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Title: Travels into Turkey

Author: Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq

Contributor: Pierre Bayle

Release date: May 22, 2021 [eBook #65414]
                Most recently updated: October 18, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Turgut Dincer and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)


*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRAVELS INTO TURKEY ***

                                 TRAVELS
                                  INTO
                                _TURKEY_:
               Containing the most accurate Account of the
                                 TURKS,
                                   AND
                          Neighbouring NATIONS,
                    Their MANNERS, CUSTOMS, RELIGION,
                      SUPERSTITION, POLICY, RICHES,
                              COINS, _&c._

                 The whole being a series of remarkable
               observations and events, interspers’d with
                great variety of entertaining incidents,
                          never before printed.

           Translated from the Original _Latin_ of the Learned
                           _A. G. BUSBEQUIUS_.

          _With Memoirs of the Life of the Illustrious Author._

                                _LONDON_:

   Printed for J. ROBINSON, at the _Golden-Lyon_ in _Ludgate-Street_;
               and W. PAYNE, opposite _Durham Yard_ in the
                          _Strand_. M.DCC.XLIV.




EXTRACT OF THE LIFE OF The AUTHOR

_From M. BAYLE._


That he was born in _Flanders_, educated at _Paris_, _Lorrain_, _Venice_,
_Bologna_, and _Padua_; made great Progress in his Studies, having
acquir’d a Knowledge in near Ten different Languages; was sometime
in _London_, with the Emperor _Ferdinand_’s Ambassador; returned
to _Flanders_, and from thence to _Vienna_, where he was appointed
Ambassador to _Solyman the Great_, and soon set out for _Constantinople_;
but not finding him there, was obliged to go to _Amasia_, &c. and during
his long Stay in that Country, having a strong Propensity to Learning,
collected many valuable Manuscripts, Coins, _&c._ Took great Delight in
procuring rare Plants, and studying the Nature of Animals; made himself
perfect Master of the _Turkish_ State, Policy, _&c._ That the Account
he composed of his Journey, is a very good Work, and deserves the
Approbation of all good Judges; the Learned _Sadelerius_, in his Edition
of it, Printed at _Mons_, asserts it deserves a Thousand Impressions.
The Celebrated _Thuanus_ owns he transcribed many Things out of it to
insert in his History, and likewise gives a great Character of the Author
and his Work. In short, as we have no good Account of that Country and
People, an _English_ Version, ’tis presum’d, will be agreeable to the
Public.

N. B. _Those who are inclin’d, may see a much larger Account of the
Author in ~Bayle’s~ Dictionary, ~Vol. II.~_




_Busbequius_’s TRAVELS INTO _TURKEY_.




_SIR_,

As I promised you, at parting, to give you a full Account of my Journey
to _Constantinople_, so, I shall now make good my Word; and I hope, with
Advantage too. For, I shall also acquaint you with my Adventures in my
Travel to _Amasia_, as well as That to _Constantinople_, the _former_
being less used, and consequently far less known, than the _latter_. My
Design herein, is, to allow you a Part of the Solace, of what happened
pleasurable to me; for so the ancient Friendship betwixt us obliges me,
to appropriate no Joy to myself, without communicating the same to you;
but, as for what happened incommodious to me, (as, in so long and tedious
a Journey, some Things must needs do) those I take to my self; neither
would I have you concerned in them at all; for, the Danger being now
past, the more grievous they were to suffer, the more pleasant will they
be, even to myself, to remember and commit to Writing.

Upon the Receipt of his Letter, _Ferdinand_ was at a stand; he did
not fully believe, nor yet altogether disbelieve him; he was inclined
to suspect, that the Memory of his _former_ Sufferings, and the Fear
of _future ones_, did deter him from that Employment, rather than the
Danger of his Disease; and yet, on the other side, he did not think it
creditable for himself to employ a Man that had so well deserved of him
and of the Commonwealth, in any Service against his Will. But the Death
of _Malvezius_, which followed a few Months after, did sufficiently
convince him, that his Disease was not pretended, to decline the
Employment, but was really a Mortal one.

Upon this, I was substituted in the Place of _Malvezius_: But, being
unexperienced (as I said before) in the Affairs and Manners of the
_Turks_, King _Ferdinand_ thought it adviseable for me to bestow a Visit
upon _Malvezius_ in his Sickness, that so, by his Directions and Advice,
I might be better cautioned and armed against any Impositions of the
captious _Turks_. Two Days I staid with him, which was as much as the
straitness of my Time would permit; and I husbanded them so well, as to
be informed by him, what I was to act, and what to avoid, in my daily
Convention with the _Turks_.

Whereupon, I posted back to _Vienna_, and began, with great Application
and Diligence, to prepare Necessaries for my Journey. But such was the
Flush of Business, and so little the Time allowed to dispatch it, that,
when the Day fixt for my Departure came, though the King did earnestly
press me forward, and I had been extremely Busy all the Day in equipping
myself, and in causing Bag and Baggage to be pack’d up, even from the
fourth Watch; yet it was the first Watch of the following Night, before
I could be quite ready; but then the Gates of _Vienna_, which at that
time of Night us’d always to be shut, were opened on purpose for me. The
Emperor went abroad a Hunting that Day, but he told his Followers, That
he did not doubt but that I would be upon my Way, before he returned from
his Sport in the Evening, and it fell out accordingly; yet so, that I was
but just gone before he came Home.

At eleven o’Clock at Night, we came to _Ficiminum_, a Town in _Hungary_,
four Miles from _Vienna_; there we Supp’d, for our haste was so great
that we came Supperless out of Town; from thence we travelled towards
_Comora_. The Emperor, among the rest of his Commands, had enjoin’d me
to take along with me to _Buda_, one _Paul Palinai_ from _Comora_, a Man
well acquainted with the Rapins and Depredations of the _Turks_, and
so was best able to assist me in my Expostulations with the Bashaw of
_Buda_, and in my Demands for satisfaction of Injuries received. But he,
not in the least suspecting that my departure would have been so punctual
at the Day appointed, had not yet stirred from his own House, and there
was no Body could tell when he would come; which uncertainty troubled me
very much. I acquainted King _Ferdinand_ therewith by Letter, and all the
next Day stayed at _Comora_ expecting his coming.

But the third Day, I passed over the River _Vaga_, and prosecuted my
Journey towards _Gran_, the first Garrison of the _Turks_ I came to
in _Hungary_. Col. _John Pax_, Governor of _Comora_ had sent sixteen
Horse with me (of those that the _Hungarians_ call _Hussars_) to be my
Guard; and he had given them a Charge not to leave me, till they came in
sight of the _Turkish_ Convoy; for the Governor of _Gran_ had signified
to me, that his Soldiers should meet me half way. We travelled about
three Hours through a vast Plain, when, behold! there appeared afar off
four _Turkish_ Horse; and yet, notwithstanding, my _Hungarian_ Guard
accompanied me still, till I desired them to retire; for I was afraid
that if they should come up to the _Turks_, some troublesome Bickering
would have intervened betwixt them.

As soon as the _Turks_ saw me to draw near, they rode up to me, and
saluted me by my Coach side: thus we passed on a while together,
discoursing interchangeably one with another, (for I had a little Youth
for my Interpreter.) I expected no other Convoy, but when we descended
into a low Valley, I saw my self on a sudden, surrounded with a Party of
about a hundred and fifty Horse. It was a very pleasant Spectacle to a
Man, unaccustomed to see such Sights, for their Bucklers and Spears were
curiously Painted, their Sword-handles bedeck’d with Jewels, their Plumes
of Feathers party-coloured, and the Coverings of their Heads were twisted
with round Windings as white as Snow; their Apparel was Purple-coloured,
or at least a dark Blue; they rode upon stately Praunsers, adorn’d with
most beautiful Trappings. Their Commanders came up to me, and after
friendly Salutation they bid me Welcome; and asked me, How I had fared
on my Journey? I answer’d them as I thought fit; and thus they led me to
_Gran_, for so the Castle is called, situate on an Hill, whose Foot is
washed by the _Danow_, with a Town adjoining, built in a Plain. I retired
into the Town, the Arch-bishop whereof is Primate of _Hungary_, and for
Dignity, Authority and Opulency, is inferior to no Nobleman of that
Kingdom.

Here I was entertained, not after a Courtly, but after a Military manner;
for instead of Beds, they spread abroad course shaggy Rugs of Tapestry
upon hard Boards; there were no Bed-ticks nor Sheets: Here my Family had
the first taste of _Turkish_ Delights (forsooth;) as for my self, I fared
better, for my Bed was carried along with me wheresoever I went.

The Day after my Arrival, the _Sanziac_ of the Place (for so the _Turks_
call a Governor, because a _Sanziac_ (_i. e._) a gilded brass Ball, is
carried before him on the top of a Spear, as a Cornet to a Troop of
Horse) was very earnest to speak with me; and tho’ I had no Letter, nor
any other Command to deliver to him, yet such was his importunity, that
go I must. And when I came, I found he had no Business with me, but only
to see and salute me, and to ask me something of my Errand; and thus,
exhorting me to promote a Peace, he wish’d me a happy Journey. In my
Passage, I admir’d to hear the croaking of Frogs in such a cold Season of
the Year as the Month of _December_; the cause was, the Waters stagnant
in those Places are made warm by sulphureous Exhalations.

Leaving _Gran_, I went towards _Buda_; but to be sure, I took my
Breakfast before-hand, which was likely to be my Dinner also; for there
was no Place to bait at before I came to _Buda_. The _Sanziac_, or
Governor of the Place, with all his Family, together with the Horse which
he Commanded, came out of the Town with me, to bring me on my Way: I
could by no means persuade him to omit this Office of Respect. The Horse,
as soon as they came out of the Gates, began to shew me some sport,
curvetting and discharging one against another; they threw their Bonnets
on the Ground, and Galloping their Horses with full speed, by them, they
took them up by the Points of their Spears; and many such Ludicrous
Pranks did they perform. Amongst the rest of them, there was a _Tartar_,
who had thick Bushy Hair hanging down over his Shoulders; they told me,
that he always went bare Headed, and would never have any other Fence for
his Head, either against the Violence of the Weather, or the Hazard of a
Battle, but his own Hair. The _Sanziac_, after he had accompanied me as
far as he pleased, returned Home, but not before we had taken our Leaves
of one another, and he had left some Guides for my Journey, in my Retinue.

When I drew near to _Buda_, a few _Turkish Chiaux_’s met me on the
Way, (they are in the Nature of Pursuivants, or Serjeants at Arms, to
carry about the Commands of the Grand Seignior, or his Bashaw’s, and
are Officers of great Esteem in that Nation) by them, I was brought
to lodge in the House of a Citizen, who was an _Hungarian_, where my
Baggage, Coach and Horses, was better provided for, than myself; for
the _Turks_ take special Care that Horses, with their Equipage, be well
accommodated; as for the Men, if they have but an House over their
Heads to shelter them from the Weather, they think they may shift well
enough for themselves. The Bashaw of _Buda_ sent one to visit me, and
bid me welcome, his Name was _Tuigon_, (which in _Turkish_, signifies a
Stork) by him he excused himself to me, that he could not admit me into
his Presence for some Days, because of a grievous Disease he laboured
under; but as soon as ever he recovered a little Strength, he said, he
would wait upon me. This Delay was the Occasion, that the aforementioned
Absence of _Palinai_ was less prejudicial to me, than otherwise it would
have been, (to say no more) for he used great Diligence to Post after,
lest he might come too late, and accordingly he overtook me a little
while after.

I was detained at _Buda_ a long Time, by reason of the Sickness of the
Bashaw; ’twas thought his Disease was Grief, which he had conceived
for the Loss of a great Sum of Money, which was stolen from the Place
in which he had hid it, for he was commonly reported to be a Penurious
and Sordid-spirited Man. When he heard, that I had brought the Heer
_William Quacquelben_ with me, a great Philosopher, and an excellent
Physician too, he earnestly intreated me, that he might give him a Visit
to administer some Physick to him, in order to his Cure. I easily granted
his Request, but soon after, was almost ready to repent of my Facility:
For the Bashaw grew worse and worse, and, ’twas thought, he would not
have recovered; so that I was afraid, if he had died, the _Turks_ would
say, my Physician had kill’d him, and by that means, the good Man might
have run a great Hazard, and I myself also might have born Part of the
Infamy, as being accessary thereunto; but it pleased God to free me from
this Anxiety, by restoring the Bashaw to his Health.

’Twas at _Buda_ I got the first Sight of the _Janizaries_, so the
_Turks_ call the Prætorian Foot; their Number, when it is fullest, is
twelve Thousand, and their Prince disperses them all over his Dominions,
either to Garrison his Forts against an Enemy, or to be a Safeguard to
_Christians_ and _Jews_, against the injurious Rage of the Multitude; for
there is no well Inhabited Village, Town, or City, wherein there are not
some or other of these _Janizarias_, to protect _Christians_, _Jews_,
and other helpless Persons, from the Fury of the Rabble. The Castle of
_Buda_ is always Garrison’d by them; their Habit is a long Garment down
to their Ankles, upon their Heads they wear the Sleeve of a Coat, or
Cloak (for from thence, as they say, the Pattern was drawn) their Head
is put into part of it, and part of it hangs down behind, flapping upon
their Shoulders; in the Front, or Fore-part of it, there ariseth a
Silver-Cone, somewhat long, gilt over with Gold, and wrought with Jewels,
but they were of an ordinary Sort. These _Janizaries_ usually came to
me by Couples; when they were admitted into my Dining-Room, they bowed
down their Heads and made Obeisance, and presently they ran hastily to
me, and touched either my Garment, or my Hand, as if they would have
kissed it; and then forced upon me a Bundle, or Nosegay of _Hyacinths_ or
_Narcissus_’s, and presently they retired backward, with equal Speed, to
the Door, that so they might not turn their Backs upon me, (for that is
accounted undecent, by the Rules of their Order) when they came to the
Door, there they stood, with a great deal of Modesty and Silence, with
their Hands upon their Breasts, and fixing their Eyes upon the Ground,
so that they seemed more like _our_ Monks, than _their_ Soldiers. But
when I had given them some Cash (which was the only Thing they aimed at)
they bowed their Heads again, and giving me Thanks with a loud Voice,
they wished me all happiness, and departed. The Truth is, unless I had
been told before, they were _Janizaries_, I should have thought them to
have been a kind of _Turkish_ Monks, or Fellows of some College or other
amongst them. Yet these are the _Janizaries_ that carry such a Terror
with them wheresoever they come.

Some _Turks_ supp’d with me often at _Buda_, and were mightily taken
with the delicious sweetness of my Wine: It is a Liquor that they have
but little of in _Turkey_, and therefore, they more greedily desire
it, and drink it more profusely, when once they come where it is. They
continued Carousing till late at Night, but afterwards I grew weary of
the Sport, and therefore rose from Table, and went to my Chamber; but
as for Them, they went away sad, because they had not their full Swing
at the Goblet, but were able to stand upon their Feet. As soon as I was
gone, they sent a Youth after me, desiring me to let them have their
Fill of Wine, and that I would lend them my Silver Cups to drink it
in; for they were willing, by my Leave, to sit at it all Night in some
Corner or other of the House. I granted their Request, and ordered so
much Wine to be given them, as they desired, with Bowls to drink it in.
Being thus accommodated, they tippled it out so long, till they were even
Dead-drunk, and tumbling down, lay fast asleep upon the Ground. You must
know, that it is a great Crime in _Turkey_ to drink Wine, especially for
those who are well stricken in Years; as for the Younger Sort, they think
the Offence to be more Venial, and therefore more excusable in them. But
seeing they expect no less Punishment, after Death, for drinking a little
Wine, than if they drank ever so much, when once they have tasted of that
Liquor, they go on to drink more and more; for having once incurr’d the
Penalty of their Law, now, they think, they may Sin _gratis_, and account
Drunkenness as a Matter of Gain. This Opinion, and others more absurd
than This, do the _Turks_ hold concerning Wine, of which, I will give
you a remarkable Instance: I saw an Old Man at _Constantinople_, who,
after he had taken a Cup of Wine in his Hand to Drink, us’d first to make
a hideous Noise; I asked his Friends, Why he did so? They answered me,
that, by this Outcry, he did, as it were, warn his Soul to retire into
some secret Corner of his Body, or else, wholly to Emigrate, and pass out
of it, that she might not be guilty of that Sin which he was about to
commit, nor be defiled with the Wine that he was to guzzle down.

But to return to _Buda_.

’Twould be too tedious for me to give you a large Description of this
Place, and it were a Task fitter for one that writes a Book, than a
Letter; yet not to be wholly silent, _Buda_ lies in a pleasant Place, and
in a very fruitful Country, it is extended all along the Brow of an Hill,
so that on one Side it borders on a rising Ground, abounding with choice
Vineyards, and on the other Side, it is water’d by the River _Danow_,
running by it, and beyond the _Danow_, there is the Town of _Pest_, and a
large Campain adjoining, both which Prospects are in View of _Buda_, so
that this Place seems naturally designed for the Metropolis of _Hungary_.
It was antiently adorned with many stately Palaces, belonging to the
Nobles of _Hungary_; but those goodly Piles are now either quite fallen
to the Ground, or else have many Props to support them from tumbling
down; they are Inhabited mostly by the _Turkish_ Soldiers, whose daily
Pay being but enough to support them, they have no over-plus to lay out
in Tyling, or Repairing, such large Structures; and therefore they do not
much regard, whether it Rains through the Roof, or whether the Walls be
full of Clefts, provided they have a dry Place to set their Horses, and
their own Beds in; the upper Part they think concerns them not, so that
they make a great Part of the upper Stories to be Inhabited by Weazels
and Mice.

Besides, ’tis a Piece of Religion in _Turkey_, not to covet magnificent
Buildings; for (say they) ’tis a Sign of a Proud, Lofty, and aspiring
Mind, to covet Sumptuous Houses, as if so frail a Creature as Man, did
promise a kind of Immortality, and an everlasting Habitation to himself
in this Life; when alas! we are but Pilgrims here, and therefore, ought
to use our Dwellings, as Travellers do their Inns, wherein if they
are secured from Thieves, Cold, Heat, and Rain, they seek not for any
other Conveniences. So that all over _Turkey_ you will hardly find a
stately House, tho’ the Owner of it be never so Great, or Rich a Man;
the Commonalty of them live in Huts and Cottages; the Nobles are for
handsome Orchards, Gardens and Baths; but as for their Houses, tho’ the
numerousness of their Families require large Ones, yet they have no
handsome Gate-houses, or Porches belonging to them; nor Court-yards, nor
any thing else Magnificent, or worthy of any Admiration. Herein they
resemble the _Hungarians_, for except _Buda_, and (perhaps) _Presburgh_,
there is scarce any City in _Hungary_, that you can call well Built. This
Custom I suppose, they derived from their Ancestors, for they being a
People given to Camp-discipline and therein trained, did not care a rush
for Building great Houses, but looked upon their Towns only as temporary
Habitations, which they were about to leave.

Moreover, whilst I was at _Buda_, I was very much taken with the sight
of a strange kind of Fountain that is without the Gate of the Town, in
the way leading to _Constantinople_, the Water whereof at top was boiling
hot, and yet in the bottom there were Fishes playing up and down; so that
you would think, they must needs be throughly boiled, before you could
take them out.

’Twas the 7th, of _December_, before the Bashaw was so well recovered
as to admit me to his Presence; and then, after I had sweetned him with
some Presents, I made my Complaint to him of the Insolency and Ravagings
of the _Turkish_ Soldiers; and demanded Restitution of what they had
wrongfully taken away, contrary to the express of the Truce made,
and which he himself, in his Letter to _Ferdinand_, had promised him
satisfaction for, if he pleased to send an Envoy to _Buda_. But he, like
a cunning Gamester, made as many Complaints of the Injuries and Losses
They had sustained by Our Soldiers: And as for his Promise to restore
the Places they had wrongfully seized and taken away from the Emperor;
he eluded it, by sheltring himself under this Dilemma: _Either I made a
Promise, or I did not_; if I made no Promise, then you can demand nothing
of me: If I did make a Promise, I know Sir, you are a Person of that
Understanding as not to conceive, that I can, or will perform it; for I
am sent hither by my Master to Enlarge, not to diminish the Bounds of his
Empire; so that I must by no means make his Condition worse than it was:
’tis my Master’s Business (Sir) not Mine; what you have to say on this
Head, pray propound it to him when you come to _Constantinople_. To be
short Sir, you know I am but newly Recovered, and therefore am not in a
Condition to maintain any further Discourse. When this course Compliment
was put upon me, I thought ’twas time to be gone, neither could I get any
thing else from him, only a Truce, till the Grand Seignior’s Mind was
known.

I observed, that when I was introduced to the Bashaw, they observed the
old _Roman_ Custom of crying aloud, _Welcome, Welcome_: and so wishing an
happy Issue to my Negotiation. I observed also, that the _Turks_ count
the left Hand to be most Honourable in some particular Cases; the Reason
they give is, because the Sword is worn on that side, and he that is on
the right Hand has, as it were, the Command of the Sword of him that is
at his Left, whereas his Own is free.

Matters being thus composed at _Buda_, as well as we could, my Companion
_Paliani_ returned to the Emperor; but I for my part, shipp’d my Horses,
Coaches, and all my Family on some Vessels, prepared for me on the
_Danow_, and so passed down the Stream to _Belgrade_; this was a shorter
cut, and also more secure; for my Journey by Land to _Belgrade_, would at
that Time have cost me at least twelve Days, especially, having such a
deal of heavy Baggage with me; and besides, we had been in danger to be
Robb’d by the _Heyduc_’s, so the _Hungarians_ call a sort of plundering
Thieves and Robbers; but upon the Water there was no fear at all of them;
and besides, we compassed our Journey in five Days. The Vessel in which I
was, was drawn along by a lesser Pinnace, in which there were twenty-four
Oars; the other Vessels had but two large Oars a-piece. The Mariners
rowed Night and Day without any Intermission, excepting only a few Hours
that the poor Souls borrow’d to Sleep and Eat in. In my Passage down the
River, I could not but observe the venturousness, not to say temerity of
the _Turks_, who were not afraid to Sail on in the mistiest Weather and
darkest Night, and when the Wind blew very hard too; and besides, there
were many Water-mills, with several Trunks and Boughs of Trees hanging
over the Banks, which made our Passage very Dangerous; so that some times
our Vessel, by the boisterousness of the Wind, was driven to the Bank,
and there dash’d against old stumps of Trees hanging over, so that it
was like to split; this is certain, that she lost some Planks out of
her Hulk, which made a terrible crack and noise when they were loosed
therefrom. This noise awak’d me; leaping out of my Bed, I advis’d the
Mariners to be more cautious: they lift up their Voices, and gave me no
other Answer than _Alaure_, i. e. _God will help_, and so I might go to
Bed again, if I would.

Tho’ we speed pretty well, yet I am apt to believe, that at one Time or
other, such Dangerous Sailing will be fatal to some Passengers. In our
Passage, I saw _Tolna_, a handsome Town in _Hungary_; I cannot forbear
to mention it, because there we had very good White-wine, and, besides
the Inhabitants were very Courteous to us. Moreover, we passed in sight
of the Castle of _Walpot_, seated on an Hill, and of other Castles and
Towns besides; we saw also, where the River _Drave_, on the one side,
and the _Tibiscus_, or _Taise_, on the other, made their Influx into
the _Danow_. As for _Belgrade_ itself, it is seated at the confluence
of the _Save_ and the _Danow_; the old City is built in the extreme
Angel of the Promontory, the Building is old, it is fortified with many
Towers, and a double Wall: Two parts of it are wash’d by the _Save_, and
the _Danow_, but on that part where it is joined to the Land, it hath
a very strong Castle on high Ground, consisting of many loftly Turrets
made of square Stone; before you come into the City, there is a vast
Number of Buildings, and very large Suburbs, wherein several Nations
inhabit, _viz._ _Turks_, _Greeks_, _Jews_, _Hungarians_, _Dalmatians_,
and many others. For you must know that ordinarily over all the _Turkish_
Dominions, the Suburbs are larger than the Towns, but take them both
together, they give the resemblance of large Cities: ’Twas at this Town,
that I first met with some ancient Coins, wherein, as you know, I take
a great delight, and my Physician aforesaid, Dr. _Quackquelben_, fitted
me to an Hair, as we say, for he was as much addicted to those Studies
as myself. I found a great many Pieces, which on one side represented a
_Roman_ Soldier, placed between a Bull and a Horse, (for ’tis known,
that the Legions of upper _Mæsia_ did anciently encamp hereabouts)
with this Inscription, _Taurunum_. This City, in the memory of our
Grandfathers, was twice violently assaulted by the _Turks_, first,
under _Almurath_; next under _Mahomet_, who took _Constantinople_; but
the _Hungarians_, under the Banner of the Cross, made such a vigorous
Defence, that the _Barbarians_ were beaten off with a great deal of
Loss. But at last, in the Year 1520. _Solomon_, in the beginning of his
Reign, came before it with a vast Army, and finding it, either by the
neglect of young King _Ludovicus_, or by the Discords of the factious
_Hungarian_ Nobles, destitute of a Garrison able to defend it, he took
that opportunity to assault it, and so easily became Master thereof. And
that Door being once opened, an _Iliad_ of Miseries broke in upon poor
_Hungary_, of which she is sadly Sensible to this Day; for this Pass
being gained, there followed the Slaughter of King _Lewis Ludovicus_,
the taking of _Buda_, the inslaving of _Transilvania_, and a flourishing
Kingdom, hereby brought under the Yoke, not without a Terror struck
into the Neighbouring Nations, least they also should partake of the
same Calamities; by which Example, Christian Princes may take warning,
never to think their Frontier Towns and Castles to be strong enough, nor
sufficiently provided against so potent an Enemy as the _Turk_. For the
Truth is, the _Ottomans_ are herein not unlike to great Rivers, whose
Swelling Waves, if they break down any part of the Bank or Jitty, that
keeps them in, spread far and near, and do abundance of Mischief; so
the _Turks_, but far more perniciously, having once broke through the
Obstacles that stopt them, make a vast spoil where-ever they come. But
to return to _Belgrade_, that I may prosecute the rest of my Journey to
_Constantinople_.

After I had provided myself in that City of all Things necessary for a
Land Journey, I left _Semandria_, heretofore a Town or Castle, of the
despots of _Servia_, on the left side of the _Danow_; from whence we
Journied towards _Nissa_. In our way thither, the _Turks_ shewed us,
from the higher Grounds, the Mountains of _Transilvania_, with Snowey
Tops, but at a great Distance from us, and moreover, they pointed with
their Fingers, were the Ruins of _Trajans_ Bridge were: After we had past
the River called _Morava_, we came to a Town of the _Servians_, named
_Jagodna_; there I observed the Funeral Rites of that Country, which
differ very much from ours, as you may find by this Relation following.

The dead Body was placed in a Temple, with the Face uncovered; near it
were laid Victuals, as Bread, Flesh, and a Flagon of Wine: The Wife and
Daughter of the Deceased stood by, in their best Apparel; the Daughter’s
Hat was made of Peacocks Feathers. The last Boon that the Wife bestowed
on her dead Husband, was a Purple Bonnet, such as noble Virgins us’d
to wear in that Country. Then we heard their Funeral Plaints, Mourning
and Lamentations, wherein, they asked the dead Corps, How they came to
deserve so ill at his Hands? Wherein had they been wanting in their Duty
and Observance, that he had left them in such a lonesome and disconsolate
Condition? And such like Stuff. The Priests that ministred in this
Service, were of the _Greek_ Church. In the Church-Yard, there were
erected on Poles, or long Staves, several Pictures of Stags, Hinds, and
such Kind of Creatures, cut in Wood; when I asked them the Reason of
this strange Custom, they told us, That their Husbands, or Fathers, did
thereby signify the Celerity and Diligence of their Wives or Daughters,
in managing their Houshold Affairs. Moreover, by some Sepulchres, there
hung Bushes of Hair, which Women, or Maidens, had placed in Testimony
of their Grief for the Loss of their Relations. We were also informed,
that it was the Custom of that Country, after Friends on both Sides had
accorded about the Marriage of a young Couple, for the Bridegroom to
snatch away his Bride, as it were by Force; for they do not think it
handsome, that a Maid should consent to her own Devirgination, or first
Nights Lodging with her Husband.

At a small Distance from _Jagodna_, we met with a little River which
the Neighbouring Inhabitants called _Nissus_, and we kept it on our
right Hand almost all the Way till we came to _Nissa_; yea, and beyond
the Town, upon the Bank thereof (were there were some Remains of an old
_Roman_ Way) we saw a small Marble Pillar, yet standing, wherein there
were some _Latin_ Letters inscribed; but they were so defaced, that they
could not be read: As for the Town of _Nissa_, for that Country, it is a
decent one, and full of Inhabitants.

’Tis Time now to acquaint you with the Entertainment we met with at our
Inns, for I believe you long to know. When I came to _Nissa_, I lodged
in a public Inn; the _Turks_ call them _Caravarsarai_, of which there
are a great many in that Country; the Form of them is thus, it is a
large Edifice, that has more of Length than Breadth; in the midst of it,
there is a kind of Yard for the placing of Carriages, Camels, Mules and
Waggons. This Yard is compassed about with a Wall about three Foot high,
which joins, and is, as it were, built in the outward Wall that incloses
the whole Building; the Top of this inner Wall is plain and level, and
is about four Foot broad. Here the _Turks_ lodge, here they sup, and
here is all the Kitchen which they have (for in the ambient Wall before
spoken of, there are ever and anon some Hearths built) and here are no
Partitions between Camels, Horses, with other Cattel, and Men, but the
Space of that inner Wall; and yet at the Foot of that Wall, they so tye
their Horses, that their Heads and Necks are above it, or at least may
lean over it; and thus, when their Masters are warming themselves at the
Fire, or else are at Supper, they stand near them as Servants us’d to do;
and sometimes they will take a Piece of Bread or Apple, or whatsoever
else is offered them, out of their Masters Hand. Upon the same Wall, the
_Turks_ make their Beds, after this Manner, first of all they spread a
broad Piece of Tapestry, which is fitted as a Saddle-cloth by Day, for
their Horses; upon that they put their Cloaks, their Saddles serve for a
Pillow, and with the long Vests they wear at Day, they cover themselves
at Night. And thus they take their rest, never provoking Sleep by any
other Allurement. There is nothing done in secret, there all is open,
and every Body may see what another does, unless the Darkness of the
Night hinder him. For my Part, I greatly abhored this Sort of Lodging,
because the Eyes of all the _Turks_ were continually upon us, staring and
wondering at our Carriage, according to the Customs of our Country. And
therefore, I always endeavoured to lodge at the mean House of some poor
Christian! but alas! their Cottages were so small, that many Times I had
not room enough in them for placing my Bed; so that sometimes I slept in
my Tent, sometimes in my Coach, and sometimes again I turned into the
_Turkish_ Hospitals; which, to give them their due, are very convenient,
and not unhandsomely built, for they have several distinct Apartments
for Lodgings in them. There is no Man forbid the Use of them, either
_Christian_ or _Jew_, Rich or Poor, they are open equally to all. Even
the _Bashaw_’s and _Sanziacs_, when they travel, make use of them. In
these I thought myself lodg’d as well as in the Palace of a Prince.

The Custom of these Inns, like Hospitals, is this: They allow Victuals to
every particular Man, that comes in as a Guest: So that when Supper-time
came, there was a Servant that brought in a great wooden Dish almost as
big as a Table; in the middle of it was a Platter full of Barley boiled
to a Jelley, with a little Piece of Flesh, and about the Platter were
some small Loaves, and here and there a Piece of an Honey-comb. When
I saw this, at first, out of Modesty, I refused it, saying, that my
Servants were preparing my own Supper for me, and therefore, advised
them to give it to the Poor: He took it amiss, and prest it upon me, and
alledging, that I should not scorn their slender Provision, that the
Bashaw’s themselves us’d to eat it; it was the Custom of their Country
so to do; they had enough left to give to the Poor, and if I would not
eat it my self, I should give it my Servants; hereupon, I was enforced
to take it, that I might not be counted uncivil by them; and after I
had tasted a little of it, I gave him Thanks. The Relish of it pleased
me well, for that kind of Gruel, as it is commended by _Galen_, so it
is very wholesome, and not unpleasing to the Taste. Travellers may be
entertained with that kind of Diet for three Days; but when that Time is
expired, they must pack up and be gone. Here (as I told you) I was well
entertained; but I met not always with such good Quarters. Sometimes,
when I could not light upon an House, I lodged in a Stable; my People
enquired after a large and capacious one, in one part whereof was an
Hearth and a Chimney, and the other part was design’d for the Herds of
Cattle; for that is the Make of the _Turkish_ Stables, that the Herd and
the Herdsman lodge under the same Roof. I divided that part where the
Fire was from the rest, by the sides of my Tent, and then I put my Table
and my Bed by the Fire-side, and liv’d like an Emperor: As for my Family,
they wallowed in a great deal of clean Straw, in the other part of the
Stable: But some of them fell a Sleep by the Fire-side in the adjoining
Orchard or Meadow where a Supper was preparing; the heat of the Fire was
their guard against the coldness of the Night, and they had as great a
care not to let it go out, as the _Vestal Virgins_ had of old at _Rome_.

I suppose, you will ask me, how my Family relieved themselves against the
inconvenience of their bad Lodging; especially seeing they could have
little Wine in the middle of _Turkey_, which might have been some Remedy
for their ill Lodging at Night. For the truth is, there is little Wine to
be had in several of their Villages, especially, if no _Christians_ dwell
among them: For I must tell you, that the _Christians_ being wearied
out with the Pride and Insolency of the _Turks_, do many times withdraw
themselves from the common Road into desert Places; which tho’ they are
less fruitful, yet are more secure; and so leave their better Possessions
to the domineering _Turks_. And whenever we drew near to any such Places,
where there was no Wine, the _Turks_ would very fairly tell us of it
before-hand; so that I sent my Steward the Day before, with a _Turk_ to
guide him, to procure some from the next Villages of the _Christians_.
And by this means it was, that the Distresses of my Family were something
alleviated; ’tis true, I could not get any soft Feather-beds or Pillows
for them, or other Blandishments for Sleep; the Wine was instead of all:
As for myself, I had some Flagons of choice Wine in my Chariot, so that I
wanted none; thus I and my Family were provided for, as to Wine.

But, there was one Inconvenience, which troubled us more than the
Scarcity of Wine, and that was, our Sleep was miserably interrupted; for
we being to rise betimes in the Morning, and sometimes before Day, that
we might come the sooner to our Inns at Night; our _Turkish_ Guides being
deceived by the Light of the Moon, would sometimes call us up at, or
about Midnight, with a great deal of Noise and Clamour. For the _Turks_
have no Clocks to distinguish Hours, nor Miles to shew the Distance
of Places: Only they have a sort of Ecclesiasticks, which they call
_Talismans_; this sort of People use a kind of Admeasurement by Water,
and when they perceive thereby, that ’tis Morning, then they cry aloud
from an high Tower, built on purpose, exhorting them to arise and worship
God. They make the same Noise in the middle between Sun-rise and Noon,
and likewise, between Noon and Sun-set; and, last of all, when the Sun
is set, they cry out with a very shrill Voice, which hath no unpleasant
Modulation, and which is heard farther than any Body would think. Thus
the _Turks_ divide the Day into four Spaces, longer or shorter, according
to the Season of the Year: But for the Night-time, they have no certain
Rule at all.

So our _Turkish_ Guides being deceived by the exceeding Brightness of
the Night they called us up before Sun-rising, and we started out of our
Beds in great Haste, that so they might not impute any unlucky Accident,
upon the Way, to our Slothfulness; in the Morning, we pack’d up our
Baggage, and put my Bed and Tent in our Waggons, harnessed our Horses,
and were ready for our Journey, only expected the Word of Command. But
our _Turks_, when they found their Mistake, fairly went into their Nests
again, and after we had waited for them a great while, I sent to them, to
tell them, we were all ready; and now the Delay was on _their_ Side, my
Messengers brought me Word, from them, that the Moon-light had deceived
them, and therefore, they were gone to sleep again, for it would be a
great while before it would be Time to go; and they persuaded us to try
to sleep again too. And thus, we must either unpack all our Things again,
to our no small Trouble, or else, we must endure a great Part of the
Coldness of the Night in the open Air.

To prevent this Inconvenience for the future, I charged the _Turks_
not to be so troublesome any more, as to rouze me out of my Sleep, for
if they would but tell me over Night, at what Time they would rise in
the Morning, I would be sure to be ready at the Time appointed; for
I had Watches by me, that I intended to make Use of, which would not
fail to acquaint me with the precise Hour of the Morning; and if they
over-slept themselves, they should lay it to my Charge, so that they
need not scruple to trust me with the Hour of their rising. They seemed
to be somewhat satisfied herewith, and yet did not lay aside all their
Solicitude neither; for in the Morning betimes, they awakened my _Valet
de Chambre_, desiring him to go to me, and to see how the Index of my
Watches did pointed; he so, and returned Answer to them, as well as he
could, That ’twas very near Sun-rising, according as he found it. When
they had thus tried him once or twice, and found that he hit the Time
right, they trusted me for the future, and admired the Structure of our
Watches, that could so faithfully declare the Time; so that ever after,
we slept out our Sleep, without any Disturbances from them.

From _Nissa_ we came to _S. Sophia_; the Journey thither, and the
Weather, for that Time of the Year, was very tolerable. _Sophia_ is a
Town big enough, and well inhabited both by Citizens and Strangers: It
was heretofore the Royal Seat of the King of _Bulgaria_; and afterwards,
if I mistake not, of the _Despots_ of _Servia_, whilst that House stood,
before it was overthrown by the _Turkish_ Arms.

Afterwards, we continued our Journey, for many Days, through the
pleasant, and not unfruitful, Valley of _Bulgaria_; all the Time we were
in that Country, we had little other Bread, but only Cakes bak’d under
Ashes upon the Hearth, which they call _Togatch_. The Women and Maids
sell them, for they have no Bakers in those Parts; and when they perceive
any Guests a-coming, that are likely to pay for what they have, presently
they knead a little Dough, with Water, without any Leaven, and lay it
upon Tiles, under the Ashes, and so bring it out piping hot, and sell
them for a very small Matter; other Victuals is also very cheap there, a
good Weather-sheep may be bought for thirty-five Aspers; a Chicken and
a Hen for an Asper, a sort of Coin with them, of which fifty make but a
Crown.

I must not omit to acquaint you with the Habit of these _Bulgarian_
Women. They commonly wear nothing but a Smock or Shift, made of no finer
Linnen-thread, than that we make Sacks of. And yet, these course Garments
are wrought by them, with several sorts of strip’d Needle-work, after a
homely Fashion: With this lose party-coloured Habit they mightily pleased
themselves, so that when they saw our Shifts, made of the finest Linnen,
yet they wondered at our Modesty, that we could be contented to wear them
without various Works of divers Colours wrought in them.

But that which I most of all admired in them, was the Tower, which they
wore on their Heads, for such was the Form of their Hats. They were made
of Straw, braided with Webs over them. The Figure of them differs from
the Hats Women wear in our Country, for ours hang down on the Shoulders,
and the lowest Part of it is the broadest, and so it rises as it were
into a Pyramid at top; but theirs is narrowest below, and so rises up
like a top, almost nine Inches above the Head; but that Part of it that
looks upwards, towards the Sky, is both very capacious, and also very
open, so that it seems made to take in Rain, as ours are to shelter us
against them; but in that Space, interjacent between their upper and
lower Part, their hang Pieces of Coin, little Pictures or Images, small
Parcels of painted Glass, or whatever is resplendent, though never so
mean, which are accounted very ornamental among them.

Those kind of Hats makes them look taller, and also more Matron-like,
though they are easily blown off their Heads, by a blast of Wind, or by
any light Motion they fall off themselves.

When they appeared to us in this Dress, I thought they resembled
_Clytemnestra_, or some _Hecuba_ or other, in the flourishing Time of
_Troy_, coming upon the Stage. This Sight suggested to me some pious
Meditations, _viz._ How frail and mutable a Thing that which is called
_Nobleness of Birth_, _is_; for when I asked of some of these Lasses,
they that seemed to be the handsomest among them, concerning their Stock
and Lineage, they told me, They were descended from the Chief Nobles of
that Country; and some of them were of a Royal Progeny, though now it
was their Fate, to marry Herdsmen or Shepherds: For Nobility is very
little esteemed in the _Turkish_ Dominions. For, I my self did afterwards
see at _Constantinople_, and other Places, some Descendants from the
Imperial Families of the _Catacuzeni_, and the _Palæologi_, living more
contemptuously among the _Turks_, than ever _Dionysius_ did of old at
_Corinth_; nay, the _Turks_ esteem no Men for their Birth, but only for
their own perform’d Accomplishments, excepting only the _Ottoman Family_;
for that they have a high Veneration, upon Account of its Original.

It is thought that these _Bulgarians_ had their Original from _Seythia_,
near the River _Volga_, and that they changed their Habitations and
came into these Parts, when other Nations, either compelled by Force,
or prompted by Choice, changed theirs; and that they were called
_Bulgarians_, i. e. _Volgarians_, from the River _Volga_, aforesaid.
Upon this Transmigration, they fix’d their Habitation upon those Parts
of Mount _Hæmus_, that lie between _Sophia_ and _Philippopolis_, which
are Places naturally strong; where they, for a long Time, baffled all the
Power of the _Grecian_ Emperors, and killed _Baldwin_ the Elder, Earl of
_Flanders_, then Emperor of _Constantinople_, after they had taken him
in an hot Skirmish. Yet, for all this, they were not able to resist the
Power of the _Turks_, but were overcome and miserably enslaved by them.
They use the _Illyrian_, or _Slavonian_ Tongue, as the _Servians_ and
_Rascians_ also do.

Before a Man descends into that Plain that lies over against
_Philippopolis_, he must go through a Forest and a craggy Mountain,
which the _Turks_ call _Carpi Dervent_, i. e. _The Gate of the strait or
narrow Passage_; but in the Plain before-mentioned, we met with the River
_Hebrus_, having its Original from the adjoining Mountain _Rhodope_.
Before we could pass the said Straits, we saw the Top of Mount _Rhodope_
all cover’d over with deep Snow. The Inhabitants, as I remember, call it
_Rulla_. From hence flows the River _Hebrus_, as _Pliny_ says, and _Ovid_
also affirms the same in this Distick.

    _Qua patet umbrosum Rhodope glacialis ad Hœmum,_
      _Et sacer amissas exigit Hebrus aquas._

    _Where Icy ~Rhodope~ ope’s to shady ~Hœme~,_
    _And sacred ~Hebrus~ wants part of her Stream._

In which Verses, the Poet seems to intimate the Shallowness of that
River for want of Water. For though it is a great and famous River,
yet, in most Places it is fordable: For, I remember, in my return from
_Constantinople_, we forded over it near _Philippopolis_, to an Island on
the other Side, where we lay in Tents all Night; but it happened, that
the Waters swelled that Night by reason of Rain, that next Morning we
could not repass the River, to come into the Road, without a great deal
of Trouble.

The City of _Philippopolis_ is situate on one of the three little Hills,
disjoyned, and, as it were, rent from the rest of the Mountains, and is,
as the Grace of those little Hillocks. While we were at _Philippopolis_,
we saw Rice growing like Wheat, in the watry and marshy Grounds. The
whole Plain, about the Town, is full of little round Hills of Earth,
which the _Turks_ say, were raised on Purpose, as Monuments of the
frequent Battles fought in those Fields, and the Graves such as were
slain there. From hence, leaving the River _Hebrus_ something on the
Right, and Mount _Hæmus_, which runs forth into _Pontus_, on the left, at
last we passed over the _Hebrus_ on a famous Bridge, made by _Mustapha_,
and so came to _Hadrianople_, which the _Turks_ call _Endrene_.

This City was formerly called _Orestia_, before the Emperor _Hadrian_
inlarged it, and called it by his own Name. It is seated at the
confluence of the River _Mariza_ or _Hebrus_, and the two small Currents
of _Thinsa_ and _Harda_, which there meeting in a joint Stream run into
the _Egean Sea_. This City is not very large within the Walls; but, if
you take in the Suburbs, and the Buildings which the _Turks_ have added
without, it is very capacious.

We staid but one Day at _Hadrianople_, and then went forward on the
last Stage of our Journey towards _Constantinople_. In my Way thither
there grew abundance of _Narcissus’s Hyacinth’s_, and (as the _Turks_
call them) _Tulips_, which we beheld, not without Admiration, that
in the midst of Winter, which is not favourable to such Flowers in
other Countries, the Ground should be so garnished by them. As for
_Narcissus’s_, and _Hyacinths_, all _Greece_ abound with them; and
they are so odoriferous, that, by reason of their Multitude, they
are offensive to those Heads that are unaccustomed to such Kind of
Smells. But the _Tulip_, hath little or no Smell, but its gaudiness and
party-colouredness is its greatest Commendation. The _Turks_ are great
Admirers of Flowers, so that, though they are Parsimonious enough in
other Cases, yet for a stately Flower, they will not scruple to give
some _Aspers_. And the Truth is, these kind of Flowers, though they were
presented to me as a Gift, yet they cost me a great deal of Money; for
some _Aspers_ were always expelled in requital. Neither is there any
other way of treating with a _Turk_, but by opening the Purse-strings,
as soon as any _Christian_ comes among them; neither must he think to
shut them again, till he go out of their Country: While he is there,
he must scatter his Coin, and if he get no other Advantage by it, yet
it makes them more tractable. For the _Turks_ are so ill-natured, and
such under-valuers of all Nations but their own, that without this
Open-handedness, there were no more living among them, for Strangers,
than in the most desolate and uninhabited Places, by reason of the
excessiveness either of Cold or Heat; but with the Bait of Liberality,
you may catch a _Turk_ at any Time.

About the mid-way between _Hadrianople_ and _Constantinople_, there is
a little Town, called _Chiurli_, memorable for the _Overthrow_ which
_Selimus_ received in a Battle against his Father _Bajazet_, out of which
he escaped by the Swiftness of his Horse, called _Carabonluch_, i. e. a
_Black Cloud_, and so fled to the _Cham_, or the _Precopeian Tartar_, who
was his Father-in-Law.

Before we came to _Selimbria_, which is a Town standing on the Sea-side
in our Way, we saw the Ruins of an old Wall and Ditch, which were made
by the later Emperors of _Greece_, which reached from that Sea to the
_Danow_, to secure all that was contained within that Fortification to
the _Constantinopolitans_, against the Incursions of the _Barbarians_;
and there goes a Story, that when that Wall was a Building, a certain old
Man delivered his Opinion to his Wife, _viz._ That that Wall would not
so much secure what was within it, from the Hands of the Infidels, as it
would expose and subject it to their Rage and Fury, in regard it would
add Courage to the _Barbarians_ to assault it, and weaken the Courage of
the _Grecians_ to defend it.

At _Selimbria_ we had a most pleasant Prospect of a calm Sea; and ’twas
very pleasant to us to behold the smooth Water, and to gather Cockles on
the Shore; yea, to behold Sholes of _Dolphins_ sporting in the Water,
which, with the Warmness of the Air, was exceeding delightful. It can
hardly be imagined, how mild the Weather was in those Parts, though
sometimes it be a little more boisterous at _Chiurli_; but here there is,
as I may call it, a _Thracian Gale_, and an incredible Sweetness of Air.

When we came near to _Constantinople_, we passed over two pleasant Arms
of the Sea, upon a Bridge built over them. I may safely say, That if
those Places were cultivated by Art, as they are naturally pleasant, the
Sun never shone on a better Country; but, alas! they seem to mourn for
the Neglect put upon them by the insulting _Barbarian_. Here we had our
Fill of choice Sea-fishes, which were even taken in our Sight.

When I lodged in those Inns the _Turks_ call _Imaret_, I usually
observed, that the Cracks of the Walls were all full of Pieces of Paper;
and thinking something was the Matter, but not knowing what, I took out
some of them, and finding nothing writ therein of any Consequence, I
was more earnest to know of the _Turks_ the Reason of their so doing;
especially as I had observed the same Thing in other Places of _Turkey_
before. At first they scrupled to tell me, as thinking perhaps that I
would not believe them; or else, not being willing to impart so great
a Mystery of Things to such an Alien as myself. This made me the more
inquisitive, till at last some of them, with whom I became more familiar,
told me, That the _Turks_ gave a great deal of Difference to Paper,
because the Name of God may be written in it: And, therefore, they will
not suffer the least Bit of Paper to lie upon the Ground, but presently
they take it up, and thrust it into some Chink or Hole or other, that
so it may not be trampled under Foot; and hitherto, perhaps, their
Superstition may be tollerable, but mark what follows.

In the Day of Judgment, say they, when _Mahomet_ shall call up his
Followers from their _Purgatory_, (to which they were condemned for their
Sins) to Heaven, to be there made Partakers of Eternal Blessedness; there
will no Way be left for them to come to their Prophet, but over an huge
red-hot Iron Grate, which they must run over bare-foot, (how painfully,
you may guess, when you imagine a Cock to skip thro’ hot-burning Coals.)
But at that Instant, (believe it if you can!) all those Bundles of
Papers, which they have preserved from being trod upon, will immediately
appear, and put themselves under their Feet; by which Means they will
pass the red-hot Iron-Grate with less Damage; so necessary do they count
the Work of saving a little Paper. And, to add to the Story, I remember
that my _Turkish_ Guides were once very angry with my Servants, for
making use of Paper to cleanse their _Posteriors_, and thereupon made a
grievous Complaint to me of their horrid Offence therein: I had no Way
to put them off, but by telling them, ’twas no Wonder my Servants did
such strange Things, seeing they also used to eat Swines Flesh, which
the _Turks_ abhor. Thus I have given you a Taste of the _Turkish_
Superstition; I shall add, That they account it a damnable Sin, if
any of their own People chance (though unwillingly) to sit upon the
_Alcoran_, (which is a Book containing the Rites of their Religion) and,
if a _Christian_ do it, ’tis Death by their Law. Moreover, they will not
suffer _Rose-Leaves_ to lie upon the Ground, because, as the Ancients did
fable, the Roses spring out of the Blood of _Venus_; so the _Turks_ hold,
That it had its Rise from the Sweat of _Mahomet_.

