Arms be laid down for ten months, and all Acts of Hostility cease; that on neither side any attempt should be made ei­ther by force or fraud to take any Castles, Forts, Cities, or places of Defence during this time; and that both Germans, Hungarians, and Turks should be alike comprehended.
• 2. That if the Emperor were desirous to treat and conclude a final Peace with the Grand Signi­or, he should use Bethlem Gabor as Mediator, and do nothing therein without his privity.
• 3. That all Places and Forts taken by the Prince of Transylvania in his late Expedition, and that all Cities and Castles now in possession of either, should so remain without any alteration.
• 4. That all Passages should be open for free Trade of Merchants, and all other the Subjects and Friends of either side.

A Truce being thus concluded, the Turks in their return made great havock, carrying with them great numbers of poor Christians into Sla­very, which Gabor out of compassion seemed wil­ling to redeem with a low price at his own charge; which the Turks refusing, carried those miserable Wretches into Captivity. The Count Esterhasi Governour of Newhausel for the Empe­ror, being highly incensed at this treacherous Action, contrary to the Truce so lately conclu­ded, having drawn out a sufficient Force from the neighbouring Garisons, fell on the Rear of the Turks in their March towards Buda, and charged them so home on the Banks of the River Niter, that he killed five hundred of them on the place, took all their Baggage, with divers Prisoners, and gave liberty to many Christian Slaves. The next day but one after he charged another Party of them, as they attempted to pass a Bridg, which the night before he had caused to be bro­ken down; of which having killed a great num­ber, the rest saved themselves by swimming: howsoever many Christians procured their liberty thereby, and a considerable Booty was made of Horses, Camels, Waggons, and all Provisions. The other Troops consisting of greater numbers, were worse treated than the former; for Ester­hasi having received a Recruit of Horse from Reiffemberg Governor of Komorra, and Breuner of Jarvarin or Rab, he proceeded boldly to meet the Turks, and joyning Battel with them, he slew twelve hundred on the place, gave liberty to fourteen hundred Christians, took divers of their principal Commanders, with all their Bag and Baggage, besides a considerable quantity of Gold and Silver, in Plate and Mony. Nor were Reif­femberg and Breuner less successful over those who passed through their Quarters to joyn with the Garisons of Alba Regalis and Canisia, having killed seven hundred of them, and taken all their Baggage. Moreover Count Serini in his Jouney towards Vienna, defeated six hundred of them, and presented their Colours to the Empe­rour: and Esterhasi in like manner after his se­veral Exploits, offered thirty Cornets at his Feet, with six Prisoners of Quality, one o f which was Kins man of Bethlem Gabor.

These Rebuffs cooled the courage of the Turks a little, and altered the resolution of the Council for carrying forward the War on the side of Ger­many, as was intended, had the Success answered expectation: For these Misfortunes abroad, and intestine Troubles at home, with Pestilence and Famine, which at the same time greatly afflicted the parts of Constatinople (whereby an hundred thousand People died) abated the Mettle of the Turks, and caused them to take new Measures in all their Determinations: and for that reason Ambassadors were sent both to Vienna and into Poland to renew the Articles of Peace, and so to confirm the League, that whilst the Sultan was imployed in his Wars with Persia and the Eastern Countries, nothing should intervene from the Western Parts to trouble or obstruct his Pro­gress, or recal him from his Enterprise. For now the Rebellion of Abassa, joined with Bechir Pasha of Bagdat, growing daily more considera­ble, and his strength increasing to that conditi­on, that he was able to keep the Field in de­spight of the Grand Signiors Forces, he adven­tured to quarter within five days March of Con­stantinople: and at the same time Letters coming from Hafish Pasha General of the Army in the Province of Bagdat, that the King of Persia was entred into the Dominions of the Turk with a powerful Army, a general Consternation seized the whole Turkish Court, the wisest and stoutest having occasion to call up for all their Wisdom and Courage to assist at a Time when the Go­vernment was assailed on all sides, both at home and abroad. Various were the Counsels and Proposals in what manner to proceed in Times of such emergency. First it was resolved to pro­claim a War both against the King of Persia, and the Rebels in Asia, and that whosoever took of the Grand Signior Pay, from one Asper a day to higher value, should be in readiness to serve in the War, upon penalty of losing his Estate, of being accounted a Rebel, and his Wife and Chil­dren sold for Slaves. But the more sober and moderate sort judged it policy to take off A­bassa, by sending him a general Pardon, with a concession of all his Demands, upon condition, that he should turn his Arms upon the King of Persia, who was the common Enemy of their Country and Religion: but the Janisaries would by no means assent to this Agreement, with a Person to whom they bore a more inveterate ha­tred, than to the Persian himself, as he did also to the Janisaries. For that he might better justi­fie his pretence of Revenge, he declared, That being one day in a Mosch at his Prayers, the murdered Osman appeared to him, and taking him by the hand, said, My faithful Mussulman, since thou art the most generous of all my Slaves, I command thee to revenge my Death, with the Blood of sixty thousand Janisaries and Spahees; good Forture shall accompany thy Arms, and Victory shall crown thy Labours. During these Intrigues and Difficulties of Reconciliation, A­bassa, spoiled the Lesser Asia, and the Persian King conquered the City and Province of Bagdan, or Babylon, took Kur Asan Pasha, an old Souldier, Prisoner, possessed himself of Mosul and Leska on the Persian Sea; and meeting no considerable op­position, he divided his Army into four parts. The first was dispatched into Mesopotamia, com­manded by the King himself. The second made Incursions into Palestine. The third infested the [Page 6]Coast of the Black Sea: and the fourth marched towards Mecha, with hope and design of sharing all the parts of the Eastern Empire.

Ali Pasha, who opposed the King in Mesopota­mia, was slain, and his Army wholly defeated, so that the Province became a Prey to the Ene­my: the success in Palestine was equally fortunate by the revolt of Damascus, a place of great Riches and Importance; the Coast of the Black Sea was greviously infested, and a Port taken near to Trapezond; and little opposition being made at Balsora, the Town was taken by that Army in their March towards Mecha and the parts of the Red Sea, where they rendered themselves Masters of Medina, the City of their Prophet Ma­homet.

To repair these losses, and to encounter num­bers so strong and valiant in all parts, the Vizier was dispeeded with a powerful FOrce to the Town of Bagdat; but by reason of Mutinies and Tumults amongst the Souldiery, Matters found not the success expected: and the Garison mak­ing valiant and vigorous Sallies against the im­becility of the Turkish Souldiery, which were al­ways most obstinate and stout to oppose their own Commanders, obtained an advantage in e­very Attempt; by which discouragement many forsaking their Colours,The Siege raised at Bagdat, & the Turks o­verthrown. the Siege was raised with dishonour, and the Interest of the Turk impai­red, and almost irreparably lost in those Provin­ces. This News arrived at Constantinople, that the Camp was risen and fled by Night, that they were forced to burn their Tents and Provisions, and to break their great Artillery and cast them into the Euphrates: that the Miseries in the Ar­my had been such by Famine and Pestilence, and want of all Provisions and Ammunition, that the like was never known: that the Vizier had be­headed three of his Pasha's, that so he might cast the whole blame upon them; and that now re­treating with his Army into the Turkish Domini­ons, the Persians pursued them in the Rear, and for ten days did execution on them making the best use they could of their Victory; which Re­lation filled the Hearts of all People with sad­ness, and disordered the Counsels with confusi­on. The Cause of which will Success, according to custom, being imputed to the General, he was deprived of his Office, and sacrificed to the Fury of the Janisaries.

These Troubles were increased at Constantino­ple, by the Addresses which the Prince of Tran­sylvania made unto the Port by his Kapi-Kahya or Agent, representing to the Grand Signior, That he wanting Heirs Male to succeed him in his Principality; the States at a Diet had, with common consent, elected his Lady for his Suc­cessor; and therefore desired confirmation from the Port. In excuse of her Sex, he alledged the urgent Necessity of the present Times, which perswaded rather to admit of the Government of a Woman, than that his Principality should, for want of an Heir, fall into the Hands of the powerful Family of Austria. To make good this Demand, Duke John of Weymar, and Count Mansfelt, Duke of Weymar and Count Mansfelt join with the Prince of Transyl­vania. arrived in Silistria, to whom the Prince of Transylvania joined his Troops: and Morteza Pasha of Buda wrote to the Port, that he was marching towards Vatz to meet the Prince, and confer with him concerning these Designs. The Emperor's Resident at Constantinople greatly ex­claimed against these Proceedings; which some­thing troubled the Counsels of the Turks, who in that Conjuncture were unwilling to give be­ginnings to a new War; so that besides fair Words, they promised to write such Letters to the Pasha of Buda, as should give a stop to the Investiture of the Princes. But, to say truly, the Instructions given were in such ambiguous terms, that they in effect left the whole Matter to the Discretion of Morteza to act, as he judg­ed most agreeable to the State of Affairs on the Frontiers, and security of the present Peace.

Thus did the Turkish Court seek to ward off the blow of a War with Germany, and yet se­cretly nourished and encouraged it, by giving Orders to the Pasha of Buda to take up his Win­ter-quarters with the Prince of Transylvania, and to follow his Directions; but yet so to go­vern Matters with Caution, as not to engage too far on uncertain Grounds or doubtful Hazard, but to embrace Propositions of Peace, if offered with Honour and Security. In prosecution of these Rules, Morteza observing, that Weymar and Mansfelt having united their Forces with Gabor, had formed a considerable Army, and were able to fight with Wallestein General of the Imperialists; joined also his Forces to theirs, judging it a prudent and politick Design to wage a War at the Blood and Expence of others. With these Encouragements, and with the fa­vour of a good Opportunity,The Empe­ror's Army defeated. the Confederates fell upon the Army of Wallestein near the River Gran; who not being able to withstand their Force and Fury, was put to flight, and pursued in the Rear with great slaughter; and endea­vouring to pass the River on two Bridges of Boats, were closely followed by the Prince's For­ces, who gaining the Pass, put the whole Army into great amazement, and resolved to pursue them to the Gates of Presburg, or Vienna.

Notwithstanding this Success, the Prince of Transylvania observing the backwardness of his Allies to contribute the Succours of Men and Mo­ny which they had promised; and fearing that the unfortunate Estate of the Turkish Affairs should cause the Sultan to disown the War, dispeeded a Messenger to the Emperor in the Winter-season, to excuse the Constraint upon him of taking up Arms, and to offer Terms of Accommodation and Peace. But the Emperor refused all Treaties, until such time as Gabor had separated himself from his Allies, and from asso­ciation with the Turk: Upon which Answer, Gabor retired to Cassovia, and Morteza to Pesth. This Compliance gave beginning to a Treaty at Komara, where the Commissioners on part of the Emperor, of the Grand Signior, and Prince of Transylvania, assembled. All Parties seemed inclinable to War, and yet with occult Intenti­ons to make Peace, being necessitated thereunto by the urgency of their distinct Interests. The Emperor was urged by his Wars with the Pro­testants of Germany, and apprehension of Forces from England in favour of the Elector Palatine, then King of Bohemia. The Grand Signior was encumbred by the unfortunate condition of his Wars in Asia: And Bethlem Gabor, jealous of being disowned by the Port, deserted by his Al­lies, and exposed to fight and contend singly with the Emperor. In short, Gabor concluded a Peace with the Emperor apart,Peace con­cluded be­tween the Emperor and Gabor. which gave some Jealousies and displeasure to the Grand Signior: Howsoever he dissembled his Discontent, and willingly interessed Gabor with Morteza as Com­missioner for him; who being variously dispo­sed, yet moved with the considerations of their common Advantage, work'd all Differences into a Composition of Peace; the Articles of which being brought to Constantinople by an Internuncio from the Emperor, and delivered in presence of the two Ambassadors of Gabor, they were [Page 7]accepted by the Chimacam, and ratified by the Grand Signior.

Articles of Peace concluded between the Emperor of Germany Ferdinand the Second, and Bethlem Gabor, in the Month of December 1626.

These Articles being thus agreed, and sig­ned, and approved by the Sultan, in the Month of September following 1627, the Articles between the Emperor and the Grand Signior were also agreed at Komara; the which are as follow, tran­slated out of the Turkish, word for word.

By these Articles we may observe, that both Parties were desirous of a present Peace, rather than one which was durable; for things are so slubber'd over to serve the present Occasion, that they leave all Disputes undecided, till Time should happen more proper to interpret them with the Sword, than with the Pen: like Sores ob­ducted by an unskilful Chirurgion, which feste­ring within, must be again opened before they are cured: howsoever they served the turn of Gabor, whose Interest it was to maintain an ill Correspondence between the two Emperors.

Peace being thus concluded between Ferdinand the Second and Sultan Morat, gave some reputa­tion to the Affairs of the Turks: so that not­withstanding the late success of the Persian in their War, by raising the Siege of Bagdat, and overthrow of the Turkish Army; yet that King finding himself now engaged alone, and singly to contend with the Ottoman Power, feared the Puissance of that Empire, lest being roused and heated with the sensible Pinches of the late Dis­grace, they should call up and invigorate all their Forces to a Revenge, which might at length tend to a ruin and destruction of Persia, unless For­tune, which attended the first auspicious begin­nings with Success, did also continue constant, and still accompany their Arms, which could hardly be expected.

Wherefore on these Considerations becoming more faint in prosecution of the War, the Per­sian dispatched an Ambassador to Constantinople, furnished with various Proposals and Projects for a Peace; but still Mattters driving so as to reserve the City and Province of Bagdat, or Babylon, in the hands of the Persian, the Treaty became in­effectual, in regard the Vizier (who was then called Halil Pasha) judged it a high and an irre­coverable disreputation to the Empire, to be dis­membred of so principal a part of it. Where­fore the Ambassador being dispatched away with some neglect, the Turks armed with that dili­gence and heat, that they entred Persia with an Army of an hundred and fifty thousand Men; with which appearance the people being dismay­ed, suffered Tauris to be taken without much op­position. From hence marching to Bagdat, they [Page 9]found the City well provided and defended with a numerous Garison, from whence many Sallies were made with variety of Fortune, till at length the Turkish Souldiers being wearied and tired with incessant labour and watchings, many of them fled from their Colours: and with such di­minutions, the Army being much abated in its Numbers, the Vizier withdrew them from the Persian Dominions.Another Ex­pedition in­to Persia.

Some Months after the Turkish Army being reinforced, the Vizier entring again into Persia, overthrew the Trucmen who opposed him in his March, and destroyed the Gregorians, who were Friends to the Persian, with a very great slaugh­ter; took Moroc their General, and cut off his Head: And adding to these Victories, the re­port of having taken some few inconsiderable Towns, his Expedition ended without other Ad­vantages, or Progress of their Arms. This ill Success much troubled the Councils at Constanti­nople; for they considered that they had now waged an expensive, laborious War, for the space of three Years, without any Effect agree­able to the Blood and Charge which maintained it, but rather to the Loss and Damage of the Empire. The Souldiers abhorred the length and tediousness of the Way, and the misery of the March, being to pass over vast Countries and Desarts, where there was nothing besides Rocks, Sands, and Barrenness. Many Horses, Camels, and other Beasts of Burden, perished for want of Nourishment; and where Provisi­ons were to be had, the Price was so excessive, that the Timariots and other Souldiers had not a Purse to defray their Charges. The Enemy likewise was very strong, for the Sofi was at the Head of forty thousand brave Horse, which dai­ly infested the Ottoman Camp, beat their Con­voys, and cut off their Provisions, and so ob­structed them that they could not advance.

The Vizier Halil, Proposition made by the Persian for a Peace. then General, being dis­couraged by these Disasters, was inclinable to accept of the Proposition made by the Persian, viz. That Babylon should remain to his eldest Son in Fee, and to his Heirs and Successors, acknow­ledging to the Grand Signior a Tribute as great as the yearly Revenue which proceeded from it, at the time when it was in the Hands of the Sul­tan. But this middle Way seemed an Expedi­ent dishonourable to the Greatness of this Em­pire, and that which argued pusillanimity and want of courage in the Government, and there­fore was rejected by the Council of State, as well as by the Military Men. Howsoever the Persians taking their Measures by the disposition they discovered in the Vizier thereunto, adventured to dispatch an Ambassador to Constantinople with tender of the same Project; but as he was cold­ly and faintly received, so he was in a few days dispatched with few words, and little respect, as if he had been sent as a Spy to discover the State and Condition of the City,Rejected by the Turk. and the Incli­nation of the Prince, rather than to obtain any Benefit by the Treaty. For now Amurat grow­ing into Years, increased in Spirit, and disco­vered a Martial Courage; he began to leave his Delights, and Walks in Gardens, and the society with his Mother and Women, and to assume thoughts of War and Government: such as en­tertained him in softness and luxurious Pastimes, were reproved by the Ministers about him, and by them perswaded to buckle on his Armour, and to delight in Martial Exercises: So that now new Measures were taken in all Affairs: And in the first place, Halil the Great Vizier was recal­led from being General in Persia, and the Pasha of Darbiquier put into his Place; and though he was Brother-in-Law to the Grand Signior, yet being esteemed at Court as a Person who had amassed great Riches in his Employment, he was forced to disgorge five hundred thousand Crowns as an ease of his Burden, and an Atonement to pacify the Sultan for the Fault of his Misfortunes and ill Success.

In these Times of Licentiousness and Revolt, the Pirats of Algier and Tunis, began also to cast off their Respect and Reverence to the Ottoman Empire;The Pirats of Tunis and Algier trouble the Seas. for being become Rich by the Prizes they had taken on Christian Vessels, they resol­ved to set up for themselves, and to esteem the Peace which Christian Princes had made with the Grand Signior, not to concern them; but as if their Governments had been independent, de­manded a particular Treaty, and distinct Arti­cles with themselves: So that now daring to do any thing, six Vessels of Tunis chased some Chri­stian Ships into Rhodes, and there attaqued them, notwithstanding that the Castle shot at them. They afterwards took a Dutch Ship, which had laden at Alexandria: and entring the Port of Salines in Cyprus, they engaged with two Vene­tians; the lesser Ship made a good resistance, but having no help, she was thrice fired, and at last burnt: the other being a Ship of eight hundred Tuns, was cowardly set on fire by the Mariners, and abandoned, escaping ashore with their Boats. Then they sailed for Scanderone, where finding a Dutch Ship and a Polaca, they took both, and then landed. The Aga of the Scale, with all the Inhabitants, fled; so that finding no opposition, they ransacked and robbed all the Ware-houses, and afterwards set them on fire: The greatest Loss fell upon the English and Dutch, the first lost about ten thousand Dollars, and the latter about thirty thousand.

Of these Losses, and breach of Peace, the Christian Ambassadors much lamented; and complained, that if some Remedy were not ap­plied thereto, all Trade must be given over, no Security being to be expected in the Articles and Faith of the Grand Signior: To which, though the Vizier and Great Men did seem to yield a fa­vourable Ear, and promise Redress: Yet being corrupted with some share of the Spoils, and sweetned with part of the Robbery, they began to reject the Memorials of the Ambassadors, and to allow the Pleas of the Pirats, as grounded on some solid Foundation of Reason and Religion: suffering them to publish Discourses, that the Turks were obliged to maintain a perpetual War with the Christians, as Enemies to their Law and Alchoran; and though Policy may suggest some Conveniencies by Peace with them, yet those Considerations are Matters of Sin rather than of Reason.

To make all this good, the Divan of Tunis sent two Deputies to remonstrate the great Benefit and Advantage the Port received by the Depre­dations and hostile Acts which they committed on the Christians: And to inculcate this Argu­ment the better, they declared, That they had lately taken two Gallies of Malta, out of the Spoils of which, they presented unto the Sultan two Stirrups of Gold, with divers Slaves; two of which were Cavaliers, one of the Roman, and the other of the French Nation: those which were Youths, and comely in shape and feature, were entred into the Service of the Seraglio; and the more strong and robustous, were com­mitted to the Service of the Gallies; so that the Turks were inwardly pleased with these Piracies, howsoever gave good words to the Christian [Page 10]Ambassadors, promised much, and effected no­thing.

At that time Trade flourished greatly in those Parts, and had done much more, had it not been interrupted by the Piracies of Barbary; and the Trade was especially so great with Venice, that a Turkish Merchant called Rodul Aga, whose whole Negotiation and Dealing was for that place, died worth a Million of Soltanees; of which, for want of Children, the Grand Signior became the sole Heir.

But one Accident happened about this Time on the Seas, worthy to be recounted: The Seas (as we have said) swarming then with Pirats, the General of Candia, with three Gallies, coast­ing on the Seas for defence and protection of Merchant-Ships, arrived in the Port of Andro; from whence espying a Gally plying close under the Shore, and believing her to be a Corsaire, or Pirat, made up to her; and because it was a about the glimpse of the Evening, so that she could not be well known or distinguished, the General rashly charged her; and meeting a stout resistance, many were killed before it was known that the Gally belonged to the Archipelago, A Fight at Sea by mi­stake. com­manded by Dervis Bei, one of the Grand Sig­nior's Captains: but so soon as the Mistake was discovered, the Candiot General demanded of the Turk a thousand Excuses, returned him his Gally and Slaves again, and whatsoever was ta­ken from him, bestowing with them an infinity of Complements, supposing that thereby the Spirit of the Turk being somewhat appeased and mollified, he would represent this Encounter with the more favourable Terms and Advantage at the Port. Notwithstanding which Offices of Kindness, Dervis Bei, without farther loss of time passed up to Constantinople, bringing his Gally in without Lantern, shot thorough, ill treated, and shattered, feigning himself also to be wounded; related, that he had lost forty four Levents, and seventy seven Slaves which were killed; and that all the Haratch or Tribute-Mony, which was collected for the Grand Signi­or's Service from the several Islands, was rob­bed and embezled by these Candiots. His Com­plaints were aggravated by many Circumstan­ces, and being assisted with the Clamours of other Beys or Captains of Gallies; the Noise and Dispute was exceeding high in the Divan, urg­ing, that the Venetians were obliged to make good a Loss, which they had caused rather out of Malice than Mistake.

At that time Georgio Giustiniano resided at Con­stantinople for the most Serene Republick; who to oppose the high Clamours of these Complai­nants, shewed Courage, and accompanied his Answers with Prudence and Resolution, which are often very convincing in the Turkish Court. They alledged, that the Peace was broken. He answered, That it would not be the first time; and that they ought not to yield entire Credit to the Relation of Persons passionate and partial in their own Cause: that such Accidents as these, were as ordinary and common in the World as Cold and Heat, as fair and foul Weather; and that so soon as the Error was discovered, and the Gally known not to belong to Barbary, but to the Grand Signior, it was punctually and en­tirely, restored, with all the Excuses imagina­ble.

In short, this Business which had so bad an Aspect at the first, by the dexterity of this Mi­nister, and giving something to Dervis Bei, where­by to stop his Mouth, the Complaint ceased, and all farther Proceedings were superseded.

The Wars in Persia being unsuccessful, it was proposed in Council, that a Peace should be made, if possible, with Abassa Pasha; that his Demands,Proposals of Accommo­dation with Abassa. whatsoever they were, should be granted, and promises given him of Honours and Preferment: But the inveterate Enmity and Hate which the Janisaries bore him, and the difficulty there was to perswade Abassa, that the Overtures made him were free and candid, and not mixed with Treachery and Design, were Obstructions not to be obviated or overcome. Wherefore Abassa keeping mutual Intelligence with the Persians, and receiving assistance and succours from them, was become very formidable and strong, and the Town of Erzirum well fortified with Works and a numerous Garrison. Howsoever the Jani­saries, his mortal Enemies, pressing the Vizier to proceed against him, at length obliged him to besiege the Place; which having done, and closely begirt it,Erzirum besieged. the most forward and brave a­mongst the Janisaries, were the first to scale the Walls, but were repulsed by the valour of stout and resolute Souldiers; for they knowing that there was no other safety but in their Arms, and no other Mercy than an ignominious Death, be­ing the just Reward of their Rebellion, refused to give or receive Quarter: Wherefore they made frequent Sallies on the Enemy, and as ma­ny Janisaries of them as they took Prisoners, they immediately hanged about the Walls, as a spectacle of Horror to their Associates. This Resolution and Cruelty, deterred the Turks from their frequent Assaults and Storms made upon the Town; and the many Batteries and Fortifi­cations, rendred the Place almost impregnable; so that there seemed no other hopes to remain, but to overcome them by a long Siege and Fa­mine: But Abassa had so well provided against this Danger, with such plenty of Provisions, that the Turkish Army began to be more strait­ned for want of Sustenance than the Besieged: so that becoming weary and discouraged amidst so many Difficulties, they raised the Siege with such disorder and haste,The Siege raised. that they left several Pieces of Cannon behind them; and retiring with some confusion, were charged in the Rear, so that many Janisaries fell a Sacrifice to the hate and revenge of the Enemy.

The News of this Success coming to Constan­tinople, was ill received; but the Disaster there­of, according to the usual Custom, was attribu­ted to the Vizier who was General; for which Cause he was deprived of his Office, and the Se­lictar Aga (who carries the Sword before the Grand Signior) was put into his place, a Per­son of a fierce, bloody, and cruel Disposi­tion.

To these,New Trou­bles from Tattary. new troubles were added out of Tartary. For Mahomet the King of that Coun­try, exalted to the Princely Dignity (as we have already declared) by the Favour and Election of that People, though contrary to the sense and pleasure of the Port, was now fallen from the good esteem which they conceived for him, be­cause he gave some hindrance to their usual In­cursions on the Polonians and Cossacks, out of memory and gratitude to the assistance they had contributed towards his Election; for which rea­son being, as it were, famished for want of their usual Depredations, they refused to obey his Commands; and then openly threw off their Obedience to him as their Prince. The Turks, who always envied this Dignity to Mahomet, rejoiced to see this Discord between him and his People, and therefore thought it time to make use of this occasion to re-instate Gherey the elder [Page 11]Brother into the possession of his Kingdom; whom the Turks, for his better security, having placed at Rhodes, the usual Retirement of the Tartarian Princes, dispatched a Squadron of Gallies to fetch him from thence to Constantinople; where being arrived, he was received with a magnificent and Princely Entertainment by the Sultan: that so the Fame thereof forerunning his arrival in Tartary, the people might be better prepared to concur with the Port in their ac­ceptance of him for their King. He was after­wards conducted to Caffa, the Grand Signior's Town in Tartary, with a strong Fleet of fifty Gallies, where at his first landing he was received by Cant-Emir, a rich and powerful Tartar, and Chief of the Turkish Faction, and by many o­thers with great honour and solemnity, with whom also a considerable Party most willingly en­gaged. But the Cossacks of Poland and Circas­sians, Friends to Mahomet the Brother, joyning their Troops to his Forces, became too Strong for the Turks; for giving them Battel near the Inclosures of the Danube, at a place called Ban­det, they defeated them, and killed three or four thousand of their Men, putting all to Fire and Sword round about; and entring on the Seas with their Fleet of Boats, took five of the Tur­kish Gallies: with which ill Success, the Tar­tars, which took part with Cant-Emir, being discouraged, abandoned their Colours and fled; so that Cant-Emir was forced to take Sanctu­ary in Caffa, which being a Town belonging to the Grand Signior, it was hoped, that the re­verence they owed to that Name, would cause them to refrain all Violence thereunto. But the Tartars, provoked by this late effusion of Blood, lost all respect to that Government; so that be­sieging the Town, they assaulted and took it, and therein the Son of Cant-Emir whom they cut in pieces, the Father escaping in a disguise from the City.

The News hereof arriving at Constantinople was greatly displeasing, and caused many serious Debates and Consultations thereupon; the wisest and most sober of the Council was for dissem­bling the Matter, and with their usual dexterity to suffer what they could not remedy: for that it was by no means advisable in the present con­juncture of Affairs, to proceed unto an open Rupture with the Tartars, fearing lest the Chri­stians, Persians, and other Enemies should make a benefit of this Occasion, and joyning with a Nation so strong in Horse, should dangerously press upon the Empire, and force them to the ultimate extremity of Affairs. Wherefore an Envoy Extraordinary was sent to the Tartars, who covering the inward sentiments of Regret and Anger, which the Sultan conceived for the late Disgrace, seemed to wonder at the Cause and Reason of the last Engagement, as if it had been acted without the knowledg or order of the Grand Signior; and thus with gentle Terms in­sinuating, that the Surrender of Caffa would be very acceptable to the Port, and that which would atone for all miscarriages, and be such an offering of Pacification, as would reconcile all past Differences, and restore a perfect Correspon­dence between the Sultan and them: the Tartars readily assented to the Demand, upon condition, that the Turks should impose no other King upon them than him, whom by general consent they had elected for their Prince.

Though Differences were thus concluded with the Tartars, yet the Cossacks continued still their Enmities, entring the Black Sea with eighty Saicks, which they so infested, that the Turks could for that Year avail themselves little of their Navigation in those Seas: so that the Turks, to curb these Insolencies, gave Orders to build two Forts at the Mouth of the Black Sea: the Polish Ambassador made Complaint hereof, and protested against it, as an Act contrary to the Capitulations of Peace; but the Turks esteem little of the Air of Bravadoes, whilst they are not accompanied with something else more solid than their own Levity.

But the grand Concernments which busied the Thoughts of the Turks, was the Rebellion of Abassa, and the War in Persia, the management of which was the charge and care of the Selictar Aga lately made Vizier, called Serches Pasha. His Head-quarters were at the beginning of this Year taken up at Iconium, called by the Turks Conie; and Abassa was encamped at Kaisaria, a­gainst whom the Vizier marched; and being nearly approached, the Janisaries earnestly ur­ged, that Battel might be given the Enemy; but the Vizier having received Instructions not to en­gage, if possible, but rather to enter into a Trea­ty, and to propose Terms of Accommodation, delayed the Time, and with various Excuses, eluded the present premures of the Janisaries; at which they became so angry, that they flew into an open Mutiny,The Janisa­ries mutiny. cutting the Cords of his Tents, stoning him, and wounding him in the Head: by which open Violence, the Vizier being compelled to make known his Orders, he assem­bled the chief Commanders of the Spahees and Janisaries, giving them to understand, that the Grand Signior's Pleasure was, to make up the Difference with Abassa, as the only means to con­clude an intestine and unnatural War, and to be able to withstand the Persians, and regain the Country and Reputation which the Turks had lost. This Proposition seemed plausible to the Commanders at the General Assembly, and more especially, because it was the Pleasure and In­junction of the Grand Signior; but more difficult it was to incline the rough and obstinate minds of the Janisaries to a resolutian so different to their Natures, and so contrary to that Revenge which they had deeply rooted in their Hearts, and sworn to execute: howsoever the perswasions which the Officers used to their inferiour Souldiers, put­ting them in memory of the Blood of their Com­panions, and how destructive the continuance of such a War must necessarily prove for the future by those large effusions of Blood which they must expect farther to make, were so prevalent upon them, that at length they condescended to a Treaty,They consent to treat with Abas­sa. and to receive Abassa for a Friend and a Fellow-Souldier. Abassa at first suspecting some Treachery, refused to give a private meeting to the Vizier; but the Vizier giving his Brother the Beglerbegh of Caramania, and the Pasha of Anatolia for Hostages, the Day and Place for a Conference was appointed; where both Parties meeting, Articles were agreed, That Abassa should still continue to be Pasha of Erzirum, his Son Pasha of Bosra, his Cahya, or Lieutenant, to be Pasha of Marasch, (all which were Places on the Confines of Persia) a general Act of Par­don and Amnestie was to be given to Abassa and his whole Army, and the Articles sworn unto in the most solemn manner by the Vizier, and confirmed in the publick Camp of the Janisaries, who also promised to maintain this Word and Promise of the Vizier; to all which the Grand Signior gave his Hand, and affixed his Royal Sig­nature.Abassa re­conciled to the Grand Signior.

A Reconciliation being in this manner, com­pleated, the City of Erzirum resigned it self to [Page 12]the Obedience of the Grand Signior, and the Army of Abassa was employed on the Confines of Persia, and converted against the Enemy. The Vizier also was appointed to proceed on the same Enterprise; but his Army was so ill provided of all Necessaries, that he made his Ex­cuse, and refused to march forward: But on the contrary, he returned to Constantinople in company with Abassa; where, with many demon­strations of Friendship and Respect, he was conducted to the presence of the Grand Signior to receive Honour, and the Reward of his Peni­tence, and return to Obedience. The approach of these two great Personages near to Constanti­nople, made much noise and rumor in the City; some blamed the weakness of the Government for accepting an Enemy unto Favour, and that the crowning of his Rebellion with Rewards, was to encourage others in the like Practi­ces.

The Vizier was also murmured against for leaving the Army and the War,The Vizier and Abassa make their Entry into Constanti­nople. contrary to the Royal Command, by such as were emulous of his Greatness: But as Envy is converted into Veneration, and ceases as Smoke doth, when it is blown up by the Flame of Success and Glory; so those who were emulous of these Persons, sub­mitted to all obsequious Offices towards them; and dissembling their Malice, went to meet them as far as Scutari, that they might add to their Train and Equipage, and help at the Solemnity of their Entrance. All People now cast their Eyes on the Vizier and Abassa, as the two great Men of this Age; the first was esteemed for his dexterous and successful management in bring­ing over Abassa to his Submission and Obedience; for though he was not famed much for his great Feats of Arms, yet this Reconciliation of Abassa was accounted a Master-piece of Policy, and better Service than a Victory. Abassa also drew the Eyes of the People, who crowded to see so great a Captain, that could contend with the Port, and put all Asia into Disturbance, and in conclusion could make the same Arms serve his Master, which had lately before given a check and stop to all the Ottoman Force. The Vizier was the first introduced to the Royal Presence, where being graciously received, he was presen­ted with a Vest of Sables and a Cemiter set with Jewels. Abassa was afterwards admitted, and having performed his Obeisance by touching the Ground with his Forehead after their fashion; he declared, That he never was other than a faithful Vassal to the Sultan, and that he had ta­ken up Arms for his sake, that he might subju­gate the insolence of the Janisaries, and with their Blood revenge the Death, and sacrifice to the Ghost of his murdered Brother Osman, that they might learn to reverence their Princes for the future, & learn to know how sacred the Blood is of their Soveraign. The Grand Signior seemed kindly to accept this Apology, and as a Token thereof, bestowed three Vests upon him; which was a treble Honour of that kind, and made him Pasha of Bosna; on which employ­ment he immediately entred: And though when such offices are bestowed, it is commonly the cu­stom for that Person, who is invested in the Em­ployment given, to kiss the Sleeve of the Grand Signior publickly by way of Thanks: Yet, lest such Demonstration of Honour should ill affect the Eyes of the Janisaries, and cause murmuring and repinings amongst the most envious of the Souldiery, his last Audience was designed pri­vately, and his Dispatch procured in more se­cret and familiar manner, and therefore more obliging than was usual.

To yield some assistance to the present grow­ing Charges of the Empire, the Vizier imposed a heavy Tax on the Christians and Jews; on the first it was levied with all severity;The Jews at Constan­tinople how treated but the Jews found more favour by their Arts, and secret ma­nagement of Affairs, for they are a People of some Authority and Power in Turkie: they are cursed by particular Persons, but caressed by the generality: they are Slaves in all Countries, and yet acquire somewhat of Mastership and Pro­priety: they are Vagabonds, and yet every Country is their own: they cannot buy lands, and yet daily increase their Fortunes: they mul­tiply in abundance, because they all marry, and are not destroyed by Wars: they are great Con­fidents of the Turks, and Enemies to the Chri­stians. In short, Covetousness in Constantinople is like a publick Courtisan, to whom the Jews are the Panders and Ruffians.

The Grand Signior passing one day through the Streets, unhappily met with the Ambassador of the Prince of Transylvania; who because he did not immediately descend from his Horse in token of Reverence, he caused him and his whole Family to be imprisoned; but being afterwards excused by the Chimacam, to have only been a matter of inadvertency, his Omission was par­doned, and so released from his Restraint.

The Souldiery having for a long time been go­verned by a loose and gentle hand, continued their licentious way of living, committing ma­ny outrages on the Merchants and Inhabitants of Constantinople; against which many Decrees having been published, and Proclamations made, without any effect or notice of the Souldiery, the Vizier was unwilling to dally longer; and therefore taking a Spahee and a Janisary, hanged them up, and cut off their Heads: and with such course and method of Severity, he so aba­ted the haughty Stomachs of the Souldiers al­ready mortified by the assumption of Abassa into favour, that they began to yield unto Command, and to behold their Rulers with an eye of Respect, as those which were seated in some degree above themselves; for till now there was scarce a com­mon Janisary, but who thought himself to be the Creator or Elector of his General, and therefore to be little inferior to him in Power and Dignity.

And as this Vizier was severe towards the Souldiery, so he demeaned himself with equal rigour towards the Pasha's and Grandees of the Court; which though it was an Humor in the Vizier at that conjuncture, laudable and necessa­ry, yet it procured him such enmity, as removed him at a distance, and caused him to be sent into Persia to command the Army, and by that means to expose him to the hazard and difficulties of doubtful Success in a dangerous War.

The Vizier being departed, the Grand Sig­nior appeared in publick on Horse-back, toge­ther with his Brother by his side, an unusual sight amongst the Turks: But the Queen-Mother, who in absence of the Vizier ruled much, commanded that it should be so. The Grand Signior had this Year a Son born, which caused great rejoy­cing at Constantinople, because there were few Males at that time surviving of the Ottoman Line; but scarce was the Festival ended before the Child died.

But let us now for a while withdraw our Discourse from the Wars of Persia, and look to the Actions in Poland and Transylvania. Meh­met the late King of Tartary, who was so dis­pleasing to the Port (as we have already related) was now dead; to whom succeeded a Kinsman [Page 13]of his called Jembeg Gheray, universally pleasing and acceptable to that People.

This new King, to demonstrate his Prowess, and to act something acceptable to the Port, dis­patched forty thousand Horse into Podolia and Russia to sack and ravage the Country; which dividing themselves into several Parties, made their Incursions as far as Socal. But in the mean time the Polonians and Cossacks having formed a strong Body of Horse under the Command of Stephen Chmieleskie, met them at their return near to Burstinow, The Tartars overthrown by the Po­landers. where they gave them a total overthrow. And in like manner Stanislaus Lu­bomiskie, encountred another Party, and over­threw them, leaving thirty thousand slain on the plaee, and taking two thousand Prisoners, amongst which was the younger Brother of the Tartar King.

This Defeat, as it was the greatest that ever was given to the Tartars, so it is probable, that had it been well prosecuted at that time by the Polonians, they might have entred the Chersone­sus Tauricus, and without much opposition have put an end to that Kingdom: But Sigismond King of Poland had other Designs in hand; such mixed Monarchies as that, being better able to defend their own Dominions, than to acquire or conquer others.

To this News ill received at Constantinople, su­pervened the unexpected Death of Bethlem Ga­bor; The Death of Bethlem Gabor. unexpected, I say, because that though he had been long labouring under the Diseases of Dropsy and Asthma, yet the greatness of his Soul, and activeness of his Spirit, mastered for a long time his Indisposition, so that he seldom or never omitted his Counsels and Business; and to the very time of his Death, was meditating and contriving Designs, whereby to preserve his Dominions, and enlarge them. And in­deed the Government of Transylvania required no less than such a stirring Spirit: for being seated between two such powerful Monarchs, as the Emperor and the Turk, there was need of dexterity and courage to steer between the Rocks of such opposite Interests: Sometimes it was necessary to join with one, and anon with the other. So Sigismond Battori Prince of Tran­sylvania, uniting his Forces with the Emperor's, in several Conflicts overthrew the Turk, and kept the Scale in an equal Ballance. Gabor on the contrary inclined to the Turks, and suppor­ted his Interest with the Ottoman Power, fol­lowing such Maxims as had been more ruinous to Christendom, had he transferred them to a Son to imitate and pursue; but dying without Issue, the Government devolved to his Princess, by Vote of the States of the Country, and by Confirmation of the Turk, as we have already intimated.

Gabor knew so well how to deal and treat with the Turks, that he gained an abatement of ten thousand Dollars of the annual Tribute; he managed his Affairs so subtilly with the Empe­ror, that he was always invited to a Peace, and accordingly made his Advantage by the Treaty.

The other Princes of Christendom in like man­ner courted him, and particularly the Cardinal Richelieu employed one Bornemis, a Gentleman of Transylvania, a Lover of the French Interest, to be always about him; by whose means, and with the assistance of twenty thousand Crowns of yearly Pension, he obliged him to make War on the Emperor, at such Seasons as it should be in­timated unto him to be most conducing to the advantage of France.

At length, as we have said, giving way to mor­tality, he died on the 15th of November, after he had reigned eighteen Years: he was a Prince of great Abilities, but exercised them ill to the dam­mage of Christendom; howsoever he was a Soul­dier of extraordinary Courage and Conduct, ha­ving begun to manage his Sword at seventeen Years of Age; and as it is said, had been enga­ged in forty two several Fights. His Widow Ka­therine, Sister of the Elector of Brandenburgh, rendred an account to the Port of this Accident, and the Grand Signior immediately returned An­swer by Sulficar Aga, condoling the Misfortune, and encouraging her to a dependence on the Port: which she accepting with due Resentment, pro­mised Obedience to the Grand Signior, and beg­ged his Protection. But the weather was too boi­sterous and rude for a Vessel to be navigated well under the Pilotage of a Woman; for the situati­on of the Country, between two mighty and po­tent Monarchs, required more than a Feminine Mind and Courage to free and defend it from the Plots, Snares, and Violence with which it was, as with a toile, encompassed by those two great Nimrods of the East and West. And though the Sultan undertook to defend his Female Ally, yet the diversion of the Ottoman Arms in Persia, the intestine Distractions, and the Minority of the Emperor were such burdens on the Foundation of Empire, and obstructions to great and Hero­ick Atchievements in behalf of the distressed Prin­cess, that all the Promises made to her were un­available and ineffectual. For Stephen Bethlem, The Widow of [...] Gabor per­swaded to quit her Go­vernment. a Kinsman of the deceased Prince, a Man conspi­cuous in his own Person and Estate, as well as for the several Governments divided amongst his Sons, and the interest he had gained in his Coun­try, procured means to convoke the States at Claudiopolis; and insinuating the foregoing Incon­veniences of a Female Government, so prevailed with the Assembly, that they perswaded the Prin­cess to yield up her Soveraignty to Stephen Gabor, as one better capacitated for Rule and Soveraignty than her self. Stephen having thus obtained his intent, entred into a serious Consultation with his Friends and Relations, whether he should la­bour to confirm the Government to himself, and entail it to the Family, or renounce it to some other. The first seemed a Matter very dubious and difficult; for that Bethlem Gabor his Prede­cessor, had disobliged the principal Boyards or Barons of the Country, and thereby derived an envy and hatred to all his Family: His long and violent Government annexed to the Interest of the Turk, had not only rendred his Memory odious to his own People, but likewise to the House of Austria, which would be ready to continue the like prejudice and aversion to any of the same Family, as it did to the last there­of.

For which Reasons, after due and mature consideration, it was resolved to offer the Go­vernment to George Ragotskie, a Person rich in Mony, and of great Interest, by reason of the Jurisdiction and Castles which he possessed in Hungary, belonging to his own paternal Inheri­tance; and in pursuance thereof, they sent Ste­phen the second Son, and Solomon a Kinsman of that Family, for Ambassadors to Ragotski, re­presenting to him, that they had preferred his Merit before the Interest of their own Family;The Princi­pality offer­ed to Ra­gotski. and therefore desired him, that he would be pleased to take upon himself the Regency of the Principality.

The offer of Government was a savoury Bait to the Palate of Rogotski; which he embraced [Page 14]with singular affectation and contentment, and was easily perswaded on this occasion, to take a Journey to Waradin, one of the principal For­tresses and Places of consideration in that whole Province, and was there received by Stephen the Ambassador, Governor of the Citadel, with firing all the Cannon, and with the common Joy and Festivity of the whole City. But in the midst of this Mirth, an unexpected Messenger arrived with News, that the States had with com­mon consent elected another Prince, which was Stephen Bethlem, Father of the Ambassador, and Author of this Counsel.