I came to _Constantinople_ on the 20th Day of _January_, and there found
my Collegues above-mentioned, _Anthony Wrantzius_ and _Francis Zay_;
as for the _Grand Seignior_ himself, he was, at that Time, at the Head
of his Army in _Asia_, and had only left at _Constantinople_, _Ebrahim
Bashaw_, an Eunuch, as Governor of the City, and _Rustan_, but deprived
of his Vizier-ship; however I gave him a Visit and made him Presents, as
being mindful of his former Dignity, and of the fair Prospect there was
of his speedy Restitution thereunto.

It may, perhaps, divert you, and besides it is not wholly foreign to
my Design, to acquaint you how this _Rustan_ came to be strip’d of
all his former Honours. Know then, That _Solyman_ had a Son, called
_Mustapha_, on a Concubine of his, born by the _Bosphorus_, (if I
mistake not.) This Youth was in the prime of his Age, and in great
Favour among the Soldiers. But the same _Solyman_ had several other
Children by _Roxolana_, whom he doated on so much, that he made her
his Wife, by appointing her a Dowry; for that’s the Way of making and
confirming a Marriage among the _Turks_. This _Solyman_ did, contrary to
the Custom of former Emperors, none of which had ever married a Wife,
since the Days of _Bajazet_ the Elder; the Reason was, because the said
_Bajazet_, being overthrown by _Tamerlane_, was, with his Wife, taken
Prisoner by him, where he suffered many Indignities, but none affected
him more, than the Uncivilities and Reproaches which he saw offered to
his _Sultaness_, before his Face. The Memory of which Affronts made such
a deep Impression on all those that succeeded _Bajazet_ in the Empire,
that, to this very Day, none of them will marry a Wife, that so, whatever
Chance should happen, they might never fall into the like Indignity; so
that, ever since, they beget Children on Women of a servile Condition,
in whose Misfortunes they may be less concerned, than if they were their
lawful Wives. And yet the Children begot on such Concubines, are as much
esteemed by the _Turks_, as if they were born in lawful Wedlock, and they
have as much right to their Fathers Estates.

So then, _Mustapha_, being of a promising Ingenuity, and in the Flower
of his Age; and besides, being the Darling of the Soldiers, and the
common People too, having so many favourable Circumstances attending him,
he, after his Father’s Death, was by the Votes of all designed for his
Successor in the Empire.

On the other Side, his Stepmother, _Roxalana_, with Might and
Main, laboured to prevent it, and to secure the Empire for the
Children begotten on her own Body, and thereupon presuming on her
Marriage-Relation, she ceased not to disparage _Mustapha_, and to prefer
a younger Son of her own before him. In this Design _Rustan_ was both
her Counsellor, and Assistant; they drew both in one Yoke, for _Rustan_
having married a Daughter of _Solyman_’s, by _Roxalana_, their Interests
thereupon were reciprocal.

This _Rustan_ was the Chief of the Bashaw’s, and _Solyman_’s Prime
Vizier, having the chief Power and Authority with him: He was a Man
of a sharp and very capacious Wit, and a great Grace to _Solyman_’s
Government. As for his Original, he was the Son but of a Shepherd, and
yet he seemed worthy of that Dignity to which he was advanced, if his
sordid Avarice had not been a Blot in his Escutcheon. And to speak truly,
_Solyman_ himself observed this Vice in him, though upon all other
Accounts, he was his choice and only Favourite: And yet this Crime of his
turned to his Master’s Advantage; for being appointed by _Solyman_ to
preside over his Treasury, or Exchequer, which sometimes was very low, he
was so thrifty in the Management of that Office, that he did not spare to
raise Money, even by the meanest and most contemptible Ways. For he laid
a Tax on Herbs, Roses, and Violets, which grew in great Men’s Gardens; he
caused the Armour, Coats of Mail, Warrior’s Horses, of such as were taken
Prisoners in War, to be sold, and by such Ways as those he got together
such a Mass of Money, that _Solyman_ was very secure on that Part; upon
this Occasion, I remember, that a great Man among the _Turks_, who are
usually vindictive enough, that was a great Enemy to _Rustan_, yet (to
my Surprize) told me, That he would do _Rustan_ no hurt, tho’ it were
never so much in his Power, because his Care and Industry had advanced
his Master’s Treasury to so prodigious a Sum. There is a Chamber in the
_Seraglio_, at _Constantinople_, over which there is this Inscription,
_Here is the Cash obtained by the Diligence of ~Rustan~_.

When _Rustan_ was Grand Vizier, and had the intire Administration of
all Things in his Hands, he was able to turn his Master’s Mind, as he
pleased, so that ’twas commonly reported among the _Turks_, That partly
by the Accusation of _Rustan_, and partly by the Witchcraft of his Wife
_Roxolana_, (for she was accounted little better than a Sorceress)
_Solyman_ was so alienated from his Son _Mustapha_, that he took Counsel
to put him to Death. As to what some alledge, that _Mustapha_ being
sensible of the Designs of _Rustan_ and his Step-Mother _Roxolana_,
against his Life, did labour to preserve them, by taking off his Father,
and so seizing the Empire by force; very few do believe that Story, but
look upon it as a Fiction.

On this Occasion, let me tell you, that the Sons of the _Turkish_
Emperors are the miserablest Creatures in the World; for if any one of
them succeed his father in the Empire, the rest are inevitably put to
Death by him. For the _Turks_ cannot endure any Corrival in Government;
and besides they are egged on to this severity by their _Prætorian_
Bands, (_Janizaries_ and _Spahies_) who, as long as there is any one of
the _Grand Seigniors_ Brothers alive, never cease craving of Largesses
and Boons, and if the present Emperor refuses to grant them, they
presently cry out, _God save your Brother, God send your Brother a long
Life_; by which Words, they more than intimate their Wishes, that he were
on the Throne. So that the _Turkish_ Emperors are in a manner compelled
to put their Brethren to Death, and so begin their Reign with Blood. But
_Mustapha_ was afraid of such a fatal end; or else _Roxolana_ was willing
to translate the said Destiny from her own Children upon _Mustapha_: Upon
one or other of these Grounds, it was, that _Solymon_ entertain’d the
thought of putting his Son _Mustapha_ to Death. And the occasion fell out
opportunely, for he had War at that Time, with _Sagthama_ King of the
_Persians_, thither _Rustan_ was sent with a vast Army. When he drew near
to the Borders of _Persia_, upon a sudden he made a stop, and wrote back
fearful Missives to _Solyman_, telling him, _That the whole Empire was in
great hazard, there was nothing but Treason studied in the Army, they all
cry’d out ~A Mustapha! A Mustapha!~ yea, the Disease was grown to such a
height, that ’twas past his skill to cure it; and therefore the Emperor
himself must come immediately, if he would have the Crown sit safe on his
Head._

_Solyman_ was mightily disturb’d at the News, and therefore posted away
for the Army, and sends Letters to _Mustapha_ to come to him, to purge
himself from those Crimes, whereof he was formerly suspected, but now
openly accused; if he could do it, he told him, he need not fear to
approach his Presence. Upon the Receipt of this Letter, _Mustapha_ was in
a great Streight, if he should go to his Father, in such an angry Mood,
he ran upon his Death; if he refused, that would be interpreted, as a
plain Confession of the objected Crimes. Under this Dilemma, he resolved
upon that course, which as it had more of Resolution in it, so it was
fullest of Danger. Away goes he from _Amasia_, of which he was Governor,
to his Father’s Camp, which was pitch’d not far from the place. This he
did either out of confidence of his own Innocency, or else presuming on
the Assistance of the Army, if any Severity were meditated against him;
whatever was the Motive of his Journey, this is certain, that he run
unavoidably upon his own Destruction; For _Solyman_ ever since he was at
_Constantinople_, had resolved to put his Son to Death; and to make the
Matter more plausable, he consulted the _Mufty_, (so the _Turks_ call the
chief of their Priests, as _Romanists_ call theirs the Pope,) and that
he might not speak to him in favour of _Mustapha_, he propounded to him
a feign’d Case, thus, ‘There was a Wealthy Merchant at _Constantinople_,
who having occasion to Travel a long Journey from Home, left the care
of his Family, his Wife and Children, and all his Affairs to a Slave
of his, in whose Fidelity he put a great deal of Confidence; now this
Slave, immediately after his departure, designed to destroy his Masters
Wife and Children, committed to his Care, and Embezil his Estate, and
to work against his Masters own Life, in case he should ever get him
into his Power; What may be Lawfully done, said he, to the _Mufty_, with
such a Slave.’ _He deserves_ says the _Mufty_ _to be Rack’d to Death._
Whether he spoke really as he thought, or whither he did not do it to
curry favour with _Rustan_ and _Roxolana_; This is certain, that the
Resolution of the _Grand Seignior_ was greatly confirmed thereby to put
his Son to Death, for he was of Opinion, _Mustapha_’s Offence against
him, was as great, as that supposed Slaves against his Master. However it
were, _Mustapha_ came into his Fathers Camp, the whole Army being very
sollicitous about the event of their Congress.

Soon after he was brought into his Fathers Tent, where all things were
hush; not a Soldier of the Guards to be seen, no Serjeant, no Executioner
in view, nor nothing of Treachery that was visible; but when he was come
into an inner Tent, Lo! upon a sudden, there started up four Mutes,
strong and lusty Fellows to be his Executioners; they set upon him with
all their strength and might, and endeavoured to cast a Cord about his
Neck; he defended himself stoutly for a while, (for he was a Robust young
Man,) as if he had contended not only for Life, but for the Empire. For
without Question, if he had escaped that danger, and had come in among
the _Janizaries_, they either out of Affection to him, whom they dearly
Loved; or else moved with the Indignity of the Thing, would not only
have saved his Life, but have gone near to have Proclaimed him Emperor:
And that was the very thing, which _Solyman_ fear’d of all things in
the World; and therefore perceiving, as he stood behind a Linnen Vail
in the Tent to behold the Tragedy, that unexpected stop was put to his
Bloody Design; he peep’d out his Head, and gave the Mutes such a sour
and minacious Look, in reproach of their remisness; thereupon they
assaulted him with renew’d Force, and then threw poor _Mustapha_ down on
the Ground, and Strangled him; and after they had done, they carried his
Corps out of the Tent, and laid it on a piece of Tapestry, that so the
_Janizaries_ might behold their design’d Emperor.

As soon as the Matter was divulged, Commiseration and Grief seized on the
whole Camp, and there was scarce a Man of any Consideration in the whole
Army, that did not approach to behold so sad a Spectacle, especially the
_Janizaries_, whose Confirmation and Rage was such, that they would have
ventured to attempt any Manner of Mischief whatsoever, if they had had
a Leader. As for him whom they hoped to be their Conductor, he lay dead
on the Ground, and therefore now there was no Way but one, to take that
patiently which was past all Remedy.

Thus they silently departed with blubber’d Eyes, and sad Hearts, to their
Tents, where they both lamented and pitied the woful Fate of unhappy
_Mustapha_, sometimes inveighing against the Madness and Rage of his old
doating Father, at other Times exclaiming at the Fraud and Cruelty of his
Step-Mother, and anon cursing the Wickedness of _Rustan_, with direful
Imprecations for extinguishing so great a Light of the _Ottoman_ Family,
so that all that Day was a Fasting-day to them, they did not sip so much
as a drop of Water; yea, some of them continued their Abstinence for many
Days after. In short, there was such a Face of Mourning over the whole
Army, which was not like to cease in many Days, that _Solyman_ in Policy,
and in a seeming Compliance with the Sentiments of his People, deprived
_Rustan_ of his Office (it being thought by his own Consent) and Banished
him, as a private Person to _Constantinople_, substituting _Achmat_
Bashaw to the _Grand-Vizier-ship_ in his Room, a Man of more Courage than
Conduct.

Upon this Alteration, the public Grief was somewhat abated, and the
Soldiers Rage pacified; for the Commonalty was made to believe, That
_Solyman_ at last had found out the Wickedness of _Rustan_, and the
Inchantments of his Wife; and that now he repented, though it were late,
first of his Cruelty to _Mustapha_. and thereupon had banished _Rustan_
from his Presence, and that he would not spare his Wife neither, as soon
as he came to _Constantinople_. As for _Rustan_, he pretended great
Sorrow, and departed to _Constantinople_, without seeming to have the
least hope, ever to be restored to his former Dignity.

But alas! _Roxolana_ was not content with the Destruction of _Mustapha_,
as long as he had an only Son, who was yet in his Minority, alive; for
she did not think her own, or her Childrens Security, to be sufficiently
provided for, as long as any of _Mustapha_’s Race were alive; but
she wanted a fair pretence to accomplish her Design, nor was it long
before she found One. She represented to _Solyman_, that as often as
his Grand-child, _Mustapha_’s Son went abroad at _Prusa_, where he was
brought up, the Youth of that City were wont to flock about him, to wish
him all Happiness, and particularly to pray, _That he might long survive
his Father_. And whither (said she) can this tend, but to prompt him
to mount the Throne, and revenge his Father’s Death? And to be sure,
the _Janizaries_ will take his Part, (added She;) and thus the Death
of _Mustapha_ alone, will add little Security to the public Peace and
Tranquility. Religion (proceeded she) is to be preferred before even the
Lives of our own Children; and seeing that of the _Musselmans_, (for
so they call their Religion, as counting it the best) stands and falls
with the _Ottoman_ Family; if that House fail, farewel Religion also.
And how can that House stand, if Domestic Discord undermine it? And
therefore Sir, if you prevent the Ruin of your House, your Empire and
your Religion, you must use all manner of means; nay, you must not stick
at Parricide itself; if homebred Disagreement and Feud may be thereby
prevented; for the safety of Religion will over-ballance the Loss, even
of a Man’s own Children. As for _Mustapha_’s Son, you have the less
Reason to spare him, because his Father’s Crime hath already infected
him, and there is do doubt, but, if he be suffered to Live, he will soon
endeavour to Head a Party, to revenge his Father’s Death.

By these Reasons _Solyman_ was induced to yield to the Murder of his
Grandchild, and thereupon sent _Ebrahim_ Bashaw to _Prusa_, to destroy
the innocent Youth. As soon as the Bashaw came thither, he made it his
great Business to conceal his intended Design from the Child’s Mother;
for, he thought, it would be look’d upon as an inhuman Thing in him, to
cut off a Youth, with the Privity of his Mother, and, as it were, before
her Eyes. And, besides, he was afraid the People would rise in Arms upon
the Perpetration of so cruel a Fact; and therefore at first, Fox like,
he sets his Wits at work to deceive the Mother. He pretended that he was
sent by _Solyman_, out of Respect to her and her Son, to visit them; that
his Master saw his Error in putting his Son to Death, which he now, too
late repented of; but that the crueller he had been to the Father, the
more indulgent he would be to his Son; and many such colloguing Words
he used, whereby he imposed upon the too credulous Mother, who was the
rather induced to believe him, because of _Rustan_’s Disgrace and Fall;
and to crown his Flattery, he presented them with many Gifts. This past
on for a Day or two, and then some Discourse was administred concerning
their going abroad, out of the City, to enjoy the fresh Air. And the
Bashaw, being an Eunuch, persuaded her the next Day to take a Turn in
the Suburbs, she in her Coach, and himself, with her Son, would ride
afore on Horseback. The Matter seemed not to afford any Suspicion, and
therefore she consented, and a Chariot is prepared for her; but (mark
the Fraud!) the Axle-Tree of the Coach was so made, on Purpose, that it
must needs break, when it came to be jogged in any rough Way. Thus she,
in an unlucky Time, began her Journey out of the City. The Eunuch and the
Child rode a pretty Way before, as if they had Occasion for some private
Discourse, and the Mother speeded after as fast as she was able; but
when the Coach came to the designed craggy Place, the Wheel violently hit
against the Rocks, and so the Axle-Tree broke. This the Mother looked
upon as an unlucky Omen, and therefore, in a great Fright, she could not
long be restrained from leaving her Coach, and with a few of her Maids,
from following her Son on Foot. But, alas! ’twas too late; for the Eunuch
being come to the House designed for the Slaughter, without any more
ado, shewed the Child the Emperor’s Mandate for his Death. He answered,
according to the Principles of their Religion, That he looked upon that
Command as proceeding not from the Emperor, but from God, which must
necessarily be obeyed, and so he yielded his Neck to the Bow-String.

Thus died this innocent and hopeful Youth. When the Eunuch had
perpetrated this wicked Fact, he stole out at a Back-door, and fled as
fast as he could. The Mother, soon after, beginning to smell out the
Fraud, knocks at the Door; when they thought fit they opened it, and
there she saw her Son sprawling on the Ground, his Breath being yet
hardly out of his Body. Here let me draw a Vail; for a Mother’s Affection
to a Son in such a lamentable Juncture, may be better conceived than
expressed. Upon this dismal Sight she was hurried back to _Prusa_,
where she tore her Hair, rent her Garments, filled the whole Town with
Howlings, Moans, &c. The _Prusian_ Ladies, with their Daughters and
Waiting-Maids, came in Multitudes to her, and were stark Mad to hear of
so great a Butchery; and running in that raving Manner out of the Gates,
all the Cry was, _Where’s the Eunuch? Where’s the Eunuch? Let’s have
him to tear him to pieces_: But he foreseeing what would happen, and
fearing, like another _Orpheus_, to be torn Peace-meal by those raging
Furies, had cunningly withdrawn himself.

But to return to my Purpose. As soon as I came to _Constantinople_,
Letters were sent to _Solyman_, then at _Amasia_, to acquaint him with my
Arrival; and, till his Answer was return’d, I had Leisure to take a View
of the City of _Constantinople_; and first, I had a Mind to visit the
Temple of St. _Sophia_, which I was not admitted to do, but by special
Favour; for the _Turks_ think that their Temples are prophaned, if a
_Christian_ do but put his Foot within them.

That Church is a magnificent Pile, and a worthy Structure to behold. It
hath a great Arch or Hemisphere in the Middle, which hath no Light but
only from the Sky: All the _Turkish Mosks_ are built after the Form of
this. Some say, that heretofore it was much larger, and contained many
Apartments, which were all destroyed by the _Turks_, and only the _Quire_
and _Nave_, in the Middle of it, standing.

As for the Situation of the City itself, it seemed to me, to be naturally
placed as fit to be the Mistress of the World; it stands in _Europe_,
and hath _Asia_ in view, and on its right, hath _Egypt_ and _Africa_;
which, though Countries not adjacent to it, yet by reason of frequent
Intercourse and Naval Commerce, they seem as it were, contiguous. On
its left Hand is the _Euxin Sea_, and the _Palus Mætis_, whose Banks
are inhabited round about by many Nations, and so many navigable Rivers
have their Influx into them, that there is nothing grows in any of the
Countries thereabout, fit for Man’s Use; but there is a great Conveniency
of transporting it by Sea to _Constantinople_.

On the one Side, it is wash’d with the _Propontis_; on the other, the
River makes an Haven, which _Strabo_ calls, _The Golden Horn_, from the
Similitude it hath to an Horn; on the other Side, it is joined to the
rest of the Continent, so that it almost resembles a Peninsule; and with
the continued back of a Promontory, it runs out into the Sea and a Bay,
which is made there by the River and the Sea. So that from the middle of
_Constantinople_, there is a most pleasant Prospect into the Sea, and
even to the Mount _Olympus_, in _Asia_, which bears a snowy Head all the
Year long. The Sea there, is wonderful full of Fish, which sometimes swim
down from the _Mæotis_ and the _Euxine_, through the _Bosphorus_ and
_Propontis_, into the _Ægæan_ and _Mediterranean Seas_, and sometimes
they swim from thence into the _Euxin_, according to the Nature of the
Fish; and that in Shoals so thick and numerous, that you may catch
them with your Hands. So that here is excellent fishing for _Mackrel_,
_Tunny_, _Cod_, _Porpois_ and _Sword-Fish_. But the _Greeks_ fish more
than the _Turks_, though these latter love Fish well enough; provided,
they be of the Number of those, which they count _clean_; as for others,
they had rather eat Poison than taste them, for a _Turk_ had rather his
Tongue or his Teeth were pluck’d out of his Head, than taste of any Thing
they think to be _unclean_, as a _Frog_, a _Snail_, or a _Tortoise_. And
herein, the _Greeks_ are every jot as Superstitious as they; of which I
will give you the Instance following.

I entertain’d in my Family, a Youth of the _Greek_ Religion; I employed
him as my Steward. The rest of my Servants could never persuade him to
eat any _Periwinkles_ or _Cockles_; but at last, they put a Trick upon
him; they caused them to be so high-season’d and disguis’d, that he,
mistaking them for another sort of Fish, fed upon them most heartily.
Whereupon, my People set up a Laughter, and threw down the Shells before
him, where by he perceiv’d himself to be cozen’d: Whereupon, ’tis
incredible to relate how much he was troubled. He went presently to his
Chamber, and there fell a Vomiting, Weeping, and Afflicting himself most
grievously, without any Intermission; insomuch, that two Months Sallary
was not sufficient to expiate this Offence; for that’s the Guise of
_Greek_ Priests, according to the kind and greatness of the Offence, they
lay a pecuniary Mulct upon those who come to _Confess_, and they never
_Absolve_ them till they pay it down to a Penny.

In the furthest Point of that Promontory which I mentioned before, stands
the Palace, or _Seraglio_, of the _Turkish_ Emperors: To me, it did not
seem very magnificent, either for Work or Workmanship (for you must know,
that as yet, I had not made an Entrance into it.) Under the Palace, in a
low Ground, and as it were, upon the Sea-shore, are the Gardens of the
_Grand Seignior_, where the greatest Part of _Old Bysantium_ is thought
to have stood.

I hope you do not expect to be informed by me, why the _Chalcedonians_,
who built a City over-against _Byzantium_ (the Ruins whereof are yet
to be seen) were Sirnam’d _The Blind_; nor shall I tell you the Nature
of that Sea, which always runs downward with a vast Stream, but never
recoils with any Tide; nor will I spend Time to speak of those _Hautgis_
which were brought to _Constantinople_ from the _Palus Mæotis_, such
as the _Italians_ call _Moronella’s Botargues_ and _Caviare_; the
Description of all these Particulars would swell my Epistle to too great
a Bulk, and besides, it would be needless; for both the _Antients_, and
also _Modern_ Writers, have given Information of those Particulars at
large.

To return then to the Site of _Constantinople_. There is no Place in the
World more pleasantly seated to the Eye, nor more convenient for Trade.
But, let me tell you, the Buildings therein (as in all other _Turkish_
Cities) are not magnificent, nor are their Streets stately or large;
nay, in _Constantinople_, they are so narrow, that they much eclipse the
Beauty of the Place. Yet there are in it some valuable Relicks of old
Monuments to be seen; but not so many as a Man would imagine, considering
how many _Constantine_ brought thither from _Rome_. It is not my Purpose
to insist upon each of these Particulars; yet, a Word or two of the
principal ones.

In the _Area_ of the old _Hippodrome_, there are two Serpents cut in
Brass; as also, a mighty _Obelisk_. Moreover, _Constantinople_ doth
gratifie us with the Sight of two memorable Pillars; _One_ over-against
the _Caravaserai_, where I lodged, and the _Other_ in the _Forum_, called
by the _Turks_, _Aurat-basar_, i. e. _The Womens Court_, wherein, from
Bottom to Top, is engraven the History of a certain Expedition of one
_Arcadius_, who built it, and whose Statue, for a long time, stood on
the Top of it. And yet it may rather be called a _Stair-Case_, than a
_Pillar_, because it goes winding up like a Pair of Stairs. I caused
the Shape of this Pillar to be drawn, which I have by me. But the other
Pillar, over-against the House the _German_ Ambassadors used to lodge
in, the whole Structure, besides the Basis and the Chapiter, consists
of eight solid Marble or Red _Porphyry_ Stones, so curiously joined
together, that they seem but one continued Stone. For, where the Stones
are jointed one into another, upon that Commissure, there is wrought a
circular Garland of Lawrels round about the Pillar, which hides the
jointing, so that they which look upon it from the Ground, perceive no
jointing at all. That Pillar hath been so often shaken by Earthquakes,
and so battered by Fires happening near it, that it is cleft in many
Places, and they are forced to bind it about with Iron Hoops, that it may
not fall to pieces.

They say, That the Statue of _Apollo_ once stood upon that Pillar, and
that afterwards the Statues of _Constantine_, and of _Theodosius_ the
Elder, were erected there; but they are all thrown down, either by the
Force of the Winds, or by Earthquakes.

The _Greeks_ tell this Story concerning the _Obelisk_, in the
_Hippodrome_, which I mentioned before, _viz._

That it fell from its Basis, and lay for many Ages upon the Ground; but
in the Time of the later Emperors, there was an Architect found, who
undertook to raise it up to its Place; but he demanded a vast Reward for
his Pains. After the Price was agreed on, he prepared abundance of Ropes,
Pullies, and other Instruments, and by those means, he lifted up that
vast Stone, within one Inch of the Place where it was to stand; but his
present _Apparatus_ being able to raise it no higher, the People, who in
great Numbers were his Spectators, were of Opinion, that all his former
Cost and Pains were lost, and he must begin anew to try to do the Feat
some other way, to his vast Expence and Charge. The Artist himself was
not discouraged; but being skilful in _Mechanick Philosophy_, he caused
abundance of Water to be brought up to him, which, for many Hours, he
cast upon the Ropes, to which the _Obelisk_ hung; and those Ropes, being
often wet and dry, shrunk a little, and by that means, lifted up the
Weight to its designed Station, to the great Admiration and Applause of
the Vulgar.

At _Constantinople_ I saw several Sorts of wild Beasts, such as _Lynxes_,
_Cat-a-Mountains_, _Panthers_, _Leopards_, and _Lyons_; but they were
so gentle and tame, that I saw one of the Keepers pull a _Sheep_ out of
a _Lyon_’s Mouth, so that he only moistened his Jaws with the Blood,
without devouring it. I saw also a young _Elephant_, so wanton, that he
would dance, and play at Ball. Sure you cannot chuse but laugh, when I
tell you of an _Elephant_’s dancing and playing at Ball; but if I should
say no more, why may you not believe me as well as _Seneca_, who tells
us of one that could dance upon the Rope? Or as _Pliny_, who speaks
of another that understood _Greek_? But that you may not think me an
egregious Forger, give me leave to explain myself: When this _Elephant_
was bid to dance, he did so caper or quaver with his whole Body, and
interchangeably move his Feet, that he seemed to represent a kind of a
Jig; and as for playing at Ball, he very prettily took up the Ball in his
Trunk, and sent it packing therewith, as we do with the Palm of the Hand.

Among those wild Beasts, there had been a _Camelopardalis_, but she died
a little before I came to _Constantinople_; however, I caused her Bones,
which had been buried in the Earth, to be digged up, that I might inspect
the Make of this Creature. It is an Animal a great deal taller in the
Forepart than in the Hinder; and, for that Reason, it is unfit to carry
a Man, or any other Burden. It hath an Head and a Neck like a _Camel_,
but a spotted Skin like a _Leopard_, and therefore it is called by a Name
derived from both, (_i. e._) _Camelopardalis_.

It might have been imputed as a Piece of great Neglect in me, not to
have visited the _Euxine_, especially as I had an Opportunity of sailing
thither; seeing the Ancients used to account it as great a Piece of
Curiosity to see _Pontus_, as to visit _Corinth_. Thither, therefore, I
sailed with a prosperous Gale, and had the Privilege to be admitted into
some of the Pleasure-Houses of the _Grand Seignior_.

In the Valves of one of them, I beheld the famous Fight of _Selimus_ with
_Ishmael_ King of the _Persians_, excellently described in Checker-Work.
I had also the View of many of the Orchards and Groves of the _Turkish_
Emperor, which were seated in most pleasant Vallies. This I may say
of them, That they ow’d little to Art, but almost all to Nature; so
that I could not chuse but entertain such _Epiphonema’s_ as these in
my Thoughts, O most pleasant Houses for Nymphs! O choise Seats for the
Muses! O Retirements fit for the Learned! To deal plainly with you (as
I told you before) they seemed to me, as it were, sensibly to bewail
their present Posture, and to cry aloud to _Christians_ for their better
Cultivation; and not they only, but much more _Constantinople_ itself,
yea, and all _Greece_ too; which being, heretofore, the most flourishing
Country in the World, is now wofully enslaved by _Barbarians_. Formerly
it was the Mother and Nurse of all good Arts and liberal Sciences, but
now, alas! it seems to call for that Culture and Humanity which once it
delivered down to us; and, by Way of Requital, claims the Redemption of
our common Religion from that _Scythian Barbarism_ under which it groans;
and call it may long enough, for (with Grief may we speak it) _Christian_
Princes, now a-days, are otherwise employed; so that the _Turks_ do
not more domineer over the poor _Greeks_, than Vices, such as Luxury,
Gluttony, Sloth, Lust, Pride, _&c._ do over _Christians_, which so clog,
enervate, and depress our Minds, that we can hardly look Heaven-ward, or
aspire to any Thing that is truly Great and Excellent.

Methinks, Duty and Piety should have been sufficient Motives to us to
help our afflicted Brethren; but if we had been proof against those
Incentives, so that neither brave nor praise-worthy Actions could unthaw
our frozen Courage; yet Profit and Advantage, which are now the great
Bias of the World, might have stirred us up to recover such opulent and
commodious Countries from Infidels, and to possess them ourselves: But,
on the contrary, we plow the Ocean, even as far as the _Indies_, and the
very _Antipodes_, because there we get rich Prey and Spoil at a cheap
Rate, even without Bloodshed, by imposing on the simple and uncrafty
_Indians_. ’Tis true, we pretend the Conversion of the _Heathens_, but,
if we go to the Root of the Matter, (to our Shame be it spoken) ’tis
their Gold, not their Godliness, is the Gain we seek for. Our Ancestors
carried it at quite another Rate, who did not, like trading Merchants,
seek after those Places where there was most Wealth, but where there
was greater Opportunity for noble and virtuous Atchievements; so that
it was not Profit, but Honour, which put them upon hazardous and remote
Expeditions: And when they came home, they were more laden with Glory
than with Plunder. I speak this in your Ear; for others, perhaps, may
think it a peculiar thing in me, to detract from the Manners of the
present Age. But, let them think what they will, I see that the Arrow
is drawn to the Head to destroy us; and I am afraid, that we, who would
not fight for Glory, shall be forced to do it to save our Lives. But to
return to _Pontus_.

The _Turks_ call the _Euxine_, _Caradenis_, (i. e.) _The Black Sea_.
It falls down thro’ narrow Streights into the _Thracian Bosphorus_,
where its Waters are tossed up and down by many Vortices, Turnings,
and Windings, occasioned by several Promontories jutting out into it;
and thus, in one Day’s Passage, it descends to _Constantinople_, and
from thence, almost by the like strait Passage, it breaks out into the
_Propontis_. In the Middle of the Bay, where it makes its Influx into the
_Bosphorus_, there is a Rock with an erected Pillar, in the Basis whereof
is writ the Name of a certain _Roman_, called _Octavian_, (if my Memory
fail not) in _Latin_ Letters.

On the _European_ Shore there is a Tower, called _Pharos_, where they
hang out Lights in the Night, to guide Sailors by. Not far from this
Place, a River falls into the Sea, in the Channel whereof there are
found Stones, little inferior to _Onyxes_ or _Sardonyxes_, and, if they
be polished, are as shining as they. A few Miles from that Bay, which I
lately spoke of, we may see those Streights over which _Darius_ wasted
his Army against the _European Scythians_: And about the Middle, between
the two Mouths of the _Bosphorus_, there are two Castles, one of which is
in _Europe_, and the other on the opposite Shore, in _Asia_. This latter
was possessed by the _Turks_ long before _Mahomet_ took _Constantinople_.
The other was built by him some few Years after he became Master of
that City. The _Turks_ make use of it, at this Day, as a Prison for the
nobler Sort of their Captives. _Lazarus_, a Commander, or Prince of
the _Epitots_ not long ago was taken Prisoner by the _Turks_, together
with some _Spaniards_ at _Castlenovo_, and committed to this Tower;
from whence making his Escape, and being retaken, he was impal’d, (_i.
e._) put to a most cruel Death, by having a Pole thrust thro’ his Body,
from his Fundament to his very Neck; yet he indured it with incredible
Patience.

Perhaps you expect that I should here give you an Account of those
floating Islands, called _Cyaneæ_ or _Symplegades_. But, to deal freely
with you, those few Hours that I spent on the _Pontus_, I saw no such
Islands at all; whether they had been carried to any other Place, I know
not: If you desire to have a more particular Information concerning
them, you may consult _Peter Gyllius_, who was an exact Enquirer into
such Curiosities; for my Part, I shall record only what I saw, or know
to be true. Yet I think it is not fit for me to conceal a Mistake that
_Polybius_ is guilty of; for he proposes many Arguments, to prove that,
in Tract of Time, the _Euxine_ will be choaked up with Sand and other
Trash, brought in by the _Danow_, the _Borysthenes_, and other great
Rivers falling into it, that it would be made unfit for Navigation;
whereas, the contrary appeared to me; for that Sea is every jot as
navigable, at this Day, as it was of old in the Days of _Polybius_. And
though he seemed to have some Grounds for his Opinion, that to him were
irrefragable, yet Time hath shewed them to be weak. The like Observation
holds in other Cases; for, of old, who would not believe the Ancients,
who affirmed, upon seemingly imaginable Grounds, That the Torrid Zone
was inhabitable? whereas, later Discoveries have fully convinced us,
That those hot Countries are as well inhabited as any other Part of the
Terrestial Globe; nay, when the Sun is at the highest with them, and
darts down its Rays perpendicularly upon them; even at that very Time
the Ardency of the Heat is so tempered and cooled by continued Rains,
that those Countries are rendered very fit for human Habitations. But to
return.

After the _Grand Seignior_ was informed, by Letters, of my Arrival (as
I said before) he sent to the Governor of _Constantinople_, intimating
his Pleasure, that he should send us to him into _Asia_, as far as
the City of _Amasia_, or (as it is writ on ancient Coins) _Amazeia_,
where he then was. Upon this Advice we prepared all Things for our
Journey; and, with our Guides, on the 9th of _March_ we were wafted
over into _Natolia_, (for so the _Turks_ call _Asia_ at this Day.)
That Day we went no farther than _Scutari_, a Town on the _Asiatick_
Shore, opposite to Old _Byzantium_; where, or very little above it, the
noble City of _Chalcedon_ was formerly thought to stand. The _Turks_
were of Opinion, That when our Horses, Coaches, Baggage, and Train,
together with ourselves, were all got over the _Hellespont_, ’twas
enough for one Day’s Journey; especially considering, that if we had
forgot any of the necessary Accoutrements for our Journey, or had left
them behind at _Constantinople_, (as it sometimes happened) we might
bethink ourselves before we went any farther, and fetch them over. The
next Day we continued our Journey from _Scutari_, over fragrant Fields,
full of odoriferous Plants, and especially _Stæchas’s_, a sweet smelling
Spike. There we saw a vast Number of _Tortoises_, stalking over all the
Field, without any Fear at all. We had certainly seized upon a great
many of them, as a Prey grateful to our Palates, had it not been for our
_Turkish_ Guides, whom we were afraid to disoblige; for if they had seen
any of them brought to our Table, much more, if they had touched them,
they would have thought themselves so defiled, that I know not how many
Washings would not have cleansed their imagined Pollution. For, as I told
you before, the _Turks_, and the _Greeks_ too, are so superstitious, that
they abhor ever to touch of that Animal; so that, it being no hurtful
Creature, and no body endeavouring to catch them, the whole Country
abounds with _Tortoises_. I kept one of them by me a great while, which
had two Heads, and it would have lived much longer, if I had been as
careful of it as I might. That Day’s Journey brought us to a Village,
called _Cartaly_, which I mention, because I shall, for the future,
gratify you with the Knowledge of the several Stages of this Voyage. For
tho’ the Journey from _Vienna_ to _Constantinople_ hath been performed
by many, yet this from _Constantinople_ to _Amasia_, hath, as yet, been
undergone by no _Christian_ that I know of. From _Cartaly_ we came to
_Gabise_, a Town of _Bithynia_, which some think was anciently called
_Libyssa_, and is famous for the Sepulchre of _Hannibal_, who was there
interred. From thence there is a most pleasant Prospect into the Sea, and
into the Bay of _Nicomedia_; here also grow _Cyprus_ Trees of a wonderful
Bulk and Tallness.

Our fourth Day’s Journey from _Constantinople_ brought us to _Nicomedia_,
a City, anciently of great Note; but we saw nothing remarkable in it, but
the Ruins and Rubbish of old Walls, with some broken Pieces of Pillars
with their Chapiters, which were all the Remainders of its ancient
Splendor, except one Castle on an Hill, which was somewhat more entire.
A little before we came to this Place, some Workmen, that were digging
under Ground, discovered a long Wall made with Marble, which (it may be)
was part of the ancient Palace of the Kings of _Bithynia_.

From _Nicomedia_, we passed over a Cliff or Ridge of Mount _Olympus_,
and came to a Village called _Kasockly_, and from thence to _Nice_; but
it was so late before we came thither, that the first Watch was set. Not
far from that Place, I heard a mighty Noise, as if it had been of Men
that jeer’d and mock’d us. I asked what was the Matter? Whether any of
the Mariners, rowing on the Lake _Ascanius_, (which was not far off) did
deride us, for travelling at that unusual Time of Night? I was answered,
No, but it was only the howling of certain Beasts, which the _Turks_ call
_Ciacals_, or _Jacals_. They are a Sort of Wolves, somewhat bigger than
Foxes, but less than common Wolves; yet as greedy and devouring as the
most ravenous Wolves or Foxes of all. They go in Flocks, and seldom or
never hurt either Man or Beast, but get their Food by Craft and Stealth,
more than by open Force. Thence it is, that the _Turks_ call subtle and
crafty Persons, especially the _Asiaticks_, by the Metaphorical Name
of _Ciacals_. Their Manner is to enter into the Tents or Houses of the
_Turks_, in the Night-Time, and what they can catch that is eatable,
that they eat; and if they find nothing else to devour, then they fall
a gnawing of all Kinds of Leather Things, as Shoes, Boots, Girdles,
Scabbards of Swords, and the like; and they are as cunning as they are
thievish; but in this they are very ridiculous, that they discover
themselves by the Noise they make. For whilst they are most busy in a
House, devouring their Prey, if any one of their Herd, that stays without
Doors, chance to howl, they all set up a howling likewise; and thus,
forgetting where they are, they raise up the People of the House, who
leap out of their Beds, and cudgel them soundly.

All the next Day we staid at _Nice_; I believe my Lodging was in the same
House where the Council of _Nice_ was heretofore celebrated. As for the
Town itself, it is seated on the Bank of the Lake _Ascanius_. The Walls
of it are almost entire, so are the Gates, which are but four, and may
all may be seen from the Middle of the Market-Place; in each of them
there were old Inscriptions in _Latin_, which shew that the Town was
repaired by _Antoninus_: which of them I do not well remember; but sure
it must be by _Antoninus_ the Emperor. There are also some Remainders of
his Baths, and whilst the _Turks_ were digging out Stones from thence
to build Houses at _Constantinople_, they found the Statue of a Soldier
in his Armour, curiously wrought, and almost entire; but they quickly
battered it with their Hammers, even in our View; and when we shewed
ourselves displeased at their rude Violence, they paid us with a Jeer,
_What_, said the Labourers, _will you bow down to worship this Statue, as
you ~Christians~ used to do to yours?_

From _Nice_ we continued our Journey to a Place called _Jenysar_. From
_Jenysar_ to _Ackbyuck_, from _Ackbyuck_ to _Bazargyck_, from _Bazargyck_
to _Bosowick_, otherwise called _Cassumbasa_, seated in the narrowest
Streights of Mount _Olympus_; for almost all our Way from _Nice_
thither, lay through the Cliff of that Mountain. At _Nice_ we lodged in
a _Turkish_ Inn, or Hospital, and just against it was a Rock, standing
on high Ground, wherein there was a square deep Trench cut, and from the
Bottom thereof there issued out a Canal, that reached to the Highway.
That Trench or Ditch, the ancient Inhabitants of that Place used, in
the Winter Time, to fill with Snow; that so the melted Snow-Water
gently dropping down into the Road, by the fore-mentioned Canal, might
quench the Thirst of parched Travellers. Such Works as these the _Turks_
count _Eleemosynary_ ones; because they are for the publick Benefit and
Advantage of Mankind.

Not far from this Place, on the Right Hand, we saw a Town, called
_Otmanlick_, borrowing its Name, (as I conceive) from _Ottoman_, the
Founder of the _Ottoman_ Family, who lived there.

From those Streights we descended into an open Campaign; and when we came
thither, we lay the first Night in our Tents, whereby the Heat did not so
much incommode us, as otherwise it would have done; the Place was called
_Chiausada_. The most remarkable Things we saw here, was a subterraneous
House, that had no Light, but only what stole in at the Roof: We saw also
that Sort of _Goats_, of whose Hair, (or Fleece, if you had rather call
it so) they make the Shagreen or watered Stuff, called Camlet. If you
would know the Nature of that Creature, I shall not entertain you with a
Flam, but give you the true Description of it.

The Hair of this Creature is very fine, and extreamly white, and it hangs
down from their Bodies to the Ground. The Goat-herds do not sheer, but
kemb it off, and it is almost as fine as Silk. These _Goats_ are often
washed in the neighbouring Rivers, and feed upon the Grass growing there,
which is very tender and dry, and that certainly contributes much to the
Fineness of their Wool; for if they are removed to another Place, their
Fleece changes with their Pasture, and their Kids do so degenerate,
that one would hardly think them of the same Breed. The Thread that is
spun of that Hair or Wool, is carried, by the Women of that Country, to
_Ancyra_, a City of _Galatia_, where it is woven into Cloth and dy’d, as
I shall tell you anon.

Moreover the Sheep of those Countries have very fat and weighty Tails,
(their Sheep-Flocks consist hardly of any other.) The Tail of any one of
them weighs sometimes three or four Pound, and sometimes eight or ten;
yea, they grow so big in some old Sheep, that they are forc’d to lay them
upon a Plank, running on two little Wheels, that so they may draw them
after them, not being otherwise able to trail them along.

Perhaps you will think I tell you a Romance; but, take it on my Word, it
is a certain Truth. I grant, such bulky Tails may be of some Advantage,
because they are full of Fat; but the Flesh of the Sheep seemed more
harsh and rank to me, than our own Mutton. The Shepherds that tend them
lie Day and Night in the Fields, and carry their Wives and Children about
with them, in Waggons, which serve them instead of Houses; only sometimes
they erect small Tents to lie under. They wander far and near, sometimes
in the open Campaign, sometimes over Hills, sometimes over Dales, as the
Season of the Year, and the Necessity of Pasturage, doth require.

I saw also in those Countries, some Sort of Birds, unknown to us, and
such as I never saw before. Among the rest, there is a Kind of _Ducks_,
which gives a Sound like Trumpeters, or such as blow the Cornet; the
Noise they make is almost like the Sound of a Post-Boy’s Horn. It is a
Bird, which though it hath nothing wherewith to defend itself, yet is
very strong and daring.

The _Turks_ are verily persuaded, that the Devils are afraid of these
Birds. This is certain, they are so tenaciously sensible of their
Liberty, that tho’ they have been kept up tame in a Coop, for three Years
together, yet if they can but get an Opportunity to escape away, they fly
to their wonted Haunts, as preferring their natural Seats before their
confined Prisons, though they be cramm’d and fatten’d there.

We passed on from _Chiousada_ to _Karali_; from _Karali_ to _Hazdengri_;
from thence to _Mazotthoy_; from _Mazotthoy_ we passed over the
River _Sangar_, which runs into _Pontus_ out of _Phrygia_, and came
to _Mahathli_, from thence to _Zugli_, thence to _Chilancyck_; from
_Chilancyck_ to _Ialancich_; from thence to _Portughin_; and from
_Portughin_ we reached to _Ancyra_, called by the _Turks_, _Angur_. We
staid one whole Day at _Ancyra_, partly because the _Turks_ did not
hasten us; for, in regard the _Persian_ Embassador made an Halt, we
were desired to do so too, that we might make our Entrances, both at
one Time, into _Amasia_. I saw nothing remarkable in all the Villages
aforementioned, save that sometimes, among the _Turkish_ Sepulchres,
we happened to see some Pillars, or ancient Stones of curious Marble,
wherein there were several Remains of _Latin_ or _Greek_ Inscriptions,
but so defaced, that they could not be read; which Disappointment I
very much resented, for all my Delight was, as soon as I came to my Inn
at Night, to enquire after old Inscriptions, together with _Latin_ and
_Greek_ Coins; and sometimes for rare Kinds of Plants.

As for the Sepulchres, or Graves of the _Turks_, their Custom is, not to
fill them with Earth, but throw great Stones upon them for a Covering.
Would you know the Reason? ’tis Superstitious enough. The _Turks_
believe, that whenever the Devil accuses the Deceased, and calls upon
him to give an Account how he spent his Life; then his good Genius will
defend him, and this Stone is the Place upon which the Ghost must sit,
that he may plead his Cause with more Care; and it is so huge and bulky,
that Dogs, Wolves, or other ravenous Beasts, especially the _Hyænæ_, may
not injure his Corps as it lies in the Earth.

The _Hyæna_ is a Beast common in these Countries; she uses to dig up
Graves, and taking out the dead Bodies from thence, carries them to her
Den, near which you shall see a great Heap of Bones of Men, Horses,
and other Creatures. She is a little lower than a Wolf, and quite as
long; she hath a Skin like a Wolf, only her Hair is rougher and full
of great black Spots; her Head is contiguous to her _Spina dorsi_,
without any _vertebræ_ at all; so that, when she looks backward, she
must of necessity turn her whole Body: Instead of a Row of Teeth, she
hath but one continued Bone. The _Turks_ do ascribe great Vertue to this
Beast, in _Philtres_, as did the Antients: there were two of them at
_Constantinople_, when I was there; I cheapned them, but their Owners
were unwilling to sell them, because they kept them for the _Sultaness_,
who was thought, by Love-Portions, and Magic Art, to have engaged her
Husband’s Love to her. Here I cannot chuse but take Notice of a Mistake
in _Bellonius_, who thinks the _Hyæna_ to be the same Creature with that
we call the _Zibeth_ or _Musk-Cat_.

The _Turks_ have a Tradition, that the _Hyæna_, which they call
_Zirtlan_, understands what Men say one to another. The Antients
affirm’d, that they could also imitate Man’s Voice, and thereupon Hunters
catch them by this Wile. They find out her Den, which they may easily
do by the heap of Bones lying by it; and then one of them goes in with
a Rope, leaving the other End of the Rope in the Hands of his Fellows
without; and when he is creeping in, he cries with a loud Voice, _Joctur,
Joctur, Ucala!_ i. e. _She is not here, She is not here!_ or, _I cannot
find her!_ whereupon, the _Hyæna_, thinking she is not discovered, lies
close, and he ties one end of the Rope about her Leg; and then he goes
forth, still crying, _I cannot find her!_ but when he is escaped quite
out of the Hole, he cries out aloud, _She is within, She is within!_
which the _Hyæna_ hearing, and understanding the meaning of it, leaps
out, thinking to escape; but then they hold her back by the Rope, tied to
her Leg, and either kill her, or, if they use Care and Diligence, lake
her alive, for she is a fierce Creature, and defends herself desperately.

I found abundance of Old Coins all up and down this Country, especially
of the later Emperors, _viz._ the _Constantines_, the _Constantius_’s,
the _Justin_’s, the _Valens_’s, the _Valentine_’s, the _Numerian_’s, the
_Probus_’s, the _Tacitus_’s, and such like. In many Places the _Turks_
use them for Weight, _viz._ of a Drachm, or half a Drachm; and they call
it _Giaur Manguri_, i. e. the Money of the _Pagans_ or _Infidels_. The
like Coins I found in the neighbouring Cities of _Asia_, as at _Amysus_,
at _Synopis_, at _Cumana_, at _Amastris_, and _Amasia_ itself, whither we
were going. There was a Brasier of that City which grieved me very much;
for demanding of him, whether he had any Old Coins to sell? He answered
me, That a few Days ago, he had a large Room full of them, but had melted
them down to make Brass Kettles, as thinking them of little Value, and
fit for no other Use. When I heard this Story, it troubled me much to
lose so many choice Monuments of Antiquity; but I paid him back in his
own Coin, by telling; him, That I would have given him a hundred Guilders
for them; so that my Revenge was suited to his Injury; for I sent him
away as sorrowful, as he did me for losing the Coins.