Ragotski was strangely surprised with this In­telligence, and the Ambassadors were put to the blush to see their Negotiations under such a shameful defeat: Howsoever resolving to con­tinue constant to their first Election, and to re­nounce the Interest of their own Family, they still maintained the same obsequious Offices of Honour and Reverence towards Ragotski as for­merly.

And notwithstanding the Orders received from the States to abstain from any other demonstra­tions of Honour to Ragotski, than what were or­dinary towards a private Person of his Quality and Riches; and that he should retire from the Confines of Transylvania to the Precincts of his own Castles: yet they still persisted to execute their first Commission, and so to attract People to his Party; that the number thereof daily in­creasing, it was at length agreed, that the first Election not being fair, the Point in Controversy should be determined at Sazburg, a City of Saxony.

The States General being assembled, Ragotski accompanied his Pretensions with a large effusion of Gold, the most powerful and most convincing Argument imaginable: to which he added, That he had no design to affect the Principality, had not the same been first offered to him from Ste­phen Gabor the Father by the Hand of his Son: That it was very improper for that Person to offer a Dignity to another, which he affected for himself: that it was in the power of the Tran­sylvanians, not to have offered him the Princi­pality; but having once chosen him to it, they could not, without his disparagement and preju­dice, retract from their Election.

In short, these Considerations, assisted by the Interest of the Princess Dowager, so far pre­vailed, that Stephen Bethlem was put aside, and Ragotski, Ragotski chosen Prince. who attended the success of this Mat­ter at Waradin, was with common consent elected Prince; from whence being with great Accla­mations, and a general concourse of the People, conducted to Alba Julia; he there took the usual Oath with much Solemnity and Magnificence: and with Princely Magnificence, entertained and treated the two Ambassadors, Stephen and Solo­mon, and dispensed freely his Mony unto divers, who before being Enemies, were now reconci­led, and become his Friends and Admirers. Li­berality in a Prince, is the most resplendent Gemm in all his Crown, and is a Light so forcible, that it dazles Envy it self, and puts out all the Eyes of Suspicion and Jealousy.

By this time the Great Vizier was far advan­ced with his Army into Persia, having been en­couraged to proceed by the feigned Flight, or rather Retreat of the Enemy, who burned, de­stroyed, and laid waste all round them, as they retired; which put the Turks to such inextrica­ble Difficulties, that in two months March, they had all the Inconveniencies and Miseries to con­tend with, which commonly attend Armies in strange Countries; the Plains through which they travelled were abandoned by the Inhabi­tants, and void of Provisions; the Mountains were covered with Snow and comfortless: and what was worst, the Persians kept all the narrow Passages so strongly guarded, that the Vizier was now more in danger of Famine than of the Sword: but being a Person of great Sense and Experience in Military Affairs, he prudently dis­ingaged himself from the intricacy of these Dan­gers; and encamping his Army in the Plain of Amedan, he so provoked the hot Spirits of the Persians, that they resolve to assault him on that side of his Camp, which they judged to be the most weakly defended: of which having some advertisement, he secretly laid an Ambuscado in the way; which so happily succeeded, that he killed eight thousand Persians on the place:A Victory gained by the Turks over the Persians but howsoever the Victory cost so dear, and was so bloody, by the loss of the stoutest Janisaries, and the bravest of the Souldiery, that the News thereof made little noise or rejoycing at Con­stantinople.

With this Intelligence the Vizier demanded new Recruits; for that besides the abatement of his Numbers by the last Engagement, the Mul­titudes of the Enemy increased, and his own Souldiers fled from their Colours; of which ma­ny being observed to enter Constantinople, not­withstanding the severe Decrees of Martial Law published against them, put the Grand Signior into a high Cholor and Indignation.The difficul­ty of sending Men into Persia. And be­ing desirous to reinforce the Vizier's Army with all the Recruits that he was able, Proclamations were made, that all the Militia at Constantinople should immediately pass over unto Scutari under their respective Commanders; and that whoso­ver received one Asper of Pay from the Grand Signior in quality of a Souldier, should imme­diately pass the Chanel into Asia, and follow their Leaders to the War. But so great was the abhorrency which the Souldiers had to this March into Persia, calling it the Sepulchre and Cemetery of the Turks, that few or none would obey, every one flying, hiding, and shifting for himself as well as he could: During which Fears and Troubles, the Ways from Persia were so ob­structed by the Curdes, that in the space of three or four Months, no News arrived at Constantino­ple from the Army; which caused as great appre­hensions and affrightments there, as if the Em­pire had been reduced to the utmost extremity. Nor did the Sultan want Jealousses and Fears of receiving Affronts from the Emperor, and King of Poland; the first of which had a fair oppor­tunity presented of regaining all Transylvania, especially at a time when that Country was di­vided by two several Factions: but more pres­sing and troublesom were the Cossacks,The Cossacks trouble the Turks. who dai­ly infested the Black sea; and to the great re­proach of the Imperial City, perpetually di­sturbed it with Alarms, passing up almost in sight of constantinople. Of which Complaints being made to the Polonian Ambassador, he an­swered with some indignation, That the Cos­sacks had reason for what they acted; for that since the Tartars had, by Orders from the Grand Signior, made their late irruption into that Country, as they could well prove from the Commission taken amongst the Baggage of the Prince of Tartary in the last Defeat, the Cossacks might with all justice assume to themselves a me­thod of Revenge.

But the Grand Signior not being able to sup­port this Affront, or to see himself braved on the very Banks of his Imperial Seat, and his [Page 15]Villages and Towns round about burnt and pil­laged by a crew of Free-booters and Pirats, cast all the blame on the Chimacham; to whom, in his rage, he gave such a blow with his Fist on the Face, that Blood issued from his Nose; and had not the Queen-Mother interceded for him, he had been delivered into the Hand of the Executio­ner to take away his Life. Nor was the Cap­tain-Pasha in less danger at his return; because, that upon his assurance, that the Cossaks would not for that Year make any attempt in the Chanel of Constantinople, the Grand Signior had assented, that the Fleet of Gallies should that Summer make a Voyage into the Archipelago: Which Mistake having been the cause of all this Affront, the Captain-Pasha was to share in the blame, and had likewise in the punishment, had not good Friends interposed between him and Danger.

Nor were the Cossacks satisfied with their late Plunder, but speedily made another return with two hundred Boats; and though the whole Fleet of Gallies were then in Port, yet they had the boldness to proceed as far as Pompey's Pillar, and thereby to hinder all Provisions from passing to Constantinople by way of the Black-Sea. And what gave greater fear than all this, was the News which came at the same time, that the Poles were on the Frontiers with thirty thousand Horse; to whom immediatly a Chaous, or Envoy was dis­patched with Propositions very advantagious to the Crown of Poland, conditionally, that the con­tinual Irruptions made by the Cossacks should be stopped, and they restrained within the due Terms of Peace and Moderation.

The Chaous found a civil Reception from the Poles, and promises of Compliance, in regard that the King had some Intentions of making War upon the Muscovite.

But whilst these things were in agitation, and that the Chaous was ready to return, behold, on a sudden News came, that ten thousand Tar­tars were broken into Podolia; which put all things back again, and so changed the stile of Affairs, that instead of Articles of Peace, the Chaous was again returned with the Menaces of War, and with Reproaches for the last perfidi­ous Action.

Notwithstanding all these Troubles abroad, the puissance of the Ottoman Empire might have been able to have struggled with greater Difficul­ties, had not its own Intestine Distractions ren­dred all things dangerous, and of a malevolent Aspect.

The Government was at that time chiefly in the hands of the four Brothers-in-Law,The Disor­ders in the Ottoman State. who had married four Sisters of the Grand Signior's; and for that reason were powerful, and employ­ed in the principal Offices of State, and com­monly drew contrary to the Opinions of the Mufti and Chimacham; which two last were not well accorded between themselves, for that the latter encroached on the Office of the Mufti, to the great scandal and discontent of all the Reli­gious and Literate Men in the whole City; how­soever they both joined in consultation by what means they might best secure themselves and the Government from the Lusts and evil Designs of this quadruple Fraternity; but their Wisdom and Interests were too weak to contrive Reme­dies against such high Oppressions; for besides the Violences daily practised by the Brothers, the extravagant Humors in the Sultan himself, ad­ded to the Disorders of State, and increased the Discontent and Dissatisfactions of the People: For though Morat was naturally endowed with a good Wit and Parts, was stout, and of a good Courage: yet as his perpetual Debauchery in Wine rendred him in appearance but of a weak Understanding, mixed with much Levity, so it caused his Accessions of the Falling-sickness (to which he was subject) to return often, whereby the strength of his Brain was daily [...]akened and impaired. He was negligent also in the performance of those Ceremonies which his An­cestors were accustomed to observe; nor did he live with that gravity and regular Course which is agreeable to the Grandeur of so great a Prince: for sometimes he would go out of his Seraglio with no other Attendance than of three or four Men, which were for the most part Buf­foons, players upon the Gittern, and Eunuchs; and with no better an Equipage would he some­times be seen on Horse-back, or in his Boat rowed on the Bosphorus with six Oars only: by which Actions, and other sallies of Youth, he created such a contempt towards his Person, that evil Men grew factious and weary, and en­tred into Conspiracies against his Life, whilst the good Men feared and presaged the ruin and downfal of the Empire: for neither Justice, nor Order, nor Obedience, prevailed; no Of­fices were conferred for Merit, but by Mony, or some other unlawful Means; there remained no Counsellors of true Faith and Integrity, nor Souldiers almost, either of experience for Sea or Land-adventures. The People, being bur­dened by double Taxes and Imposts, were muti­nous, and ready to take the least Fire of Rebel­lion; the Souldiery were disorderly for want of Discipline and their constant Pay: the Pasha's of remote Provinces grew insolent, taking upon themselves rather an absolute than a depending Soveraignty.

In short, all things looked with that black ap­pearance, that nothing seemed to keep the Frame of Empire together, but only the expectation of good Success to the Army in Persia; the which, as it depended on uncertain Events, so the Ot­toman Monarchy was then shaking, and stood tottering on its deepest Foundation.

Wherefore all People being intent to hear of good News from Persia, were much pleased to understand, that the Vizier having, by advan­tage in the last Engagement, laden his Army with Plunder and Spoils,The Vizier prepares to besiege Bag­dat. was now preparing to besiege Bagdat; for whose good Success, Pray­ers were daily made in the Moschs; and the Schoolmasters surrounded the Streets with their young Scholars, singing out Prayers with the Amen at every Period, according to the Custom of that Country.

The Vizier marched towards Bagdat, and be­gan to besiege it about the 10th of September: In order whereunto, he amassed great abundance of all sorts of Provisions, and made his Maga­zine of them at Mosul, two thousand Camels, each laden with two Sacks of Cotton, every Sack being of about ten foot long, were carried to the Siege, for shelter of the Souldiery, and to fill the Ditches.

The Vizier having passed part of his Army over the River Tigris, the rest with the Cannon remaining on the hither side, he dispatched Na­suf Pasha of Aleppo, with six thousand Spahees, to take a view of the Place, and to discover the Avenues unto it. In his way thither, he met with eight thousand Persian Horse sent to rein­force the Garison, which he valiantly engaged; but being dangerously wounded, was forced to retreat, with the loss of almost half of his Men, part killed, and part taken: those which [Page 16]were carried Prisoners to Bagdat, were treated with all civility by the Governor, who gave them a view of the Garison, which consisted of twenty thousand effective Men; shewed them their Stores and Provisions, and that there was scarce an unuseful Mouth in all the City to de­vour them.

Notwithstanding this Disaster at the begin­ning,The Siege the Vizier nothing dismayed, proceeded on his Design, spending the whole Month of September in making his Approaches. In the Mouth of October, he mounted eighteen Pieces of great Cannon, which for the space of twenty five days bettered continually the Curtain be­tween the two Bastions, on which were four Pieces of Cannon not perceived by the Turks; there was also a deep and large Ditch not disco­vered by them, for that it was planked over with Boards, and covered with a green Turf, so that it appeared like plain and firm Ground: the Breach being made, and seemingly undefended, the Turks resolved to make an Assault; where­fore the Vizier, on the 20th of November, com­manded, the Spahees, under the Conduct of the Beglerbei of Anatolia, accompanied with Pa­sha's, Sangiacks, and other Persons of Note; as also with Janisaries, to the number of thirty thousand, to enter the Breach: which being performed, and great numbers crowding on the Turf, the weight of them pressed down the Planks; and therewith the whole Engine giving way, five or six thousand were in a moment ta­ken, as it were, in a Pit-fall, and swallowed up without any possibility of Succour to be yielded from their Companions. After which on an in­stant there appeared fifteen thousand Men on the Breach and on the Bastions; which with their Cannon, and continual Vollies of Musket shot, so galled the Spahees, that they broke their main Body, and killed the Beglerbei of Anatolia, with other Peasons of Note and Quality, and made the whole Army to retreat.

Two days after this Disgrace,The Siege raised. the Vizier rai­sed the Siege, and marched towards Mosul; and the Persians encouraged with this Success, pursued the Turks with eight thousand Horse, assailed the Rear-guard of the Enemy; and though the Conduct and Care thereof was com­mitted to the charge of the Pasha's of Aleppo and Damascus, yet the Persians killed three thousand Turks, and had defeated the whole Rear of the Army, had not the Spahees turned their Horses, and withstood the shock with great Valour.

Notwithstanding this dishonourable Retreat, the Vizier lost not his Courage, or hopes of taking the Town; in order unto which, he ap­pointed all things necessary to renew the Siege again in the Months of September and October following, for that the foregoing Months are either too rainy, or too hot in those Countries, to undertake a Design or Enterprize of that Na­ture: He fortified all the small Places in those parts round, and quartered his Souldiers in them; so that having all conveniencies of living, they might be induced to continue, and not abandon their Colours: especially he took care to fortify Illay, a place of about two days journey from Bagdat, reinforcing the Garison with six thou­sand Men, under the command of three Begler­begs, in regard that it was a very considerable Pass, and the principal Magazine and Granary of Corn and other Provision.

At the same time he sent Letters to Constanti­nople, representing the state of his Affairs to be in a hopeful condition; and desiring Recruits both of Men and Mony, gave great assurances of conquering the City at the next Attempt.The Poles and Turks make Peace

In this perrilous Condition of the Ottoman State, one would have imagined that Christian Princes would have seen their own Interest, and made use of their advantage; but God not having as yet fixed a Period to the Bounds of this Empire, was pleased, by his secret Providence, to divert both the Emperor and King of Poland from making War with the Turk, inclining them to employ their Arms on their Christian Neigh­bours. For though the Chaous (as we have said before) was returned from Poland with disdain, and an angry Message, yet the Chimacam, when he made Moses Vayvod of Moldavia, encharged him to perform all Offices of Mediation between the Grand Signior and the Poles, perswading them to restrain the Incursions of the Cossacks, and to send an Ambassador to the Port. In which affair Moses so well performed his Nego­tiation, that applying Lenitives to the Anger of the Poles, he reduced them to Articles of Peace, and to promises of restraining the Cossacks, on condition, that the Turks reciprocally forbid and withhold the Tartars from joining or af­fording assistance to his Enemies the Musco­vites.

These Conditions being agreed, the Ambas­sador was sent from Poland to Constantinople, where he was received with as much Joy, as he was expected with Impatience.The Cossacks and Tartars compared. The Cossacks and Tartars were two sorts of people which lived equally on Spoils and Booty; the first as offenfive to the Turk, as the latter to the Pole; and therefore as it was an equal Benefit, so it was an Agreement of even Terms, to counter­change the Caution given reciprocally for one and the other.

But the Engagement for such wild People, was more easily given than performed; which because it was a Point agreeable to both Par­ties, it was expressed with the most clear Words and strict Terms possible.

The Poles were weary and grieved to see their Provinces depopulated by the Tartars, who yearly carried away some thousands of Souls. The Turks on the other side were not less infe­sted with the Cossacks, who captivated their People, burnt their Towns and Villages, and kept them in continual Alarms.

But because these People are hardly restrained from their Robberies and Pillaging, the Poles, as a Remedy, resolved to carry the Cossacks to the War against the Muscovite; and better to secure the Tartar, the Polish Ambassador was obli­ged to pay them twenty thousand Florins yearly, and six thousand pair of Boots, according to the ancient Articles of Peace. On which Conside­rations the Tartars were engaged never to en­ter Poland in a hostile manner, but to serve that King in his Wars against all Nations whatsoever, the Turks only excepted.

In this manner were the Turks this Year freed from all apprehensions of Alarm from the Cos­sacks, and of War with Poland. And the Em­peror was so busied concerning the surprize of Mantoua, and engaged in the Quarrel about that Dutchy, and with some ambitious thoughts relating to Italy, Troubles in Hungary. that the Turks hoped to have prosecuted their Wars in Persia without fear of Diversion from the Western Parts. But yet the Affairs towards the parts of Germany were not so well secured, but that the turbulent Spirit of Ragotski administred subject for Dissention; for being lately seated (as we have said) in his Principality, he was doubtful whether it were [Page 17]most for his Interest to incline unto the Empe­ror, or to the Turk; and whist both Parties courted his Friendship, and cheapned his ac­knowledgments, (for of necessity he must be a Vassal to one or the other) the Heyducks who were Tenants to the Lands of Gabor, refused to return to the Obedience of the Emperor, de­manding protection from the Grand Signior. The jealousy of those ill Consequences which this Commotion might produce, alarmed all the Country: and the Emperor and Ragotski being hereby raised to a mutual Defiance, advanced their Troops one against the other upon the Frontiers: But all Hungary trembling with fear of those Calamities which ensue from War, se­veral of those concerned, interposed so far to­wards an Accommodation, that Deputies were ap­pointed to meet at Cassovia to treat of Peace. But in the mean time the Palatine of Hungary passing eight thousand Men over the River Tibis­cus, to make seisure of a certain Fort built by George Basta, so alarmed and awakened Ragotski, that he dispatched a Gentleman to him to de­mand the Cause of this Motion; and not re­ceiving an answer agreeable to his expectation, he advanced upon him with an Army of ten thousand Men, and engaging him with great re­solution, killed four thousand on the place, and so caused him to retire: from these beginnings all the mischiefs of a bloody War had certainly ensu­ed, had not Ragotski refused to receive Succours from the Turk; but he depending on his own strength (having fifteen thousand Men in Arms for defence of his Hereditary Lands in Hungary con­temned all external Assistances, as savouring too much of vassalage and dependance: howsoever the Pasha's of the Frontiers assembled their Forces, and yet acted with such caution, as not to proceed to an open Rupture; for the Wars in Persia be­ing unsuccessful and pressing, required moderati­on and Lenitives on this side, that so the differen­ces now on the Frontiers might be transferred to an opportunity more seasonable for dispute.

In the month of September Sultan Morat being at his small Seraglio called Daout Pasha, and sleep­ing there one night in his Bed,The G. Sig­nior afrigh­ted with Lightning. he was on a sud­den awakned by a terrible Lightning; which en­tring his Chamber, surrounded his Bed, leaving se­veral Marks on his Sheets and Quilts; and whilst he sought some place to hide himself in, it pas­sed under his Arm, and burnt part of his Shirt; the afrightment of which so astonished him, that he remained for some time in a swound, which for ever after did much impair the strength of his Brain: He now began to be sensible that there were other Thunder-bolts than those that proceeded from his own Throne; and, like Tiberius, learned to tremble at the Voice of God, whilst he heard him speak in the Clouds: Nec Deum unquam nisi iratum pertinuit, & turba­tiori Coelo fulminantem. And so affected was the Sultan with this Accident, that afterwards he dismissed divers of his Buffoons from the Court; and particularly a Mute, whose ridiculous Ge­stures were his common Divertisement, and for some time caused him to abstain from Wine; and as a farther token of his Conversion and Thankfulness to god for this eseape, he ordered five thousand Dollars to be given in Alms to the Poor, and Korban to be made of three hundred Sheep; and the Friday following, he solemnly went to the Mosch, to render Thanks unto God for having so prodigiously preserved him from the Executioner of his Vengeance.

During all this time the Great Vizier wanting Succours and Supplies of Men and Mony, had great difficulty to contain his People in their due Obedience, or within the Bounds of their Quar­ters; for they were apt to leave their Colours, and would really have disbanded, had not their Spirits been daily held up with the hopes and a­musements of Pay and Recruits.

The four Brethren-in-Law, which greatly ap­prehended lest their Power and Authority should be abated by the return of the Vizier, exercised all the diligence they were able to make new Levie [...], the reinforcement of which might instil new Courage into the Souldiery, and be a means to continue the Vizier in those parts; but the Mufti obstructed all Levies on the side of Greece, and the Frontiers of Christendom, alledging, That the best Souldiers being sent from those parts, would hazard the Empire, by exposing and laying it open to the Incursions of the Chri­stians: by which contrary Opinions and Delays, the Vizier wanting the Assistance expected, the Persians recovered all the little Fortresses which they had lost the Year before, with the conside­rable place of Illay; Illay reta­ken from the Turks. which being taken by As­sault, and by an absolute force of Sword and Arms, the greatest part of the Garrision consist­ing of eight thousand Men, commanded by the three Pasha's before-mentioned, where cut off; which was an important loss to the Turks; not only for the slaughter of so many brave Soul­diers, but also for the quantities of Provisions, being the Granary and Magazine for the whole Army. Therein were likewise taken forty Field-pieces carrying eight pounds Bullet; with a great Chain of Iron, which usually encompasses the Treasury which is carried into the Field. With this ill success the Vizier retreated from Mosul as far as Mirdin, from whence he re­doubled his Instances for Supplies for Men and Mony.

At length it was agreed, that an Army of thirty thousand Tartars should be sent thither; but Ragotskie advising, that he was upon the point of breaking with the Emperor, it was or­dered, that their number should be reduced to ten thousand: the which taking their Journey into Persia, by the way of Circassia, were there encountred by Han Gherey, the Prince of Tarta­ry, (whom we formerly mentioned to have been deposed by that People) and by him ob­structed in their passage, the Van-guard of their Army being cut off by him; so that they were forced again to retreat and to embark their Men and Horse at Caffa, to be transported by Sea to Trapezond; which as it was a matter of great trouble, so it was a course unpractised by the Tartars. The Grand Signior being unable to render a more considerable Succour than this un­to his Army, which was now reduced to the weak number of two thousand Janisaries, and three thousand Spahees, he resolved to conde­scend to Terms and Articles, as the only means to save his Honour, and the remainder of his Forces.

In order unto which, he released a Persian Lord from his Imprisonment in the Seven Towers, and qualified him with the Title of Ambassador, bestowing upon him an Equipage of Men and Horse agreeable to his Character, with four thosand Dollars to defray his Expence. And that the King of Persia might be assured of the Sultan's real Intentions and desires of Peace, he recalled his Army in the Spring, whereby all Acts of Hostility ceased: And thus the Vizier being returned to Constantinople, that Pride and Rigour which he exercised towards all in the time of his prosperity, laid him low by Misfor­tunes [Page 18]tunes in the esteem of his Enemies; who gladly embracing the opportunity to disgrace him, with all the terms of Obloquy and Detraction,The Vizier deprived of his Office. deprived him at length of his Office. One of the four Brothers-in-law married to one of the Grand Signior's Sisters, and Prime of the Cabal, being constituted Vizier in his stead. Nor did the late Vizier easily escape with his Life, until he had repreived it with an Atonement of an hundred thousand Zechius of Gold, and some choice Horse, which he presented to the Sultan; the like Example other Pasha's his Compainions followed in proportion to their Estates and Em­ployments; by which Presents the empty Trea­sury was in a manner recruited, and the present Necessities of the Sultan relieved.

But this new Vizier enjoyed not long either his Honours, or his Life; for the first Act he per­formed, was to mitigate the Valedé Sultana, or Queen-Mother, to obtain a Hattesheriff, or Writing, under the Grand Signior's Hand for cutting off the Head of Casref Pasha, the Spa­heeler Agasi; or General of the Spahees, which being executed by Mortesa the Commander in Chief in Persia, his Head was brought and thrown at the Gates of the Divan.

The Spahees astonished at this Spectacle, and enraged to see that Head on the Ground which they so much esteemed and loved, forgot all the Terms of Duty and Obedience to their Superiors; and without regard to the Place wherein they were, even within the Walls of the Grand Sig­nior's Court,Mutiny of the Spahees joined with the Janisa­ries. they threw Stones at the Vizier, and beat him from his Horse; which though the Grand Signior, and all the Viziers highly resen­ted, as the most scandalous Indignity that could be offered to the Majesty of a Supreme Ruler, and to all Government, yet their Counsels ra­ther sought Remedies to suppress the Mutiny, than to make Proposals of executing Justice on the Offenders; for the Spahees seconded by the Janisaries, (who were glad of any cause to make a Commotion) assembled in the Hippodromo, from whence they sent an Arz to the Sultan, requiring the Heads of the Great Vizer, and of divers others, as well within as without the Seraglio. The Grand Signior denying positively to assent hereunto, the Souldiery as plainly threatned to depose him, and place his Brother in the Throne; at which barbarous Resolution the Grand Signior being affrighted, his youthful constancy was so shaken, that he wrote to his Mother to desire her excuse, in case he assented to the death of her Son-in-law the Great Vizier; for that the Storm of the Military Fury was so great, that he could not endeavour to protect him without the loss of his Life and Crown: wherefore the Vizier being turned out of the Gates of the Seraglio, he was immediately butchered in the presence of the Sultan.

Nor did the impetuous Rage of the Souldiery end here, but they proceeded farther to demand the Head of the Janisar-Aga, or General of the Janisaries, who was reputed the chief Instrument of the Death of Casref, because he was a prin­cipal Favourite to the Grand Signior; but he wisely taking divers off with Mony and Presents, sowed division between the Janisaries and Spa­hees; so that some Difficulty arising hereupon, the determination of his Death was deferred for a while; howsoever they proceeded to demand, that the Mufti should be discharged of his Office, and that the Tefterd [...], or Treasurer, should be delivered into their hands.

To the first the Grand Signior assented; but being willing to save the other, he pretended, that he was escaped and fled; but when he was found, he should run the same Fate with the Vi­zier. But the military Sedition not being ap­peased with this Answer, they roved through the whole City, and Galata, and other parts of the Suburbs: the Spahees persisting to require the Head of the Janisar-Age, and not finding him in his House, they plundered it, and depar­ted; and meeting with a Youth, a Favourite of the Grand Signior's, they killed him; and so re­turning with the like Fury to the Seraglio, they required admission to the New Vizier and Mufti. Regep Pasha, another of the Brothers-in-law, was then made Vizier, who with the new Mufit trembling at these Tumults, were careful to treat the Souldiery with all lenity and condescen­sion imaginable, desiring them to declare their Grievances, and whatsoever might give them Satisfaction should be granted. The seditious Souldiers replied, That they were resolved to see the Grand Signior's Brother, for that when the present Sultan did not govern well, they might know from whence to produce another of better Abilities, and more agreeable to the De­signs of the Empire.

That necessity which caused the late easiness of condescension to former demands, made way also for compliance with this; so that the young Prince being brought forth, they obliged the Sul­tan not to attempt any thing against his Life, and caused the Vizier and Mufti to become Cauti­on and Security for it.

Nor did these Concessions contribute towards a Pacification; but rather their Insolence increa­sed thereby, renewing their Exclamations at the Gates of the Seraglio for the Heads of the Jani­sar-Aga and the Testerdar; not would they be satisfied with answer, that these Men were not found in the Seraglio, but still persisted in their rude Out-cryes and Menaces, losing all respect and reverence to the Sultan and the Superiors; so that the Grand Signior resolved once to sally out upon them with his own Guard; but trying their Temper and Resolution, he discovered most of them to be poisoned with the like Spirit of Sedition, and combining with the others as As­sociates in the Treason.

The Viziers, and other principal Officers, perceiving the Mutiny to increase daily, and not knowing to what degree it might arise, made it their business to search out for those proscribed by the Souldiery: at length the Aga was happily discovered by a certain Person, to whom a Re­ward was given of a thousand Zechins, with the Office of Zorbasi or Captain; and the Aga con­fessing that he had counselled the Death of Cas­ref, he was immediately strangled, and his Body hanged upon a Tree to publick view. The like Fate befel the Teftardar, who being also taken, was killed and hanged up together with the Body of the Aga.

All which Persons thus inhumanely murdered by the Souldiery, were the Enemies of the pre­sent Great Vizier Regep; for which cause the Grand Signior suspecting that he secretly contri­ved and nourished these Rebellions, never after looked on him with a gracious eye. Of which the Vizier being sensible, combined with the Souldiery; and judging it almost impossible to set himself right in the Affection of his Master, he courted the Favour of the Militia, as the on­ly means to protect his Life, and maintain his Power. But as the revenge of Princes is not like a Thunder-bolt, which wounds on a sudden, but rather like a Mine which requires time to form, and is then sprang, when it may do the [Page 19]best execution: so in the same manner, the Grand Signior dissembled his hate towards the Vizier,The Vizier srangled by Order of the Grand Sig­nier. until one Night being present with him in the Seraglio to see certain Fire-works, he called him aside, and whispered to him, that he should go into his private Lodgings; where being entred, the Door was shut upon him, and he strangled by certain Eunuchs, who were appoin­ted to attend him for that purpose. But little benefit or riches did the Grand Signior. reap by his death; for the Vizier having for some time expected this Blow, had concealed his Treasure, and conveyed it away for the use of his Poste­rity.

The like hatred did the Sultan conceive against the Souldiery, resolving in his mind to execute his Revenge, especially on the Janisaries, as the most turbulent Fomenters of Rebellion and Trea­son, and to vent his Anger, either by the Cord or Sword, or some other more expedite way, as opportunity presented: and to prevent or op­pose the like Seditions for the future, he fortified the Seraglio, and brought Arms in thither by night, chusing into his Guard select Men of Cou­rage and Faithfulness: and being sensible, that the being of his Brother attempered his Sove­raignty, and drew away the Hearts and Eyes of his Souldiers and People from fixing entirely on his own Person; he therefore intended to cut him off; but the Caution and Security given by him­self, and chief Ministers, to preserve his Life, diverted him from this Resolution.

In place of the deceased Vizier, Mehmet late Pasha of Cairo was constituted, and the Seal consigned to him; with whom the Grand Signi­or consulting to him; which whom the Grand Signi­or consulting of the present Emergency of Af­fairs, often uttered his displeasure against the late Seditions, and signified his Intention to re­dress them for the future; in order unto which, he caused the Heads of the most mutinous Spa­hees to be cut off, and on various Pretences sepa­rated the Souldiery each from other into divers Parts; some numbers of Janisaries he com­manded to march to the Confines of Persia, and caused many others of them to be killed by Night; and by various other Means greatly weakned the Chambers, both by diminishing the Numbers, and taking off such who were the Men of best Courage and Conduct: many Bodies were found swimming in the Bosphorus, and known to be Spahees; great part of the Lands the Pay of the Spahees was abated; and divers Offices of Profit and Honour were taken from the Militia, that so Men might be made sensible of the Indignation of their Prince, and that there is no Sport or Jesting with the Anger of a pro­voked King, who knows no other mean of his Passion, than the total evaporation of his Choler and Vengeance.

To maintain and make good these several Acts of Just Punishment, young Morat growing in Courage with his Years, mounted on Horse-back, well Armed, and like a Souldier, attended with a select Party of Cavalry, passed through the most publick Streets of the City in a huffing man­ner, and casting a stern Eye upon the Souldiery and People as he went, and making a hundred Passes through the midst of them, struck them with an awe of his Majesty, and admiration of his Warlike and Martial appearance; with which Severity and Gallantry the Souldiery being af­frighted, began to consider, that they were not longer to be governed by a Woman, or a Child, but by the most brave Prince that ever swayed the Ottoman Scepter; and thereupon for the fu­ture resolved upon an impartial Submission and Obedience unto him. To encourage them in which, and to reconcile their Spirits and Affecti­ons to him, Morat oftentimes assembled his Soul­diery at Ackmeidan, where he exercised with them, shooting with the Bow at Marks and at Rovers, rewarding those who shot best, with ad­ding an Asper a day to their Pay; besides which, he distributed six thousand Hungars amongst them, to demonstrate that wise Princes are used to mix Lenitives with their Rigour.

These Mutinies and Seditions in the Captial City, encouraged Rebellious Spirits in divers o­ther places: so that a certain Bold and Audacious Fellow, drawing a number of Miscreants after him, possessed himself of the City of Prusa: a­nother of the same Temper, called Elia Pasha, made himself Master of Magnesia, Rebellion in Anatolla. where he committed all the Outrages which Enemies inflict on a Conquered People; and being about twenty four miles distant from Smyrna, so afrighted the People of that Place, who were Merchants, and such as lived by Trade, that they fled with their Wealth, and such Things as were portable, lest they should be exposed to the Robbery and Spoil of Thieves and Rebels. But the Beglerbey of Anatolia suffered not Elia to reign long in his lust, but giving him Battel in those Plains, whol­ly defeated him, and sent twenty of the Heads of the chief Commanders to the Sultan for a Present; and pursuing Elia and the rest of his Army to Magnesia, besieged him in that City. The Grand Signior being advised hereof, and fearing lest the Siege should take up too much time, and move other ill Humors in that Coun­try, dispatched Orders to offer Terms and Con­ditions of Accommodation with Elia, which were secretly treated, and great Promises made him of Favour and Rewards from the Grand Signior. The easie Fool accepted the Conditions, and embraced the Promises; and leaving his City of Magnesia, proceeded confidently to Con­stantinople to receive the gracious Rewards of the Sultan for his past Services. At his Entry into the Seraglio in place of the Kapislar-Kahyasee, or Master of the Ceremonies, he was received by Officers with a Cord in their Hands, who be­stowed on him the gracious Reward of his Ma­sters ultimate Favour.

These Rebellions were no sooner suppressed in Asia, but that other Mutinies of the Janisaries,Mutinies at Buda. for want of Pay, began at Buda in Hungary, where they threw Stones at their Age, and pur­sued him to the very Palace of the Pasha, elect­ing another into his place. They also cut in pieces the Governour of Pest, and bestowed his Office upon his Lieutenant.

To remedy these Disorders, and extinguish the Mutiny, the Grand Signior sent Commissio­ners to examine the Matter, and to render him an account of the Grieveances and Demands of the Souldiers: but they fearing to be surprised with some severe Acts of Justice, prevented or forestalled the Inquiries of the Commissioners, by acknowledging their Fault, and demanding Par­don, with surrender of four of the Ring-leaders to Punishment; declaring, That by their se­ducement and evil perswasions, they were de­bauched into that disorderly course of Proceed­ings: the Sultan accepted the Sumission, and all things were quieted in Hungary.

Howsoever new Troubles arose in Moldavia: Troubles in Moldavia. for that People being oppressed over-much by their Prince Alexander, made an Insurrection a­gainst him, and drove him out of the Country, who for refuge fled to Constantinople. And the [Page 20]People desirous that one Bernoschi, a Polonian by Nation, might be put into his Place: To obtain his Confirmation, he came to the Port, and of­fered himself before the Grand Signior; but Morat suspecting, that to obtain the Principality for himself, he had secretly instigated and nou­rished the late popular Commotions, caused his Head to be cut off in the Publick Divan.

Amurat had now born to him a seventh Daugh­ter, by his Slave called the Shining Star; and though he was much troubled that she had not brought him forth a Son and Heir, yet so much was she beloved by him, that he resolved to cre­ate her Queen, had not his Mother declared a­gainst it, as a thing not usual for any Woman to be honoured with that Title before she had sup­plied the Inheritance by the Birth of a Male Child.

And that he might now totally extinguish the Fire of Sedition amongst the Souldiery, he cau­sed Ferdum Efendi and Saluc Age, two prime Chiefs of the Spahees, with eight principal Jani­saries, to be put to Death; after which severity, fearing another Insurrection, he passed the Wa­ter, and retired to his Seraglio at Scutari, where he fortified himself.

It happened about that time, that a Turkish Wo­man, a Slave, was found aboard a French Ship, ready to sail from Constantinople; which the Turks highly resented, and aggravated the Crime so much against the French Ambassadour, that they imprisoned his Son then embarqued, and would have confiscated the Vessel and her Lading. In those days the Christian Ambassadors resident at that Court, kept better Union and Correspon­dence among themselves than they do at present; so that all of them, as concerned, joined toge­ther to represent before the chief Ministers, that such a Fault merited not so grand a Forfei­ture, for that it was most probable to have been committed without the privacy either of the Ambassador, or Commander of the Ship. The Am­bassadors then resident were Sir Peter Wych for England, the Sieur Marcheville for France, and Pietro Foscarini for Venice; at whose warm and urgent Instances the Turks condescended to re­lease the Vessel, and the Goods laden upon her, with free liberty to depart. Howsoever it be­ing represented to the Grand Signior by the Cap­tain-Pasha (who is Admiral of the Seas) that one Baldasar, an Armenian by Nation, but Dra­goman or Interpreter to the French Ambassa­dor, was a principal Instrument to move the Ambassadors to unite in this Pretence; and be­ing observed to manage the Interest of his Ma­ster with warm and earnest Sollicitations, the surly Sultan grew so angry, that one of his own Slaves should presume to manage a Dispute with him,The French Interpreter impaled. in Fury and Rage, commanded that he should be immediately empaled; and that he might be assured that his Sentence took effect, he would see him with his own Eyes on the Stake before he would pass the Water to his Seraglio at Scutari. The resolution was so sudden, and the Execution so speedy, that there was neither Ear lent to hear, nor Time given to mediate in his behalf; and the Act being performed, com­plaints would not serve to redress a tyrannous Action now past Remedy, and not to be recalled: Wherefore as the Ambassadors were forced to acquiesce, and patiently endure the Affront; so if they would have resented it, they could scarce have found one amongst their Interpreters of so bold a Spirit, who durst have opened his Mouth after so terrifying an Example. The truth is, the Dragomen, or Interpreters to Ambassadors at Constantinople, are required to be Men of Learning, Courage, and Courtship; their studies ought to endue them perfectly with the Turkish, Greek, and Arabick Languages, with some know­ledg also of the Persian, and with good Elocu­tion, and readiness of Tongue: their constancy and presence of Mind is always necessary at their appearance before those Grandees or Great Men, who are ever proud, haughty, and arrogant in all their Expressions and ways of Treaty, the which they commonly manage towards Christian Ministers with the same respect which we use to­wards our Servants, or our Slaves. And there­fore by reason of this and other Presidents of like nature, Dragomen have been always timo­rous in representing the true sence of the Ambas­sadors and Consuls; at least have so minced and tempered their words, that they have lost much of that Vigour and Accent which is necessary to inculcate perfectly a Business into the Understan­ding of a Turk, especially if you intend to in­cline him to Reason and Justice. Wherefore it would be an excellent Qualification for an Am­bassadour himself to understand and speak the Turkish Language, or at least to have a young Man by his side of the English Nation, educated in the Turkish Court, who should be ready to ex­plicate those Matters which are too thorny and prickly for Subjects of that Country to han­dle.

Had all the foregoing Troubles, Mutinies, and Misfortunes encountred the Spirit of an easie and a gentle Sultan, certainly the Fate of this Amu­rat had been the same with that of Osman, who retiring within his Seraglio, could never have appeased the Seditious Humor with all the Con­cessions he could give an unreasonable multitude: but being a resolved and busling Prince, he at first gave some few steps backwards, as if he would yield somewhat to the impetuosity of that Torrent which he could not resist; yet it was only like a Ram, who retires, that he may butt with the greater force. Howsoever the Politici­ans and sober Men attributed the true cause of all these Commotions in the Souldiery, to have no other Foundation than the ill success and miseries which attended the War in Persia; for the way being long, and the Countries hot, barren, and for the most part void of all comfort, the Soul­diers abhorred the Fatigues and March thither; and hated to consider, that they should be made a Sacrifice to the lust of voluptuous Ministers, who, to gain Estates and Riches out of those Monies which were designed to carry on the War, did not care, whilst they lived at Ease and in Delights, what Labours, Wants, and Dangers attended the Militia.

These Considerations made likewise some im­pression in the Sultan, who therefore inclined to hearken unto those Propositions of Peace which were brought him by an Ambassador from Persia; and being accompanied with very great Presents,The Peace made with Persia, and speedily broken. the Peace was clapt up and concluded on a sud­den. But as Things quick in their Birth and Production, are not long-liv'd, nor long durable; so this Peace was broken the same Year with an inconstancy equal to that inconsideration with which it was agreed and signed. For no sooner was the News hereof flown into the Eastern World, than the Great Mogol dispatched his Ambassador with Letters to the Grand Signior, perswading him to make War again with the Persian, promising to assist him therein, by stop­ping up the Passage of Nachivan, which is a City in the Lesser Armenia, built upon the Ri­ver Aranes, and is the common Road into the [Page 21] Indies. The which Motion, as it was pleasing to Morat, so being accompanied with Indian Curi­osities and Presents of an inestimable Value, the Ambassador was graciously received, and treated with such Feasts and Entertainments as are not usually known amongst the Turks; and returned again with Letters, giving hopes, that he would speedily take an occasion to break with the Per­sian. But those who had experienced the Dif­ficulties of a War with Persia, and observed, that in the present Conjuncture of Affairs it might be more easily and with advantage waged on the side of Hungary, Perswasi­ons for a War against the Empe­ror. endeavoured, with ma­ny pregnant Arguments, to perswade the Grand Signior thereunto, giving him to understand, that Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, being victorious over the Emperor in Germany, had taken many Towns and Cities of great strength; and having overthrown him in divers Battels; had slain or taken his best Captains and most Martial Men of Valour; and that other Chri­stians, who were desirous to abate the pride of the Austrian Family, were ready to embrace the same Conjuncture, whereby they might entirely shake off the Yoke and Servitude to the Imperial Tyranny.

These Advantages being well represented, took place easily in the mind of Morat, so that he dispatched express Orders to the Pasha of Buda to assemble his Forces, and put all things in a readiness on the Frontiers: in compliance with which, though the Pasha set forth his Tents, and made great appearance of a March, yet some se­cret Designs caused him to move slowly, and to affect a Peace rather than a War; so that receiv­ing an Ambassador from the Emperor at Pest, he readily Admitted him, and gave him safe Conduct and Convoy unto Constantinople: at which time Advices coming, that the Great Gustavus Adol­phus was slain, and that the Affairs of the Swedes went backwards and unsuccesfully in Germany, altered all the Measures of the Ottoman Coun­sels; and though Ragotski endeavoured all he was able to foment the Differences, and encou­rage the Turks to a War, having besides other specious Pretences, an Army of thirty thousand Men in a readiness to joyn with the Turks a­gainst the Emperor; howsoever the Turks look­ing on the Condition of the Swedes as desperate, and the Proffers of Ragotski to be uncertain, and of no true Foundation,A Peace made be­tween the Emperor and Grand Signior. and the State of Affairs amongst themselves to be turbulent and unset­led, gave a kind Reception to the Emperor's Ambassador, and signed the Agreement for con­tinuance of the Truce.

By this, and other Actions of like Nature, Ra­gotski lost much of his Esteem with the Emperor and the Grand Signior; the first always looked on him as an Ambitious Prince, exciting the Turk against him, and ready on the least Occa­sion to enter his Country with Fire and Sword: The other looked on him as a False Friends, who never made Proffers, but those which squared with his own Designs and Interest; and parti­cularly he had disgusted the Port, by presuming to instate one Matthias in the Principality of Walachia, and to eject another constituted there by Authority of the Grand Signior, called Stri­dia Bei, or Lord Oysters, because his Father was a Fisher-man, and gained a good Estate by the Trade of Oysters; howsoever it being the Grand Signior'd Pleasure to ordain such a Person to that Office, it was a Presumption, and a bold Piece of Usurpation in Ragotski, to dispose of that Government, by virtue of his own single Power: Howsoever the Grand Signior, to avoid Contention with the resolved Spirit of Ragotski, confirmed Matthias upon Condition of a double Tribute paid for the Investment to the Principa­lity.

But besides these Reasons for a Peace with the Emperor, the Designs the Grand Signior enter­tained of making War upon Poland, with the Assistance of the Musco [...] and Tartars, and of dispossessing Emir Facardin [...] his Government, were strong Inducements [...] [...]ake fair Weather on all other sides of the N [...], abouring Princes. The Envy which the Riches and Greatness of Emir Facardian (who was a Prince inhabiting in the Parts of Arabia, to whom a large Tract of Land, with several Fortresses did belong) had contracted to him from the Pasha's of Damascus, Tripoli, and Gaza, caused them to accuse him before the Grand Signior of Rebellion, and other enormous Crimes: The Plea against him was managed especially by the Pasha of Tripoli, who alledged, That he was an Enemy to the Maho­metan Law, destroyed the Moschs, kept corre­spondence with the Malteses and the Corsairs of Ligorn, permitting them freely to take Water in his Country; that he openly favoured the Chri­stians, suffering them freely to build Churches in his Country. That he continually fortified his Castles, and encroached on the Lands and Ter­ritories of the Emirs his Neighbours. In short, his Riches were so great, that every one feared and envied him, and therefore represented his Case in that Manner,Preparati­ons of War made a­gainst Emir Facardin. that the Grand Signior re­solving to destroy him, sent great Forces into those Countries, under the Command of the Pa­sha of Tripoli, to whom he commanded the Pa­sha's of Damascus, Gaza, Aleppo, and Cairo to join their Forces: and for better expedition, the Captain-Pasha was appointed to equip his Fleet, to transport Men and Ammunition into those parts.

The Captain-Pasha in his Passage by Sea,A Fight of the whole Turkish Fleet a­gainst two English Ships. en­countred two English Ships lading Corn in the Gulph of Vola, called the William and Ralph, and Hector: this being a prohibited Commodity, not to be transported under penalty of forfeiting Ships, Goods, and Liberty of the Men, moved the Pasha, with the sight of such a Booty, to command his Gallies to seize the Vessels; which being only two, it was imagined that they would immediately yield and surrender without contest. But these bold Brittons knowing the Consequen­ces of such a Surrender, resolved not tamely to yield themselves, at least to sell their Liberties, Lives, Ships and Goods to the Turks at the dearest Rate they were able: wherefore cutting their Cables, put themselves under Sail, and got into the main Sea, fighting with the whole Fleet above three hours; sometimes they were boarded by one Gally, sometimes by two at once; but plying their Quarter-deck Guns with small Shot, and defending themselves manfully with their half-Pikes, they often cleared their Decks, and put off the Enemy with great slaughter: the Captain-Pasha being ashamed to see such Resistance made by two such Vessels a­gainst his whole Force, resolved to enter his Men at the Gun-room Port of one of the Ships, and running the Prow of the Gally into the Stern-port, the valiant Crew of the Gun-room clapt an Iron Spike into the Trunnel-hole of the Prow, whereby the Gally being wedged fast to the Timbers of the Ship, they brought their Stern-chase laden with cross Bars, pieces of Iron, and Parteridge-shot to bear upon them; which raking them fore and aft,The Capt. Pasha slain. killed the Captain-Pasha himself, with near three hundred out of [Page 22]the Bastard Gally. At length having spent all their shot, they charged their Guns with pieces of Eight, and being over-powered by numbers of their Enemies, and not able farther to resist, they set fire to their Ships, which blowing up, de­stroyed two or three of the Gallies which laid by their sides, together with those Men which were then fighting aboard at handy-blows on the Deck with the Defendants; so that none of the English were taken, unless three or four fished out of the Water.

An end being in this manner put to the Fight, the Turks gained the Victory, with the loss of twelve hundred Slaves killed and wounded, be­sides Turks, and were forced into Port, where they remained a full Month to repair their Gal­lies; the which Fight affected all Turks with an astonishment of the English Bravery, or Obsti­nacy, (as they call it) and is a Matter remem­bred and talked of to this Day, especially by the Son of the Captain-Pasha who was slain, called Omem, Pasha Ogli, who is Pasha of Rhodes at present, (as I remember) and commands three or four Gallies; for which reason he is so inve­terate Enemy to the English, that to satisfie his Revenge, he buys what English Slaves he can get into his Gallies, and sells none out under a dou­ble Price or Ransom.

The News of this Fight coming to Constanti­nople, provoked the Grand Signior to the height of Indignation; howsoever the Officers either being ashamed of their Loss, or entertaining some secret admiration of the English Bravery, suffered the Matter to be compounded for the Sum of forty thousand Dollars, of which the English paid only their share with the French and Venetians, whom (for I know not what Rea­son) the Turks equally concerned in the Occa­sion.

Whilst the Turks were appointing a new Cap­tain-Pasha, and again refitting their Fleet, the Pasha of Damascus dispatched a Summons to Fa­cardin to surrender Seida up to him, with other Castles and Places of Strength. The Old Man resided then a Barut, where pretending to be retired from all Business, answered, that he had resigned the whole Government into the Hands of his Son Ali, as he had already testified by Publick Acts: that he was but a Subject, and a Souldier under his Son, and therefore to him they ought to make their Applications. Facar­din had at that time an Army of twenty five thousand Men, the which he divided into two Bodies, commanded by his two Sons. Ali his eldest he ordered with twelve thousand Men (a thousand of which were Maronites, and two thousand Druzes) to march to Saphet for hinde­ring the conjunction of the Emirs of Feruc and Therabith, and the Pasha's of Gaza and Damas­cus, whose Forces being joined together, did not compose a greater Number than that of Facar­din.

Ali entercountring with them, and being a brisk and hot-metled Prince, engaged and charg­ed them so whom, that he defeated them, and killed eight thousand of their Men; but such a Victory as this not costing him less than seven thousand of his Men, was in effect his own Overthrow; for being the next day charged a­gain by the Enemy, both sides fought with that obstinacy,The Son of Facardin overthrown that (as is reproted) there remained not above an hundred forty six of all the Soul­diers which followed Ali; and he himself ha­ving his Horse mortally wounded under him, and being out of Breath, Weary, and Faint, yield­ed himself to a common Souldier, who promised him Quarter; but afterwards having him in his power, he strangled him with his Match, and cut off his Head and his little Finger on which he wore his Seal-Ring,And is strangled. and so presented both to the Pasha. But this proud Conquerour refused to accept this Present without Ceremony, until first the head had been perfumed with Sweet Waters, the Beard combed out, and covered with a rich Turbant, and having kept this Tro­phy for some days by him, he sent it afterwards to Constantinople.

But before the News of this Defeat reached the Ears of old Facardin, the Captain-Pasha with his Fleet of Gallies arrived at the Port of Tripoli; to whom Facardin being desirous to shew all Friendship, and profess Loyalty to the Grand Signior, he caused his Army to retire into the Parts of Mount Libanus, whilst he himself, with about three thousand Men, between Domestick Servants and his Guards, went to Seida, from whence he sent twoA sort of Vessel or Ship so cal­led by the Turks. Caramosauis laden with Provisions and Refreshment to the Captain-Pasha for a Present, assuring him, that he was an hum­ble Vassal to the Grand Signior, and was ready to obey all his Commands; and because the Sultan may probably have received sinister Reports rela­ting to the Arms he had taken up, he assured him, that they were no otherwise designed, than to suppress the Robberies of the Arabs, and the Incursions of their Kings; and that he was rea­dy to conduct his Army to any Place, where his Master the Grand Signior should think fit to em­ploy them. But these fair words could not di­vert the Captain-Pasha from his Resolution to enter the Port of Seida, nor from his Instructions of demanding, and upon refusal of forcing pos­session of the Castle; which as it was the most considerable Fortress, and the most pleasant Seat of all his Dominions, so he could not, without much regret and sorrow, hearken to such a Pro­position: wherefore that the Pasha might not persist in this Demand, he secretly proffered him an hundred thousand Zechins as a Bribe to him­self, and his Son Mansour to be carried for a Ho­stage and Earnest of his Faithfulness to the Grand Signior. The Captain-Pasha liked well the hun­dred thousand Zechins and the Hostages, but still required the Surrender of the Castle with them; on which whilst Facardin deliberated, News came of the Death of his Son Ali, and the De­struction of his Army, with which, losing all Cou­rage, he yielded his Castle of Seida to the Cap­tain-Pasha, retiring himself to his City of Ba­rut: nor could he rest quietly at that Place; for being pursued, he was forced to quit it, and re­tire with his Maronites and Druzes into the Mountains, lest being inclosed within the Walls of a City, he should fall alive into the Hands of his Enemies.

And now all good Fortune forsaking unhappy Facardin, the Maronites and Druzes his Subjects revolt to the Pasha of Damascus, his Palaces of Gardens of Pleasure were all ruined, his Friends forsook him, his two remaining Sons were lost, one carried to Constantinople for a Hostage, and the other slain in Fight; his Towns of Gazir, Saphet, St. John d' Acria, and others were sur­rendred to the Pasha of Damascus: only some few strong Places in the Mountains remained to him, where living in League with Reba a King of the Arabs, he committed all the Spoils he was able on the Lands belonging to the Pasha of Da­mascus. But being hunted from one Mountain to another, and from one Cave to another, he was at length forced to surrender upon Conditi­ons, that he should have liberty to proceed unto [Page 23]the Grand Signior with his own Equipage of three hundred Men, and Trumpets sounding, and that he might carry with him all his Trea­sure consisting of a Million of Zechins all in Gold, together with other Riches, which were carried by fourteen Camels; and that he should not be conducted as a Prisoner in Triumph, but that he should with freedom approach the Pre­sence of the Sultan, like other Pasha's, who are in Grace and Favour.

These Proposals being granted, Facardin with his two young Sons began his Journey to Con­stantinople, and being about two days journey from thence, he dispatched eight Chests of Gold before him, to prepare and make his way to the Grand Signior; who being pleased with the Gold, and greatly rejoyced to receive the Submission and Homage of one who had so long stood out in Rebellion, he went out in a Disguise and Habit of a Pasha to see and discourse with that Person, of whom there had been so general a Rumor: and having accordingly encountred with the E­mir, he sate down in his Tent with him, de­siring him to relate the Story of his Life, with the several Particulars of his late Misfortunes. Emir Facardin well knew the Person of the Grand Signior; but feigning as if he was unac­quainted with whom he discoursed, and that he took him for some Pasha, began to recount the Course of his Life, the Reasons why his Ene­mies falsely suggested evil Reports of him to the Grand Signior; how he was forced, for defence of his Life, to take up Arms, and what ill Suc­cess accompanied his Affairs; all which he repre­sented with such Quickness and Eloquence, that the Grand Signior pitying his Misfortunes, pro­mised to be his Advocate, and mediate with the Grand Signior in his behalf.

The day following Facardin made his Entry in a Triumphant manner, and received a most favourable Audience from the Grand Signior; and all the Pasha's and great Men in conformity to their Master, and in hopes of sharing some part of his Gold, shewed him a like kind favou­rable Countenance and Aspect.

But finding afterwards that Facardin increased daily in the esteem of the Grand Signior, and that the old Rebel was become a new Favourite, and that he was likely to over-top and out them, they generally conspired together, taking the Mufti on their side, to accuse him of many Crimes, and more particularly that he was a Christian, and an Apostate from the Mahome­tan Faith. This Point of Religion so sensibly touched the Grand Signior, that he resolved to condemn him in a manner Solemn and Extraor­dinary; for mounting one Day on his Throne, he commanded Facardin to be brought in, and placed on a low Chair; where ordering his Crimes whereof he was accused to be recited, he passed a formal Sentence of Death upon him: but Facardin arising to justifie himself, was not permitted to speak, only he obtained a quarter of an hours reprieve to make his Prayers, and af­terwards was strangled by the hands of two Mutes.

Morat growing now into Years, took into his own Hands the Reins of Government, re­solving to rule Singly and Absolutely, and to make himself rather Feared than Beloved: He degraded four Viziers at once, and banished them into Cyprus, confiscating their Estates, for no other Reason, than because they had denied him the use of their Mules and Camels on occa­sion of his Service.

He became extremely severe against the Soul­diery, crushing them with all imaginable Ri­gour on the least appearance of Reluctancy to his Commands; declaring,Morat ex­ercises seve­ral Acts of Tyranny. That he expected Blind and Silent Obedience from all, but especi­ally from his Souldiery.

He imposed a great Tax upon Copper; and because he had several Warthouses filled with that Mettal, which had for many Years lain by, he forced the People to buy it at his own Rates. At which Aggrievance the Commonalty grow­ing desperate, began to Mutiny and Rebel; but Morat put a speedy stop thereunto, by cutting off the Heads of fifty of the most Seditious, and so passed to Prusa, with the Attendance of six Gallies.

He caused a Kadi to be hanged, to the great Displeasure and universal Resentment of the Ulemah, who are Students in the Law; who to make known their Aggrievance, and Consult a a Remedy, assembled in great Numbers at the House of the Mufti.

The Queen-Mother being acquainted with this Meeting, and fearing the ill Consequences thereof, gave immediate Advice to the Sultan; who with like Expedition dispatched a Boat to bring over the Mufti and his Son to Prusa; who were no sooner arrived, than they were strang­led, not being permitted to speak for them­selves, or to alledge any Plea or Excuse for their Lives. This Act of Cruelty, beyond the Example of former Ages, and never practised by the most tyrannical of his Predecessors, struck a Terror on the whole Empire; for Men ob­serving the unjust Rigour which was executed on the Head and Chief of their Law, the Ora­cle and Mo [...]th which resolved their difficult Problems, and whom the World so reverenced and honoured, that few Examples have been of Capital Punishment executed on his reverend Head, feared, that Innocence was not sufficient to secure their own less considerable Estates from his Fury and Violence.

There is a particular Death allotted for Muf­ties which is, by braying them in a Mortar, which is kept in the seven Towers at Constantinople, and there shewed to Strangers; which Instrument hath been seldom made use of.

Morat being greatly addicted to Wine,Morat de­stroys the Taverns. was sensible of the ill Effects of it in himself, and that the heat of debauchery inclined him to Vio­lence and Cruelty, and from hence collecting how dangerous this Humour of Drunkenness was in his People, especially in his Souldiery, for that much of the late Seditions might be attribu­ted thereunto, he published a most severe Edict against Wine, commanding all Taverns to be demolished, the Butts to be broken, and the Wine spilt. It was the common Custom of the Grand Signior to walk the Streets in disguise; when meeting with any drunken Person, he would imprison him, and almost drub him to Death. It was his fortune to meet a Deaf Man one day in the Streets; who not hearing the Noise of the People, nor the Rumor of his Ap­proach, did not so readily shift out of the way, as was consistent with the fear and dread of so aw­ful an Emperor, for which default he was strang­led immediately, and his Body thrown into the Streets.

All People feared and trembled at these Pra­ctices, and were as careful to look out abroad for the Grand Signior, lest they should be surprised with the bluster of his presence, as Mariners are of being taken unprovided by some sudden Gust or Hurricane; for there was scarce a Day, that one Innocent or other was not sacrificed to his Fury and tyrannical Fancy.

One Thomas Zanetti, a Venetian Merchant, who had built a lofty Jardac, or a high Room of Prospective on the top of his House, was accused to the Grand Signior to have designed that Place for no other end, than that he might with a long Glass oversee the Chambers of the Ladies, and the Gardens,Hangs a Venetian Merchant. and Walks of the Seraglio: For which Reason, without farther inquiry, he was hanged in his Shirt on the top of his Jar­dac, with a red Streamer in his Hand, that so the Grand Signior might be sure that the Sen­tence was executed. The Estate of Zanetti, whe­ther belonging to himself or Principals, was con­fiscated; but in regard the Goods, for security, were privately conveyed to the Ware-houses of several Frank Merchants, strict search was made for them; but in regard the Marks and Num­bers were altered, they could not be distinguish­ed: wherefore the Graud Signior concluding, that all the Frank Merchants had combined to­gether to deceive him, he Imprisoned every Man of them; nor would he release them, until they had paid forty thousand Dollars for their Ran­som and Liberty.

After which, upon pretence of a Plot, or A­greement of the Franks to defend themselves from the leviation of this Tax, the Turks searched their Houses for Arms; in taking of which they were so rigorous, that they spared not so much as a Birding-piece; nor yet the Sword of Sir Peter Wych, then Ambassador for England, though he alledged, that it was the ve­ry Sword with which his Majesty and conferred the Honour of Knighthood upon him.

But from these Transactions at Home, let us pass to the Wars in Poland and Persia. That In­vincible Princes, Ʋladislaus King of Poland, had gained such good Success against the Czar of Muscovy, that the Czar was forced to demand Assistance from the Turks. The Grand Signior, though he had lately made a Peace with Poland, and sworn to maintain the Articles of Chocin, concluded by his Predecessor Sultan Osman; yet the continual Depredations which the Cossacks made, did always administer reasonable Preten­ces for a War: To which Abassa, one of his chief Counsellors, a valiant and presumptuous Captain, did much incite him; for promising to himself the Conduct of that Army designed a­gainst Poland, did much flatter the Sultan and himself with the Fancy of mighty Success.

The War being thus resolved upon,The Turks make War on the Poles. the Turk, who commonly strikes before he Quarrels, gave Orders to Abassa to make Levies of Men in Mol­davia and Valachia; and to put the Tartars in Arms, and the Militia of Buda, and of the Parts along the Danube into a warlike Posture, and with all Expedition to enter Poland.

Abassa who had with wonderful diligence put his Troops in readiness, ordered the Tartars, with a Body of fifteen thousand Men to enter Po­land; which they performed with such celerity, that passing the River of Tyre above Chocin and Rinczug, they in a few hours laid waste for the space of ten Leagues round Kemenitz, and so retired with their Booty into Moldavia: how­soever their haste was not attended with such good speed, but that they were overtaken on the 4th of July by Stanislaus Konispolzki, General of the Polish Army, with no greater Force than two thousand five hundred Horse; howsoever surprising them whilst they were feeding their Horses, he put them into such Confusion and Disorder, that he easily recovered all their Boo­ty, and took five of their chief Men Prisoners; of which the Son-in-Law of the Cantemir was one. But this was a faint Refreshment in respect to that terrible Storm of sixty thousand Men, composed of Turks, Tartars, Moldavians and Valachians; which under the Command of A­bassa had already passed the Danube.

Konispolzki the Polish General, having not suf­ficient Force to oppose them in open Field, nor time to assemble a greater Army, gathered what Supplies he could from the Cossacks and Lords of that Country, and therewith encamped him­self upon a Hill between the River Tyr and the Town of Chocin, that he might be the better able to succour Kemenitz, which the Enemy de­signed to assault.

Abassa who contemned this weak Force of the Poles, resolved, without farther consideration,A Fight between the Turks and the Poles. to attack them in their own Camp, and force them to fight; of which the Poles being well advised, placed several Pieces of Artillery, and lined all the Hedges and Ditches with Musque­tiers, where the Turks were necessarily to pass, drawing out their whole Army into Batalia; the Turks who hastened the nearest way to charge the Enemy, fell into the Ambush, where having lost about five hundred Men, they began to make a stand, and to consider of some more advantageous way to their Design. Wherefore Abassa taking another Course, which he judged to be free from all concealed Dangers, ordered the Tartars to charge the Right Wing, and the Moldavians and Valachians the left of the Ene­my, and he with his Turks would fight the main Body. The Tartars with great Resolution per­formed their part, and had wholly defeated that Wing, had not Wisnovitzki, with some Troops and a Train of small Artillery, come in seasonably to their Succour: The Moldavians and Valachians fought to faintly against the Enemy, whom they considered to be Christians, Brothers, and Neighbours, that they soon turned their Backs and fled, but were not far pursued by the Poles.

Abassa receiving this Repulse, sounded a Re­treat, and immediately repassed the River Tyr, and marched with all the haste he was able, stop­ping no where, until he arrived at Rinzur, about thirty English miles from the place of the Fight; and arriving at length on the Banks of the Da­nube, he gave License to his Souldiers to disperse into their Winter-Quarters; in the mean time Abassa dispatched Advice to the Grand Signior of the Particulars of the Fight, and of his great Victory, by an entire defeat of the Polish Army. The Grand Signior believed the Report, which none durst to contradict, and which was con­firmed by the Rumour of an Ambassador com­ing from Poland. An Ambas­sador sent to the G. Signior srom Po­land. For the Poles being at that time engaged in a War with Muscovy, and ap­prehensive of another with Sweden, judged it not seasonable to provoke the Turk, but rather, by way of Accommodation, dispatched an Ambas­sador with a Train of three hundred Men, to make Complaints against the late Acts of Ho­stility committed by Abassa, as if he had moved his Arms without the Orders or Knowledg of the Sultan.

About that time that the Ambassador ap­proached near to Constantinople, the Grand Sig­nior had another Son born, but of a weakly and sickly Temperament, howsoever great Joy was expressed, and all the City was enlightned with Torches, Bonefires, and Fire-works; and that the Grand-Signior might evidence his Greatness and Magnificence to the Ambassador, he took this Occasion of the Birth of a Son, to make a solemn Entrance into the City, and to make [Page 25]the greater Show, he armed all the Citizens and Inhabitans.

Before the Grand Signior would grant Au­dience to the Ambassador, he ordered that Abassa should treat with him, and understand his Busi­ness and Desires. Abassa carried himself high in the Negotiation, he pretended the Damages and Charges of the War, the Demolishment of certain Palancas, which were the Places of Re­fuge for the Cossacks; and the Tribute of ten Years past, with Security of paiment for the Time to come. The Ambassador positively re­fused to hearken unto any Terms about Tribute; and that for other Matters, the Presents which he had brought to the Grand Signior, would reasonably answer.

His Presents were,

• A Coach lined with Velvet, with six very fine Horses.
• A Bason, and Candlesticks of Silver richly gilt.
• Four Clocks, ten Vests of Sables, six Qui­vers of Arrows, with some Hunting-Dogs.

Being at length admitted to Audience, and thereunto conducted by the Aga of the Spahees, and the Chaous Bashee: The Grand Signior asked the Ambassador, which was not usual, For what Reason he was come thither?

To which he answered; That he was come to bring his Majesty Advice of the Coronation of his King; and to establish a Peace, is his Majesty should judg fit to accept thereof.

To which the Sultan replied; That all Chri­stian Kings ought either to receive the Ottoman Laws, or pay him Tribute, or try the sharpness of his Sword. And taking a Cemiter in his hand which hung by him, he drew it half out, and said; With this I will subdue my Enemies; and though take another in Poland.

To which the Ambassador returning a modest Answer, was dismissed of the Royal Presence.

And now the Grand Signior, to put a good face on the Business, and to make the World be­lieve, that he designed what he spake, he pro­claimed a War with Poland, and ordered his Tents to be carried abroad, supposing hereby to draw the Poles to his own Terms of Agreement. And in pursuance hereof he mounted on Horse­back, and rode in state through the City, his upper Vest was made after the Hungarian Fashi­on lined with Sables; in his right hand he car­ried a Quiver of Arrows, in his left two drawn Swords, on his Turbant he wore a large Plume of Feathers, encompassed with a Circle of Dia­monds; and in this manner entring his Tents, he proceeded to Adrianople. But before his de­parture, the Count Puchen, Ambassador from the Emperor, arrived with other sumptuous Pre­sents, offering Incense and Gifts of Peace at the Throne of this Greatness.

But before we relate the Transactions at Adrianople, and the Success of Affairs at that Place, let us recount several dismal Accidents at Constantinople.

The Grand Signior returning by Sea from a place called Stravosta in the Bay of Ismit, an­ciently the Bay of Nicomedia, where he had for some time held his Court and great Divan, he was followed by several Vessels appointed to transport the People;The several Mischiefs by Water and Fire. in one whereof were nine­ty five Persons embarked, all of them Pasha's, Aga's, and chief Officers of the Court; the Vessel was over-set by a sudden gust of Wind, and all the People drowned excepting three Sea-men which saved themselves by swimming. More considerable were the Mischiefs by Fire; For on occasion of some Fire-works made in one of the Grand Siguior's Chiosks, or Houses of Pleasure, the Fire took so fiercely on the Tavan,A terrible Fire at Constan­tinople. or wooden Works of the Sieling, that it endan­gered the whole Palace, and had consumed all, but that many Hands and active Men gave a stop to the farther Progress.

This Fire was but a fore-ruuner of a greater, which began the 16th of September in that part of the City of Constantinople, which is called Aia­cab, being between the Wall and the Port, where live Taverners, Butchers, Fishmongers, and others who sell Provisions. The Fire took first in one of those Houses which had been a Ta­vern, and are Buildings only made of Deal­boards and Timber; which combustible Matter the Houses round, and was so quick in its Mo­tion, as if it had taken by a Train, or that some wicked People with Fire-balls had em­ployed themselves in the Mischief; the Fire took its Course against the Wind, burning on one side and the other to the Historical Pillar, and to the Moschs of Sultan Mahomet, and Sultan Selim; so that in a short time one third of the City was reduced to Ashes.

It is difficult to express the lamentable De­struction was made hereby, what Riches, what Palaces, and Moveables were consumed in it, there being twenty thousand Houses reported to be burnt; which Misery is best represented by the remembrance of our calamitous Incendiation at London; the greatest difference between one and the other was, that that at Constantinople was more quick in its Motion; for it burnt a larger compass of Ground in one third of the Time, than ours did at London; for that City for the most part consisting of slight Buildings of Wood, met not the resistance which ours some­times did against the Walls of Brick and Stones.

The Fire being extinguished, and Men having time to lament and think, bagan to impute the Cause and Fault to those whom they most su­spected; sometimes they accused the Persians for having fired the City, for which Crime one of them the next Year suffered Death. Some at­tributed the Cause of all to the Janisaries; and that they, out of hatred to the Inhabitants, or for the sake of Plunder, if they did not begin, yet at least increased the Fire; which they the more suspected, because the Janisaries refused not only to work themselves, alledging, that they expected Orders from their Aga, but like­wise hindered and discouraged others. Howso­ever the Grand Signior not wanting on his own part to contribute all Assistance possible, sent four thousand Men out of his Seraglio to work about the Fire, not excusing the very Officers of his Royal Chamber from contributing their Authori­ty and personal Aid; some of which ventured far into the Fire, to demonstrate their Courage, Activeness, and Obedience to the Commands of their Emperor: but all this was too little against an obstinate and an invincible Enemy, for the Fire flamed, and proceeded, until it wanted Nourishment and Food to consume.

In fine, twenty thousand Houses were burnt, two hundred Moschs, and the Library of the Mufti, which for the Number of the Arabick and Persian Books, was curious, and of high esteem. The Albengs, or Habitation of the [Page 26]Janisaries containing three hundred Chambers, of which each Chamber was capable to receive four hundred Men, were all burnt and reduced to Ashes.

The which fatal and miserable Spectacle, did a little touch the Heart of Sultan Morat; so that he gave out considerable Sums to comfort the Distressed, who had most suffered by this Cala­mity, and to raise from its Ashes his consumed and languishing Constantinople; which being re­vived and flourishing, was again miserably con­sumed by Flames, in the Month of April 1660. But such is the beneficial and commodious situa­tion of that Place, and the Riches thereof by Trade, and the Presence of the Ottoman Court, that the Inhabitants again rebuilt it in fewer Years than could be imagined.

But now to return to the Grand Signior at Adrianople, we find him resolutely designed to make a War upon Poland, to whcih he was in­duced by the Perswasions of Abassa, Reasons for a War with Poland. and the present conjuncture of Advantage to join with the Moscovite, it seeming great Policy not to suffer the Countries of Moscovy to be over-run; or the Poles, who is a warlike and dangerous Nation, to grow Puissant and Powerful by his Success and Conquest over his Neighbours: Wherefore Preparations were made on all sides for the War; great Quantities of Provisions and Ammunition were sent into Moldavia by way of the Black Sea and the Danube.

The Tartar Han sent word that all his Forces were in readiness, and expected nothing but their Orders to march. The Beglerbey of Greece made his Rendezvous at Philippolis with an Army of thirty thousand Men, where he attend­ed to join with the Forces of Bosna, Silistria, and other parts of Europe. Moldavia and Walachia made an appearance of Levying Men, and join­ing with the Turk; but thier Hearts were to­wards the Poles, with whom they kept a sceret correspondence, and would be ready to adhere on the least on the least Opportunity.

In short, the Army of the Turks was so great, and all his Affairs in that readiness, that he scorned to incline an Ear to Propositions of Peace; in which Opinion Abassa humoured and perswaded him, that the Poles were so fearful of his Forces, that they had already yielded to Terms of compounding for a yearly Tribute. All which proved false; for in the mean time Ʋladislaus King of Poland, remitting nothing of the Heat and Vigour of his War against the Moscovites, he was so succesful therein, that he foced an Army of eighty thousand Men, which he had besieged in their Camp,The Victory which the Poles ob­tained over the Mosco­vites. to lay down their Arms, and surrender themselves; which was an Action scarce to be credited, at least to be parallel'd in any History; and with this Con­quest he might have proceeded to the Capital City of Mosco, and concluded the War and that Empire: But God's Provdence, which governs all things, altered this Counsel, and diverted those victorious Arms to the Siege of Bial; which Town being well fortified and garisoned, with­stood many Assaults of the Enemy, and blunted the Spirits and Swords of the Conqueror; for losing much time in this Siege, other Towns made use of the Opportunity to provide and fortify themselves; whilst the Poles growing weary, and wanting Pay, raised divers Mutinies and Seditions in the Camp. These Difficulties and Inconveniences inclined the King Ʋladislaus to bend a favourable Ear to the many Supplications and Instances which the Moscovites made for Peace: So that the Plenipotentiaries being as­sembled, it was agreed, that the Dutchy of Smolesco and Czernieschou, which two hundred Years past had been taken from Poland and Litua­nia, They make a Peace. with many other Towns and Countries, to the extent of two hundred Leagues, should be restored to the Kingdom of Poland.

The News of this sudden Peace coming unex­pectedly to Sultan Morat, caused his Bravadoes against Poland to cease, and to turn the stile of his Fury and Indignation against the Moscovites, whom he vilified with all imaginable Terms of Persidiousness and Cowardise, and abused and imprisoned their Ambassadors. He considered that he had provoked an Enemy who was Victo­rious, Valiant, and Powerful, and one who at any time was able to contend with his united Force, much more whilst it was separated and disjoined by his War in Persia: wherefore in all haste he dispatched an Ambassador into Poland, The Turk sends an Ambassador into Poland to desire a Peace. called Shahin Aga, desiring to renew the ancient League and Articles of Peace. This Ambassa­dor found the King at the Diet in Wasaw, where he publickly endeavoured to excuse his Master for the late Acts of Hostility; assuring them, that they were not performed according to his Master's Desires, and Original Intentions, but as they were moved and guided by the evil Sug­gestions and Artifices of Abassa, who being sole­ly culpable of this Fault, by giving ill Counsels to his Master, he assured them, in the Name of the Sultan, that he should receive such Punish­ment as they should think fit to inflict upon him. Hereupon the King Ʋladislaus gave this Answer, That since the Grand Signior could so easily in­fringe the Articles of that Peace which had been solemnly and sacredly established, it was now his Part, and the Wisdom of that grave Assem­bly, to contrive such Conditions and Bonds wherewith to oblige his Master, as could not ea­sily and at his Pleasure be broken or avoided. And at the same time the Polish Ambassador be­ing returned from Constantinople, and discoursing in the Diet of the Pride and Perfidiousness of the Turks, and the Scorn wherewith they recei­ved Christian Ambassadors, so incensed the Spi­rit of the whole Assembly, that with a genersl Consent they approved the words of the King, adding, That they would, no longer be subject to the Insults and Falsities of that Tyrant, whom they would make to know, that they wore as well Offensive as Defensive Arms; and were not of that abject Spirit, or mean Condition, to permit the Sultan to violate the most Sacred Articles of Peace, and then at his pleasure to salve them with a fawning Acknowledgment, or a flattering Speech. In this manner the Turkish Ambassador was returned, whilst the King Ʋla­dislaus went into Podolia to take a view of his Armies; which he found to consist of eighty thousand fighting Men, all well accoutred, of good Courage, and ready to follow their King to the Walls of Constaninople.

The fear of the Motion of this great Army, in a Conjuncture when the Wars broken out a­gain in Persia were not prosperous, affected the Mind of Morat which much terror; so that he became very sollicitous to find out, and make some substantial Proposition in order to an Ac­commodation. One of the Viziers called Mor­teza, was very active in this Business, plying con­tinually the General Konispolzki with Letters, Offers, and Expedients for a Peace: To facili­tate which, and shew that the Grand Signior did heartily relent,Abassa strangled. Abassa was strangled by two Kapugees, and given for a Sacrifice to appease the Anger of his Enemies; a Person who was a [Page 27]stout Souldier, and one who had performed great and signal Services in the War of Persia.

But the Poles not being pacified with this single Act of Penitence, but thirsting farther after the Blood of the Turks, desired to Spoil and Pil­lage their Richer Provinces. Howsoever at length the Council of Poland entring into more serious Debates, considered, that the Troops lately come from Muscovy, were but in a bad condition; that the part of their Army, which consisted of Voluntiers, would not endure a long and tediuos War; and that the Expence and Charge of this great Army was immense and almost insupportable: for which Reasons it was resolved, that a Peace should be made, which was soon afterwards concluded, and agreed on these following Articles.

That the Vaywods of Moldavia and Walachia, Articles of Peace a­greed be­tween the Poles and the Turks. should be confirmed by the Grand Signior, with the Consent and Recommendation of the King of Poland.

That Cantemir and his Tartars should aban­don the Country of Buckzac; and in case of re­fusal, that then the Turk and Tartar Cham should join their Forces to expel them from thence.

That the Poles shall suppress all Acts of Ho­stility of the Cossacks in the Black Sea.

That the Turks renounce for ever all Demands, or future pretence of Tribute from Poland: and that they shall build no new Forts on the Fron­tiers.

That the Navigation on the River Nieper shall remain free and undisturbed to the Poles. That all other Articles shall remain as formerly in their ture Force and Virtue.

In this Year happened out great Differences between the French Ambassador and the Turkish Officers.A Diffe­rence be­tween the French Am­bassador & the Captain Pasha. The first Disgust had its Original from the Year 1631, when the Marquess of Marcheville going Ambassador to Constantinople, was in his Voyage met off of Scio by the Cap­tain-Pasha and his Fleet of Gallies, who imme­diately sent off a Boat to advise him, that he should strike his Flag, and make ready the Pre­sents which were due to the Grand Signior's Admiral. Marcheville duly considering, that this Submission would blemish the Honour of his Master, and the Dignity of his Character, re­fused Compliance either in one or the other; howsoever that he might testify the Friendship and good Correspondence which he came to confirm between the two Kings, he stood off at some distance, and fired five Guns to salute the Grand Signior's Standard: But the Captain-Pasha not contenting himself herewith, required the Ambassador to come aboard and speak with him; which after divers Messages from one Ves­sel to another, the Ambassador was counselled to perform, not knowing how far otherwise he might engage the Honour of his Master. Mar­cheville being arrived at Constantinople, did great­ly complain of the Affront and Violence he re­ceived from the Captain-Pasha; which though the Grand Signior and other Ministers seemed not to approve, yet the Ambassadour received little other satisfaction than fair Words and pro­mises, that his Honour should be again repai­red.

At the Arrival of the Sieur Marcheville, the Count Cesi, who was the former Ambassador, was to return into France; but the Debts which he had contracted by a certain way of living, were so great, that the Creditors would not suffer him to depart without paiment; for De­fault of which, he endured many Affronts of­fered to his own Person, and was detained at Constantinople until this Year 1634; during which time the Marques, Marcheville managed all the Affairs of the Embassy; who keeping still in mind the Affront offered him before Scio, watched all Opportunities to disparage the Actions and Person of the Captain-Pasha; who at length re­turning from the Black Sea, where he had some Success against the Cossacks, was graciously re­ceived by the Grand Signior; and being adver­tised, how, during his absence, the French Am­bassador had endeavoured to blast his Reputati­on by many Instances of Diminution, which he often inculcated by his Druggerman, took Ad­vantage of the Grand Signior's good Humor, to vent before him the resentment which he con­ceived thereof: The Grand Signior, to gratify the Pasha, promised to hang the Druggerman; which the Pasha acknowledged as a singular Fa­vour, and returned from the Presence of the Sultan full of Joy and Contentment. But better to cover his Malice, and to ensnare the Poor Wretch, he sent a Messenger to the Ambassador, assuring him that he desired his Friendship; and that there might be a right understanding be­tween them, he perswaded him to send his Druggerman to him, that by his Mouth he might signify the esteem he had for the Ambassador, from whose Spirits he was willing to take off all Jealousies and Umbrages of Discontent.

The Ambassador not suspecting the perfidi­ousness of the Pasha,The French Drugger­man hanged sent his Druggerman to him; hwo being come within his Power, was im­mediately hanged by the Grand Signior's express Command, and ordered that he should remain on the Gallows with his Velvet Cap on his Head, which in this Sultan's Reign all Druggermen wore to distinguish them from others.

The Ambassador complained greatly of this Affront, nad Violation of Articles, to the Chi­macam and other Officers, but could receive no other Answer or Satisfaction, than that the Grand Signior might execute Justice as he plea­sed on his Subjects, without asking leave, or concerning the King of France or his Ambassador in the Matter.

But Marcheville not resting satisfied with this Reply, still prosecuted his Pique and Animosity to such a height, that the Captain-Pasha farther incensed thereat, obtained Authority form the Grand Signior to dispatch him away: so that sending one day for Marcheville, and first re­proaching his Contrivances and Designs against him, told him plainly, that it was the Grand Signior's Pleasure that he should depart at that instant; to which he constrained the Ambassador so precipitately, that he would not give him time to advertise his Servants,The Sieur Marche­ville forci­bly sent a­way. or make up his Baggage, but forced him aboard a French Ship then in Port, which he immediatly compelled to sail; and the Wind being contrary, caused the Vessel to be toaed abroad by two Gallies into the open Sea of the Propontis.

After the injurious departure of this Ambas­sador, the Count Cesi, who had been detained at Constantinople, for the Reasons before denoted, took again upon him the Function of Ambassador. To execute which, in better advantage of Trade and Commerce, he was advised to a compliance with the Captain-Pasha, and to use such Means as might mitigate that Acrimony of Spirit which this Pasha nourished against the French Nation.

These Disputes between the French and the Turkish Officers, revived certain Disgusts and Aversion against all the Frank Nations, which favoured the Latine Rites; so that in despight [Page 28]to them, the Grand Signior restored again Cy­rillus the Patriarch to the Patriarchal Jurisdicti­on, who had long been persecuted by the Jesu­its, and by their Means been deposed, promi­sing that for the future he should continue undi­sturbed, in opposition to all those of the Roman Religion.

The Peace (as we have said) being conclu­ded with Poland, the Grand Signior was more at Ieisure to attend the Wars in Persia; with the Labours and Toils of which the Janisaries being wearied, began new Troubles and Seditions in the Camp; the which Disorder Morat attribu­ting to the negligence or cowardise of the Offi­cers, as wanting Courage to suppress them, sum­moned the Janisar-Aga to appear before him,Acts of Cruelty. and without long Process or Excuse cut off his Head, and confiscated his Estate to the Exche­quer, which amounted to a Million and seventy thousand Dollars: another Janisary also, more rich than seditious, was in like manner sacri­ficed, and an hundred and sixty thousand Dollars of his Estate added to the Treasury of the Sul­tan. The Pasha also of Damascus, with several other Officers of the Army enriched with Spoils of the People, fell a Sacrifice to Morat's Avarice and Cruelty; to whom Riches and Blood were so pleasing, that none acquired a higher degree of Grace in his Favour, than those who could give him notice of opulent Men, who having found Riches, he undertook to find them Guilty, and to prove their Wealth so corrupted by ex­tortion and violence, that nothing could hallow or purifie it but his Coffers.

The next News from Persia brought advice, that that King at the Head of a powerful Army was encamped in the Country about Van, with which the Turks not having sufficient Force to fight, the Vizier wrote to the Grand Signior, that his Presence was necessary to increase the Army, and encourage the Souldiery; whereupon he resolved to leave Adrianople, and transfer his Court to his Seraglio at Scutari, The G. Sig­nior returns to Scutari. that so remain­ing on the Banks of Asia, he might be nearer to his Business, both to receive Intelligence, and ad­minister Supplies; and because Seditions and Discontents in the People do always obstruct the Motion of Publick-Affairs, he not only ruined the Taverns and Tabacco-shops, but forbid Coffee­houses, and other idle Places of Concourse; nay to Barbers Shops no more than one was suf­fered to enter at a time; for those being places of resort, Treason was frequently vented there, Men of that Profession being notorious through the World for their Talk and Intemperance of Language: And farther, to restrain Meetings and secret Conventions, strict Orders were gi­ven, that after an hour and half in the Night, all Fires and Candles in the City should be ex­tinguished, which was the general Discontent of all People.

But what shewed much of the fierce Spirit of the Sultan, was a certain Fury which he concei­ved on this occasion. On a certain day, riding on his Horse, thirty Indian Pilgrims met him in the way to demand his Charity, and being in a dif­ferent habit to what the Turks wear, and not accustomary in that Country, the Grand Signi­or's Horse started at the sight of them; and be­ing spurred for bogling in that manner, the Horse capred and reared an end, so that he threw his Rider; at which the Grand Signior being high­ly enraged, drew out his Cemiter, and with his own hand killed his Horse, and instead of Alms, prepared a place of Entertainment in the Gallies for those unhappy Indians.

The Grand Signior being returned to his Pa­lace at Scutari, which is seated on the Asian side opposite to Constantinople, The G. Sig­nior resolves to go to Persia in Person. applied his whole Mind entirely to the Affairs in Persia; and being resol­ved to march thither in Person, he put abroad the Horse-tail, which is a signal of departure, he visited the Sepulchres of his Ancestors, made his Corban, which is a distribution of Flesh to the Poor, for a Blessing on his Enterprise. The Officers of the Army contended to out-vy each the other in their Presents to the Grand Signior, some furnished him with Royal Tents, others with curious and light Arms; and others with Horses and Furnitures of value. Great Sums of Mony were extracted out of the Exchequer for Military Preparations and Paiments of the Soul­diery. The Charge of Affairs, in absence of the Grand Signior, was committed to the Bo­stangi-bashee, who was made Chimacam of Con­stantinople; and so with a fierce Spirit, and aspect full of Indignation and Anger, he mounted his Horse at the Head of an Army of an hundred thousand; he departed from Constantinople about the end of April.

But before we recount the particulars of what succeeded in Persia, it is requisite to cast our Thoughts back to the Troubles of Transylvania, occasioned by the competition of Stephen Bethlem and George Ragotski, for that Principality.

Bethlem (as we have said before) being grie­ved and discontented at his hard Fortune in being put by the Government,Bethlem renews his Complaints to the Grand Signior. and resenting the Pu­nishment which Ragotski inflicted on his Son for the Crime of Manslaughter, he went to Buda, and there renewing his old Complaints to the Pasha, he was, with Recommendations from him, accompanied to the Port; where being introdu­ced to the Presence of the chief Ministers, he at large declared the Merits and good Services of his Family towards the Sultan:His Reasons to be re-in­stated. ‘That for this Reason only, in dishonour and despight to the Ottoman Empire, he was excluded from the Government, and therefore challenged its Assi­stance to re-establish him therein; in considera­tion of which, he promised the same Faithful­ness and Devotion to the Sultan, which was professed and maintained by his Ancestors, and was natural to the Family of Gabor. That as to Ragotski it was apparent, that he entertained different Principles; that he was a Person of elated Thoughts, and a Turbulent Spirit, and was ever united in Combination with the Em­peror, Germans, and other Enemies to the Ot­toman State.’

The Turks moved with these Reasons, resol­ved to favour Stephen, and to discountenance Ra­gotski; and though the Conjuncture of Affairs was such, as that any other Engagement in War, besides that of Persia, did not square with the present Designs; yet at all times it was judged convenient to sow the Tares of Discord, and promote Differences amongst Christians, which have ever produced Advantages to the Mahome­tan Cause. And likewise the Pasha of Buda was commanded to enter Transylvania with a Force sufficient to contend with Ragotski; and lest the Emperor should be allarm'd with this Commoti­on, a Chiaus was dispatched to give him a per­fect understanding of the Reasons, why an Army marched into Transylvania; The Turks send an Ar­my into Transyl­vania. the Design of which was not intended in the least manner to impeach the Articles of Peace between him and the Grand Signior, but only to displace a Man of a furious and turbulent Spirit, and to ordain another in his stead of a more lober and quiet Temper, by whose Moderation and Prudence, the Peace be­tween [Page 29]the two Empires may be improved and continued.