As for Plants, I saw very few in my Journey in those Parts, which were
unknown to us in _Europe_. They were almost all of the same Kind;
only they were more or less flourishing, according to the Richness or
Poverty of the Soil. The _Amomum_, which, _Dioscorides_ says, grows near
_Pontus_, I very diligently sought for, but in vain; so that I knew not
whether that Plant did not fail in that Country, or else was transplanted
into another.

This Town of _Ancyra_, was our 9th Stage from _Constantinople_. It is a
Town of _Galatia_, sometimes the Seat of the _Gauls_, called by _Pliny_,
_Tectosagum_; nor was it unknown to _Strabo_: Though perhaps the present
Town is but part of the old Town, called in the Canons, _Anguira_. Here
we saw a stately Superscription, and a Sampler of those Tables, wherein
the Atchievments of _Augustus_ were summarily comprehended. I caused
as much of it, as we could read, to be transcribed. It is cut in the
Marble Walls of that Structure, which heretofore was the Town-hall; but
is now demolished, so that one part of it is visible to those that enter
on the right Hand, and the other to those that enter upon the left.
The top Chapiters are almost entire; the Middle is full of Clefts, and
the lowermost Part of it is so battered with Clubs and Hatchets, that
it cannot be read; which Loss cannot be sufficiently lamented by all
Lovers of Learning; and so much the more, because the Commons of _Asia_,
dedicated this City to _Augustus_. Here also, we were Eye-witnesses of
the dying of that Cloth, I spake of before, made of Goats-wool, and how
they Camlet it, or give it its Water-colour; ’tis done thus. They pour
Water upon it, and by means of a Cloth-press, cause it to receive that
Colour. That is counted the best, which is most variegated in every part;
and if, in any Piece, the Water-colours do not deeply and uniformly
appear, that Piece, though of the same Colour, and made of the same Wool,
is valued at some Gilders less than another, because it is not so deeply
tinctured. The better sort of _Turks_, in their old Age, are usually
clothed with this Sort of Cloth, and _Solyman_ himself used to wear
Vests of it; but Green is a Colour disused much by _Christians_; and the
rather, because the _Turks_ commend it upon a Superstituous Account, as
being worn by their Prophet _Mahomet_ in his older Days.

A black Colour is counted unfortunate, and is disliked by them; and, when
they see any Man so clad, they look on it as an ill _Omen_; so that when
any of ours did approach the _Bashaw’s_, in a black Habit, they look’d
a-squint on us, and made sad Complaints; and the Truth is, none of their
own appear in black, but either one that is desperately poor, or else so
overwhelm’d with some great Calamity, that he regards not what Cloaths
he wears. A Purple Colour is a creditable Colour with them; only it is
an Omen of much Bloodshed in Time of War: But the ordinary approved
Colours among them, are the _White_, the _Yellow_, the _Sea-Green_, the
_Violet-Colour_, and _Mouse-Colour_, &c.

The _Turks_ ascribe very much to _Augury_, and _Omens_, Good or Bad, so
that it hath been known, that some _Bashaws_ have been removed from their
Places and Offices, by reason of a Fall from their Horse; as if that were
an _Omen_ of some ill Luck, which is averted from the Publick, by falling
on the Head of that private and particular Person; who is thereupon
degraded.

From _Ancyra_, we came to a Village called _Balygazar_, and from thence
to _Zarekuct_; from _Zarekuct_ to _Zermeczii_, and to the Bank of the
River _Halys_: As we past through a Village called _Algii_, we saw, at
some Distance, the neighbouring Mountains of _Synopi_, which were red,
like Vermillion; and from which Red Lead is called _Synopi_.

This _Halys_ is the famous River which was heretofore the Boundary of
the two Kingdoms of the _Medes_ and _Lydians_; concerning which, there
was an ancient Oracle, That when _Crœsus_ pass’d it to make War on the
_Persians_, he should overthrow a great Empire, which fell out to be his
Own; whereas he thought it would have been the _Persians_. Near the Bank
of this River, there was a Wood, which seemed to us, to bear an unknown
Shrub; but when we drew near, we found it to be _Liquorice_, and with the
Juice of its Root, we refreshed our selves abundantly.

Near that River, we met with a Countryman, and asking him, by an
Interpreter, Whether that River did abound with Fish? And how they used
to catch them? He answered, That there were Fishes enough; but no Body
could catch them. When he saw we wondred at his Answer, he proceeded:
For, _says he_, if a Man strive to take them up in his Hands, away
presently they swim, and will not stay to be catched. This Answer was the
less surprizing to me, because, when we had lighted upon some unknown
Birds, and demanded of the Country-men, _how we might take them?_ One
or other of them told us, That they could not be taken; for if any Body
endeavoured to lay Hands on them, they would fly away.

But one of my Collegues, _Francis Hay_, having some Nets with him, caused
them to be cast for the catching of Fish; we took a great Draught of
them, and especially the _Silurus_, or _Sheathfish_, which are common in
the _Danow_. Besides, there is in that River, good Store of Sea-Crabs,
or else, a Sort of Fish very like them. Whereupon, the _Turks_, who saw
our Fishing, wondered at the Industry and Ingenuity of _Christians_, who
would catch Fish at that Rate. Hereupon, perhaps, you will say, What,
are there no Fishermen in _Turkey_? I grant there are; but very few of
them live in those Parts. And, I remember, in another Place, when the
_Turks_ saw us turn the Stream out of its Course to catch Gudgeons at the
Bottom, they laughed much at us. _What_, said they, _do you catch such
small guddling Fish? what are they good for?_ This Ninny-Hammer did not
understand, that a great many of those Fishes would make a dainty Dish,
enough to suffice many Guests. But the _Turks_ are so parsimonious, that
they don’t study their Bellies at all; give them but Bread and Garlic, or
an Onion, with a Sort of _Bonniclabber_, or sour Milk, known in _Galen_’s
Time, by the Name of _Syllabub_, but called by them, _Ingurthe_; they
feed like Farmers, and desire nothing more.

They make this Drink thus; they dilute this Milk with cold Water, and
then cram Bread into it. This they use in the hottest Weather, and when
they are more athirst; and we our selves found great Benefit by it, in
our greatest Droughts. It is a Repast very grateful to the Palate and
Stomach, and of admirable Vertue in quenching the most vehement Thirst:
There is abundance of it ready made for Sale in all the _Turkish_ Inns,
or _Caravasera’s_, as well as all other Sorts of Soop. As for hot Meat,
or Flesh, the _Turks_ don’t much use them in their Travels; their usual
Dyet, on the Road, are _Syllabubs_, _Cheese_, _dry’d Plumbs_, _Pears_,
_Peaches_, _Quinces_, _Figs_, _Raisins_, and _Cornel-berries_; all these
are exposed to sale in great earthen Platters boiled in clean Water;
every one takes what he likes best. Those Fruits, with Bread, is his
Food; and the Water which remains, serves for Drink. Thus their Meat and
Drink stand them in very little; so that I dare say, one _Christian_
spends more Money, on his Belly, in one Day, than a _Turk_ doth in
twelve; yea, their most solemn Feasts consist of _Wafers_, _Cakes_, and
such-like Junkets, together with several Dishes of _Rice_, with some
_Mutton_, and _Pullet_; for _Capons_ are not yet known in _Turkey_; but
as for _Pheasants_, _Thrushes_, and Birds called _Figeaters_, they never
so much as heard of their Names. But, if _Honey_ and _Sugar_ be mix’d
with the Water, the Drink is like _Jove’s Nectar_ to them. One Sort of
their Liquors I had almost forgot, ’tis this. They take _Raisins of
the Sun_, and bruise, or grind them in a Mill, and then put them into
a wooden Vessel, pouring a certain Proportion of hot Water upon them.
This Mixture they stir about a little, and then cover the Vessel close,
and suffer it to ferment a Day or two; if it works well, then they add
Lees of Wine to quicken the Operation. When it first begins to ferment,
if you taste it, ’tis over-sweet, and that makes it more unpalatable;
but afterwards it acquires something of an Acid Taste, which, mix’d
with the Sweet, is very grateful to the Palate for about three or four
Days; especially if it be mixed with Snow, of which there is plenty at
_Constantinople_ at all times. This Drink they call _Arabsorbet_, i. e.
the _Arabian Potion_. It will not keep long, but grows sour in a very
little Time. ’Twill fly up in your Head, and make you reel as bad as
any Wine, if you drink too much of it; and therefore, the _Turks_, by
the rules of their Religion, are forbidden to drink it. For my Part, I
liked it very well; yea, that sort of Grapes was very acceptable and
refreshing; in many Places they keep them all Summer long. The way of
preserving them, they told me, was this: They take large Bunches of
Grapes ston’d (as the hot Sun quickly ripens them in those Countries);
these they put into a Wooden or Earthen Vessel, in the Bottom whereof,
they first lay a Line of groun’d Mustard-Seed; then they spread a Line
of Grapes upon it; thus with a Lay of Grapes, and a Lay of grinded
Mustard-Seed, they fill it up to the Top; and, when the Vessel is full,
then they pour in new _Must_, as much as will fill all the Interstice;
then they shut it close, and so let it stand till the hot Time of the
next Year, when Men stand most in need of Drink. Then these Vessels are
broach’d, and the Grapes, with its Liquor, are set to sale. The _Turks_
like the Liquor as well as the Grapes; but I did not so well like the
Taste of the Mustard-Seed, and, therefore, I caused the Grapes to be
washed, and then, when I was most thirsty, they gave me great Relief. I
hope you will give me leave to commend a Food to you, that did me so much
good, seeing the _Egyptians_ esteemed their Herbs and Plants, which were
contributory to their Health, as so many _Deities_. But ’tis Time for a
Wanderer to return back into the Way.

From the Bank of the River _Halys_, which the _Turks_ call _Aitoczu_, we
came to _Gonkurthoy_; from thence to _Choron_, and from thence to _Theke
Thioi_, where the _Turks_ have a stately Monastry for their _Priests_
and _Monks_, called _Dervises_. Those _Dervises_ told us a great Story
of a certain Man, called _Chederles_, of an huge Stature, and graveness
of Mind answerable thereto. They suppose it was the same with our St.
_George_, and ascribe the same Exploits to him; as the saving of a Virgin
by the Slaughter of a huge and terrible _Dragon_. To which they add many
Fables and Imaginations of idle Brains; as that he travelled over several
Countries far and near, and at last came to a River, whose Waters made
those that drank them immortal; but in what Part of the World this River
is, they cannot tell us; they say, moreover, that it lies somewhere in
a great Cloud, or Mist of Darkness, and that never a Man saw it since
_Chederles_. As for _Chederles_ himself, he was made Immortal, and so
was his Horse, by drinking the same Water, who now, both do invisibly
travel over the World, delighting in Wars, and appearing therein to the
most Valiant, or to those who implore his Aid, of what Religion soever
they be: Such ridiculous Fancies do they please themselves with! To which
we may add, other Things as absurd as those before-mentioned, That he
was one of the Friends and Companions of _Alexander the Great_. For, the
Truth is, the _Turks_ keep no just Account either of Times or Ages, but
makes a confused Hodge-podge of all History. When they have a Mind to it,
they scruple not to say, _That ~Job~ was Master of the Horse to King
~Solomon~, and that ~Alexander the Great~ was General of his Army_; with
such-like Stuff.

In that Monastry, or Mosque, there is a Fountain that bubbles forth
very clear and limpid Water; it is built about and cover’d with most
excellent Marble, and they ridiculously would have People believe, that
it had its Original from _Chederles_’s Horses, which he pissed in great
Plenty in that Place. They also told us many _Rodomontado_’s concerning
the Companions of _Chederles_, concerning his chief Groom, and also
concerning his Nephew by his Sister, all which were buried near at
hand, and their Sepulchres there to be seen; and when any Suppliants
come to pay their Devotions to them, they would have persuaded us, that
they receive great Relief thereby; yea, they superstitiously affirm,
That the Fragments of the Stones, and the very Earth itself, on which
_Chederles_’s Feet stood, when he staid for the Dragon, if drank in any
Liquor, are very good against Fevers, the Head-Ach, and the Diseases of
the Eyes. All the Country thereabout, is full of Dragons and Vipers,
so that, in the hot Season of the Year, they are so thick, basking
themselves in the Sun, that the Ways are almost unpassable for Travellers.

I had almost forgot to tell you, that, whereas, the _Greeks_ do usually
paint St. _George_ on Horseback in their Temples, with his Squire behind
him, holding out to him a Cup of Wine as to his Master, he being (as they
believe) their _Chederles_; they laugh heartily at that Spectacle.

At this Place, we were near our Journey’s End, for now we had but one
Stage more to _Amasia_; and that was _Baglison_; from thence we reached
_Amasia_, _April 7_, and thirty Days after, we left _Constantinople_. As
we were coming, some _Turks_ met us, to gratulate our Arrival, and to
introduce us with Honour.

_Amasia_ is, in a manner, the chief City of _Cappadocia_, where the
_Turkish_ Governor of that Province usually had his Residence, for the
Administration of Justice, and where he usually forms his Camp. But
that Town, ever since _Bajazet_’s Time, seemed to be very unlucky, and
of late, the miserable Case of _Mustapha_ hath confirmed it to be an
unfortunate Seat. _Strabo_ writes, that he was born there. It lies on the
Side of two opposite Hills, the River _Iris_ dividing the City of the
midst, running between them; so that from each Part you may look down
upon the River, as from the Seats or Stairs of a Theatre; and one Side of
it is conspicuous and open to the view of the other. It is so encompassed
with Hills, that there is but one way to it, either for Coach or Waggon.

The same Night we came thither, there happened a great Fire, which the
_Janizaries_ quenched, as their manner is, by plucking down the Houses
adjoining. Upon occasion of this Accident, give me leave to inform you,
that the _Turkish_ Soldiers are well-pleased when a Fire happens; for,
whereas they must be employed to quench it, and usually do it by ruining
the contiguous Houses, they have thereby an opportunity to rifle and
plunder both; so that they themselves do oftentimes privily set Houses
on Fire, that so they may filch and steal what they can out of them; as
I remember once, when I was at _Constantinople_, there were frequent
Conflagrations of Houses. ’Twas plain, they could not happen casually,
but must be set on Fire a purpose, and yet the Authors could not be
found; but the Fault was commonly cast on some _Persian_ Spies that were
in Town: At last, upon a diligent Search, ’twas found that the Soldiers
had stirr’d up their Fellows, that were a Ship-board, to do the Feat;
that so, during the Fire, they might enrich themselves with the Spoils.

Upon an high Hill, that hangs over and commands _Amasia_, there is a
strong Castle, wherein the _Turks_ have a continual Garrison, either to
curb the _Asiaticks_, who are not very well pleased with the _Ottoman_
Yoke (as I shall shew anon) or else to bridle the _Persian_, who many
times make large Excursions even as far as this Town, though at such a
vast distance from them. In this Hill there are some ancient Monuments,
which, perhaps, were the Sepulchres of the _Cappadocian_ Kings.

As for the Houses and Streets of _Amasia_, there is little or no Beauty
in them. Their Houses are built of Loom, as they are in _Spain_, plain at
top without any Roof, and what covering they have is of Loom or Clay too.
They have some old piece of a Pillar, Cylinder or Roller, which they turn
up and down to stop any Chink or Crevice, made either by Rain or Wind.
The Inhabitants, in former Times, lay down to sleep in the open Air. As
for Rains, they are not great, nor frequent in those Parts; but if at
any time a Shower falls, the Loomy Droppings from the Eaves, do wofully
dirty the Cloths of those that pass under them. I saw there a certain
young noble Person, living not far from me, at his Supper, after the old
_Roman_ fashion, lying on a Bed. As soon as I came to _Amasia_, we were
introduced to compliment the supreme Vizier _Achmet_, and the rest of the
_Bashaw_’s, for their Emperor was then gone abroad; we treated with them
a while concerning the Contents of our Embassy; and because they would
not seem to prejudice us, they lent us a favourable Ear; referring all,
however, to the Will and Pleasure of their Emperor. When he came home, we
were led into his Presence, for Audience; but he entertain’d us (and the
Reasons we alledg’d in the Speech we made him, according to the Command
of my Master) with a sour and frowning Look. He sate upon a low Throne,
not above a Foot from the Ground, but it was all covered over with rich
Tapestry, and with Cushions exquisitely wrought. His Bow and Arrows lay
by his side, he himself (as I said) looked sternly upon us; and yet
there was a certain Majesty, mix’d with Severity, in his Countenance.
Each of us, as we entred the Room, was led up towards him by some of
his Bed-chamber Officers, who held us by the Arm, (for so they use to
introduce Ambassadors, ever since a certain _Croatian_, desiring to speak
with _Amurath_, and drawing near to him so to do, slew him in revenge of
the death of his Master, _Mark_ the _Despot_ of _Servia_, who was killed
by the said _Amurath_): and afterwards, as if we had kiss’d his Hand, we
were led backward to the opposite part of the Room; for the _Turks_ count
it an unmannerly thing to turn any of their Back-parts to their Prince.
From thence I had liberty to declare our Master’s Commands; but they
suited not with his lofty, imperious Spirit, who thought that nothing
ought to be denied him, for they were daring and high; so that he, as
disdaining them, said nothing but _Giusel, Giusel!_ (i. e.) _Well, Well!_
And so we were dismissed to our Lodgings.

At our Audience there was a very full Court, for a great many Governors
of Provinces were there with their Presents; and, besides the Imperial
Horse, _Spahi’s_, _Janipagits_ and _Ululags_, there were also a great
number of _Janizaries_. But, among this vast number of Courtiers, there
was not so much as one more eminent for Birth and Parentage; each one, by
his Valour and adventurous Atchievements, was the Carver out of his own
Fortune. Their Honour ariseth from their Preferments; so that there is
no dispute about Precedency, but every Man’s Pre-eminces is according to
the Office which he bears. And those Offices are distributed at the meer
Will and Pleasure of the Prince, who does not regard the empty Name of
Nobility, nor value a Rush the Favour of the Multitude, or of any other
particular Man; but, considering only the Merits and Disposition of the
Man, he rewards him accordingly. And, by that means, Employments are
bestowed upon such Persons as are best able to manage them; and every
Man hath an opportunity to be the Hammerer out of his own Honour and
Preferment. Those which at present are the greatest Officers under their
Emperor, were mostly the Sons of Shepherds or Neatherds; and they are so
far from being ashamed of the Meanness of their Original, that they glory
therein among one another; and account it more Praise-worthy to be the
Advancers of themselves, than if they had Honour transmitted down to them
from their Ancestors.

For thus they argue, Virtue is not propagated from our Parents, but is
partly the Gift of God, and partly acquired by good Discipline, and by
our own Labour and Industry; so that, as no Son hath his Father’s Skill
in Music, Arithmetic or Geometry, derived to him from his Birth, so
neither can Fathers bequeath Virtue as an Inheritance to their Children;
for the Soul, say they, is not communicated with the Father’s Seed (so
that a Son must necessarily be born alike qualified as his Father was)
but it is infus’d into his Body from the God of Heaven. Thus in that
Nation, Dignities, Honours, Offices, _&c._ are the Rewards of Virtue and
Merit; as on the other side, Dishonesty, Sloth, and Idleness, are among
them the most despicable things in the whole World. And by this means
they flourish, bear sway, and enlarge the Bounds of their Empire every
day more and more. But we, _Christians_, to our shame be it spoken,
live at another manner of rate; Virtue is little esteemed among us, but
Nobleness of Birth (forsooth) carries away all the Honour and Preferment.
But enough of this at present: More may be spoken on this Argument
hereafter; and what I have now said about it, pray keep it to your self,
for other Men may not be able to bear my Freedom herein.

To return, then, to my Subject; I shall now present you with a surprizing
Spectacle, even a multitude of Persons with picket Turbants on their
Heads, made of pure white Linnen folded together in Plates; their other
Apparel was very costly, of several Sorts and Colours, all most radiantly
shining with Gold, Silver, Purple, Silk, Velvet, _&c._ I am not able
to describe the Gaudiness of the _Show_; in one Word, ’twas the most
glorious one I ever saw in all my Life. And yet, in all this Splendor,
there was a great deal of Simplicity and Parsimony too. Those who were
of one Order had Cloathing all of one sort; there were no foolish Hems,
Lacings, Fringes or Borders, as among us, which cost a great deal of
Money, and yet wear out in a day or two. The Silk and Velvet Suits, which
many of them wore, though mightily embroidered, yet cost not above a
Ducat the making and embroidering. They did as much admire to see the
Fashion of our Cloaths, as we did that of theirs. Their Vests are very
long, almost down to their Heels, which is more graceful, and makes them
seem taller than they are; but our Apparel (forsooth) is so curtail’d
and short, that it hardly covers the Parts which Nature would have to
be concealed; on which Account it is less decent. Besides, it seems to
take away some Inches from the Tallness of our Stature, and look more
_Dwarf-like_. And yet, among so great a Multitude, I took notice of
this most laudable Circumstance; ’twas all _hush_; not so much as a
word spoken among them all, nor no humming Noise, as among a tumultuous
Multitude; no justling one of another, but every particular Man quietly
kept his own Station. The Heads of them, which they call _Aga’s_, had
Seats to sit upon, such as their _Serasquiers_, or _Generals_, their
_Brigadiers_, _Colonels_ and _Captains_; but the Commonalty stood on
their Feet. Among the rest, I most admir’d the _Janizaries_; though
there were some Thousands of them, yet they stood at a distance one from
another; Stock-still, (as we say) as if they had been Statues: So that I,
who was at some distance from them, thought verily they had been so, till
being advised to salute them, as the manner is, I saw them all bow their
Heads, by way of Resalutation, unto me. When we passed from this Shew,
behold there was another pleasurable one, which entertain’d us; and that
was their Horse-Guards, in their March to their Quarters. They rode upon
gallant stately Prancers, excellently well trapped, equipped, and Shod.
Thus we were dismissed, but with little hopes of obtaining what we came
for.

On the 10th of _May_, the _Persian_ Ambassador came to _Amasia_, and
brought with him rich and gallant Presents, as many choice sorts of
Hangings, _Babylonian_ Tents, curiously wrought within with many sorts
of Needle-work, gallant Horse-Trappings, and Saddles, Scymiters made
at _Damascus_, whose Handles were studded with Jewels, and Shields of
curious Workmanship; but that which exceeded them all, was the _Alcoran_,
so they call the Book containing the Rites and Ceremonies of their
Religion, which they fancy _Mahomet_ compos’d by Divine Inspiration, and
which is accounted the most noble Present of all. They quickly accorded
with him on Terms of Peace, so that it concern’d us to be cautious, who
were to find greater obstruction in our Negotiations with them. And, to
assure us that the Peace was confirm’d betwixt them, they omitted no
manner of extraordinary Respect to their Ambassador. For the manner of
the _Turks_ is, (as I told you before,) to be excessive on both Sides,
either in bestowing Honour on their Friends, or in heaping Reproaches on
their Enemies. _Haly Basha_, Deputy to the _Grand Vizier_, treated the
_Persian_ with a sumptuous Dinner, which he made in his Garden, a Place
far distant from us, and separated also by the interposal of the River,
yet we could see the Manner of it well enough; for, I told you, the
Place was seated so high on both sides of the Hill, that the Eye might
easily discover what was done on each side. This _Haly_ is a _Dalmatian_
by Birth, a Man of much Wit, and, which is strange in _Turkey_, very
courteous to Strangers. The Table, at which the _Bashaw_ and the
_Persian_ Embassador sate, was covered over with a Canopy, and the Dishes
were served up after this manner. There were one hundred Youths, which
attended, like Waiters, all of them alike habited. First of all, they
entered one by one, at a small distance from each other, till the Train
of them reached up to the Table where the Guests were sitting. They had
nothing at all in their Hands, that so they might not be hindered in
saluting the Guests, which was done in this manner; they laid their Hands
on their Thighs, and bowed their Heads downwards to the Ground; when
this Ceremony was perform’d, then he that stood next the Kitchen, took a
Dish and gave it to the next Page immediately before him; he handed it
to a Third, and he to a Fourth, and so from one to another till it came
to him who stood next the Table, and he delivered it to the Hands of the
Gentleman-Sewer, who plac’d it on the Table. And thus one hundred Dishes,
or more, were serv’d up to the Table in excellent Order, without any
Noise at all; and, when that was done, those Waiters, or Pages, saluted
the Guests a second time, and so returned in the same Order they came in;
only, of course, those that were last before went out first, and those
which were nearest the Table brought up the Rear. Thus the second Course
was also serv’d up; so that the _Turks_ are great Admirers of Orders,
even in the smallest matters, which we _Christians_ are apt to neglect,
even in things of greatest Moment. At some distant from the Ambassador
sate his Attendants with some _Turks_ of Quality with them.

Peace being thus made with the _Persians_, as I told you before, yet we
could get no good Terms of them at all, only we obtain’d an half year’s
Truce, till I could send to my Master, and know his Answer. I was sent to
be _Leiger_ Ambassador there; but, in regard there was no Peace settl’d
betwixt both Empires, the _Bashaws_ thought it adviseable for me to
return to my Master with Letters from _Solyman_ their Emperor; and I was
to return with an Answer from his Imperial Majesty, if he thought fit.
Hereupon I was again introduced into _Solyman_’s Presence, and had two
large embroider’d Veils, reaching down to my Ancles, clap’d upon me; they
were so heavy, that I could hardly stand under them. My Family also, that
attended me, were all clad with silk Garments of divers Colours; in this
Posture I stalked along, like _Agamemnon_, or some such piece of Gravity,
in a _Tragedy_; and so I took my leave of their Emperor, having first
receiv’d Letters from him to my Master, seal’d and wrap’d up in Cloth of
Gold, and the chief of my Attendants were also admitted to take their
Leaves; and thus, after we had taken our leaves of the _Bashaws_, I and
my Collegues departed from _Amasia_, _June_ the 2d. The Custom is, that
Ambassadors at their Departure, have a Dinner provided for them in the
_Divan_, (so they call the place where the _Bashaws_ sit to administer
Justice,) but this is done only to their Friends; that Compliment was
omitted to me, because Affairs were not yet in an amicable Posture
between them and us.

If you ask me, what manner of Man _Solyman_ was, I’ll tell you. He was
an ancient Man, his Countenance, and the Mien of his Body, were very
majestick, well becoming the Dignity which he bore; he was frugal and
temperate, even from his Youth, though he might have taken a greater
Liberty to himself by the Rules of their own Religion. In his younger
Days he was not given to Wine, nor to masculine Venery, which the
_Turks_ much delight in; to that his very Enemies could object nothing
against him on those Accounts, but that he was too uxurious, and his
over-indulgence to his Wife made him give way to the Death of his Son
_Mustapha_: Yet that Crime was vulgarly imputed to an Ascendent she
had over him, by reason of her Inchantments and Love-Portions. This is
certain, that, after he once took her for his lawful Wife, he never had
carnal Knowledge of any other Woman, though their Laws did not forbid
him. He is a very strict Observer of the _Mahumetan_ Religion, and is as
desirous to propagate that, as to enlarge the Bounds of his Empire.

He is now sixty years of Age; and, for a Man of his Years, he enjoys a
moderate proportion of Health, and yet his Countenance doth discover,
that he carries about him some hidden Disease, ’tis thought a Gangrene,
or Ulcer, in the Thigh; yet at solemn Audiences of Ambassadors, he hath
a _Fucus_ to paint his Cheeks with, that he may appear sound and healthy
to them, and thereupon be more dreaded by foreign Princes, their Masters.
Methought, I discovered some such thing at my Dismission; for his
Countenance was as sour when I left him, as it was at my first Audience.

Having thus taken my leave, I began my Journey in the Month of _June_,
and the Heat thereof was so excessive, that it cast me into a Fever. ’Tis
true, it was a remiss and gentle one, yet it came every Day; to which was
added an Hoarseness, and Defluction of Rheum from the Head, and it held
me till I came to _Constantinople_.

The _Persian_ Embassador left _Amasia_ the self-same Day that I did,
and we went both out of the City the same way; for, (as I told you
before) there is but one Passage into, or out of, that Town, it is so
shut in by the circumjacent and unpassable Hills: But the Way quickly
doth divide into two, one to the _East_, which the _Persians_ took; and
another to the _West_. which was our Road. In the open Fields about
the Town, we saw the _Turkish_ Camp pitch’d, with abundance of Tents.
I shall not entertain you with the Stages of my Return, they being
the same with those of my Journey thither, only we made a little more
Speed, and sometimes rode two Day’s Journey in one. In fine, we came to
_Constantinople_, _June_ the 2d. You must needs think I had a troublesome
Journey of it, having such a Companion with me, as a _Quotidian Ague_,
all the way; so that, when I came thither, I was almost nothing but Skin
and Bone: Yet, lean as I was, when I came to rest, and by the advice of
_Quaquelben_, my Physician, used warm Baths, I quickly recovered. One
thing I observed in the method of my Cure, that, when I came out of the
warm Bath, he would sprinkle me over with cold Water, which, though it
were troublesome to me at the present, yet I found that it did me much
good.

Whilst I staid at _Constantinople_, there was a certain Person, that came
from the _Turkish_ Camp in _Asia_, who told me a Story, which I shall
acquaint you with, because it shows that the _Asiaticks_ are not very
well pleased, either with the Religion, or the Government of the _Turks_.
’Twas this: _Solyman_, says he, as he was returning home, was forc’d to
lodge one Night in the House of a certain _Asiatick_, and when he went
away in the Morning, his Host brought a great deal of Perfume, and us’d a
great many Ceremonies, to cleanse and purge his House, as if it had been
polluted by such a Guest as _Solyman_; when _Solyman_ heard of it, he
caused the Man to be slain, and his House to be levelled with the Ground.
This Punishment the poor Man underwent for his Aversion to the _Turks_,
and his Propensity to favour the _Persians_.

I staid about fourteen Days at _Constantinople_ to refresh my self, and
then I entred on my Journey back again to _Vienna_: But I was entertain’d
with an inauspicious Omen, even a very sad Spectacle; just as I was
gone out of the Gates of _Constantinople_, I met whole Waggon-Loads of
Boys and Girls, which were brought out of _Hungary_ to _Constantinople_
to be sold; no Merchandize is more frequent amongst them than that.
For, as when we leave _Antwerp_, we meet with all sorts of merchantable
Commodities importing into the Town, so here, ever now and then, there
passed by us abundance of poor miserable _Christian_ Slaves, which were
going to be sold in the Markets to a perpetual Bondage. There was no
distinction of Age; Old and Young were driven in Herds, or Companies,
or else were tied in a long Chain, as we use to tail Horses when we
carry them to Fairs. When I beheld this woful sight, I could not forbear
weeping and bemoaning the unhappy State of poor _Christendom_. And if
that miserable Spectacle were not afflicting enough to a new Traveller,
take another bad and mortifying Occurrence: My Collegues had recommended
some of their Retinue to me, which were weary of living in _Turkey_, that
they might be of my Train, in returning to their own Country. I granted
their Request, and having travelled two Day’s Journey, I perceiv’d
one that was Chief among them, (called a _Vaivode_, from his Office,)
was carried sick in a Coach; one of his Feet being bare, without any
Stockings, he would not suffer it to be covered, for he had in it a
Plague-sore, which he found more easy to keep open. We were much troubled
at this sight, as fearing that infectious Disease would spread farther;
but the poor Man liv’d till we came to _Adrianople_, and there departed
this Life. Upon his Death another Mischief did succeed; as soon as the
Breath was out of his Body, the rest of the _Hungarians_ ran in greedily
to the Prey, one caught up his Stockings, another his Doublet, a third
his Shirt, a fourth his other Linnen; thus casting themselves, and us
too, into a great deal of Danger. Nor was there any way in the World to
hinder them.

’Tis true, my Physician, like an honest Man, ran in amongst them, and
intreated them, for God’s sake, to throw the Things away, because they
would infect us all; but they were deaf to his Advice. The Day after
we left _Adrianople_, those very Persons came to him, and complain’d
of a Pain in their Heads, with a dejection of their Spirits, and
a Listlessness both of Body and Mind, and desired his Advice; he,
suspecting the Symptoms of the Plague in the case, told them, they were
well enough serv’d, for not harkening to his Counsel; yet he would do
them what good he could, only, being on his Journey, he was unprovided
of proper Medicines. The same Day I walked abroad into the Field, as
I us’d to do, as soon as ever I came to my Inn, to see if I could
find any thing worthy of my Notice in those Countries, where I met
with an unknown Herb in the Meadow, which smelt like _Garlick_. After
I had pluck’d some Leaves of it, I gave them to my Physician to know
his Judgment; he looked wistly upon it, and told me, ’twas _Scordium_,
and lifting up his Hands to Heaven, he gave God thanks for sending us
so opportune a Remedy against the Plague; hereupon he gathers a great
quantity of it, and putting it into a large Pot, boiled it over the
Fire. Then he bid the _Hungarians_ take heart, and parted the Decoction
amongst them, prescribing the taking of it very hot, as they were going
to Bed, mix’d with some _Lemnian_ Earth, and _Diascordium_, and that they
should not sleep till they had fallen into a great Sweat. Observing his
Directions, the next Day after they were much better, and desired the
same Portion again, and when they had drunk it, they grew perfectly well.
And thus, by God’s Blessing, we avoided that Infection.

And yet, the residue of our Journey was not without Peril. After we had
passed the Country of the _Thracians_ and _Bulgarians_, which reaches
as far as _Nissa_, and came into the _Servians_ Country, reaching from
_Nissa_ to _Simandria_, where the _Rascians_ Country begins; we came at
last to _Belgrade_, the Weather being excessively hot and parching, for
’twas the hottest time of the _Dog-days_.

At _Belgrade_, upon one of our Fish-days, we were presented with
abundance of choice Fish, and amongst the rest, with large full-bodied
_Carps_, taken in the _Danube_, whose _Carps_ are very much commended: My
People did eat very greedily of them, and that was either the cause, or
the occasion, which cast many of them into a Fever; yet all that quantity
of Fish, which was enough to satisfy forty Men, cost but half a Dollar;
and the Truth is, other Things are as cheap. As for Hay, ’tis little
or nothing worth; the Meadows are so laden with it, that every Man may
take what he will, provided he pay for the Mowing and Carriage; which
made us admire the Wisdom of the old _Hungarians_, after they had passed
the _Save_, who chose so fertile a Country, as _Hungary_, to dwell in;
where there were all manner of Conveniences for Human Life. We passed
over a great Tract of Land, both beyond and on this side the _Save_, and
we found the Grass, Barley, Oats and Wheat, almost parch’d and withered
with Drought; but as soon as we entred _Hungary_, the Grass was so tall,
that a Coach, that went before, could hardly be seen by another that came
after; which is a great Argument of the goodness of the Soil.

The _Rascians_, as I told you before, begin at _Simandria_, and reach
as far as the River _Drave_; they are reputed to be a fudling sort of
People, and not very faithful to Strangers. Whence they had their Name
and Original, I do not certainly know; but truly they were kind enough
to us; we passed through some Villages of theirs of less Note, and at
last arrived at _Esseck_, which is almost inclosed with muddy Marshes,
and is famous for the slaughter of _Catzianerus_, and the overthrow
of the _Christians_. Here I was taken with a _Tertian Ague_, I was so
parch’d with Heat, in travelling the open Fields of _Hungary_; and at
_Esseck_ we passed the _Drave_, and came to _Lasque_, where being weary
with the Heat of my Journey, and my Ague, I laid me down to Rest. There
the chiefest of the Place came to me to bid me welcome; and presented me
with large Melons, Pears, and Plumbs of several Sorts, besides Wine, and
other Provisions, all of them very good; the noted Country of _Campania_
in _Italy_ hardly bears better. In the Room where I lodged, there was
a long Table all furnished with these Viands: My Servants desired the
_Hungarians_ to stay to Supper, excusing my Absence, because of my
Sickness. As soon as I awoke, and saw such a full-spread Table before my
Eyes, I thought verily I had been in a Dream, and ask’d my Physician,
how that came about? He told me plainly, that he himself had caused the
Table to be furnished, that so the very Sight of it might refresh me.
But must I not taste of it, said I? Yes, said he, but you must only
taste; and so I eat a little of it, and seem’d to be much the better for
it. The Day after the _Hungarians_ came to me again to present their
Service, desiring me to represent their Condition to the Emperor, in
regard of the Wrongs they received from some of their Neighbours. From
thence we came to _Mohatz_, noted for the Overthrow and Death of _Lewis_
King of _Hungary_; not far from that Town, I saw a River whose Water was
deep, and its Banks very steep; here that unhappy Prince leapt in with
his Horse, and was drown’d, being for his Fall as much to be lamented,
as for his Imprudence, in venturing with a small and newly rais’d
Army of his Country-Men, to cope with the more numerous, veteran, and
well-disciplin’d Forces of _Solyman_.

From _Mohatz_, we travelled on to _Tulna_, and from thence to _Felduar_.
There I passed over the _Danube_, into an Island, pretty large, called
_Cophis_, inhabited by _Rascians_; and so repassing the _Danube_, I
arrived at _Buda_ twelve Days after I left _Belgrade_, _August_ the 4th,
having lost many of my Horses by the way, who were choaked with eating
new Barley, and drinking over-cold Water. Besides, I narrowly escaped
Robbers, which these Countries are much infested with, especially by
those they call _Heydukes_, some of which were afterwards taken, and
put to death at _Buda_, where they confessed to the _Bashaw_ thereof,
that they lay in wait for me and my Train, under a broken Bridge we
were to pass, that so they might assault us unawares. The Truth is, a
few may very easily circumvent and destroy a great many Passengers on
such Bridges; for the Bridges are ill-built, and the Planks are set so
wide, and gaping one from another, that you can scarce go over them safe
on Horseback, without danger of falling, if you are never so careful;
and if some meet you before, others will fall on your Rear, and others
start out from the Reeds and Sedges below, where they hide themselves,
and so accost you in the Flank, and you can hardly manage your Horse for
Self-defence, by reason of the badness of the Bridge: No doubt you may
be treated as the _Romans_ were in the _Caudine Streights_; be either
taken, or killed, at Pleasure. I know not what it was that deterred them
from assaulting us; whether it were our Numbers, or the Sight of the
_Hungarians_ with us; or because we were in a long Train, and all were
not on the Bridge at once; or whatever else it was that withheld them,
by God’s Blessing, we got safe to _Buda_. The _Bashaw_ of the Town was
not then at home; he was gone to _Pest_, on the other side of the River,
where they had a Council of War, after the manner of the _Hungarians_,
they call them _Rachi_. Many _Sanziacks_ were already come thither, but
more were expected; for which Cause, when I desired Audience, ’twas put
off for three Days, that the _Janizaries_ and military Persons might make
a greater Show. Then I was sent for over, and conveyed to his Tent, where
he made Complaints to me of the Injuries that some _Hungarians_ had done
him. It is usual, in those frontier Garrisons, both for _Hungarians_ and
_Turks_, mutually to complain of one another; yea, sometimes they, that
are most in Fault, begin to complain first. The _Turkish_ Bashaw also
added some threatning Expressions of Revenge. It may be, he thought that
the Sight of his Army would terrify me; but he was mistaken. I answered
him roundly, that the _Hungarians_ might rather find Fault with the
_Turks_, than on the contrary; for I my self, in my Travels, had seen
some of his Soldiers plunder some _Hungarians_, Subjects of his Imperial
Majesty, and carry away their Goods. He answered me, he had indeed put
some contumacious _Christians_ under military Execution; but they were
such as were under his Master, not the Emperor. Thus, after a mutual
Altercation, I was dismissed, being in very bad plight, for my Ague-Fit
was strong upon me all that Day.

The Day after, I went to _Gran_, having a _Turkish_ Guard of Horse along
with me. I had a mind to be wafted over the _Danube_, and for one Night
to lodge in a Village over against the Castle of _Gran_, that the Day
after I might come the sooner to _Commara_, and be better able to endure
my Ague-Fit, which I expected that Day; and therefore I entreated that
Favour of my Guide, that he would send some body over, to bring the
Ferry-Boat, that was on the other Side, that so our Passage might be
the easier. I found some Difficulty in having my Request granted; yet,
partly to gratify me, and partly to acquaint the _Sanziacks_ with my
Arrival there, he sent over two Persons. When they were gone an Hour
before, they spied four Horsemen standing under a Tree, a little from
the High-way-side. They judged them, by their Habits, to be _Turks_,
and therefore turned aside to accost them; and, as they drew near, they
ask’d them, What News? They answered not a Word; but made at them with
their drawn Swords, and gave one of them such a Blow, athwart his Face,
that he made the greatest Part of his Nose to hang down over his Chin;
and then catching at his Horse, which he held by the Bridle, he left his
own Beast, and mounting it, set Spurs, and away. The _Turks_ presently
came back to us, especially he with the maim’d Face, and, with a woful
Lamentation, bid us prepare for the Combat, for we were Way-laid. I, to
encourage my Men, got presently on Horse-back; but we came too late,
when the Scuffle was over; for they had more mind to preserve the Prey
they had got, than to fight; and thereupon fled speedily to _Javarin_,
a Garrison of ours, to which they did belong: The _Turks_ shewed them
to us, as they were scouring over the neighbouring Hills that led to
_Javarin_. Thus we came to _Gran_; the _Sanziack_ very friendly gave me
a Visit, and, among other Discourse, he put me in mind of the Insolency
of the _Hungarian_ Soldiers, who could not be kept from Thieving (said
he) though you, the Emperor’s Ambassador, were in company of those they
robbed; and therefore he desired of me, that the Horse they took away
yesterday might be restored. In the mean Time, the _Turk_, that was
wounded the Day before, stood without in the Entry, with his Nose sewed
together, through which he made a lamentable Moan, desiring me to pity
his Condition. I told him, I would give him what was enough for his Cure,
and so I bestowed two Duckets upon him. He would have had more; but the
_Sanziack_ told him, ’twas enough; his Misfortune was not to be charged
upon me.

Being thus dismissed by the _Sanziack_, I came the same Day to _Commara_,
where I expected my Ague-Fit; but when the usual Period of it drew
near, I found it had left me, as if a Fever, got in _Turkey_, durst
not accompany me into the _Christian_ Territories. Hereupon I gave God
thanks, who had both freed me of my Ague, and had also brought me safe to
the end of my long and tedious Journey.

Two Days after, I came to _Vienna_, where the Emperor _Ferdinand_, my
most gracious Master, was not at present, only I found _Maximilian_,
King of _Bohemia_, there in his Room; whole courteous Reception of me
made me almost forget the Toil of my Journey. But I must tell you, I
was so emaciated with my Sickness, and the Inconveniences of my Journey
together, that many thought the _Turks_ had given me a poisonous
Dose; for, truly, when I went lately to pay my Duty to the Arch-Duke
_Ferdinand_, he asked one of his Domesticks, who I was? who answered,
I was one that came lately from _Turkey_, and that it was no wonder I
looked so ill, for they, who returned from those Parts, usually did so.

Perhaps he was willing to have it believed, that I had taken the Emperor
_Claudius_’s Dose; but, for my part, I know of no such thing; neither do
I question, but after resting a while, to recover the tediousness of my
Journey, I shall look as well as ever I did: I find my self something
mended already.

In the mean time, I acquainted the Emperor with my Return, by Letter,
and of the half Year’s Truce I had obtained; and the sum of my whole
Negotiation; and that, when he came home from the _Diet_, I would inform
him of all Particulars more punctually and distinctly.

One thing more I shall acquaint you with. There were many Persons who
refused to accompany me to _Constantinople_, either for Fear, or I know
not what other Motive, who wished they had given me any Money to go along
with me, now they saw me return in safety. But what says he in _Plautus_?
_If you will eat the Kernel, you must take the Pains to break the Nut_:
He does himself Wrong, that thinks to reap part of the Fruit, who took no
part of the Pains.

Thus, Sir, I have given you an account of my Journey, both to
_Constantinople_, and also to _Amasia_. I have not dress’d up my
Narrative with Flowers of Rhetoric, but have presented you with it, just
as I would have related it to you by Word of Mouth. I know you will bear
with the Coarseness of my Style, it being occasioned by my over-eager
Desire to gratify you; nor can you well expect Elegancy from me now in my
Heat and Throng of Business, which I was never Master of in my greatest
Retirements. This I assure you, both for your Information and my own
Content, that I am not conscious to myself of any Falshood in the whole
Narration, which is the principal Ornament of such Relations as these.
Thus I bid you Farewell.

                                                 _Vienna, September 1st._




_SIR_,

I received your Letter, wherein you acquaint me, that you have heard
of my second Voyage into _Turkey_; on which Account you express your
Wonderment, that I would venture to visit that uncouth and barbarous
Country, once more. And withal, you desire to know the Issue of my
Journey: How I found Matters at my Return to _Constantinople_; what
Entertainment I met with there; what proportion of Health I enjoy;
whether my Life be pleasant to me, or not; and, in fine, what Hopes there
may be of my speedy return to _Germany_. To all which you oblige me,
upon the score of our ancient Friendship, to give particular and express
Answers; which, to gratify you, I shall accordingly do.

Know then, in the first Place, that you were not mis-informed as to my
Return into _Turkey_; the thing is most true: Neither could I avoid the
Journey, as being oblig’d thereunto by Promise; and you know every honest
Man is as good as his Word. My Case was this: The Emperor _Ferdinand_,
my most gracious Lord and Master, designed me as his Lieger Ambassador
to _Constantinople_; but his Design was grounded on this Supposition,
that a Peace would be first settled betwixt the two Empires. Articles
of Agreement, however, being not yet fully accorded to, nor wholly
rejected, there was no reason I should slip my Neck out of the Collar,
till the Matter was brought to some certain Issue; either a firm Peace,
or a perfect Rupture. And therefore, when I foresaw what a Bushel of
Troubles I should run my self into, by my Return, I had much rather
a fitter Person had been substituted for the Employment; but no body
being willing to accept the Charge, I was, in a manner, forced into
the Service; it being my Duty to comply with, and obey, the Will and
Pleasure of my gracious Master: For as soon as ever he return’d from the
Imperial Diet to _Vienna_, and was informed by me of my Transactions
with _Solyman_, the _Ottoman_ Emperor, he immediately laid his Commands
upon me to prepare my self to return, and to carry back his Answer to
_Solyman_’s Letters. ’Tis true, it was the depth of Winter, when I was
commanded to return to _Constantinople_; and, besides, ’twas a very
rainy, cold and tempestuous Season; and my Message too was so severe,
that I was like to have no Thanks for my Labour. Here, perhaps, you may
twit me in the Teeth, what! Twice to the same Place? To which I answer,
twice, and oftner, if there be need; for commendable Enterprizes, the
mere hazardous, the more Praise-worthy.

’Twas in _November_ when I left _Vienna_, to undertake my second Voyage
to unhospitable _Pontus_. I will not grate your Ears with the Relation of
the Enterprizes of my _second_ Journey: I was too vexatious, I fear, in
giving you an Account of my _first_.

It may suffice to tell you, that I went the same Stages, in a manner,
that I did at first. So then, to _Constantinople_ I came, in the
beginning of _January_, having lost one of my Retinue, who died of a
Fever in the way. There I found my Collegues in good Health; but a
mighty Change was made in the _Turkish_ Affairs: _Bajazet_, _Solyman_’s
youngest Son, had escap’d a great Danger, and was reconciled to his
Father: _Achmet Bassa_, the _Grand Vizier_, had been strangled,
and _Rustan_, his Predecessor, was restored to his Place of _Grand
Viziership_, of whom more hereafter. But, at present, I shall acquaint
you what coarse Entertainment I met with from their _Emperor_, his
Bashaws, and other great Men among them. For their Bashaws (as the
manner is, before they introduce an Ambassador to their Prince) being
desirous to hear of me, in general, the purport of my Message; as soon
as they understood, that my Master _Cæsar_ would not recede a jot from
his Right, but did punctually insist upon it, as just and equal, that the
Transactions with the Widow of _John_ late _Vaivode_ of _Transylvania_
and her Son (being made without Fraud, Force or Covin,) should be
strictly observed, they were in a mighty Chafe: For you must know, that
a long Series of happy Success, hath so elevated the Minds of this
People, that they make their own Wills, forsooth, the sole Rule of all
Reason, Right or Wrong. On which presumptuous Principle, they carried it
very haughtily towards us; and told us the extream Danger we should run
into, if we offer’d to appear before that Prince with such an imperious
Message. When such menacing Words could not deter us from demanding
Audience, they gave us to understand, that they would have no hand in our
Admittance; for do ye think, (said they) that we are such brazen-fac’d
Fellows as to bring you, with such sawcy Answers, to our King? No, said
they; it will be a plain Mockery to him, which he will never take well at
your Hands. Do you not know, proceeded they, that he is come back from
_Persia_ with a victorious Army; where, his Successes have so exalted
him, that he hath put his own Son to death, as emulous of the Empire?
Whereby you may guess at the severity of his Passion. He longs for, and
courts, a fair Occasion to send his hardy and well-disciplin’d Army into
_Hungary_, to enrich them with the Spoils of that Country, and to add the
residue thereof to his Empire. And therefore, if you be wife, don’t rouze
a sleeping _Lyon_; for thereby you will but hasten your own Miseries,
which are coming on fast enough of themselves. Such were the Harangues of
the Bashaws to us; and the rest of the _Turks_ were of the same Mind. The
mildest Punishment they denounced against us, was, that two of us would
be cast into a nasty Dungeon; and the third (which was to be my share)
would have his Nose and Ears cut off, and so sent back to his Master.

And, to strike the greater Terror into us, the _Turks_, who passed by
our Lodgings, gave us many a sour Look; which was an Argument, that they
intended some cruel Deportment towards us. And the truth is, from that
Day forward, they used us more coarsely than ever; they kept us up close
as Prisoners rather than Ambassadors: They suffer’d no body to come to
us, nor permitted any of us to go forth, and the rest of their Carriage
was as intolerable. Thus have they treated us these six Months past; and
I know not how long they will continue these Severities; but, come what
will, we submit to the Will of God, our Cause is just and honourable, and
that gives us Relief against their vigorous Extremities. But leaving the
Narration of our own Misfortunes, I shall answer your Desire, in giving
you an Account of the Story of _Bajazet_. For the clearer Explication
thereof, I must acquaint you, that _Solyman_ had five Sons; the
Eldest, begot by him on a Concubine, near the _Bosphorus_, was called
_Mustapha_, of whose unhappy End you have heard before; but by another
Wife, named _Roxolana_, he had four, _Mahomet_, _Selimus_, _Bajazet_
and _Giangir_. _Mahomet_ liv’d till he was married, (for the _Turks_
call their Concubines, Wives) but died soon after; so that _Selimus_ and
_Bajazet_ of this latter Venter only remain’d alive. As for _Giangir_,
he came thus to his end: When News was brought to _Constantinople_,
that his Half-brother _Mustapha_ was put to death, the Youth, being of
a timorous Mind and infirm Body (for he was crook-back’d) fell into a
grievous Passion, upon the Imagination that the like Fate did hang over
his own Head; for he could promise safety to himself no longer than his
Father liv’d. If his Head were once laid, he that was his Successor,
would certainly kill all his Brethren, as emulous of the Kingdom; not one
of them would be excepted, and himself, being among the Number, must look
for the same Fate. This Thought struck him into a Disease, even as if the
Bow-string had been already about his Neck, which cost him his Life; so
that now only _Selimus_ and _Bajazet_ remained. _Selimus_ was the Elder,
and ’twas known to all, that his Father design’d him for the Empire; but
_Bajazet_ was most favoured and doted upon by his Mother. Whether it
were out of Commiseration to prevent his inevitable Ruin, or else out of
motherly Indulgence, or whatever else the Reason was; this is certain, if
her Vote could have carried it, _Bajazet_ had certainly succeeded in the
Empire after his Father’s Death. But she must give way to his Father’s
Will, who was fully resolv’d, come what would, that _Selimus_, and
none else, should succeed him. _Bajazet_ was not ignorant thereof, and
therefore he turned every Stone to stave off his impending Fate, and, if
possible, to prevent his Ruin by grasping at the Throne. And his Hopes
were encreased by the favour of his Mother, and of _Rustan_ the _Grand
Vizier_, who was thought to have espoused his Interests. Having two such
Pillars to support him, he thought with himself, ’twas far more glorious
to hazard his Life in contending with his Brother for the Empire, than to
die obscurely by the Bow-string, as a Victim to his Cruelty.

_Bajazet_ having this Project in his Head, began to pick Quarrels with
his Brother, and to maintain a Faction against him; neither was it long
before a proper Occasion offered itself for him to begin his design’d
Enterprize, of rising in Arms upon the account of _Mustapha_’s Death, and
the Disgust of many thereupon. For the Truth is, _Mustapha_ was so well
belov’d in his Life-time, and so much lamented at his Death, that those
who had placed all their Hopes of Advancement in him alone, were almost
unwilling to live after him; so that they did but wait for an Opportunity
to revenge his Death, or to die as he did. Others, who were conscious to
themselves that they had favoured his Party, and therefore were obnoxious
to the present Power, did not care what Hurley-burlies they made; ready
they were for any Innovation, only they wanted a Leader. In this case,
they did not well know what to do. As for _Mustapha_ himself, they knew
he could not be recalled from the Dead; yet it was in their power to
suborn and set up a feigned _Mustapha_ in his head, as if the true one
had been yet alive. This Design pleased _Bajazet_ (who was the contriver
of the Plot) best of all, as most conducing to the accomplishment of
his Purpose. Hereupon, by his Emissaries, he procures a mean Fellow,
but bold and ready witted, to counterfeit himself to be _Mustapha_; and
his Pretence was the more plausible, because his Stature, Physiognomy
and Meen of his Body did somewhat resemble _Mustapha_’s. This Man
began first, to shew himself in that part of _Thrace_ which was above
_Constantinople_, towards the _Danube_, _Moldavia_, and _Valachia_. This
Place he thought the most opportune to raise a Party, because it was
full of Horse; and that part of the _Turkish Militia_ did most favour
_Mustapha_. Here he starts up, as if he had fled in Post-haste from some
remote Place, with a few in his Company; which he pretended were for his
own Security. His Followers being asked by the Country, who he was? They
answered, at first, whisperingly, that he was _Mustapha_. Hereupon they
were more desirous to know the Truth; and then he was forced to declare
himself, that he was _Mustapha_, indeed. Having made this prosperous
Beginning, he goes on to congratulate his Safety among them, and to give
God thanks. _First_, he told them, _That, when he was sent for by his
angry Father, he durst not trust himself to come into his Presence; but,
by his Friend’s Advice, suborned one, somewhat like him, to represent
his Person, that, by another Man’s Hazard rather than his own, he might
make Trial of his incensed Father’s Inclination towards him. This Man
he hired with great Promises of Reward; but as soon as he came to his
Father, he was strangled at his Tent-door, before he had any opportunity
to make his Defence; and his dead Body was exposed to the View of the
Soldiery. At which time_, said he, _there were some few that smelt out
the Project; but most part was deceived by the disguised Lineaments of
the deceased Body, and thought it was he himself that was slain. As soon
as I heard of this_, said he, _I saw there was no Stay for me, but I must
consult my Safety by a speedy Flight. I took but few in my Company, that
I might be the less taken notice of and thus passing over ~Pontus~ and
the ~Bosphoran~ Country, I am_, said he, _come hither; where I promise my
self much Aid from your Fidelity, and, therefore, I beseech you lend me
your helping Hand; and, seeing I am oppress’d by a wretched Step-mother,
be you as forward to help me in my Affliction, as you were all ready to
do so in my Prosperity. For my part, I am resolved to revenge my Wrongs,
and to maintain my Life by force of Arms. For what other Course, pray,
can I take? I owe my Life to my Father’s Mistake, who killed another
Man instead of me; so that I plainly see, what Fate attends me, if
ever I come into his Power. The miserable old Man is imposed on by the
enchanting Passions of a Step-mother, whom he doats upon, and by the
Ministry of ~Rustan~, to whatsoever Attempt they please. But, thanks be
to God_, said he, _I have got some Friends left to revenge my Wrongs, and
to punish my Enemies. And, besides, I am not quite daunted, but have a
great stock yet of Courage left; for I know that the ~Janizaries~, and
most of all my Father’s Court are on my side; and, then, upon hearing of
my Name, I know all those who lamented me, when dead (as they thought),
will joyn me, now they hear I am alive; only be you pleased to vouchsafe
me a favourable Reception, and to protect me till sufficient Aid come
in to me._ These were his private, and also his public Harangues,
where-ever he came; and his instructed Followers ecchoed forth the same
Report; yea, some Men of Note whom _Bajazet_ had suborned, sung Notes
to the same Tune. Thus a great party of Men, unknown to _Bajazet_, were
brought into the Noose. For the Matter was carried on so cunningly, that
those who knew _Mustapha_, and saw him lie dead before his Father’s
Tent, yet were afraid to believe their own Eyes, but suffered themselves
to be persuaded, that this was the true _Mustapha_ indeed: Yea, some
of _Mustapha_’s Intimates, who knew this was but a Cheat, were yet so
overfond of his Memory, that, blinded either with Fear, Grief, or Anger,
they were the first that listed themselves under this _Pseudo-Mustapha_,
as being weary of their Lives without him; which made others certainly
think, that this was the true _Mustapha_ indeed, whom Report had falsely
given out to be slain. And, besides, the Impostor himself, by large
Promises and great Presents, which he said were the Relicks of his former
Acquisitions, (but indeed were the Supplies that _Bajazet_ had provided
under-hand) did not cease to cajole and engage his Followers. So that in
a very few Days he got a handsome body of Men together, fit for a little
Army; and they encreased every day.

When _Solyman_ was made acquainted by Messages and Letters, which the
neighbouring _Sanziacks_, had, in great trepidation, sent him, what
hazard he was in by reason of the resort of such Multitudes, to this
_Pseudo-Mustapha_; the cunning old Man knew one of his Sons must needs be
privy to the Plot, and therefore, he made haste to disappoint it; chiding
his _Sanziacks_, by Letter, that they suffered the Matter to come to such
a Head, and had not rather crush’d the Cockatrice in the Egg; but, seeing
they had been negligent hitherto, he commanded them to make amends for
their former Remissness, and to send him presently, the Traitor and his
Followers, Prisoners, in Chains, to receive their condign Punishment;
and, to facilitate the Matter, he would send Aid to them, by one of
his _Viziers_, _Partan Bassa_ who had married the Widow of _Mahomet_
aforesaid. However, he advised them, if they would purge themselves
of their criminal Neglect, they should quell the Insurrection before
his Succour came. _Partan_ had but a few Troops with him; but they were
choice Men, eminent for Courage and Faithfulness. _Solyman_ took care to
cull out Colonels, Captains, and other Commanders of that Inclination
for this Service, as suspecting that others might have been corrupted,
or enticed to pass over to the Tents of the Rebels; for, the Truth was,
the ordinary sort of _Janizaries_, upon account of _Mustapha_’s Name, did
not seem much averse from the Party; and, therefore, did not care what
further Confusions might enhance the Danger on that side.

The _Sanziacks_, as soon as ever they received _Solyman_’s threatning
Dispatches, began to bestir themselves, and to rouze up one another so
that happy was he, that could do most Damage to the growing Party of the
Impostor. Some of those that were going in to him, they intercepted;
those that had already join’d him, they laboured to discourage by
terrible Menaces and Denunciations of the Danger they were in. In the
mean time, the Forces of _Partan Bassa_ were marching on, and being
almost come up to the Place, the Party of the Tumultuous, which were
not yet fully settled, seeing so great Preparations, made against them,
began to be discouraged, (as is usual with Men in such Circumstances)
and to drop off one by one; and at last the whole Body of them most
shamefully left their Leader, and shifted for themselves, the belt they
could. Their feigned _Mustapha_, with his chief Partisans and Setters
on, would willingly have done so too; but he was so watch’d by the
_Janizaries_, that he was taken alive, and sent Prisoner to _Partan_,
who, with a strong Guard, sent him to _Constantinople_. When he came
thither, _Solyman_ put him on the Rack, and by that means found out
the whole Plot; how his Son _Bajazet_ was at the bottom of it, and had
resolved, if they had not been so soon dissipated, to have join’d them
with a considerable Force, and so either to have marched directly to
_Constantinople_, or else (if Opportunity had served him) to have fought
out his Brother; but being slow in his Actings, his Design was nipp’d
in the very Bud. When _Solyman_ had thus ferreted out the Design to the
bottom, he caused him and his Abettors to be thrown into the Sea at
Midnight, not thinking it convenient to have the Matter divulg’d among
his own People, or that foreign Princes should be acquainted with the
domestic Differences of his own Family.

As for his Son _Bajazet_, he was mightily exasperated against him for his
foul Offence, and was meditating in his Mind what grievous Punishment he
should inflict upon him. In the mean time, his Wife being a prying Woman,
and therefore allowing him but little space for his Anger to vent and
cool itself, at last falling into Discourse with him of the Affair, she
began to excuse her Son, laying all the Fault on his youthful Imprudence;
and that some of his Ancestors also had been necessitated to undertake
the like Attempts. For (says she) ’tis a natural Instinct in all Men to
do what they can for themselves and their Friends, and to save their
Lives, if they can; especially, young Men, in the fervour of Youth,
are apt to be drawn aside by ill Counsellors to pernicious Attempts;
and, therefore, it was but reasonable that his first Fault should be
pardoned, because, if he repented, his Father had gained a great Point in
preserving his Son; but if he relapsed again into the same Crime, then
the Father was at liberty to inflict deserved Punishment on him, for
both Offences, at one and the same time. But, proceeded she, if you will
not pardon him for his own sake, yet be pleased to do it for mine; and
spare our own common Flesh and Blood: For how, think you, can I bear it,
that, of two Sons which God hath yet left me, your Severity should rend
one of them from me? And, therefore, she intreated him to moderate his
Anger, and not to let loose the Reins to Cruelty, though he had never so
just an Occasion. Almighty God (said she) though most Powerful and Just,
yet doth not always exert his highest Severities, but tempers them with
Indulgence, else Mankind would be quickly destroyed. And, if Clemency
may be shew’d to any, to whom, pray, more properly than to a Man’s own
Children? _Bajazet_, for the future, will certainly keep within the
bounds of his Duty, and the Fear, wherein he now is, will certainly be
turned into the highest Degree of filial Obedience for the future. If you
please to spare his Life, the Sense of your Indulgence will work this;
for nothing is so obliging to generous Minds as Courtesies received. The
Memory of his Pardon will restrain him from running a second time into
the like Offence; and I my self will undertake for him, that for the
future he will carry it towards you, as a most dutiful and obedient Son.

To these Intreaties she added Tears and Caresses, so that the old
Man, who was Uxorious enough before, could no longer withstand her
Importunities, but changed his Mind; and, instead of punishing, resolved
to pardon his Son; but on this Condition, that he was to come into his
Presence, and receive his Commands. His Mother, being exceeding glad at
the good Success of her Interposal, was not wanting to the Occasion;
but presently acquainted _Bajazet_ by Letters that, whenever he was sent
for, he should not scruple in the least to come to his Father, for she
had wrought a Reconciliation betwixt them, so that not the least spark
of Discontent lay now covered in his Mind against him. Upon the Receipt
of this good News, _Bajazet_ resolves to trust his Father, yet not
without some Relicks of Fear; he reflected ever and anon on his Brother
_Mustapha_, whose Example warned him of the Danger he underwent. However,
conquering his Fear, come he did to the place of Conference appointed
by his Father; it was called _Carestrane_, some few Miles distant from
_Constantinople_.

You must know; that, now-a-days, ’tis the custom of the _Turkish_
Emperors, never to permit any one of their Sons, when once they are grown
up, to set their Foot within the Gates of _Constantinople_, (whilst they
are alive) for fear they should ingratiate themselves with the Soldiery,
and so set up for themselves. As he was alighting from his Horse, some
of his Father’s Servants were at hand to take away his Sword and Dagger.
This struck his guilty Conscience into a little Fear, though it were
accustomed to be done to others, that they might come unarmed into their
Emperor’s Presence: But his Mother, who had placed her self on purpose
near his Passage, looked out at a Window, using these Expressions, _Chear
up, chear up, my Son!_ By which Antidote he was very much heartened and
relieved.

As soon as ever he came into his Father’s Presence, the old Man bid him
sit down, and then began to blame him very severely for his Rashness,
in taking up Arms so causelesly. They may be looked upon, said he, as
taken up against my self: But, grant you took them up only against your
Brother, yet it takes off little from your Offence; for, if you had had
your Wish, the _Ottoman_ Religion would have been quite shaken, if not
overthrown, by the domestic Discords among our Family, (on the Heirs
whereof it doth depend); so that, if you be a true _Mussulman_, such a
Crime ought to have been far from your Thoughts. I might aggravate your
Crime (said he) by telling you, that you aspired to the Government in
my Life-time, which is so contemptuous a Thing, that your Offence is
almost inexpiable: Nevertheless, I am resolved to pardon you, and to
shew my self a loving Father, rather than a just Judge, that so for the
future you may leave all to God; for Kingdoms, and the Governments of
them are not disposed of by Man’s Pleasure, but by the Will of God. If
he hath decreed that you shall have the Kingdom after me, no Man living
will be able to hinder it: But, if God had otherwise determined, ’twas a
mad Thing in you to go about to resist his Will; for that were to fight
against God. And, therefore, let me advise you to be quiet; and not
disturb your peaceable Brother, nor interrupt the Quiet of my old Age;
for, I will assure you, if you commit a second Offence of this Nature, I
will be so far from Pardoning you, that you shall have the Severity of
Justice.

_Bajazet_’s Answer was very submissive, acknowledging his Fault, and
promising Subjection for the future. Whereupon _Solyman_ called for
Drink, and caused it to be given to his Son, (as the Custom is) which
was a Sherbet, made of Sugar, and the Juice of certain Fruit. _Bajazet_
had rather have let it alone, as fearing it might have been his last
Draught, but he could not handsomely refuse it: So he drank a little, and
his Father drank a little after him; which freed him of his Fear. Thus
_Bajazet_ was dismissed, and sent away to his Government, his Congress
with his Father having been far more auspicious, than his Brother
_Mustapha_’s was.

As for the Death of _Achmet Bassa_, another of your Enquiries, I shall
give this short Relation. Some say, he was put to Death for being too
much affected to _Mustapha_, and for favouring underhand the counterfeit
_Mustapha_, and encouraging _Bajazet_ in his Designs. Others say, that
being a mere Robber or Swash-Buckler at first, but advanced for his
Audacity, Valour and Skill in military Affairs, to that high Dignity, the
Punishment of his former flagitious Life, was only deferred to the last
Period of it. And some were of Opinion, he was executed only to make Way
for _Rustan_; for _Solyman_, having promised _Achmet_ never to take away
the Seal from him, so long as he lived, to make a collusive Performance
of his Word, he caused him to be put to Death, before he did it. Some
said, that _Solyman_ gave it out, ’Twas better to die once, than a
thousand Times over; for the Fear of the Loss of his _Grand Viziership_,
and much more his Survival thereupon, would have been as a thousand
Deaths to him. Whatever was the Cause, the Manner of it was this: He
came early in the Morning into the Divan, (or Council-Chamber) being
ignorant of what was designed against him: By and by comes the Messenger
to him from the _Sultan_, telling him, that he must die. He was a Man of
a great Spirit, and received the Message as undauntedly, as if it had
nothing concerned him; only, when the Executioner drew near, to do his
Office, he pushed him away, as thinking it dishonourable for a Man of his
Dignity to die by the Hands of an ordinary Executioner: But, casting his
Eyes round about the Company, he espied a creditable Person, that was
his Friend; him he desired to do that last Office for him, and he should
take it as a great Kindness at his Hands. His Friend, upon his iterated
Request, undertook it: Only _Achmet_ advised, not to draw the Cord, or
Bow-string, so as to dispatch him at once, but when he had strained it a
little, then to remit it, that he might breath a while, and afterwards
to pull it as hard as he could, until he were dead; wherein his Desire
was answered. Thus _Achmet_ was willing to taste (as it were) of Death,
before he drank his full Draught of it. Upon his Decease _Rustan_ had the
_Grand-Viziership_ bestowed upon him.

As for my Return out of this Country, which you desire to hear of, all I
can say is, _Facilis descensus Averni_. He that brought me hither, will,
when he sees good, bring me back: In the Interim, I solace my self in the
Company of my old Friends, my Books, which never fail to afford me Relief
both Day and Night.

                                               _Constantinople, June 12._




_SIR_,

What you have heard, is very true, in every particular; for it is most
certain, that all my Collegues are returned Home, and poor I am left
behind, alone. And, whereas you put several Questions to me, as, what
Fate, or what malevolent Star, kept me back from accompanying them in
their Return? And why I did not shake Hands with that barbarous Country,
to enjoy the wish’d for Comforts of my own? And withal, you demand, what
memorable Matters I have seen or heard of since I wrote last? Promising
to give Credit to whatever drops from my Pen, as if it were as true as
Gospel. And moreover, you desire to know the course of my Studies, and
how I relieve my self, both in my Solitudes and Sufferings? And whether I
go abroad, or always stay at home? All these Demands put together, will
engage me to write rather Commentaries or Diaries, than a single Letter,
especially, since you are very earnest to know, how _Bajazet_’s Matters
stand, concerning which, you say, there are various Reports with you.
You claim a Promise from me, and unless I perform it, you tell me you
will commence an Action against me, and have already drawn your Breviat.
To pursue your Metaphor, let me persuade you to stay a while, _Leniter
qui sæviunt, sapiunt magis_, says the old Proverb, no Haste to kill true
Men: But if you are so much given to Law, take Use and Principal too,
rather than I will answer your Suit, for I am averse from _Lawing_. And
besides, the distance of Place is so great between us, that if I should
put in an Exception to your _Plea_, yet your Writ would hardly abate.
But, however it be, I will rather satisfy your Desires, than contend
with you in the least. When my Collegues (whose Names I gave you in my
last Letters) perceived, that our three Years Abode in this Place had
produced little Good hitherto, either to the making of a firm Peace,
or the continuing the Truce; and that small Hopes of either did appear
for the future, they laboured with Might and Main to be dismissed by
this Court; and when, with much ado, _Solyman_’s Consent was obtained
therein, (for ’tis no easy matter to get a Dismission from hence) the
only Question was, whether we should all go, or only those of us that
came first, and so had been longest there? For cunning _Solyman_, that
he might not seem over desirous of Peace, by retaining one of us,
remitted the Matter wholly to our own Choice. In these Circumstances,
my Companions thought it very adviseable, and for our Master’s Service,
that one of us should stay behind; and I my self was of the same Mind:
But we resolved to dissemble our Sentiments, and conceal them from the
_Turks_, so that, as often as we had any Discourse with them on that
Subject, I always pretended an utter Unwillingness to stay behind. ’Tis
true, I told them I came thither to reside as Ambassador in Ordinary; but
it was on Supposition, that Peace would be made between both Empires.
That not being yet done, I did not see how I could well stay, but to the
Damage, and against the Will of my Master, and therefore it was best
that we should all return together. Thus I reasoned before them, that
so I might stay on better Terms, rather by their Entreaty than by my
own voluntary Offer. I knew well enough, that, if we all went away, it
would not only open a wide Door for a War, but it would even quite shut
out all Hopes of Peace; which latter was not despaired of, if I staid
behind: For, whilst Dispatches were sent to and from both Princes, it
would spin out a great deal of Time, in which Interval something or other
might fall out of advantage to our Cause; so that it was better to do any
thing, than to precipitate our selves into a fierce and cruel War; and
yet I was not ignorant, how prejudicial my Stay would be to my self, for
thereby my Care and Labour would be doubled, in regard one was to do the
Work of two or three: Besides, many Inconveniencies might occasionally
arise, especially, if the Issue of my Transactions did terminate in a
War: And yet, I must tell you, he that undertakes the Office of a public
Ambassador, must post-pone all such private Difficulties, and make light
of them, in comparison of the public Good of his Prince and Country.
And I had a fair Opportunity to manage this Affair by the Complaisance
of _Rustan_, who was very desirous of my Stay; for that subtle _Vizier_
easily foresaw, what a shrewd Step towards a War it would be, if we
should all be gone and leave the Negotiation for a Peace unfinished. The
old Fox was averse from War, upon this Account principally; he foresaw
that, if _Solyman_ made an Expedition into _Hungary_, it was impossible
to prevent the Discords of his Children; for if _Selimus_ were willing to
be quiet, yet _Bajazet_ would attempt Innovation, especially since he was
favoured by himself, his Wife, and Mother-in-law; and such Commotions,
he knew, would be fatal to him: And therefore, when we were once at his
House, he made a long Harangue to my Colleagues, advising them what to
say to their Master at their Return, in order to a Peace. As for me, he
advised me by all means to stay behind, and not to desert a Business so
well begun, till it came to the desired Issue; and there’s no doubt, said
he, but the Emperor, your Master, who always shewed himself inclining to
Peace, will approve well-enough of your Stay. However, I continued deaf
to his Request, as far as with Safety I could, and insisted on my Return;
which egg’d him on the more, to persuade me to stay: What, says he, will
you cut off all Hopes of Peace for ever? Our Emperor longs for nothing
more than to send an Army into _Hungary_, and he had long since done it,
if I had not made use of some female Instruments (meaning his Wife and
Mother-in-law) to dissuade him; yea, as it were to pluck him back by the
Sleeve; and therefore, if you be wife, don’t rouze a sleeping Lyon to
destroy you. Upon this I began to yield a little, and was less peremptory
in my Refusal to stay; only I told them, my greatest Remora was, I was
afraid of their unjust Reproaches; that, if Matters succeeded not as they
would have them, the whole Blame would be cast upon me (though it was not
in my Power to help it) and therefore they would make me feel the Fruits
of their Indignation. But _Rustan_ bid me be of good Cheer, whatever the
Event were; if unsuccessful, it should not be imputed to me; if I would
but stay, he promised to take me under his Protection, and next he would
treat me (to use his own Words) as if I were his natural Brother. I told
him, I would consider of it; and so we parted for that Time.

The next Day we were called into the _Divan_, (so they called their
Council-Chamber) and then the same Part was acted over again; only
_Rustan_ carried it a little more covertly, and reservedly, because
of the Presence of other _Bashaws_. There, at last, I yeilded to stay
behind, only leaving a Memorial with them of this Import, that I
staid behind unknown to my Master, and therefore I would leave all my
Concessions to his Arbitrement, to cancel or confirm: As for myself,
I would be responsible for nothing, nor oblige myself by any Promise,
whatever issue God were pleased to give of my Negotiation. This Memorial
was of great Service to me afterwards, in difficult Circumstances, so
that the _Bashaws_ could not, for shame, treat me so severely in their
Resentments, as otherwise they would have done.

Thus, Sir, you have an Account of my Stay behind my Fellows, with
the Reason of it. They left _Constantinople_ about the latter end of
_August_, 1557. The Winter following, the _Grand Seignior_ went to
_Adrianople_, as his Custom was, both to strike a greater Terror into
_Hungary_, upon the Report of his nearer approach thither, and also for
the Conveniencies of his Hunting, (for there the Winters are colder than
at _Constantinople_,) both which he thought conducive to his Health. The
Country thereabout is full of Marshes and Stagnant Waters, by reason of
the nearness of many Rivers; so that there are abundance of Water-Fowl,
as wild-Ducks, Geese, Herons, Storks, Cranes, Bitterns, _&c._ To catch
them, he makes use of Hawks, or a lesser sort of Eagles, which are so
used to the Sport, that, though the Fowl fly up to the Clouds, they’ll
fetch him down from thence; but, if they fly lower, then they truss them,
and with a mighty Force strike them with their Bills to the Ground. I am
told, that some of his Falcons are so disciplin’d and expert, that they
will venture on a Crane, even in that part of the Body where the Wing
joyns it; and by this means the Crane’s Bill can do them no hurt, and so
they tumble to the Ground with their Prey: And yet sometimes the Hawk
pays dear for his Boldness; for, if he do but miss his Gripe never so
little, presently the Crane runs him through with his Bill, and down he
tumbles dead to the Ground.

For this Reason, the _Grand Seignior_ ordinarily every Year, a
little before Winter, goes to _Adrianople_, and returns not again to
_Constantinople_, till the Frogs begin to be troublesome to him by their
croaking. Thither _Rustan_, a while after, sent for me by Letter; he
appointed some Horse to guard me on the Way, and Sixteen _Janizaries_;
whether as a Guard to me, or upon me, I leave to you to judge. We made
long Journeys; for he advised us to make hast. On the Third Day my
_Janizaries_, being on Foot, began to grumble; the Ways were dirty, as is
usual at that Time of the Year, and they complained, that they were often
forced to march more Miles in a Day, than they were used to do; and that,
if their Emperor were there, they could hardly endure it.

Their Complaints troubled me not a little, because I was loth to
disoblige this sort of People, and therefore I consulted with my
Servants, how I might allay their Discontents, and make them willinger to
Travel. One of mine told me, he had observed that they were much taken
with a certain kind of Caudle, Gruel or Pottage, which my Cook used to
make of Wine, Eggs, Sugar and Spices: Perhaps (says he) if they have some
of that for their Break-fast, they will be plyable. This seemed but a
mean Expedient, yet we resolved to try it, and the Success answered our
Expectation; for, after this sweet Soop, it being also further heated
with a Glass or two of Wine, away they trudged as merrily as could be,
and told me, they would accompany me, on the same Terms, to _Buda_, if I
pleased.

When I came to _Adrianople_, I was forced to hear the Railings, rather
than the Complaints of _Rustan_, concerning the plundering Excursions of
the _Hungarians_. And, by way of Answer, I was as ready to complain to
him of the frequent Depredations and Mischiefs, which the _Turks_ did in
_Christian_ Countries. No marvel, said I, if we retort like for like; for
I had just then received an Express from _Cæsar_, my Master, informing
me, what Breaches and Contraventions the _Turks_ had made of that Truce,
which at the Departure of my Collegues, was agreed upon: How they vexed
the poor Peasants with continual Inrodes, robbing them of their Goods,
and made themselves, their Wives and Children, Slaves.

I must not forget to acquaint you, that the same Day, a Messenger
came to me with an Express from _Cæsar_, my Master. There happened an
Earthquake at _Adrianople_, from which he took an occasion to tell me,
that he perceived the same (so he judged it) at _Nissa_, _S. Sophia_
and other Places through which he Travelled, so that the Air, included
in the Bowels of the Earth, did seem to have kept Pace with him, by
some subterraneous Passages or Caverns, and to have travelled as far
in a Day under Ground, as he himself had done on the Surface of it.
This Conjecture afterward seemed to be confirmed, upon the Relation we
received of an Earthquake that happened in _Constantinople_ four Days
after, which seemed to be the same imprisoned Air, that had made its Way,
under Ground, even to that City also.

I leave the Matter to your Judgment; but this is certain, that
Earthquakes are very frequent at _Constantinople_; for once, when I was
there, about Mid-Night, my Lodgings did so shake, that it was almost
ready to fall. This Accident awakened me, though fast asleep, and, having
a Watch-Light burning by me all Night, when I saw here a Cup, there a
Book, a Table, Board and Stone all tumbled in a Heap together, I was at
first astonished at the Novelty of the Spectacle, till I had recollected
myself; and judging it to be the Effects of an Earthquake, I then retired
to that part of the House which I thought most secure from falling.
The same Commotion of the Earth continued some Days, but not with like
Violence. Yea, over all that great City, and especially in my Lodgings,
and in the Temple of S. _Sophia_, you might see the Walls, though very
thick, to crack and gape by reason of the Clefts made by such Earthquakes.

Well; I staid about three Months at _Adrianople_, made a Truce there for
Seven Months, and in _March_ was attended back again to _Constantinople_.
When I came thither, I was quite weary of being mew’d up in my old
Lodging, it was so close, and therefore I dealt with my _Chiaux_, (a
sort of Officers among the _Turks_, which serve for divers Employments,
of which Attendance on Ambassadors is one) that I might have Liberty,
as other Ambassadors had before me, to hire an House at my own Charge,
where I may have the Benefits of Gardens, Orchards, and a free Air to
breath in. The _Chiaux_ was not averse to my Proposal, for he saw that
the _Grand Seignior_’s Interest was concerned therein, who was wont
to hire Houses for Ambassadors, at the yearly Rent of 400 Ducats; and
now all that Expence would be saved: Hereupon I went to a House, or
Island rather, hired with my own Money, where there was a broad Field
adjoyning, which I resolved to turn into a Garden, and to relieve my
wearisom Embassy, in managing and planting it: But, see the Spight of
it! When the _Chiaux_ found, by Experience, that he could not have so
strict an Eye over me in an open House that had many Ways to it, with
a large space of Ground near it, as he had in a _Caravansera_ (which
Word you know the meaning of, by my former Letters) because this latter
was fenced with Cross-barr’d Windows, and, besides, had but one Passage
into it, he began to change his Mind, and thereupon made his Address to
the _Bashaws_, who by this Time were returned from _Adrianople_, that I
might retire from my former Lodging: And I was to look upon this as a
great Courtesy too; for some of the _Bashaws_, in a Debate betwixt them,
concerning the Disposal of me, were of Opinion, that, now I was alone,
a less House would serve my turn, and so some Charge might be saved;
But the more moderate Party carried it, that I should return to my old
Quarters.

If you desire a Description of the House I lodged in, take it thus.
It is situate on a Rising Ground, in the most celebrated part of
_Constantinople_; in the Back-side of it there is a pleasant, but
somewhat distant, Prospect to the Sea, which yet is not so remote from
it, but that you may easily discern the Dolphins skipping and playing
therein: And also at a vast distance a Man may see Mount _Olympus_ in
_Asia_, which wears a snowy-white Cap all the Year; it lies open to the
Wind from every Quarter, which by ventilating the Air, makes it more
wholsom and healthy. But the _Turks_ are so envious to their _Christian_
Tenants, that they would cut them off from as many Conveniencies as they
can, and therefore they do not only set Iron Grates before their Windows,
but also add Iron Boards and Planks to hinder the Prospect, and the
free Passage of their Air; and by this means they stop the Mouths of
Neighbouring _Turks_, who are apt to complain, that they can do nothing
in their Houses but the Christians must overlook them. The House is built
in a Quadrangular Form, with a large Square in the midst, wherein there
is a Well.

The upper part of the House, which is all of it that is inhabited, is
divided into Galleries, which go round it, and into Lodging Chambers.
The Galleries look down into the Quadrangle within, and without are the
Lodgings, which have all a Passage into them; there are a great many of
them, but they are small and uniform, as the Cells or Chambers of Monks
are with us. The Front stands over against the High Way leading to the
_Seraglio_; and the _Grand Seignior_, every _Friday_ (which is their
Sabbath, as the Lord’s Day is with us) passes by it to his Devotions, so
that Ambassadors may easily see him out of their Windows. And the Family,
together with the _Chiaux_ and the _Janizaries_, do obeysance to him in
the Porch, or do re-salute him rather; for the Fashion of the _Turks_
is, that the Greater doth first of all salute the Less, and therefore
the _Grand Seignior_ as he passes, first salutes the People with a Nod
of his Head; and then they very officiously pay their Court to him, with
Acclamations and Shouts.

The lower Part of the House is designed for the Stabling of Horses; and,
to preserve it from Fire within, it is all built with Vaults or arched
Roofs, and without it is covered with Lead. ’Tis true, such kind of
Building hath some Advantages; and it hath as many Inconveniencies to
ballance them: For all things are made therein for necessary Use, but
nothing for Delight and Pleasure. There is nothing of Beauty or Novelty
that can entertain your Fancy; no Garden belonging to it, to give a Man
the Pleasure of a Walk; there is neither Tree, Shrub nor green Herb, to
delight your Eye; you have only many wild Beasts as your troublesome
Inmates and Companions. Snakes you have in abundance, store of Weesels,
Lizards and Scorpions; so that sometimes when you would fetch your Hat
in the Morning, from the Place you left it in the Night before, you find
it surrounded with a Snake, as with a terrible Hat-Band; And yet these
Animals afforded me some kind of Diversion in my Solitude, (for you must
give me leave to tell you all my Entertainments). I once saw a Weesel
fiercely combating with a Snake, and though the whole Family look’d
upon her, yet she was not terrified therewith; but though her Adversary
struggled, and made what Defence he could, yet she victoriously haled him
into her Hole. Another Time I saw a Weesel carrying her young Weesling
from one part of the House to another; and, as she was so doing, she
leap’d down upon the middle of the Table, where I and some of my Guests
were sitting after Dinner, having the young one in her Mouth, which
she very fairly left among us on the Table, and skip’d no farther than
the Door, as if she had waited what Event would betide her Youngling.
When we had satisfied ourselves with the Sight of that (yet sharpless)
Animal, we laid it down upon the Ground, and then the Dam ran hastily,
and snatching it up, carried it to her desired Place. Another time I saw
either a Snake, or a Dragon, or a Serpent, trod to pieces by the Horse’s
Feet, in the Stable; her Belly was very big, and, after I had caused it
to be opened, I found three huge Mice therein. ’Twas a wonder to me,
how such a slow and creeping Animal could catch so swift and so running
a one; and, after he had catch’d him, how he could swallow him down,
by reason of the narrowness of his Throat and Jaws. But my Wonderment
was soon abated, when I beheld another Snake seize upon a mighty Toad;
and, after he had him in his Mouth, he began at the hinder Part, and had
devoured a great deal of it; and yet the Toad was still alive, and did
what he could with his Fore-Feet to deliver himself from his Enemy. ’Twas
in this very Posture, when I saw it first; which made me admire, and to
be almost of the Opinion, that I saw a Monster, an Animal with two Feet,
and a Tail as long as a Serpent; but when I drew nearer, and perceived
what it was, I hit the Snake with my Staff, to make him let go his Prey,
which at last he endeavoured to do, that he might creep the nimbler away;
but, whether he would or no, the Toad stuck in his Throat; yet, at last,
when with much-a-do, he had shaken him out, he could not shut his Mouth,
but continued gaping, in an ugly Posture, till we killed him. Such a
Staff, if we may believe _Pliny_, hath a kind of magical Virtue to help
Child-bearing Women in the Time of their Labour.

But, for my Part, I was not content with the Native Animals of that
Country, but fill’d my House with Outlandish ones too; and my Family
busied themselves, by my Order, to our mutual Contents, in feeding
them, that we might the better bear the Absence from our own Country:
For seeing we were debarred of human Society, what better Conversation
could we have to drive Grief out of our Minds, than among wild Beasts?
Otherwise, Stones, Walls and Solitudes had been but lamentable Amusements
for us.

Amongst these, Apes led the Van, which making us good Sport, occasioned
great Laughter amongst us, and therefore you should seldom see them
without a whole Ring of my People about them, delighting to observe their
antick Tricks and Gestures. I also bred up some Wolves, some Bears, some
broad-horned Stags (vulgarly miscalled, Bucks) and common Deers; also
Hinds, Lynx’s, Ichneumons or _Indian_ Rats, Weesels of that sort which
you call Ferrets and Fairies: And, if you would know all, I kept also
a Hog, whose noisome Smell was wholsome for my Horses, as my Grooms
persuaded me: So that, in my Nomenclature of other Creatures, ’tis not
fit I should omit my Hog, which made my House to be mightily frequented
by the _Asiaticks_. They came thick and three-fold to see that Creature,
which is counted unclean by them, and by the Books of their Religion they
are forbid to eat it, so that, it being a prohibited Animal among them,
they never saw one before. Yea, all _Turks_ are as much afraid to touch
a Hog, as Christians are to come near to those who are infected with the
Plague. This Humour of theirs being known, we put a pretty Trick upon
them; when any body had a mind to send me a secret Message, which he
would not have my _Chiaux_ know of, he put it into a little Bag, together
with a Roasting-Pig, and send it by a Youth: When my _Chiaux_ met him,
he would ask, what he had there? Then the Boy, being instructed before,
whisper’d him in the Ear, and say, that a Friend of mine had sent me a
Roasting-Pig, for a Present: The _Chiaux_, thereupon, would punch the Bag
with his Stick, to see whether the Boy spake Truth or no; and when he
heard the Pig grunt, he would run back as far as ever he could, saying,
_Get thee in, with the nasty Present!_ Then, spitting on the Ground, and
turning to his Fellows, he would say; _’Tis strange to see how these
Christians do dote on this filthy impure Beast; they cannot forbear
eating of it, though their Lives lay at stake._ Thus he was handsomely
choused, and the Boy brought me what secret Message was sent me. I kept
also a great many sorts of Birds, as Eagles, Jack-daws, _Muscovy_ Ducks,
_Balearick_ Cranes, and Partridges; yea, my House is so full of them,
that, if a Painter were to draw it, he may take from thence the Copy of
_Noah_’s Ark. Besides the Delight that I and my Family take in these
Creatures, to counterpoise our long Absence from our own Country, I got
also this Advantage by them, that now I know, by Experience, what I could
hardly believe when I read it in Books. You know a great many Books
are full of strange Stories, what ardent Love some wild Beasts have to
Mankind: I could never give Credit to such Relations, but looked upon
them as Romances, till I saw with my Eyes, a Lynx, which I got out of
_Assyria_, so passionately affected towards one of my Servants, though
known to him but a little while before, that for my part I could not
think but she was in Love with him: For, whenever he was present, she
would mightily fawn upon him, and in a manner embrace him, and almost
kiss him. Whenever she was about to go away from him, she would gently
lay her Claws on his Cloaths, as labouring to retain him; and, when he
was gone, she would eye him; and whensoever he was in Sight, would hardly
ever remove her Eye from that Quarter. During the Time of his Absence,
she was very sad, but upon his Return she would skip and be jocund; she
could not endure he should be at any Time absent; for one Time, when he
went with me beyond Sea, to the _Turkish_ Camp, the Lynx pined away by
degrees, would not eat a bit, but at length died.

I was troubled for his Loss, for I had designed him, with another choice
Ichneumon (which I had) as a Present for my Master _Cæsar_; and the
rather, because of the exceeding Beauty of his Skin, which made him
look quite different from other Lynxes: The best of the kind are bred
in _Assyria_, from whence this came, and their Skins are sold here for
fifteen or sixteen Crowns of Gold apiece. I question not, but these
were the _Babilonian_ Pells or Skins, so much famed and valued amongst
the Ancients, of which mention is made in Law-Books; in the Title of
_Publicans_.

If you please to hear me, I’ll tell you another story of a Bird: I have,
among my other Birds, a _Balearic_ Crane, which differs from the ordinary
sort of Cranes by a white Plume of Feathers, that grows hanging down from
both her Ears; and besides, all the fore-part of her Neck-Feathers were
black, and the _Turks_ adorn their Turbants with it; and there is some
Difference in their Bigness. This _Balearic_ Bird was mightily affected
with a _Spanish_ Soldier, whom I had redeemed out of his Chains; when
he walked abroad, the Bird would walk with him, though for many Hours
together; when he stood still, so did the Crane; when he sat down, she
would stand by him, and suffer him to handle her, and stroke down her
Feathers, whereas she would not suffer any body else so much as to touch
her; whenever he was gone from Home, she would come to his Chamber-door
and knock against it with her Beak; if any body open’d it, she would look
all about, to see whether he were in the Room; and, not finding him, she
would traverse it about, making such a shrill Din and Noise, that nothing
living could endure it; so that we were forced to shut her up, that her
Noise might not offend us. But when he returned, as soon as ever she
fixed her Eyes on him, she would make to him, clapping her Wings with
such an antick Posture of her Body as Dancers in a Jig use to do; or as
if she had been to prepare herself for Combat with a Pygmy. In fine, she
at last used to lie under his Bed at Night, where she laid him an Egg.
Thus I have given the story of the Loves of brute Animals towards Man,
now prepare your Ears for another Story of a contrary Import, _viz._ the
Cruelty and Ingratitude of another Brute towards Man. I had a Hart, that
lived very quiet and tame with me for many Months; but, when her rutting
or coupling Time came, she grew on a sudden so wild, that, forgetting
all our Respects, she flew upon every body that she met, as if she would
have killed them with her Horns, so that we were compelled, for our own
Security, to hamper her, and to shut her up in a walled Place; but one
Night, she broke from her Prison, and ran amongst all the Horses, which,
as I told you, in _Turkey_, use to stand all Night in the Yard, and where
she made such a Tumult amongst them, that she forced the Grooms to drive
her to her Hold; she wounded many of them, which set them into a Rage, so
that at last they drove her into a large Stable, and there I gave them
leave, with what Weapons came next to hand, to destroy her: She defended
her self stoutly at first; but they, being forty to one, at last felled
her, and made her pay for her breach of Hospitality. When she was dead, I
cut her in pieces, and made a Feast for the Ambassadors that then resided
at _Constantinople_. It was a Hart or Stag, of a huge Bulk, such as use
to come in the beginning of _Autumn_, out of _Hungary_ into _Austria_,
at rutting Times. I bought him of some Beggars, that made a Gain of that
Trade; they used to carry him about, and where they ask’d Alms for God’s
Sake, at the name of God they used to bow their Heads, and the Stag by
Custom had learned to do so too; so that the Vulgar did admire the Beast,
as if he had some Sense of a Deity, and therefore he got a deal of Gain
to his Keepers. This Stag, by reason of his Talness, I also designed as a
Present to _Cæsar_.

Having made mention of _Turkish_ Beggars, give me leave to acquaint you
with the nature of those kind of People in this Country. There are fewer
Beggars here than amongst us, and they are commonly Pilgrims that travel
up and down, pretending some appearance of Piety or religious Profession.
Some of them, besides their Poverty, pretend Distraction and Simplicity;
and this sort is very much esteemed among them, for the _Turks_ count
all Madmen and Fools to be certainly designed for Heaven; and therefore
they look upon them as Demi-Gods here on Earth. Some of those Wanderers
are _Arabians_, who carry Banners before them, wherewith, as they say,
their Ancestors fought against the Christians, for the Propagation of
the _Mussulman_ Religion. Those that are of this Rank are not ordinary
Beggars, neither do they ask Alms of all Passengers, but in the Evening
they offer you a Tallow-Candle, a Lemon or a Pomegranate, and force it
upon you; but you must give them double or treble the Worth; and by this
means they seem rather to sell than to receive _gratis_. For the rest,
they which beg amongst Christians are set to do servile Offices amongst
the _Turks_. If a Slave become lame, his Master is bound to maintain
him, and yet the veriest Cripple amongst them brings in his Master some
Profit. I remember, once I redeemed a _Spanish_ Officer, bought by a
_Turk_, who was maimed in all his Limbs, by reason of his Wounds, and yet
his Master found means how to make him get his Living; he sent him over
into _Asia_, to look to the Flocks of Geese which he kept there; and by
his Care in feeding them, he brought in sufficient Gain to his Matter.

Now we talk of Slaves, give me leave to digress a little, and to
propose a _Quære_, whether he did well or ill with _Christendom_, who
first brought up the use of Slaves among them? I know there are many
Inconveniencies that attend the Condition of Slaves, but they are
over-balanced by the Advantages accruing thereby; especially if a just
and merciful Slavery were allowed by some public Law, as was of old among
the _Romans_; for then, perhaps, we should not need so many Gallows’s and
Gibbets as we have among us, to restrain those, who set an high Price on
their Life and Liberty; to maintain which, their Poverty prompts them
to the most audacious Attempts: Liberty, without an Estate to maintain
it, is none of the best Counsellors. All Men cannot bear Poverty and
Freedom; Mankind, in general, is not so form’d by Nature, as to rightly
to govern himself. No, he stands in need of a better and wiser Conduct
than his own; otherwise, there will be no end of his Transgressing; for
so some Beasts will always be terrible to Men, unless their Fierceness be
restrain’d by Manacles and Bonds. But in this case of Slavery, the weaker
Mind of the Slave is govern’d and steer’d by the Authority of his Patron
or Master; and, on the other side, the Master is maintained by the Labour
of his Slave. The Truth is, both publickly and privately, the _Turks_
make a very great Advantage of their Slaves; if any Houshold-work be
to be done, the Slave is ready to perform it; and, therefore, they have
a Proverb among them, _He can never be poor, that hath but one Slave_.
But then for Works without Doors, if there be any Rubbish to be carried
out, or Preparation made for any great Building, the assiduity of Slaves
quickly performs what is enjoined them. This I take to be one Reason, why
our present Buildings do not arrive to the Magnificence of the Ancients;
we want Hands (or Slaves) to carry on the Work. I might instance also,
that servile Hands and Heads have been great helps to the Learned, to
attain their so much celebrated Learning and Knowledge. What I have
hitherto discoursed about Slaves, you will look upon as an Amusement; and
so, pray, take it.

This I can a assure you of, that the _Turks_, in their way, do make a
huge Advantage of Slaves; for if an ordinary _Turk_ bring home one or two
Slaves, whom he hath taken Prisoners in War, he accounts he hath made a
good Campaign of it, and his Prize is worth his Labour. An ordinary Slave
is sold among them for 40 or 50 Crowns; but if he be young, beautiful,
and have Skill in some Trade besides, then they rate him at twice as
much. By this you may know, how advantageous the _Turkish_ Depredations
are to them, when many times, from one Expedition, they bring home five
or six thousand Prisoners.

The _Romans_ of old, were not ignorant of this gainful Trade; which made
them set an high Rate on 20 or 30 thousand Persons, which they sometimes
took at the sacking of Cities, as their Writings shew. But a _Turk_, upon
the like Sack, would make ten times five hundred Crowns of his Prize,
though by the rules of their Religion they are not to make Slaves of any
of their own Sect; nor to disfranchize them, or set any Price on their
Heads.

But to return from this large Digression: I formerly acquainted you
with my Sport in _Hunting_; it follows, in course, that I must say
something of my _Fowling_. The _Turks_ are favourable to all Beasts, as
also to Birds; and especially to Kites, because, they say, they eat up
the Carrion, and keep the Streets clean and wholsome; and, therefore,
abundance of these Birds fly up and down the Town, as fearless of Gin or
Snare, so that they are almost tame; and when you whistle to them, they
come about you; throw them up Meat in the Air, they’ll catch it with
their Claws. Once I caused a Sheep to be killed, and called the Kites to
prey upon the Entrails. I cut them in pieces, and threw them up into the
Air; by and by came ten or twelve or twenty Kites, and a while after so
many of them, that they almost shaded the House; and they are so bold,
withal, that if you hold out a piece of Flesh, they will be ready to
snatch it out of your Hands. In the mean time, I stood with my Cross-Bow
behind the Pillar, and sometimes when I shot, I made the Tail or Feathers
of one or other of them to fly off, and sometimes I gave one or two
a mortal Wound, and made them tumble down; but this I did privately,
when the Doors were shut, that so I might not provoke the _Turks_ to
Indignation.