Ragotski startled at this Design intended against him,Ragotski implores Aid from the Empe­ror. assembled the States of his Country, to de­termine and consult concerning a Remedy, and immediately dispatched a Messenger to the Em­peror, to desire and implore his Imperial Suc­cour and Protection: and though Ragotski was sensible of the disparity of his Strength, in com­parison of that of the Turks; yet neither did his Counsels nor Behaviour betray Fear or want of Constancy.

The Hungarians seconded those Instances which Ragotski had made at the Imperial Court, and the Party which he had made at Vienna brought the matter to a debate in Council, which was argued on both sides with solid and convin­cing Reasons. Those who spake in disfavour of Ragotski, alledged, That all Assistance contribu­ted to him would be a just Cause and Pretence to the Grand Signior to make War with the Em­peror. That Ragotski himself was of an unquiet Temper,It is deba­ted in Council. not unlike to Gabor his Predecessor, who had often bid Defiance to the Emperor, and over-running all Hungary and Austria, had often erected his Standard in the sight of Vienna. To protect and cherish a Person of this Disposition, was no other than to nourish a Serpent or Viper in their Bosom; who being elevated at the ex­pence of the Empire in successes against the Turk, would convert that Power which he had gained to the damage of the House of Austria, combi­ning with the Faction of other Princes to procure its destruction. Let us therefore, said they, stand at a gaze, and as Men on the Shore, or in a good Port, behold the agitation of Ships in the Ocean; perhaps the change of a Prince in Tran­sylvania may turn to our Benefit, and one may succeed into the place, of such a mild Temper and serene Disposition, as may better agree with the Maxims of this Court, and may cultivate that Peace which can only render these Countries hap­py.

Howsoever there were other Opinions to the contrary, amongst which it is said, that D. An­nibal Gonzaga, a Person acquainted with the State of Transylvania, and of the Turks, and Director of the Imperial Army, delivered himself in this manner.

Notwithstanding these convining Arguments,The Empe­ror refuses Succour to Ragotski. the Result of the Council determined otherwise, and Ragotski was left to shift for himself, and to stand upon his own Legs; which was a perni­cious Resolution, and that which was afterwards the cause of the subjection of Transylvania to the Turk, and the Original of many Mischiefs to the Empire; but thus was the Fortune of the Turks, more favourable to them than [...]o the Christian State.

Ragotski being thus abandoned by the Impe­rialists, and exposed to the Mercy of an insatia­ble Enemy, though his Courage was good and resolute, yet he began to despond of his Force, unable to deal with such an unequal Match as that of the Turks; And his Subjects being fear­ful of the Event, perswaded him to give way, and resign his Rule to the hands of Gabor his Competitor; Ragotski, that he might not seem to neglect the Counsel of his Subjects and Friends, and to gain Time, pretended to hear­ken to their Advice;Ragotski obtains Suc­cours under­hand. and accordingly entred in­to a Treaty with Gabor. During which Debate he secretly obtained some Forces from Poland, by connivance of that Government: and the Hungarians being his Friends, privately favoured him, knowing that the Conquest of Transylvania would be a step to their Destruction; and being at length well fortified and recruited, he began to declare openly, that he found no security to himself in this Surrender, for that a Place was denied him, wherein he put his chief hopes of Defence; and therefore that he was resolved to support and maintain his State and Cause in the best manner that he was able.The Turks enter Tran­sylvania.

Hereupon the Turks entred Transylvania with an Army of twenty five thousand Men under the Command of the Pasha of Buda: Ragotski, to obstruct their March, dispatched his General Cornis with seven thousand Men, to prepossess an advantageous Ground, with Order to entertain, but not fight the Enemy, until he could come up to him with the gross of his Army.

The Turks perceiving their advantage in num­ber, resolved to engage the Enemy before they were reinforced with new Succours; to perform which they made a Detachment of twelve thou­sand Horse, and two thousand Janisaries, and some Field Pieces, commanded by the Pasha him­self and Stephen Gabor. Cornis not being able to disingage himself, or avoid fighting, made a Vertue of Necessity, and put his Forces into form of Battel; and exhorting his Men to fol­low his Example, assured them, that Victory was sooner acquired by Valour than Numbers, and that Fortune was always more favourable to the Valiant and Brave, than to the Cowardly and pusillanimous.

Cornis unsheathing his Sword,They sight with Cor­nis. sought in the Head of his Men, and led them through the thickest of his Enemies, the first rank of which not being able to sustain the furious Charge of the Christians, gave way; and being disorder­ed, the first Squadrons ran foul of the secood, and at length all of them betook themselves to a shameful flight.Are over­thrown. The Transylvanians took all their Canon and Baggage, with ten Ensigns, and killed three thousand Turks. The Pasha of Agria was wounded, and Olac Bei of Temiswar was taken Prisoner; and the whole Army had that day been defeated, had not the Janisaries, who fortified themselves in a thick Wood, given a stop to a farther pursuit. Ragotski likewise in divers succeeding Skirmishes overthrew the Turks, killing many Pasha's and Souldiers of Quality, and at length remained sole Master of the Field.

The Turks retired to Lippa, and Stephen to Temiswar, whilst Ragotski made his Incursions in­to the Country of the Turks, burning and spoil­ing two thousand Villages;Peace is made. with which being terrified and beaten into terms of Reason, they agreed to suffer Ragotski to injoy his Govern­ment, conditionally, that the Goods and Estate of Gabor in Transylvania should be restored un­to him: and thus Ragotski established himself in the Government, and obtained a Confirmation thereof from Constantinople to his Son, accompa­nied with Presents and Ornaments of a Prince. And this Example shews us in what manner we are to deal with Turks; Resolution and Rigour are better Arms against them than Complements; and with an Enemy it is more advantageous to make Peace with Weapons in our Hands, than to condescend to the hard Terms which a Ty­rant pleases to impose on an easie and unpro­vided People.

So soon as this News arrived the Ears of the proud Sultan, he was so incensed, that in a fury he would have desisted from his present War in Persia, to vent his Revenge upon Transylvania; but the cooler and more moderate Counsels of wiser Friends, advised him to defer the execu­tion of his Anger, until he could discharge it more to the purpose, and in a Conjuncture when it would fall more easy on himself, and more heavy on his Enemy: Howsoever in the mean time Ragotski made such use of this remote Di­version of the Ottoman Arms, by advantaging himself of an Alliance with the Cossacks, and by the ill Correspondence and Diffidence which at that time intervened between the Tartars and the Port, that he not only avoided the Revenge threatned by Morat, but obtained an establish­ment of the Inheritance to his Son.

By this time Sultan Morat was arrived at Erzrum, Morat at Erzrum. which is a City belonging to the Turks on the Confines of Persia; where the first Act which he performed of Justice, was to cut off the Head of the Pasha for his Oppression and Extortions inflicted on his People.

Entring into Armenia, he was grieved to see the upper and lower Provinces so miserably de­stroyed and wasted by the War; to recover which, he commanded the People, under pain of Death, to return again to their Ancient Ha­bitations within the space of twenty days; but [Page 31]they being setled in other Cities, where perhaps they had purchased Houses and Lands, could not possibly comply with the Severity of this De­cree; and therefore were constrained to buy a Dispensation and release from the Penalty for a Sum of Mony.

About the beginning of July, in the parts of Erzrum, Morat made a general Review and Mu­ster of his whole Army; with which those he brought from Constantinople joined to Recruits by the way, and those Forces which had wa­ged War in Persia, amounted to near the num­ber of three hundred thousand fighting Men, but such as were admirably well disciplined, not only by the Severity of their Soveraign, but by the example he shewed them of Frugality and Patience: for he often marched afoot in the midst of the Heats;The Grand Signior's Patience & Labours. he was very temperate in his Diet, though he was naturally of a glutto­nous and luxurious Palate: for several Months he made use of no other Pillow for his Head than his Saddle, no other Blanket or Quilt than the Covering or Foot-cloth of his Horse.

Being arrived near to the City of Revan, he bestowed that Largess on the Souldiery of a Dollar a Man, which is accustomary to be given at all times, when the Grand Signior marches in Person, and then made known to them his Intentions of besieging that Place; and in case he took it not in the space of ten days, that then he would leave it begirt with forty thou­sand Men; and dividing his Army into three Bodies, he would enter the Bowels of Persia by divers ways. The Tents of the Grand Sig­nior, and of all the Camp, were pitched, Bat­teries raised, the Trenches opened, and all Matters laid in the formal manner of a Siege. The Garison within,Revan be­trayed and surrendred by Emir Gumir. commanded by Emir Gu­mir, consisted of fifteen thousand Men, fitted and provided with all sorts of Ammunition, and wanted neither Courage nor Provisions; how­soever at the end of nine days, the City was fur­rendred to the Sultan, upon Terms of Quarter to the whole Garison, both for Life and Free­dom of Estate: And because this Governour Emir Gumir, a principal Noble-man of Persia, had by corruption thus voluntarily delivered up the City, he acquired a place of high Grace and esteem in the Favour of the Grand Signior; to which his courtly manner of indulging his Humour, and complying with him in his Wine and Feasts, (to which the joy of this present Success priviledged him to return) gave him daily a new Title to receive extraordinary Ho­nours from him.

The News of this prosperous Success was posted to Constantinople, as the first Essay of the good Effects of the Sultan's Presence, and was there celebrated with Feasts,Rejoycing and a Fe­stival kept for it at Constanti­nople. Joy, and Lights, according to the Turkish Fashion, called Da­nalma; to perform which, the Turks obliged likewise the Christian Ambassadors, saying, That if they were Friends, they ought to evidence their Satisfaction, by demonstrations of Joy in the prosperity of their Ally.

The Festival was kept for the space of four days; during which two Brothers of the Sul­tan, viz. Bajazet and Orchan were strangled; the latter of which, as is said, was so brave, and of that Courage, that he killed four of his Executioners before he submitted his Neck to the fatal Cord.

The Turks entring farther into Persia, incon­siderately fell into an Ambush, where twelve thousand of their Men were defeated; howso­ever the remainder of the Army not being dis­couraged with this Encounter, proceeded on their March, making most miserable Havock and Destruction of all before them,The Turks enter far­ther into Persia. carrying that Dread and Terrour to the Countries round, that all People fled, leaving their Houses and Things not portable, to the possession of the Enemy. Howsoever the Turks found greater Difficulties than they expected; for meeting frequently Par­ties of the Persian Cavalry, which were practi­sed to manage their Horse and Sword, were often defeated, at least endured and sustained the shock of Bloody Skirmishes; and then the Persians re­tiring into the Mountains known to them, but unknown to the Turks, which served them bet­ter than fortified Places, returned again when any Advantage or Booty appeared, which perpe­tually vexed and wearied the Enemy; and burn­ing all Things which might afford them relief, rendred that fruitful Country more Desolate and barren than the Desarts of Lybia, or the Sands of Arabia.

In this manner the Turkish Army being desti­tute of all sorts of Provisions and Refreshments, were forced to retire to the Country of Tauris; which being harassed and impoverished like o­ther Provinces, caused a miserable Famine in the Camp, whereby Multitudes of Horses and Ca­mels perished for want of Nutriment; at which the Grand Signior being highly incensed against the Inhabitants of Tauris, Tauris de­stroyed. committed their City to the Will and Mercy of the Souldiery, who having pillaged and sacked it, lest it a miserable spectacle of Fire and Sword.

The King of Persia seeing in what manner the Troops of his Enemy were wearied and consu­med, took hold of this Opportunity as seasonable to propose certain Articles of Peace by an Am­bassador, to which Morat seemed to incline a flexible Ear; but lodging his Souldiers in their Winter-quarters in the parts of Damascus and Aleppo, he took his way towards Constantinople, with intention to ease the Hardships and Labours of the Summers War, by a voluptuous Ease and Winters pastime in the delights and softness of the Seraglio.

The 16th day of December he arrived at Con­stantinople, having passed from Ismit through the Gulph of Nicomedia with the attendance of four­teen Gallies: he made his Entry by the Jews Gate, and not by that of Adrianople, as was ac­customary; he was mounted on one of the best of his Horses, and cloathed with a Coat of Mail, a Casket on his Head, with three Feathers ador­ned with Pearls and precious Stones; his Sword was girt to his side with his Bow and Quiver, his Beard was in a rough and neglected manner, which made him appear more Fierce and Marti­al; the Chimacam came after him, accompanied with the Traitor who surrendred Revan. Festival for return of the G. Signior. This Festival for his return was celebrated for the space of a whole week, during which time the Shops were shut, the Doors and Outsides ador­ned with green Boughs and Paintings, and by Night the Streets with Torches were made as clear as the day: howsoever the People secretly murmured, that the War was not prosecuted, and the Advantages taken, when Fortune began to smile and favour their Enterprises; and that now desisting in the middle way, the Work was again to be begun, and all the foregoing Blood and Treasure was spent and consumed to no pur­pose. These Murmurings of the People were not without some Ground and Cause; for after the departure of the Grand Signior, the Persians put themselves again into the Field, and recovered the Country which they had lost; and having [Page 32]offered a Sum of Mony to Mortesa Pasha to sur­render Revan; which he refusing to accept on Principles of Fidelity and Honour, they prepa­red to lay close Siege to the Place: the Janisaries were also displeased to see themselves neglected, and cast out of the Guard, and their Places sup­plied by the Bostangees; nor less disgusted were the Lawyers to see several of their Judges and Kadies handged, and their Heads cut off, upon pretence of Sedition and Faction. His ill Hu­mor more inceased to the height of Tyranny, by reason of certain twinges which he suffered of the Gout, which is not usual in Persons of his Age, not surpassing twenty six years; and because his Physician, a Jew, forbid him wholly to drink Wine, as poison to his Disease and Com­plexion, he was so enraged, that he drove him from his Presence with Indignation; and im­mediately conceived such Anger and Prejudice a­gainst the whole Nation, that he caused their Houses to be searched, and their Jewels taken from them. But what was most strange, was his horrid aversion to Tobacco,His aversi­on to To­bacco. the taking of which, by any Person whatsoever, he forbid upon pain of Death; which Sentence he so ri­gorously executed, that he caused the Legs and Arms of two Men, one that sold Tobacco, and the other that took it, to be sawed off, and in that manner exposed to the view of the People: he also caused two others, a Man and a Woman, to be impaled alive, for the same Offence, with a Roll of Tabaco about their Necks.

As the Gout caused him to be froward and ill-natur'd, so more especially when ill news came from Persia, he was observed to be more raving and tyrannical than ever. His Army in Persia wanting Provisions, disbanded; Mortesa Pasha Godvernour of Revan being killed, the Souldiers rebel,Revan re­gained by the Persian. open the Gates, and yeild themselves to the persian, for which Offence the Janisaries fearing the Justice of their Master the Grand Signior, two thousand of them took up Arms in Service of the Enemy: the sense hereof vexing Morat to the Soul, he caused the Register of the Janisaries to be hanged, and another of their principal Officers to be beheaded,The Grand Signior's Severity & Cruelty. and strowed the Streets of Constantinople with dead Bodies, some for one cause, and some for another, which struch the whole City with a general Dread and Consternation.

He often walked in the night, punishing Quar­rels and Disorders of the Streets, and meeting two Women wandring in the dark, he caused them to be cut in pieces.

He put hi Cook to Death for not dressing his Meat well, or not seasoning his Sauces according to his Palate.

In his Seraglio sporting with his Arms, he wounded himself with a Dart in the thigh; and by accident wounded the Son of Mehmet the late Vizier with a Carbine-shot, of which in a short time after he died.

The Persians having taken Revan (as we have said) instituted Chambers of Janisaries in that place after the Turkish fashion, paying them in the same form as at Constantinople; and to allure the Spahees to enter into his Service, he offered to all that came in twelve Aspers a day of con­stant Pay; and declared, That their Faith and Law had no difference from the Mahometan.

The Grand Signior receiving these Advices with extreme indignation, proclaimed his Inten­tions to return again into Persia; and though the Design pleased not the Militia, who wre weary of the War, yet his Power was too great to be resisted, and his Humors too violent to be diverted by sober Counsels; for having subjected and absolutely subdued the Insolence of the Soul­diers, and suppressed the Arrogance of the Law­yers and Church-men, he ordered every thing according to his Arbitrary and Uncontroulable Pleasure; which being rendred Extravagant and Unsupportable, by reason that in his Cups, and at the time of his Debauchery, he would often take his Counsels and determine his Reso­lutions, were notwithstanding with more patience endured, upon hopes that they would not be lasting, and that Excesses would accelerate his Death, and the end of their Oppressions.

The Pasha's of greatest Note and Riches he put to Death, and confiscated their Estates to his Exchequer; and whereas Avarice and Cru­elty were equally predominant in his Nature, there was scarce a day wherein he made not some demonstration of those Dispositions.

The English Ambassador making some instan­ces for the releasement of English Slaves from Captivity, was forced to purchase their Liberty by giving two Russians, or other Slaves in the place of one English-man.

He took a singular delight to sit in a Chiosk by the Sea-side, and from thence to shoot at the People with his Bow and Arrows, as they row­ed near the Banks of the Seraglio; which cau­sed the Boat-men afterwards to keep themselves at a distance from the Walls of the Seraglio. And as he likewise took pleasure to go from one Garden to another on the Bosphorus, so if he ob­served any so bold, as to put forth his Head to see him pass, he commonly made him pay the price of his Curiosity by a shot from his Car­bine.

In all his Gardens and places of Pleasure, his chief Recreation was Drinking, in which his prin­cipal or almost sole Companions were Emir Gu­mir the Persian who betrayed Revan, and a Ve­netian of the Family of Bianchi, who having been taken by the Turks, when he was young, was placed in the Seraglio, and educated in all the Learning and Customs of it, and becoming as well a Proficient in Drinking, as in other Vi­ces, he was made a Favourite and Companion to Morat. And thus did they follow this trade of Drunkenness so constantly, that the Health of the Grand Signior began to impair; and at length he became so sensible of his Extravagan­cies, that he incharged the Chimacam not to obey him after Dinner: and when in the heat of his Wine he took a humor to ride through the Streets, the Janisaires and Officers would sometimes run before to advise the People to withdraw, and sometimes drive them away with Stones, that so they might escape the hazard of this capricious Tyrant.

As it cannot be expressed in what Dread and Fear the People stood of him, so neither in what Veneration he was with his Servants, who obser­ved the looks and every cast of his Eyes; had learned his Nods, and the meaning of every Motion and Gesture of his Body. It happened once, that a Paper falling casually from his Hand out of a Window, the Pages ran in all haste down the Stairs, striving who should be the first to take it up; but one more desirous than the others to evidence the Zeal of his Ser­vice, took the nearest way and leaped out of the Window; and though with the fall he broke the Bone of his Thigh, yet being the first that took up the Paper, he came halting to present it with his own Hand: this bold readiness in his Service so pleased the Grand Signior, that being cured, he was afterwards preferred to one of [Page 33]the most considerable Offices of the Empire. Thus was Morat revered in his Seraglio, as he was feared aboard, his Servants having the same awe of him, as Bagotes the Eunuch had of Alex­ander the Great, who holding the Pot of Incense and Perfumes whilst his Master slept, suffered his Hands to burn to the Bone, rather than to awaken him by moving out of his place. Q. Cur­tius.

But it is time now to leave off farther Dis­course of the Extravagancies of Morat, and to return to the Wars in Persia; howsoever before the departure of the Grand Signior, it will be requisite to recount somewhat of the State of Affairs in Europe.

On the Frontiers of Hungary and Poland, Disturban­ces in Po­land and Hungary. there wanted not Exercises and Skirmishes to employ and practise the Souldiery, and keep them in Breath.

The Poles heightned with their good Successes, would not longer endure the Incursions of the Tartars, complaining against the Turk, that he had given Orders, and secretly abetted them in their Robberies and Invasions, against the Arti­cles of the last Peace; and therefore to avenge themselves, the Poles appeared on the Fron­tiers with forty or fifty thousand Horse: but the Grand Signior not willing in this Conjuncture to break with the Poles, absolutely disowned a­ny such Order or Permission given to the Tar­tars; and being willing to continue the League, that he might oblige the King of Poland, gave liberty to all the People of that Nation,The Turks confirm the Peace with Poland. and to the Russians, who had been taken since the Last Treaty, positively prohibiting all People from buying, or keeping any of the Subjects of that Country for Slaves, during the continuance of this Peace.

In Hungary, though the Ambassador had but lately brought a Confirmation of the Peace from Constantinople; yet the Turks pretending that the Articles were not complied with, continued to trouble and disturb those Frontiers; for four thousand of them being gotten into a Body, burnt certain Villages, made divers Slaves, and battered the Castle of Raab; but being repulsed by that Garison, and by that of Komorra, they again made Head, and encamped within three Leagues of Presbourg: The which gave great trouble to the Emperor, both because he had lately declared a War against France, and be­cause he apprehended, that those Commotions of the Turks were designed to no other end,Send For­ces against Ragotski. than to engage him to renounce all assistance and succour to be given unto Ragotski.

We have already recounted in what manner the Turks had espoused the Quarrel of Stephen Gabor, and resolved to establish him in the Prin­cipality of Transylvania, with the Ruin of Ra­gotski; which now being designed to be done by open Force, several Troops were sent to the Frontiers of Transylvania; which so alarmed the Hungarians, that they put themselves on their Guard, and obliged the Estates of Austria and Hungary to contribute toward the Succour of the Transylvanian Prince.

The Emperor remained long in suspense what course to steer, until at length the Perswasions of the Confederate Princes, the shame of aban­doning a Friend and an Ally for a Prey to the Turks, and the fear of displeasing his Heredita­ry Dominions in Hungary, who considered Tran­sylvania as the Bulwark of their Country, indu­ced him to promise secretly, and underhand, As­sistance to Ragotski.

As to the Turks themselves, the Effects did not correspond with their Menaces: for though they had gathered an Army of twenty thousand Men at Buda, they not only were disappointed of their Design upon Newhausel, but were open­ly repulsed, and shamefully expelled the Fron­tiers by the palatine of Hungary: And Ragotski being recruited by Succours from the Emperor, and by an Alliance with Poland, defied the For­ces of the Turk, and contemned the Reports of sixty thousand Men preparing to march a­gainst him.

For indeed the Grand Signior had too great an Incumbrance on his Shoulders by the War in Persia, to attend unto a perfect and studied Re­venge against Ragotski; for Revan being reco­vered by the Persian, (as we have already de­clared) was a Matter of high Moment; and what distracted all his Counsels, and weakened his Hopes.

When News came first of the Siege of Revan, Orders were given to the Vizier to Besiege Bag­dat, as a means to cause a diversion of Arms;Mutiny in the Turkish Army. but the Souldiery entertaining an aversion to this Enterprise, unanimously refused to March, or to proceed farther than Erzrum. Jambolat Ogli, who commanded the Army before the the Arrival of the Vizier, had strangled a Pasha, and taken his Estate to supply the Wants of the Army; and had likewise put to Death several Spahees and Janisaries for Mutiny, and because they had de­clared an unwillingness to this War. The Soul­diery prepared to address themselves to the Vi­zier for Justice against these violent Proceed­ings: but he not willing to hear them, endea­voured to divert their Complaints, which caused a greater Commotion and Storm than before. And though Jambolat pleaded hid Orders and positive Commission from the Grand Signior for what he had acted; yet that Allegation not being accepted by the Multitude as a justifiable Plea, the Vizier was forced to con­descend to their Desire, and strangle Jambo­lat, as he had done the others, being the only Means to quiet and compose this Trouble of his Army.

But as after some great Storm, there is al­ways remaining for a while a swelling and fluctua­tion in the Waters, so there still remained on the Spirits of the Souldiery, Discontents and unquietness of Mind: Wherefore the Vizier fearing lest the Enemy taking advantage of the present Seditions, should charge them at a time of Disorder, he retired at a distance from them into the Plains of Erzrum: But he was not a­ble to continue long in those Parts for want of Fuel, and of Wood and Planks to secure them against the Rains and Snow; for it being Win­ter, which is rigorous and cold in that Country, their Tents were not sufficient proof to defend them against the Extremity of the Weather.

Whilst the Turkish Army remained at this Place, advice came,Van besie­ged by the Persians. that the Persians had Be­sieged Van, which is a strong Fortress situate on an inaccessible Rock, on the Frontiers of the Province of Diarbequir. And though the Persi­ans were not able to take this Place, neither by Storm nor Famine, yet during this Siege, they made use of their time to ruin all the Country of Diarbequir, which they left so desolate, that the Turkish Army could not quarter there, nor ex­tract the least Provision or Subsistence from thence.

To all these Misfortunes a greater was added by the Treachery of a certain Curd, one who pretending to be ill-satisfied with the Persian Par­ty, voluntarily offered himself to the Service of [Page 34]the Turks; and having done them some little Services, by being their Guide through certain difficult Passages, he gained a confidence so far with them, as that designing to surprise a quar­ter of the Enemy, they committed themselves to his Guidance and Conduct; who having brought them into a narrow Passage,Fifteen thousand Turks kil­led in an Ambush. where an Ambush of the Enemy lay, he then turned his Coat, and fought against the Turks, of whom 15000 were killed and taken in this Snare.

In short, all Matters of this War proceeded cross and unfortunate for the Turks; for be­sides their unlucky Fights with the Enemy, their own Seditions in the Camp were greater Mis­chiefs;Mutiny of the Soul­diers. for now enduring no longer these pun­gent Miseries, under the pretence of wanting Pay, they cut in pieces the Treasurer of the Ar­my, two Aga's of the Spahees, and the Chaous­bashee of the Janisaries.

This News arriving at Constantinople, when Morat was afflicted with a grievous accession of the Gout, served to redouble his Pains; in which raving against the Conduct of his Officers, he immediately deprived the Vizier of his Charge, and ordained Biram Pasha, late Chimacam, to succeed him in his Employment.

The new Vizier immediately set forth the Horses Tail,A new Vi­zier sent to the Army. which is a signal of departure, with sound of Drums and Trumpets, making Corban, which is a distribution of Mutton to the Poor, in divers Places: His Retinue was spee­dily equipped with such sumptuous Magnificence, that it looked rather like the Train of an Am­bassador, which intended to make Peace, than to the Troops of a General, whose Business was nothing but Blood and Destruction. And indeed Matters seemed to be inclining that way, the Per­sians having far advanced in this Negotiation; for they wisely pondering the immense Force of the Ottoman Empire, with which they were now contending, judged it the most politick course to make Peace, under the auspicious Planet of their good Fortune; for not knowing how long that might remain constant, they might, so soon as the Wheel turns on the other side, be forced to accept Terms of less Advantage than at pre­sent they might promise to themselves under their happy Stars.

Wherefore a Proposition being made of send­ing an Ambassador to the Grand Signior,A Persian Ambassador sent to the G. Signior. he ac­cepted of it; and accordingly arrived at Con­stantinople in the Month of August, when the Vi­zier was scarce in the middle of his Journey. The Grand Signior entertaining some real Incli­nations to Peace, laid aside something of his u­sual Grandeur and State, giving the Ambassador Audience in a few days after his arrival; and as nothing mollisies the hard Mettle of a Turk's Spirit, like a gentle Shower of Gold, and the emulgent softness of Rich Presents; so Morat understanding of Gifts with which he came ac­companied, afforded to the Ambassador an easy Ear and a pleasing Countenance.

The Presents for the Grand Signior, besides those for the Court, were [...]ese that follow.

• Eight Indian Horses of great Price.
• Forty Dromedaries.
• An hundred and fifty Meticals of Musk. As much Ambergriese made up in several Bags; all sealed up with the King's own Seal.
• Thirty bundles of the best black Sables.
• Eight large Carpets mixed with Gold and Silver; with divers others of Silk, very rare and precious.
• Many Pieces of the finest Linnen to make Turbants.
• A great number of the rarest Girdles. Por­celine to a great value.
• Divers Pieces of Satin and Velvet, with Golden Flowers.
• Fifty Pieces of Silken Stuffs.
• Eight Bows of excellent Work.

These Presents so well disposed and prepared the Mind of the Grand Signior towards an Ac­commodation, that he bestowed a kind Aspect and gentle Words on the Ambassador, so that all the World expected that a Peace would have ensued.

And indeed one might well have believed his Reality in this Intention, since the ardent Passion he had to be revenged of Ragotski, availed more with him than all other Considerations in the World. His Honour also called him to give a stop to the Progress of the Moscovites, who had taken Asac; and the Tartars and Cossacks gave some ground of Jealousy, that before long they designed some Action on the Turkish Territo­ries: the Reasons whereof we shall discourse in this following Year.

We have already related, some Years past, on what Terms the Tartars stood with the Turk, how they refused to accept that King which the Port recommended to them, though the el­dest and first of the true Line: how they fought and overthrew the Forces which the Grand Sig­nior sent to compel them to the Election he de­sired; and this last Year, upon pretence of a War with Cantemir, Troubles in the lesser Tartary. they refused to send their Army against the Persian, as had always been ac­customary to do against the Enemies of the Sultan, whensoever required.

The Pasha, Muftee, and Kadi of Caffa (which is the Grand Signior's Town in Tartary) urged the Tartar Han to prepare and forward his For­ces, according to the Duty and Obligation which was incumbent on him; and enlivening their Arguments with Reproaches of Cowardise and Ingratitude; so far provoked the Han, that he caused them all three to be strangled.

Notwithstanding this high Provocation, the Grand Signior dissembled the Injury, lest a due Resentment should raise them into an open Re­bellion: and dissembling an approbation of the Fact, as done with Reason and Justice, sent to the Tartar Han a Sword and a Vest, as Signals of his Favour: And farther suspecting, lest in prosecution of so sensible a Blow, the Tartar joining in League with the Cossacks and Mosco­vites, should make himself Master of Caffa, he prudently touched the Wound with a gentle Hand, offering to ordain such a Pasha, as should be warranted with his Assent and Approbati­on.

The Tartar being overcome by such Lenitives as these, protested that he never entertained other Thoughts, than to maintain his Faith and Alle­giance inviolable towards the Grand Signior; and that the Alliance he had made with the No­gay Tartars, and the Forces now raised, were maintained with no other Design, than to sup­press the Rebellion and Insolence of Cantemir.

This Cantemir being a Person of a bold Spirit, and daring in all his Actions, did oftentimes, by virtue of his own Authority, lead a strong Par­ty to the Field, being followed by the bravest and stoutest Souldiers of Tartary; for which Reason being hated by the Tartar Han, Cantemir makes a new Colony. and his Life often attempted, and his own Spirit not supporting a Subjection to any other, he passed [Page 35]the Niester, and retired with his own Troops, and such others as would follow him, into the Country of Budziak, near to Beliegrod and Ki­lia, confining on the Frontiers of Moldavia; where he intended to plant and form a new Co­lony and Government.

In a short time, divers chief Captains being desirous to follow the Ensigns of so famous a Ge­neral, came in to him; and multitudes of Peo­ple forsaking the Sands and barren Rocks of Tartary, came crowding into this Country; that the Plains of Budziak not being capable to con­tain them, they passed into Moldavia; where in­croaching on the Lands of the proper Inhabi­tants, gave a Jealousie as if they intended to take possession of the whole Province.

The Poles being jealous of these ill Neigh­bours, which lay at the Gate of their Country, ready to enter on all occasions, had made Provi­sion in their last Articles of Peace with the Grand Signior, that he should force them to return, and urged that point by the Ambassador with all earnestness.

The Tartar Han also finding his Countries depopulated and weakened by so large an Eva­cuation, made also his Complaints and Addresses to the Port. But the Grand Signior looking on this Colony, as an increase of his Dominions, and to be composed of such People whom Ne­cessity must render obedient; and that they could easily, at his Command, make Irruptions into Poland, Hungary, and Transylvania, seemed deaf to all Applications in this Business; and as if they were a People in whom he had no part, shewed no concernment for them, though secret­ly he promised them his Protection.

Hereupon Ʋladislaus King of Poland, being wearied with Delays, resolved by force of Arms, to drive out this detestible Neighbour­hood: But the Tartar Han, whom this Business more nearly concerned, being more speedy in execution than the Poles, having raised an Army of thirty thousand Men, encountred Cantemir with twenty thousand,He is over­thrown by the Tartar Han. and charged him so fu­riously, that he killed seven thousand of them on the Place, and put the rest to flight, pursuing them through the Plains of Dobruc on the other side of the Danube.

The Grand Signior, who had all this Time re­mained a Spectator of this Success, began now to take the part of Cantemir, and severely to reprove the Proceedings of the Tartar Han, for having disturbed Cantemir, whilst he was pre­paring to serve him in the Wars of Persia. But the Tartar, having shaken off much of his Re­spect and Reverence towards the Grand Signior, despised the Menaces which he vented against him, and proceeded in his own Business, com­pelling his People to return again to their Coun­try, and to their Ancient Habitations. Morat being forced to suffer what he could not remedy, summoned Cantemir, with all diligence, to ren­der himself at Constantinople; where being arri­ved, he was at first regarded with a favourable Eye; but his Son soon after having in a private Quarrel killed a Tartar near the Walls of the Seraglio, was for that Fact justly strangled by Order of the Grand Signior; the day fol­lowing, Cantemir was also imprisoned,Cantemir put to death. and in a short time underwent the like Fate with that of his Son.

During these Troubles, a Nephew of Can­temir feigning himself to be disgusted with his Uncle, revolted to the Party of the Tartar Han, with no other than a treacherous Design to take away the Lives of the two Brothers; the which he compassed at a time of their hunting, when being far remote from their Attendance, following their Game in untroden Paths, he set upon them with an hundred Villains,The King of Tartary killed. and perfi­dioufly took away their Lives. The News here­of was highly applauded at Constantinople, and the Traitor extolled as a Person of mighty Cou­rage and wonderful Ingenuity; so that now dif­ferent Counsels, and new Measures, were taken concerning the Affairs in Tartary.

Bechir Gherry, Bechir Gherey or­dained K. of Tartary. Brother to those Princes of Tartary which were killed, was then at Jamboli, a City in Thrace, retired thither under the Pro­tection of the Grand Signior, for fear and jea­lousie of Treachery from his elder. Brother. Mo­rat caused him to be brought to Constantinople, where he was sumptuously received, and con­ducted to Audience by the Chimacam, who gave him the upper-hand, which is the Left amongst Men of the Sword, as the Right is a­mongst Men of Learning or of the Pen; for as the right Hand governs the latter, so the first is appendent to the left Side.

The Bodies of the two dead Brothers were brought to Constantinople, where fetulent or stink­ing, they were exposed to the sight of Morat; who to gratify his own Humour of Revenge, caused them to be thrown into the Sea.

This good News from Tartary, Asac be­sieged. was attem­pered with a worse from Asac, which the Mos­covites and Cossacks had besieged. This Town is situated at the Mouth of the River Tanais, up­on the declining of a Hill; it is in form four­square, and may be about twelve hundred Paces in Compass. Before it fell into the Hands of the Turks, it was a famous Scale for all sorts of Merchandise, especially for Butter, Cheese, salt Fish, Leather, Slaves, and other Commodities brought hither by Turks, Tartars, and Mosco­vites. The Venetians when they addicted them­selves more to Traffick and Commerce than they do at present, took this Scale for their Way into Persia. The Town was fortified with ancient Walls, flanked with capacious Towers, and with a Castle which being in the middle, and on the side of the Water, divides the Town, as it were, into two equal parts. The Garison con­sisted not of above three or four hundred Men; for being a place remote from powerful Enemies, it fell not under any great jealousie, now was it deemed worthy of the Charge of numerous De­fendats.

The City being in this weak Condition, the Cossacks soon made themselves Masters of it;Is taken by the Cossaks. which after they had sacked and pillaged to the utmost, they considered it as a place worthy of better Fortifications; and therefore applying themselves to raise new Works, and repair the Old, they soon made it a Fortress of Strength and Consideration. This happening at a time when the Turks were diverted by the Persian War, the Cossacks injoyed this new Conquest for the space of four Years without molestation, until that in the Year 1641, it was recovered with much Blood and Slaughter by the Arms of Sultan Ibrahim, as we shall hereafter recount in the sequel of this History.

And now because the taking of this Place was the Original from whence the Divisions and Civil Wars between the Poles and Cossacks de­rived their beginning, and was the Occasion that the Cossacks revolted from their just Obe­dience, to the Protection of the Turks; the Relation will not only be curious, but a di­gression necessary to the clearer Light of the present History.

Ʋladislaus the Fourth King of Poland being wearied with constant Complaints of the Rob­beries and Incursions made by the Cossacks upon the Turks,The Cause of the Ci­vil War be­tween the Poles and Cossacks. contrary to Articles and Treaties of Peace, was at length perswaded by his Ba­rons and Counsellors, that the only Means to suppress the Violence of this unruly People, was to disarm them; and taking away their Wea­pons of War, to supply them, in lieu thereof, with the Shovel and Mattock, with Ploughts and Pruning-Hooks: by which industrious Diver­version, from a wicked Life of Blood and Rob­bery, to honest Husbandry and lawful Arts of living, they might with time be rendred useful to their own Prince, and capable of Faith and just Communication with their Neghbours. It is not one Age past since these people were cal­led Cossacks,The Cossaks Country de­scribed. derived, as is supposed, from Co­sai, a word in their Language which signifies a Goat, perhaps because of their Agility of Bo­dy, or because their Garments are chiefly made of Goats Skins.

The Country inhabited by them, was at first on the Banks of the River Boristhenes, about fif­teen Leagues in length to the entrance into the Euxine Sea, where it is reported, that Ovid was banished; and some say, that from him a Vil­lage thereabouts called Ovidoua derives its deno­mination; and hereunto we may afford the grea­ter belief from one of his Elegies, in his Book De Tristibus, which seems to describe this Coun­try, and the fierceness of the Inhabitants. Eleg. 8: lib. 5.

At present the name of Cossacks, and their Coun­try also, is of a far greater extent than it was formerly; for they call now all such in Poland Cossacks, that are light Horse armed with Bow and Arrow and Fire-arms: and their Country since the late Commotions is measured from the farthest parts of the Palatinate of Chiovia, for the space of and hundred and twenty Leagues on one side, and the other of the Boristhenes, which comprehends likewise all the Country of Ʋkra­nia. This Country was always inhabited by the most Warlike People of Russia; for that being subject to the frequent Incursions of the Tartars, necessary Defence, and constant practice in Arms, endued them with a Bold and Martial Spirit.

Ʋkrania is a Country so fertile, that it may compare with the most fruitful Soil in the World, producing such quantities of Corn, with little labour, that the Husband-men being made neg­ligent by their abundance, produced with little Toil, have leisure to apply themselves to Vio­lence and Rapine. They have no Wine, but use themselves much to Strong-waters. Their Houses are not built of Wood or Stone, but of Osiers, interwoven and daubed over with Earth and Lime; so that they use no Nails or Iron: they have no Merchants unless in Kiow; nor do they serve themselves of Physicians or Apotheca­ries. Their learned Language, or the Tongue wherein they write, is the Sclavonian, anciently called the Illyrian: so that in all things this Peo­ple is rude and barbarous; and though their manner of Government and Policy is not refined or methodically disposed, yet nevertheless it is solid and of deep Foundation, appropriated to the nature and disposition of that People.

This honest Design of King Ʋladislaus, to re­duce this People to a just and an industrious course of living, not agreeing with their Temper and Customs, they rather resolved to leave their Country, and betake themselves to various For­tunes; some of them passed into Moscovia to plant a Colony in those uninhabited Parts: a Bo­dy of them, to the number of six thousand, join­ing together, resolved to pass into Persia to offer their service unto that King; and being on their Journey, as far as the Tanais, they encountred with a Party of Moscovite Cossacks, who inha­bited certain Islands of that River; with whom entertaining Discourse, they understood that Asac might easily be surprised by them, if they could agree to unite Forces, which together might compose a Body of ten thousand Men: The Importance of the Place being well conside­red, it was resolved, that the March into Persia should be shortned, and this City be ordained for the ultimate End of their Travels and Place of Repose. According to this counsel Asac be­ing assaulted and taken, (as we have already in­timated) the Cossacks fortified it in the best manner that they were able, making an Ar­senal for their Boats and Saicks, whereby af­terwards they did much more infest the Turks than before.

The other Cossacks who continued in their Country, being much persecuted by the Polish Nobility, chose Kilminieschi for their General, (the Son of a Noble Family in Lituania, but ba­nished and degraded of his Honour for his Cri­minal Offences) and rebelled against the Go­vernment. At first not being able to resist the Force of Poland, they retired within the Woods; but joining afterwards with other Cossacks, they issued forth at the beginning of the Spring, beat the Poles, and carried away a considerable Boo­ty. Afterwards joining with the Tartars, they made their Incursions as far as Zamosca, within twenty Leagues of Warsaw; and so Matters con­tinued with various Successes not appertaining to this History. Only thus far it is pertinent to the Matter discussed for us to have shewn, That the Counsels of Poland were in a great Error, when they resolved to change the Life, and alter the Humour of this Warlike People, which being protected in their Priviledges, and encouraged in their Wars, would at all Times, as occasion served, have been ready to have ejected great numbers of good Souldiers into the Ottoman Territories, and might still have been conser­ved to ballance the Power of the Tartars, which now daily infest and ruin the Borders of Po­land.

These People were like Ill Humors, which being vomited out into the Dominions of the Turk, eased and made healthy the Body Politick of Poland; but being conserved within the Sto­mach, caused Syncopes, Convulsions, and such Commotions, as have of late Years shaken the whole Body of the Polish Kingdom: and at length withdrawing themselves entirely from all Obedience, together with that large Pro­vince of Ʋkrania, as they have weakned that [Page 37]Government; so now of late years seeking pro­tection from the Turk, have added to his King­dom, and enfeebled that of Poland.

When the News arrived first at Constantinople that Asac was besieged, the Captain-Pasha going then to instate Bechir into his Kingdom of Tar­tary, received Orders to relieve Asac, and if possible, to raise the Siege; but the Succours coming too late, and the Town being taken, the loss thereof was not esteemed important enough to divert either Thoughts or Forces from the Per­sian War.

For now Morat resolving to presecute the War in Persia, Preparati­ons for the War in Persia. which could not be successful without the united Power of his whole Empire, con­ducted by his own Person, he resolved to make a second Journey into those Parts, and with his own Hand to knock at the Gates of Babylon. To prepare and dispose all matters in order here­unto, he in the first place countermanded his De­cree, which prohibited a farther increase of the number of Janisaries; for now being desirous to augment his Army beyond the account of an­cient Registers, he opened the Janisaries Door, (as they call it) and enrolled six thousand more into that Order.

To conserve still the Order of this Militia, he appointed Officers strictly and severely to take the Decimation of the Christian Children in Europe, and lest (as was usual) they should be corrupted by the Parents, who often give Pre­sents, whereby to blind the Eyes of the Mini­sters, that so they may oversee their Children, or in lieu of the comliest and most fit for Service, accept of the Sickly and Impotent, or such as are unworthy of the Bread and Education given them by the Sultan, he most severely injoined this Service, and under a thousand Menaces en­charged the care hereof to be executed without Favour or Partiality to any. He carefully re­viewed the Books of the Timjar-Spahees, count­ting the number exactly that every Country yields, and comparing them with those mustered in the Field, he confiscated the Lands of those that wanted, being forfeited for non-appear­ance: he would admit of no Excuse or Delay to the Matter in hand. The Superintendant of the Ordnance but making a Scruple about the Proportion of some Guns, as too weighty and unwieldy for so long a March, lost his Life, for doubting or making a difficulty in what the Grand Signior proposed or designed.

And that no Commotions at home might di­vert or call him back before his Business was per­fected, he encharged his Pasha's of the Fronti­ers to live quietly with their Neighbours, and to be sure to give no occasions of Complaint, or Cause for War during his absence; recommend­ing to the prudence of the Pasha of Silistria the care of composing certain Differences between the Princes of Moldavia and Walachia.

Having secured Matters as well as he could at home, he ordered the Horse-tail to be set forth at the gate of the Divan, and all Pasha's and Officers of the Army did the like at their own Doors. His Troops began now to grow nume­rous; the Spahees and Timariots appointed for the Guard of the Grand Signior's Tents, toge­ther with other Cavalry, which hold their Lands under Service, amounted unto two hundred thousand. From the hundred seventy two Chambers of Janisaries he drew forth thirty thousand. From the Topgees or Gunners, whereof there are no more than twelve hundred in their Chambers at Constantinople, yet make up twelve thousand in other parts, he drew out three thousand for the present Service. The Shepherds and Plough-men of Bulgaria made up twenty thousand; which with Water-bearers, Smiths, Bakers, Butchers, and all other Trades­men which followed the Camp, were in vast Numbers: so that the whole Army, with the At­tendants belonging thereunto, were at a mode­rate calculation computed to amount unto near five hundred thousand Men; whereof three hundred thousand were fighting Men.

The Pestilence, which is the Epidemical Dis­ease of Turkie, and which abates the Numbers and Pride of that People, raged this Year great­ly in Constantinople, and in the parts of Romag­nia; it entred into the Seraglio, and amongst others, took away the only Son of the Grand Signior of two or three Years old. This caused Morat to pass most part of the Summer at a Pa­lace on the Bosphorus, where he recreated him­self with his drunken Companion the Persian Traitor; and hereby he contradicted the Pro­verb, That Princes love the Treason, but not the Traitor; for Morat it seems loved them both, entertaining this Fellow in his Bosom: His Cloaths, his Garb, his Horses, and Equipage, might rival with that of the Sultan's; He took place of the Chimacam in all Publick Appear­ances; and what was most strange, he preceded the Mufti; which was a new Form never before practised, and would have afforded matter of Wonder and Discourse, but that the World considered this Novelty, as a Method agreeable to the extravagant Humor of the Sultan.

Amongst his Pastimes, nothing was more plea­sing than some Divertisement acted with Blood; he shot the Son of a Pasha with his Gun, for daring to approach near the Walls of his Serag­lio, supposing that he came with curiosity to discover his Pleasures,The extra­vagant Pleasures and Cruel­ties of Mo­rat. and manner of voluptu­ous Recreations: For the same Reason he would have sunk a Boat laden with Women, as it glided slowly by the Banks of the Garden. He would himself behold two Thieves impailed, which were condemned to die for robbing some­thing out of his Seraglio. He commanded the Head of the Treasurer of Cyprus to be cut off in his presence; as also the Master of his Musick, for daring to sing a certain Air which seemed Persian, and to praise the Valour of that Na­tion. The Pasha of Temiswar he put to Death at a full Divan, for fighting unfortunately against Ragotski.

To these severe Acts of Cruelty, which he called Justice, he added one not unpleasant; A certain Greek called Stridia Bei, or Lord Oy­sters, who had been Prince of Walachia, and one whom we have before mentioned, having, by his oppression and harassing that People, amassed a considerable Sum of Mony, essayed a second time, by force thereof, to obtain the Principa­lity; and making his Offer and Request before the Grand Signior, he was heard with some railery: At length the Grand Signior told him, That he was too proud and aspiring, and there­fore ordered the tips of his Nose and Ears to be cut off, telling him, that that was to clip the Wings of his Ambition.

But that before his departure for Persia, he might consummate his Acts of Tyranny, he pra­ctised one upon his Brother, a Youth of Twenty two Years of Age, of great Hopes, and good Endowments. He was conducted to the pre­sence of his Brother, at the Biram, to pay his Respects, as is usual at that Festival; and having performed the Ceremony, he enlarged himself in high Praises and Admiration of the Grand [Page 38]Signior's Generosity and Bravery; who for re­covery of Bagdat, was contented to expose his Person to the Inconveniences of a long Journey, and the Dangers of a hazardous War, and that therein he equalled, if not surpassed, the Glory of his Ancestors: Which courtly and rational manner of Discourse did not please Morat, but rather administred Subject of Jealousy, fearing that he knew too much; and that as he could Speak well, so he might Act accordingly; wherefore the same Day he caused him to be strangled, to the great Sorrow of the People, and detestation of his Abominable Tyranny: But to amuse the Minds of the Multitude, and cease their Murmurings, he caused it to be di­vulged abroad; that fourteen of his Women in the Seraglio were with Child: which was all false, there remaining none of the Ottoman Race besides his Brother Sultan Ibrahim, who was Weak, as well in Body as Understanding, and whose Imperfections secured and compound­ed for his Life: And to suppress the Discourse about his Brother's Murder, he changed it into a talk about his Preparations for War, and his departure for Persia. Wherefore the Fore­runners and Harbingers of the Army being sent away with Labourers to repair Bridges, and to level the Ways for the more easie passage of the Cannon. Morat passed over to his Tents at Scutari, cloathed in a Coat of Mail, and with a Head-piece set with Precious Stones, and his Sar­gouch or Feathers clasped to it with Buckles of Diamonds.

As he landed at Scutari, he was received by three Squadrons of Souldiers, each Squadron consisting of four thousand Men well Armed, and richly Attired; the Garments of one Squa­dron of which were provided at the Expence of the Grand Signior, and of the other two at the Charge of his Favourite, and of the Captain-Pasha: the latter of which presented to the Grand Signior thirty Purses of Mony, for be­stowing on him the Honour to command that Gally which transported him to the Asian Coast. The Ambassador sent from Persia was detained at Constantinople until this time, and after the Turkish Fashion not permitted to depart at his own liberty; but being now ordered to follow the Camp, his Port and Quarters were assigned, that so he might be a Spectator of that Tragedy which was now to be acted. All things were now disposed in good Posture, with much So­lemnity, in order to a March; the Conacks, or days Journies, with their Places of Quarters, were laid out in an hundred and twenty days of March from Scutary to Babylon, and seventy days of Otorack or Repose. The Journies with the gross Body of such an Army could not be long; and the joyning with other Forces in the way, required leisure and time.

In short, the Horse, after the Turkish man­ner, having eaten their Grass and been soiled, this powerful Army decamped from Scutari a­bout the end of May. The March of the Tur­kish Army. The first day of Oto­rack or Repose was appointed at Ismit, where the Grand Signior made a review of his Army; such as were Aged, and unable to endure the Fatigues of a long March, he dismissed, giving them half Pay for their Lives, with the Name of Otoracks, which is the same with Milites E­meriti among the Romans: with exact Order therefore and severe Discipline, to which their fierce Monarch had reduced them, marched this numerous Army; no Villages were abused, nor Country-people plundred, and all things were purchased with ready Mony: And the Grand Signior himself being rendred more gentle and tractable in the Field than in his Seraglio, heard all Complaints, and distributed Justice with an equal and impartial Hand.

In the mean time, at Coustantinople, due care was taken to keep things Quiet and in Order; the Bostangibashee, like Lord High Chamberlain, had the Charge committed to him of the Seraglio, and the Moveables of it; he frequently made his Rounds both by Sea and Land, punished those whom he found in Taverns; nor would he suf­fer any Candles to be lighted after two hours in the Night. The Chimacam, and the Captain-Pasha, likewise executed their Offices with all care and severity in their respective Stations.

At this time, to the great dissatisfaction of the Greek Nation, Cyril the Patriarch,Cyrillus the Patriarch strangled. who had been in England, and greatly affected with the Discipline of our Church, was deposed, impri­soned in the Seven Towers, and strangled: in his place one Carfila was ordained Patriarch, and his Commission or Baratz obtained from the Grand Signior at the expence of fifty thousand Crowns, one Moity whereof was paid from Rome, the whole Design against Cyrillus being managed by the Jesuits and other Religious living at Galata, who accused him before the Turks, of keeping a secret Correspondence with the Moscovites and Cossacks; for which losing his Life Carfila, a pretended Friend to the Roman Faction, was instituted Patriarch.

The Grand Signior marching with his potent and numerous Army, all the World remained at a gaze what the Issue should be of this mighty Enterprise; yet most were of Opinion, that the Honour and Riches of the Ottoman Empire be­ing now at Stake, the War could not otherwise conclude than with the Conquest of Babylon. All that could be feared, was some diversion by the Christian Princes; who taking hold of the pre­sent Conjuncture, should enter the Frontiers with a powerful Army, and thereby force the Sultan to return. But as to Poland, the Jea­lousy soon vanished. When the News came of a Civil War between the Poles and the Cossacks, and that ten thousand of the latter were slain in a Battel, this Intelligence came most seasonable and grateful to the Port, expecting now a Mes­sage from the Cossacks, desiring Succour in their Extremity; for such Accidente as these have nou­rished the Turkish Interest, which hath grown out of the Civil Discords of Christian Prin­ces.

By this means, as the Apprehensions of War by Land ceased, so there appeared some Clouds of Storm at Sea; which doubtless might have produced a War with Venice, and the Turks been at leisure to attend it; for sixteen Gallies belonging to Algier, Tunis, and Biserta, The Pirats of Algier and Tunis infest the Gulf of Venice. well armed with Slaves and Souldiers, and provided sufficiently with Cannon, Powder, and Bullet, Commanded by Ali Picenin, united together and formed a small Fleet, with design to rove over the Adriatick Sea, and infest the Coast of Italy. Their Intentions were to plunder the Riches of Loretto; but being hindred by contrary Winds, from entring so high into the Gulf, they made a descent in Puglia, and sacked all the Country of Nicotra, carrying away a great Booty, with Slaves, and amongst them several Nuns which they prostituted to their Lust; thence they pas­sed over to the side of Dalmatia, and in sight of Cataro took a Vessel, and made Prize of all Ships which they met in those Seas; the Rumor of which made great noise over all Italy, the People exclaiming against their Princes for suf­fering [Page 39]their Lives and Estates to remain subject to the petty Force of a few Pirats. For the Ves­sels of Malta and Florence were disjoined, and roving after purchase in the Archipelago, took little notice of what was acted in the Gulf. The Spaniards, after their fashion, were slow in Arming, and spent the Summer in Preparations, till the Pirats, laden with Booty, were depar­ted towards the Winter; so that none remain­ed to take care of Italy, and the Venetian Gulf, but Venice only, to whom the Dominion of those Seas are rightly appropriated.

To suppress therefore the Insolence of these Pirats, the Republick set forth a Fleet consisting of twenty eight Gallies and two Galleasses, un­der the Command of Marin Capello, with In­structions to sink, burn, and destroy those Pi­rats, either in the open Seas, or in Harbour of the Turks; for that by the Articles of Peace, between the Grand Signior and the Venetians, it was agreed, That no Port or Harbour of his should be priviledged to afford entertainment or protection to any Free-booter or Pirat of that nature.

It happened about that time, that the Malteses and Florentines crusing in the Archipelago, had done great Mischief to the Turks in those Seas; to revenge which, and to prevent farther da­mage, the Captain-Pasha sent Orders to these Vessels of Barbary immediately to come to his Assistance; to which they were now more ea­sily perswaded; for being already laden with Booty and Spoils, they contented themselves with a change of their Station. But to give a fare­wel to those Parts, they first resolved to spoil, and plunder Lissa, aliàs Lesina, an Island belong­ing to the Republick; but being overtaken by the Venetian Fleet in their Voyage thither, near to Valona, a Port and Harbour belonging to the Turks, they put themselves under the Defence of the Town and Castle, which received them willingly to their Protection, notwithstanding all Articles and Agreements to the contrary. The Venetian Fleet saluted the Castle without a Shot,Capello blocks up the Pirats in Valona. desiring, that according to the Capitula­tions of Peace, the Pirats might be rejected, and commanded to abandon their Port: in answer hereunto the Turks replied with a Shot, making known their Intentions to defend their Friends: wherefore the Venetians retiring at some di­stance came to an Anchor, designing to block up the Port. Many days had not passed before the Pirats endeavoured, by help of their Oars, and a gentle Gale, to make their escape; and being, with the gray of the Morning, advanced with­out the Port, they were espyed by the watch­ful Venetians, who dividing their Fleet into two Squadrons, charged them with high Courage; the Fight continued for the space of two hours, during all which time the Castle of Valona fired at the Venetians, and shot down a Mast of one of the Galleases, a Splinter of which wounded Lorenzo Marcello the Commander; at length five of the Gallies of the Pirats being disabled, any many of their People killed, they began to fly, and retire again under the Protection of the Town; as also did the Venetians to their Place of Anchorage.

A distinct Advice of all Particulars being dis­patched to Venice, the Senate wrote to Capello, That since the respect which the Republick owes to the Ottoman Court was not unknown to him, he should by no means make any attempt against those Pirats upon the Land, but meeting them fairly at Sea, he ought then to make use of all the valour and force he was able.

In the mean time the Duke of Medina las Tor­res, Vice-King of Naples, dispatched an Ex­press to Capello, with Letters applauding the ge­nerosity of the Design, wherein he was now en­gaged for the Glory of his Republick, and the Common Good of all Christendom, proffering to supply him with Refreshments and Ammunition, and what else might supply his Occasions; ex­pecting, that by such Encouragement as this, he might be induced to Assault the Enemies in Valona, without respect to the Grand Signior, or any Inconveniences which might arise thereby. On the contrary the Governour of the Castle, and Kadi of the Town wrote a Letter to Ca­pello, putting him in mind, that he was within the Grand Signior's Dominions, and that he should be careful how he offered any Violence to those Places, which would certainly prove a Violation of the Peace, and be the Original of an inevitable War.

Capello had now lain a whole Month before the Port, having all the time injoied fair Weather, and a smooth Sea, against the hope and desire of the Turks, who expected that by means of some Storm, the Enemy would be forced to re­move their Quarters to some secure Harbour, and thereby afford them an opportunity to escape.He assaults them in the Port. But Capello growing weary of such te­dious Attendance, resolved to expect no longer, nor yet to lose the present Advantage of ren­dring himself Master of the Vessels of the Ene­my: wherefore dividing his Fleet into several Squadrons, he advanced near the Port, firing se­veral Shot at the Tents of the Pirats, of which one from a Galeass struck a Mosch; and arming with store of Men the Galeots and Bri­gantines, they entred the Port, and to the asto­nishment and vexation of the Turks, possessed all the sixteen Vessels, and brought them to their Admiral: which though they had disfurnished of all their chief Booty, yet their Cannon and Arms remained, of which there were twelve Pieces of great Brass Guns, besides others of Iron, with divers Falcons and lesser Arms.

The Intelligence hereof being carried to Ve­nice, Orders were given, that all the Vessels should be sunk in the Port of Corfu, excepting only the Admiral of Algier, which was to be brought to the Arsenal of Venice, there to remain as a Trophy of Victory, and for a perpetual Memory of this Glorious Atchievement. How­soever this Exploit was variously interpreted at Venice, and approved, or disproved, according to the diversity of Humors. The younger Men applauded it as an Action of great Gallantry, excusing his Transgression of the Senats Orders by a transport of Passion and Zeal towards his Country, and desire of Glory. But the Sena­tors, and Men of mature Judgments, highly re­sented this Breach of their Orders, which as they are strictly Enjoined, so they expected that they should be punctually Obeyed. That this action was a sufficient and Just Cause alone to kindle a War, and that it was a matter intolera­ble, that a single Citizen should of his own Head and Humor, presume to act such things, as must necessarily involve the Publick in a War, contrary to their Pleasure, and in opposition to their express Commands. For which Crime and other subsequent Defaults, Capello was after­wards forced to justify himself, as will be signi­fied in the sequel of this History.

The Particulars of this Advice, were by an express Messenger dispatched to Luigi Contari­ni the Bailo or Ambassador for the Venetians at Constantinople, a Person of great Reputation and [Page 40]Esteem, having been conversant in the principal Courts of Christendom, and employed for the space of seven years at Munster, where he was Assistant with the Nuntio Chigi, afterwards Alexander the 7th, in the general Peace of Eu­rope.

The Turks also receiving this News aggrava­ted to them with all the foul Circumstances ima­ginable, the Chimacam immediately summoned the Bailo to Audience, and with an Angry Countenance began to exclaim: ‘That taking advantage of the Grand Signior's absence in remote Parts, the Venetians had, in a perfidi­dious and hostile manner, assaulted and de­stroyed the Fleet of Barbary, which were his Subjects, and such as he had called to his assi­stance against the Corsares of Malta and Li­gorn. That being accidentally compelled by storm to enter into the Port of Valonia, they were forcibly taken thence, and violence offer­ed to the Grand Signior's Port and Castle, by way of a manifest and open Breach. If this presumption were grounded on the long di­stance of the Grand Signior from these parts, the Venetians would do well to consider, how that they provoke an angry Prince, and one who esteems neither Expence, Hazards, nor Labours to compleat his Revenge. If this were a design to divert the Grand Signior's Arms from Persia, they would do well to con­sider, that the Sultan was not so far advanced, but that he could turn a Current, if he plea­sed, sufficient to drown, and in an instant to overwhelm the Dominions of Venice; or could at least collect Forces from nearer parts able to revenge his Quarrel, and vindicate his Ho­nour from the Disdain and Scorn of such pet­ty Neighbours.’

Hereunto the Bailo or Ambassador made this Reply: ‘That this Piratical People was the same which the Year before had landed in Can­dia, and made spoil of the Estates of the In­habitants, and carried many of them into sla­very; and not contented with this Booty, they entred the Gulph, and penetrated into the ve­ry Bowels of Italy, with design to Sack and Plunder the Island of Lissa, which was under the Dominion of the Republick. That the Ve­netian General friendly saluted the Castle of Valona, which was returned with several Shots from thence; that had it been his intention to have attempted the Port in the beginning, he would not have lain thirty seven days in ex­pectation of the forth-coming of those Pirats, it being only respect to the Grand Signior, which obliged him to that attendance. At length being wearied, and provoked by the insolenee of that People, he forcibly entred the Port, knowing, that by Capitulations with the Grand Signior, it was agreed, That all Ports should be forbidden, and that to these Pirats, unless they first gave Security and Cau­tion not to injure and make Prize of the Sub­jects of the Republick.’

The Chimacam replied hereunto, ‘That there were ten thousand Souldiers and Slaves belonging to those Gallies, which had taken their Refuge in Valona; and therefore he re­quired the Venetians to permit them free pas­sage into their own Country, and to restore their Gallies, unless they intended to come to an open Rupture with the Grand Signior.’

The Chimacam also pressed more urgently for restitution of the Gallies, in regard, that having advised the Grand Signior of this Disaster, he had at the same time given him hopes, and al­most assurance to believe, that by his Negotia­tions he should recover them out of their Hands: But the Senate was of a different Opinion; and therefore gave express Orders to their Officers of the Marine Affairs, immediatly to sink all those Vessels; that so the expectation of the Turks being disappointed by an impossibility of recovery, might not, by the rude Instances and Threats of Morat, oblige them to a dishonoura­ble and an undecent Restitution.

The News of this Misfortune made greater noise and disturbance in the Divan of Algier than at Constantinople, The Alge­rines angry at this News. that rude Rabble raved, and railed, and threatned, laying the blame sometimes on one, then on another, being ready to come to blows amongst themselves; but that being obliged, by order of their Divan, to keep their Thumbs within their Girdles, they durst only express their Anger by Punches and Thrusts of their Elbows. At length coming to cooler Terms, they charged all the Fault on their Ad­miral Ali, and resolved to make Applications to the Grand Signior for Redress, and Repara­tions on the Estates af the Venetians in his Do­minions.

The News also hereof overtaking Morat in his March into Persia, The G. Sig­nior's Anger against the Ventians. angred him to the Heart, and transported him to that heat of Indignation, that he immediately ordered, that the Venetian Bailo, with all his Nation in the Ottoman Do­minions, should without exception, be cut to pieces; but the Great Vizier, and his Favourite, suffering him for some time to vent the impetuo­sity of his Fume and Rage without contradicti­on, gave a stop for thirteen days to the dispatch of these fatal Orders; until taking him in a more gentle mood, they perswaded him to change this Sentence of Death, to the imprison­ment only of the Bailo; and such care was ta­ken, lest the News of a War with Venice should fly into Persia, and thereby prejudice the Terms of Peace, that this Accident was kept as a Se­cret, and communicated to none, but such as were nearly concerned in the Government.

The Command for the Bailo's Imprisonment being arrived at Constantinople, he was summon­ed to Audience by the Chimacam; and though at that time he was exceedingly afflicted with the Gout, yet the Turkish Obedience to Impe­rial Commands admitting of no Excuse, he was forced to an attendance; and being brought in his Sedan, he was carried to the Chamber of Audience, where he expected some time until the Chimacam came to him: in the interim being entertained by some Aga's, whom the Chimacam had employed to sound him touching the resti­tution of the Vessels; who finding by his Dis­course that they were sunk, without possibility of recovery, and that there could be no com­pensation made for them, they returned with this Answer to the Chimacam: of which being now informed, he came in, and having no far­ther to expostulate on this Matter, produced the Grand Signior's Command for his Imprisonment, and kissing it first, caused it to be road. The Bailo replied, That he was ready to submit,The Vene­tians Bailo imprisonec. being not only willing to suffer Imprisonment, but also Martyrdom, accompanied with the se­verest Pains, for the sake of his Prince and his Country.

To soften and mitigate Matters, the other Christian Ambassadors then resident at the Port, had made Arz to the Grand Signior, wherein, with all reverence and respect, they offered themselves for Mediators in this Difference, en­gaging themselves, but not the Parole of their [Page 41]Princes, for the Person of the Bailo, that he should not fly from the Port, nor yet refuse any reasonable Terms by way of Accommodation. This Mediation of the Ambassadors, seconded with some Presents from the Bailo to the Turkish Ministers, so facilitated Matters, that the Bailo at first was conducted to theThe Chi­micam's Steward. Kahya's Chamber, and afterwards was confined to his own House in Galata, guarded by four Chiaouses, with free Liberty to all Visitants whatsoever.

There was now no other Rumour or Discourse in Constantinople, but of a War with Venice, so soon as that with Persia was concluded: And in the mean time the Grand Signior gave Orders, that ten Gallies should be built in his own Arse­nal at his Charge, and presented to the Barba­rouses, with condition that they should stay un­til the Spring, and accompany his Fleet to Sea. But Ali Picenin the Admiral suspecting that this was only a Snare to engage him and his Men for ever in the Grand Signior's Service, refused the Obligation, and set two Gallies on the Stocks for his own Account.

Advice of the Bailo's Confinement being come to Venice, with a Report of the Passion and Rage of the Sultan, they expected nothing more than a War with the Turk, which they communica­ted to all Christian Princes, requesting their Succours and Assistance against the common Ene­my. These Addresses produced rather Compas­sion of their Case, than substantial Contributi­ons: Pope Ʋrban himself giving them great Assu­rances of some help from the Ecclesiastical Reve­nues, besides Processions, Masses, and Benedicti­ons for their good Success, in as great a Number as they could desire: Notwithstanding which due Care wast taken to make ready and provide against all Encounters. Letters were wrote to the Captain-General in the Levant, to make due Preparations against the Enemy: Sixteen Gallies were armed out of Candia, to which were joyn­ed other Galleasses under the Command of Anto­nio Pisani and Sebastiano Veniero: Souldiers were levied in every Place, and all Garrisons provided with Ammunition and Victuals, and reinforced with Numbers of an Auxiliary Militia. Howso­ever it was not the Business nor Advantage of the Venetians, to make a War with the Turks, but rather, whilst they feared the worst, and made Provisions against the utmost Extremities, they endeavoured to enter into Treaties of Peace, and to qualifie the hot Spirit of the Grand Signior with the gentle Lenitives of fair Words, and proffers of making Atonement with the Sacrifice of Gold and other Presents: In order unto which they wrote a Letter to the Grand Signior to this Effect.

‘That being provoked by the Insolence and frequent Robberies of the Pirates of Barbary, who did not esteem Faith or Obedience to his Majesty, nor the Commands which he had of­ten fent to restrain them, they were induced, out of natural Defence of themselves, to cha­stise and correct them; but as this was acted without intention to disoblige his Majesty, so they were ready to maintain and cultivate that ancient Friendship and Correspondence which was ingrafted on the firm Root of his Glorious Progenitors.’

Morat, though he received this Letter in an huff, and gave an Answer to it with Disdain, which breathed nothing but Threats of Revenge, and total Destruction; yet he sent it by an Ex­press of his own to Venice, couching something within the Terrour of his Words, as if there was place left for an Accommodation, if the Venetians knew what Salve was to be applied to obduct the Skin of this bleeding Wound. The Venetians quickly apprehended, that Gold was the only Remedy, of which they were ready to contribute freely; since they could make no better a Pur­chase with their Money than Peace, not could make a better Bargain than with such a Sum as would serve only to make the first Preparations of War, to evade all Hazards, Troubles, and Ca­lamities by a happy and safe Conclusion of Peace. The which notwithstanding took no Effect, until the Return of Morat from Persia; and therefore we shall defer Discourse thereof to its proper place.

Amurat marched now at the Head of a formida­ble Army,Morat marches to Persia. cloathed in the Habit of a Janisary, to render himself acceptable to the Militia, whom having subdued by Rigour and severe Discipline, he would now oblige by Courtesie and fairer Treatment: With Courage and great Patience he marched through sandy Desarts and unfre­quented Places; and being the first who offered to expose himself to Dangers and Sufferings, the Souldiery followed willingly his Example, estee­ming no Attempts either hazardous or tedious, in which they saw themselves preceded by their Valiant General. In this March he was overta­ken by one who rode hard to demand Mostaluck, which is the Reward of good News for the Birth of a Son, of which one of his Sultana's was deli­vered at Ismit: the Messenger was secured until the News was confirmed; which being after­wards turned to the Birth of a Daughter, the poor Man suffered Death, being cruelly impaled for his unadvised haste and excess of officious Re­spect towards his Ptince.

The Great Vizier met his Master at Iconium with a moderate Equipage, to give more Room for the Quarters of the Army, and rendring him­self more gracious in his Eyes by a Present of fif­ty thousand Dollars, he was again remunerated with a Cemiter and a Vest of Sables, which are the usual Signals of the Sultan's Favour.

All Asia was now in Arms, and the Princes and great Men came in to perform their Duty, ac­companied with their Forces and Attendance: Only Complaints were made of a certain Shegh,A Shegh rebels. Santone or Preacher belonging to the Mountains of Anatolia, who had refused to do Homage; or serve in the War: He was one, who by a feig­ned Sanctity had acquired a great Reputation a­mongst his People; and having declared himself to be the Mehedy, or the Mediator, which, accor­ding to the Mahometan Doctrine, is to fore-run Antichrist, for reducing all the World to one Unity of Faith: He had perswaded his People, that he, and they under him, were by Priviledge of his Office, exempted from all Taxes, Contri­butions, or Impositions by any Secular Power whatsoever. The Grand Signior who could not understand or believe this Doctrine, presently detached a strong Body with some Cannon under Command of the Captain-Pasha (who, as we have said, was to accompany the Grand Signior in the War) to confute the Principies of this Rebel, and to reduce him to Obedience. These Forces being entred on his Dominions, Procla­mation was made to the People, that they should deliver up their Impostor into the hands of Ju­stice; which if they refused to do, then Fire and Sword was to be their Portion,He is over­come and punished. and Destruction to extend even unto their Children of seven years of Age. This terrible Denunciation of the Sultan's Sentence struck all the People with cold Fear and Amazement; howsoever the Shegh a­vailing himself on certain Prophecies, which he [Page 42]interpreted in his own Favour, adventured to stand a shock with the Grand Signior's Forces; but being overcome by them the Shegh was ta­ken alive and carried to the Grand signior; who having given a stop to his March at Iconium, un­til the end of this Business, he condemned him to be flead alive; and in this Guise being a horrid Spectacle to all Beholders, he was carried upon an Ass to the Wheel, on which he seemed to en­dure the Remainder of his Punishment without any sensible Touches or Pangs in the Torments.

This Success being attained, Morat proceeded in his March, and passing through Alexandretta or Scanderone, he was there saluted by the Guns of all the English and Dutch Ships then in Port, and presented by the Merchants and Consuls, es­pecially by the Venetian called Marco Foscolo, whose Presents were computed to amount unto the Value of ten thousand Dollars. Thence he proceeded to Antioch, where he refreshed his Ar­my for a few days, observing the Antiquities of that Place. At Aleppo he was met by the Pasha of Grand Cairo, who brought with him a rich Tri­bute, accompanied with an Army of twenty four thousand Souldiers, all choice Men well armed and well cloathed; at the same Place also the For­ces of Palestine joyned with him, so that his Ar­my was now increased to a vast Number. Pro­ceeding forward new Sangiacks came in daily belonging to the Countries through which they marched, and a strong Party of Tartars despai­ring of being able to act any considerable Matter against Asac, offered themselves to the Service of the Grand Signior.

The King of Persia entred the Field at the Head of an hundred and twenty thousand Horse;The Persian Army dares not give Battel to the Turk. but being inferiour in Force, made only use of them to reinforce his Garrison of Bagdat with an Addition of thirty thousand Men; which now being well provided, he judged that the Force within, and the Strength of the Place would be able to endure a long Siege, and with time wea­ken, if not destroy the vast numbers of the Turks, of which there were former Examples: With the rest of his Forces he returned to encounter the Great Mogul, who (as we have said) promised Morat to assist him in this War, and attack the Persian on the other side of his Dominions, which served for an advantageous Diversion to the Turk. This was the Reason that no memorable Battels succeeded in the Field, there being none of greater Note than a Fight which Quinan Pasha had with two thousand Persians belonging to Re­van, with whom accidentally encountring, he killed fifteen hundred of them on the Place, and took the rest Prisoners, which being five hundred in number were brought before Morat, and all barbarously put to death by him.

During the time of this March, Morat often exercised himself in Feats of Arms, to shew his strength of Body and dexterity of Hand; a­mongst other things wonderful to the Souldiers, he pierced a Suit of Arms of Musket-Proof, with a Dart, called by them a Gerit, thrown from his Hand; for evidence of which, the Armour is placed on one of the Gates of Aleppo, with an Inscription under it.

About the Beginning of the Month of August the Turkish Army passed the River Euphrates, The Turks pass the Ri­ver Eu­phrates. by means of a Bridge, which was not so well built, but that it sunk under the weight of Horses, Ca­mels, and Baggage, by which Disaster many pe­rished in the Water, which great Rains had swel­led above the Bounds of its Banks. As this nu­merous Army proceeded, so all Petty Princes ap­plied themselves to perform their Homage; a­mongst which one Tarpos a King of the Arabs came with his Wife, Mother, and Son to prostrate himself before the Sultan: He was entertained in the Tent of the Favourite, who being always in company with [...]at was never suffered to se­parate from him, and his Tent, more for Ostenta­tion, than to serve his occasion. Tarpos being ad­mitted to Audience, was received with Respect and a favourable Countenance, and presented with a Vest of Cloth of Gold lined with Sables, and a small Purse of Gold: In recompence where­of the Arab Prince returned certain choice Horses and two Leopards. In like manner the Georgi­ans and Mengrelians, who are Tributaries to Turk and Persian, and commonly incline to the strongest side, whose Nations we have described in the present State of the Ottoman Empire, would not be wanting at this time to bring their Tri­bute of eighty thousand yards of Linen-cloth, which they pay every three year, with some Chil­dren of both Sexes chosen out of the comeliest and most healthful amongst them.

At Mosul the Army lay encamped for some time,The Turkish Army at Mosul. where was a general Rendezvous and Con­fluence of People from all Parts, and every thing ordered and modelized for a War. Severe Dis­cipline was kept amongst all, Offenders were Impaled, Flead alive, their Bowels ript out, and thrown into the publick Ways: Nor did Takers of Tobacco escape with less Punishment than the rest. In the mean time Wine was for­bid to his whole Camp, unless to himself and his Favourite, being a Royal drink; and when the chief Physician commended the admirable vertue of Opium, advising Morat to use it in the place of Wine, he enjoyned him to make his Words good by his own Example, and thereby for­ced him to take so much, that he was over­come, and died by swallowing too great a quantity.

From Mosul the Army marched in due order to Babylon, where the Great Vizier arrived with thirty thousand Men about the 19th of October: But by reason of the great weight of Artillery, and the many Impediments which at­tend such vast numbers, the Grand Signior came not thither till the 5th of November, and on the 9th the whole Turkish Army presented it self be­fore the Walls of Babylon.

Babylon the ancientest City of the World,The De­scription of Babylon, or Bagdat. reported to be built by Nimrod on the Banks of the River Euphrates, and afterwards beautified and enlarged by Semiramis the Wife of Ninus, is recorded in History for the vastness thereof to be one of the seven Miracles of the World. Afterwards the furious Inundations of the Ri­ver, and the Iron Teeth of devouring Time, and the subjection thereof to the Macedonian Empire, did much eclipse the Glory of that City, and caused Seleucus Nicanor, one of Alex­ander's Captains, to build a new one where the Tigris and Euphrates meet, forty Miles more Northwards than the old Babylon, which he there­fore called Seleucia after his own Name. In the Year of our Lord 753, Abugiafer Almansor, an Arab King, enlarged this City to the Eastern side of the Tigris, as being less subject to the In­undations of the River, giving it the Name of Badgat, or the place of Gardens; but his Son Almolied being more pleased with the Western side, encouraged People to build the stateliest Palaces and best Fabricks near the place where he delighted to keep his Court, so that the River Ti­gris divided the City. The which with the Coun­try thereabouts was subdued by Solyman the Mag­nificent; and afterwards in the Year 1625; it was [Page 43]recovered by Abas King of Persia, until at length in this of 1638. it was vanquished by the mighty Force and Prowess of this Magnanimous Sultan, as we shall now understand.

The numerous Troops of the Ottoman Army covering all the Plains,Bagdat be­sieged. a General Council of War was called of the Chief Commanders of the Jani­saries and Spahees, especially of such who had been practised in the Sieges of the strong Fortres­ses in Hungary. After some Debate and long Consideration, it was agreed, That the City should be battered in three Places. One Battery of twelve Pieces of Cannon commanded by the Great Vizier was to be erected against the Bright Gate; the second against the Dark Gate of ten Pieces of Cannon, under the Command of the Captain-Pasha: and a third of eight Pieces direct­ed against the Gate of Persia, under the Govern­ment of Chusaein Pasha Beglerbei of Anatolia. The Grand Signior in the mean time habited like an ordinary Souldier, that he might be the less exposed to Danger, visited all Posts and Places, encouraging them with his Words and Presence, protesting that he would not change his Cloaths for ever in any place but within the Walls of Bag­dat. In the space of three days the Trenches were opened, the Batteries raised, and the Cannon planted; and Morat having made Korban, gave fire to the first Cannot with his own Hand, as he had brought the first Basket of Earth to raise the Works. The Defendants within consisted of eighty thousand fighting Men, with which they made frequent Sallies of four and five thousand Men at a time, who being retired, were again se­conded by another of the like Number, which put the Turkish Camp into much Confusion, and into danger of having their Trenches levelled, and their Cannon spiked; but the Turks valiantly fighting, the Slaughter proved bloody on both sides; and being guided rather by the Bravery of their Courage, than by Art or Experience in in War, they carried their Works forward to the very Brink of the Ditch, having an Italian and a Candiot for their chief Engineers; who though they were not Persons of that Ability, as our modern Times have produced, yet they were such, as for want of better, served the present occasions, where force and Numbers, with small Additions of Art, were the most available. For in this Siege the Sword was more exercised than the Spade or Mattock, and there was more need of Arms than Works; for the constant Sallies kept the Turks always watchful and imployed, and perpetually disturbed them, until at length they were forced with great Labour to raise a high Circumvallation, with a very deep Ditch, defended by several Redoubts; whereby the Besieged be­ing kept in, thier Numbers decreased by former Sallies, and their Courages abated by despair of Relief, they began to grow cold in the Acts of Bravery, and to reserve their Men for the ulti­mate and last Efforts of Defence. In the mean time the Turks plied their Batteries so hotly, that in a few days the Walls were laid open almost fif­ty paces wide. In this Condition the Defendants having no other Refuge than some small Re­trenchments, which they had made during the Siege, were exposed to the open Force of the E­nemy. For now the Turks having filled up the first and second Ditches with Sacks of Wool, Fag­gots, and other Rubbish, crowded in vast Num­bers to enter the Breach, which the Persians de­fended as stoutly with Stones, Bullets, Artificial Fires, and all Instruments of Death, which fell like Showers of Hail on the Heads of the Ene­my. The Great Vizier signalizing himself above all by his undaunted Courage, commanding with his Hand and Voice, was unhappily shot by a Musket-bullet, and fell on the heaps of the dead, amongst whom there is no distinction between the common Souldier and the bravest Captain. This Fight within the Breach continued for five days, where both sides fighting like Men in de­spair, the dead Bodies lay in heaps, and Blood was stagnated like a Pool to wade thorough. At length the Numbers of the Turks prevailing, commanded now by Mustapha the Captain-Pasha, entred the Town by force of Arms on the twenty second of December about the time of Sun-set, when the Royal Standard of the Turks was plan­ted in this City. Howsoever twenty four thou­sand of the Persians remaining still alive, and u­nited in a Body, capitulated for Quarter, other­wise threatning not to die unrevenged: Pardon, and Quarter for their Lives was readily granted, on Confidence of which the Persians threw down their Arms, and submitted to the Publick Faith, or the Sultan's Clemency.Bagdat taken. But the Grand Signior afterwards considering, that the granting Quar­ter at Revan had been the cause of the Loss of the City, he repented him of his Promise, and gave Order to the Janisaries most inhumanely to open a Torrent a Blood, and make a barbarous Massa­cre of those who had newly thrown down their Arms at his Feet, not sparing either Woman or Child, either Sex or Age; the which Slaughter, like a Work of Darkness, was acted in the Night by the light of Torches and Lanthorns, and ap­peared a horrid Spectacle to all, especially to the Persian Ambassadour, who being conducted like a Prisoner in the Camp, was a sad Spectator of his Countries Destruction on the horrid Theatre of its Capital City.

So soon as Bagdat was taken, Morat dispatch­ed away Posts immediately with the News in­to all Parts, and wrote a Letter with his own Hand to the Chimacam, ordering a Dunalma or Feast of Thanksgiving, and rejoicing for the space of twenty Days; during which time no Business was to be acted, the Houses were to be adorned both without and within with the best Furniture, and every House was to set forth Lights, Torches, and Fire-works agreeable to the Condition and Ability of the Person. The People exclaimed hereat as too great an Expence, and the Vacation from Business seemed too long for those who lived by their daily Labour. The chief Ministers and Grandees evidenced external actions of Joy, but inwardly feared and tremb­led, suspecting that the fierce and cruel Humour of their Sultan would be elated, and rendred more tyrannical and untractable by Success and a favourable Fortune. The Christian Princes re­ceived this Intelligence like bad News, and as an Alarm to awaken then from the easiness of Peace, to expectations of War: For War with Persia was like an Ulcer in the Bowels of the Turkish Empire, which gangreen'd and consu­med the Strength and Marrow of their Power; which now being cured, and the Body Poli­tick rendred healthy by such a seasonable Success, would convert it self to Enterprises pernicious and dangerous to the neighbouring States.

After the Conquest of this City, Morat gave out, That he resolved to procced with his Army into Persia, and to enter the Walls of Spahan; but having some indispositions of Health upon him, and recalled by the charming Letters of a Favourite Mistress, whom he had left at Diarbechir, he inclined to return again to Con­stantinople. Wherefore mustering first his Army, [Page 44]he found that it was abated near an hundred thousand Men, two thirds whereof being killed in the War, the rest perished by the Pestilence, and other Diseases and Maladies incident to Camps; a great part of the Slaughter fell on the most veterane Souldiers of the Janisaries and Spahees, of which many of the Chief being slain, their Lands and Revenues returned to the Grand Signior, and gave him both Opportunity and Ability to reward many with such Offices and Gifts as came by the Death and Fall of other Commanders. Thus the Captain-Pasha, whose Valour had rendred him Famous, was made Great Vizier in the place of him that was slain, and the Persian Favourite was constituted Cap­tain-Pasha; and though many repined at this Advancement, as conferred on a Stranger, and a Person without Merit, yet the Grand Sig­nior considered him as one whose Experience in that Country, and the Information he had given him of the Scituation and Strength of Babylon, had made abundant Compensation for the Favour and Honour he had bestowed upon him.

The Grand Signior having left a Garison of thirty thousand Men in Bagdat, dispatched the Great Vizier with a considerable Army to penetrate far into the Country of Persia. And having now released the Persian Ambassadour, giving him liberty to return to his Master, wrote by him this braving Letter.

This Letter being dispatched, the Grand Sig­nior recalled the forty thousand Men which he had lent, from the Service of the Great Mogul, which he quartered about Bagdat to hinder the Attempts of the Persians, in case they should de­sign to pursue him in the Rear, and disturb his return into Europe. By reason of the Rigour and Extremity of the Winter, and a certain Defluxion which falling on his Nerves, made him something Paralytical,The Grand Signior re­turns to Constanti­nople. the Grand Signior depar­ted not from Bagdat until the 15th of April, and then for recovery of his Health, and to soil the Horses by the way with convenience of Grass, short Days Journeys were appointed.

The Grand Signior's Indisposition encreasing, with some cold and shivering Fits, gave the first Symptoms of a Feaver; but afterwards it plainly appearing to be a paralytical Distemper, suspe­cted by the Physicians to end in an Apoplexy, it was rumoured abroad, that Morat was dead; but it was whispered with such Caution, as if they had feared lest the Grand Signior would have over-heard them, and risen from his Grave to punish their secret and inward Joy. Being some­what recovered from the last Accession of his Palsie, the Humour fell into his Legs, and swelled so much, that he could scarce sit upon his Horse; howsoever he hastened as fast as he could to Con­stantinople to disprove and confute the falsity of that Report concerning his Death.

In the mean time it is not to be expressed with what Fear and Terrour the Chimacam and other great Ministers of State expected the return of their formidable Prince, not knowing where the Thunderbolt of his cruel Disposition would strike, until at length it fell on the Head of the poor Sultan Mustapha, whose weakness, as it ren­dred him unable for Government and Command, so it made him stupid and insensible of Death.

At length on the 10th of June the Grand Sig­nior arrived at Constantinople: The Grand Signior's Entry into Constanti­nople. The Favourite Soltana, which had accompanied him to the War, passed by Water from Ismit attended with six Gallies, and took her Lodging the first Night of her arrival at a small Chiosk or House of Pleasure under the Wall, so as to make a magni­ficent Entry the Day following. Her Coach was covered with Cloth of Gold, and the Spokes of the Wheels were gilded, and the Wheels shod with Silver; she was followed by twelve Coaches, and the Mufti, Pasha's, Kadees, and other Offi­cers went before to conduct her to the Seraglio. The Grand Signior, who arrived the same Day, attended with fifty six Gallies, made not his so­lemn Entry until two Days after, being perform­ed with all the Ceremony, State, and Magnifi­cence which could be contrived. The Grand Signior in his own Person appeared in the Persian Habit, with a Leopard's Skin thrown over his Shoulders, after the manner of a Kausee (as they call them) or a brave huffing Champion, having his Stirrup attended with twenty two of the chie­fest Nobles, whom he had reserved at Bagdat, purposely to lead in Triumph when he made this Entry. The Treasure brought to Constantinople, was landed at the Seraglio out of ten Gallies, and calculated to amount to a greater Sum than that which was carried from thence; for besides the [Page 45]Riches taken in the Plunder of Babylon, seisure was mad in divers places of the Estates of Pasha's and other Great Men, which by Death, or for Crimes, escheated to the Grand Signior.