I must tell you, I have _Partridges_ too (to acquaint you with my whole
Stock of pleasurable Recreations). You would wonder, as I my self did at
first, how tame they are. They were brought from _Chios_ with red Feet
and Beaks; they were so troublesome to me, by standing at my Feet, and
picking the Dust out of my Velvet Pantofle, with their Beaks, that they
might dust themselves therewith, that, to be rid of the Molestation, I
was forced to shut them up in a Chamber, where, in a short time, they
grew over-fat and died, as my Servants told me; yet _Pliny_ says, in a
certain Place, that _Hares_ and _Partridges_ never grow fat. You have yet
but small ground for your Wonderment; but, pray, prepare your Ears for
what follows.

The Isle of _Chios_ is full of these Birds, and they live with the
Inhabitants in their Houses; every Country-man, almost, keeps more or
less of them under his Roof, as their Estates are, or their Minds serve
them. A public Keeper whistles them out in a Morning, and they run to
him in the Highway, and follow him into the Field (as Flocks of Sheep
do their Shepherds with us): There they stay all Day to feed and bask
themselves, and in the Evening he whistles for them again, and then they
covey together, and return to their old Lodgings. The Custom arose from
hence, as they say: As soon as ever the Partridges are hatch’d, the
Country-men take them up and put them in their Bosoms, between their
Skin and their Shirts; thus they carry them about a day or two, ever and
anon moist’ning their Mouths with their own Spittle. This Courtesy doth
so oblige the young Birds (for Partridges, as well as other Birds, are
mindful of human Civilities, if I may so speak) that they cannot forget
their Fosterers; and yet Care is to be taken, that they stay not out
in the Field all Night; if they do so two or three times, they quickly
forget human Hospitality, and return to their own natural free Life in
the open Field. I have taken a great deal of Pains to procure such a
Fosterer of Partridges to send him to _Cæsar_, to teach Emperors that
aviary Discipline. ’Tis true, I never saw this done with my own Eyes;
yet so many credible Witnesses have affirm’d the Truth thereof, and I
believe it as well as if I had seen it. And I give equal Credit to the
Story, I am now about to tell you.

It is so known a Truth in this Country, that he were an absurd Man that
would offer to deny it. They that come to _Constantinople_ from _Egypt_,
(as many do continually) affirm it for certain, that Chicken are not
hatched, as with us, by a Hen sitting abrood upon them, but there are
some appointed Officers, that, in Spring-time, gather all the Eggs of the
Neighbourhood and put them in a certain kind of Oven, which they make
of Dung and Trash heaped up together, and by the heat of the Sun and
the hot putrid Vapours, the Chicken in due time, are animated and break
their Shells; and then the Owners come to claim the Chickens, which the
Overseers of the Work deliver out to them, not by Tale, for that would be
too tedious, but by Admeasurement. I mention this the rather, because I
read of such a Passage in _Vopiscus_, where the Emperor _Adrian_, being
angry with the _Egyptians_, inveighs against them with this Sarcasm; _I
wish them_, says he, _no greater Curse, than that they may always feed on
their own Chicken, which, how they are hatch’d, I am asham’d to tell._
So that, without Question, this was an old Custom among the _Egyptians_;
and, therefore, _Adrian_ upbraided them with their Food, which he looked
upon as obscene, being begotten by Dung and Dirt. You may think, perhaps,
that I am mistaken; but I leave the Matter with you, and shall now hasten
to acquaint you with the rest of my Diversions.

Be pleased then to know, that I have also a breed of brave Horses; some
from _Syria_, others from _Cilicia_, _Arabia_, _Cappadocia_, together
with divers Camels, Sumpture-horses, and all Utensils fit for a Journey.
For I would have the _Turks_ believe, that I have now executed all my
Master’s Commands, and wait only for my Dismission to return home, which
I press with great Importunity, knowing that, by reason of the present
Discord among them, and the War between the two Brothers, I may obtain
the better Conditions of Peace from them.

As I take Pleasure in my Horses on other Accounts, so especially when in
an Evening I behold them brought, one by one, out of their Stables, and
placed in the Yard, that so they may enjoy the Night-Air in Summer-time,
and rest more sweetly. They march out so stately, shaking their Manes on
their high Necks, as if they were proud to be seen; and they have Fetters
on their Forefeet, and one of their hinder Feet is tied with a Cord to a
Stake.

There is no Creature so gentle as a _Turkish_ Horse; nor more respectful
to his Master, or the Groom that dresses him. The reason is, because
they treat their Horses with great Lenity. I my self saw when I was in
_Pontus_, passing through a part of _Bithynia_, called _Axilos_, towards
_Cappadocia_, how indulgent the Country-men were to young Colts, and how
kindly they used them soon after they were foled; they would stroke them,
bring them into their Parlours, and almost to their Tables, and use them
even like Children. They hung something about their Necks, like a Jewel,
even a Garter which was full of Amulets against Poison, which they are
most afraid of; and the Grooms, that are to dress them, are as indulgent
as their Masters; they frequently sleek them down with their Hands, and
never use any Cudgel to bang their Sides, but in case of great Necessity.
This makes their Horses great Lovers of Mankind; and they are so far from
kicking, wincing, or growing untractable by this gentle usage, that you
shall hardly find a masterless Horse among them.

But, alas! our Christian Grooms treat Horses at quite another rate; they
never think them rightly curried, till they thunder at them with their
Voice, and let their Club or Horse-whip, dwell, as it were, on their
Sides. This makes some Horses even to tremble when their Keepers come
into the Stable, so that they hate and fear them too: But the _Turks_
love to have their Horses very gentle, that, at a word of Command, they
may fall down on their Knees, and in this Posture receive their Riders.

They will take up a Staff or Club upon the Road, which their Rider hath
let fall, with their Teeth, and hold it up to him again; and when they
are perfect in this Lesson, then, for their Credit, they have Rings of
Silver hung on their Nostrils, as a Badge of Honour and good Discipline.
I saw some Horses, when their Master was fallen from the Saddle, that
would stand Stock-still, without wagging a Foot, till he got up again.
Another time, I saw a Groom standing at a distance, in the midst of a
whole Ring of Horses about him, and, at a word of Command, they would
either go round, or stand still. Once I saw some Horses, when their
Master was at Dinner with me in an upper Room, prick up their Ears to
hear his Voice; and when they did so, they neighed for Joy.

And yet this is usual and common to all _Turkish_ Horses, that they run
forward with a stiff and stretch’d-out Neck, so that they cannot easily
be stopp’d or hinder’d in their Course, but by fetching a large compass
about. This in my Judgment, is the fault of the Bridles they wear, which
all over _Turky_ are of one Make, and not contrived harsher or tenderer,
according to the Tenderness of the Horse’s Mouth. I must also acquaint
you, that the _Turks_ do not Shoe their Horses as we _Christians_ do; our
Shoes are very open in the middle, but theirs are broad-web’d Shoes, that
so their Feet may be less endangered in Travelling. Their Horses do also
live longer than Ours.

I have seen a Horse of theirs as lusty at 20 Years old, as ours are at
eight; yea, they say, in the Stables of the Emperor, there are Horses
of 50 Years old; and which, for some great Merit, are exempt from
Labour, and feed daily at the _Grand Seignior_’s Charge. The _Turks_, in
Summer-nights, when the Weather is very hot, do not keep their Horses in
their Stables, as we do; but cover their Backs with Horse-cloths, and
so bring them forth into the open Air (as I told you before); and for
Litter, they have only dry’d Horse-dung, which they save all the Year
long, and spread under them for their Bedding: As for Straw, they make
no use of it at all, either for Litter or Feed. Their usual Food is a
little Hay, and a small quantity of Barley; with this Meat they grow not
fat, for their Masters love lean Horses as being fitter for Race, and
Burden, than foul-bodies ones. The cover them with Horse-cloths, both in
the Winter and Summer, only they are thinner in One than in the Other.
This contributes much to the smoothness of their Hair, and is also a good
relief to their chilly Horses, which cannot endure the Cold.

In those Steeds, as I lately told you, I take a great deal of Delight;
when, about Sun-set, they are brought out of their Stables, and placed in
a row in the Yard; where I call each Horse by his usual Name, as _Arabs_,
_Caramanian_, &c. whereupon they fall a Neighing and give a Glance of
their Eyes and stare at me. Sometimes I go down among them, and give
to each of them a piece of Melon-rind out of my Hand, which makes them
know me so well. Thus you see, what Shifts I am put to, to drive away my
Melancholly.

I have also six She-Camels, which I keep by me, ready to carry my
Baggage, as I pretend to the _Turks_; but my true Design is, to bring
them to my Master the Emperor; if peradventure he, or other Christian
Princes, may have a Fancy to breed out of them because of their great use.

There are two things which the _Turks_ make mighty Advantage of, and
those are _Rice_ among the Fruits of the Earth, and _Camels_ among the
Beasts of the Field; both of them very convenient in their several Kinds,
for long Expeditions. As for _Rice_, it is not easily spoil’d; it affords
very wholsome Nourishment, and a little of it will serve a great many
People. And for _Camels_, they’ll carry huge Burdens; they will endure
Hunger and Thirst to admiration; and also they require little Attendance.
One Keeper will look after six or eight of them, and no Creature in the
World is more obsequious to his Owner than the _Camel_; and for currying
of them, they do it not with a Curry-Comb as we do, but with Brushes,
as we do our wearing Apparel; they rather kneel than lie down, on the
naked Ground; and in this Posture they offer themselves to be loaded; if
you lay too much on their Backs they’ll grumble a little, and refuse to
rise; for their Backs will be easily broken under over-great Burdens,
especially in Ways that are slippery and dirty. I was mightily pleased
to see them stand all round in a Ring, and with their joined Heads, take
Water or other Food, out of the same Bason or other Vessel, with such
agreement among them. When Fodder is scarce, they live upon tops of
Brambles or Thorns; and, when their Chops are bloodied in gathering them,
they eat them down most sweetly.

The _Scythians_ send a great many _Camels_ to _Constantinople_; but the
most part come from _China_ and _Assyria_: From those Countries, there
are whole Droves of them; and they are so cheap, that a _Mare_ of a good
Breed is worth an 100 _Camels_; wherein, perhaps, they respect more the
Scarcity of _Mares_ than the Cheapness of _Camels_; for good _Mares_
are so scarce in that Country, that he that gets but one, of that sort,
thinks himself a very _Crœsus_ for Wealth. They try whether they are good
or no, if they can run down a steep Hill, and not trip or stumble. When
the _Grand Seignior_ goes upon a Military Expedition into the Field, he
carries above 40,000 of these _Camels_ with him, and as many _Mules_ for
Burden; and these he loads with all sorts of Victuals, especially with
_Rice_. They also carry Tents, Arms, and other Utensils of War, upon
them; especially when he marches into _Persia_.

For, you must know, that the Countries over which the _Sophi_, or, as the
_Turks_ call him, _Chisilbas_ of _Persia_ reigns, are not so fruitful of
Provisions, as our _European_ Countries are. The Reason is, because the
Custom of the Inhabitants is, upon the Approach of an Enemy, to destroy
all before them, that so Fire and Famine may send him farther off; so
that if the Invader bring not great Store of Provision with him, he will
be in danger of Starving; and if he once do approach his Enemy, yet he
doth not presently open his Store of Provision, but reserves it for his
Retreat; which, he knows, must be through those Places already wasted
by such a Multitude of Men and Beasts, that, like Locusts, have before
pillaged all the Country. Then, indeed, the _Grand Seignior_’s Stores are
opened, and some small Allowance given out daily to the _Janizaries_,
and other Dependents of that Prince, enough to keep them alive, and
that’s all. As for others, it goes hard with them, unless they have made
some Provision for themselves before-hand; and some of their Soldiers,
especially the Horse, are so fore-sighted that, in Prospect of such
Difficulties, they carry a led Horse along with them, with Viands and
other things to support them, if need be. Upon this Horse they usually
carry some Blankets, that they may spread abroad, as Tents, to defend
them from Sun and Rain; also some other Cloaths to wear, and withal two
or three Wicker Baskets, full of the best Flower they can get, with
a small Pot for Butter, some Spice and Salt; with these, in case of
Necessity, they kill their Hunger. They take out a few Spoonfuls of their
Meal or Flower, and pour Water upon it; then they add a little Butter,
and so seasoning it with Spice and Salt, they set it on the Fire, and
when it boils, it swells so that it will fill a large Platter.

They eat of this twice or thrice a Day, as their Store holds out, but
without eating Bread with it, unless they have brought some Biskets along
with them: And with this thin Diet, for want of better, they can live a
Month or two, till they come to richer Quarters. There are some of them
who carry dried Beef, grounded to Powder, in a kind of Snap-sack; that’s
a more nutritive and choice Viand amongst them: And sometimes they eat
Horse-Flesh, for in a vast Army a great many Horses must needs die, and
if any of them be more fleshy than others, they make a great Feast for
hungry Stomachs. And those who have thus lost their Horses, (for you must
know that too) when the _Grand Seignior_ or _Vizier_ removes his Camp,
stand in a row before him in the Way he is to march, with their Saddles
on their Heads, signifying hereby the Loss of their Horses, and by that
mute Sign begging Relief towards buying a new one; and their Prince
gratifies them, at his Pleasure.

Thus the _Turks_ surmount huge Difficulties in War, with a great
deal of Patience, Sobriety and Parsimony, reserving themselves for
more favourable Circumstances. But our _Christian_ Soldiers carry it
otherwise; they scorn homely Fare in their Camps; they must have dainty
bits, forsooth, such as Thrushes, Black-birds, and banquetting Stuff. If
they have not these they are ready to mutiny, as if they were famished;
and if they have them, they are undone: Their own Intemperance kills
them, if their Enemy spare their Lives.

When I compare the Difference between their Soldiers and ours, I stand
amazed to think what will be the Event; for certainly their Soldiers
must needs conquer, and ours must needs be vanquished; both cannot stand
prosperously together: For on their side, there is a mighty, strong and
wealthy Empire, great Armies, Experience in War, a veteran Soldiery, a
long Series of Victories, Patience in Toil, Concord, Order, Discipline,
Frugality and Vigilance. On our side, there is public Want, private
Luxury, Strength weakened, Minds Discouraged, an unaccustomedness to
Labour or Arms, Soldiers refractory, Commanders covetous, a Contempt of
Discipline, Licentiousness, Rashness, Drunkenness, Gluttony; and, what
is worst of all, they used to conquer, we to be conquered. Can any Man
doubt, in this case, what the Event will be? ’Tis only the _Persian_
stands between us and Ruin. The _Turks_ would fain be upon us, but
he keeps him back; his War with him affords us only a Respite, not a
Deliverance: When he once makes Peace with him, he will bring all the
Power of the East upon us, and how ready we are to receive him, I am
afraid to speak. But to return from whence I digressed.

I told you before, that the _Turks_ use to carry their Arms and Tents
on Horse-Back to the War; but they are such as chiefly belong to the
_Janizaries_, for the _Turks_ are very careful to have their Army
healthy, and fenced against the Weather; let him defend himself as well
as he can against the Enemy, that’s to his own Peril; but the Public
takes care for his Health. Hence it is, that the _Turkish_ Army is better
cloathed than armed. They are afraid of Cold, as of their greatest
Enemy; and therefore, even in Summer-time, they are treble-clothed, and
their inmost Garment (call it a Waistcoat, or whatever you will,) is
made of coarse Thread, which keeps them very warm. And, to defend them
also against the Cold and Showers, Tents are carried about for them at
the Public Charge; and every _Janizary_ is allowed as much Space in the
Tent as the Dimensions of his Body are; so that one Tent can hold twenty
five or thirty _Janizaries_; and that thick Cloath, I speak of, is also
supplied out of the public Store. When it is distributed among them,
they take this Course, to prevent Quarrels; the Soldiers are ranged in
the Night in Files, in a Place appointed for that purpose, and so many
Cloaths are brought out of the Store as there are Soldiers, and every one
takes his Dole in the Dark; so that, if it be better or worse, he has no
cause to complain. And, for the same Reason, their Pay is weighed out,
not told, to them, lest any one should say, he was forced to receive
light or clipt Money; nor do they stay till the very Pay-day, but receive
it the Day before. The Arms that are carried are chiefly for the use of
the Horse, called _Spahi’s_; for the _Janizaries_ do usually fight on
Foot with Musquets, at a Distance, and therefore, when an Enemy is near,
and a Battle expected, the Armour is produced; but usually such as is
of an old Make, and are part of the Spoils obtained from former Fights
and Victories: These are distributed among the Horse; their other Armour
is but a light Buckler. You may easily think, how odly such Armour will
fit on a Man which is given out so hastily. One’s Breast-plate is too
narrow; another Man’s Helmet is too loose; another Coat of Mail is too
heavy for him to bear. Every Piece hath some Fault or other; and yet they
must not complain: They count it Cowardly so to do; for they resolve
to fight, be their Arms what they will, so great Confidence have they
in their Victories, and in the frequent Use of their Arms. Hence it is
also, that they put their old Foot on Horse-service, which they were not
used to before; for an experienced Soldier (they say) will do valiantly,
either on Horse or Foot-service. In my Judgment, the _Old Romans_ were
of the same Mind, and especially _Julius Cæsar_, who was wont to say,
_That his Soldiers would fight well, even though they were perfumed_;
for when he horsed the ten Legions, upon a Conference he was to have
with _Ariovistus_, what was his Intent, think we? but that they should
fight on Horse-back, if there had been need, though they were used to
Foot-service before; and we know amongst the _Romans_, their Foot-service
was quite another thing from Horse-service. But if you say, _Cæsar_’s
Design was only to horse his Men for Carriage, but to make use of their
Service on Foot, certainly he had run a great Hazard thereby, if when
_Ariovistus_’s choice Horse were within a Stone’s Call of the _Romans_,
and might have fallen upon them, the Legion was then to dismount their
Horses, to be disposed of, and ranged into a _Foot-Tertia_, or Brigade,
in an instant: With us, this would seem very absurd. However it be,
this is certain, that experienced Soldiers will manage a Fight after
a different Order than we do; so the _Romans_ did of old, and so the
_Turks_ do at this Day, with too good Success. So much for that Subject.

I return, further to acquaint you, how indulgent the _Turks_ are to all
irrational Animals. ’Tis true, a Dog is counted an obscene and nasty
Creature by them, and therefore they will not harbour him in their
Houses; but they nourish a Cat as a chaster and modester Creature,
in their Judgments. This Custom they received from _Mahomet_, their
Law-giver, who was so much in love with a Cat, that, when one of them
fell asleep upon his Sleeve, as he was reading at a Table, and the time
of his Devotion drew near, he caused his Sleeve to be cut off, that he
might not awake the Cat by his going to the Mosque.

However, though the _Turks_ have so ill an opinion of Dogs, that they
wander up and down the City of _Constantinople_, and have no certain
Masters, so that they are Keepers of Streets and Lanes, rather than of
any certain House, and they live upon the Offal which is cast out of
their Houses; yet, if they see any Bitch great with young, in their
Neighbourhood, they give it Bones, and some Relicks of their Table: This
they count an office of Pity amongst them. When, on this Account, I
blamed them for performing such Offices to a _Brute_, which they would
hardly do to a _Man_, though a reasonable Creature, like themselves, and
to be sure, not to a _Christian_; their Answer was, that God had given
Reason to Man, as a Fence against all Perils, and yet he did abuse it,
so that if any Inconvenience or Trouble happened to him, it was his
own Fault, and therefore he deserved less Pity: But God had bestowed
no Boon on Brutes, but some natural Notions and Appetites, which of
Necessity they must obey; and therefore they were to be relieved by
Man’s Help and Commiseration; and for this Reason they take it very
ill, if any brute Creature be put to Torment at his Death, or that Men
should take any Pleasure in tormenting them. This had like to cost a
_Venetian_ Goldsmith, that lived here, very dear, of late. The Story is
worth telling. This Goldsmith did delight in the art of Fowling, and
among other Birds, he once took one about the bigness of a Cuckow, and
almost of the same Colour; he had no great Beak, but his Jaws were so
wide and large, that, when they stretch’d asunder, they did gape most
prodigiously, so that a Man’s Fist might be thrust into them. The Man
wondering at this strange kind of Bird, caus’d him to be fastened to the
upper Lintel of his Gate, with his Wings spread abroad, and his Jaws so
extended with a Stick, that he gaped hideously. The _Turks_ came often by
his Door, stood still, and looked upon it; but when they saw the Bird did
move, and was alive, then taking Pity on it, _Out!_ they cried, _What an
abominable thing is this, that an harmless Bird should be so tormented?_
Whereupon, out they call the Man of the House, and drag him presently, by
Head and Shoulders, to their criminal Judge, where Sentence was likely to
be pronounced upon him, to be soundly bastinadoed; but the _Bailo_ of
_Venice_ (so they call their Ambassadors or Residents there) hearing of
the Matter, sent presently one of his Servants to demand the Man, and the
_Turkish Cadi_ was so merciful as to let him go; but many of the _Turks_
grumbled at his Freedom. Thus the poor Goldsmith scaped a Scouring: I
laughed heartily at the Story, for he told it me himself, as coming
often to my House, and in what a terrible Fright he was in for the time;
and, to oblige me the more, he brought me the Bird to look upon. ’Tis
of the same Form, as I lately described; it flies about in the Night,
and (as they say) will suck Milch-Kine, so that I am apt to believe ’tis
the Goat-Sucker of the Ancients. Such Commiseration do the _Turks_ use
towards all sorts of brute Animals, especially those of the winged Kind.

Over against my Lodgings there is a tall _Plane-tree_, whose spreading
Boughs make a delightsome Shade; under that Tree, sometimes Fowlers sit
with abundance of such Birds to sell in Cages. You shall have the _Turks_
buy several of these Birds for a small Matter; and when they have bought
them, they’ll let them fly out of their Hands. The Bird presently flies
up to the Tree; there she picks her Feathers, and cleanseth them from the
Filth contracted in the Cage, and then she spreads abroad her Wings, and
chirps. The _Turks_ that bought them, say, don’t you hear how glad this
Bird is, and how he gives me Thanks for his Liberty?

If this be so, you’ll say, What! are the _Turks_ such _Pythagoreans_,
that they count all Brutes sacred, and will eat none of their Flesh? I
lay not so; but, on the contrary, they’ll eat any Flesh set before them,
either boil’d or roasted; only they count Mutton the properest Meat,
because Sheep are made for the Shambles, as they say; yet they would
not have Men to make a Sport at killing of them, as if they rejoyced in
their Torment. Some of them will by no means be persuaded to kill small
Birds which sing in their Fields and Woods; nay, they think it some
Injury done them, to restrain their Liberty by caging them up. But all
_Turks_ are not of that Mind; some of them keep _Nightingales_ in their
Houses, for the Melodiousness of their Tunes, and in Spring-time they let
them out to hire, to sing. I knew some, that carried _Linnets_ about, so
well instructed, that if a Man shew’d them a piece of Money out of his
Chamber, though it were at a great distance from them, yet they would fly
up to fetch it; and if the Man would not let it go, they would sit upon
his Hand, and so accompany him from one Room to another, still pulling at
the Money; and when they had got it, as if they remembred their Errand on
which they were sent, when their Master whistled to them in the High-way,
down they would fly to him again; and, as a Reward for the Money in
their Bills, he would give them a little Hemp-seed. But I shall proceed
no further in such Stories as these, lest you should think me a second
_Pliny_, or an _Ælian_, and that I were designing to write an History of
Animals.

I preceed then to other Matters, and shall give you an Example of the
Chastity of _Turkish_ Women. The _Turks_ take more Pains to have their
Wives modest, than any other Nation; and, therefore, they ordinarily
keep them close up at home, and hardly suffer them to see the Sun; but
if any necessity calls them abroad, they go so hooded and veil’d, as if
they were Hobgoblins or Ghosts. ’Tis true, they can see Men through their
Veils or Hoods, but no part of their Bodies is open to Man’s View; for
they have this Tradition among them, that it is impossible for a Man
to look on a Woman, especially if she be young and handsome, without
desiring to enjoy her; and by that Desire the Mind is excited, and
therefore they keep them all covered. Their own Brothers have Liberty to
see them; but their Husband’s Brothers have not the same Permission. The
nobler and richer sort, when they marry, do it with this Condition, that
their Wives shall never set a Foot out of Door; and no Person living,
either Male or Female, be the Cause what it will, shall ever have leave
to see them; no, not their nearest Alliance in Blood, except only the
Father and Mother, who, at _Easter_, (their _Bairam_) are permitted to
see their Daughter; and, in lieu of this Strictness, if the Wife have
Parents of the better sort, and she bring her Husband a large Dowry, the
Husband, on his part promiseth, that he will never have any Concubines,
but will keep to her alone.

In other Cases, the _Turks_ have as many Concubines as they will, besides
their lawful Wives; and the Children of both are equally respected, and
have as much Privilege one as the other. Their Concubines they either
buy, or take them in War, and, when they are weary of them, may sell
them in the open Market; only if they have Children by them, then they
obtain their Liberty. This made _Roxolana_ stand upon her Terms with
_Solyman_, in having brought him forth a Son, when she was a Slave, and
thereby obtain’d Manumission. Hereupon she refused to submit to his Will
any longer, unless he married her; which he, doting for Love, wou’d do,
against the Custom of the _Ottoman_ Princes.

A lawful Wife, with them, differs from a Concubine, only upon the account
of her Dowry, which a lawful Wife hath, but a Concubine hath not. And
when once her Dowry is assigned her, then she is a Mistress; Governess of
the House, and all the other Women under her. And yet the Husband hath
leave to lie with which of them he pleases at his Choice; and when he
makes known his Pleasure to his Wife, she bids the Maid of his desires
prepare herself for his Bed; and she obeys; perhaps, more joyfully than
her Mistress commands her. Only _Friday_ Night, which is their _Sabbath_,
the Wife claims as her due, and she thinks herself wrong’d, if her
Husband defraud her thereof; other Nights he may lie with which of his
Slaves he pleases.

Divorces are made among them for many Causes, which Men easily pretend;
and when a Wife is divorced, her Dowry is restored, unless she be put
away on a dishonest Account: But Women have but few; to instance some
among those few, this is one, if their Husband do not allow them due
Maintenance; and if they offer to abuse them against Nature, (a Crime
usual among them) then the Wife goes to the Judge, and tells him, she can
no longer endure to live with her Husband; when he asks the Cause, they
say nothing, but pull off their Shoe from their Feet, and turn it up and
down, which is a Sign among them of the unlawful use of Copulation. The
greatest sort among them, that have abundance of Women, set _Eunuchs_
to guard them, not such as have only their Stones taken out, but such
whose Yards are also impaired; because other wise they think, such as
have lost their Stones only, may desire the use of a Woman, tho’ not for
Generation, yet for Pleasure. The great Men also have Baths at their own
Houses, wherein they and their Women do wash; but the meaner sort use
public Baths.

A _Turk_ hates bodily Filthiness and Nastiness, worse than
Soul-Defilement; and, therefore, they wash very often, and they never
ease themselves, by going to Stool, but they carry Water with them for
their Posteriors. But ordinarily the Women bathe by themselves, Bond and
Free together; so that you shall many times see young Maids, exceeding
beautiful, gathered from all Parts of the World, exposed Naked to the
view of other Women, who thereupon fall in Love with them, as young Men
do with us, at the sight of Virgins.

By this you may guess, what the strict Watch over Females comes to, and
that it is not enough to avoid the Company of an adulterous Man, for the
_Females_ burn in Love one towards another; and the Pandaresses to such
refined Loves are the Baths; and, therefore, some _Turks_ will deny their
Wives the use of their public Baths, but they cannot do it altogether,
because their Law allows them. But these Offences happen among the
ordinary sort; the richer sort of Persons have Baths at home, as I told
you before.

It happened one time, that at the public Baths for Women, an old Woman
fell in Love with a Girl, the Daughter of a poor Man, a Citizen of
_Constantinople_; and, when neither by wooing nor flattering her, she
could obtain that of her which her mad Affection aim’d at, she attempted
to perform an Exploit almost incredible; she feign’d herself to be a Man,
changed her Habit, hired an House near the Maid’s Father, and pretended
she was one of the _Chiauxes_ of the _Grand Seignior_; and thus, by
reason of his Neighbourhood, she insinuated herself into the Man’s
Acquaintance, and after some time, acquaints him with the desire of
his Daughter. In short, he being a Man in such a prosperous Condition,
the Matter was agreed on, a Portion was settled, such as they were able
to give, and a Day appointed for the Marriage; when the Ceremonies
were over, and this doughty Bridegroom went into the Bride-chamber to
his Spouse; after some Discourse, and plucking off her Headgeer, she
was found to be a Woman. Whereupon the Maid runs out, and calls up her
Parents, who soon found that they had married her, not to a _Man_, but a
_Woman_: Whereupon, they carried the supposed Man, the next day, to the
General of the _Janizaries_, who, in the Absence of the _Grand Seignior_,
was Governor of the City. When she was brought before him, he chide her
soundly for her beastly Love; what, says he, are you not asham’d, an old
Beldam as you are, to attempt so notorious a Bestiality, and so filthy a
Fact?

Away, Sir, says she! You do not know the Force of Love, and God grant
you never may. At this absurd Reply, the Governor could scarce forbear
Laughter, but commanded her, presently, to be pack’d away and drown’d in
the Deep; such was the unfortunate Issue of her wild Amours. For you must
know, that the _Turks_ make no noise when _secret_ Offences are committed
by them, that they may not open the Mouths of Scandal and Reproach;
but _open_ and _manifest_ ones they punish most severely. I am afraid
the Relation of that dismal Example hath grated your Ears. I shall,
therefore, now endeavour to make you amends, by acquainting you with a
pleasant Story, which, I believe, will go near to make you smile. ’Tis
this.

Upon the Account of the Troubles in _Hungary_, there came lately a
Messenger to me, with an Express from my Master, the Emperor. The
_Bashaws_ would not let him bring his Letters directly to me, as they
were wont to be brought, but they carried him first into the _Divan_.
The Reason of this their unusual Procedure, was, because they would fain
know what _Cæsar_’s Letters did contain, before they were delivered, in
regard they suspected I dealt not faithfully with them, in communicating
my Master’s Sense, but that I suppressed some of his Concessions. The
Messenger was cunning enough for them; for, having some inkling of the
Matter before-hand, he hid _Cæsar_’s Letters, and only shew’d them
those that were directed to me, from some particular Friends. Their
interpreter, _Ebrahim_, a _Polander_ by Birth, had acquainted them
before, that the Letters, that brought any secret Commands to me, were
not written in an ordinary Character, but in a new kind of Marks, called
_Cyphers_. As they were searching all my Letters, at last they light upon
One, that was wrote to me by a Friend of mine, a Secretary of _Burgundy_.
_Ebrahim_ saw, through the thinness of the Paper wherein ’twas writ, some
shining Letters, which were not of an ordinary sort. O! says he, now I
have found it out; don’t you meddle with any of the rest of the Packet,
for here’s the Secrecy in this. Whereupon the _Bashaws_ commanded him
to open, read, and interpret it to them, and they all stood listning to
hear the News; but _Ebrahim_ told them plainly, that he could not read
one Letter of it. That’s strange, says the _Bashaws_; what, did you never
learn the _Christian_ Alphabet; or have you forgot it? Says _Ebrahim_,
this sort of Character is only known to those who are Secretaries to
Princes: They did not well understand him; but however, say they, if it
be so, why dost thou not make haste to the Secretary of the _Bailo_ of
_Venice_, or of _Florence_? _Ebrahim_ presently makes haste to them, and
shews them the Letters; (they were writ in might such a Character that
a Child ten Years old have read them;) but both those Secretaries, when
they saw the Letter was superscrib’d to me, threw it back again before
they had well look’d upon it; alledging, in Excuse, that such kind of
Letters could be read by none, unless by him who had another Cypher to
unfold them. This was all the Answer _Ebrahim_ could get of them. Upon
his Return to the _Bashaws_ therewith, they could not tell what in the
World to do: At last, starts up one (I could not tell his Name) saying,
there is a Patriarch in Town, and old Man, and a _Christian_, and,
besides, a great Scholar; if any Man can read these Letters, it must be
he. When they came to the Patriarch, he told them, he could not read a
Tittle of them, for they were not writ in _Greek_, _Latin_, _Hebrew_ or
_Chaldee_. Thus they were disappointed there also. At last, _Haly Bassa_
runs to _Rustan_ (otherwise a Man not ready to jest) and says to him
_Cardassi_ (Brother in _Turkish_), I remember, I had once a Servant, an
_Italian_, who was skilled in all Letters and Tongues, I do not question
but he could have read the Letter; but, alas! he is lately dead. At
last, they being at a stand what to do, thought it best to send the
Letters, which they could make no use of, to me. I knew all the Matter
by _Ebrahim_ beforehand, (neither could it be kept secret); whereupon I
began to stamp and fret that they had intercepted my Letters against the
Law of Nations, and in Contempt of _Cæsar_ who sent them; and, withal, I
bid _Ebrahim_ stay, and to Morrow he should see that Letter translated
for the _Bashaws_. The next day, when _Ebrahim_ appeared in the _Divan_,
they asked of him, whether I could read those Letters? Read them, says
he! as easily as his own Name; and thereupon he produced some of them
translated before them, _viz._ what I had a mind to discover. Whereupon,
says _Rustan_, this Ambassador is but a young Man, and yet we see he can
understand what the old Patriarch could not so much as read; without
doubt, if he live to be old, he will prove a very _Nonsuch_ of a Man. For
that reason it was, or perhaps some other, that a while after, having
Conference with _Rustan_ about our Affairs, he treated me more familiarly
than he used to do, (which was a rare thing in him) and at last he ask’d
me, why I would not turn to their Religion, and to the true Worship of
God? If I would do so, he promised me great Honour and a large Reward
from their Emperor _Solyman_. I told him, I was resolved to continue in
that Religion, wherein I was born, and which my Master, _Cæsar_, did
profess. Be it so, replied he; but what then will become of your Soul? I
subjoined, I hope well for that too; whereupon he, after a little Pause,
broke forth into these Words. ’Tis true, indeed, and I am almost of your
Mind, that they who live holy and modest Lives in this present World,
shall obtain eternal Life in the next, be they of what Religion they
will. That’s an Heresy, that some of the _Turks_ have taken up, neither
is _Rustan_ thought to be a true _Mussulman_ in all Points. The _Turks_
thinks it a Duty, and a work of Piety in them, to persuade a _Christian_
they have any good Opinion of, to their Religion; for then they think,
they shall save a Soul from Destruction, and that they count a great
Honour to themselves, and the greatest Charity they can do another Man,
to make him a Convert to their Religion.

I shall now acquaint you with the Effects of another Conference I had
with _Rustan_, whereby you may see what daily Feuds are between the
_Turks_ and _Persians_, upon the account of Religion. He ask’d me, one
time, whether the War did continue between _Spain_ and _France_? I told
him, it did. ’Tis strange, says he, that they should fall out that are of
one and the same Religion: I replied, ’tis no otherwise between those two
Princes, than ’tis betwixt _you_ and the _Persians_. The Dispute is not
about Religion, but about civil Right; Provinces, Cities and Kingdoms,
which both lay claim to. You are quite mistaken, says _Rustan_, we are
not of the same Religion with the _Persians_, but do count them a more
Profane and _Heathenish_ sort of People than you _Christians_ are. But to
return to the Affairs of _Hungary_.

Since my last Return to _Constantinople_, Matters in _Hungary_ have
received a very great Alteration, it would be too tedious to describe
them particularly; and, besides, it were not conducive to my Design.
_Isabella_, Wife to King _John_, is returned into _Transilvania_,
together with her Son, having refused the Transactions and broken the
League made with the Emperor _Ferdinand_; and the _Transilvanians_,
terrified by the _Turkish_ Arms, have again submitted their Necks to
the old _Ottoman_ Yoke. Matters succeeding thus prosperously with the
_Turks_, they are not therewith contented, but grasp at all _Hungary_
too; and, besides other Places, they resolved to besiege _Sigeth_, which
signifies in the _Hungarian_ Language, an _Island_, or Place naturally
very strongly situated. And for this purpose they chose a General, who,
upon the account of the Prosperity of his Arms in former times, created
great Confidence in his own Men, and struck as much Terror into his
Enemy: His Name was _Haly Bassa_, an _Epirot_, who had had good Success
in _Hungary_ before, and especially in the Battel, wherein he overthrew
_Sforza Palavicino_, and the Bishop of Five Churches. He was sent for
from the utmost Bounds of the _Turkish_ Empire towards _Persia_, and came
with great Expectation to _Constantinople_: My Collegues were yet here
with me, pressing for a Dismission. ’Twas the pleasure of the _Bashaws_
that we should see him, in regard we counted him, as they thought, the
very Thunder-bolt of War.

When we came to him, he received us courteously, and made a great
Harangue to this purpose: That, “we should study Peace, and rather than
suffer _Hungary_ to be wasted with Fire and Sword, we should accept those
Conditions, which the _Grand Seignior_ had offered us.” We answered him,
that “we desired nothing more than Peace; provided it might be had upon
tolerable Conditions; but those which they offered, were against the
Honour and Dignity of our Master.” Thus we took our leaves, after he had
treated us with a Cup of Water diluted with Sugar. This _Haly_ was an
Eunuch, but the Constitution of his Body did seem to add to the vigour of
his Mind: He was low of Stature, bloted in his Body, of a Bay-coloured
Countenance, a sour Look, frowning Eyes, broad Shoulders and sticking up,
between which stood his Head, as in a Valley. Two Teeth were prominent
in his Mouth, like Boar’s Tusks, his Voice hoarse; in a Word, he was the
Fourth Fury.

The Day after he makes great Preparation for his Expedition into
_Hungary_; where having spent some Time to provide Materials, he at
last marches against _Sigeth_, and beats off those which were repairing
_Babock_, a Castle of _Cæsar_’s; but _Cæsar_, being acquainted long
before with his Design, lends _Ferdinand_, one of his three Sons, a young
Man, yet comparable, for greatness of Mind, to any of the old Generals,
to oppose the Torrent of _Haly Bassa_’s Force, and by his Valour to
retrieve Affairs in _Hungary_: He had no great Forces with him, but with
a select Body of Horse he faces _Haly_’s Army; the _Turks_ that were
present, related to me, that ’twas a goodly Sight to behold the Splendor,
Order and Boldness of those Forces. _Haly_, being naturally of a fierce
Disposition, and having a far greater Army, was even mad to think that a
handful of _Christians_ should dare to look him in the Face.

There was a moorish Piece of Ground between both Armies, which could not
be passed without great Danger; _Ferdinand_ had no need to pass it, for
his Design was only to relieve _Sigeth_, and to raise the Siege: But
_Haly Bassa_, was not in the same Circumstances; for, unless he would
make a base and unhandsome Retreat (as the Event afterwards shewed) ’twas
altogether necessary for him to do it; So that he, seeing to what Straits
he was brought, resolved to put all upon hazard, and accordingly he bent
his Bridle, to turn his Horse towards that inconvenient Place; when,
behold! one of the _Sanziacks_, that was near him, whose Name I remember
not, taking Notice of the extream Danger he was running into, leap’d from
his Horse, and taking the _Bashaw_’s Horse by the Bridle, _Sultan_, says
he (for so the _Turks_ call the great Dignitaries among them) _Here you
see into what a Jeopardy you were like to cast both yourself and your
whole Army; you don’t consider what an incommodious Place this Marish
is: The ~Christians~ are ready on the other side with Arms in Hand and
Courage in their Hearts, to receive us, when we are half drowned and half
covered with Mud; and thus they in good Order will assault us, being
disordered and out of our Ranks, and will make use of all our Imprudence,
to obtain a most assured Victory over us: Nay, rather moderate your
Anger, and return to yourself and reserve so many brave Men, with
yourself for the Service of your Prince, and for better Times._ Upon this
Speech, _Haly_, as if he had recollected himself, drew back; and there
was not any _Turk_ amongst them, but was forced to confess, that the
whole Army was sav’d by the Advice of that _Sanziack_.

When this matter was carried to _Constantinople_, though the _Vizier_
and the Chief _Bashaws_ could not deny the Thing, yet they thought it
dangerous to suffer the Example of so audacious a Fact in the _Sanziack_
to pass unpunished: ’Tis true, they did mutteringly commend both his
Fidelity and his Prudence; yet to suffer Disobedience to a superior
Officer to pass without due Punishment, they thought it a dangerous Case
in Military Discipline, so that he was called back to _Constantinople_,
and there was cashiered for a Time; and when this Offence was
sufficiently punished, as they thought, they bestowed upon him as good a
Command; so that every Body saw his Punishment was inflicted rather for
the preservation of the Discipline of War, than for any dire Merit of his
Offence.

_Haly_, a while after, having lost a great Part of his Army, by the
Charges and Ambuscades of the _Hungarians_, made an ignoble and shameful
Retreat to _Buda_, where for very Grief he breathed out his hateful Soul.

But Arch-duke _Ferdinand_, on the other side, returned to _Ferdinand_ his
Father, with the deserved Laurel of Victory, having performed an Exploit,
not only of great Advantage for the present, but of much greater Benefit
to future Ages, by the Example it gave; for hereby he made the _Turks_ to
know that if they proceeded on to press upon _Cæsar_, he wanted neither
able Soldiers, nor expert Commanders to chastise their Insolency.

Yet the _Turks_ of those Borders did not carry it with any great Modesty;
for, while _Haly_ was yet encamped at _Sigeth_, our Men had scaled the
Walls of _Gran_, and taken the City, having a Castle near it of the
same Name, where they got a great deal of Booty, and carried away the
Inhabitants, being mostly Women and Children.

A Messenger was sent immediately to _Haly_, to acquaint him of the
Loss; who coming into his Presence, by the very Consternation of his
Countenance portended some great Mischief to have happened to them. The
_Bassa_ presently asked him, how Things went? and what was the Cause of
his great Fear? _Sir_, says he, _the Enemy hath taken and plundered
~Gran~; which great Blow occasions my Grief_. _A Blow, Fool_, says the
_Bassa_! _tell me of a Blow when I have lost my Genitals_ (to which he
pointed with his Hand) _that shew me to be a Man_. Thus did he scoff
at the Consternation of the Messenger, not without the Laughter of
the By-standers, and undervalued the Loss of _Gran_, which was easily
recoverable.

Moreover, in _Croatia_ and the adjoyning Countries, several Inroads were
made by both Parties, and each side did alternately suffer for their
over-boldness and supine Security. Let me give you an Instance, which,
as it gave me joy, will not, I dare say, be unpleasant, to you to hear
of. It happened, indeed, some what before the Passage at _Sigeth_ lately
mentioned; but in Writing an Epistle, I do not strictly observe the Order
of Time.

News was brought to _Rustan_, from those Parts, that a certain Confident
of his, whom he highly esteemed, and called Cousin, had fallen upon a
Party of _Christians_, as they were celebrating a Wedding, and being
at a sufficient Distance, as they thought, from the _Turks_, counted
themselves secure; when behold this bold and unwelcome Guest, with Armed
Forces, came in upon them, spoiled their Mirth, slew some, and took some
Prisoners, among whom was the unfortunate Bridegroom, with his un-bedded
Spouse: _Rustan_ did much rejoyce at this Exploit, and in all Companies
highly commended the Stratagem of his Kinsman, for performing it.

A pitiful Case, you will say, rather to be lamented than related: But
these are the Tragical Sports of insolent Fortune; yet Revenge followed
him at the Heels, _Rustan_’s Laughter was soon turned to Sadness: For a
little while after one of the _Deli’s_, or mad Sparks, a sort of furious
Horsemen among the _Turks_, so called by their outragious Boldness, came
post to him out of _Dalmatia_, and told him, that a parcel of _Turks_ had
made an Excursion into the Enemies Country, and had got great Booty, but
seting no bounds to their Avarice, they, at last were encountered with
a Party of _Christians_, _Dragoons_ or _Musketeers_, who totally routed
them, slew many _Sanziacks_, and among them his _Achillean_ Cousin,
lately so much extolled by him. This sad News made _Rustan_ burst out
into Tears, so that his fit of Laughter was justly requited. But hearken
to the close of the Story, which is not unpleasant: When this _Dalmatian_
Trooper, who brought the News, was asked by the _Bassa_, in the _Divan_,
How many were there of you? He answered, above two thousand five hundred:
And how many of the _Christians_? I think, says he, they were not above
five hundred, unless there were more of them in ambush, as we suspected.
Fie for Shame, said the fretting _Bassas_! what! a regular Army of
_Mussulmans_ (so they call the Men of their own Religion) to be beaten
by so small a handful of _Christians_! You are goodly Warriors indeed!
fit to eat the _Sultan_’s Bread, are, you not? The blunt Fellow, nothing
dismay’d, replied, you are quit beside the Cushion; did I not tell you
that we were beaten by Musketeers? ’Twas the Fire defeated us, not the
Valour of our Enemies. We had come off Conquerors, if we had contested by
Valour only; but who can fight against Fire, the fiercest of Elements?
and what Mortal can stand, if the very Elements fight against him? This
bold Answer of his, being as saucily pronounced, made the By-standers
ready to burst out into a Laughter, though on this sad occasion to them.

This Matter did very much raise my Spirits, which were quite sunk at
the Remembrance of the former Mis-hap of the Marriage-Feast. This
Story informs us, that our Pistols and Carbines, which are used on
Horseback, are a great Terror to the _Turks_, as I hear they are to the
_Persians_ also; for once, there was a Fellow that persuaded _Rustan_,
when he accompanied his Prince in a War against _Persia_, to arm two
hundred Horse of his Domesticks with Pistols: For those, said he, will
be terrible to our Enemy, and will also do great execution upon them.
_Rustan_ hearkned to his Counsel, and furnished out a Party, as advised;
but, before they had marched half way, their Carbines or Pistols were
ever now and then out of Order; one thing or other was broke or lost,
and scarce any Body could mend them: Hereupon this Party was useless.
The _Turks_ were also against this Armature, because it was slovenly
(the _Turks_, you must know, are much for cleanliness in War); for
the Troopers Hands were black and sooty, their Cloaths full of Spots,
and their Case-boxes that hung by their Sides made them ridiculous
to their Fellow-Soldiers, who therefore jeered them, with the Title
_Medicamentarii_, or _Mountebank Soldiers_; hereupon they apply
themselves to _Rustan_, complaining of this broken, useless Armour, which
could do no Service against an Enemy, and entreating to have their usual
Weapons again, their Bows and Arrows; which, are readily granted them.

The mention I made a while ago of things acted in the Confines of
_Hungary_, gives me occasion to tell you, what the _Turks_ think of
Duels, which amongst _Christians_ is accounted a singular Proof of
personal Valour. There was one _Arslambeg_, a _Sanziack_, that lived in
the Frontiers of _Hungary_, who was very much famed for a robust Person;
he was very expert at the Bow; no Man brandished his Sword with more
Strength, or was more terrible to his Enemy. Not far from him there dwelt
one _Uliber_, a _Sanziack_ also, who was emulous of the same Praise;
and this Emulation (heighten’d, perhaps, by other Motives) at length
occasioned Hatred and many bloody Combats between them. It happened thus,
_Uliber_ was sent for to _Constantinople_; upon what occasion I know not.
When he came thither, and the _Bashaws_ had asked many Questions of him,
in the _Divan_, concerning other Matters, at last they demanded how he
and _Arslambeg_ (_Arsla_ signifies a Lion in _Turkey_) came to fall out?
Hereupon he makes a long Narration of the Grudges between them, with
their Causes and Progress; and to put a fairer Gloss on his own Cause,
he added, that once _Arslambeg_ had laid an Ambush, and wounded him
treacherously: And that, said he, he needed not have done, if he would
have shewed himself worthy the Name he bears; for I have often challenged
him to fight Hand to Hand, and never shun’d to meet him in the Field. The
_Bashaws_, much offended, thus replied, _How durst thou challenge thy
Fellow-Soldier to a Duel? What, was there never a ~Christian~ to fight
with? Do not both of you eat your Emperor’s Bread? And yet, forsooth, you
must go about to take away one another’s Lives! What Precedent had you
for this? Don’t you know, that whoever of the two had died, the Emperor
had lost a Subject?_ Whereupon, by their Command, he was haled to Prison,
where he lay pining many Months, and was, at last, with Difficulty,
released; yet with the loss of his Reputation.

Among us _Christians_, many who have never come in sight of a public
Enemy, draw their Swords upon one another, and think it a brave and
honourable Thing. What shall a Man do in such a Case, when Vice usurps
the seat of Virtue, and that which deserves Punishment, is counted noble
and glorious? But to return, I know you are inquisitive, and therefore
give me leave to acquaint you with the public Entrance, which the King of
_Cholchos_ made into this City. His Kingdom is by the River _Phasis_, in
a Creek or Bay of the _Euxine_ Sea, not far from Mount _Caucasus_. His
Name is _Dadianus_, a Man of a tall Stature and grateful Countenance, but
of a rough-hew’n Disposition, as some say. He came with a great Train,
but in a very Thread-bare, and old-fashion’d Garb. The _Italians_, at
this Day, call the _Colchians Mingrelians_: They are some of that People,
inhabiting between the _Caspian Gates_, (called by the _Turks_, _Demit
capi_, i. e. _Iron Gates_,) and the _Potic_ and _Hyrcanian_-Seas: They
are at this Day called _Georgians_; whether from that sort of Christian
Religion, which they profess, or whether that be their ancient Name
(which seems most probable,) is not fully determined. The _Albanians_
and _Iberians_ are reckoned a Part of them. The Cause of his coming is
uncertain: Some say, he was sent for by the _Turk_; for, when he makes
Wars upon the _Persian_, if the _Colchians_ and the People of that Tract
join with him, they may give him notable Assistance. But the vulgar and
more credible Opinion was, that he came to desire the Assistance of some
Gallies against his Neighbour, the _Iberian_, who had slain his Father;
which if he could obtain, then he would become Tributary to the _Sultan_.
For, you must know, that there is an old and inveterate Hatred between
the _Colchians_ and the _Iberians_. Once there were some Overtures of
Accommodation between them, and a Conference was had thereupon, between
great Numbers of both Nations. At this Meeting, they began, first,
to try who should be the greatest Drinkers; in which Contest, the
_Colchians_, fell fast asleep. The treacherous _Iberians_ made use of
this Opportunity, and hurried away honest _Dadianus_ as yet snoring, into
a Chariot, and shut him up Prisoner in a high Tower, as if he had been
lawful Prize taken in War. To revenge this Injury, and to recover their
King, the _Colchians_ levied an Army of 30,000 Men, who were commanded by
the Wife of the captive King, a Woman of great Spirit, and not unskill’d
in Horsemanship, or handling of Arms. The Commanders, in this Army,
wore huge and unwieldy Coats of Mail, and were also armed with Swords
and Spears pointed with Iron. They had also amongst them, a party of
Musketeers, a strange sight in that Country. As for the common Soldiers,
they had no Arms, but Arrows, or Stakes burnt at one end, or great wooden
Clubs. Thus they rode on Horseback, without Saddle or other Furnture.