After the Grand Signior's Departure out of Persia, little of Action succeeded, as if by mutu­al Agreement, a Truce or Cessation of Arms had been contrived. The Persians desired a Peace, because they were enfeebled and tired with the War: The Turks had regained their Honour by the Conquest of Badgat; and being unwilling to lose it by change of unconstant Fortune, and lon­ger consume their Riches and Men in a tedious and remote March, were attending to receive Propositions of Peace first offered by the Persi­an. To effect which the Great Vizier, who was left at Badgat to command the Army, intimated to the Governours of the Frontiers, that a prof­fer of Peace should be accepted;An Ambas­sador sent from Persia to the Grand Signior. which being made known to the King of Persia, he immediate­ly dispatched an Ambassadour to the Grand Sig­nior to propose Terms of Accommodation. The Ambassadour being arrived at Constantinople, was grateful and acceptable to all, and his Day of Au­dience appointed after the usual manner on the Pay-day of the Janisaries, when the Floor of the Divan is covered with Sacks of Mony; before the Door of the Chamber of Audience stood the Persian Captives all cloathed in rich Vests. The Ambassadour being conducted to the Royal Pre­sence with the usual Ceremonies (of which we have given an Account in another place) was re­ceived by the Sultan sitting upon a Saffaw cove­red with Crimson Velvet, embroidered with Pearl; his Turbant was encompassed with a Chain of Diamonds, cloathed with a rich Vest lined with Sables; he cast no Pleasantness of As­pect on the Ambassadour, but beholding him with a fierce and scornful Look, received the Letter in a kind of careless Disdain, behaving himself in every Motion, as if he neither esteemed the King, nor his Ambassadour; or as if the Persian had been wholly conquered by him, had sent to beg Peace, and Pardon for his Life: The Ambassa­dour was soon dismissed from his Presence; and matters being referred to the Negotiation of the Chimacam, no other difficulty arose besides the Dispute concerning Revan, A Peace concluded. which at length was agreed by another Ambassadour sent to the Vizi­er on the Frontiers to remain unto the Persian, as Bagdat was confirmed to the Turk: And so Peace was without long Debate clapt up; the Grand Signior, by reason of his Indisposition which in­creased upon him, being not inclinable to trou­ble his Head with the Burden of Business.

Peace being thus concluded with Persia, there appeared a perfect Sun-shine and fair Weather in the Ottoman Court, neither Dissensions at home, nor Wars abroad troubling the Quiet and Repose of the Sultan: Until some Differences happe­ning between the Princes of Moldavia and Wala­chia exhaled the first Cloud of Disturbance. At that time Lupulo was Prince of Moldavia, a Per­son of evil Principles, covetous, and unjust. Mat­thew was Prince of Walachia, a good Man, zea­lous for the Christian Religion, and one who ad­ministred equal Justice to his People. Lupulo not, contenting himself with his own, but desirous al­so of his Neighbours Possession,Troubles in Moldavia and Wala­chia. made instances to the Port to have the Principality of Moldavia con­ferred upon his Son, alledging that thereby he should be better enabled to balance the Power of Ragotski in Transylvania, and on all occasions be rendred more serviceable to the Grand Signior's Designs and Interest: And seconding this Propo­sition with a Present of fifty thousand Dollars to the Chimacam, and promise to increase the annual Tribute, he obtained the Chimacam's Friendship, at whose Instance the Grand Sig­nior was perswaded to write unto Matthew to surrender up his Province into the hands of the Son of Lupulo; declaring, That it having been accustomary to change the Princes of those Countries every three years, he ought after an Injoyment of above seven years to content himself with a quiet and voluntary Re­signation, unless he would desire to draw up­on himself a Ruin by the Anger and Displea­sure of the Sultan. Matthew having no Po­sterity, resolved not to surrender his Govern­ment but with his Life; and having a parti­cular Animosity against Lupulo, could by no means incline his Mind to make his Enemy happy with the Spoils of his Estate. Where­fore having obtained Assistance from Ragotski, he resolved to withstand the Forces of young Lupulo, and engage with him: And being rea­dy to mount on Horse-back, and begin the Battel, he first dispatched an humble Message to the Grand Signior, acquainting him, ‘That he was ready at his Command to resign his Principality into the Hands of the meanest Greek his Majesty would appoint; who be­ing the Source of all Equity and Justice, he hoped that he would not oblige him to such Terms as would raise his Mortal Ene­my upon his Ruin; a Man so intent to his own Interests, and so unconscionable to compass them, that all late Revolutions, Wars, and Commotions have been raised either by him, or by his Instruments.’

This Letter being received and read by the Grand Signior, was seconded in a few hours after, with News of the total Defeat of young Lupulo; which put the Grand Signior so much into choler, that he immediately committed the Chimacam to the seven Towers, for being the Projector and Author of this Counsel. It was supposed however, that Morat's Anger would not proceed to that degree, as to extend to his Life; but being informed, that he was rich, and that he was possessed of two Milli­ons of Dollars, which lay by him in ready Mony, it was concluded, that so vast a Wealth could not in a short time be honestly gained; which appearing as an undeniable Evidence and Testimony of his Violence and Oppression, the Grand Signior made no Difficulty to pass the Sentence of Death against him,The Chima­cam put to Death. nor to con­demn the Mony to his own Exchequer: His Office was given to Sinan Pasha, and the Prin­cipality confirmed unto Matthew.

During all this Time, the Quarrel which the Turks conceived against the Venetians, for vio­lating their Port of Valona, was not yet com­posed; but now having time to peruse and con­sider old Accounts, the Venetian Bailo was called by the Chimacam to Audience, and to a Con­ference with him concerning this Matter. In the first place therefore the Bailo alledged, ‘That the Pirates of Barbary had for the space of twenty Years roved in the Venetian Gulf, and made Prize in that time of so many Ships and Goods belonging to Merchants, that the Republick had been prejudiced by them in several Millions; which also did in some manner prejudice the Customs of the Grand Signior, to whom the Venetian Mer­chants pay for the most part yearly the Sum of an hundred thousand Dollars in Custom for their Goods, besides the benefit which the Ottoman Dominions receive by so profitable a Commerce.’

Hereunto the Chimacam replied: ‘That the damages which the Turks received by the Corsairs or Free-booters at Sea under the Colours of Malta, Leghorn, Majorca, and other places, were greater and more disho­nourable to the Majesty of the Ottoman Grandeur, than the depredations of the other side were to Venice: And therefore it would be necessary for the good of the World, that such Violences were prevented in all places: and that Men of such wicked Profession should be esteemed for universal Enemies, and to have no other Quarter, nor Articles grant­ed them, than what we give to wild and hurtful Beasts, whom we destroy by Snares and Gins, and all Advantages. The which also was never denied to the Venetians, whilst they encountred and took them in the open Seas; but to enter into priviledged Places, and violate a Sanctuary of the Grand Signi­or's, without respect to the mighty Power of so dreadful a Monarch, was an act so inso­lent, as could never obtain Pardon without due Compensation for the Offence; which could not be done, but either by a Restitu­tion of the Vessels, or else of a like Num­ber in the places of them.’

Hereunto the Bailo replied: ‘That if an Accommodation could not be made on other Terms, nor Peace maintained, but by a sub­mission to Pyrats, and supportation of all their Injuries and Robberies, a War must inevitably ensue; for the good success of which they depended on the Blessing of God Almighty, and the general Assistance of all Christendom, which will esteem it self uni­versally concerned in this Cause, and obli­ged as well to make good this Quarrel a­gainst Pirates, as to preserve Venice for their main Bulwark and Defence against the Otto­man Force.’

‘You make me Smile (answered the Chi­macam) when you tell me of the Power of Christendom, which contains nothing more of Terrour than the Name. Do not I know, who have been Pasha of Buda, that the Em­perour hath no Mony; and that when the Sweeds, a small and inconsiderable People, have made War upon him, they have almost over-run his Country? As for France, if they understand their own Politicks, they will scarce be perswaded to lend assistance to the Empire, when we make War against it. The Spaniards have so much to do at Home, and to conserve themselves from the Incroachments of their powerful Neighbour the French, that they are wholly unable to lend Forces to wage a War at such a di­stance from their Dominions. Wherefore considering the Advantage we have upon you, which we well know and understand; you must either have War on these hazard­ous Terms, or else purchase your Peace with a considerable Sum of Mony. In ma­king of which Bargain you must consider, that you have to deal with a mighty Prince, and not with a Merchant; and therefore your Offer ought to be large at first, so as it may gain Credit, and be received with a favourable Ear; for a small Sum to him is like a little Morsel given to an hungry Sto­mach, which serves only to increase the Ap­petite. And you know, that we our selves are often forced to sacrifice to the Avarice of our Prince, by effusions of vast Sums of Money, which are always best compounded for, when they are done readily, and at first, before we give our Master time to consult with his Pillow, and to make up our Accounts according to the Calculation of his own Reckoning. Let me therefore exhort you to follow the like Example, and imme­diately make an Offer of three hundred thou­sand Zechins of Gold, which if you will do, and employ my Interest to make this Com­position for you, I hope, though with some difficulty, to gain its acceptance. To talk and reason of Things past is but to beat the Air, because the time is vanished and gone; but you may consider of the present, that you may secure the future. We sell you Peace at this Price; if it be worth your Mony, take it; if not, refuse it, as you judge the Purchase most agreeable to your Interest.’

At this time Christendom was embroiled in its usual Combustions, so that Assistance from other Princes was not only uncertain, but without all Foundation; so that the Venetians could have no sure Trust to any other than their own Force. In regard that many were desirous at that time to see the Venetians en­gaged with the Turk, that so they might not be able to concern themselves in the War of Italy, which then grew hot by rhe Wars of Savoy, Modena, and Matoua, favoured by the Protection of the Spaniards, by whose means all the Differences arose about the Valtoline. Considering which, the wise Senate being wil­ling to purchase so great a Blessing to their Country by a moderate Price, gave Liberty to their Bailo to compound for it at what rate and terms he was able; which by the Bailo's Dexterity in the Management, was con­cluded for the Sum of two hundred and fif­ty thousand Zechins, which was esteemed for a great Service, and redounded much to the Reputation of the Bailo: after which Conclu­sion, the former Articles were ratified, and these which follow added thereunto.

‘That the Ambassadour or Bailo should be set at Liberty, and permitted to return to his own Habitation: That Commerce be renewed as formerly between the Subjects of both Countries: That all Controversie about the Maters happened at Valona, for ever be silenced and forgotten. When at any time the Pirats of Barbary shall hap­pen to enter within the Ports of the Grand Signior, they shall give Security, that they will commit no Damage or Spoil on the Subjects of Venice. And in case they shall have taken any Prizes belonging to the a­foresaid State, they shall not be admitted nor protected in the Ports belonging to the Grand Signior. Wherefore in virtue hereof all Aga's, Captains of Castles, and other Ministers who shall not obey and ob­serve this Capitulation, shall be deprived of their Office; and if the Venetians shall then enter violently into the Port, where such Enemies have taken Refuge, it shall not be imputed to them for a Crime, or esteemed a Breach of the Capitulations. And farther, if the Venetians shall at any time encounter the aforesaid People of Barbary in the open Sea, it shall be lawful for them to assault, take, and destroy them without notice, or exceptions of the Ottoman Port. And lastly, the new Bailo lately elected, shall pay unto the Grand Signior five hundred thousand Pieces of Eight, which make two [Page 47]hundred and fifty thousand Zechins of Gold. This Writing was firmed and ratified about the middle of the Moon Rebiul in the Hegeira or Year of Mahomet 1049.’ September 1639. Hereof Authen­tick Copies were immediately dispatched to the Beglerbeys, Sangiacks, and Kadi's on the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, and to the Pasha of Bosna, for better Publication of the Peace, and free Traffick and Commerce between the Subjects of both People.

The Baron Chinski arrived at that time from the Emperour in Quality of Envoy Ex­traordinary,An Envoy sent from the Emperor to the Grand Signior. to congratulate the Grand Signi­or's Success in taking Bagdat, and making a Peace with Persia; but not bringing with him Pre­sents to that value, which on this occasion were expected, he was not looked on, not con­sidered with that Favour and Respect, as was agreeable to his Character and Quality. And there happening a Dispute between this Envoy and the English Ambassadour concerning Pre­cedency of place; the Turks yielded it to the English, being made to understand the Diffe­rence which Christian Princes make between the Title of an Ambassadour and that of an Envoy, though the Turks use but that one word of Elchi to express both. And though the Baron Chinski laboured to diminish the Dignity of an English Ambassadour at Constan­tinople, by alledging, that he was elected by the Company of Merchants for Conservation of their Trade only, and afterwards confirmed and honoured by the King: yet this Argu­ment was in no wise prevalent with the Turks, who esteeming the Commission of the Prince, and the Charge of an Office the only Qualifi­cation to ennoble a Person, made no Diffi­culty to determine the Point in behalf of the English. And though some Italian Writers say, that the English Ambassadour gave fifteen Pur­ses of Mony, or seven thousand five hundred Dollars to the Chimacam for this Favour; yet those who understand how unwillingly the Turky-Merchants part with their Mony on defence of such Punctillio's and Niceties, especially where the Ambassadour might have avoided the bringing them into Dispute, will more readily believe, that the Turks from free motives of their own Justice and Reason judged this Honour due to the Ambassador, than that he should purchase this indisputable Point by the disgraceful means of Mony.

All matters being now determined between the Turks and Persia, and the black Clouds blown over from the Venetians,The Turkish Counsels un­certain a­bout a War. the Grand Signior studied how and where he might turn his Arms with most Advantage: he had con­ceived an irreconcileable pique against Ragotski and Matthew for the Causes before related; but having an intention to make use of their Force against Poland or Germany, or against them both together, he dissembled the Passion he conceived against them, and rather defer­red his Revenge, than pardoned the Liberty which they had exercised without his Licence or Assent. Sometimes he resolved to recover Asac out of the hands of the Cossacks; some­times he thought of making War upon Po­land, judging himself much affronted by that King, for not sending an Ambassadour to con­gratulate his late Successes: Then he suppo­sed, that a War in Germany would be more easie, and the Conquest more profitable by rea­son of the Riches of the People, and the Fer­tility of the Soil, to which pretences could never be wanting on the score of those Dif­ferences which always arise amongst the Peo­ple of the Frontiers. During these Debates and Counsels, Preparations were made for War both by Sea and Land, as yet uncertain where they should be imployed:The Vizier returns from Persia. To command them the Great Vizier was ordered to hasten his Journey from Persia, whose Arrival was celebrated at Constantinople with a solemn En­try; and for a particular and distinguishing Honour, the Grand Signior sent him a Vest from his own Back to wear on the day of his Triumph. This Vizier was a Person very au­stere in his Behaviour, bold and valiant, as he evidenced by his Actions in taking Bag­dat, zealous for his Master's Interest; and, what is rare in a Turk, not much addicted to his own: He had acquired a great share in the Esteem of his Master, and his Authori­ty increased, as the daily Decay of the Grand Signior's Health rendred him less able for Go­vernment. For now the strong Complexion of Morat began to grow feeble by excesses of fre­quent Debauchery, his Stomach was become cold and weak, not able to digest the lightest Meats, his hand shook, and a paralytical Di­stemper seized him in every part; so that his Mother and the Physicians perswaded him to forsake the use of Wine, as Poyson and De­struction to his Health; and he, whilst he was sensible of his languishing Condition, like a true Penitent, made many Protestations and Vows against it, forbidding the accursed Poy­son to be received within the Walls of the Seraglio: Howsoever his kind Heart could not possibly withstand the Temptation of a Ban­quet, to which his Pot-companions did some­times invite him; amongst which the Great Vizier would not be wanting also to please and cajole the Humour of his Master with the Liquor that he loved. But his chief and con­stant Camerades in drinking were his Persian Favourite, and Mustapha Pasha of Bosna, one educated in the Seraglio, promoted to the place of Selictar Aga, to whom he gave the stately Palace of Ibrahim Pasha on the Hippo­drome, together with his eldest Daughter in Marriage. These two stout Sons of Bacchus perswaded the Grand Signior to appoint one solemn Drinking-day in time of the Biram, which is the great Festival of the Year, and introduced by their Prophet in imitation of our Easter. Morat being at this time posses­sed with the Spirit of Debauchery, accepted the Motion, and invited the two Drunkards to dinner with him. The Persian provoked his Pleasure of drinking by salt Meats, and by peppered and spiced Dishes; the sort of Wine they most used, was a sweet Malvoisia, sometimes twisted, and encouraged with the strong Waters, called Rosa Solis, of which they sucked so long, and with such Excess, that falling under the force of it, they were insensibly carried away to their several Beds. This dissolute Repast became fatal to the Grand Signior; for a Fire being kindled in his Veins and Bowels, he fell into a violent and continued Feaver. The Physicians being called, were fearful to administer Remedies, lest proving unsuccessful, their Lives should pay for the ineffectual Operation: At length they agreed to let him blood,The death of Sultan Morat. but this haste­ned his Death. For he died the fourth Day of his Feaver, being the 8th of February, in the seventeenth Year of his Reign, and the one and thirtieth of his Age, having ruled in the height of all Disorders and irregular Ex­cesses, [Page 48]which his youthful Years enabled him to support. With his Death all his thoughts and Designs of making a War against Chri­stendom perished, having sworn after his Re­turn from Persia to reduce all his neighbour­ing Countries to the Mahometan Law.His Cha­racter. He was of a most cruel and implacable Dispositi­on, having amongst his other Acts of Tyran­ny imbrued his Hands in the Blood of his two Brothers, Orchan and Bajazet; as also strangled his Uncle Mustapha, whose innocent Weakness had been sufficient to secure his Life against any, but the most horrid Monster of human Tyranny. He left no Son; for though he had divers, they died in their In­fancy, notwithstanding which his Kingred were so detested by him, that he envied the Descendence of Monarchy on his Brother I­brahim, who was preserved by a strange Pro­vidence from his Fury: Often saying, that he wished that he might be the last of the Ottoman Line, that the Empire of that Family might end with him, and devolve unto the Tartar. He was certainly the most absolute Prince that ever swayed the Ottoman Em­pire; but of no Religion, seldom fasting in the Month of Ramasan, contemning and laugh­ing at the Santones, and others of their Re­ligious Orders. He was very inquisitive into all Actions of the City, for which he maintained his Spies, and oftentimes took his Rules and Measures from Discourses of People concerning his Government. He was a great Dissembler, ready, active, and revengeful, covetous to Ex­tremity, having left fiteen Millions of Gold in his Treasury, which was empty when he en­tred upon the Soveraignty. In short, he was so bad, that he had scarce any Allay of Ver­tue; being so great a Tyrant, that at length he became his own Assassinate, and fell unla­mented by all but the two Companions of his bestial Excess.

THE REIGN OF Sultan IBRAHIM, TWELFTH EMPEROR OF THE TURKS.

SƲltan Amurath, or Morat, after a Fever of eight Days continuance, caused by an excess of Debauchery in Wine, having on the eighth of February, 1640, ac­cording to the New-Stile, expired his last Breath.Vid. the Ott. State. His Mother, called Kiosem, comforted her self with the thoughts thather Son Sultan Ibrahim still lived, and was the sole Surviver, and undoubted Heir of the Ottoman Family. To whose Succession, that she might make the more facile and undisturbed Entrance, she con­sulted with all the Viziers, requesting their Consent and Assistance, in the lawful promotion of her remaining Son to the Throne of his An­cestors: For she had understood, that Morat, who always abhorred the ill-shap'd Body, and weaker Mind of his Brother, envied him the Dignity of the Ottoman Scepter, and there­fore had bequeathed the Succession to the Tartar, having, in the Heat of a Debauch, and Fumes of Wine, compelled his Pasha's to swear to the performance of his Testament.

Wherefore the Queen, assembling them toge­ther, with gentle Words, desired them to re­member, That Ibrahim was the Lawful Heir, and their true Emperor; that the Tartar Han was a Stranger, odious to the Souldiery, and not beloved by the People: that an Alteration of this Nature could never be contrived and exe­cuted, without danger to the Actors; and that they, to whom she assured the continuance of the same Honours and Offices, in Reward of their con­stant Allegiance, would be in hazard of losing all, by the coming of a Foreign Prince, who having Confidents of his own to prefer, and grand Necessities to satisfy, would make bold even with Estates and Provinces to prefer his Fa­vorites, his Kindred, and Country-Men, and establish the firmness of his Government on their Ruin. Yet, setting aside those Considerations, touching their own Safety and Interest, she pro­mised, That if they would reach out their Hands unto her Son, for to lift him unto the Throne, he should acknowledg his Empire from them, and accordingly love, tender, and esteem such faithful Subjects.

The Viziers, after some Reflections on the Tye and Obligation which Sultan Morat had caused them to make to him, declared, and pub­lished it to be unlawful, and void; protesting, That they were resolved to maintain inviolable the Allegiance they owed unto Sultan Ibrahim, descended from the Ottoman Blood, which they reverenced and adored, with an Awe equal to the Religious Esteem which their Fore-fathers had of it; and therefore, with one Voice they cried out, Let Sultan Ibrahim live.

Herewith the Council breaking up, the Vi­ziers, accompanied with all the Officers and At­tendants of the Seraglio, went with Shouts and loud Acclamations, to the Prison of Ibrahim, to salute him Emperor; for he, poor Prince, had now for four Years remained a sad Recluse in a dark Room, where he had received neither Light nor Air, but what came from a little Window, which sometimes in favour was opened to him from Above; and what was worse, the conti­nual expectations, and fear of Death, without Friends, Conversation, or Hope, rendred those Apprehensions worse than Death it self; which daily were represented to him in that Solemnity, as might terrify a Mind more constant and firm than his.

So soon as he heard the Shouts and Voices of a Multitude near his Door, he immediately con­ceived, that the Fate was now come which he had so long expected, and therefore he barred his Door, and denied to give Entrance: And when the Viziers proclaimed him Emperor, (fearing it might be some Artifice of his Brother, [Page 50]to see with what Joy he would entertain the News) he answered, That he did not so much as think of the Empire, nor desire it, but only prayed that Sultan Morat might live, to whom he pretended not to be a Brother, but a Slave: And when he perceived that they began to force the Door, though with terms of Respect and Observance, he still endeavoured to keep it close; for Nature had taught him to conserve a Life, for Nature had taught him to conserve a Life, howsoever Miserable, and void of Conso­lation.

He continuing thus resolute not to open, Re­verence to his Person commanded them to for­bear any ruder Violence; until the Queen-Mother over-hearing all this Stir, descended her self in Person; and first causing the dead Corps of Sul­tan Morat to be extended before his Door, with gentle Compellations, and confident Assurances, averred the Death of his Brother. The Voice of his Mother began to dissipate the Fears, and being in part already convinced by his Ears, he adventured to peep at the Door, and giving then entire Credence to his Eyes, his Heart and Spirits consented to revive; and s retiring back into his Chamber, he willingly received the Congratulations of the Ministers and Souldiers; which being past, he readily applied his Shoul­ders to the Coffin of his dead Brother; and having bore his share of that dear Burden to the Gate of the Seraglio, he there resigned it to his Domestick Officers, who buried him in the Sepulchre of Sultan Achmet.

From thence he took Boat, and passed to the Mosch of Jub's Seraglio, where in the space of eight days, he compleated all the Ceremonies of his Coronation; and afterwards, according to the Custom of his Ancestors, he rode through the City to his great Palace; but whether it were for want of practice, or by reason of a Posture natural unto Fools, he fat so ridiculously on his Saddle, as moved rather the Laughter than the Acclamation of the People.

In fine, being entred the Seraglio, he began to breath, and enjoy the Air of Liberty, with so much contentment and satisfaction, that he un­willingly would empair the least Particle of his late acquired Freedom, by thinking, or attend­ing to Business, and as if he enjoyed sufficient, committed all to the management of his Mother; howsoever, being desirous to handle something of the Government, he did it with so little Grace and Dexterity, that it plainly appeared, that that Soul animated a Body not fit to sway or wield a Scepter.

The Queen-Mother, to maintain the Word she had given to the Viziers, continued them all in their respective Offices; so that, though there was great disproportion in the Mind of the two Princes, yet the Ministers being the same, there seemed to be little or no Alteration in the Government.

The Great Vizier remembring well the thoughts of War which Sultan Morat meditated against the Cossacks, and being desirous of Glo­ry, and continuance of his Power, resolved to prosecute the same Design, hoping to meet a Spirit in Ibrahim equal to the Generosity of his Brother.Reasons for a War with the Cossaks. To this War many and various were the Motives; as first, A natural desire of Revenge on the Cossacks, for having infested the Black Seas, that they might thereby provoke Poland to a War, which when they had reduced to some Extremity, the Emperor would consequent­ly fall in to their Assistance, and thereby create Quarrels, which must necessarily open a large Field of Troubles; which being sown with the Seed of Discord, could not fail to produce Cau­ses and Pretentions for a War.

It being thus resolved, to which the Vizier nei­ther wanted Eloquence nor Reasons to perswade, great Preparations were made for a War, which was intended to be maintained for many Years: During which time, God, who disposes all Things at his Pleasure, permitted a false Report to fly, that the Persians were providing a great Army to besiege Bagdat; to which the Turks giving entire Credence, it was resolved in the Divan, that those Preparations against Christen­dom, should be diverted towards the Parts of the Eastern Countries. By this vain Rumour only were all these Grand Designs disappointed, and all farther Thoughts vanished for the pre­sent of molesting the Christians. From whence it is observable, how necessary are the Foreign Residences of Ministers, and how absurdly the Turks err; who, by reason of their Pride, vouchsafe not to entertain Ambassadors in the Courts of Strangers, being beholden to the Jews, or Armenian-Merchants for all their Intel­ligence they receive touching the Affairs of Neighbouring Kingdoms.

The Wars being thus suspended, the Great Vizier had time to cast his Eyes about him, and contrive the Ruin of such whom he suspected most dangerous to his Condition. Amongst the rest, none appeared more formidable than Mu­stapha Pasha, Captain-Pasha, a young brisk Per­son, and Favourite of the Queen-Mother, whom to remove was difficult and dangerous, being a Vizier as well as he, and in one of the most emi­nent Degrees of Dignity in the whole Empire: And therefore that he might touch him with smooth and gentle Terms, he practised upon him the ordinary Decoy of Preferment, prof­fering him the Government of Buda; which whilst the one seemed out of modesty to refuse, the other with the greater force of Complement, and obliging expressions of Friendship, pressed him to accept. At length, overcome with im­portunity and kindness, Mustapha received the Proffer; whereby being divested of the Queen's Protection, he was soon after overtaken in his Journey towards his Principality, and by ano­ther Mandate required to take his way to the Province of Silistria, the smallest, and most in­considerable of the Empire: in which he was no sooner invested, than a second Edict took off his Head.

But another Mustapha, more fortunate, was sent Pasha to Grand Cairo in Aegypt; he was a mortal Enemy to the Crim Tartar, of whom he shewed his hatred at Rhodes, by putting his Son to Death, for having said, That Sultan Morat, and Sultan Ibrahim dying without Issue, the Em­pire was to descend to his Family. This Son of Tartar was then at Rhodes, it being a Custom al­ways to have one of them as a Hostage for the Father's obedient Comportment towards the Turks, their place of Residence being either at Rhodes, or some Town on the Black Sea, as we have elsewhere declared.

The Sultan in this Interim had little regard un­to the Government, both for want of Capacity, and by reason of his luxurious and wanton Ap­petite, the which he indulged in the highest ex­cess of Sensuality; for having been accustomed to a Prison, and Restraint, he knew not how to enjoy that freedom he had recovered, but by subjecting it to the imperious servitude of his Lusts. This Humor the Vizier and great Mi­nisters cherished in him, by continual Banquets, Feass, and Entertainments, in which he always [Page 51]took high contentment and satisfaction. His other Recreations were, Horse-races, and Shoot­ing with the Bow, rewarding the most dexte­rous Archers. Business was a Stranger to him, he knew not what it meant, nor thought there was other Employment for the Emperor than to study those Pastimes, which most corresponded with his Youth and Nature: only the Vizier would sometimes, in Matters of high Impor­tance, demand his Assent, which was either out of formality, or else to secure himself with the Name and Authority of his Master.

The News of Sultan Ibrahim's promotion to the Throne being arrived at Venice, the most serene Republick dispatched Pietro Foscarini as their Ambassador Extraordinary to complement the Sultan.Ambassa­dors sent to complement Sultan Ib­rahim The Prince of Transylvania in like manner sent his Tribute, which was some Hawks, and twelve Vessels of Gilded Plate, as feudatary Acknowledgments for the Lands held, and for his Confirmation in the Principality.

The Ministers of other Princes having passed the like Addresses, which were customary, the Ambassadors of Poland made Complaints of the Tartars, whose Incursions against them, the Turks, by Conditions of Peace, were obliged to restrain; but in this, as in other Occasions since that time, the Poles could obtain no Re­dress from the Turks, who willing to have the Christians oppressed or ruined, either seem­ed not to give Credit to the Subject of Com­plaints, or else to find out Excuses to acquit the Tartar; which being so known and common a Practice with the Turk, it is to be wondred why the Poles have sent so many late Messages of this Nature, which in former, as well as in this present Age, have proved fruitless; a pregnant Example of which we shall find in the Reign of Sultan Mahomet, Son of this Ibrahim.

Amongst other Corruptions these Times, Aspers were so cut and clipt, that the Dollar rose from eighty to an hundred and twenty A­spers; which Irregularity being complained of in the Divan, all Monies were reduced to their intrinsick Value; and the Aspers called in to be coined in the Mint, to the great Damage of the People.

But this Matter will not appear strange, if it be compared to the Vellion of Spain, and to the Permission in Turkey, of the base Alloy of Te­mins, by which never any Nation before was ever so cheated and abused.

And now the Storms of War, which threat­ned from Persia, being blown over, it was judged seasonable to reassume the thoughts of War so long meditated against the Cossacks: In order unto which, Gallies were commanded to be built, which should draw little Water, and purposely made to pass the Shoals on the Black Sea near Asac, for the recovery of that Place out of the Hands of the Enemy. Another Squa­dron also of Gallies was designed for the Archi­pelago, to oppose the Gallies of Malta and Na­ples, which much infested those Seas.

To the first Enterprise, the Tartar much ex­cited the Turk, by reason that Asac did not on­ly hinder his Incursions by Land, but rendred his Navigation in the Black Seas very unsecure. To the second, The Gallies of Malta much pro­voked them, under the Command of Frederick the Landgrave of Hesse; who by the Perswa­sions of the Cardinals of Savoy, and Barberini, from a Protestant was become a Roman Catho­lick, and had obtained the great Cross of Malta; and with several Gallies and Ships, performed some Exploits at Biserta, and at the Golletta near Tunis.

The Year 1641 being now entered, the Sul­tan passed a most Luxurious Life in his Seraglio, consuming an immense Treasure on his Women; and whilst whese two Fleets were preparing to proceed on their respective Expedition, that in­tended for Asac had almost been diverted by the Rumors and Disturbances on the Frontiers of Hungary; but they were soon afterwards ap­peased, by an appearance of an Envoy from the Emperor, and return of a Chiaus to Vienna, with Ratification of all the former Articles and Conditions of Peace. Howsoever the German Internuncio was braved at the Port, for not ap­pearing sooner with his Presents and Comple­ments of Congratulation, for the happy En­trance of Sultan Ibrahim to the Ottoman Throne; so apt are the Turks to believe Acts of Civility, or Ceremony, to be Parts of Obedi­ence and Submission; and what Christians have once given them voluntarily, is afterwards ex­acted as a Matter of Debt or Duty.

And being thus freed from a Suspicion of Troubles in Hungary, and exempted from the Fears of waging two Wars at once, (which the Turks always studiously avoid) they dispatched a Letter into Poland, to demand passage for their Army, through that Country, to the Siege of Asac; but that not being consented unto; the Turks prepared to open their way by Force, and the Poles to defend the Passage. In which interim, many Disasters concurred, sufficient to discourage the Turks in their Design; who are a People, that superstitiously calculate the Suc­cess of their Enterprises, by the difficulty or smooth success of their first beginnings: For when the Vizier was ready to depart, a dreadful Fire happened in Constantinople, to the quench­ing of which, applying not only his Orders, but his own Person; he adventured so far, that he burned both his Hands, and singed his Beard in that manner, that he was forced to take his Bed for several Days, where he was honoured with a Visit of the Sultan.

News also came at the same time, that Tauris, or Ecbatan, on the Borders of Persia, was mi­serably ruin'd by an Earthquake; and what was worse, the Sultan himself was seized with an Apoplexy, which turned to a Paralytical Distem­per, the Cause whereof was attributed to his excessive use of Women; to whom he was so immoderately addicted, that he consumed his Days and Nights in their Apartments. This Disease, which is rarely or never cured, being joined to a Report given out by his Ladies, that notwithstanding his Venereal Heat, he was yet Impotent as to Women; created a Belief, or at least a strong probability, that he might die without Issue, which caused high Confusion in the Counsels of the Grandees, that no Design could make any chearful Progress, until Provi­sion was first made for Supply of the Ottoman House; for the Succession of the Tartar was in no manner convenient or secure; but rather that the Throne should be furnished with the Son of a Sister, or of a Niece, than to subject them­selves to the Rule and Passions of a Foreign Prince. And though the Sultan did afterwards recover his Health, yet all suspected and feared, that by the immoderate Heat of his Veneri I In­clination, he would die without Children; eve­ry one discoursing, as moved by his Passion, or his Interest.

About this time arrived an Ambassador at Constantinople from the Softá of Persia, bringing a Ratisication of the Peace; who was so much the more welcome, by how much more the present [Page 52]Conjuncture rendred it advantagious; and being ushered in with exceeding rich Presents, ravished the Hearts of the Turks, whose good Nature melts and dissolves with the sight or hopes of Gifts.

In Dalmatia, near the Consines of Zara, the Turks made Incursions on the Venetian Terri­tories, and caused some Disturbances: but being chastised by an Ambush laid for them, whereby about two hundred of them perished; all Mat­ters were again reconciled, and the Peace re­newed.

And now one would imagine, that the De­sign against Asac, by such diversity of Obstructi­ons, were absolutely laid aside; which though they were of that Importance, and especially the fear of Ibrahim's Death, to detain the Vi­zier at Home; yet he thought fit to prosecute the Design under the command of the Pasha of Silistria, to whom he had committed the Con­duct of this War.

The Pasha proud of his Charge,The Siege of Asac. rejoiced to be imployed in a War, wherein he apprehended so little difficulty, and prognosticated to himself nothing but Glory and Victory; esteemed the Defendants for no other than Fishermen, and better experienccd to sail their Boats, and go­vern their Saiks in the Black Seas, than to draw up an Army in the Field, or defend their Walls. This Confidence was farther increased, by an Embassy at the same time from the Moscovite, who not only renounced all Assistance or Con­cernment for that Town, but renewed with them his Friendship, and Articles of ancient Agree­ment.

The Ottoman Army, besides Janisaries, and other Turks, consisted of Moldavians, and Wa­lachians, and a great number of Tartars, which at first entred into their Trenches, and besieged the Town; but here they rested not securely, by reason of the frequent Sallies the Besieged made upon them; and more especially by the Mines which they sprang, to the terror and damage of their Enemies. The Turks moved hereat, made furious Assaults, but were as valiantly repulsed by the Defendants, who threw scalding Water, and Pitch, and burning Sulphur upon the Assai­lants; so that not being able to take the Town by Force, they retired to their Trenches, and deliberated in what manner, by fair Promises, and Mony; they might invite them to Surren­der. Hereupon the Captain-Pasha, the Tartar Han, and others, tried the Efficacy of large Proffers of Priviledges to the Town, their Country, and Inhabitants; with a Gratuity of twelve thousand Hungers of Gold: But these Promises could make no more entrance into their Hearts, than the Turks could do into their Walls, which they seemed resolute to defend, wanting neither Provision, nor Ammunition, nor courage for the War: but on the contrary side, all these were wanting in the Turkish Camp; so that fifteen days passed without any Action, until they were supplied by the arrival of cer­tain Brigantines, and light Vessels, dispatched with all expedition with the necessaries of War: At the coming of which, the Turkds prepared for another Assault, which they continued un­cessantly for the space of seven days, but were received with that vigour by the Besieged, that they could not gain one palm or inch of ground; So that at length with disgrace, and discourage­ment, they were forced to give over their At­tempt, despairing to gain the Town in the time, and with the Force which was allotted for this Enterprize.

With this ill Success, Extremity and Famine pinched the Turks in their Trenches so much, that an Ox was sold for fifteen Zechins, a Lamb for three, and a Measure of Barley, which fer­ved a Horse for one time, for a Dollar; so that at length they were forced to raise the Siege; and the Captain Pasha, by tempestuous Weather, was constrained to shelter his Fleet in the Port of Caffa. In their return Home, the General was fearful of having forfeited his Head; the Commanders were silent, and ashamed of their Success, and the Souldlers discouraged, famished, and poor; for they had lost three thousand Spa­hees, seven thousand Janisaries, and eight hun­dred other Souldiers, besides Moldavians, Wa­lachians, and Tartars; those that survived of the Foot were naked, and many sick; the Spa­hees were without Horses, with which they were supplied by the Tartars; and in fine, so unsuc­cessful were all Matters, that the Veteran Soul­diery avouched, that they never endured a more cruel, nor a more miserable War.

And now we shall end this Year 1641,The just pu­nishment of a Persian Traytor. with the ruin of Emir Guimir, a Persian by Birth, a Favourite, and yet Traitor to his Natural Prince. This Emir, in the last Wars which Sul­tay Morat waged against Persia, was entrusted with an Embassy, and with Couduct of part of his Army, but he betrayed both to the Turk, under whose Protection he took Sanctuary, and obtained great Gifts and Preferments, for a Re­ward and Price of his Treachery. Sultan Morat afterwards bestowed a magnificent Seraglio upon him, situated on the Bosphorus, enriched him with a vast Treasury, and what is more, with his Favour, making him his Companion in his Pastimes, and his Confident in his serious Coun­sels: It was he that first perswaded the Sultan to drink Wine, in which both of them were beast­ly intemperate, and mighty and valiant to bear, until the heat thereof having extinguished the natural heat of their Stomachs, it became too cold and crude, unless corrected, or fortified with Rach, or distilled Spirits. The Fumes of such strong Drinks, were the cause of the ex­travagant Actions which Morat practised in his Life, and afterwards became the means to hasten his Death; whose days being ended, it was time also for prosperous Wickedness to expire, and to meet a Punishment equal to its Demerits, Where­fore one day, (having desired License of the Vi­zier to return to his own Country, where it is be­lieved he had by Mony purchased his Pardon) he was called to the Vizier's Presence, and there, without any Impeachment, Process, or Accusa­tion, had the String applied to his Throat, and strangled on the place; the reason hereof some give, to be the immense Riches which Sultan Mo­rat had bestowed upon him, though there wan­ted not many Causes to render him suspected, and obnoxious to the present Government; first, because he was too well acquainted with the Se­crets of the Seraglio, and of that State, to live in any other country than the Turkish Domi­nions; then it was feared that the Persian Am­bassador might make use of this Person to act what Treason he pleased on the remainder of the Ottoman Family, on promise that such an Attempt should expiate his former Villany, and regain the favour of his natural Prince. But such signal Actions as these, are commonly wrote in such large Characters of Divine Justice, which never lest treason unpunished, either in this life or the other; that we need not search or enquire for a further Cause or Occasion of this Punish­ment.

The Year 1642 being now entred, and the Turks desirous to repair their last Years Dis­grace, resolved again, with better Preparation and Conduct, to attempt Asac; but before they would engage, according to their usual Custom, they determined to conclude all Um­brages, and Matters of Dispute arisen on the Consines of Hungary. To which end, the Em­peror deputed the Baron of Qnestemberg, with other Barons; and the Turks on their side com­missionated the Pashaws of the Confines, with In­structions not to insist too strictly on the Con­ditions, lost it should retard the Peace, and ob­struct the other Design of War: Wherefore the Turks condescenging to Matters reasonable; and yielding up part of their Usurpation, a Peace was concluded for twenty Years, much to the Advantage and Favour of the Christians.

And now,The Birth of Sultan Mahomet. to give farther Courage to the Pro­secution of higher Attempts, the whole Tur­kish Empire was replenished with Joy, for the Birth of a young Prince Sultan Mahomet, that now reigns; so that the supposed Impotency of the Father (whereby the Ottoman Family might have been extinguished) was proved otherwise by plain Effect; and the fear of those that ru­led the Empite vaishing by the Rising of this new Star, all places were filled with Joy and Triumphs; only the Tartar Han finding himself thus disappointed, was supposed not willing to concur heartily in this common Joy. In this manner vaished the appearance of Civil Dis­sention in that Family, which now flourishes and encreases every day, and insensibly creeps for­ward to the Design (which they hope) of an Universal Monarchy. Pardon me, O Christian Kings, if I say insensibly, for methinks you are sensible of the least touch you receive from one another, but feel not the gripes and pinches of your Common Enemy, who like a Hectick Feaver hath mingled with your Blood, and sto­len into the Marrow of your Strength, where he will lurk until he hath dissolved the Fabrick of your Christian World, unless expelled by Con­cord amongst your selves, and the Divine Assi­Stance favouring your united Forces.

But now to return again to the famous Siege of Asac; The War renewed a­gainst A­sac. It being the custome to cast all Miscar­riages in War on the General, the Visier dis­placed the Captain-Pasha, taking upon himself that Office and Title, of which there was never any former Example. In the Place likewise of the Pasha of Silistria, was constituted Mustapha Pasha of Aegypt; which Government, though much inferiour to his former, yet was received without fence of Disgrace, it not being the Rich­es or Power of any office that confers Honour, but the Favour and good Will of the Sulan. Nor did only the Miscarriage of the late War tend to the disrepute of the former Pasha of Silistria, but the Report of his having poisoned the Tar­tar Han encreased the difficulty of reconcilement with his Superiors, which being a Matter rather suspected than proved, excused him from far­ther punishment than only a deprivation of his Office.

The new Pasha of Silistria thus taking upon himself the Command of the Army, and Con­duct of this War, assembled a Force of Turks, Tartars, Moldavians, and Walachians, far exceed­ing the number of the last Year. At the News of which, and of the Fleet of Gallies designed to besiege them by Sea, they apprehended their Danger so great, that without the Assistance of the Moscovite, they concluded it impossible to defend their City; to him therefore they made Applications for Succour, representing unto him the extremity their Affairs were in, by reason of that powerful Enemy which threatned them; and that having always acknowledged him for their Protector, there was no Refuge left them but under the defence of his Arms. But hereun­to the Moscovite gave a brief reply, That he had lately concluded Peace with the Turk; since which, having received from him no occasion of breach, he could not with any Justice engage so soon against him in a War.

The Cossacks being thus disappointed of their principal Hopes,The Inhabi­tants aban­don Asac. resolved to abandon their Ci­ty; but to make the best advantage of their flight, they carried with them all their Move­ables; and demolished their salls, and ruined their Houses, leaving the Place a notorious Spe­ctacle of Despair and Ruin; and no other Pos­session to their Enemies, than the compass of so much ground pestered with Rubbish, and rude heaps of Stones. The Pasha howsoever abun­dantly contented, that his very Name was suffi­cient to affright his Enemies, entred the City with Triumph, where he began to repair the Walls, and invite the Inhabitants to return, with all assurance of Security, and Protection. This gentle Treatment recalled many back to their Homes, so hardly are Men weaned from their Native Country; and in a short time the City beginning to fill, all Matters seemed to re­turn to their pristine State and Condition.

About this time the Persian,The Persian renews his League. by his Ambassa­dor, renewed his League with the Turk, and confirmed it in the Name of the new king; which was performed on condition that the Soft should demolish the Fortress of Fortrina, which he had, contrary to Articles, built on the Fron­tiers, not far from the Caspian Sea; which that it might assuredly be performed, a Capugibathee was dispatched to see it effected.

And in this manner, Asac being subdued, and a Peace secured with the Persian; The Turks, who can neither live in quiet with their Neigh­bours, nor observe Capitulations longer than they turn to their advantage, contrived to take Giavarine, aliàs Rab, a strong Fortress on the Confines of Hungary, by a Stratagem which they designed in this manner: Certain souldiers ha­bited like Peasants,The Turks seek to take Rah by Stratagem. were crouded into several Carts, covered with Hay, which being entered within the Walls, were immediatly to leap forth, and surprise the Centinels and Guards at the Gates (which might easily be executed on Men, whom twenty Years before of Peace had made secure) these were to be seconded by four thou­sand Souldiers, which lay ready in a Neighbou­ring Vally; but it happened, That an Officer of the Garrison returning from Hunting, had by chance discovered this strong Party of Turks, which caused him to quicken his pace towards the Town, and overtaking in his way certain Carts of Straw, which appearing to be laden in a form different to what was usual, increased in him a farther suspicion of Treachery; how so­ever, he proceeded forward with the more haste, yet without any appearance of Jealousy: until being entred into the Town, he declared what he had seen, at which the Garison was immedi­ately in Arms; and having permitted the Carts to enter, the Bridg was drawn up, and the Carts be­ing searched, the shole Fraud and Treachery was discovered; and having made the Turks Pri­soners, and armed the Walls with Souldiers, the whole Design was disappointed; so that those who lay in Ambush returned to their own Cities, The Emperor hereupon resolved to send [Page 54]an Ambassador to Constantinople, complain of this Treachery; whereof the Turks being a­shamed, and the more because it did not succeed; resufed to admit the Ambassador, unless the Em­peror would first agree to pay a yearly Charge of an hundred thousand Ris-Dollars to the Port; not by way of Tribute, but of present; in which unreasonable Demand, they took more confidence, in regard they perceived that the Em­peror was engaged in a War against the Swede. Upon this dishonourable Demand, the Emperor deferr'd the Embassy intended, supposing it less perilous to adventure a War in Hungary, than dishonourable to condescend unto a Proposition so derogatory to the Majesty of his Cesarean Greatness.

This Year 1643 being entered, the Prince of Transylvania conveyed his Annual Tribute, be­ing ten thousand Zechins, to the Port; which when the Agents of that Prince presented before the Vizier, he seemingly refused it; pretending that the compleat Tribute was to be fifteen thousand, according to Agreement: but the A­gents replied, that five thousand had been re­mitted unto Bethlem Gabor, not by way of Gra­tuity or Recompence for his Service, but in Ex­change, or as the price of two Cities, which the Prince had yielded to the Sultan, out of his own proper Estate in Hungary: With which Answer the Vizier remained satisfied, being jealous of the Turbulent and active Spirit of that Prince.

During all these Wars and Revolutions in Kingdoms and States, Sultan Ibrahim contained and contented himself within the Precincts of his Seraglio; where becoming a faithful and va­liant Soldier of Venus, he consumed more Trea­sure in that War, than his Brother Morat did in Foreign Conquests; and being, as it were, en­tered into the Mahometan Paradise, where the Company of fair Women is the chiefest Felicity promised, he laboured to increase the Ottoman Family, and to acquit his People of the appre­hension they had of wanting an Heir to succeed in the Throne; so that on the 15th of February he had a second Son born, and a third on the 12th of March following; which absolutely took away the Reproach of his Frigidity or Impo­tence, proving afterwards the most lascivious and devout Sultan that ever aspired to the Ma­hometan Heaven.

This Year the Turks armed out twenty Gal­lies more than usual, besides thirty Sail of Ships, and Gally-Grosses; in the beginning of June, riding at the Seraglio Point (where the Com­manders in Chief came to take their leave of Sultan Ibrahim) they divided into two Squa­drons; one of which consisting of twenty Gal­lies, under the Command of Beker Pasha, took their Voyage into the Black Sea; the remainder under the Captain Pasha, sailed for Cyprus, with intention to do Justice on the Pasha of that Island, whose Riches gained by Oppression, had de­bauched him from due Obedience towards his Prince; and being arrived there, without Rumor or Noise, giving signs of good Will and Re­spects towards the Pasha, one day he sent to in­vite him Aboard to banquet with him; where the Pasha foolishly coming, and having well eaten and drank with him, his Entertainment had not time time to digest, before he breathed his Last; for being on his departure, the Slaves assaulted him, and strangled him by Order of the Captain­Pasha.

No other Matters remarkable did the Turkish Fleet perform this Year at Sea, before they re­turned again to their Winter-Quarters. Howso­ever this Year proved savourable to many poor Christians in Slavery; for there happening a most miserable Plague in Alexandria, which re­laxed the Spirits of Men, and rendered every one so negligent in his Office, that about four­thousand Slaves taking advantage of such Remis­ness in their Guardians, seized a Ship in Port, and crouding themselves therein, set Sail, and landed some of their People at Candia, others at Malta, the rest at Marseillia, by which means they happily regained their Liberty: on which incouragement eight hundred more adventuring to perform the like, and fighting in a Body at the Gate of Alexandria, three hundred of them were flain, the rest leaped into a Gally, which though without Oars, had yet her Sails to the Yard, and having the fortune of a favourable Wind, arrived safe at Candia; in like manner they became free, taking convenient passage from thence to divers parts of Christendom: These Slaves were all redemanded by the Grand Signior from the Venetians; in which no Satisfaction be­ing given, was one Cause and Original of that War which afterwards ensued.

And now the Year 1644 being begun, Ra­gotski, who was never contented but in Combu­stions, and never at. ease but when he was proving new Projects, made Demands of certain Places on the Confines of Moravia, scituated within the Mountains, which he challenged as the Inheritance of his Son; besides other Pre­tences which he made in right of Bethlem Gabor. To forward which Designs, moved with an in­veterate Enmity to the Austrian Family, he en­deavoured to win the Hearts of the Commonal­ty with a plausible Declaration for Liberty, and to throw off the Yoke which had so long gauled the Neck of Hungary; whereby having raised an Army of twenty thousand Horse, and thirty thousand Foot, he entred, and spoiled the Coun­try of his old Enemy and Neighbour the Count of Humanay an Hungarian, took Solnock by force, and besieged Fileck, and Cassovia: For suppression of which Insurrection and Rebelli­on of Ragotski, the Emperor was forced to a War; and having Rendezvoused his Army at Presbourg, the Conduct thereof was committed to the Charge of Cout Puceain.

The Turks having intelligence of these Pre­parations for War, commanded twenty thou­sand Men to march into those Parts to oppose these Combustions on the Frontiers; with six­thousand of which the Count Puecaim encoun­tering furiously, assaulted and routed them. And in the mean time Ragotski laying aside all care for the War in Hungary, applied himself to relieve Olimz in Moravia; but in his March thither he was recalled by the Inhabitants of Sendar, which is a Castle erected on a Hill near Cassovia, offer­ing to surrender unto him; but the Governor Forgatz, of the People, a Civil War began a­mongst themselves, but at length the advantage falling unto Ragotski, the Gates were opened un­to the Transylvanians; with which Success their Spirits being raised to higher Matters, they pro­ceeded forward, until General Getz with a strong Body, gave a stop unto their Progress. And thus was the Fire of sar rekindled again in Hungary, by means of Ragotski; to whom notwithstanding the Turks would never adhere, being well acquainted with his turbulent and unsteady Humour. In the mean time the Empe­ror dispatched his Ambassador with rich Presents to the Sultan, desiring him to forbear giving far­ther Assistance unto Ragotski; but what between [Page 55]Skirmishes, Propositions, and Treaties, Matters were not complsed until the 14th of August 1645, at which time all Articles were concluded and signed between the Emperor and Ragotski.

But to return now to the Affairs of Constanti­nople; Sultan Ibrahim having the Fortune of Active and Prudent Ministers, attended en­tirely to his Pastimes and Pleasures, without Prejudice to his Interest, and the State of his Empire; for the first Vizier being Faithful and Vigilant, immediately cut off those Members with the Sword, which he suspected in the least manner inclinable to Sedition; amongst which were the Pashaws of Aleppo and Caffa. For by this kind of seasonable and speedy Remedies, the Plethory of the Ottoman Empire is common­ly evacuated, and the Body Politick thereof restored to its pristine state of Health and Safety.

In like manner the Valede Sultana, being a Woman of great Courage and Abilities, attend­ed carefully to the Welfare of her Son, whom she sometimes decked up, and set forth as a Property of Majestick Gravity to the People, whilst she her self assumed the Authority, and carried allthings with a high and imperious Spi­rit; and being ambitious to be feared as well as honoured, she laid Viloent Hands on the first Vi­zier, called Mustapha, and strangled him; for though he was an Active and Faithful Minister, yet because he passed something on her which she imagined did favour of neglect, and because she ap­prehended his Power, which was greatly confirmed by the Interest and Favour he had with the Janisa­ries, and their Favourers, she resolved to make him an Example, as well of her Revenge, as her Power; after whose Death the Charge of first Vizier was conferred on Mahomet the Pasha of Damascus.

The fame Fate befel the Captain-Pasha, who was likewise strangled for having over-boldly, or peremptorily, made answer to some Imper­tinencies of the Grand Signior; and his Office was afterwards conferred on Beker Pasha of Rhodes. With such Rigour as this do the Sul­tans govern, who resolve to be obeyed, and to have their Commands executed without delay or contradiction.

Whilst these Matters were in agitation,The Tar­tars make Incursions into Po­land, not­withstand­ing the Peace. the Tartars forgetful of their Peace, made another Incursion with thirty thousand Men into Russia, against whom Konispolski having made Head with twenty thousand Men only, overthrew them, and killed twelve thousand, and took three thousand Prisoners, pursuing the rest to the Borders of Walachia. In like manner Wisno­wick, a noble Polander, happily encountred ano­ther Party of Tartars, as they were on their re­turn from spoiling the Countries of Moscovia; of whom having killed 10000 Men, he recovered their Booty, and sent the rest Home naked and empty. This was the true and most effectual Means for the Polanders to avenge and right their Injuries, and more prevalent then Ambassies and Messages of Complaint unto the Port; which we have experienced since, and in the present Reign of the Son of Ibrahim, to have been so far from producing Matter worthy so much as the Charge of the Ambassador, that they have been retorted with lgnominy and affronts.

But here Ibrahim perceiving how the Poles had avenged themselves with their own Sword, would seem to approve of the Action, which he could not hinder; and to appear a sincere Observer of the Peace, he deposed the Tartar Han for his unlawful Incursions; which was such a satisfacti­on to the Crown of Poland, as they never could obtain by force of Justice, Complaints, and Vertue of passive Valour, until their active Fortitude cook their Cause in Hand, and pleaded for them.

On the 19th of March of this Year, a fourth Son was born to Sultan Ibrahim; and on the 19th of February following, being in the Year 1645, notwithstanding all the Reports of his Impotency, was born a fifth Son, named So­lyman, to the great contentment of his Peo­ple.

The Turks Gallies this Year, under the Com­mand of Beker their new Captain-Pasha, made an Attempt on the Coast of Calabria, bringing from thence two hundred Slaves; and attempting the like near Corton, paid for their former Booty, with the loss of five hundred Men.

How soever, the Gallies of Malta, being six in number, had better Success as to themselves, though the Consequences thereof proved fatal to the Venetians, having given the first occasion of that long War, which afterwards ensued be­tween the Turk and them.

The truth of which Story is this,The Story of Kuzlir Aga, his Slave and Son taken by the Mal­teses. free of all Romance or Fable, which the Knights of St. John or Malta would mix therewith: It happened that the Kuzlir Aga, or chief Eunuch, which governs the Women in the Signior's Seraglio, having cast his Eye on a fair Slave, then set to sale by a Persian Merchant, became so enamoured of her, that he purchased her for himself, under the No­tion of a virgin, at the price of four hundred and fifty Dollars: But the Eunuch had not long entertained this Lady in his Service, before she proved with Child; not by him (you may con­ceive) if you understand how the Eunuchs of this Country are disarm'd of their Virility: At which he was so greatly offended, that he ba­nished her from his Society, and confined her to the House of his Steward. The time being come for her to be delivered of her great Belly, it proved a Son; and some Months after, the Aga being desirous to see the Babe, was so pleased with the aspect of it, that he resolved to adopt it for his own, ordering it Cloaths, and other Necessaries agreeable to its Condition. It hap­pened that about that time Sultan Mahomet (which now reigns) was then born; and there wanting a Nurse for the Child, this beautiful Slave was preferred to the Honour; so that she was entertained near two Years in the Seraglio: During which time Sultan Ibrahim took such an affection to the Nurse's Boy, that he loved him better than his own eldest Son, who was of a bad Complexion, and of no better Air in his Face than his Father, and took great delight to play and sport with him; at which the Mother of Sultan Mahomet was so displeased, that she could not longer endure either Nurse or her Boy; and for her sake, took so much displeasure against the Kuzlir Aga, who preferred her, that neither his presence nor Service were acceptable; and so violent she was in her Passion, that one day, when Sultan Ibrahim was playing with his Wo­men and Children in the Garden, according to his usual Custom, throwing them one on the other into the Water, the Queen grew so furi­ous, that she could not contain longer from venting her Anger in unhansome Terms, and jealousy against the Nurse and her Son. At which the Sultan being much displeased, and be­ing ill-natured, (if we may speak boldly of an Emperor) took her Son (which is now Sultan Mahomet) out of her Arms, and with some few Curses swung him into a Cistern; where he had been certainly drowned, had not every one in that instance applied themselves to save him; at [Page 56]which time he received the Mark or Scar he wears at this day in his Forehead.

All these Matters served for farther Fuel to nourish the implacable Spirit of the Queen; which the Kuzlir Aga well observing, judged it prudence to give way to her Fury, and so beg­ged his Dismission from the Court, together with his Slave and Son; and that having wisited Mecha, according to his Law, he might enjoy a Retirement in Egypt, which is the Portion of ba­nished Eunuchs.

The Queen easily consented hereunto; nor was it difficult to procure the Licence of the Sul­tan, who was as easily perswaded to any by those who were about him; wherefore the Eunuch ha­ving provided, to be gone, shipped himself with his great Treasure, on the Fleet which was now designed, and ready to depart for Alexandria, which consisted of three Ships; one a great Gallion, and two others of lesser Burthen, and seven Saiks; these having at the beginning of their Voyage found contrary Winds,The En­gagement of the Tur­kish with the Malta Gallies. put into Rhodes; from whence loosing with more favou­rable Weather, they unfortunately met with six Malta Gallies, excellently well manned, and provided. The Admiral Gally immediately Boarded one of the Saiks, and took her, man­ned only by Greeks; by whom they were in­formed of the Condition, Quality, and Cargo of the greater Ship, which gave Heat and Re­solution to the Souldiery. In like manner, with little Oppsition, the Gallies called the St. John, and Joseph, possessed themselves of one of the lesser Ships, which being laden only with Tim­ber, brought from the Black Sea, to build Ships at Alexandria, was of little value, having forty Turks aboard, eight Women, and a Child which sucked at the Mother's Breast. In the mean time, the three other Gallies, called the St. Mary, St. Lorenzo, and Victory, attacked the great Gallion, and having cast their Iron Graples into the Ship, with the Motion of the Ship, the Irons gave way and broke, only that of the St. Lorenzo held fast, so that the whole force of the Ship, both of small and great Shot, was poured in upon the Gally, to their damage and loss of Men. In the mean time the Admiral Gally came in to their Assistance, and Assaulting the Ship on the other Quarter, made a Diversion of their Men; and having thrown in their Graples, they scaled the sides of the Gallion, as if it had been a Fortress; where being entred, they remained for some time at handy-blows with the Turks; but at length, all the Gallies coming to their help, having made an end of subduing the other Ships, the Turks were forced to retire under Covert of their Decks, which they defended still with singular Valour, wounding the Christi­ans with their half Pikes through the Gra­tings.

But, in fine, the Captains of the Gallies, per­ceiving that this was not the way to compel them to a speedy Surrender, ordered several Musque­tiers out of every Gally, to sire in at the Win­dows and loop-holes of the Ship; by which ha­ving killed their Commander in Chief, their Va­lour and Constancy began to fail, and desirous to save their lives with loss of Liberty and E­states, they cast down their Arms, and begged Mercy.

In this Engagement were killed the Captain of the St. Mary, and seven Cavaliers, of which five were French, one Italian, and one German; the Admiral himself, and the Captain of his Gally were both wounded; seventy nine Soul­diers and Mariners killed, and an hundred thirty two wounded: Of the Turks it is not certain how many fell, in regard as they were killed, according to Custom, they cast them over-board; the Eunuch himself, though always educated in the softness of the Seraglio, and in the Conver­sation of the Female Court, yet in the end con­cluded his days like one of the Masculine Sex, fighting valiantly with his Sword, until over­whelmed by his Enemies: by which it is obser­vable, that those Persons lose not their Courage with their virile Parts; for it hath been known in former days, how that Eunuchs have been Generals in the Turkish and other Armies, and conducted their Affairs with admirable Courage and Success.

The Prize which the Christians had gained in this manner, was very considerable; for besides the Gold, Silver, and Jawels, which were the Treasure this Eunuch had amassed in the Reign of three several Sultans, they gained three hun­dred and fifty Slaves, besides thirty Women, some of which were young and Virgins; so that there was not a Souldier or Seaman who had not a considerable share of benefit proportioned un­to him. With this Fortune, towing their Pri­zes, they in a short time came to an Anchor in the Port of Calismene, in the Island of Candia, called anciently Phenice, on the South-side of the Island, remote from all Venetian Garisons; and where (as it is reported) they were supplied with no Provisions, excepting a small quantity of Bisket, which was furnished by a Coutry Fellow, who for that very Cause was shot to Death. From hence the Gallies departing, ar­rived in Malta with their Prizes, where they were received in great Triumph. The young Son of the Eunuch (for so we call him) was reported to be a Son of the Grand Signior, fent into Egypt to be Educated, and was accordingly saluted, treated, and reverenced by the Grand Master; the same Opinion was dispersed and confirmed in all parts of Europe, and the Er­rour for many Years maintained at the Ex­pence of theOf the Knights of Malta. Religion, until the Boy grow­ing up to a good Age, and not judged worthy of a Ransom, or enquiry after by the Turks, it was thought convenient for him to put off his State, and Greatness, and become a Fryer, and I think a Dominican, and this is he who now goes under the name of the Padre Ottomano.

The News hereof arriving at the Ottoman Court, Sultan Ibrahim was transported with An­ger, threatning Destruction and Ruin unto Mal­ta; besides he shewed a most inveterate Passion against the Venetians, for not guarding the Seas from his Enemies, and for relieving them in their Ports. In which Rage and Fury, he put his own Captain Pasha to death, and Summoned the Christian Ambassadors, braving them all for the little respect was shown to his proper Ship­ing; and in short, was angry with all, but re­served the Effect of his Wrath to be poured on the Venetians, to which this Accident admini­stred the first Original, and will afford us am­ple matter of Discourse in this ensuing Histo­ry.

For the Grand Signior first made his Com­plaints against Venice, to their Minister, or Bai­lo, then resident at Constantinople, called Soranço; alledging, that contrary to the Articles of Peace, they had afforded Prvisions and Entertainment to his Enemies in Candia, and at a time when having made Prize of his own Ship, and Dome­stiques of his Seraglio, they seemed, with more extraordinary demonstrations of Hospitality than usual, to receive them into their Harbours. [Page 57]To which the Bailo made Answer, That his Maje­sty was ill informed of the true state of those Mat­ters; for that the Port to which the Malteses came, had neither Castle nor Fortress belonging to it, but was an open, wide, and unfortified place; for if the Grand Signior is not able to defend those Ships from careening, as they have often done before Rhodes it self, how was it possible for the Venetians to drive them from the Seas, and deny them the use of that Salt Water, which hath neither Fort nor Castle to reach and command them? With which Answer Ibrahim seemed to remain satisfied; and Matters ap­peared so appeased on the side of the Veneti­ans, that Soranço, though a Person of a most acute and penetrating Judgment, imagined no­thing less than a War: and though he was as­sured otherwise, by something that the English Ambassador had discovered in that Matter; yet because it came not first from the Report of one of his own Interpreters, he would not seem to believe or give credit thereunto, notwith­standing the strong Probabilities that might per­swade it.

Indeed, Christian Ministers must necessarily, with much Difficulties, and less Inspection, go­vern and penetrate Affairs in the Turkish Court than in any other; because access to the great Ministers is seldom privately or familiarly ad­mitted, from whence wise Men most commonly take their Measures and Observations; but on the contrary, are forced to act all by the Nego­tiation, of their Druggermen or Interpreters; and as they hear with their Ears, so are they often-times beholden to their Reflections; which how subject they may be to Error, is best known to those Ministers who have practised much and long in that Court.

And in this manner Ibrahim covered his De­sign against Candia, by pretence of making War upon Malta, to which he had lately recei­ved so just a provocation.

To this Enterprize, none instigated him more than a certain Hagia, or Tutor, which had ac­companied him in the time of his Solitude, and had instructed him in the first Principles of the Mahometan Doctrine; he was a subtil and un­derstanding Man, and one who kept a secret Cor­respondence in the Christian Courts; for being Master of what Gold he pleased, he paid for his Intelligence with Liberality and Secresy; and though he was no Prophet, yet he pretended to be a Magician, or Conjurer, or one that had a Command or Soveraignty over Familiar Spirits; an Excellency greatly admired and reverenced by the Turks. This Man had for a long Season at­tended an opportunity to promote a War a­gainst Venice; esteeming their Territories very convenient to be laid to the Turkish Dominions, and their Force an under-Match for the Puis­sance of the Ottoman Empire. And now this Accident provoking the Desire of the Turks to this War, and the Opportunity appearing com­modious to cover the Design, under pretence of Assailing Malta, it was secretly resolved to at­tempt the Island of Candia; for as its Strength and Situation made it the Key to all the other Isles of the Archipelago, so it would be the Bull­wark of the Maritime Countries, from whence the Passage would be short and easy into Africa; from whence the Gallies might advantagiously relieve Cyprus, and guard the Fleet from Egypt, and from thence might be opened a Door to in­vade Sicily, and the other parts of Italy. On these Considerations, War being resolved against Candia, Reports divulged the Design only against Malta, and for that end, Orders were issued for building and fitting an hundred Gallies, and as many Ships of War; and Commands sent into Barbary for assistance of all their Naval Force, and the Day appointed for Rendezvous and De­parture; all which time the Enterprize was kept secret, and by no more Symptoms suspected, un­less by the unusual Caresses the Turks at that time over-acted in their officious kindness to­wards the Venetian Bailo.

The Report of these great Preparations fly­ing over all Parts of Europe, was entertained at Malta, with some Apprehensions, as being the Place on which all the Storm was to refund its Fury.

Whereupon the Cavaliers or Knights of that Place, summoning a Council, resolved to cite all the Fraternity to repair to the Defence of their Capital Seat, and of their Order and Pa­trimony. Likewise Letters were directed to the several Officers, to prepare and send Pow­der, Match, and Lead, Iron Buckets, and Tim­ber to make Carriages for Cannon, and for other Uses; as also Corn, Bisket, Salt, Flesh and Fish, Vinegar, Wine, and all other sorts of Ammunition. They likewise instituted some Officers over the Waters, to see that the Foun­tains and Conduits should be made clear which were to serve the City; and that those with­out, that were to remain in the possession of the Enemy, should be carefully and artificially poi­soned; all the Mills remaining in the Fields were transported into the Town; the Doors and Windows of Wood belonging to the Pea­sants Houses, were taken down and carried into the City, with all their Utensils, and what else was portable, so that nothing remained but the wide Fields, and an open Air to breath in.

In the mean time, the Venetians being a wise and jealous State, suspected the werst of all E­vents, and feared what their Minister at Con­stantinople could not discover; which caused them to make some Preparations, but yet with that dexterity and secresy, as not to render them diffident of the Turks Proceedings. For to be jealous of a Friend, is sometimes to make him an Enemy; and Distrust always argues Disaf­fection, which Prudence teaches to conceal from those who are more powerful than our selves. Some were notwithstanding of Opinion, that the Complaints of Ibrahim were only Artifices to extract the Blood of Gold, which they judged fit to administer, if it were possible to, satisfy the Appetite of those Leeches. Others were of a contrary sense, and would by no means admit it for good Cousel, or Policy, to buy their Peace of the Turk; for, besides that it was disagreeable to the Grandeur of Venice, it was but a Shadow that they purchased, since their Enemies could on every slight Occasion reassume what they had sold, and make the Menaces of War, and the Sale of Peace, serve them for a perpetual Fountain, an Mine of Gold and Treasure; and that since it was necessary, at one time or other, to cast off this Yoke of Tyran­ny; the sooner it was done, the Advantage would be the greater, and the Honour more ap­parent to the World, seeming to make War ra­ther their Choice, than their last Remedy. How­soever Orders were given to the Bailo, with all Prudence and Art, to touch gently the Pulse of the Turks, to discover if Mony would redeem the present Quiet of their State.

But the Resentment that the Turks had con­ceived, was grown apparent in the comportment towards the Bailo; for having one day demanded [Page 58]Audience, he attended several hours without ad­mission; yet when the Ambassador of Ragotski come to the Vizier, he no sooner entred the House than he was received: and at the same time it was told the Bailo, that he might retire, for that there was no Place nor Season at present to afford him Audience. In the mean time Ibra­him himself walked often to the Arsenal, to for­ward and hasten his Preparations, laying an Em­bargo on all Strangers Vessels in all Ports of the Ottoman Dominions. Orders were likewise dispatched to Thebes, Negropont, and other Parts of Greece, for making Bisket; and to the Morea for cutting and squaring of Timbers, and sacking Wools to fill up Trenches; in all which Rumor and Stir, there are was no other discourse but of Malta, and of throwing that Island into the Sea with the Shovel and Mattock, and rendring it the most dreadful Example in the World of the Ottoman Rage and Greatness.

With such Preludes as these, began a War of long continuance, maintained with various Suc­cesses for divers Years; the fatal Issue whereof, we our selves have seen and heard. But it is strange to consider, that an Exploit so Martial as this, should commence in the Reign of a Sul­tan wholly given up to his Pleasures, and so swallowed in Sensuality, that all those luxu­rious and wanton Actions which are recounted of Sardanapalus and Heliogabalus, are flat and faint Similitudes of that prodigious Effeminacy, in which this Sultan outdid all other Examples of former Ages.

Amber was the common Perfumes which bur­ned perpetually in the Womens Apartments, and the common Sauce to most of his Viands; not perhaps because it so much pleased his Pa­late, as that it was a provocative, and incite­ment to his Lusts.

And this puts me in mind of a Story I have heard of an English Merchant, living then at Galata, who was Master of a rare piece of Am­bergriese, which was in form like a Pyramid; the News whereof was told to the Grand Signior late at Night, when the Smoke of the Persumes began to abate: Which so soon as he heard, though it was near Midnight, he dispatched a Messenger to call the Merchant with his Amber­griese; who being knocked out of his Bed in haste, by the importunity of the Officer, came to the Seraglio Gate two hours before Day; where he attended until it was broad Light, and then, without more words, found a Market for his Amber, and before his departure received 13 thousand Dollars. The Female Court was then extreamly rich and splendid, all Italy was scarce able to supply it with Silks, and Cloth of Gold; so that the Trade was in those days flourishing above other Times, and gave great employment to English Shipping: and so impatient were the Women for their Gay Cloaths, that so soon as the News of a Ship from Italy came, and that she was arrived within the Castles of the Helle­spont, but there detained by contrary Winds, Gallies were immediately dispatched to bring up their Silks, which they oftentimes forced away without any Account or Price made with the Merchant; of which that worthy Gentleman, Sir Thomas Bendysh then Ambassador, complain­ing to the Vizier, and finding no other Relief than good Words, resolved on an Expedient of making known his Cause to the Grand Signior, which was this.

In Turkie they have a Custom, that when any one receives a notable Injury, or Injustice, from the Chief and Great Ministers of State, they put Fire on their Heads, and running to the Grand Signior, no Man can hinder or deny them access to his presence. In like manner the Eng­lish Ambassador not being able to obtain Satis­faction from the Vizier, in return to his many Complaints, drew out all the English Ships in Ga­lata, which were then thirteen in number, and drawing in their Guns, and shutting the Ports, put fire on every Yard-Arm of their Ships, and came to an Anchor just before the Seraglio. The Customer being the first that espyed this unusual sight, immediately apprehended the Reason, and sent to acquaint the Vizier thereof in all haste; the Vizier likewise fearful lest the Complaints should by this means come to the Grand Signior's Ear, sent the Customer aboard with a considerable part of the Mony, and de­sired that the Fires might be extinguished, pro­mising faithfully to comply in paiment of the rest; hereupon Consultation being had between the Ambassador and the Merchants, the Ships returned to their Stations, not seeming to have been taken notice of by those in the Seraglio.

And notwithstanding the great number of Women within the Seraglio, all which were at the Devotion of the Sultan; yet Ibrahim not be­ing contented herewith, passing one day to Scu­tari, had by chance cast his eye on an object which much pleased him: what it was, becomes not the modesty of my Pen to relate; but being re­turned to his Seraglio, he sent Orders to the Vi­zier, to seek out for him the biggest, and best proportioned Woman which was to be found in all Constantinople, and the parts thereabouts. Hereupon Emissaries were dispatched into all Quarters of the City; at length they happily procured a huge tall Armenian Woman, well proportioned according to her height, and a Giantess for her Stature; which being found, she was presently washed and perfumed in the Bath, and as richly Cloathed and Adorned as the shortness of time would permit: There was no great difficulty to perswade her to become Turk, having so high preferment in her pro­spect. So that being introduced to the Grand Signior's presence, he became immediately Ena­moured, and was so pleased with her Society, that he preferred her before all the Women of his Court; an Evidence whereof he gave, in that he could not deny her in any request she could make, and particularly about that time the Pashaluck of Damascus being void, this Wo­man begged it for her self, substituting another in the Office, who was accountable to her for all the Profits and Emoluments thereof: By these particulars of favour the Queen-Mother becom­ing jealous, one day inviting her to Dinner, caused her to be strangled, and perswaded Ibra­him that she died suddenly of a violent Sickness, at which he poor Man was greatly afflicted.

But not to insist long on these luxurious Pas­times, we shall return again to Matters of high­er Concernment: Ibrahim had now understood, that the Venetians growing jealous of his Pre­parations, began likewise to Arm, and provide for the worst; which being in no wise pleasing to the Turks, who were apprehensive that their Marine Forces consisted most in surprize, caused Ibrahim to complain of the Defensive Posture in which they Arrayed themselves, alledging, that Suspicions of this Nature argued no hearty Disposition towards their Friends; nor was any thing more contrary to a good Correspondence, or more disobliging than such like Jealousies, which oft-times beget that Enmity which was never designed; and farther it was judged neces­sary, [Page 59]if possible, to disswade the Bailo from a belief of any Hostility designed against his Re­publick; to inculcate which, none was esteemed so proper an Instrument as the old cheating Ho­gia, who was the first Motive to the War; a Preacher who imagined that the excellency of his Religion afforded him a priviledg to falsify, lye, and commit any Act for advantage thereof, though never so contrary to Truth and Morality. This Santone, with the Testimony of one or two more grand Professors, with many Asseve­rations and Vows, endeavoured to perswade the Bailo, of the Grand Signior's good Intentions towards Venice, and his fixed Resolutions to de­stroy Malta. And though the Concernment which those godly Elders shewed, and the ear­nestness they used, whereby to inculcate a Cre­dence to what they affirmed, were enough to discover their contrary Intentions; and though it is said, that the Venetians could not heartily believe what they so strongly suspected; yet hereby, and by the common vogue of the Peo­ple, they abated much of their Caution and Heat, which they otherwise had used in due Pre­parations and Provisions against an Evil so fatal and destructive in the sequel.

The first Act of Hostility was committed by Giacomo da Riva, The begin­ning of the War. who being sent for Sopravedi­tor to Tino, was in his way to touch at Candia, there to deliver Ammunition and Provisions for War; but being encountered by some barbarous Vessels, who assailed him for a Merchants Ship of small Force, were received so warmly that he sunk one of them, with which the rest left him and fled, relating at Constantinople, that they had been ill treated by the Venetians, and that they gave the first Assault upon them, because they were called to the Assistance and Service of the Grand Signior.

The Fleet and Land Forces being already put to Sea, the Report and Opinion still continued, that the War was designed against Mal­ta; wherefore such as apprehended the Hazard, and were acquainted with the Difficulty of such an Enterprize, began to inform the Grand Sig­nior how impossible it was that this Action should be accompanied with good success. To which Arguments he made no other reply, than by a seeing obstinacy, resolved with the Ot­toman Sword, to cut all those Knots and Dif­ficulties which opposed him in the Work. At length one Salee Efendi, a Preacher, who had obtained some more than ordinary Esteem with the Grand Signior, advised him, That before he commenced a Work of that importance, he should inform himself of the true state of that Place, from a certain Aga, who was lately re­turned from Malta. The Grand Signior being very willing to hear any thing of this nature, called the Aga, who related to him how im­pregnable both the City and Castle were; how the Knights were provided against all Assaults; that the Island it self is only a Rock, not con­taining Earth enough for an Army to intrench; that the Approaches must be made by the Pick-Axe and Mattock, it being all Stone. In short, it was not a place to be taken in one Summer, and the Winter coming on, it affording no shel­ter, nor provisions of it self, was not capable of relief in Seas so stormy, and from Countries so remote, without hazards, losses, and frequent Shipwracks. Ibrahim, who had designed all along to make War upon Candia, seemed little concerned or moved at this Discourse. The Gallies and Ships which were now all in a rea­diness, being come forth to the Seraglio point, the Grand Signior entered his Grand Ciosk, situated on the Bank of the Sea; where the Se­lictar Aga, General, and all the Chief Com­manders, came to perform the usual Ceremonies of Obedience and Duty before their Departure. At this solemn Assembly the Grand Signior de­clared, That his Intentions were to make War upon the Infidels, according as every one should understand by his respective Commissions, which should now be delivered unto them: That he expected the highest Demonstrations of Courage in them imaginable, and what was agreeable to the Conductors of the Ottoman Armies: That Reward and Punishment were in his Hands, and that he resolved to dispense them according to their Merits: That they should not doubt of all due Assistance and Succours; for he had so well contrived, and so justly fitted all his Measures, that he was already provided of Men, Timber, Ammunition, and Mony sufficient to maintain and carry on this War for seven Years. At which they all gave a shout, and declared, that they were ready to spend their Blood and Lives in Execution of his Commands. Whereupon every one received a rich Coftan, or Vest, and the General a Scimitar set with Diamonds; who being a young Man of about 26, or 27 Years of Age, had a Council of six graver Pasha's al­lowed him; and then the Commission for the War was brought forth sealed, with Orders not to open it, until they were past the Dardanelli. Hereat the noise of great and small Shot from the Gallies and Ships, resounded through all Con­stantinople, and the Commanders repairing to their Vessels, the Assembly broke up, and every thing was put in a posture to make Sail.

It was now the last day of April, 1645, old Style, when the Fleet first broke ground, which consisted of 73 Gallies, besides the 8 Gallies of Barbary; 2 Mahons, or Galleasses, one great Gallion called the Sultana, 10 Ships of Alexan­dria, 2 of Tunis, and 10 of English and Dutch Ships, which coming to Constantinople for Trade, were there pressed into the Service, with about 300 Saiks and Caramussals, which carried Soul­diers, Provisions, Ammunition, and Utensils for War. Their Militia consisted of 7000 Ja­nisaries, 14000 Spahees, and about 50000 Ti­mariots, and other Souldiers, with about 3000 Pioniers; these all were to Rendezvous at Scio; where they arrived the 7th of May. But before their departure from Constantinople, the Bailo Soranço, or the Venetian Ambassador, thought fit, in Complement, and for discovery, to make a visit to the Captain-Pasha, by whom he was received with frank Courtesy, and assurance of Friendship; so that though he suspected the worst, yet could he collect no certain assurances of Peace, or War; however he advised Signior Cornaro, then Governour of Candia, that though he could not certainly penerate into the bottom of the Turks Design, yet he apprehen­ded that the Storm might fall on that Kindom, understanding that the Captain-Pasha was not well inclined towards the most Serene Repub­lick: wherefore, he ought to be watchful and circumspect, yet with as little demonstration of jealousy as was possible, so that if the Turks should there arrive, he should afford them all conveniencies of Watering, Provisions, and other Refreshments.

The Fleet being departed from Scio, for Na­poli di Romagnia, the Northern Wind so freshned, and blew so hard, that the Gallies were separa­ted, and forced to put into divers Ports, and the Saiks and Caramussals to Anchor at Micono [Page 60]and Tino. At the latter of which, belonging to the Venetians, they had licence to Water, and and were refreshed with such provisions as the Island afforded; and now after this flurry of Wind, the Fleet being again united, they were seen off at Sea from Cerigo, an Island of the Ve­netians at the Mouth of the Archipelago, and failing towards the Channel of Braccio de Maina; and the next day 9 Gallies, a Gallion, and a Brigantine, made towards the Isle of Cerigo, and sent a Letter a shore by a Boat to the Pro­veditor, from the Pasha of Rhodes, demanding their usual present of Coffee and Sugar, which was given them, they assuring all Friendship, and real good Intentions towards the People, and Dominions of Venice.

But in the mean time a Satia laden with Arms and Ammunition from Venice, bound for Retimo, unhappily falling into the Turkish Fleet, was intercepted by them, and taken, which un­masked all the Design, and made the Turks ap­pear in their true Colours, notwithstanding all their religious Protestations, and outwardly fair Comportment, the usual disguise of the Maho­metan Sincerity.

Towards the end of May the Turkish Fleet was discovered from Carabuso, a small Fortress of the Venetians, some distance off at Sea, standing to the Westward, which gave some jealousie to them at Candia; and being compa­red with some precedent Acts, as that of sound­ing the depth of Water about St. Theodoro with a Brigantine, (which is a small Rock lying off of Canea) which pretended to come from Sancta Maura with Turky Merchants, afforded unde­niable grounds of assurance to those in Candia, that the War was designed against them; how­soever, the Ottoman Fleet rendezvousing again at Navarino, a place far distant from Candia, altered their Apprehensions at Venice, and else­where of this War, deeming it now certain, that this Design had no other aim or mark but that of Malta.

But this opinion was no sooner entertain'd, than it was confuted by open Acts of hostility; for the Captain-Pasha being arrived at Cape Co­lonna, by some called Sunio, immediately dis­patched a Brigantine to Constantinople, with ad­vice of his Proceedings and Intentions to pass directly for Candia; whereupon it was thought seasonable to publish the War against Venice, which was performed with committing the Am­bassador Soranço to Prision, and giving Orders through all the Archipelago to destroy or enslave all the Subjects of that Republick. And here the Turk practised his usual beginnings of War with more than ordinary Caution; for though with other Princes, whose Territories border on him by Land, he usually endeavours to strike at the same time when he gives the Salutations of Peace; Yet here being to contend at Sea, where he is conscious his Forces are inferiour to those of Venice, he practised all those feigned Artifices, confirmed with as many holy Vows and Pro­testations, as their Religion hallows, and makes lawful, when they can bring advantage and en­crease to the Mahometan Faith.

But though the Venetian Republick was so politick as outwardly to demonstrate a Religious Confidence of their potent Neighbour, whom they were conscious not to have provoked by any breach of Capitulations; yet were not so secure of his Faith, and so easie to believe his fair Dissimulations, as not prudently to provide against the utmost Effects of his Power and Treachery. Wherefore, whilst the Turk pre­pared, they armed likewise secretly, made con­siderable Levies without noise, commisionated thirty extraordinary Commanders of Gallies, took up seventeen English and Dutch ships into their Service, armed out two Galliasses extra­ordinary; and when the Turk had unmasked his Design, they then imparted their Condition to all the Christian Princes, craving their Suc­cour and Assistance to maintain the Common Bulwark of Christendom againtst the comme Ene­my. The Galleasses were commanded by Giro­lamo Morosini; the Gallies, of which fifteen were made ready, and afterwards put to Sea, all commanded by Noblemen, were under the Con­duct of Antonio Capello. Francesco Molino was made Proveditor General, a Person of untainted Justice and Honour, and extraordinary zealous and vigilant in the Publick Interest, whose in­defatigable Labours and Care of his Country, promoted him afterwards to be Doge of Ve­nice. By his Order and Counsel, extraordinary Proveditors were sent to Candia, Cerigo, and Tino, as Places most feared, and in danger; and Orders were dispatched to Andrea Cornaro, then General and Inquisitor in Candia, to arm out twenty Gallies from the Arsenal of Canea; and to promote this Design the better, he hired two English, and one Dutch Ship, then in Port of Malomocco, to carry unto Candia Timbers fitted, and already squared at Venice, for building Gal­lies; besides which he sent Cannon, Corn, and all Ammunition of War, with fifty thousand Zechins in Gold for encouragement of the Mi­litia, with a recruit of two and twenty Compa­nies of Foot, formed and collected out of di­vers Nations.

Intelligence being come of the imprisonment of the Bailo at Constantinople, the Senate by a common and unanimous Suffrage elected Fran­cesco Erizzo, then Doge, General of the Sea; judging, that their Arms would prosper under his Command, which had formerly been success­ful under the auspicious Conduct of his Ance­stors; and he, though a Person of seventy four Years, worn out with Age and Cares of the Publick, did yet chearfully consecrate the re­mainder of his days to the Service of his Coun­try. But whilst he prepared to crown the end of his Life with the Glory of this important and generous Enterprize, Death terminated all his In­tentions, leaving him with the honourable me­mory of his past Actions, and with a Lawrel hanging over his Head, which had his Life con­tinued, had been planted on his Brows. But that this Accident might not give interruption to the weighty Affairs now in had, Molino took his place, and proceeded in his Voyage and De­signs, and arrived with the Venetian Fleet at the Island of Corfu. In the mean time the Tur­kish Fleet careened and fitted themselves at Na­varine with all Necessaries to assault Candia; in which interim advice came to Canea, that the the Bailo was imprisoned at Constantinople, by a Letter from Soranço himself; which he had dropped from the Window of his close restraint, and dispatched by one of his Confidents with a Vessel express; which was not sooner arrived, than it was that Night confirmed by all the Bea­cons or Watch-Towers of the Country; who having discoverd the Turkish Fleet far distant as Sea, gave a general Alarm by the Fires they made.

The next Morning being the 23/13 of June, they discovered the whole Fleet, near Cape Spada, which being drawn up in the form of an half Moon, took up a vast tract of [Page 61]Sea; and sailing slowly with fair Weather, and a smooth Sea, displayed themselves with the greatest terrour imaginable to the Islanders. At length the lighter Vessels began to edge in with the Bank of Gogna, (which is a place distant about eighteen miles from Canea) and were fol­lowed by the grosser and heavier part of the Ar­mata.

And now, before I proceed farther, I should make a pause, and describe the Antiquity, the Geography, and the present State of this famous and renowned Island, but that is already perfor­med so distinctly and elegantly by other Pens, that it shall be sufficient for me to declare here in brief terms, how this Kingdom became the Patrimony or Possession of Venice. In the Year 1204, a Sale thereof was made to this Repub­lick, by the Marquess Bonifaccio of Montferratto, by an Instrument sealed the 12th of August at Adrianople, and signed, and delivered, in the presence of Marco Sanudo, and Ravano du Vero­na, Ambassadours in the time of Enrigo Dandola Doge; but the People of this Island not consent­ing unto the sale, opposed themselves against it, until the Venetians by force of Arms procured their Obedience, and confirmed their purchase by a double Title. Hereupon such noble Citi­zens as adventured their Lives in his acquisition, obtained the Estates of the Rebellious Greeks, being obliged in proportion to the Lands they held, to maintain Men and Horse at their own Charge, and are therefore called the Feudatary Cavalry. So that the whole Country is divided into three parts; viz. the noble Venetians or Ca­valry; secondly, the noble Candiots, or Colo­ny, which were Infantry that came to inhabit from Venice; and thirdly, the Greeks or Na­tives of the Country which never rebelled, but took part with the Venetian State: the first two speak Italian, and are of the Roman Church; the others speak Greek, and conserve the Right of that Religion.