This rude and discomposed Multitude, drew near to the Place where their
King was in Custody, but were soon terrified with the Discharge of a few
Guns from the Castle, and ran back a full Mile; but then taking Heart,
on they came again, but were repulsed with the like Noise as before.
_Dadianus_, perceiving help so near, cut his Bedcloaths into a kind of
Ropes, and so let himself down by Night, through his Window, and fled to
his own People. This Stratagem of their King, and the successful Issue of
it, is highly praised by that People, even to this very day.

The Country of _Colchis_ abounds with all sorts of Fruits, growing almost
naturally, except Bread-Corn, Wheat and Barley; and these Grains would
grow there also, if due Tillage were used about them: But the People are
very idle, they only sow Millet at randum, which yields such an Encrease,
that one Crop serves them for two Years; their chief Subsistence is
thereon, neither desire they any other Corn. Their Vines grow at the
foot of high Trees, and mounting up to their Boughs, yield them much
Wine, and pretty good. These Vines last for many Years. Their Bees, like
themselves, live in the Woods, and supply them with Wax and Honey; all
the Pains they take, is, to find them out. The same Woods yield them
plenty of Venison; as for Pheasants and Partridges, they abound all over
the Country. A great proof of the Fertility of their Land, are their
Melons, which, besides their extraordinary Sweetness, do oft grow three
Foot long.

As for coin’d Silver, they have little or none, and of Gold less; few
of them know what it is: So that they may seem a very happy People, who
are without so great a Temptation to Mischief. And yet I think few of us
do envy them this Happiness, because none can grow rich among them; yet
they have that value for Silver, that when they receive any in Traffick
with Foreigners, as some of them must needs do, they transfer it all to
he use of their Temples, for making Crucifixes, Chalices and such like
Ornaments, which sometimes their King, on pretence of Public Necessity,
doth seize upon, and amass it all to his own use.

Their only way of Commerce among themselves is by exchange of Wares. If
one have overmuch of a Commodity, he brings it to Market, and receives
what he wants in Exchange; so that there is no need of Money, their
Commerce is by bartering of Commodities.

They pay also their Tribute to their King in the Products of the Earth;
they supply him with all Necessaries largely, both for Meat, Drink, and
Apparel, for maintaining of his Houshold, and is reward the Deserving.
And, indeed, he hath an unexhausted Revenue, not only from Tenths, and
settled Customs, but from those Gifts which are daily bellowed upon him;
and yet he is as liberal in bellowing them, as he is ready to receive
them.

His Palace is, as a public Granary, stored with all manner of Provisions,
which are disposed to all that need, out of his royal Bounty; especially
if that Year’s Harvest hath disappointed the Husbandman. The Custom is,
that if any Merchant come with his Ship thither, he makes a Present to
the King, either small or great, nothing is refused, and the King bestows
a Banquet on them ashore. The manner is thus.

There is a large Building, on both sides of which are the King’s Stables,
where a long Table is plac’d for the King; he himself fits at the upper
end, and, at a moderate Distance, fit the rest. The Table is well
furnished, especially with Venison, and with Wine enough; the largest
Drinkers are the welcomest Guests. The Queen, with her female Attendants,
hath a Table in the same Room, but apart by themselves; and then they
junket freely without much regard to Modesty; they carry themselves like
Anticks, fleering, nodding, tipping the Wink, like so many _Medea’s_, if
there were _Jasons_ ready for them.

After Dinner, the King, with his Guests, goes a Hunting; and, in Woods,
under the Shadow of large Trees, the common People divert themselves,
and keep Holy-day in Drinking, Dancing and Singing. They hang their
Fiddles on long Poles or Boards, and then striking them with a Stick,
make Musick, and sing to it the Praise of their Mistresses, or of their
valiant Men. Among their Heroes (unless I am misinformed) they often
mention one _Rowland_; how he came into that Country I know not, unless
he passed thither with _Godfrey_ of _Bullogne_. They tell many prodigious
Stories of this _Rowland_, as ridiculous and improbable as any Romance
among us.

Whilst they are thus given to Idleness and Luxury, Dissoluteness must
needs follow; and, to speak Truth, Chastity is a Virtue rarely found
among them. The Husband will offer his own Wife or his Sister, to the
Pleasure of a Stranger; and, if they can but thus please their Wives,
they care for little else. Neither are their Daughters kept under any
stricter Discipline. ’Tis hard to find a Damsel unvitiated among them;
nay, some have born Children at ten Years old; and, if you scruple to
believe it, because of the smallness of their Bodies, at your Request
they will produce you an Infant, not much bigger than a large Frog.
Whereas, otherwise, they are a tall and comely bodied People. But they
are so void of all Civility and courteous Behaviour, that they think they
pay you a great Compliment, if among other Barbarities, when they meet
you, they make a certain Sound from their Throats like Belching.

In one thing they shew a great Dexterity of Wit, and that is in Stealing.
He that pilfers most neatly, is counted a brave Fellow; but he that does
it bungingly, is esteemed a Dunce and a Blockhead, not worthy to live;
and even his own Father or his Son, will sell or exchange him for a small
Matter to Merchant-strangers, to be carried away they care not whither.

An _Italian_ Merchant who had been in these Parts, told me, that a
certain Priest of theirs, stole his Knife as he was in their Temple. He
perceived the Theft, but dissembling it, gave him the Sheath also, that
he might put up his stol’n Ware.

When they go into their Temples, they have some esteem for the Images of
the Virgin _Mary_, of _Peter_ and _Paul_, and other Saints; but their
greatest Veneration is for the Image of St. _George_ on Horseback.
They fall down prostrate before it, kissing every part of it; even his
Horse’s Shoes. They say, he was a valiant Man, a great Warrior, that in a
single Combat did openly fight Hand to Hand with the _Devil_, and either
conquer’d, or, at least, foil’d him.

I’ll acquaint you with one Passage more, which you cannot but stand
amazed at. ’Tis this.

The Princes of the East are always presented with Gifts at any Audience.
_Dadianus_, in compliance with this Custom, brought _Solyman_ a Cup
or Dish of Carbuncle, so bright and shining, that in a dark Night a
Man might travel by the Light of it, as well as at Noon-day. I cannot
believe it, you’ll say: Nor do I: Neither can I be angry with you
for suspending your Belief; but, whatever you and I do, let me tell
you, there are enough that do believe it. The more judicious think
it to be a small Goblet of _Carbuncle_, or _Granate_, which was lost
in Shipwrack, when a certain Prince of _Persia_ was flying from his
Father to _Constantinople_, and driven, by a Tempest, to the _Colchian_
Shore, where it was taken up. He brought also 20 white _Hawks_, called
_Falcons_, there being Plenty of them in that Country of _Colchis_.

This is all I can inform you of, concerning the _Colchians_ and their
Manners; let me now proceed to answer your Demands concerning my self,
and my own way of Living. I seldom go abroad, unless I receive Letters
from my Master to be delivered at the Court; or, unless I am commanded
to expostulate with the _Bashaws_ concerning the Rapines and Cruelties
of the _Turkish_ Garrisons, which is ordinarily twice or thrice a Year.
Perhaps, if I would desire leave to ride about the City with my Keeper,
it would not be denied me: But I have no mind to be so much beholding to
them; for I would have them think that the strictness of my Confinement
or Imprisonment is not valued at all by me; and, to speak Truth, what
Comfort can I have to ride up and down among a parcel of _Turks_, who
will either slight, or else jeer and reproach me? No, I like the Country
and the Champaign better than the City; especially that City which is so
full of Ruins, and which retains nothing of its ancient Glory, besides
its Situation. ’Tis true, it was once a Rival to _Rome_ it self; but
now, alas! it is shamefully inslaved; who can without Pity behold it?
Who so hard-hearted, as not to be affected with the mutability of human
Affairs? And who knows how near we are to the same Fate? I keep my self
within my own Doors, conversing with my old Friends, I mean, my Books, in
which is all my Delight. ’Tis true, for my Health’s Sake, I have made a
Bowling-Green, where, before Dinner, I use to play; and, after Dinner, I
practise the _Turkish_ Bow.

The _Turks_ are wondrous expert at shooting with the Bow; they accustom
themselves to that Exercise from 7 or 8, to 18 or 20 Years of Age, and
hereby their Arms grow stronger, and their Skill so great, that they
will hit the smallest Mark with their Arrows. Their Bows are not much
stronger, but for their shortness much handier than ours; they are not
made of plain Wood, but of a String and Ox’s Horn, fastened with much
Glew and Flax. These sort of Bows, though never so strong, the _Turks_,
who are used to the Sport, can easily draw even to their very Ear; and
yet one that is not accustom’d thereto, though never so strong a Man,
cannot draw to that height, so as to strike a piece of Money, set upright
between the Bow and the String, in the Angle where it is put into the
Notch.

They aim their Arrows so sure, that in a Fight they will hit a Man’s
very Eye, or any other Part they design to strike. In the place where
they exercise, you may see them direct by their stroke so artificially,
that 5 or 6 of their Arrows will stick round about the White in the
Butt, (which is usually less than a Dollar) and yet not hurt or touch
it. They stand not above 30 Foot from the Butt: In the Thumb of their
Right Hand, they use Rings of Bone, on which the String lies, when
they draw it; and with the Thumb of their Left Hand, they draw the
Arrow by a knot bearing outwards; far otherwise than they do with us.
Their Butt is made of a Bank of sandy, gravelly Earth, raised about
four Foot high from the Ground, and strongly surrounded with Boards.
But the _Bashaws_, and those that have great Families, train up their
Servants in this Exercise, at their own Houses, where the more skilful
teach the unexperienced. Some of these in their solemn _Bayram_, (for
they also have their _Easter_) assemble themselves together in a great
Plain about _Pera_, where sitting over-against one another cross-legg’d,
as Taylors do with us, (for that is the manner of their sitting) they
begin with Prayer (so the _Turks_ begin all their Enterprizes) and then
they strive, who shall shoot an Arrow farthest. The whole Contest is
managed with a great deal of Decency and Silence, though the number of
Spectators be very great. Their Bows are very short for this Exercise,
and the shorter the better, so that they are hardly bendable, but by
well-practised Persons: Their Arrows also are of a peculiar kind. He
that conquers hath a Linnen-Handkerchief, such as we use to wipe off our
Sweat, wrought with embroidered Needle-work, for his Reward; but his
greatest Encouragement, is the Commendation and Renown he gets. ’Tis
almost incredible how far they will shoot an Arrow; they mark the place,
with a Stone, where the farthest Arrow, for that Year, was lodg’d. There
are many such Stones in the Field, placed there Time out of Mind, which
are farther than they are able to shoot now a-days, they say. These
were the Marks of their Ancestor’s Archery, whose Skill and Strength in
Shooting, they acknowledge, they cannot reach to. In divers Streets and
Cross-ways of the City of _Constantinople_, there are also such Sports,
wherein not only Children and young Men, but even the graver sort do
exercise themselves. There is one that takes care of the Butt, who
waters it every Day, otherwise it would be so dry, that an Arrow (the
_Turkish_ Arrows being always blunt) would not stick therein. And he that
thus oversees the Mark is very diligent to draw out and to cleanse the
Arrows, and throw them back to the Archers, and he hath a Stipend from
them sufficient to maintain him. The Front of the Butt is like a little
Door, whence, perhaps, came the _Greek_ Proverb; that, when a Man miss’d
the Mark, he is said to shoot _extra januam_, besides the Door; for, I
suppose, the _Greeks_ used this way of Butting, and that the _Turks_
borrowed it from them. I grant the use of the Bow is very ancient among
the _Turks_; but that hinders not, but, when they conquered the _Grecian_
Cities, they might still retain their way of butting and bounding their
Arrows. For no Nation scruples to transfer the profitable Inventions of
other Nations to themselves, as I might instance in _Great Ordnance_, and
in _Muskets_, and other things, which, though not our Inventions, yet the
_Turks_ borrow their use of from us.

’Tis true, they could never yet be brought to the Printing of Books, nor
to the setting up public Clocks. The Reasons are, that their Scripture
(_i. e._) _Alchoran_, would no longer be called Scripture, or Writing,
if it were Printed, (that’s their Fancy); and for Clocks, they suppose,
that the Authority of their _Emraim_, and of their ancient Rites would be
diminished, if they should permit the Use of them. In other Cases, they
ascribe much to the ancient Institutions of other Nations, even almost to
the prejudice of their own Religion. I speak of their Commonalty.

All Men know how averse they are from the approving of _Christian_ Rites
and Ceremonies; and, yet, let me tell you, that, whereas the _Greek_
Priests do use, at Spring-time, a certain way of Consecration to open
the Sea for Sailors (before which time, they will hardly commit their
Vessels to the Waters) the _Turks_ also observe the same Ceremony: For,
when their Vessels are ready to sail, they repair to the _Grecians_,
and ask them, whether they have consecrated the Sea? If they say _No_,
they desist; if _Yea_, then they set sail and away. ’Twas also a Custom
of the _Greeks_ not to open the Pits, in the Isle of _Lemnos_, for the
digging out of the Earth, called, _Agosphragod_, before the Feast of
the Transfiguration of our Lord, _viz._ _August_ 6. The _Turks_ also
observe the same Custom; and, whereas the _Grecian_ Priests did anciently
celebrate the Liturgy at that time, the _Turks_ will have them do so
still; and they themselves stand at a distance, as Spectators only:
And, if you ask them, why they do this? Their Answer is, that there are
useful Customs practised of old, the Causes whereof are not known. The
Ancients, they say, saw and knew more than we; and, therefore, we will
not violate their Customs, lest we do it to our loss. This Opinion hath
so far prevailed against many of them, that I know some, who in private
will baptize their Children, alledging, there is some good in that Rite,
and that it was not instituted, at first, without just Cause.

Having acquainted you thus far with the _Turkish_ Exercises, let me add
one more. They have a Custom derived from the _Parthians_, that they
counterfeit flying away on Horseback, and presently turn back and kill
their unwary Pursuers. The way they learn to do it, is this: They erect a
high Pole, almost in plain Ground, with a brass Globe on the top of it;
about this they spur their Horses, and having got a little beyond, the
Horse still galloping, they presently turn about, and flying along, shoot
an Arrow into that Globe. The frequent Use hereof makes them expect,
that their Bow being turn’d in their Flight, their unwary Enemy is shot
through.

’Tis time now, you’ll say, that I return to my Lodging, lest my Keeper
should be angry with me. Well, then; what time is left me from beholding
these Exercises, I bestow entirely on my Books, or in Conferences with
my Friends the Citizens of _Pera_, originally _Genoese_, or others; yet
not without the leave of my _Chiauxes_. These Fellows are not always
in the same Humour; they have their lucid Intervals, in which they are
more tractable than at other times. When ’tis fair Weather with them,
the _Ragustæans_, the _Florentines_, the _Venetians_, and sometimes
the _Greeks_, with other Nations, come to visit me, on one Account or
another; sometimes, also, I converse with Men of more remote Countries,
that come hither, whose Conversation much delights me.

A few Months ago, there came hither a Merchant from _Dantzick_, who had
the sole vending of Amber. He wondred to what Use the _Turks_ could
put so great a Quantity of it, as they bought; or, whither they sent
it: At last he was told, that they sent it into _Persia_, where that
kind of Juice, or Bitumen, is highly esteemed; for they adorn Parlors,
Studies, and Temples with it. He bestowed upon me, a wooden Vessel full
of that Liquor, they call _Juppenbier_. It was most excellent Stuff:
But I laughed heartily at my Guests, both _Greeks_ and _Italians_, who,
not being accustomed to this Liquor, could not tell what to call it. At
length, because I told them ’twas good to preserve Health, they thought
it was some medicinal Drug, and called it a _Syrup_; but they sipp’d and
syrupp’d it about so long, that, at one Dinner, they emptied my Barrel.

This Liberty my _Chiauxes_ (who now and then are changed) do sometimes
give me. They are not only willing I should go abroad, but often invite
me so to do: But I, as I told you before, always refuse them, that so
they may not think they can do me either good or hurt; and the Pretence I
make use of is this, that I have tarried so long at Home, that now I am
grown to the Walls of the House, so that if I go forth, it would fall. I
will not, therefore, stir abroad, say I, till I go for good and all into
my own Country.

As for my Family, I am glad that they go abroad sometimes, for thereby
they learn to bear the long Absence from their own Country, the better.

But yet when they make use of this Liberty, the drunken _Turks_ often
meet and quarrel with them in the Streets, especially, if no _Janizaries_
be with them; and, though there be, yet sometimes Blows happen on both
sides: And, therefore, it is troublesome to me, to excuse my Domesticks,
when they are clamour’d against; yet, I confess, the surliness and
vigilance of my _Chiauxes_, in keeping fast my Doors, do in a great
Measure ease me of that troublesome Office. Let me give you a late
Instance of this kind.

There came lately to me a Messenger from my Master, the Emperor, one
_Philip Baldus_, an _Italian_. He was 66 Years old; and, riding faster
than his Age could bear, he fell into a Fever. My Physician prescribed
him a Clyster, and the same being brought by the Apothecary, my _Chiaux_
would not let him in, nor suffer the Medicine to be brought to the sick
Man. Inhumanely enough, you’ll say; especially, as that _Chiaux_ had
carried it courteously to me for a long time; but now he was so inraged
on a sudden, that ’twas intolerable, for he threatned to cudgel every
body that came to me. After he had thus affronted me, I thought of
a way to let him know, how little I valued all his bug-bear Threats;
which was thus. I set one of my Servants to stand within my Gate, and to
bar it; charging him, to open to none, but at my Command. The _Chiaux_
comes in the Morning to unlock the Gate, as his Custom was; but his Key
availed not, for ’twas bolted. On the in-side he spied my Man, through
the Chinks, and calls out to him to open it. Not I, says he; hereupon
the _Chiaux_ began to be angry, to curse and call Names. Prate while you
will, says my Servant, neither thy self nor any of thine shall come in
here: For why should I open to thee, more than thou to us? Thou keepest
us shut in, and we’ll keep thee shut out; do thou shut the Door without,
and to be sure I’ll shut it within. What, says he, did your Master
command you so to do? Yes, said I: However, says the _Chiaux_, let me
come in and put my Horse in the Stable: No Stabling for your Horse here,
said he. Let me then have some Hay and Provender out for him: Not a bit,
says he; go and buy it in the Neighbourhood, there’s enough to be sold.
I used frequently to make the _Chiaux_ sit down at Meat with me, or else
send him something from my Table; But now the Case was altered; he stood,
fasting as he was, at my Door, his Horse being tied to a _Plane-Tree_,
over against it.

The _Bashaws_, and other Grandees, as they passed by that Place in their
return from Court, and knew, by its Trappings, that it was the _Chiaux_’s
Horse, eating his Hay under the _Plane-Tree_, they demanded the Reason,
why he was not shut up in a Stable, as heretofore? He readily told them
all the Matter; that as he shut us up, so he and his Horse were shut out,
so that the one could not get Food, or the other Provender. When the
rest of the _Bashaws_ heard this Story, they laugh’d heartily, and from
that Time held it fruitless to think of terrifying me with such frivolous
Vexations as the shutting my Doors.

But a while after that _Chiaux_ was removed, and then we had more
Liberty. _Rustan_ himself was satisfied how vain his Menaces were by this
Story, I shall now relate.

There came a certain aged _Sancto_, of great Esteem among them for his
Piety, to pay his Court to him; and, among other Discourses, he asked
_Rustan_ why, since the _Sultan_’s Children were at Discord one with
another, which was likely to occasion great Troubles in their Empire, he
did not make Peace with the _German_ Emperor, that _Solyman_ might be
secure from Danger on that side? I desire nothing more, says _Rustan_;
but how can I bring it about? His Demands I cannot yield to, and my
Demands he will not accept, nor can I compel him so to do. I have tried
all Ways to bring him to my Terms; I have kept him in the nature of a
Prisoner these many Years, I have dealt coarsely enough with him; and
yet, alas! he is but hardened the more thereby. When I would shut him
up as a close Prisoner in his own House, then he bars his Door on the
Inside, that no body can come at him; thus all my Labour is in vain. If
another Man had been so hardly dealt with, to avoid the Durance, he would
have turned to our Religion; as for him, he cares not a Rush.

This was _Rustan_’s Discourse, as some present thereat informed me.

The reason of their surly Carriage, is this: The _Turks_ are very
suspicious, that the Agents of Christian Princes have a great Latitude in
their Commissions; so that they have Power to alter them, as occasion
serves; if they cannot at first get favourable, then they may except of
harder Terms. To get out of them the full of their Commissions, they
vex their Persons, shut them up close, threaten War, and abuse them all
manner of ways.

Some think, that a certain _Venetian_ Resident did much encourage the
_Turks_ to these Courses; for when the Dispute was between the _Venetian_
and _Turk_, about _Napoli di Romania_, their Agent had a Charge to try
all other ways of Accommodation, without surrendering the City; but if no
milder Terms would do, then he had Liberty to part with that City, rather
than to engage in a War with the Port: Some _Venetian_ Traytor declared
this part of his Commission to the _Turks_, unknown to the Resident
himself; who rather denied that he had any other Commands, than what he
had then proposed, which were the gentlest Terms. The _Bashaws_ judging
themselves to be deluded, were very angry, and bid him have a care what
he said; their Master was not to be mock’d; they knew well enough that he
had other Commands, and thereupon, they recited to him the full of his
Commission; so that now, said they, if you do not tell us, we shall look
on you as a Liar and an Impostor, and then he would be punished as such;
and his Commonwealth would certainly be ruined, if the implacable Anger
of _Solyman_ did once, on this Occasion, stir him up to War against him;
and, therefore, speak now, or for ever hereafter hold your Peace: Our
Master will not use Entreaties; he hath not Power enough, God be thanked,
to command Obedience.

The _Venetian_ Agent was so surprized at this Discourse, which he did
not so much as dream of, that he very frankly told them all; for which,
however, he was very much blamed in his own Country.

Ever since that time, the _Turks_ have indulged their Suspicions, that
the Christian Agents deal but partially with them; and, therefore, they
must humble them to get out all the Truth. Upon this they imprisoned
_Velduvic_, the Emperor _Charles_’s Ambassador, 18 Months, and my
Collegues more than three Years, and at last sent them away, without
doing any thing. As for my self, I know not how long I shall be kept in
this Durance; for my part, I see no end of it.

When _Baldus_, that ancient Man of whom I spake before, came to me, they
suspected that he had brought me new Commands, which allowed me to yield
to harder Conditions of Peace; and they feared that I would conceal them,
because I knew well enough their intestine Discords; so that, by dealing
harshly with me, they thought to extort the whole Truth from me. Upon the
same Design, _Rustan_ once sent a large Gourd, called by the _Germans
Wasser-plutzer_. They ripen to a delicious Sweetness at _Constantinople_;
their Seeds are red within, and they came originally from _Rhodes_.
By this Present, sent to me by my Secretary, _Rustan_ did jestingly
insinuate the fear of a War; it was brought me when the Weather was very
hot, and the Juice is good to cool inward Heat. He sent this Compliment
with it, that I should make use of the Fruit suitable to the hot Season,
for it is an excellent Cooler; but I should know, withal, that a great
number of those Plants did grow about _Buda_ and _Belgrade_, of a much
larger size than that which he sent me, meaning thereby _Cannon-Balls_.
I returned Thanks for my Present, and told him, I should make use of it;
but, for _Buda_ and _Belgrade_, ’twas no great wonder they grew there,
since there was Plenty of them, even of a larger size, at _Vienna_. It
was a pleasure to me, to let _Rustan_ know by my Answer, that I could
retort Quibble for Quibble.

But to return to the Affairs of _Bajazet_, which you desired to be
further informed in.

You may remember that his Father dismissed him some Years ago, upon
this Condition, That he should never hereafter affront his Brother, nor
raise new Tumults in the Empire, but live quietly and peaceably, as a
Brother ought to do. He should remember his Promise made to himself, and
not vex him in his old Age; if he did, woe be to him! These Threats had
weight with _Bajazet_, as long as his Mother lived; he kept his Word,
rather to retain her good Will and Indulgence towards him, than as having
any Consideration either for his Brother’s Love or Father’s good Will.
However, quiet he was, for his Mother’s sake: But two Years after her
Death, looking upon himself as desperate, he cut the Cords of all filial
Obedience, and began to resume his former Designs against his Brother,
and to execute his Animosity with great spight: Sometimes he laid
Ambushes for his Life; at other times he attempted it by open force, and
now and then he sent Parties of Men into his Brother’s Province, (their
Provinces being contiguous one to the other) and if he could catch any
of his Domesticks, he used them ill for their Master’s sake; in fine, he
left no Stone unturned, to lessen his Brother’s Credit, finding he was
not able to reach his Life.

Besides, he had several Partisans at _Constantinople_, who endeavoured
to draw over the _Grand Seignior_’s Guard to his side; and he did not
doubt but, as his Design ripened, to come privately to _Constantinople_,
and there to abscond among his Friends, till he could have a fair
opportunity to make his appearance in public. _Solyman_ was soon let into
all his Designs, particularly by Letters from his Son _Selimus_, who
warned him to take care of his Life; and that, if he did not look upon
these Villainous Attempts of _Bajazet_, as pointed at himself, he was
much mistaken: For he cared not what he did either against God or Man,
provided he might gain the Kingdom. Your Life, Sir, said he, is aimed at
as well as mine, and he would wound you through my sides. His Design was
contrived long ago, but now he only seeks an opportunity to execute it;
and, therefore, pray prevent his Wickedness before you are circumvented
by him too late to find any Help: As for myself, I can easily bear all
his Injuries; but the greatness of your Danger doth more nearly concern
me.

These Informations from _Selimus_ did more and more incense _Solyman_
against _Bajazet_; so that he put him in mind of his Duty, by Letter,
telling him what great Clemency he had used towards him, and what
Promises he had reciprocally made to him. Call to mind, said he, those
Ancient things, ’tis not so easie for you to get a new Pardon. Leave off
wronging your Brother, and creating trouble to me. I have but a little
time to live; when I am gone, God will shew which of you shall Reign; in
the mean time, don’t you disturb the public Peace, nor the Tranquillity
of my grey Hairs.

But these Expostulations wrought little upon _Bajazet_, who was fully
determin’d to do his utmost, rather than to yield his Neck tamely to his
Brother’s Sword; for he saw plainly, that would be his Fate, if ever
_Selimus_ mounted the Throne. However, he answered his Father’s Letters
submissively enough; but his Words and his Deeds did not agree, neither
did he drop the prosecution of his intended Design.

When _Solyman_ saw this, he resolved to try another Course, and to remove
his two Sons to a greater Distance one from the other; and, therefore,
he commands each of them, on a prefix’d Day, to leave his Province
(_Chiuta_ was _Bajazet_’s, and _Magnetia_ _Selimus_’s) _Bajazet_ to go
to _Amasia_, and _Selimus_ to _Iconium_. This was done, not out of any
disfavour to _Selimus_, but only to please _Bajazet_, lest he should
break out into Extremes, when he was removed from his Government, and
not his Brother from his. Withal, he laid his Commands on them, that,
the more they were severed by distance of Place, the more they should
be united by Concord of Mind. For (said he) Vicinity of Habitation doth
often breed Discord betwixt Brethren, and Servants on both sides do ill
Offices to enrage and exasperate the Minds of their Masters, one against
the other; and, therefore, obey my Commands: Him that refuses, I shall
count a rebellious Son. _Selimus_ immediately left his Province, as being
confident of his Father’s Favour; but _Bajazet_ made many Hesitations,
and when he was gone a little way he stopt his Journey, complaining that
the unlucky Province of _Amasia_ was allotted, as a bad Omen to him;
because his Brother was slain there. I should rather, said he, go to any
other Province besides, than where the miserable End of my Relations
will constantly come to my Mind, and wound my very Soul; and, therefore
he desired his Father to suffer him to winter at least where he was,
or else in his Brother’s Province: But _Solyman_ would grant neither
of those Requests. By this Time, _Selimus_ was marched with an Army
which was augmented with some Forces from his Father _Solyman_, (for
they were both afraid of _Bajazet_’s Plots) against his Brother, who
yet made many Halts and Delays; when, on a sudden, he fetch’d a compass
about, and appeared with his Army on the Rear of his Brother, going
towards _Prusias_, a City of _Bithynia_ over against _Constantinople_
on the _Asiatic_ Shore; his Father gave consent to his March, as not
well pleased with the Delays of _Bajazet_. For they thought thus with
themselves, that, if _Bajazet_ could win over the Guards to himself, and
march to _Prusias_, or even to _Constantinople_ itself, their Matters,
as to _Solyman_ and _Selimus_, would be in great hazard; and, therefore,
out of a common fear, ’twas thought most adviseable for _Selimus_ to stay
there, where he might expect most Aid, in case of Necessity, from the
Nearness of the capital Cities. For _Selimus_ had not yet Forces enough
to encounter his Brother in open Field, with any hopes of Success.

When _Bajazet_ saw his Brother’s Army in his Rear, and that he got
nothing by his Delay, but the certain Knowledge, that _Selimus_ should
Reign if his Father died, as his Fear added to his Sickness gave some
Likelihood thereof; hereupon, he wrote Letters to his Father, wherein
he laid grievous Things to the Charge of his Brother _Selimus_, as,
that his present March did plainly declare, what a wicked Intent he had
towards his Father, who was come so near the _Metropolis_, that he might
treacherously compass the Empire, and that he might have but a short
Passage over, if his Father died. But, if his Father’s Life should balk
his desire, then he would suborn some Parricide or other to take it away;
and yet, this is the Son, forsooth, said he, that you have in your Bosom;
as if he were a very Nonsuch for filial Obedience; whereas I, who never
entertained a bad Thought against you in all my Life, but was always
observant of your very Becks, am rejected and call out of Favour; and
yet the Sum of my Demands is only this, that an unlucky Province may not
be designed for my Government; either that which my Brother left, or any
other more fortunate one than that of _Amasia_; and, says he, I shall
expect an Answer in the Place where I now abide, lest, if my Suit be
granted, I be forced to march a great way back; but if your Ears be deaf
to my Request, then I will march to what Province you shall command me.

And the truth is, _Bajazet_ had reason to be averse from _Amasia_; for
’tis a Custom among them to build much on Auguries and ill Omens, even in
the smallest Matters.

But these Letters were otherwise understood by _Solyman_, who was well
acquainted with his Son’s Fears, and knew that he affected a Government
not so remote, but nearer to _Constantinople_, that thereby he might have
the better opportunity for Innovations.

Thus _Bajazet_ made one Excuse after another for his Delay, and seemed
to retard his Father’s Pleasure; he listed Soldiers, increased his Army,
rais’d Money, and provided all things necessary for his own Defence,
and the Conquest of his Brother. _Solyman_ looked upon his Design as
against himself, yet the crafty old Man dissembled it what he could; for
he was unwilling to make _Bajazet_ quite desperate. He was now grieved
that the Eyes of all Nations were fix’d on that Dissention between his
Sons, and therefore he design’d to use some Delay, that the Matter, if
possible, might be composed with as little Noise as possible. He answered
_Bajazet_’s Letters mildly, telling him, that, as for the Change of
Provinces, he was fully resolved to be obey’d therein; and, therefore, he
and his Brother would do well immediately to repair to their respective
Armies.

As for other Concerns, he need not take care of them, for he himself
would so order Matters, that neither his Brother nor he should have any
Cause to complain. _Solyman_ chose _Pertau_, the Fourth Vizier _Bashaw_,
to carry those Letters to _Bajazet_; and, that he might seem to deal
impartially between them both, he sent _Mehemet_, the third Vizier
_Bashaw_, to _Selimus_. He also laid a Charge on both those _Bashaws_,
not to stir a step from either of his Sons, till they had both entred on
their respective Governments. This was wisely done by _Solyman_ to leave
such faithful Moniters with his Children, which would daily put them in
Mind of their Duties.

Accordingly, _Selimus_ did willingly admit his Father’s _Bashaw_; but
_Bajazet_, whose Mind was wholly set upon imbroiling the State, could
not endure to have one of his Father’s Counsellors obtruded upon him,
to be a Witness of his Designs, and to be a Tell-tale to his Father.
And, therefore, he dismissed the _Bashaw_, who was willing to have
staid, having first courteously treated and presented him with Gifts,
according to his present Ability; and he did it with this Pretence,
that he had none else to represent his Cause impartially to his Father,
but only himself; and, if he would do him so good Offices, he promised
not to be ungrateful to him. He desir’d him also to tell his Father,
that his Commands should always be to him as a Law, but that he was
forced to do what he did, for fear of his Brother _Selimus_, whose
Injuries and Affronts he could no longer endure. By this Message of
_Pertau_, _Solyman_ was assured of _Bajazet_’s Design, though, to colour
the Matter, and to put a Blind on his Father’s Embassy, he pretended
he would hasten to _Amasia_. However, _Solyman_ was not slow in his
Preparations against _Bajazet_, for he commanded the _Beglerbeg_ of
_Asia_, though sick of the Gout, to assist his Son _Selimus_ with a Body
of Horse; and he sent also the most faithful of his Guards to accompany
_Mehemet Bassa_, (who was also returned from his Embassies) into _Asia_
on the same Errand; and he himself pretended he would gird on his Sword
and follow them. But, alas! the Guards shew’d themselves very unwilling
to the Service; for they abominated the War betwixt Brothers, as an
impious Thing. For against whom should they draw their Sword? Was not
_Bajazet_ Heir of the Crown too? This unnecessary Discussion (said they)
may be compass’d without Blood; neither are we to be forc’d to sheath our
Swords in one another’s Bowels: As for _Bajazet_, he is forced to do what
he doth, in a way of Self-preservation.

When these Rumours came to _Solyman_’s Ears, he sent for the _Mufti_ (the
High-Priest of the _Turks_, from whom, as from an Oracle, they expect
Answers to their Doubts) and puts a Case to him in these Terms.

“How ought that Man to be dealt with, who durst disturb the Peace of the
Empire, by taking Towns, and raising Men and Money, while he was alive?
As also, What he thought of those, who were assistant to him in that
Design, and fought under his Ensigns? and, lastly, what was to be done
with those who refused to engage against him, but rather justified his
Practises?”

The _Mufti_’s Answer was, “That such a Person with all his Followers were
worthy of Death; and they that refused to Fight against him were to be
abominated, as Prophane, and Deserters of their Religion.”

This Answer was divulged among the Commonalty, and by the Chief of the
_Chiauxes_ was transmitted to _Bajazet_.

A while after there came a _Chiaux_ to _Constantinople_, who had been
sent by _Solyman_ to _Selimus_, but had been intercepted by _Bajazet_;
by whom he sent a Message to their Father, to this effect; that he would
never fail in expressing his Duty to his Father, and that he never took
up Arms against him, but was resolved to be obedient to him in all
Things. The Dispute was only between his Brother and himself, who sought
his Life, so that he must fall by his Brother’s Sword, or his Brother
by his. This difference might be decided in his Father’s Life; and,
therefore, he desired him not to interpose or assist his Brother, but
to carry himself in an exact Neutrality; but if (said he) you pass over
into _Asia_, (as Report says you will) to assist _Selimus_, don’t think
I shall be speedily reduced, for I know whither to retreat; and, let me
tell you, the first Day you set Foot in _Asia_, I will destroy all by
Fire and Sword, and make it as desolate, as _Tamerlane_, or any of our
fiercest Enemies, ever did.

When this Message was delivered to _Solyman_, it did much disturb him,
especially when Word was brought to him, that the Town of _Axuar_, which
_Selimus_, his Son, was _Sanziach_ of, was taken by _Bajazet_; who, after
he had exacted a great Sum of Money from the Inhabitants, plundered and
sack’d it shamefully.

But _Selimus_, when he heard that his Brother march’d towards _Amasia_,
and was already come as far as _Ancyra_, being now freed from the
Suspicion of Treachery, which he fear’d in his March, hastened towards
_Iconium_, where a Garrison was kept for his Arrival.

’Twas none of the least of _Solyman_’s Cares, which distracted his Mind,
lest _Bajazet_ should seize on _Iconium_, and so march into _Syria_,
from whence there is a large Passage into _Egypt_, a Province not fully
settled in Subjection to the _Turks_, and somewhat mindful of the ancient
Governors of the _Circassians_ or _Mamalukes_, longed for a Change. And
if _Bajazet_ once got thither, he foresaw it would be a very hard Matter
to beat him out, should the neighbouring _Arabians_ assist him; who, in
hopes of Booty, were ready to take any side. And if, with much ado, he
could have been driven out of _Egypt_, yet from thence he might easily be
wafted over into any of the _Christian_ Countries; whereupon _Solyman_,
by all means, sought to stop his March thither, because he thought it
would be _Bajazet_’s last Shift; and to that end he had written to most
of the Governors of lesser _Asia_, to be watchful, ever and to assist
_Selimus_, when he called for their Aid. Accordingly _Selimus_ formed a
Camp before the Walls of _Iconium_: For he thought it best to wait there
for the Auxiliaries of his Father, and not to hazard his All on the
doubtful Issue of a Battel.

On the other side, _Bajazet_, knowing what a hazardous Enterprize he had
undertaken, was as vigorous to support his Cause. He hired a great body
of Horse, called _Chiurts_, perhaps formerly _Gordianes_, Men noted for
Valour, in whom he put Confidence.

They, as soon as ever they came to this Army, began their Representation
of a Battel on Horseback, which had so much of Reality in it, that many
of them were slain, but more wounded.

His Camp was pitch’d in the plain and open Fields of _Ancyra_, from which
City he was supplied with many Necessaries; and at the Castle thereof
he placed his Concubines and Children. From those Merchants, that were
rich, he borrowed Money, upon Terms of Re-payment with Interest, if God
gave him Success. From thence, also, he was furnished with Arms for his
Soldiers.

Besides his own Family (consisting of very many among the higher sort
of _Turks_) and the _Chiurts_ before-mentioned, those that were of his
Mother’s, or his Sister’s, or of _Rustan_’s Faction, came in to him;
so did very many of _Mustapha_’s and _Achmet_’s Favourites, fierce and
skilful Warriors; for they grudging at the undeserved Deaths of their
Masters; were resolved to revenge them with the hazard of their Blood:
some also came under his Banner out of Commiseration of the depressed
Condition of _Bajazet_, as being necessitated to fly to Arms, his last
and only Refuge.

A great many favoured _Bajazet_, because he was like his Father; whereas
_Selimus_ had not one Feature in his Face resembling him. ’Tis true, he
was very like his Mother, a Woman hated while she was alive. He was a
big-bellied Man, with swoln Cheeks, and his Face of a deep and uncomely
Redness; insomuch, that the Soldiers would seemingly say, _He was cramm’d
with Barley-Pudding_. Besides, he liv’d a slothful, banquetting, idle
Life; neither was he courteous, or of easy Access, nor did he oblige
by any act of Generosity. The Reason he gave, was, that he would not
offend his Father, by aiming at popular Applause. Thus he became dear
to his Father only, but odious to every body else; yea, those Persons
did most disdain him, who coveted a munificent and an active Emperor.
The same Soldiers that were wont to call _Bajazet_, _Softi_ (a sedentary
Man, and given up to his Studies) when they saw that he took up Arms,
and ventured his All to defend himself and his Children, now extolled
him to the Skies, as a Man of extraordinary Valour. Why (said they,
reasoning among themselves) should his Father abdicate a Son that is his
express Image? Why should he prefer his slothful, pot-bellied Brother,
that has nothing of his Father’s Disposition in him? As for _Bajazet_’s
taking Arms, Necessity forces him to it, and therefore, he is not to be
blamed; for did not _Selimus_, his Grandfather, do the same? What great
Precedent could there be? For he did not only arm against his Brother,
but Necessity also compelled him to hasten his Father’s Death; and yet by
this Procedure he established the Kingdom to himself and his Posterity.
Now, if _Solyman_ did rightfully possess that Kingdom, so gotten, why
should his Son be denied to take the same Course? Why should that Fact be
thought so heinous in him, which was accounted lawful in his Grandfather?
And yet the Case is much different (said they); for _Bajazet_ did not
take up Arms against his Father, but wishes him a long Life; nay, he
would not hurt an Hair of his Brother’s Head, if he could be sure of his
own Life, against him: But ’tis always lawful to resist Force by Force,
and, if possible, to prevent one’s own certain Ruin. These Discourses
caused many to fly to _Bajazet_, and his Army being now of a moderate
Size, without delay, he marches towards his Brother, putting his Life,
Fortune, and the hope of his Empire, upon the Event of the Battel; for
thus, thought he, my Valour (at least) will be commended, if it be not
prosperous; I will endeavour if I can, to break my way into _Syria_, and,
if I succeed therein, my Business is done.

_Selimus_ waited for him under the Walls of _Iconium_, having a vast
Army, encreased by Forces sent him from his Father, and well furnished
with skilful Commanders; and, besides all other Necessaries, secured with
great Ordnance on every side. _Bajazet_ was nothing terrified at all
those Disadvantages, but as soon as he came in sight of his Brother’s
Army, he exhorted his Own, though inferior in Number, in this manner.

_Now, ~says he~, the long wished for Hour is come, wherein you may shew
your Valour; do you act as Men, and let me alone to reward you. All my
Fortune is in your Hands; my Misfortunes have been irksome some time, but
now here is an open Campaign, wherein I may change them for the better,
and forget all the Miseries of my former Life. If you conquer, you may
expect from me Honour, Dignity, and all kinds of Rewards, befitting Men
of Valour. One Victory will crown all our Hopes, though never so vast,
and that you may get by your superabounding Valour. As for my Brother’s
Troops before your Eyes, they are a Company of ~Buffoons~ under a
slothful General; you may easily make way through them with your Swords;
what Forces he hath with him of my Father’s, though they are his in Body,
yet they are mine at Heart. ’Tis ~Selimus~ alone that stands in the
way, both of my Vassals, and of your Happiness too, and therefore, let
us both revenge our selves on a common Enemy. And for their Multitude,
don’t fear them; Conquest is got by Valour, not by Number. God Almighty
uses to assist the ~Best~, not the ~Most~. Certainly, if you consider
how the savage Enemy thirsts after your Blood, you will preserve yours,
by shedding theirs. In fine, ~said he~, I will not only speak, but do.
Let me be your Pattern. Do you fight but as valiantly for my Safety, as
I shall do for your Advancement, and I’ll warrant you the Battel is our
own._

Having finished his Oration, he made towards the Enemy with an undaunted
Courage, and in the Front of his Army shew’d himself both a brave
Soldier and a skilful Commander, so that he was renowned also by his
very Enemies. The Battel was bloody, and many fell on both Sides, and
Victory seem’d to hover with doubtful Wings; but at last she inclin’d
to that side, where was more Force, a juster Cause, and better Counsel.
Just in the nick, there arose such a Wind that it carried the smoke of
the Ordnance into the very Faces of _Bajazet_’s Army, so that they fought
blindfold, as it were; whereupon _Bajazet_, after much Blood-shed on
both sides, was forced to sound a Retreat; but he made it with so little
Disorder, and so leisurely, that he seemed a Conqueror, rather than to
have lost the Day. Neither did _Selimus_ move out of his Camp to pursue
him, being well contented to see his Enemies turn their Backs.

After this, _Bajazet_, considering he had disobeyed his Father’s
Commands, by indulging his own Humour, and being cut off from his March
into _Syria_, which he had design’d, resolved to move in good earnest
towards _Amasia_.

_Solyman_ had presently a Messenger sent him of this Victory, and
immediately he posted over into _Asia_. His _Bashaws_ would not let
him go before; _But now_ (said they) _you must make haste to press
upon ~Bajazet~ in his Misfortune and to prevent his Recruit; for if
his secret Favourites should declare for him, they might cut them out
further Work. The Report of your Passage over, will both discourage your
Son and terrify all his Followers; and, therefore, make haste, lest he
serve you as sometime your Father did, who was more formidable after he
was conquered than before, so that his very Overthrow at first was the
cause of his Victory in the End._ Neither did they thus speak without
Cause; for ’tis incredible how much that Fight, though unfortunate, had
added to _Bajazet_’s Renown. That he was so hardily valorous, as, with
a small handful in comparison, to set upon the well-disciplin’d Army
of his Brother, strengthened too with his Father’s Forces; that he was
not daunted with the disadvantage of the Place, nor the roaring of the
great Ordnance, and that he carried himself in the very Battel, not as
a raw Officer, but an expert General. ’Tis true, said they, his Success
was not answerable, but his Valour was not inferior; and, therefore,
let _Selimus_ boast never so much of his Victory to his Father, this we
are sure of, that, of the two, _Bajazet_ deserved to be Conqueror; and
that we may attribute his Brother’s being so to any thing rather than to
his own Valour. These Discourses concerning _Bajazet_, shew’d him to be
Popular, and thereupon they double his Father’s Grief and Pain, and his
Desire to ruin him. Resolved he was, none but _Selimus_ should succeed
him in the Empire: For, besides that he was his eldest Son, he had been
always faithful and obedient to him; but _Bajazet_ had been rebellious,
and gaped after the Throne in his Lifetime; and he feared him the more,
because he was esteem’d a very valiant Prince, and because also he had
openly assisted _Selimus_ against him.

For these Reasons he pass’d the Sea into _Asia_, but with a Resolution
not to stir from the Shore, but to assist his Son _Selimus_’s Affairs,
only at a distance. For why, thought he, should I run any Hazard to
bring my own Forces nearer, lest my Army, not fully settled in their
Obedience, should be tempted to a Revolt.

I my self saw _Solyman_ march out of _Constantinople_ in the Year 1559,
_June 5th_, tho’ against the Will of my _Chiaux_. Let me here present you
with a Scene of Mirth, and like a Braggadocio-soldier, tell you of two
Battels I had at once; for why, I have Leisure enough (unless you count
my Cares my Study) and the larger I am in my Scribling, the more time do
I borrow from my Troubles. Hear then, what were my Quarrels.

When I was certainly inform’d that the _Sultan_ was ready to pass over
into _Asia_, and that the Day was fix’d for his Departure, I told my
_Chiaux_ that I had a mind to see him march out, and therefore he should
come betimes in the Morning and open the Doors, for he used to carry the
Keys of my Doors home with him at Night; he promised me courteously, he
would do so. Then I order’d my _Janizaries_ and my Interpreters, to take
me an upper Room in the way the Emperor was to pass, convenient for my
View: They obeyed my Commands. When the Day was come, I rose before ’twas
light, and expected that my _Chiaux_ had opened my Doors; but finding
them shut, I sent several Messengers to him, to come and let me out, both
my _Janizaries_ that waited within Doors, and _Druggermen_ that waited to
come in: This I did, through the Chinks of the Gate, which was very old;
but the _Chiaux_ still spun Delays, pretending he would come presently.
Thus I spent some time, till I heard the noise of the Guns, which the
_Janizaries_ use to fire, when their Emperor takes Horse; then I began
to fret and fume, seeing my self so deluded. My Disappointment and just
Indignation did affect the _Janizaries_ themselves: they told me, that
if my People would thrust hard with them, they without would so press
upon the Valves, which were loose and old, that the Bars would fall out.
I took their Counsel; the Doors flew open accordingly, and out we went,
hastening to the Room I had hired.

My _Chiaux_ had a mind to frustrate my Desire, and yet he was no bad Man
neither; for having communicated my Request to the _Bashaws_, they were
not willing that any Christian should behold their Prince marching with
so small Force against his own Son, and therefore, said they to him, do
you promise him fair, but be sure to delay him till the _Sultan_ is a
Shipboard; then you may think of some Excuse or other to bring you off.

When I came to the House where a Room was hired for me, the Door was
shut, so that I could no more enter into that, than I could go out of my
own; when I knock’d, no body answered. Hereupon the _Janizaries_ again
told me, that, if I commanded them, they would either break open the
Doors, or get in at Window and open them. I told them, they should not
break open any thing; but if they would go up to the Windows, they might:
they presently did so, and opened the Door. When I went up Stairs, I
found the House full of _Jews_, a whole _Synagogue_ of them. They looked
upon it as a Miracle, that I should enter, when the Doors were shut;
but being informed of the Truth, an old grave Matron, in comely Habit,
address’d herself, and complained to me, in _Spanish_, of the Violence
I had offered to the House; I told her, she had done me wrong, in not
keeping her Word, and that I was not a Man to be thus deluded; she seem’d
dissatisfied, and the Time would not admit of further Discourse. In
short, I was allowed one Window, which on the back side looked out into
the Street, and from thence, with a great deal of Pleasure, I saw all the
grand Procession.

The _Gulupagi_ and _Ulufagi_ marched two by two; the _Selchers_ one
by one, and _Spahi’s_ (which are the Names of the _Grand Seignior_’s
Horse-Guards) distinguished by their Ranks and Troops; they were about
6000, besides a vast number of the Domesticks of the Prime _Vizier_,
and of other _Bashaws_. The _Turkish_ Horsemen make a gallant Show; the
best Breed of Horses is from _Cappadocia_ and _Syria_, and the adjacent
Countries; he is set out with Silver Trappings, studded with Gold and
Jewels. His Rider is clad with a Coat or Vest made of Silk Velvet, or
other fine Cloth of Scarlet, Purple or dark blue Colour, intermixed with
Gold and Silver. He hath two Cases hanging by his sides, one holds his
Bow, the other his Arrows, both of neat _Babylonian_ Workmanship; and
so is his Buckler which he bears on his Left Arm, and is Proof against
Arrows, Clubs, or Swords. In his Right Hand, unless he desire to have it
free, he carries a light Spear, for the most part painted with Green.
His Scimiter is studded with Jewels, and made of steel, and it hangs
down from his Saddle. What need so much Armour, say you? I’ll tell you.
They use them all; and that dextrously too. You’ll reply, how can he use
that Spear and the Bow too? What! will he take up his Spear when he hath
broken, or thrown away, his Bow? Not so neither; for he keeps his Spear,
as long as he can: But, when he hath occasion to use his Bow, the Spear,
being light and easily manag’d, he puts between his Saddle and his Thigh;
so that the Point of it sticks out backward; and thus he presses it down
with his Knee, as long as he pleases. But, if he fights only with the
Spear, then he puts up his Bow into his Case, or else with his left Hand
places it behind his Shield. It is not however my present Design to
acquaint you with the _Turks_ Expertness at Arms; they have obtain’d it
by long Use and Experience in War. Their Heads are covered with very fine
white Cotton-Linnen, in the midst whereof stands up a Tuft made of Purple
Silk, plaighted; some of them wear black Feathers a-top.

After the Horse, a large Body of _Janizaries_ followed, being Foot, and
seldom taking any other Arms than Muskets. The Make and Colour of their
Cloaths are almost the same, so that you would judge them all to be the
Servants of one Man. They have no ungainly Habit among them, nor any
thing rent or torn; their Cloaths will wear out soon enough, they say,
without their tearing them; yet, in their Feathers, Crests, and such-like
military Ornaments, they are over-curious, or rather proud; especially,
the _Veterans_ in the Rear, you would think a whole Wood of walking
Feathers were in their Fire-stars and Frontals; after them their Officer
and Commanders follow on Horseback, distinguished each by his proper
Ensign. In the last Place marches their _Aga_, or General. Then succeed
the chief Courtiers, amongst whom are the _Bashaws_; then the Foot of
their Prince’s Life-Guard in a particular Habit, carrying their Bows bent
in their Hands, for they are all Archers; next the Prince’s Led-Horses,
all with curious Trappings. He himself rode on a stately Prancer, looking
sour, with his Brows bent, as if he had been angry; behind him came three
Youths, one carrying a Flagon of Water, another his Cloak, another his
Bow. Then followed some Eunuchs of the Bed-Chamber; and, at last, a Troop
of about Two Hundred Horse closed the Procession.

After I had the Satisfaction of viewing all this, my only care was now
to appease my Hostess, she that at my entrance spake to me in _Spanish_,
for I heard she was very familiar with _Rustan_’s Wife, and therefore
I was afraid she would represent things unhandsomely against me; to
prevent which, I sent for her, and told her she should have remembered
her Bargain, and not have shut her Door against me who had hired a Room;
but, though you, said I, don’t remember your Promise, I’ll perform mine;
yea, I will be better than my word: I promis’d you but seven Pistoles,
but here’s ten for you, that so you may not repent your Admittance of me
into your House. When the Woman thus unexpectedly saw her Hand fill’d
with Gold, she was presently melted down into a Compliance, and the
whole Synagogue of them fell to Compliments and giving me thanks; and
the Woman that was Crony to _Rustan_’s Wife, made one in the Consort,
for she always, in my Landlady’s name, gave me great Thanks. They
offered me _Grecian_ Wine and a Banquet, which I refused, but with great
Acclamations of all the _Jews_, made haste to be gone, that I might
manage a new Dispute with my _Chiaux_, for keeping my Doors fasten’d,
when I should have come forth.

I found him sitting mournfully in my Porch, where he began a long
Complaint, that I ought not to have gone abroad without his Consent,
nor have broke open the Door: that I had violated the Law of Nations
thereby, and such like stuff. I replied, in short, that, if he had come
betimes in the Morning as he promised, he had prevented all this; his
breach of Promise had occasioned it, for his Intent was only to deceive
me. I demanded also of him, whether he look’d upon me as an Ambassador,
or a Prisoner? As an Ambassador, says he. If you think me a Prisoner,
said I, then I am not an fit Instrument to make a Peace, for a Prisoner
is not his own Man; but if an Ambassador, as you confess, then why am I
not a Free-man? Why can’t I go abroad when I will? Captives use to be
shut up, not Ambassadors: Liberty is granted to such in all Nations; they
may claim it as their publick due: He ought to know, that he was not
appointed to be my Serjeant, or Keeper, but to assist me, (as he himself
used to say) with his good Offices, that so no other Man might do any
Injury to me or mine.

Hereupon he turns to the _Janizaries_, and quarrels with them, for giving
me Advice, and helping my Servants, to break open the Doors. They said,
I had no need of their Advice: I commanded them to open them, and they
obeyed; there was no great Difficulty in it, the Doors were old, and
flew open presently; there was nothing either lost or broken. Thus the
_Chiaux_ was forced to hold his Peace, and I never heard any more of the
matter.

A while after, I had also leave to pass over the Sea, for the _Turks_
judged it conducing to their Affairs, to treat me nobly in their Camp,
as the Ambassador of a Prince in Alliance with them; and to that end,
I had a handsome Lodging provided for me near their Camp, where I had
all the Conveniences imaginable. I lived there three Months, and had
the opportunity to view the Camp of the _Turks_, which was extended
all over the neighbouring Fields, and to discover some parts of their
Discipline: You will not find fault with me, if I acquaint you with
something thereof. Know then, that I cloathed myself as _Christians_ do
in that Country, and with one or two Attendants walked up and down their
Camp _incognito_. The first thing I saw, was, the Soldiers of each Body
quartered with great Order in their several Ranks, and that with a great
deal of Silence, (’tis far otherwise in _Christian_ Camps) all hush;
not a Quarrel, nor the least Disorder or Noise amongst them in their
Jollities. Besides, they are wonderfully cleanly; no Dung-hill or Noisom
smell to offend the Eye or Ear; all their Ordure they bury under Ground,
or throw it far enough off. When they have occasion to ease Nature, they
dig a Pit with a Spade, and there bury their Excrements; so that there
is no ill smell at all. Besides, there are no Drinking-matches amongst
them, no playing with Cards or Dice, (the Bane of the _Christian_ Army!)
I only heard one _Hungarian_ common Soldier playing a doleful Ditty on a
ill-tuned Harp, and his Companions were howling rather than singing to
it; it was the last Words of a Fellow-Soldier, who died of his Wounds on
the grassy Bank of the _Danow_; he adjured that River, as her Streams
were gliding to his own Country, to commend him to his Friends there, and
tell them that he died no ignoble, nor unrevenged Death for the glory of
their Nation, and encrease of their Religion. His Fellows groaned out,
_Thrice happy he! O that our Case were like his!_ For you must know, the
_Turks_ are of opinion, That no Souls go more directly to Heaven, than
those of valiant Men, who lost their lives in the Field; and that Virgins
do pour out daily Prayers to God for their Safety.

I had a mind to pass through the Shambles, that I might see what Flesh
was sold there; I saw only four or five Weathers at most, hung up
dress’d; they were the Shambles of the _Janizaries_, who were at least
4000. I wondred so little Flesh could suffice so many; and was answered,
They used but little Flesh, but great part of their Diet was brought from
_Constantinople_. When I demanded, _What that was_, they shewed me a
_Janizary_ near at hand, who was lying down, and boiling Turnips, Leeks,
Garlick, Parsnips, and Cucumbers. He seasoned them with Salt and Vinegar,
and, Hunger being his best Sauce, eat them as heartily, as if they had
been Partridge or Pheasant.

Their Drink was that which is common to all Animals, _viz._ _Water_; by
this frugality, they consult the Health of their Bodies, and also the
saving of their Money. And the very time wherein they did this, caused
me to admire the more; it was their Fast, (or, as we call it, _Lent_) at
which time among _Christians_, even in well-govern’d Cities, as well as
in Camps, there is nothing but Sporting, Dancing, Singing, Revelling,
Drunkenness, and such like Madness; insomuch, that a _Turkish_ Envoy
coming once, at that time of the Year, reported at his return, That
the _Christians_ at certain times grew mad and raging, but sprinkling
themselves with a sort of Ashes in their Temples, they recovered their
Wits again, so that they did not seem the same Men; thereby denoting
_Ash-Wednesday_, and its Eve. The _Turks_, hearing this, were struck with
a great Amazement, because they have many Medicines amongst them which
cause Madness, but very few that procure a speedy recovery from it.

For the Days immediately preceding their Fasts, they do not alter their
private way of living in their Worshipping; rather on the contrary, they
abridge themselves of some of their daily Commons, that they may prepare
for their Fasts, lest a sudden Abstinence might be prejudicial to their
Healths.

The time of their Fast is so appointed, that every Year it comes fifteen
Days sooner than the former; the reason is, because they fill not the
twelve yearly spaces of the Moon: Hence it comes to pass, that their
Fast kept in the early Spring, after six Years, happens at the beginning
of Summer; for they measure their Fasts by the course of the Moon, and
there are none more irksom to them, than those which fall out in the
long Summer-days; for, while they Fast, not a bit, nor so much as a drop
of Water, goes down (neither dare they so much as wash their Mouths
therewith) before the Star appear in the Evening, the longest Day of
Abstinence, being hot, and of course dusty, must needs be very tedious,
especially to the poorer sort, who live by their Labour: Yet, before
Sun-rise (though not after) while yet the Stars shine in the Firmament,
it is lawful for them to eat; and therefore they better endure their
Winter Fasts. And that they may not be deceived by the darkness of the
Weather, their Priests hang out Lights in Paper-Lanthorns from the top
of their _Mosque_, (from whence they are wont, by sound of Voice to
call them to the Prayers, as we do by Bells): And this shews that their
Eating-time is come; whereupon entring presently into their Temples, and
worshipping God in their way, they return to Supper.

In the close of their Summer-Falls, I once saw a great many of them go
into a Tavern over-against my Lodging, (where Ice from Mount _Olympus_ in
_Asia_ was always to be sold) and there they ask’d for Icy water, which
they drank jetting strangely backwards; for the _Turks_ count it profane
either to Eat, Drink or Piss in a standing posture, unless in case of
Necessity; but they do it bending their Bodies, as Women do with us when
they make Water. And whereas in the dusk of the Evening I could not well
discern the meaning of that Posture, I was told that most of them drank a
draught of cold Water, to make way for their Meat, for otherwise it would
stick to their Jaws and they could not swallow it; and, besides, this
moisture of their Palate did quicken their Appetites.

In their Diet they are not choice, and after their Fasts they may eat any
Meat which was lawful for them to do at other Times. If they fall sick,
they omit their Fasts, but with this condition, that when they recover
they must fast so many Days over, as they neglected before. But when they
are near an Enemy, and ready to fight, lest Fasting should weaken their
Bodies, they are allowed to eat; and if a blind Superstition restrains
some of them, then their Emperor, at Noon, in the sight of his whole Army
eats his Dinner, and by his Example they are all encouraged to do the
same.

They use Wine at no time of the Year, they count it profane and
irreligious so to do; especially, they abhor it on their Fasts; then no
Man is so much as to smell to it, much less to taste it.

I often ask’d, why _Mahomet_ was so strict, as to forbid his Followers
the use of Wine? In answer to my demand, they told me this Story, that
_Mahomet_ making a Journey to his Friend, at Noon entred into a House
where there was a Marriage-Feast, and setting down with the Guests, he
observed them to be very merry and jovial, kissing and embracing one
another, which was attributed to the chearfulness of their Spirits raised
by the Wine; so that he blessed the sacred Juice, as being an Inspirer of
much Love amongst Men: But returning to the same House the next Day, he
beheld another face of Things; as Gore-blood on the ground, a Hand cut
off, an Arm, Foot, and other Limbs dismember’d; and these, he was told,
were the effects of the Brawls and Fightings occasioned by the Wine,
which made them mad, and destroy one another: Whereupon he changed his
Mind, turning his former _Blessing_ into a _Curse_, and forbidding it, as
an Abomination, to all his Disciples for ever.

For this Reason all was quiet in the Camp, and the greatest Composure
imaginable, especially at their Feast-time: So much did Camp-Discipline,
and a Strictness received from their Ancestors prevail upon them!

The _Turks_ punish all Vice and Wickedness very severely; their
Punishments are, loss of their Places, sale of their Goods, basting
with Clubs, Death: But Club-basting is most common, from which the
_Janizaries_ themselves are not free; though they may not, as such,
be put to death. Their lighter Offences are chastised by the Club;
their more heinous by cashiering or degrading, which they count worse
than Death, because commonly they are put to Death afterwards; for
being stripp’d of the Ensigns of _Janizaries_, they are banish’d to
the farthest Garrison of the Empire, where they live contemptible and
inglorious, till, upon any light Occasion, they are put to Death; yet not
as _Janizaries_, but as common Soldiers only.

And here let me acquaint you with the Patience of the _Turks_ in
receiving that Punishment; they’ll receive sometimes an hundred Blows
on their Legs, their Feet and Buttocks, with wonderful Patience; so
that diver’s Clubs are broke, and the Executioner cries out, _Give me
another!_ Yea, sometimes the Chastisement is so severe, that several
pieces of torn Flesh must be cut off from the wounded Parts, before any
thing can be applied to cure them. Yet for all this, they must go to
their Officer, who commanded them to be punish’d; they must kiss his
Hand, and give him Thanks; nay, they must also give the Executioner a
Reward for beating them. The Club they are beaten with, they count
_sacred_, and that it fell down from Heaven, as the _Romans_ counted
their _Shield_ to do; and, as some Relief to their Misery, they count
those Parts wounded with the Rod or Club, to be free from any Purgations,
and Expiations after this Life.

When I told you, that the _Turk_’s Camps were free from Broils and
Tumults, I must except one, which was made by my own Men: The occasion of
it was this. Some of my Servants had a mind to ramble out of the Camp,
without any _Janizaries_ to attend them; only taking some _Italian_
Renegadoes that professed the _Turk’s Religion_. Let me tell you, by the
way, that these _Italians_ are of good use in that Country, especially
in redeeming Captives; for they come to their Masters, and pretend they
are either their Kinsmen, or their Countrymen, and therefore, out of
Compassion to them, they desire to buy them as their Patrons, for a Price
agreed, and so they set them free: But if a _Christian_ should make the
same proffer to them, they would either refuse, or hold him to a far
higher Rate.

But to return: Some of my People, as I told you, gadding abroad, they
happened to meet some _Janizaries_, who came from Swimming and Washing
themselves in the Sea, without the Badges of their Order on their
Heads, only some Linnen being very slightly wrapped about them. These
_Janizaries_ revil’d my People, knowing them to be _Christians_; for
that’s the way of the _Turks_, to reproach _Christians_; ’tis a Principle
of their Religion, and they think thereby to incline us to exchange
our Religion for a better, as they count theirs to be. My Folks being
thus provoked, return Jeer for Jeer, from Words they came to Blows,
the _Italians_ assisting my Men. The cause of the Scuffle was, that one
of the _Janizaries_ lost the Linnen Covering off his Head, which was
thrown I know not whither: Hereupon the _Janizaries_ hurry away to their
General, complaining of their Wrongs and Damage received by my Servants;
for they watch’d them, and found them return’d to my House. Their General
presently sent for my Interpreter, who was present at the Conflict: He
was seiz’d upon sitting at my Door, and they were pulling him away. I
beheld it from a Gallery above, and was much concern’d, that any of my
Family should be taken forcibly from me without my Consent, to be carried
to the _Bastinado_, (for I understood something of the Matter before);
and I could not imagine he would be return’d to me without being well
beaten, he being one of the _Turk_’s Subjects. Whereupon I ran down, and
laid hold on him, commanding them to let him go. They quitted him with
much ado, but hasted immediately with far more grievous Complaints to
their General, who commanded more of their Company to go and seize those
_Italians_, who of _Christians_ are said to have become _Turks_; yet he
charged them to offer no Violence to me, or to the House where I lodged.
They came back presently, and with a great Noise and many Threats,
demanded those _Italians_; but they, foreseeing what would come to pass,
had sailed back to _Constantinople_. Much Clamour there was on both
sides; at last my _Chiaux_ at that time, who was an old decrepid Man, out
of a jeer thrust some Pistoles into their Hands unknown to me, to buy
a new Bonnet in the room of that which was lost; and thus the Dispute
ended.

I have been the more punctual in relating this Story, because, on this
occasion, I understood from _Rustan_’s own Mouth, what Opinion the
_Sultan_ had of the _Janizaries_: For he, hearing of this Scuffle, sent
a Messenger to me, to desire me to cut off all occasion of Dispute with
the _Janizaries_ as the worst of Men. You know, said he, ’tis a time of
War, whereby _they_ may be said to reign, rather than the _Sultan_, who
himself stands in fear of them. This he spake, as being well acquainted
with the Sentiments of _Solyman_, who always suspected some Men of their
own to lie in wait against their _Militia_, who would break out when he
had no Opportunity to prevent them.

And the Truth is, though there may be some use of a standing Guard and
_Militia_, yet there are also many Inconveniences attending it, of which
this is the chief. Their Emperor is very fearful of them, lest, having
the Sword in their Hands, they should alter the Government as they
pleas’d, of which there had been many Precedents; yet, there are ways
also, whereby this may be prevented.

While I was in their Camp, there came _Albertus de Ubiis_, a worthy and
learned Person, born I think at _Amsterdam_, as an Envoy from my Master
_Cæsar_. He brought with him some Presents for their _Sultan_, as some
Goblets gilt with Gold, with a Clock neatly made, and carried like a
Tower on an Elephant’s Back; as also some Money to be distributed,
amongst the _Bashaws_. _Solyman_ would have me deliver these Presents
in the Camp, that the Amity betwixt Him and my Master might be more
publickly known, and so no Danger at all to be feared from the
_Christian_ Arms.

But to return to _Bajazet_, after the Fight at _Iconium_, who retired
to his Government of _Amasia_, pretending to live quietly there, if his
Father would permit him so to do. For why? He had sown his wild Oats, and
for the future seem’d pliable to obey his Father’s Will; and for this
he employed sundry Persons to carry submissive Letters to his Father,
begging his Pardon: Neither did _Solyman_ pretend that he was averse to
a Reconciliation with his Son, and therefore he admitted his Messengers
into his Presence. He read his Letters, and answered them mildly: So that
the Report was spread over all the Army, what an Agreement was like to be
between Father and Son; what he had done amiss, was to be imputed to the
hot Blood of his youthful Age, provided he would shew himself obsequious
for the residue of his Life. This _Solyman_ did by the Advice of his
_Bashaws_; for the cunning old Man would not declare himself, till he
had brought _Bajazet_ into the Noose of his own Power. He was terribly
afraid, lest out of Desperation he should march furiously into _Persia_
(his only place of Refuge,) with such furious Expedition, that all his
_Sanziacks_ should not be able to get before him. To prevent which
Mistakes, he sent many Letters to all the Governors upon the Borders, to
watch _Bajazet_, and not to suffer him to escape, if he should attempt it.

In the mean time, he put all those of _Bajazet_’s Party, that he could
get into his Hands, to the Rack; and when he had sifted out of them what
he could, he put them privately to Death; amongst which were some that
_Bajazet_ had sent to clear him to his Father.

The Kingdom of _Persia_ at that time contained all the Countries between
the _Caspian_ Sea, and the Seas of _Persia_, with some part of _Armenia_
the Greater, (though _Solyman_, by taking _Babylon_, _Mesopotamia_, and
part of _Media_, had abridged their Empire very much) and other distant
Countries even to the Empire of the _Homamia Patisach_, as the _Turks_
call him, and over that last part of Land _Sagthamas_ was King: The
Father had been formerly over-thrown by _Selimus_ in a great Fight in the
field of _Chalderon_; and from that time the _Persian_ Affairs began to
decline, for _Solyman_ a fierce Engineer press’d upon the very Face of
them; and _Thamas_, being much inferior to his Father in Courage, made
but weak Defence: For he was wholly given up to Sloth and Idleness, and
would sit in his Palace amongst a croud of Harlots, amorously pleasing
his Humour; and sometimes consulting Magicians concerning future Events:
He had little Care of administring public Justice to his People. This
Neglect of his opened the Door to all Injustice and Oppression in every
part of his Empire: For the Strong oppressed the Weaker, and Innocence
could find no Justice or Defence in his Court.

The _Persians_, however, have so sacred an Opinion of their Prince, that
they believe him happy, that can but kiss the Gates of his Palace; and
the Water wherein he washes his Hands, they use for the cure of several
Diseases. He hath many Children, but the most promising is _Ismael_,
like his Grandfather both in Name and Nature; a beautiful Prince, and a
capital Enemy to the Race of the _Ottomans_. ’Tis reported that he was
brought forth into the World, with his Fist all bloody, whence it was in
every body’s Mouth, that he would be a warlike Person; and when he was
but young he confirmed that Report, by obtaining a great Victory over the
_Turks_. But when his Father made Peace with _Solyman_, ’twas agreed
betwixt them, that _Ismael_ should be sent Prisoner into the Bowels of
his Kingdom, that he might be no Obstacle to the intended Agreement: And
yet, as ill us’d as he is, after his Father’s Death, ’tis thought, he
will succeed in the Empire.

But _Solyman_ fearing that _Sagthamas_, (or, as we call him, the _Sophi_)
would be more mindful of old Grudges, than of the late Peace to which
he was in a manner compell’d; and that, if his Son went thither, he
should have much ado to get him thence; and perhaps it might occasion
a long War between the Empires, did use his utmost endeavour to stop
or take him, before he could come thither. The old Man had not forgot
that, a few Years before, _Helcas_, _Thamas_’s Brother, had fled to him,
and had been supported by him, and it cost his Brother dear to recover
him; and therefore he feared that _Thamas_ would pay him in his own
Coin, and perhaps recover by the Sword all the Countries he had taken
from him. The Design of _Solyman_ was kept very secret, yet _Bajazet_’s
Friends smelt it out, and therefore advised him by no means to trust
his Father, but to consult his own Safety, by what way soever he could.
And _Bajazet_ was persuaded so to do upon a small occasion, as little
Matters often give Weight to greater. There was a Soldier of _Bajazet_’s
taken in _Solyman_’s Camp, and hang’d up as a Spy, because _Bajazet_ had
listed him, after his Father had given him strict Charge to list no more
Soldiers. This was warning enough to _Bajazet_ to pack up and be gone.
Now _Solyman_ thought himself sure of _Bajazet_; and, to deceive him
the more, he caused his Army to begin their March to _Constantinople_
the Day after _Easter_. But _Bajazet_, immediately after Prayers upon
_Easter-Day_, gave Orders for marching with Bag and Baggage, and began
his unfortunate Voyage to _Persia_. He knew well enough that he went to
the old Enemy of the _Ottoman_ House, but was resolv’d to try the mercy
of any body, rather than fall into his Father’s Hands. There marched out
with him all that were able to bear Arms; none were left behind but weak
Persons, Women and Children, that were not able to bear the fatigue of so
long a Journey; amongst which was a new-born Child of his own, with his
Mother, whose Innocency he thought would protect them from his Father’s
Cruelty, and therefore he thought it best to leave them to his Clemency,
rather than make them Companions of his woeful and miserable Fight;
and the truth is, _Solyman_, as yet uncertain what would become of the
Father, spared the Life of his Infant-Son at present, and sent him to be
educated at _Prusia_.

I would have return’d to _Constantinople_, the Day before _Easter_, but
had a great mind to see, how the _Turks_ did observe that Festival; and I
was not sure that ever I should have so fair an Opportunity again. They
were to celebrate it in the open Field, before the Emperor’s own Tent. I,
therefore, ordered my Servants to take a Room in the Tent of a _Turkish_
Soldier, that stood on a rising Ground, and look’d down on _Solyman_’s
Tent, which was over against it. Thither went I at Sun-rising, where,
in an open Plain, I beheld a vast multitude of turbanted Heads silently
standing, and taking down the last Words of their Priest. Every Rank
was ranged orderly, and standing, that in the open Field they seemed to
be a Wall one to another: The most Honourable had their Station next
the Emperor’s Train, uppermost in the Camp, and their Turbants as white
as Snow. Such diversity of Colours did affect me with a great deal of
Pleasure, and the rather, because they stood unmoveable, as if they had
grown upon the Place; not a Cough hawking to spit, nor any Sound to be
heard; no, nor the least moving of the Head to look backward, or about
them. At the Name of _Mahomet_, they all, as one Man, bowed their Heads,
even to the Knee; but when the Name of God was pronounced, they all fell
prostrate on their Faces, and kissed the Ground.

And the Truth is, the _Turks_ are very ceremonious and attentive in the
acts of their religious Worship; for, if a Man doth but scratch his Head
when he prays, they think his Prayer is lost. For thus say they, if a Man
composes his Body so reverently, even when he speaks but to a _Bashaw_,
how much more becoming is that Observance towards God, who is infinitely
greater than the greatest of Men?

After Prayers, the whole Congregation was discharged, and they ran up
and down ranging over the Fields. A while after the Emperor’s Dinner is
served up, which the _Janizaries_ carry away Dish by Dish, and eat it
with a great deal of Mirth and Drollery. ’Tis an old allowed Custom for
them so to do, on that day, their Emperor being provided of a Dinner
elsewhere. When I had beheld their Show, I returned with great Pleasure
to _Constantinople_.

The remainder of my Talk, is, to acquaint you what become of _Bajazet_,
and then I shall ease you of the trouble of Reading, and my self of
Writing. He, as I told you, with his invincible Band, march’d out of
_Amasia_ with such Speed, that his coming prevented the Report thereof;
and those _Bashaws_, who designed to observe his Motion, he came upon
unawares. He put a notable Cheat upon the _Bashaw_ of _Suvas_; for
whereas, there were two ways in his Province by which he might march,
and the _Bashaw_ had beset the chiefest of them; he sent some before him
that pretended to be Run-a-ways, to inform him, he was gone the farthest
way about; which giving Credit to, he removed his Troops thither to
prevent him, and so left _Bajazet_ a free Passage.

He put the like Trick upon the _Bashaw_ of _Erzerumen_; for, knowing that
the Passage through the Province would be very hazardous, he sent some
before him with a counterfeit Message, to salute him, and tell him, that
his Misfortunes had reduced him to the most miserable Condition, and
therefore he desired him that he might rest a day or two in his Province,
at least to get his Horses fed, and new shod.

The _Bashaw_ granted his Request, whereas, it was not a commiserating his
Case, or that he favoured his Side, but, perhaps, that he might amuse
him a little till he had got all his Troops together to ensnare him;
for they were scattered, as not dreaming he would be so soon upon him.
However, _Bajazet_ march’d continually on, allowing his Men no rest by
day, and very little at Night. The _Bashaw_ of _Erzerumen_ seeing himself
deceived, made haste to join himself with the other _Bashaws_ in his
Flight.

For, you must know, as soon as _Solyman_ heard his Son was gone from
_Amasia_, he commanded a great many _Sanziacks_ and _Bashaw_ to follow,
and upon pain of Death, to bring him either alive or dead: But all in
vain, for _Bajazet_ fled faster than they could pursue. The _Bashaws_
aforementioned, paid dear enough for letting him escape; for _Solyman_
put him out of his Place, but _Selimus_ put him to Death, together with
his two Boys, though not before they had been most detestably used.
_Selimus_ and _Mehemet Bassa_, and the _Beglerbeg_ of _Greece_, pursued
_Bajazet_ at a greater distance. _Solyman_ was much troubled when he
heard of his Escape, as being well assured, he would make towards
_Persia_; and thereupon he was about to gather all his Forces, both Horse
and Foot, together, and so march away to declare War against _Persia_:
But his wiser Counsellors stopped his March, alledging the hazard he
would run amongst an ungrateful Soldiery: And besides, say they, what if
_Bajazet_ out of his Temerity and Rashness should send a Company about
_Pontus_ and the _Palus Mæotis_, and so march back to _Constantinople_,
in the Emperor’s Absence, where he might, by promising Liberty to
Captives, and to the _Agiamoglans_, get upon the Throne, now vacant?
These Advices restrained _Solyman_ from his Intention.

_Bajazet_, all along his March, caused Labels to be fixed to the Doors
of the Houses, that he would give double Pay to all the Soldiers that
would revolt to him; which made _Solyman_’s Soldiers suspected by
their Officers, and the rather, because the common Soldiers talked
very freely in favour of _Bajazet_. After much ado, _Bajazet_ escaped
to the River _Araxes_, which is the Bounds betwixt the two Empires of
_Turkey_ and _Persia_; and after he had pass’d this River, he scarce
thought himself secure, but appointed some of his own Soldiers to guard
the Banks, that so the pursuing _Sanziacks_ might not pass over: They,
however, being but few, were easily discomfited before the _Turkish_
Commanders pass’d farther into _Persia_; till at last they met with a
great Body of _Persian_ Horse, whose Commanders demanded of them, why
they invaded another Prince’s Territories? Their Answer was, they were
to fetch the fugitive Son of their own Prince. The _Persians_ told
’em, ’twas contrary to the League to come armed into their Dominions;
there was Peace betwixt _Sagthamas_ and _Solyman_, which they ought not
to violate: As for _Bajazet_, their Prince would do what was fitting;
in the mean time they should retreat to their own Country. With this
Reprimand they direct their March backward. In the mean time Messengers
are immediately sent from _Persia_ to _Bajazet_, to bid him return, and
to know the cause of his coming, and also to spy out what Forces he had
brought with him. _Bajazet_ answers, that his Brother’s Insolency, and
his Father’s Displeasure, had driven him out of his own Country, and he
was come to _Persia_, as the only Refuge for an oppressed Prince; and
therefore, in consideration of the uncertainty of future Affairs, he
hoped he would afford him Protection, being destitute of all Things. The
_Persian_ answered, he was not well advised to repair to him who had made
a Peace with his Father; by which they were both bound to serve the same
Friend and Enemy, and that League he could not violate: Nevertheless,
since he was come, he bid him welcome, and promised he would do his
utmost to reconcile him to his Father. Thus his first Entertainment in
_Persia_ was promising enough; nought but Congratulations, Feastings,
friendly Entertainments, and Merrymakings, by which subtle Men disguise
their Meanings; nay, there was a talk of a Match between _Orchanes_,
_Bajazet_’s Son, and one of the _Sophi_’s Daughters; and they gave him
Hopes, that the _Sophi_ would never be at quiet, till _Solyman_ had
bestowed upon him the Government of _Mesopotamia_, or _Babylon_, or
_Arzerum_; for there, say they, you may live commodiously without Fear,
as being at a great distance, both from your Brother and your Father
too; and if either of them should deal hardly with you, you will have a
Father-in-law to fly to, who will afford you Sanctuary. Such Discourses
were received among the Vulgar, to divert _Bajazet_’s thoughts from the
apprehension of present Danger. The _Sophi_ sent many Ambassadors to
_Solyman_ on this Errand; but whether he dealt sincerely with _Bajazet_
to reconcile him to his Father, or no, might be a great question, since
in the mean time, he contrived all ways to destroy him; for _Sagthamas_
was in a mighty Fear, lest he should nourish a Serpent in his Bosom, and
that which encreased his Rancour, was, the wicked design of some, who
persuaded _Bajazet_ to attempt the destroying of _Sagthamas_; for one
of _Bajazet_’s Commanders was heard to say, _Why do we not kill this
Heretick, and possess his Kingdoms? For, without doubt, he will one day
be the Ruin of us all._ These wild Discourses coming to _Sagthamas_’s
Ears, put him upon a Project more necessary than plausible; for _Bajazet_
had not many Forces, but very warlike ones; and there were many valiant
Men among them that were ready to attempt any Invasion, and therefore
he had reason to fear. He was conscious, also, that he had added new
Kingdoms to his own, as being conquer’d on pretence of Religion; and
who would secure such sickly Subjects, who were weary of their present
State, and coveted a Change? To these nothing could be more reasonable
than the coming of _Bajazet_. As yet, however, he is more in my Power,
than I am in his, and therefore it were best to improve the Opportunity,
and treat him no longer as a Guest, but as an Enemy to be chained up.
To compass which, no Method was more adviseable than to sever him from
his Forces, for then he may be more easily trapp’d; by open Force ’tis
hard to seize him, his Soldiers being well train’d and disciplin’d, but
mine slothful, unaccustomed to Arms, and, besides, at a great Distance
one from another. Hereupon _Bajazet_ was advised to disband his Army as
unnecessary. He could not withstand the Proposal, though Intelligent Men
foresaw the Danger and Consequence: But, alas! He that was under another
Man’s Roof, must now be at their Beck, who maintained him; especially,
since it would breed a Suspicion, if he entertained so much as a thought
of Perfidiousness in his Host that entertained him. Hereupon his Men
were divided, never to see one another again, and quartered where the
_Persians_ pleased; and, being put here and there, were, very shortly
after slain by them, and their Arms, Horses, and all else they had,
fell a prey to the superior Numbers of the Destroyers. At the same time
_Bajazet_ was clapp’d up in Prison, with his Children; and, to encrease
the indignity of the Thing, he was haled even from a Feast, to a Dungeon.

Thus have I satisfied your Desire, in acquainting you with what has
been hitherto done with _Bajazet_: ’Tis time now to consider what will
become of him for the future: Some think he will retreat to _Babylon_,
or such-like Province, on the Borders of each Empire, to be _Sanziack_
thereof. Others think it a desperate Case, and that there is no hope of
his Life, either from _Solyman_ or _Sagthamas_; but that he will either
be sent back hither to be put to Death, or strangled in Prison there.

For the _Persian_ weighed every thing in his Thoughts, when he put
_Bajazet_ in Prison; he knew him to be of an aspiring and courageous
Spirit, far superior to his Brother; and that, if he should succeed
his Father in the Empire, it might do _Persia_ much more Mischief than
ever _Selimus_ could; for he was but a slothful Prince, and not at all
for a War, and therefore some thought he would never escape out of his
Hands; for to be sure he can never be a Friend to one he hath injured so
much. Some think one thing, and some another: For my part, I think it
will be an intricate Business. For, as _Bajazet_ is in Troubles, and the
Issue undetermin’d, they will not easily make War on _Christendom_ at
this Juncture. They labour to obtrude on me certain conditions of Peace,
having some Letters that will please my Master, but they allow me no
Copy of them, as heretofore they used to do; so that I suspect Fraud in
the case, and therefore do peremptorily refuse to send those Letters to
_Cæsar_, unless I first know their Contents; and if they deceive me by a
false Copy, then the Blame lies at their Door, not at mine: By this means
I shall free my Master from answering their captious Letters; for I am
sure he will accept of no conditions of Peace but such as are honourable.
But, you’ll say, if you refuse to accept of their conditions of Peace,
’tis one step towards a War. Let that be as it will, I judge it more
adviseable to leave all free to the events of future Ages: But the not
sending their Letters, if that be a Crime, I shall take up on my self;
and I shall easily clear my self, if the Issue of _Bajazet_’s Affairs do
not answer their Expectation; since it is yet very difficult, though not
impossible, for the _Turks_ are not irreconcileable to those Ambassadors,
who study to do their Master the best Service they can amongst them. And
besides, the declining Age of my Prince will be some advantage to me, who
the _Bashaws_ thinks is fitter for rest and quiet, than for the Fatigues
of an unnecessary War. ’Tis true, my Pains will be prolonged hereby, but
I shall think them best bestowed, if they succeed at last.

Thus, Sir, I have written you a Book rather than a Letter; and if I
have offended you in it, the fault is yours rather than mine: What I
did was at your Request, and Readiness to please a Friend, hath always
been counted a Vertue in Friendship. Yet I hope these Things will be
as pleasant for you to Read, as they were delightful for me to Write;
for, let me tell you, as soon as I put Pen to Paper, I love to wander
abroad in my Mind, that so I may as it were, deceive my Confinement
as long as I can, and converse with you as if we were together. What
things seem frivolous and needless, you must take, as proceeding by word
of Mouth in familiar Conferences among Friends. Men may be allow’d to
tittle tattle in a Letter, as well as in common Discourse. If I were
to write Inscriptions for Churches and Temples, to be seen of all Men,
Circumspection and Care must be used; but not when I write to you and a
few private Friends. I aim not at Fame; if my Lines please you, I have
enough. You will say, perhaps, I might have written better Latin: I
grant it; but what if it were beyond my Ability? It was not for want of
any good will; and yet, let me ask you, what good Latin can come out of
uncouth _Greece_, or barbarous _Turkey_? If you have any Value for my
Letters, you shall have more of them after my Return to _Vienna_, if ever
God permit me to return: If not, excuse the last Trouble I shall give
you. Farewell.

                                              _Constantinople_, June 1st.




_SIR_,

I Acknowledge the fresh Proof you give me of Old Friendship, in
congratulating my Return; and, as you require an Account of the Residue
of my Embassy, and what Occurrences have happened since my last to
you, I will remember my Promise to you, and never disoblige so choice
a Friend. Take them all in a Medley together, what comes next into my
Head, as my Memory suggests things more, or less serious. My beginning
is upon the mournful; it is this. I was scarce settled in my Mind, which
was troubled for _Bajazet_’s Misfortunes and Death, when, lo! I was
struck with another Message as sorrowful as the former. We were all in
great Expectation of the Success of the _Turkish_ Fleet, which sailed
toward the Isle of _Meninge_, (now called _Gerse_,) upon News that the
_Spaniards_ had prevailed there. For _Solyman_ (being assured that Island
was taken by the _Christians_, and that they had added new Fortifications
to the old Castle therein, in which they had yet a very strong Garrison,)
could not endure to be thus check’d in the midst of all the Prosperities
of his flourishing Empire. Hereupon he equipp’d a Navy with Auxiliaries
to relieve those that were _Mahometans_ like himself; and made _Pihal
Bassa_ Commander of his Fleet. He furnish’d his Ships with a select
Company of Soldiers, and yet was doubtful of the Event; because the
Voyage was long, and they were to engage with a formidable Enemy. For you
may please to be inform’d, that the _Turks_, for a long time, have had a
great Opinion of the Valour of the _Spaniards_, as knowing that they have
waged great Wars, and came off with good Success. They had heard of the
Emperor _Charles_, and of his Son _Philip_, the Heir of his Valour, as
well as of his Kingdoms. The Report of his Power made the _Turks_ very
solicitous; so that those that went the Voyage, made their last Wills, as
if they were never to return to _Constantinople_ again. Thus the whole
City, both those that went, and those that staid at Home, was filled with
Anxiety. But, alas! their Fleet sailed with a prosperous Gale, and came
upon the _Christians_ unawares; which struck such a Terror into them,
that they knew not how to fight or fly: Some nimble Vessels made their
Escape; the rest were either taken by the Enemy, or split and dash’d in
pieces on the Sands. The Duke of _Medina_ the General, and _John Andrea
Doria_ the Admiral, fled to the Castle, from whence they escap’d in a
dark Night, undiscovered, through the Enemy’s Fleet to _Sicily_.

_Pihal_ sent hither a Galley to give an account of this Victory, and, as
a further Testimony thereof, he caused a Banner, wherein was the Image
of our Saviour Christ upon the Cross, to be pulled along the Sea, at the
stern of the Vessel. As soon as it arrived in the Haven, the Loss of the
_Christians_ was presently noised abroad, and the _Turks_ congratulated
one another upon their Victory. They came thick and three-fold to my
Door, and asked my Servants in a Jeer, whether they had any Brother, or
other Friend, in the _Spanish_ Fleet? If you had, said they, you may
shortly have the opportunity of seeing their Faces here.

Besides, they highly extoll’d their own Valour, and blam’d the Cowardise
of the _Christians_. Who, say they, shall now be able to stand before us,
seeing we have conquered the _Spaniards_? My People were forced to hear
this sad News to their great Grief; but God’s Will must be done! Our only
Hope was, that the Castle, in which was a strong Garrison, might hold out
against the _Turks_ till the Winter, or some other Accident had rais’d
the Siege. And yet our Hopes were mix’d with Fears, that the Conqueror
would take that too; and so it fell out, for the Besieged wanted all
things, especially Water; so that _Don Alvarez de Sande_, the Governor
thereof, a courageous Man, and an old Soldier, perceiving that it could
be defended no longer, got a Boat, and made his Escape, with a few
Companions, towards _Sicily_, that so he might not behold the Surrender
of so important a Place, which he thought would be look’d upon as a Blot
in his Escutcheon, though the extreamest Necessity had compelled it.
When he was gone, the Soldiers opened the Gates, and let in the _Turks_,
hoping to find them the more merciful, because of their easy Admittance.
_Don John_ of _Castile_, however, would by no means leave the Fort which
he commanded, but he and his Brother valiantly repulsing the Enemy,
were at last wounded and taken. The Castle was stoutly defended by the
_Spaniards_ for three Month’s Space, though they wanted many Necessaries,
and, which was worst of all, had no prospect of Relief. The Weather was
hot, and they almost parched with Thirst. They had but one Cistern to
hold Water in, which was not big enough to serve them all; so that they
were compelled to weigh out their Water to each Man by Measure, only
enough to keep Life and Soul together. This Cistern-Water was increased
with a Mixture of Sea-Water, and by some curious Art made fresh. This
Secret was very opportunely told them by a certain Alchymist: But all
had not the Benefit of it; for you should see some lie parching on the
Ground, ready to give up the Ghost for very Thirst, continually crying
out, as well as they could speak, _Water! Water!_ and, if a little was
brought, they were relieved for the present; but, when that Moisture was
spent, they relapsed to their former Drought, and died thereof. Thus many
perished, besides the Wounded, who could have no help of Surgery to cure
them in that desolate Place.

In the Month of _September_, the victorious Navy of the _Turks_ returned
to _Constantinople_, bringing the _Christians_ Captives, with their
Gallies along with them. A joyful Spectacle to the _Turks_; but a sad
one to the _Christians_ that lived amongst them! That Night it lay at
Anchor near the Rocks over against _Byzantium_, that so they might enter
the Port the next Day in greater Pomp and Splendor. _Solyman_ came down
into an Apartment in his Gardens near the Sea-side, that from thence he
might see the Prisoners entring in. _Don Alvarez de Sande_ was in the
stern of his Admiral Galley, and with him, _Don Sancho de Leyva_, and
_Don Bellinger de Requesne_, one Commander of the _Sicilian_ Galleys, the
other of the _Neapolitan_. The Galleys of the _Christians_ were despoiled
of their Ornaments, as Streamers, _&c._ and hall’d in Barques, that
they might appear little and contemptible in the sight of the _Turks_.
They who observ’d _Solyman_’s Countenance at that time say, that they
perceived no sign of insolent Mirth therein. This is certain, that when I
saw him go to his Devotion the next day, his Countenance was not altered
from its usual Hue, as if that Victory had not concern’d him at all; so
well was this cunning old Man able to bear the breath of his smiling
Fortune, that he was unmov’d under it.

The Prisoners were afterwards brought into the _Seraglio_, but so
miserably hunger-starv’d before, that some could hardly stand on their
Legs, others fell down in a Swoon for very Feebleness; others had Arms in
a Jeer put upon them, in which posture they died; the _Turks_ insulting
over them on every Hand, and promising to themselves the Empire of
the whole World; for who now shall be able to stand before us, (said
they) since we have overcome the _Spaniards_? There was a Commander in
the _Turkish_ Fleet, with whom I had some Acquaintance, who had taken
the great Banner of the _Neapolitans_ Galleys, being Imperial Eagles
embracing one another; being inform’d that he was about to present it
to _Solyman_, I thought good to prevent him; and sending him two silken
Garments, I obtained the Banner, that so the Ensign of _Charles_ the
Fifth might not remain in the Hands of Infidels, to the eternal Infamy of
the Christian Name.

There were amongst the Prisoners, besides those above-mentioned, these
two eminent Persons, _Don John_ of _Cordona_, the Son in Law of _Don
Bellinger_, and _Don Gasto_, the Son of the Duke of _Medina_, who, though
but a Youth, had an honourable Post in his Father’s Army, _Don John_
promised to give a great Sum of Money to be left Prisoner at _Chios_,
(which was inhabited by the old _Genoese_) which was accordingly done.
As for _Don Gasto_, he was concealed by _Pihal_, in hopes to have a
large Price for his Redemption; which Project of his had like to have
proved his Ruin: For _Solyman_, by some means or other, smelt out the
Cheat, and was grievously vex’d that _Pihal_ should serve him such a
Trick. He resolv’d, at the Instigation also of _Rustan_, that _Gasto_
should be brought to Light, that so _Pihal_ might be punish’d; but
_Gasto_ died in the Search; some say, of the Plague, others by the
procurement of _Pihal_ himself, that he might tell no Tales. This is
certain, that, upon the most diligent Search, he could not be found.
However, _Pihal_ was afraid to come to _Constantinople_ to appear before
his angry Master, lest he might be imprisoned there; but he hovered with
a few Galleys about several Islands of the _Ægæan_ Sea, pretending divers
Excuses for so doing. But at last _Solyman_, by the persuasion of the
chief Eunuch of his Son _Selimus_ gave him his Pardon in these Words: _I,
for my part, forgive him his great Offence; but God Almighty, the just
Revenger of all Wickedness, inflict just Punishment on him in the Life to
come!_ So strongly are the _Turks_ persuaded, that no evil Fact should
pass unpunished!

_Don John_ of _Cordona_ fared better; for, by the care of _Adam a
Ditrichstein_, Baron of _Austria_, who married his Sister, and by my
engaging for him, he returned safe into _Spain_. As for _de Sande_,
he was brought into the _Divan_, and there _Rustan_ demanded of him,
what his Master meant by invading other Men’s Rights, when he could not
maintain his own? _De Sande_ answered, the Question belonged not to
him to answer; ’twas his part only to execute his Master’s Commands as
faithfully as he could, wherein Fortune had been against him. However,
he begged the _Bashaws_ upon his Knees, that, in regard he had a Wife
and Children at Home, they would speak a good Word for him to _Solyman_.
_Rustan_ answered, that their Emperor was of a merciful Disposition,
and that they would intercede for him. Thus was he sent Prisoner to
the Castle called _Caradenis_, that is, _of the Black Sea_: He was not
gone far, before he was sent for back again, because the Chief of the
Bed-Chamber had not seen him; who, I have find before, is a Man of great
Authority with his Prince. Upon this Countermand, some say, that, though
otherwise undaunted, he was a little faint-hearted, as fearing he was
brought back to his Ruin; but it proved otherwise. As for the other
Prisoners, the chief of them, as _Sancho de Leyva_ with his two natural
Sons, and _Don Bellinger_ himself, were sent into the Castle of _Pera_,
or _Galata_.

As soon as I was made acquainted with their Condition, and in what want
of all Things they were, I thought it my Duty to do my best to relieve
them; and thereupon I sent some to comfort them, and to promise them
all the good Offices that lay in my power: And, from that Day forward,
my House was a common Receptacle for all the Prisoners; and I did them
all the Kindness I could. For, you must know, the _Turks_ think their
Prisoners well enough provided for, if they allow them Bread and Water.
They have no regard to any Man’s Age or Constitution, or to the time of
the Year; whether they be Sick or Well, Strong or Weak, Old or Young,
’tis all one to them; they are all treated after one and the same manner.
Hereupon, I was forced to provide several sorts of Relief for several
Necessities, different Diseases requiring different Cures. There lay a
multitude of sick Persons in a certain Temple of _Pera_, a Town over
against _Byzantium_, whom the _Turks_ cast out as Abjects; and many
of them perished for want of convenient Broths to relieve their sick
Stomachs, and recover their lost Strength by degrees. When I was told
thereof, I dealt with a Friend of mine, a Citizen of _Pera_, desiring him
to buy some Weather-Sheep every day, and boil them at his own House, to
distribute the Flesh to some, and the Broth to others, as their Stomachs
could bear; which was a great Relief to abundance of them: But those
which were in Health, required another sort of Assistance. My House was
full from Morning to Night with several Complaints. Some were used to
good Diet, and a piece of brown Bread, which was their daily Allowance,
would not go down so well with them; some, that used to drink Wine, could
not bear the perpetual use of Water only; some wanted Blankets to cover
them, having never known what it was to lie on the bare Ground; some
wanted Coats, others Shoes; but the most part desired some Footing-Money
to gratify their Keepers, that they might deal the more mercifully with
them. Money was the only Remedy for these Mischiefs, so that every day
some Guilders were expended by me on these Accounts. But these Expences
were tolerable, compared with greater Sums which were desired of me; or
else they prayed me to be their Surety for payment of their Ransom-Money;
and herein every one, was very forward with his Pretences; one alledged
Nobleness of Birth; another, that he had great Friends and Alliances; a
Third, that he was a Commander in the Army, and had much Pay due to him;
a Fourth, that he had Cash enough at Home, and was able to imburse me.
Some boasted of their Valour in the Fight; every one had something to
say for himself. When I demanded of them, whether they would be sure to
repay me? God forbid, said they! For what is more unjust, than to defraud
a Man who hath restored us to our Liberty, even out of the Jaws of Death?