The Ottoman Fleet now touching the Shoar at Gogna, took Livery and Seizin quietly of that flourishing Isle of Candia, where they Encamped a while to refresh their Forces, and prepare all things in order to their Conquest. In the mean time, the news hereof alarmed all Venice, and not only hastened them in the expedition of their Fleet, but warmed their applications to all Christian Princes, from whom they craved help in the general defence of Christendom: which some at first imagined would have been granted, as it was once in the time of the Holy War; or that those whom the Declaration of a com­mon Crusada, or Devotion, or sense of Religion could not move, yet at least the consideration of their Countries Defence, or the maintenance of a Bulwark of Christendom, might perswade to wage Arms against the Turk, as a Common Enemy: but what cold Apprehensions the Christian Princes entertained hereof, both the faint Supplies and Assistances they administred, and their bloody and vigorous Wars one against another, have abundantly testified, to the fatal loss and ruin of that Country. And though in the beginning there were better hopes, by means of the Pope's earnest intercession with all the Prin­ces of Italy, to whom he shewed a fair Example, by uniting his own Gallies with the Venetian Fleet, and amongst the rest prevailed also with the Republick of Genoua, to employ their Gallies in this Noble Enterprize, which tended to the Glory of God, and the common Safety and Preservation of Italy: yet that Leaven of vain Punctilio's, which hath so often betrayed the Christian Cause to the advantage of the Turk, gave a stop for some time to these Proceedings. For before they would enter into Arms, they desired the Genoeses, that the right of bearing the Flag should first be determined in favour of their Admiral, before that of Toscany, or Mal­ta: And though the Pope, to take away this occasion of dispute, proposed to have no other Flag worn besides his own, under which all Ita­lian Princes, without impeachment of their Honour, as Auxiliaries, and Military Adven­turers might promiscuously wage War; yet this could not appear satisfactory to the Genoeses, who not only took this occasion to demand the precedency before Toscany and Malta; to which the G. Duke (who was not inferiour in State, and superiour in Title) and the Malteses (who time out of mind, and by Decree of Charles the Fifth, claimed Precedency on the Seas before them) would never assent; but also thought fit to avail themselves in this Conjuncture, to obtain from the Pope the Grant of a Royal Court, and that Treatment which is given to Kings, or Crowned Heads. But because these Demands seemed to contain those Difficulties in them, which could not be granted without the manifest displeasure of other Princes, the Pope resolved to afford what assistance he could from himself, and therefore granted a Levy of a thousand Foot out of his own Dominions, with free liberty to buy what Ammunition and Pro­visions were to be found in the Ecclesiastical State, with imposition of a double Tithe or Tenth on the Goods and Dominions of the Cler­gy; so that these Succours of the Pope, and the Auxiliary Forces of Naples, Toscany, and Malta, under the Command of Prince Ludovisio, General of the Church, being united to the Ve­netian Fleet, did speedily compose a most puis­sant and formidable Force; however, by rea­son of Dissentions amongst the Commanders, and other Misfortunes derived from thence, to the Christian Arms, nothing succeeded fortu­nately this Year. For the Turks having gained their landing at first without opposition, over­threw the Christians in several small Skirmishes, and afterwards forced Canea, the second City of that Island, which they took with much blood and slaughter of the Christians.

The Turks having made so successful a pro­gress this first Year, as to possess themselves of one of the most considerable Cities, took Cou­rage to proceed in their Conquests; in which they had the fortune to make themselves Masters in the next place of Retimo; in defence of which, the General Andrea Cornaro, lost his Life by a Musket shot. Nor more successful were the Venetians this Year at Sea; for what with Quarrels among the Commanders, and with their coldness and negligence in their Business, they suffered the Turkish Vessels to pass freely, with­out giving them that interruption which was very facil to Men resolute and concerned: Nor was the opportunity which presented to ruine the Turkish Fleet made use of, then lying half disarmed, and ill provided, at the Isle of St. Theodoro, (which is a Rock opposite to Canea) where at that time, it is believed, they might all have been burned, had the occasion been im­proved, agreeable to that Advantage which then offered: so that towards the latter end of the Year, the General Molino returning Home, either by reason of some distemper, or by re­vocation from the Senate, which seemed to be ill satisfied with his ill Fortune, or his ill Manage­ment of the Publick Affairs; he was dismissed [Page 62]from his high Charge. And Gio. Capello, Pro­curator of St. Mark, was constituted in his place.

This Year was remarkable for the ruinous Dif­ferences between Sir Sackvile Crow Baronet, our King's Ambassador then residing at Constantinople, and the Turky Company. The Original of which seemed to arise from the Civil Dissentions at Home; for so unhappy were those Times, and so ill affected were English Minds with Rancour and Malice against each other, that this Leaven of Discord could not be confined within the Banks of Great Britain and Ireland, but seemed to diffuse it self over the Seas, and as a Conta­gion, infected the Minds, Goods, and Interests of the English, to what Quarter or Climate soever they were transported.

In the Year 1638, Sir Sackvile Crow was, with the Consent and Approbation of the Turky Company, dignified by his Majesty with the Ti­tle and Authority of his Ambassador to the Grand Signior. For Maintenance and Support of which, the said Company were to pay him the yearly Sum of five thousand Zechins, in four e­qual Proportions, which is above the value of two thousand Pounds Sterling. And farther, be­fore his departure from England, paid him six hundred Pounds Sterling towards the Furniture of his House, Plate, and other Necessaries; de­fraying all the Charges expended for Transpor­tation of his Lady, Followers, and Provisions to Constantinople.

Sir Sackvile Crow, from the time of his arrival at the Ottoman Court, until the end of the Year 1645, managed the Affairs of the Com­pany to their general Satisfaction, and with the Esteem and Honour of the Turkish Ministers, who considered him as a Person of Courage and Resolution, and in every way qualified for that Employment.

At length Differences arose between this Am­bassador and the Company, touching the Right and Title to that Benefit which is calledStrangers Consulage is 2 in the hundred, in the value of all the goods belonging to Stranger-Merchants, laden on English Ships, and all other Ships which not being in amity with the G. Sig­nior, set up the English Colours, & come under the English Protection, as is law­ful by our Capitula­tions. Stran­gers Consulage; the first pretending to the same on a Grant made to him thereof by his Majesty, and the Custom of Sir Peter Wych, and other preceding Ambassadors. The others challenging the same, as the chief and principal Means they had to ease the vast Expences they were at, for maintenance of their Trade and Government; for which they had always contended and strug­led with the Power of preceding Ambassadors, and which Sir Sackvile Crow himself seems, by an Article which he had made with the Company to have relinquished to them in these words.

That during the time of his Employment as Ambassador, he would content himself with such Allowance from the said Company for his Pains and Care to be taken in their Business, as is spe­cified in the said Articles, being 5000 Zechins per Annum.

This Right of Strangers Consulage, is now con­firmed to the Turky Company, by virtue of their Charter which his Majesty was pleased, in the Year of his Happy Restauration, graciously to Re­new, Confirm, and Amplify to them; the which was more easily granted, by the concurrent Assi­stance of the Right Honourable the Earl of Win­chelsea, then designed for Ambassador to Constan­tinople, who on some Considerations offered from the said Company, assented thereunto.

But Matters of a higher Nature than this, in­flamed the Accounts and Differences between the Ambassador and Company. For first, one John Wolfe, at that time Treasurer at Constantinople, becoming Insolvent for great Sums of Mony, Sir Sackvile Crow alledged, that those Debts were National, arising from the late Changes of State Officers, their extravagant Exactions, and Ava­nious Practices: and therefore to extinguish this Publick Debt, he made a Leviation of one hun­dred and ten thousand, nine hundred and fifty Dollars on the English Estates at Constantinople and Smyrna, detaining the Companies Ships in those Ports, until the aforesaid Debt was satis­fied and cleared. The Ground and Cause of which, will more plainly appear by this follow­ing Warrant.

The Turkie Company was altogether unfatis­fied with this Leviation, alledging that a great part of this Debt arose from Monies lent by Sir Sackvile Crow himself to Wolfe, at a high In­terest; for securing of which, and of his Prin­cipal, he had in this manner taxed and charged their Estates. But Troubles and Differences ended not with this Paiment; for still the Con­troversy about Strangers Consulage was de­pending, which with other Matters, caused great Heats and Animosities on both sides: So that some of the Turkie Company, Men of the better Principles, thought it most advisable to Petition his Majesty to constitute another Ambassador, with Letters of Revocation, to recal this; but others, who were the zealous Men of those Times, who had tasted the sweetness of Seque­strations, and proved it to be the Grand Catho­licon of all Remedies, perswaded that his Estate should be Sequestred. This, I say, may per­haps have been the attempt of some few; though the generality of the Company have so far disa­vowed the Seizure of his Lands and Estate in Eng­land, that they declared themselves ignorant of any Estate he had there. Howsoever this Appre­hension being fixed in the Mind of Sir Sackvile Crow, he proceeded to strange Extremities against the Company: For he not only caused all the Goods and Monies belonging to them, within the Grand Signior's Dominions, to be sequestred and seized by his Agents, but also imprisoned the Persons of all the English Merchants and Fa­ctors which were considerable, either at Constan­tinople or Smyrna. The Particulars of all which will appear with more clearness by this follow­ing Warrant.

To perform and put in execution the fore­going Warrant, it was necessary to make use of the Turkish Officers Power, and Authority: Wherefore Sir Sackvile Crow demanding Audi­ence of the Grand Vizier, and representing Mat­ters unto him in that manner, as he judged most agreeable to his Cause, was heard by him with a gentle and gracious Ear; and assurances made to him of all Respect, Favour, and Assistance imaginable. For the Turks had now smelt out a Cause in Transaction, which with good im­provement might be worth them many Purses of Mony; and was of such a Nature, as that their Religion, and Doctrine, obliged them to nou­rish, having the prospect of gaining Mony, and enflaming Christian Discord. On these Grounds Sir Sackvile Crow easily obtained Commands from the Vizier, directed to the Kadi of Smyrna, to act all things according to direction of him the Ambassador; and to enforce Matters with better execution, a Chaous, or Pursuivant, accompa­nied with John Hetherington, and Lorenzo Zuma Interpreter, was dispatched to Smyrna, with Commands to carry up the Consul and Factors to Constantinople, and to break open the Ware­houses, and make seizure on such Estates belong­ing to the Turkie Company, as would answer the Demands and Pretentions of the Ambassa­dor. Accordingly the Consul and Factory were carried up, and with that other of Galata, im­prisoned in the Ambassador's House.

In the mean time the Agents at Smyrna, with assistance of the Kadi, sealed up all the Merchants Ware-houses; but when it came to execution and Seizure, more Difficulties arose; for the Turks, Armenians, and Jew-Merchants, made high Clamours to the Justice, that many of the Goods belonged unto them, some were not yet paid for, others were only Pawns in the English Hands; and all the Town being desirous to fa­vour the Cause of the Merchants, a great Up­roar and Hubbub arose amongst the People: The Kadi affrighted hereat, grew more slack and faint in his Proceedings; but the Cordial of 1500 Dollars, and Gratuities to his Servants, overcame the Difficulties, and gave him new Re­solution; so that at length, being attended with the Principal Officers of the Town, he began first with the Consul's House, making Seisure, and delivering out of the Ware-houses all the Goods found there; with some Caution howsoever, and respect to those Pretensions which Stranger-Merchants made thereunto; as appears by the following Letters.

Matters running thus high, and the Breach made so wide, there remained little hopes of an Accommodation: For now the Merchants at Galata, having obtained their Liberty from the Ambassador's House, by the Vizier's Com­mand, entred into a Consultation in what man­ner to govern their Affairs, electing some parti­cular Men to that Employment, which they cal­led by the Name of the Sealed Knot, which much provoked the Anger of Sir Sackvile Crow, and more, because that deserting his Protection, they made Applications to the Heer Coppes, A­gent for the States of Holland; who readily em­braced the defence of their Cause, and willingly represented to the Grand Vizier the Aggrievan­ces, and ill Treatment of which they complain­ed. The French Ambassador, on the other side, being a great Favourer of Sir Sackvile Crow and his Proceedings, assisted him both at Smyrna and Constantinople. All which will more particularly appear by the following Letters.

But not to insist long on a Subject so ungrate­ful, as the Difference was between the Ambassa­dor and his Merchants; the Conclusion, and Is­sue of all was this. After Sir Sackvile Crow had spent at the least seventy thousand pieces of Eight of good ready Mony, and the Turky Company two hundred thousand; the Turks finding the Ambassador's Exchequer to be almost exhausted, for that Presents and Purses of Mony came not in so plentifully as at first; and on the contrary, feeling the Spring of the Levant Com­panies Treasury still to run fresh and quick, their Inclinations towards the Ambassador grew more cold and faint, his Agents were not admit­ted so readily to Audience as formerly, nor his Petitions and Addresses received with that can­dor, as when Mony and Interest made their en­trance easy; in the mean time, the Merchants were heard with great patience, their Cause and Complaints esteemed reasonable; and in short, Sir Sackvile Crow was dismissed from Constantino­ple, in a manner not usual for Ambassadors, nor agreeable to that Quality and Character: and was succeeded by Sir Thomas Bendysh, who was Authorized and constituted in that Embassy, by Commission from his Majesty King Charles the First of ever blessed and glorious Memory.

Gio Capello being constituted General in the place of Molino, as we mentioned at end of the preceding Year, departed from Venice ear­ly in the Spring, having under his Command fifty Gallies, six Galleasses, and forty Ships of War, and four Fire-ships, besides other Ves­sels, which are necessary Attendants on so great an Armata; which grand Preparations raised the Minds of the Christian World to ex­pect the abatement of the Ottoman Pride, and other Effects equal to the magnificent Ostenta­tion, and triumphing Glory of this mighty Power: But God, who gives not always Success to the Powerful, nor the Battel to the Strong, was not, it seems, so well satisfied for the Sins of Christendom, as to judge it worthy to be delivered from the Scourages of its Grand Op­pressor.

Whilst Capello remained with the best part of the Fleet at Candia, Tomaso Morosini, Admiral of the Ships, shewed himself in a Bravado with twenty two Sail before the Castles of the Helle­spont, called the Dardanelli, defying the whole Turkish Power, with Colours flying, and Drums beating: nor did they dare to answer the bold Challenge, until in a dead Calm, some few light Gallies presented themselves in a seeming Bat­tel, with whom, for want of Wind, the Ships were on the disadvantage, and rather received Prejudice than gave it; so that both sides were contented with the Action.

Morosini withdrew from that Station, and re­turned to his General at Candia; to whom having joined his Forces, he earnestly perswad [...]d him, together with the Proveditor Grimani, to engage the Turkish Fleet, which they assured him was much inferior to them, both in num­ber of Vessels, and in Skill and Courage of the Combatants; and that the Success of this Year consisted in the cutting off the Enemies Suc­cours, which was their sole Relife and Depen­dance, without which they could not longer maintain the Ground they possessed, but must deliver up that and themselves to their pleasure. But the cautious General would not assent to this Resolution, judging it over-rash and preci­pitate; for that the Fortune of Candia, and o­ther Isles of the Archipelago, was not to be ha­zarded on the Success of one Battel.

During which Dispute, and irresolution of Affairs, the Turkesh Fleet, consisting of three hundred Sail, arrived at Canea, where they landed forty thousand fighting Men, which tur­ned the Scale of the War, and rendred the Turks so powerful, as not ever more to be ex­pelled, or their Off-spring extirpated from the Confines of that Island. By this time the Pope's and Malta Gallies were come to their Assistance, and united with the Venetians; so that Capello setting sail from the Port of Suda, resolved to en­gage the Enemy at St. Theodoro; which was ef­fected accordingly, though with little Success, for the Turks had fortified themselves, and se­cured their Gallies with that advantage, that they could not be assaulted without great hazard of the Christians; and when they endeavoured to burn them, their four Fire-ships took fire too soon, and proved of more fear and astonishment to the Truks (to whom this Invention was as yet unknown) than of real dammage. After this the Venetians returned again to Suda, where having intelligence that thirty Turkish Gallies, with Men and Provision (which they had col­lected in several parts of the Archipelago) were on their Voyage to Canea, Capello preparing to intercept them with a Force of Galleasses and Gallies, and leaving Grimani and Morosini to com­mand the main Body of the Fleet, he in person bent his Course towards Cerigo.

In the mean time Mustapha Pasha departed from Canea, in order to his return to Constanti­nople, with fifty seven light Gallies, two Ships, two Galleasses, and many Saiks; but meeting in his Passage with a hard storm of Northerly Winds, he lost seven of his Gallies, and several other Vessels, so that he resolved to divide his Fleet, and send part of them to Scio, and him­self with the other part to make for Negropont. This Fleet was followed by some other Vessels under the Command of Mahomet Celebee, Bro­ther of the Pasha of Algier, who being as far in his way as the narrow Streights of Andra, he was there stopped by the Fury of the Northern Winds, (which are the Master-Winds of those Seas) and by the impetuous rage thereof, was carried to the Island of Zia; where having gi­ven Licence to the greatest part of his Souldiery to Land, they carelesly strayed abroad, and without suspicion of Surprize, merrily passed their time in eating and drinking. In the inte­rim, advice hereof being carried to Tomaso Moro­sini, [Page 75]then with some Ships in the Port of Mi­lo, he immediately, without loss of time, ap­plied himself to assault the Turks; and being followed by the Proveditor Grimani, he took two of their Ships, whilst Mehmet Celebee, with about two hundred of his Men, betook them­selves to the weak shelter of an old demolished Fort, and afterwards surrendred themselves to the discretion of the Conqueror.

Morosini and Grimani, encouraged with this Success, resolved to pursue the Enemies Fleet; in order unto which, Morosini first putting out to Sea, was instantly carried away by a fierce gale of Wind towards Ambro, and separated from the rest of his Fleet, and thence again was tossed by the impetuosity of the Storms unto Rafti; of which Mustapha Pasha having Intelli­gence, made haste to attack this single Vessel, with forty Gallies; giving order to the Bey of Rhodes, to lay him aboard with fifteen Gallies, the strongest and best armed of all their Squadron: Morosini nothing dismayed, bearing the same constancy of Mind in the midst of his Enemies, as at a distance, boldly shewed himself on the Quarter Deck, encouraging his Men with his words, and by his Example, to Actions wor­thy their Religion, Faith, and Country for which they contended. The Turks continued for some time to batter the Ship at a distance with their Cannon, but with little dammage to the Chri­stians; who returned their Shot to better ad­vantage. Hereby the Turks perceiving that Blows given so far off did little Execution, re­solved to Board the Vessel, and subdue Her by force of Arms, and being come to the side of the Ship, the Souldiers were fearful to enter, suspecting some trains of Powder to blow them up, until Emurat, one of the Captains, struck off the Head of one or two of his own Men, whom he perceived backward in the Assault, which affrighted the rest into the greater danger, and forced them to enter the Ship, who were soon followed by the Gallies of the Bey of Rhodes, of Milo, of Mehmet Bey, and others; so that now two hundred of the Enemy were Com­bating with Swords and Half Pikes upon the Deck;Morosini flair. in which storm, Morosini fighting amongst the thickest, was shot through the Head with a Musket Bullet, and so gloriously finished his Days in the Service and Defence of his Coun­try; gaining to himself a Laurel, and an Im­mortal Name of Glory and Renown.

The Christian Souldiers little regarding all this time the fall of their General, stoutly maintained their Fight, in which they received encouragement from the prospect they had of two Galleasses making haste to their Succour; at whose nearer approach, the Turks desisted from their farther Attempt; being unwilling to purchase a Victory at the dear rate it would cost them.

The Body of Morosini was transported to Venice, and his Obsepuies Celebrated in a man­ner more Triumphant than Funebrous; the Pro­veditor Grimani was likewise declared Captain General in the place of Capello; who having, as it were, Besieged the Castles at the Mouth of the Dardanelli, taken several places in the Ar­chipelago, and put the Enemies Fleet often unto flight, he thereby, and by other Acts of Va­lour, rendred him justly renowned through all Chrstendom.

These were the chief and most memorable actions by Sea, performed this Year; Those by Land were acted chiefly in Dalmatia, where the Turks poured in their Forces on the Venetian Dominions, but were bravely repulsed by Leo­nardo Foscolo, who took Ali Bey Prisoner, the Commander in Chief of the Sangiac of Licca, and slew his Son; besides which, he took Sac­covar, Polissano, Islan, and other Fortresses and Castles, full of Arms and Ammunition, which were the Magazines of the Country; he also recovered Novegrade out of the hands of the Turks, which was afterwards demolished by Order from the Senate; which Victories were followed with other Successes; nothing being able to oppose the Valiant and Prosperous Arms of Foscolo; for besides the taking and sacking of several other Forts and Castles in Dalmatia, Obraozzo, Carino, Ottissian, Velino, Nadino, Ʋ ­rana, Tino, and Salona, in the Confines of Croa­tia, and Bosna, became a Prey to the Venetian Arms.

But to this successful Progress of the War, a stop was given for some time by the sickness of Foscolo; in which interim, the new Pasha of Bosna, called Mahomet Techli, a Circassian born, a Person both Generous and Valiant, with an Army of forty thousand Men, besieged the strong Fortress of Sebenico; Sebenico besieged. but was bravely repulsed by the Valour of the Inhabitants, the very Women exceeding the imbecillity of their Sex; and Children and old Men, with the weak­ness of their Age, strengthened themselves with Resolution against their Enemies, and so valiantly behaved themselves in defence of their City, that the Turk was forced to raise his Siege, having gained nothing but the loss and slaughter of many of his People, and the best of his Souldiery; whereby he gained an assu­rance of the Invincible Strength of that place, and the Valour of the Inhabitants.

Foscolo in like manner recovering his Health, continued the un-interrupted course of his Victo­ries, and thereunto added the taking of Scar­dona; so that in Dalmatia the Venetian Affairs ran so prosperously, that nothing could be de­sired to render them more happy and glorious. For the Turks not only were expelled from the Confines of Dalmatia, but likewise that Pro­vince became more quiet and secure than ever it had been in the Times of Peace.

But the joy of these Successes was very much allayed by the unhappy Fate of a great part of the Venetian Fleet, at the Island of Psara; which being lanched from Candia with inten­tion to assault the Turks within the Dardanelli, The ruin of the Venetian Armata at Psara. unfortunately were driven by contrary Winds to that unsecure shore; where contending with a most furious Storm, a great part of the Fleet was cast away, and the General Grimani him­self drowned. About which time, the Turks, for the greater Terror of the Christians, laid close Siege to the City of Candia, and made many and various Attempts thereupon, carry­ing on their Assaults with the height of bra­very and Resolution, the Particulars of which require a distinct History; but by the invincible Fortitude and Courage of the Christians, they were repulsed with that slaughter, and with the loss of so many Men, by Sallies and other Stra­tagems of War, that the Turks were at length constrained to raise their Siege with dishonour and confusion; during which time many of the Nobility and Persons of Quality lost their Lives; amongst which, the principal were, Vicenzo della Marra, Governour General of the Arms of Candia, and Count Remorantino, natural Son of the Duke of Loraine, Comman­der in Chief of the Forces that came from be­yond the Alpes.

General Foscolo encouraged by the many glo­rioes Enterprises that he had obtained, resol­ved to consummate all by taking the strong and famous Fortress of Clissa, Clissa ta­ken. scituate in the Con­sines of Dalmatia, and Borders of Bosna, on the top of a sharp and craggy Mountain, invironed with Rocks and unaccessible Passages; the diffi­culty of the attempt rather inflamed than abated the Courage of Foscolo, so that he Valiantly Be­sieged and Assaulted that Place; during which time, the Priest D. Stephano Sorich. Captain of the Morlachs, intercepted the Succours which were sent thither, and Georgio the Proveditor, overthrew Teccbeli Pasha in a Field Battel; so that the Inhabitants desparing of Relief, surren­dered up themselves to the mercy of the Ve­netians; and thus Clissa being taken, the Se­nate Commanded that it should be more regular­ly Fortified.

And here the Christian Arms met some inter­ruption. For the Morlachs desirous to cast off the Turkish Yoke, and return to the protection of the Venetians, designed to surprize Scutari; and at the same time the Arch-bishop of Duraz­zo, with seven thousand Albanians, was to seize upon Croia, and Alessio; but the Design being discovered by the traiterous practices of some false Brethren, before Matters were ma­turely grown, or the time of Execution, it had certainly cost the Life of all the Morlachs, and seven hundred Venetian Souldiers joined with them, had not the increase of the Waters hin­dered the speedy March of the Turks, who re­solved to cut them all off without mercy, who re­gard to any; so that having time to disperse themselves, and take refuge in the Mountains, the most of them preserved their Lives from the Cruelty of their Enemies; only some certain Ecclesiastical Persons falling into their Hands, they imputed unto them the cause of the Rebel­lion, and in a barbarous manner impaled them on Stakes.

The Turks enraged for the loss of Clissa, dispatched Dervis Pasha into the parts of Bosna, with a potent Army, threatning to Assault Spa­latro; whom to divert, Foscolo, together with Priest Sorich, Captain of the Morlachs, entered into the Enemies Country; spoiling, burning, and destroying wheresoever they came. The Morlachs more greedy of Prey than ambitious of Glory, divided themselves into small Parties to rob and pillage; in which interim they were assaulted by the Turks, but being scattered, were so far from making a stout resistance, that they committed themselves to a shameful flight, in which great numbers of them were miserably Butchered; nor could the valour of Sorich, nor of the Governour Possidaria, reduce them by their Examples into any Order: whilst to­gether with some few valiant Dalmatians, and Morlach Captains, they endured the shock of all the Enemies Fury; in which Skirmish the Turks lost seven Agas, and about seventy Soul­diers: On the Christians side were killed four hundred, some few Slaves, and about seventy Ensigns taken; amongst the rest the good Priest Sorich scorning to turn his back, had the mis­fortune to fall into the Enemies hands, whom they flead alive, and afterwards impaled; and though they subdued his Body, yet he was still master of his mind; bearing the same constan­cy in his Torments, as he had shewed Magnani­mity and Courage in the Face of his Enemy.

Whilst these Martial Affairs were transacting, with the Blood and Life of many thousands on both sides, Sultan Ibrahim, like a stout Souldier of Venus, waged another War in the Elysiums of Cupid; and casting aside all thoughts of Candia, remitted the sole care and management thereof to the Vizier and Pashas of the Divan; following a Life so lascivious and sensual, as can neither be imagined with a chast Fancy, or described by a modest Pen.

A principal Instrument of his Delights, and Engine to compass his Amorous Designs, was a certain cast Wench of his, which he named She­chir Para, which signifies a little piece of Sugar; for it seems she was so complaisant and dulcid in her Humour and discourse, as merited that apt Name to express the sweetness of her Con­versation; this Woman having the conve­nience to visit all the Baths in Town, took notice of every Woman which she saw of more than ordinary Features and Proportion, and having enquired her Condition and Dwelling, presently reported the same with all advantage to her Sul­tan, who having heard the Beauty described, be came passionately Enamoured, and could find no repose in his Fancy, until his Instruments, either by fair words or violence, had seduced her, or forced her to his Bed. But growing now ex­travagant and over-wanton in his Amours, he fell in love with the Sultana, or Widow of his Brother Sultan Morat: To win her Affections he had recourse to his Dear Shechir Para; who used all her Arts in this Service: but her pretty wheedling Terms could prevail nothing on this Lady, who answered her in short, That at the Death of her Lord Sultan Morat, she had resol­ved upon a perpetual Widowhood, for that the memory of him was still so lively in her, that she could not entertain the thoughts of admit­ting any new Embraces. This repugnancy and opposition inflamed the heat of Ibrahim like a Feaver, so that he resolved to assault her himself one day by force, and took his time just as she came out of the Bath; but she being a bold Wo­man, and disdaining the wandring loves of Ib­rahim, laid her hand upon her Dagger, (which Sultana's and great Ladies usually wear) threat­ning to wound him in her own defence; the noise and brawling hereof being over-heard by the Queen-Mother, called her from her Retire­ments, and concerned her in the Quarrel; who whilst she reproved her Son, for the rape he in­tended on his Brother's Wife, gave opportunity to the Sultana to escape; and so delivered her out of the hands of this Satyr. But Ibrahim mad with love, and fuming with disdain to be checked and opposed by his Mother, Command­ed her immediately to the old Seraglio, where he confined her to several days Imprisonment, during which time he understood in what man­ner she had treated his large-siz'd Armenian, of whom we have already spoken; whereof the Queen-Mother being conscious, submitted her self with all humility to her Son, begging his Favour and Pardon; and so well acted her part by those who carried her Addresses, that she over came quickly his easy Nature, and was again restored to his Grace, and her Lodgings in the new Seraglio.

In the mean time Shecher Para travelling over all the Baths in Town, to discover new delights for her Master, at length had the fortune to cast her Eyes on a Daughter of the Mufti, a Maid of Incomparable Beauty and Features of Counte­nance, and proportion of Body, which she re­ported to Ibrahim so sensibly, as if she her self had been in love; and after she had praised every Part and Member of her, she concluded in sum, that she was the most Excellent and admirable [Page 77]Piece that ever Nature framed. The Sultan had no sooner heard the Story, but according to his usual Custom, fell most desperatly in love, and had immediately, without farther consideration or counsel, dispatched his Emissaries; or with­out other Preamble, Ceremony, or Courtship, to have fetched her to him; had not the sense of the late Rebuff he had received from his Bro­ther's Wise, made some inpression of fear in him; and the apprehension he had of the Power of the Mufti, created in him a certain Caution and Respect in the treatment of his Daughter: wherefore he rather resolved to send for the Mufti, with whom he treated of honourable Terms concerning Marriage; promising to take her into his Bosom, and prefer her in Honour equal to any other of his Sultana's.

The old Man who was tender of, and doated on his Daughter, knowing well the wandring humour of the Sultan in his Amours, intended rather to marry her to some great Personage, with whom she might be more happy, than in being a Soltana: for he considered, that Ibra­him having already other Sons, her Issue would either be Sacrificed for security of their Bro­thers, or else spend their days in a Prison, and become Grey-headed, whilst they breath in a medium between Life and Death, and are sad Recluses in the Grave of their unhappiness. These considerations were well imprinted in the mind of the Mufti: but because he durst not deny his proposal, he dealt with him as Inferi­ours usually do with their Lords and Superious; that is, he returned him thanks, expressing infi­nite Obligations, that he would vouchsafe to cast his Princely Eyes on the unworthiness of his Family: however he advised him, that accor­ding to the Canons of their Law, of which he was the Expositor, and obliged to be a severe and precise Observer; it was great Impiety in a Father to impose on the Affections of his Child; so that though he could heartily wish that his Daughter would embrace this Honour, to which he would exhort her with all the ear­nest Perswasions of a Father; yet if she proved refractory thereunto, it would not be becoming his Power to force her; and therefore hoped his Majesty would believe, that in proceeding thus far, he had performed that Duty which be­came him, both as a Father, and a Loyal Sub­ject.

Ibahim supposing that by this Concession he had gained his Design, thanked and imbraced the old Man, whom dismissing with plenary satis­faction, he remained now with an impatient ex­pectation, and hopes of enjoyment. Next Morn­ing the Mufti returned early to the Grand Sig­nior, and having first sufficiently instructed his Daughter to refuse the Sultan's Proffers, told him plainly, that he had used all his paternal Au­thority and interest with his Daughter, that he might induce her to accept this mighty Fortune, which cast it self upon her; but that it found not that ready acceptance with her as he expect­ed; what could be the reason he knew not how to conjecture, since Women are commonly ir­regular, and unreasonble in their Affections.

Ibrahim being in this manner disappointed, and more angry to encounter any boundary or re­straint to the imperious violence of his Lusts, than opposition against the puissance of his Arms; dismist the Mufti with some neglect and disdain, whom he resolved to treat with Rigour, and his Daughter with Courtship. In order to the first, he banished him the Count, and forbad him his presence in any other place; grew sullen and unsatisfied at all his administra­tions of Justice, intending thereby to induce him to a resignation of his Office, there being nothing more irksome to an ingenuous Spirit, than to serve and not to please. On the other side he dealt with the young Lady in a different manner, by the crafty and flattering insinuations of his trusty Shechir Para, who so forcibly man­naged her Tongue full of curious Words, mix­ed with Threats, representing the Storms and Fury of the Sultan's Rage; and again, the Glo­ry, Splendour, and Happiness of the Seraglio; where she should Reign as Empress and Sove­raign of the World: all which she expressed with that passion, and lascivious enticement, as would have shaken a firmer Constancy, than the Vertue of a Turkish Maid: but she being well admonished by her Father, remained obstinate in her Denial: but to quiet the importunity of this Seducer, she begged her not to sollicite her Father in this Request, but rather that she would intercede in her behalf with the Sultan spplica­ting him with all humility to pardon her Childish refusal, and to leave her unto her unto her own Liberty and Choice, and a single Life: to ob­tain which favour from her, she produced a Dia­mond of considerable value, desiring her to ac­cept of that from her, and to become her Friend, her Assistant, and Protectress. Shechir Para be­ing overcome by her Maiden Modesty, could no longer resist such forcible Entreaties; and having her Eyes obscured with the lustre of the Jewel, promised to change her Note, and ex­cuse her refual with the advantagious and compassionate Terms possible; and so taking her leave with a courteous farewel, repaired to the Sultan, to give an account of her Negotia­tions.

Ibrahim, having with more doubtful Fear at­tended the Issue of this last Conference, than he did the Success of his War with Venice; re­ceived his Shecher Para with exceeding joy, who being come in, began to recount all the Particu­lars that had passed: but the sum of all was, that this silly Maid was sufficiently sensible of the honour of being a Soltana, of being Cour­ted by his Majesty, of the Joys, Delights, and Glory of the Seraglio; but that when she re­flected, how that she was to bring forth Chil­dren to die by untimely Deaths, and to end their Days by Poison, or the Bow-string, or at least to live miserable Lives separated from Man­kind, and immured within Walls, and Intombed whilst they breathed; she could not but trem­ble with some horrour, and judg, that all the blandishments of Worldly Fortune were but a transient Paradise; which could not possi­bly recompence, or out-weigh the sense and tenderness she conceived for the misery of her unfortunate Off-spring. Howsoever she so cou­ched her Discourse, that she gave Ibrahim some hopes to overcome at length; by which she ap­peased a little his Fury and Despair, and ex­tracted some Jewels and Gifts in reward of her past Labour, and encouragement for her future Service. In this manner Ibrahim had patience a­while, expecting something farther from the in­dustry of Shecher Para; but finding no effect of all his expectations and gentleness, at length re­solved to break through all Considerations of Respect, either to the Father as the Mouth and Oracle of the Law, or to the simple and foolish innocence of the Maid; and therefore ordered the Great Vizier to cause a Watch to be set on the Girl, either going in, or coming out of the Bath, and without farther Ceremony to bring [Page 78]her unto him. This Order being executed ac­cordingly, and the Maid hurried to the Serag­lio; Ibrahim possessed and enjoyed her for some days, but with those Tears, Reluctancy, and Sullenness, as tood off from the edg and appe­tite of Enjoyment; so that he returned her back again with scorn and contempt unto her Father; who at first dissembled the injury with the same Countenance as he did before, when he was interdicted the Sultan's Presence; sup­pressing his revenge like a concealed Fire, which bursts out afterwards with more violent Flames. But though the sense of Obedience and Duty to­wards his Prince allayed much of the choler he conceived against him for the Rape of his Daugh­ter, yet he knew not how to pardon the Great Vi­zier, whom he termed no other than a Ruffian or Pandor; the Minister of his Master's Lusts, and not of his Laws, and of Justice.

Thus full of indignation he applyed himself, and made his complaint unto one Mahomet Pasha, a principal Member of the Divan; one of great Wisdom and Practice in the Conduct of Affairs, and one with whom he had a particular Friend­ship and Intimacy. Nor less interest had he with Janisar-Aga, or General of the Janizaries; to both whom, with tears in his Eyes, and with such words as the sense of his injuries suggested, he railed at the Vizier, and aggravated the Ra­vishment of his Daughter with all the circum­stances of Villany and Violence.

These two Friends heard the Story with a sensible remorse, and immediately concluded, That for the Honour and Security of the Em­pire, it was necessary to depose Sultan Ibrahim, and for the same Reason to cut off the first Vi­zier; agreeing amongst themselves that Maho­met Pasha should receive the Seal and the Office. To effect which, they deemed it necessary to draw the Qneen-Mother into the Conspiracy, being a Woman of great Authority, and having, as it were, the Reins of Government in her Hands, by reason of the weak Judgment of her Son. But because it was difficult to perswade the tenderness of a Mother to the ruin of her Son, the wise Mufti resolved first to sound her Inclinations and disposition towards this Design: and being well informed of her fierce Circassian Nature, and the Jealousy and Anger she con­ceived against Shechir Para, obtained Licence to be heard by her, as if he would beg her Inter­cession with her Son in his behalf; and being admitted to discourse with her, he thereby plain­ly discovered her most inveterate hatred and displeasure against her Son; not only for this, but for many other Actions of like nature.

This discovery which the Queen had made, gave him the boldnesd to propose the confine­ment again of Ibrahim to his old Prison; not that he should be absolutely laid aside and depo­sed, but only corrected awhile, and being put in remembrance of his past Condition, might be tanght Wisdom, and instructed for the future, what moderation and justice Sultans are obliged to exercise in the Administration of Govern­ment; and so subtilly did he insinuate his Dis­course, that the Queen-Mother assented to the Proposal, and that the Seal should beconferred on Mahomet Pasha; for she had conceived an irreconcileable hatred against Achmet the Grand Vizier, by whose Counsel she was sent to the old Seraglio, and was united in Confederacy with the detested Shechir Para.

The Mufti greatly satisfied to have gained so considerable a Conspirator to the Party, com­municated the whole Business, with the Pro­gress of it, to the two Kadileschers, or Lord Chief Justices of Romelia and Anatolia; who ap­proving thereof, and promising their utmost assi­stance, the 7th. of Angust was the Day appointed for the Insurrection of the Janizaries, who being all in a readiness on that day, went in a tumul­tuary way to call the Mufti, the Kadileschers, and other Officers and Ministers of the Law, whom they seemingly forced to accompany them to the presence of the Grand Signior, of whom they demanded, that the present Vizier Achmet should be deprived of his Office, and that Ma­homet Pasha should be constituted in his place. The Grand Signior at first refused their De­mand, but being perswaded by his Mother that it was necessary to content the Militia in that tumult; he consented thereunto, and having called Achment, he took from him the Seal, and conferred it on Mahomet Pasha, and therewith the Office of Grand Vizier. Achmet trembling at the consequences hereof, resolved to commit himself to the Mercy of the Mufti, and there­fore hastned to his House to attend his return, hoping to find him his Protector, under whose Shadow and Roof he fled for Sanctuary.

The Souldiery having thus obtained the first-fruits of their Insurrection, accompanied the Mufti unto his Home, where finding the depo­sed Vizier Achmet, the Janisar-Aga immediately Commanded him out of Doors, from whence he had no sooner drawn his Foot, than that he was seized upon and strangled, and his Body thrown before the Gate of the new Mosch.

The next day being the 8th of August, 1648, the Janizaries again arising in the like Tumult as before, came to demand of the Mufti, Whe­ther that according to their Law, Sultan ibrahim as a fool, and a Tyrant, and unfit for Govern­ment, ought not to be deposed? To which the Mufti giving Answer in the Affirmative, sent to cite Sultan Ibrahim the day following to appear in the Divan, to administer Justice to his Soul­diers and Subjects, who expected it from him. But Ibrahim supposing that he had sufficiently satisfied the Souldiery, by putting the Vizer out of Office, laughed at the Summons which the Mufti made him; which being seconded by a Fetfa, which is a point of Law resolved by the Mufti, who is the Mouth or Oracle thereof, viz. That the Grand Signior being called to ac­count, is obliged to appear before the Justice; the Sultan in high disdain tore the Paper, threat­ning the Head of the Mufti: but it was now too late he having already sufficiently fortified himself with the Power and Strength of his Rebellious Companions. This Fetfa was immediately se­conded by another of a higher nature, which declared, That whosoever obeyed not the Law of God, was not a true Mussulman or Believer; and though that Person were the Emperor him­self, yet being become by his fithy Actions a Kafir or Infidel, was ipso facto, fallen from his Throne, and no farther capable of Authority and Government. This Fetfa being seen by Ibrahim, he tore it in pieces, commanding the Grand Vizier instantly to put the Mufti to Death, as guilty of Treason against his Prince: but having now lost his Authority, his Commands were not longer regarded, nor any reverence had of his person: For the Janizaries being again assembled about five a Clock in the Afternoon, came with their usual tumult to the Gates of the Seraglio.

And now Sultan Ibrahim losing all Courage at this third attempt, fled into the Arms of his Mother, begging her Assistance and Protection. [Page 79]She being a bold and subtle Woman, employed all her Rhetorick and Eloquence to perswade the Souldlery not to offer Violence to the Person of their Lord and Master; promising that he should relinquish the Government, and retire himself with a Guard into his old Lodgings. Ibrahim comforted a little, that he should save his Life, shrunk himself willingly into his old Shell, wherein he had so long conserved his Life.

In the mean time the Conspirators taking forth his eldest Son Sultan Mahomet, set him on the Throne of his Father, and planting the Sar­gouch, or Imperial Feathers on his Head, salu­ted him for Emperor with loud Acclamations. Ibrahim continued his Imprisonment for some days with great patience, but at length growing desperate and furious, often beat his Head a­gainst the Wall, until at length, he was on the 17th strangled by four Mutes.

In this manner Sultan Ibrahim ended his Days, which puts me in mind of the saying of a wiser and a better King than he, That there is little di­stance between the Prisons and the Graves of Prin­ces. And this Example made a great Officer understand how King Charles the Glorious Mar­tyr was put to Death. For he, I think it was the Great Vizier, falling into Discourse with the Chief English Interpreter at Constantinople, not then calling to mind the Fate of Sultan Ibrahim, demanded, How, and when King Charles was put to Death? Sure, said he, Your King must have no Power, or your People must be more Rebel­lious and Mutinous than other Nations of the World, who durst commit an Act so horrid and vile as this. See, said he, How our Emperor is revered and observed; and how submissive and obedient half the World is to the Nod of our Great Monarch. To which the Interpreter re­plyed, that to recount unto him the History and Occasion of this prodigious fact, would be too long and tedious for him to hear: but that the time it happened, was some Months after the Death or Murder of Sultan Ibrahim; which was an Item sufficient to give him a perfect under­standing of what he required.

Sultan Ibrahim having in this manner ended his Days, the Government was committed into the hands of the Grand Vizier, and the old Queen-Mother (which is she whom we call Kio­sem in the Ottoman State) and of twelve Pa­shaws; who were to manage all Affairs with su­pream Power, during the Minority of Sultan Mahomet, who now Reigns.

Ibrahim was the fifth Son of Sultan Achmet, born of the same Mother with Sultan Morat, Educated like the other younger Sons of the Otto­man Family; within the Walls of an obscure and unhappy Prison; so that 'tis no wonder, if wanting the advantages of seeing and practi­sing in the World, he should neither have stu­died Men, nor been experienced in the Art of Government. Nor less strange is it, being na­tural to humane Infirmity; for Men who have lived under Restraint, Affliction, and fear of Death, to become licentious and immoderate in all kind of Pleasures, whensoever they pass on a sudden from the depth of Misery to some transcendent degree of Happiness and Prosperi­ty; which as, I say, all Men are naturally sub­ject unto, so more especially those whose Religion indulges them all kind of sensual Carnality in this Life.

Ibrahim was in his own Nature of a gentle and easy Temper, of a large Forehead, of a quick and lively Eye and ruddy Complexion, and of a good Proportion in the Features of his Face, but yet had something in the Air of his Coun­tenance, that promised no great Abilities of Mind. And giving himself up to all kind of Effeminacy and Softness, attended not unto the Government of his Affairs; and therefore it was his greatest misfortune to be served by wicked and faithless Officers to whom he trusted, and to whom he gave Credence, wanting in him­self the Talents of Wisdom and Discretion to discern their Malice.

The continual apprehensions that he enter­tained of Death during his Imprisonment, had so frozen his Constitution with a strange frigi­dity towards Women, that all the dalliance and warm Embraces of the most inflaming Ladies in the Seraglio, could not in a whole Years time thaw his Coldness; which was the occa­sion at first of that Report, which spoke him to be impotent towards Women: during which time he attended to his Ministers of Justice, and to a management of the Affairs of his Empire, which in the beginning of his Reign gained him a Credit and Reputation, and raised a great ex­pectation of his goodness and Care of his Sub­jects Welfare; and evidence of which, he gave in his Charge to the Great Vizier, that he should put no Man to Death unless for Capital and Enormous Crimes. But at length losing him­self in Lusts and Sensualities, he forsook the Helm of his Regency, committing the guidance of his Empire to other Hands: and as he was ignorant of War, so he foolishly sported in the Calms of peace; and suffering himself to be guided only by Fortune, felt the Stroke thereof in his last Unhappy Fate.

THE REIGN OF Sultan MEHMET, OR MAHOMET IV. THIRTEENTH EMPEROR OF THE TURKS.