And the Truth is, it was very grievous to me, to hear a Man come and tell
me, unless I can lay down 200 Guilders for my Redemption, I am undone
for ever; I shall be sent over into _Asia_ to be made a Galley-Slave, to
tug at the Oar, without any hope to see my own Country again. There is a
Merchant, Sir, that will deposit Wares amounting to that Value, provided
you will promise Repayment. This was the Allegation of almost all of
them; which could not but affect me, as knowing it to be most true, that,
if they were not relieved, many of them must needs perish; and none could
better do it, nor could they more justly expect it from any Man, than
my self. But, you will say, there is no trusting any Body; to which I
answer, can any Man be so prodigiously ungrateful, as not to repay what
was laid out to save his Life; and, grant that one or two may not have
Ability to reimburse me, what’s that to the purpose? ’Tis not lost, that
which is laid out to relieve the Oppressed: But sure the greater part of
them will perform their Promise. For these Reasons, I was induced to pass
my Word for 1000 Ducats, and have thereby run my self so much in Debt,
that I know not how to get out; but I fear have freed them from Fetters,
and clapp’d them on my own Legs.

I am the larger upon this Subject, to purge my self from too much
Weakness, which I know some will accuse me of, in being ready to trust
every body; and, in some Measure, to take the blame upon my self for
the slackness of some, for whom I have undertaken in their Repayments. I
foresee I shall be a great loser by the Business; for I must necessarily
make Payment on the Day, when my Word was once passed: And besides, I
heard that some whom I had released, had laughed at my easy Nature, in
believing what they said to be true; so that my Case is bad, if I should
judge of the rest by them. But, be it as it will, I thank my God, that I
have been able to do so many good Offices to so many distressed Persons.
I do not repent it; for Virtue is a sufficient Reward to it self. I covet
not, that any Honours should be conferred on me, nor any Statue erected
for my Beneficence; I only wish, that they would be so grateful, as to
pay me what I am out of Pocket, to save their Lives; of which I despair
not from so cordial a Nation as the _Spaniards_ are. For my part, I
rejoice not only that I did them a good turn, but that thereby I gave an
Example and Invitation to others to do the same.

There live many Merchants in _Pera_, _Italians_ by Birth, who are very
assistant in relieving Christian-Prisoners; but one of them deserves to
be particularly mentioned, for the absurdity of his Opinion, differing
from all the rest. He was an _Italian Greek_, that is, one who resembles
both those Nations in his Birth and Manners. When his Country-men were
mercifully busied in relieving Prisoners, he could never be persuaded to
give one Farthing towards so pious a Work; and, being blamed for it, his
Answer was, (which he uttered in a barbarous and blunt _Italian_ Style,
the _Greek_ being more familiar to him,) I know not, what these Men are;
but this I know, that the just Judgment of God hath brought them into
this miserable Condition. For my part, I will not oppose the Will of God;
let them abide in that Place God hath allotted them. You, who so boldly
withstand what God hath decreed, may pity them if you please; but I will
not spare a Doit to release them, though you use never so many Arguments
to persuade me: But enough of this vain and foolish Fellow. This Loss at
Sea, together with the Misfortune of _Bajazet_, struck a great Terror
into me, that the _Turks_, made more insolent thereby, would hearken to
no Conditions of Peace. This publick Calamity was seconded by a private
one; the Plague was got into my House; one of my faithful Servant died of
it, and the rest were terribly afraid of the Infection.

But, before I speak of that, there was another Case surprised me, arising
on this account.

_Solyman_ grows every Day more and more Superstitious in his Religion. He
used to delight himself in Musick, and in the chanting of young Singers;
but all this was laid aside, by means of a certain old Sibyl, noted for
Sanctity, who told him, that, if he left not off that Sport, he would
be severely punished after his Death. He was so moved herewith, that he
cast his Musical Instruments, though richly studded with Gold and Jewels,
into the Fire and burnt them: And, whereas he formerly eat his Meat out
of Silver Dishes, now he was persuaded to use none but Earthen Platters.
He was also prevailed upon by her to forbid the use of Wine, wherein she
told him too great a liberty was used, which his Prophet would be angry
at, if he longer suffered it. Hereupon an Edict was published, that for
the future no Wine should be imported into _Constantinople_, either for
_Christians_ or _Jews_.

This Edict did much concern me and mine, who had never used to drink
Water; and what Wine could we have, if it were forbid? Our long
absence from our Country, and the uncertain issue of our Embassy, were
a sufficient Mortification to us, without this other Inconvenience of
change of Diet, which must needs indanger our Health. Hereupon I desired
my Interpreters to intercede for me in the _Divan_, that I might retain
my ancient Right. The _Bashaws_ Men were of different Opinions in the
Case; some alledged, we ought to be content with Water as well as they;
for what would the Neighbourhood say, if _Christians_ may drink Wine,
and themselves be strictly forbid the use of it? If _Christians_ in the
midst of _Constantinople_, might guzzle what Wine they please, the stink
of it will spread far and near, and profane all; yea, the _Mussulmen_
themselves, when they came to us, would return belching out the smell of
Wine.

Hereupon we were likely to be cast in our Cause; but at last a more
favourable Judgment went for us. That the sudden change would be
intolerable, and occasion many Diseases if not Death itself. Whereupon
we were allowed the freedom of one Night, to get in what Wine we could,
which was brought to the nearest Landing-place, from whence we were
furnished with Horse-Carriage to convey it to my Lodging with as little
Observation as might be, all being done in the Night. Thus I stor’d
myself, and kept my Priviledge.

Some of the _Grecians_ play’d a pretty prank with the Sultan on this
Account. When they knew that he was to pass through a Road full of
Vineyards on both sides, they set a great many Labourers at work to root
out the Vines; some of them they laid in the Highway; others they loaded
on Carts. The Emperor passing by, and demanding the Reason for so doing,
they answered, That since by his Edict they were forbid the use of Wine,
they were cutting down their Vines to make Fuel for the Fire. For shame,
says _Solyman_, forbear! you do not understand my Command aright; though
I forbid the use of Wine, yet I allow the eating of Grapes, as one of
the best Fruits that God hath allotted to Mankind; only you are not to
squeeze out their Juice, and tun it up in Hogsheads, and so you may make
a pernicious use of it. What will you cut down Apple-trees also, because
they bear not Wine? Get you gone you Buzzards, and spare your Vines! Thus
the _Greeks_ were fool’d in their Project.

But to return to the Story of the Pestilence which was within the Walls
of my House. I went to _Rustan_ to beg leave for me and my Family to
remove into a less contagious Air; this I desired not with any great
confidence of obtaining my Request, (for I knew the Rigidness of his
Nature,) but only to shew my care for the Health of my Family. He told
the Messenger, he would acquaint _Solyman_ with my Desire, and, if I came
the next Day, I should have his Answer. Accordingly I sent and received
this from him; that the Emperor wondered what I mean in desiring to move
my Habitation; Is not the Pestilence God’s Arrow, which will always
hit his Mark? If God would visit me herewith, how could I avoid it? Is
not the Plague, said he, in my own palace, and yet I do not think of
removing? And so I was forced to stay in a Pestilential and Infected
House.

But _Rustan_ died of a Dropsy soon after, and _Haly_, then Second Vizier
succeeded him. He was a prudent and courteous Person as any was among
the _Turks_. I sent him a Present, a large Garment of Silk, by way of
Congratulation upon his new Dignity. He returned me this obliging Answer,
That he would always be my Friend, and upon any occasion I should not
scruple to make my Address to him. And I found him as good as his Word;
for, when my House a while after was re-visited with the Plague, which
swept away many of my Servants, and amongst others, my chief Physician;
I sent the same Message to _Haly_ which I had done to _Rustan_ before;
who answered me, for his part he was very willing I should remove my
Habitation; but that it were better for me to ask leave of the Sultan
himself, lest, said he, if he casually light upon any of your Servants
walking at random up and down, he should take it very ill that so much
liberty was granted them without his knowledge: And yet, proceeded he, I
shall propose the matter so cautiously to the Prince, that I do not doubt
of his Assent. And accordingly, soon after I received a Message from him,
that I might remove whither I pleased. Whereupon I chose an Island called
_Principo_, for my Dwelling, about four Hours Sail from _Constantinople_.
It was the pleasantest of all the little Isles contiguous to that City,
for the rest have no Village at all in them, or but one at most; but this
has two.

The Physician, I lately told you died at my House of the Plague, was my
old Friend Dr. _Williams_, the Faithful Companion of my long and tedious
Pilgrimage. The occasion of the Sickness was this: It seems, among the
rest of the Prisoners I had redeemed, one, as the Event declared, who was
sick of the Plague. My Physician constantly attended him, till he got the
Infection himself. He had that Angularity of Opinion, that there was no
more Fear than Danger; for at the same time, said he, there are wont to
arise other Diseases, which Men are apt to think is the Pestilence; so
that Pestilential Remedies are usually applied to every common Sore or
Boyl. Thus he flattered himself, even when he was deeply infected; yet
he did not suspect it to be the Plague, till it was past Remedy, and
he was ready to die under the Hands of his Attendance. The Day before
he died, he sent me word he was better; and desired to see me, if I
pleased to bestow a Visit upon him. I did so, and sat a great while by
his Bed-side. He told me how very ill he had been, and that his Sight,
as well as his other Senses, had been so weakened, that he knew no body;
but now, said he, my Senses are restored, and if I could be freed from
a Distillation that almost stops my Breath, I should presently be well;
and at my Departure, I told him, I heard he had a Tumour in his Breast.
I have so, says he; and thereupon he threw aside his Blanket, and shewed
me his Breast: But there is no Danger, says he, in it; for it came from
buttoning my Doublet, which I put on too strait. Towards the Evening,
according to custom, I sent two of my Servants to watch with him, and
while they were putting on him a clean Shirt, he himself espied a Purple
Spot in his Breast, which they told him was but a Flea-bite; and by and
by he discovered more Spots and larger ones. No, said he, there are not
Flea-bites, but Tokens of near approaching Death; and therefore us spend
this Night in Prayer and holy Conference preparatory to my latter end;
which he did, and in the Morning, with full assurance of God’s Mercy, he
departed this Life.

Thus was I bereaved of my dearest and most useful Friend, and the
Common-wealth of Learning had also a great Loss of him; for he had made
many curious Observations in his Travels which he intended to publish,
and would have been very useful to the World, if Death had not prevented
his laudable Designs. His Skill and Faithfulness was so much prized by
me, that, if the Times had differed me to return, I knew none fitter to
leave in my place at _Constantinople_ than himself, had he out-lived me.

After his Death, my Cares seemed to be doubled; nay, if I should have
left him behind, I had returned but half myself, as it were. Well! his
Soul is at Rest, and I erected a Monument, as a due testimony to his
Vertue. But to return to our Island.

I lived there very pleasantly for three Months. It was a private Place,
without any Crowd or Noise. There were only a few _Greeks_, with whom I
diverted myself; but never a _Turk_ to interrupt my Mirth. As for the
_Turks_ of my Houshold, they created no trouble to me; I might go whither
I would, and pass from one of these Islands to another at my pleasure,
without any molestation from them. There grew several sorts of Plants, as
_French_ Lavender, sharp-pointed Myrtle, Cotton-weed, and abundance more.
The Sea is full of divers sorts of Fishes, which I took sometimes with
Net, sometimes with Hook and Line. Several _Grecian_ Fishers with their
Boats attended me, and where we had hopes of the greatest sport, thither
we sailed and cast our Nets. Sometimes we played above board, and when we
saw a Crab or a Lobster at the bottom, where the Sea was very clear, we
ran him through with a Fish-spear, and so halled him up into a Vessel.
But our best and most profitable sport, was with a drag-Net; where we
thought most Fish were, there we cast it in a round; it took up a great
compass, with the long Ropes tied to the ends of it, which were to draw
it to Land. To those Ropes the Seamen tied green Boughs very thick, so
that the Fish might be frightned, and not seek to escape. Thus we brought
great Sholes of trembling Fishes near the Shore. And yet in this danger
they were naturally instigated how to save themselves; some would leap
over the Net, others would cover themselves in the Sand, that they might
not be taken; others strove to bite the Meashes of the Net, though made
of coarse Flax or Hemp, of which kind were the _Synodontes_, Fish armed
with strong Teeth; and if one made way for himself, all would follow
him, and so the whole Draught would escape, and not a Fish left for the
Fisher. To remedy this Inconvenience, (for I was aware of it) I stood
with a Pole in my Hand, beating the Water, that I might keep the Fish
from biting the Net. At which my Attendants could not choose but laugh;
yet, for all this, many of them escaped: So sagacious are Fishes where
they are in extream danger! But notwithstanding the Fugitives, we brought
a great many Fishes ashore, a Sea-Bream, Scorpion-Fishes, Dragon-Fishes,
Scare-Fish, Jule-Fish, Chane or Ruff-Fish, whose Variety did delight my
Eye, and the enquiry into their Nature, did hugely please my Fancy: So
that at Night I return’d home with my trimphant Vessel laden with Prey.
The next Day I presented _Hali Bassa_, and his Chief Steward, with Part
of what I had taken, who thought it a very acceptable Present.

Sometimes I took delight, with an Iron Spear made on purpose, to bring up
Shrimps or Cramps, which are there so thick, as if that Sea were stock’d
with them. Where I observed the Master-Shrimps lying two by two, the Male
and the Female, and sometimes more of them, of which _Cicero_, _Pliny_,
and _Athenæus_ speak so much. I confess, I think some of these Relations
concerning them are rather fabulous than true: For they say, that this
Shell-Fish doth gape in order to catch other small Fishes; and when she
hath got them, yet she shuts not her Shell till the _Pinncphylax_ bite
it, and by this warning she closes her Shell, and divides the Prey with
the _Pinncphylax_. The Figure of these _Pinnæ_ you have in _Bellonious_.
The sharp part of it sticks in the bottom of the Sea, as if it grew
there; and by these sticking Fibres, she draws in her Nourishment; as
appears by this, that when she is loosed from her hold, she dies for
want of Sustenance, as Herbs and Plants do. And it is probable, that
the _Pinnophylax_ chose this sort, as a Defence against other ravenous
Fishes, where it may lye quiet even in stormy Weather, and go in and out
at her pleasure. Yet I speak not this, to detract from the Credit of
those worthy Authors I mentioned before; but only to leave the matter to
more curious Enquirers. We quickly laded our Boat with these _Pinnæ_;
they are but coarse Fare, like Muscles, of which you would be soon weary;
but the Fishermen advised me to keep the _Pinnophylaxes_ apart, for they
are a grateful and nourishing Food.

Amongst the rest of the Islands, there is one untilled and uninhabited,
whither all sorts of Monsters do resort, Star-Fish, Saw-Fish, Grape-Fish,
Sea-Horses, prodigious Cockles, a round yellow Fish like an Orange; no
ordinary Fish there, but Thornback, and a certain Fork-Fish, with a
terrible Prickle. I remember, we took one of them, who, making at us, ran
herself through.

When tempestuous Weather kept me from Sea, I delighted myself in finding
out strange and unusual Plants at Land. I would sometimes go a-foot all
ever the Island, having a young _Franciscan_ Monk in my Company, a jolly
Fellow, but very Fat, and not used to travel on Foot. I took him out of a
Monastry at _Pera_, to be my Partner in my Walks; he was so corpulent and
pursy, that when I went on a-pace to catch myself a Heat, he would follow
me at a Distance panting and blowing, with these Words in his Mouth, What
need all this haste? Whom do we run from, or whom do we pursue? What
are we Carriers or Posts that must make speed to deliver some important
Letters? Thus he mutter’d, till the very Sweat pierced through all his
Cloaths. In fine, when we came back to our Lodgings, he threw himself
upon his Bed, wofully complaining, and crying out, he was undone: What
Injury have I done, said he, that you thus hurry on to destroy me? And,
in this fretting Posture, we had much ado to persuade him to eat a bit of
Dinner.

Now and then, some Friends visited from _Constantinople_, and from
_Pera_; yea, and some _Germans_ also of _Holy_’s own Family; of whom when
I asked whether the Plague was abated? Mightily, said they. How many
then die in a Day? Scarce Five Hundred, said they. Good God! quoth I,
call you that to abate? when then doth it rage? They replied, when about
a Thousand or Twelve Hundred die in a Day. The _Turks_ entertain this
Opinion concerning the Pestilence, that every Man’s Destiny is written by
God in his Forehead; so that ’tis a foolish thing in them, to think to
decline or avoid it. This Opinion makes them fearless of the Plague, but
not secure from it: So that, as soon as any Man dies of the Pestilence,
they will take off their Cloaths, yet sweaty, and Linnen, and rub their
Faces with them. If it be the Will of God, say they, that I shall die
this way, it will most certainly come to pass; if not, it will not hurt
me. Thus a large Field is open for Infection; so that whole Families are
sometimes swept away by that Disease. Whilst I abode in these Islands, I
got acquaintance with one _Metrophanes_, a _Metropolitan_ who presided
over a Monastry in _Chalcis_, one of those Islands. He was a Learned and
a Vertuous Man, very desirous of an Agreement between the _Latin_ and the
_Greek_ Churches; so that he differed from the Humour of the rest of the
_Grecians_, who esteem the _Latins_ as Men of an impure and profane Sect.
So much doth every Man abound in his own Sense!

When I had lived about two Months in those Islands, some of the
_Bashaws_ began to suspect my long Absence, and told _Haly_, that
perhaps I might make my escape, for I had Ships ready at my command,
and other Conveniences might easily be procured; and therefore it was
more advisable I should return into the City. He answered them, he
had that Confidence in my Word, that he believed I designed no such
thing: Nevertheless he sent a _Chiaux_ to advertise me thereof. The
_Chiaux_ very cunningly pried about, to see if he could discover the
least Preparation for an Escape but finding none, after I had made him
a Present, he returned to his Master with his Message from me, that
he might rest secure, for I never intended to break my Word. Thus I
continued three Months in my Retirement, and returned of my own accord
into the City without any Compulsion.

From that time forward l had a Familiarity with _Haly_, and our Discourse
was still of Peace. He is a _Dalmatian_ by Birth, and only Courteous
Man I found in that barbarous Country: His Nature, mild and gentle;
his Person of easy Access; he is of a deep Understanding, capable of
managing the greatest Affairs, having much skill in Military as well
as Political Matters, for he is an old Man, and hath passed through
the greatest Offices of that Common-wealth. His Stature is tall, and
his Countenance filled with a lovely Gravity. He hath a mighty Love
for his Master, and consults by all means imaginable his Repose in
his Old and Sickly Age. What _Rustan_ thought to do by Austerity,
Severeness and menacing Expressions, _Haly_ endeavours to compass by
Mildness, Moderation and Friendship. _Rustan_ was always severe, fierce,
self-will’d; his Word must pass for a Law. ’Tis true, he knew well enough
his own Circumstances, and what the Times did exact of him, and what the
Old Age of his Prince required; but he was afraid, that, if he shew’d any
Indulgence, either by Word or Deed, it would be said he did it out of
Covetousness, of which his Prince did much suspect him: And therefore,
though he was desirous of a Peace, he would abate nothing of his usual
Stiffness; but if Propositions were offered to him, not pleasing to his
Fancy, he was ready to thrust a Man out of Doors; so that I scarce ever
parted from him but in an angry Mood. One time, when I was treating
with him of Peace, if I had nothing else to say, he bid me _be gone_:
I presently rose up and went my way, only telling him, _That I could
propose no other Conditions than what my Master commanded me to do_.
Which Words I pronouncing with more Fervour and Passion than I was wont
to do, he called back my Interpreter and asked him, whether I were angry?
He answered, _No: What_, said he, _if I should obtain what he desires
of the ~Sultan~, dost thou think he will perform his Word to me, in
presenting me with the Sum he promised me?_ _No question_, said the
_Drugger-man_, _but he will be as good as his Word to a Tittle._ _Then_,
says _Rustan_, _go home and ask him._ I had then 5000 Ducats, which
make 6000 Crowns, lying by me for any sudden Emergency; I loaded my
Interpreter with them, and bid him carry that to _Rustan_ and tell him,
that this Sum was only an Earnest of what I had promised him; but the
rest would follow, if my Negotiation were brought to an happy Issue,
for by no means would I be worse than my Word. He seem’d to be pleased
with the sight of the Money, but returned it again to me, bidding my
_Drugger-man_ tell me, that he no ways doubted of my Faithfulness, but
the matter of the Peace stood yet on ambiguous Terms; neither could he
certainly promise a good Issue, for he did not fully know his Master’s
Mind. _But let the Ambassador_, said he, _keep it for me, as my
Treasurer, till he sees the Event._ Thus was the Money brought me
back again, and _Rustan_ died soon after.

Here give me leave to acquaint you with the Bounty of my Master, the best
of Emperors; for that Money lying dead by me, I acquainted his Imperial
Majesty, that I would lay it out for one Year’s Expence (which amounted
to just so much) in my Embassy. But I repented afterwards of this my
Frankness; especially considering what Pains I had taken in my Employment
for so many Years together. My Mind gave me I was deficient to my self,
in not desiring that Sum for my self, since I knew I serv’d a liberal
Master, who put a just Value upon every Man’s Service, and rewarded him
accordingly; and therefore I might have desired that Money (which was
snatch’d, as it were, out of the Fire) for my own use; for I knew some
Courtiers would have asked greater Sums for less Merit and Service. Upon
second Thoughts, I put my Master in mind of my over-sight, and desired
his Favour, that the said Sum might be returned entire to me. He was
graciously pleased to grant my Request, and commanded so many Ducats to
be told out for me from his own Exchequer: Which Bounty of his, so freely
bestowed, if I should be unmindful of, I were not worthy to live a Day
longer: But to return from whence I digressed.

_Haly_ and _Rustan_ were of quite different Humours and Dispositions:
_Haly_ lived a blameless Life, free from Sordidness, and never feared
that his courteous Deportment would procure him the _Sultan_’s Ill-will;
but _Rustan_, on the contrary, was a Money-monger, Avaritious, and
his Conscience hing’d at his Purse-strings. _Rustan_’s Conferences
with me were very short and concise; but _Haly_ would spin out Time on
purpose; and, that he might entertain me the longer, he would season
his Discourse with a great deal of Facetiousness; insomuch that the
_Turks_, who attended on the account of Business or otherwise, would
murmur and grumble that he spent so much Time with me, thereby they had
not convenient Opportunity to transact their own Concerns with him. And
the Truth is, there was somewhat of Mortification to my self in it too;
for I usually was sent for to him in the Afternoon, and I went Fasting,
that I might be readier to deal with so acute a Man. In our Conferences
he pressed this as a principal Point, that each of us would propose that
which we thought most conducive to the service of our respective Masters.
He knew his Master desired Repose in his old Age, which was sated with
Success and Victory; and he thought my Master also desired Peace and
Quietness; and therefore, if he studied the Tranquillity of his Realm, he
should by no means rouse a sleeping Lion. _The minds of Princes_, says
he, _are like Looking-glasses having no innate Shape, yet the Shapes of
all Objects pass through them; so Princes Souls, free of themselves,
are impress’d by the Images of all Things, as they are represented; and
therefore we must lay nothing before them, but what stands to their
Reason: For as good Cooks temper their Sauces, not to this or that Man’s
Palate, But for the Relish of all the Guests; so we, in Propositions of
Peace, must weigh Circumstances on either side._ This, and much more,
did he frankly communicate to me; yea, at all times he shewed himself
courteous, and when I required his Courtesy with any extraordinary piece
of Respect, he thought himself doubly oblig’d. Once, as he was returning
from the _Divan_, and came to a cross way where he was wont to salute his
Fellow _Bashaws_ at parting, turning his Horse too nimbly, and leaning
on his Neck, both Horse and Man fell to the Ground: When I heard of
his Mischance, I sent to know whether he had got any hurt by his Fall?
He returned me Thanks, and told me, he got no hurt, but ’twas usual
for an old Soldier to be apt to stumble and fall. Then, turning to the
By-standers, _This Christian Agent_, says he, _has, I thank him, a mighty
Love for me._ Sometimes in Discourse he would tell me, that he had got
Wealth and Honour enough; so that now he studied only to leave a savoury
Memory behind him, by doing good to Posterity.

When our Treaty of Peace had proceeded on fairly a long time, and I
was in good Hopes of a happy Conclusion, an unlucky Accident happened,
which might have embarrassed the whole Affair: A certain _Greek
Despote_, by the help of _Cæsar_’s Soldiers which guarded the Frontiers
of _Hungary_, had broke into _Moldavia_, and driven out the _Vaivode_
thereof, possessing it for himself. This Business gave a great Alarm to
the _Turks_, as not knowing but such Beginnings might end in greater
Mischief; and indeed the Danger was considerable, though the _Turks_
thought it Prudence to dissemble their Forces. _Haly_ intended to
speak with me about it, as I understood by one of his Domesticks; and
accordingly he sent for me a few Hours after. I confess I was somewhat
startled at the Message; I was afraid, that, my Negotiation being in a
promising way to a good Issue, this Matter would spoil all. When I came,
he entertain’d me with his usual Courtesy, and after much Discourse
tending to a conclusion of the Peace, he shew’d no sign of Discontent at
all in his Words or Looks, till I was just going to take my leave of him,
and then he bid me sit down again, for something was come to his Memory
which he had forgot: _Don’t you hear_, said he, _that your ~Germans~ have
made an Inroad into ~Moldavia~?_ _No_, said I, _neither do I believe
it; for how should the ~Germans~ come to a Place so very remote from
them as ~Moldavia~?_ _’Tis most certainly true_, said he; _I have it by
several Expresses, and I will send one of your own Countrymen to convince
you._ This Onset gave me occasion to tell him, that, if any of this were
true, I was sure it was not done by the command or consent of my Master
_Cæsar_. _The ~Germans~_, said I, _are a free People, and used to serve
other Nations in their War; and perhaps some of them had taken Pay under
Foreigners: But, in my Judgment, the cause of these Commotions arises
from the ~Hungarian~ Nobles of that Neighbourhood, who being provoked by
the daily Injuries of the ~Turks~, resolve to be even with them. And, to
speak the Truth, I think they are not much to be blamed, if upon so great
Provocations, they labour to revenge themselves. Do not your Soldiers
take the same Liberties on the Borders of ~Hungary~? What Plunderings and
Devastations have they not made in the Emperor’s Territories there! Here
we talk of Peace; there is nothing but War and Bloodshed: And, for my own
part, I am held as a Prisoner, neither do my Friends know whether I am
alive or dead? And truly they that have long suffered so much Damage from
you, are worthy rather of Praise than Blame, if they take any opportunity
of Revenge._ _Let them retaliate_, said _Haly_, _provided it be within
~Hungary~, and the Borders of it; but ’tis intolerable they should range
as far as ~Moldavia~, which is but ten day’s Journey from ~Adrianople~._
To which I replied, _Men of the Sword do not much study points of the Law
or Civility, but use to take the first Opportunity to revenge themselves
where-ever it was offered._ Thus I departed from him, neither did he seem
at all to be angry, nor was a jot more morose in my After-addresses to
him.

During these Transactions with the Vizier, the _French_ Ambassador did me
a great Favour; there were thirteen young Gentlemen (some of whom were
_Germans_, and some _Hollanders_) in prison at Constantinople upon this
remarkable occasion. They took Ship at _Venice_, in a Vessel every Year
carried Pilgrims to _Jerusalem_, under Protection; some of them travelled
on the account of Religion, others to see foreign Countries: but they all
met with an unlucky Omen; for just at the time they landed in _Syria_,
the Knights of _Malta_ had landed some Soldiers, and plunder’d the
Sea-Coast of _Phœnicia_, carrying away some of the Inhabitants Prisoners:
Whereupon those _Syrians_ who had lost Parents, Children and Friends,
having no other visible way of Satisfaction, seiz’d on these Gentlemen in
the _Venetian_ Vessel, pretending they were some of the Pyrates; and if
they did not procure their Friends to be released, they should be kept
in Slavery themselves: And though they were shewed the Privilege from
the Government of _Venice_, and were put in mind of the Public Faith,
and the League betwixt them, yet all was one, away they must be sent
Prisoners to _Constantinople_: And their Youth was a great Prejudice
to them, for the _Bashaws_ thought such young Striplings would never
undertake so long a Voyage on the account of Religion, for the _Turks_
never begin their Pilgrimage till they are well in Years.

When I heard of this Disaster, I did what I could to release them, but
all to no purpose. The _Bailo_ of _Venice_ was applied to, because under
the Protection of that Republick they fell into this Danger: He granted
there was all the reason in the World they should be released; _But what
Justice_, said he, _can we obtain among such an inhuman and barbarous
People?_ In the mean time I applied all the Relief I was able, to their
distressed Condition: But one day, far beyond my Expectation, they all
came to my House, and told me, they were sent as a Present to me by the
_French_ Ambassador, who had obtained their Liberty. I was mighty glad of
their Releasement, and sent great Thanks to the Ambassador, whose Name
was _La Vigne_. The manner was thus; when he was about to take his leave
of the Sultan, and to kiss his Hand, as the Custom is, he thrust a piece
of Paper into it, wherein he desired that the Gentlemen might be released
in favour to his Prince, because their Voyage was occasioned upon the
account of a Pilgrimage for Religion. _Solyman_ granted his Request, and
released them presently: Whereupon I supplied them with Accommodations
for their Voyage, and sent them first to _Vienna_, and then home into
their own Country.

This _La Vigne_ at first was very strict and vexatious to me, and used
all his Arts to bring me into the _Bashaws_ Dislike without any Fault of
mine: He told them, I was a Subject to the King of _Spain_, born in the
_Low-Countries_, and that I served the _Spaniard_ more than the Emperor;
that I acquainted him with every thing that was done at _Constantinople_,
and had Emissaries in Pay, who related to me the very Secrets of that
Empire, amongst whom was _Ebrahim_ the chief _Druggerman_ of _Turkey_.
This he did, before the Peace was made between _Spain_ and _France_; but,
when those two Princes were agreed, he took the first opportunity to
retract what he had spoken.

_La Vigne_ was a Man of a prodigious Liberty of Speech; he would tell
all he knew, let it be taken how it would. This made _Rustan_ himself
to avoid his Company; whilst at the same time others were backward
to converse with _Rustan_, because of the sourness of his Humour. He
sent once to _Rustan_ to desire Audience: He told the Messengers, his
Interpreters, that he might send his Errand by them, for his Business
might be as well done in his Absence as in his Presence. Yet _La Vigne_
would needs come himself, where he spoke that which grated _Rustan_’s
Ears. _What do you think_, says he, _that you have got ~Buda~, ~Gran~,
~Alba Regalis~, and other ~Hungarian~ Towns, from the Christians by Force?
No, I deny it utterly; ’tis our Dissention that gave you Opportunity to
take them: If there had not been continual Wars between the Kings of
~France~ and ~Spain~, you would have been so far from possessing those
Towns, that ~Charles V.~ would hardly have suffered you to live quiet
at ~Constantinople~ it self._ At which Speech _Rustan_ was so provoked,
that he told him, _What dost thou tell me of the Kings of ~Spain~ and
~France~? If all the Christian Princes join their Arms together against
my Master, he cares not a Rush; he will easily conquer them all._
And thereupon he withdrew himself into his Bed-chamber, and bid the
Ambassador be gone. I must needs acquaint you, in this place, with the
Relations I have heard concerning that People which inhabit the _Tauric
Chersonese_, who are reported to have been originally _Germans_, as
their Speech, Manners and Countenances seem to declare. I had a great
desire to meet with any body of that Nation, from whom I might procure
some Tracts written in that Language, but I could not obtain it; yet at
last I met with an Accident which in part satisfied my Desires. There
came two Envoys from that Nation to the Sultan, to make some Complaint
or other; and my Interpreters lighting upon them, did (as I had desired
them, if ever they had Opportunity) invite them to Dinner to my House.
One was a tall Man, carrying an ingenuous Simplicity in his Countenance,
so that he seemed either a _Flemming_ or a _Batavian_: The other was
shorter, of a well-set Body, and browner Colour, a _Greek_ by Birth, but
by frequent Commerce with that People, he had got much of their Language,
and seemed to forget his own. Being asked concerning the Nature and
Manners of that People, he answered very pertinently, that they were a
warlike Nation, that inhabited many Towns thereabouts, from whence the
Cham of _Tartary_, when he pleased, used to draw forth 800 Musketeers,
the chief Prop of his Army. Their chief Cities were two, one called
_Mancup_ the other _Scivarin_. He added much more concerning the Tartars
and their Barbarity; yet he confessed that there was some very ingenious
Men amongst them. If you asked of the highest Affairs, they would answer
briefly, yet very much to the purpose. Insomuch, that the _Turks_ said
frequently and justly of them, that _other Nations had their Learning
in their Books, but the ~Tartars~ had eaten their Books, and had their
Wisdom in their Breasts, from whence they could draw it out as they had
occasion, as Divine Oracles._

They are slovenly in their Deportment; for, if you set any Soop before
them, they eat it not with a Spoon, but with the hollow of their Hands.
Their Meat is Horse-flesh; not roasted, but heated under the Saddles of
their Horses, to which Hunger was their best Sauce.

Their Prince is served in Silver, his first and last Dish being a Horse’s
Head, as Butter is served up first and last with us. He repeated many
_German_ Words, amongst others, which were unintelligible to us; perhaps
his Memory fail’d him, so that he mix’d home-bred and foreign Words
together; to every Word he added the Article _Tho_ or _The_. The Words
which were ours, or little different from them, were these:

    Broe, _Bread_.
    Plut, _Blood_.
    Stul, _a Stool or Seat_.
    Hus, _a House_.
    Wingart, _a Vine_.
    Reghen, _Rain_.
    Bruder, _Brother_.
    Schwester, _Sister_.
    Alt, _Old Man_.
    Wintch, _Wind_.
    Silvir, _Silver_.
    Goltz, _Gold_.
    Kor, _Wheat_.
    Salt, _Salt_.
    Fisct, _Fish_.
    Hoef, _the Head_.
    Thurn, _a Gate_.
    Stern, _a Star_.
    Sune, _the Sun_.
    Mine, _the Moon_.
    Tag, _a Day_.
    Oeghene, _the Eyes_.
    Bars, _a Beard_.
    Handa, _the Hands_.
    Boga, _a Bow_.
    Miera, _an Ant_.
    Rinck, _or_ Ringo, _a Ring_.
    Brunna, _a Fountain_.
    Waghen, _a Waggon or Coach_.
    Apel, _an Apple_.
    Schieten _to shoot an Arrow_.
    Schlipen, _to Sleep_.
    Kommen, _to come_.
    Singhen, _to Sing_.
    Lachen, _to Laugh_.
    Criten, _to Weep_.
    Geen, _to go_.
    Breen, _to roast_.
    Schwalch, _Death_.

_Knauen Tag_ was _Good-day_ with him; _Knauen_ was _Good_; and several
such Words he used, not well agreeing with ours, as,

    Jel, _Life, or Health_.
    Jelisch, _alive, or well_.
    Jeluburt, _let it be well_.
    Marzus, _Marriage_.
    Schuos, _a Spouse_.
    Baar, _a Boy_.
    Ael, _a Stone_.
    Menus, _Flesh_.
    Rintsch, _a Mountain_.
    Fers, _a Man_.
    Statz, _the Earth_.
    Ada, _an Egg_.
    Ano, _an Hen_.
    Telich, _a Fool_.
    Stap, _a Goat_.
    Gadeltha, _Beautiful_.
    Atochta, _Evil_.
    Wichtgata, _White_.
    Mycha, _a Sword_.
    Lista, _a little_.
    Schedit, _Light_.
    Borrotsch, _the Will_.
    Cadariou, _a Soldier_.
    Kilemschkop, _drink up your Cup_.
    Tzo Warthata, _as thou hast done_.
    Jes Varthata, _he did it_.
    Ich malthata, _I say_.

When he was desired to number, he said thus, _Ita, tua, tria, fyder,
fyuf, seis, sevene_, just as we _Flemmings_; for you _Brabanters_, who
speak _German-like_, do highly value your selves, and laugh at us, as
if we pronounced _Seven_ more coarsely: He went on reckoning _Athe,
nyne, thiine, thiinita, thiinetua, thiinetria_, &c. _Twenty_ he called
_Stega_, Thirty _Treithyen_, Forty _Furdeithien_, an Hundred _Sada_, a
Thousand _Hazer_. He also sung us a Song in that Language, which began
thus:

    _Wara wara ingdolou:_
    _Scu te gira Galizu._
    _Hæmisclep dorbiza ea._

Whether these People be _Goths_ or _Saxons_, I cannot tell; If _Saxons_,
then, I suppose, they were transplanted thither in the time of _Charles_
the Great, who dispersed that Nation into many remote Countries, as
appears by the Cities of _Transilvania_, which to this day are inhabited
by _Saxons_; and possibly he might transplant the rest of the Nation
as far as _Tauric Chersonese_, where they still retain the Christian
Religion, though surrounded by the Enemies of it: But if they are
_Goths_, then I judge they chose their Inhabitants there next to the
_Getes_, and perhaps most of that Tract of Land between the _Gothick_
Isle and _Procopia_, (as now ’tis called) was heretofore inhabited by
_Goths_. Hence we read of the Names of sundry _Goths_, as _West-Goths_,
and _East_ or _Ostro-Goths_, who over-ran the World with their Victory,
and were the great Seminary of Multitudes of Barbarians. This is all I
could hear of these _Procopiensians_ concerning the _Tauric Chersonese_.

Let me now tell you something of the City and Country of _Cathay_, which
I learned of a certain _Turkish_ Pilgrim, who use to travel over the
World on account of Religion, and to worship God on high Mountains and
desert Places. He had travelled over a great part of the East-Country,
where he was acquainted with the _Portuguese_; but, having a desire to
visit _Cathay_ also, he joined himself to some Merchants, who in great
Numbers used to travel to this Country. ’Tis a Journey that not many
will undertake, it being so dangerous, and the way thither so full of
strange Nations, who use to plunder Travellers in their passage. When he
left _Persia_ behind him, he came to _Samarchand_, to _Borchar_, and to
_Taschan_, and other Towns inhabited by the Successors of _Tamerlane_.
When he had passed by these Places there were large Desarts, and some
Countries inhabited by wild, and others by a more civilized People; yet
the Country was generally poor, so that they were forced to carry their
Victuals along with them on a drove of Camels: This Company they call
_Caravans_. After some Month’s Travel they came to the _Streights_,
entring into _Cathay_, (for you must know, that a great part of that
Country is _Mediterranean_, and encompassed by such huge Mountains and
Rocks, that it is accessible but in a very few Passages, where their King
hath his Guards and Garrisons). When the Merchants come thither, they are
asked what they bring? Whence they came? and how many they are? When the
Guard is informed of the Truth, they make a Smoak by day, or else kindle
a Beacon by night, which gives warning to the next Beacon, and so from
one to another, till they come to _Cathay_. This Advice cost them but
some Hours, which otherwise would take up many Days, the way is so long.
When News is brought to the King, he sends backward by the same way of
Conveyance what his Pleasure is, whether they shall _all_ be admitted
to enter, or only _some_, the rest being either excluded, or made to
stay longer. When they are admitted, they are guarded all along to their
several Inns or Lodging-places, where they may have all things for their
Money, till they come to the King himself. Here every one brings forth
his respective Ware, and offers it the King, whose Privilege it is, to
buy what Ware he pleaseth in the first Place; and then they sell the rest
to the best Chapman. This they must do within certain limits of Time, and
then they must return; for the _Carthayans_ cannot endure that Strangers
should live long amongst them, for fear they should infect their
Country-Manners. Thus the Merchants are dismissed in a very friendly
Manner, and return by the same Stages they went.

This Traveller told me, that they were a very wise People, and lived
in good Order and Government, having a distinct Religion of their own,
differing from the _Christian_, _Jewish_ or _Mahometan_; but nearest to
the _Jewish_, except their Ceremonies.

Printing hath been in use among them for many Ages, as appears by their
several printed Books: For Paper, they use the Cases of _Silk-worms_;
it is so thin that it will bear Printing on one side only, the other is
blank. In this City, he said, there were a great many Shops full of Musk,
which was the fresh foame of a certain Beast as big as a Kid. A Lion is
highly prized amongst them; there are none of them in that Country, and
therefore they value it at a great Rate, and will pay well for it. This
is what I could learn of this Wanderer concerning _Cathay_; believe it
as you please. I asked him further, whether he had brought back any rare
Root, Fruit or Stone, out of that Country? He told me, he had brought
nothing but a little Root for his own Use, which he bit and eat a little
of, when he was faint or cold, and it would presently warm and relieve
him; and thereupon he gave me a piece of it, telling me I must use it
very sparingly: I desired Dr. _Williams_, my Physician, then alive, to
taste of it, who, by its biting and inflaming the Mouth, judged it to be
a root of the _Wolfleaf-tree_.

Let me now tell you another wondrous Story of another wandering _Turkish_
Monk. He wore a Cap and white Cloak down to his Heels, with long
Hair, such as Painters draw the _Apostles_ with. He had a promising
Countenance, but was a meer Impostor; and, yet the _Turks_ admired him
as a miraculous Man. My Interpreters were persuaded to bring him to
me, that I might see him. He dined with me soberly and modesty enough;
afterwards he goes down into the Yard, and upon his return, he takes up
a huge Stone, and struck with it divers times upon his naked Breast, as
many Blows as would have felled an Ox: Then he took a piece of Iron, that
was heated in the Fire on purpose, and thrust it into his Mouth, where
he stirred it up and down so that his Spittle hiss’d again; ’twas a long
piece of Iron, thick and quadrangular in that part which he thrust into
his Mouth, and it was red-hot as a live Coal: Then he put the Iron into
the Fire again, and after I had made him a Present, he saluted me and
departed. My Domesticks wonder’d at the Trick, all but one, who pretended
he knew more than all the rest; _Oh_, says he, _he is a meer Cheat_; and
thereupon he takes hold of the stronger part of the Iron, pretending
he could do as much as the Juggler. He had no sooner grasped it in his
Hands, than he threw it away, and his Fingers were well burnt for his
Audaciousness, so that they were many days a curing. This Accident caused
his Fellows to laugh, and jearingly to ask, whether the Iron were hot
enough yet, and whether he would touch it again or not?

The same _Turk_, while he was at Dinner, told me, that the Prior of their
Monastery was a Man famous for Sanctity and Miracles, for he would spread
his Cloak over a Lake near adjoining, and sitting on it, would row up
and down whither he pleased: And that he would strip himself naked, and
be tied to a Sheep newly kill’d, tying Arms to Arms, and Leg to Leg, and
so would be thrown into the hot Oven till the Sheep were bak’d fit to be
eaten, then he himself would be taken out without any harm at all: You
will not believe this; neither do I, only I relate what he told me; but
that part concerning the red-hot Iron I saw with my own Eyes.

And yet I must tell you, the Matter is not so much to be admired; for,
without doubt, the Fellow, when he went down into the Yard to fetch a
Stone, had fortified his Mouth, against the Violence of the Fire, with
some such Medicines as you know are to be met with; for I remember once
in the Market-place at _Venice_, I saw a Juggler take melted Lead, and
wash his Hands with it, as if it had been common Water: But enough of
this.

I told you before, that I had a little more Freedom some time before
_Rustan_’s Death, which was very grateful to me on one Account, because
it gave me an Opportunity to converse with Strangers and others which
frequented my House, whole Acquaintance might be instructive to me; and
yet this Liberty was not without its Inconvenience; it gave my Servants
opportunity to straggle abroad, and sometimes without the _Janizaries_,
and so they met with many Affronts, which cost me some trouble: I’ll
tell you of one, by which you may judge of the rest.

Two of my Servants passed over in a Boat to _Pera_; they went alone,
either because the _Janizaries_ were not at home, or else they thought
it needless to take them; one was my Apothecary, the other Master of my
Wine-Cellar. When they had done what they went for, they hired a Boat to
carry them back to _Constantinople_; they were scarce sat down in the
Boat, but there came a Youth from the _Caddy_, or Judge of that Place,
commanding them to come forth, for the _Caddy_ must be wafted over in
that Boat: My Servants told him, there were Boats enough to carry over
the _Caddy_, besides that which they had hired, and therefore they would
not stir: Hereupon he endeavoured to force them; so that from Words they
came to Blows. This being done in sight of the _Caddy_, who was coming
down to the Boat, it made him run to help the Boy, (who was thought to be
his _Ganymede_) but the Steps towards the Sea being slippery, by reason
of Ice, (for it was Winter) he fell head-long into the Sea, and had been
drown’d if his Companions had not relieved him: Hereupon a Clamour was
raised all over _Pera_, and the _Turks_ would have it that my Servants
had laid Violent Hands on the Judge, and had almost drown’d him. My
Servants were seized and carried before the Judge in Capital Cases: They
fetch out Clubs, and Stocks to put their Feet in, that they might beat
them, as their manner is, on the Soles of them. In the interim one of
my Servants, an _Italian_, cried out in a Rage, _Beat, strike, Dogs,
strike! we are wronged, we are innocent! we are Servants to ~Cæsar~’s
Ambassador, and doubtless when your own Emperor shall know how we are
abused, he will make you smart for it_. One of the _Turks_, hearing him
cry out so boldly: _D’ye think_, said he, that One-ey’d thing is a Man?
No; for certain, he _is an One-ey’d ~Cacodæmon~_, (for he had a Blemish
in one of his Eyes.) The _Waywode_ also, that is, in their Language, the
Judge, perceiving the Boldness of the Man, was at a stand what to do; but
thought it best to send them to _Rustan_: Thither went the whole Rout,
with a pack of false Witnesses, ready to give their Testimonies against
the Innocent; for the _Turks_ count it meritorious to give in false
Evidence against a _Christian_; you need not summon them to appear, they
came of their own accords, as it happened in this Case: They all cried
out before the _Grand Vizier_, that those Rogues had beaten their Judge,
and, if they had not been seiz’d, would have drowned him: My Servants
denied the Crime they were charged with, alledging that they were falsly
accused, and that they were my menial Servants. By this Time _Rustan_
perceived that there was more Noise than Truth on his Countrymens side;
yet, to still the Fury of the inraged Multitude, he told them he would
punish them severely; and he sent them to Prison. The Prison was a
Safeguard to them against the Fury of the Multitude; he then examined
Witnesses, the most credible among them, and found my Servants were
Guiltless, and that all the Fault lay at the _Caddy_’s Door. In the mean
time I sent my Interpreters to demand my Servants; but _Rustan_ thought
fit to refer the Matter to the _Divan_, lest, if the _Sultan_ should hear
of it, he might suspect, that a Bribe had made him partial and negligent
in the _Caddy_’s Case. I had at this time some intimate acquaintance with
_Haly_, to whom I sent my _Druggerman_ with a grievous Complaint, that
I might not suffer Wrong to the end of the Chapter; _Haly_ undertook my
Cause, and bid me rest confident that the Business would soon end to
my Satisfaction. But _Rustan_ came not off so handsomely; he feared
it might be thought that Money had inclined him more to favour me, and
therefore had rather the Business were made up with the _Caddy_; he
wished, therefore, I would offer him a few Ducats to appease him, 25
were enough. I gave him Thanks for his Advice, and told him, that if
he desired me to throw so many Ducats into the Sea, I would willingly
do it for his sake; but that Money was not so much to be considered in
this case, as Example: _For_, said I, _if he that did my Servants an
Injury, must be paid for his Labour, a larger Fund than mine would not
suffice; for if a Man tear his Clothes, while he is intending to do my
People an Injury, he knew where to have Money to buy new ones, which was
an unworthy thing, and by no means to be indured by me._ Thus were my
Servants, by the Mediations of _Haly_ sent home to me. When the _Bailo_
of _Venice_ heard of their Release, he sent for one of my Servants
present, and desired to know of him, what that Business had cost me?
_Not a Doit_, said he. Then said the _Bailo_, _It would have cost me 200
Ducats before I could have come off._ But the poor Judge suffered most
of all; for he was put out of his Office, the _Turks_ accounting it an
absurd and hainous thing to be beaten by a _Christian_, as he confessed
he had been.

As for the Release of the _Spanish_ Commanders, it was obtained by my
Mediation; they were these, _De Sande_ Commander of the Land Forces,
and _Leyva_, and _Requesne_, the one Admiral of the _Neapolitan_, the
other of the _Sicilian_ Gallies. In short, I’ll tell you how I compassed
their Release: The Peace made between the Kings of _Spain_ and _France_,
did much trouble the _Turks_, as being inconvenient to their Affairs,
especially considering that they were not comprehended in it, as at first
they thought they should be; yet they dissembled the matter at present,
but sought for an Opportunity to shew their dislike of it. _Solyman_ had
writ to the King of _France_, that he agreed to the Peace, yet would have
him remember, _That Old Friends are not easily made Enemies, nor Old
Enemies, Friends_.

This Disgust of the _Turks_ was of no small Advantage to my Affairs: To
which _Haly Bassa_’s Affection, and _Ebrahim_’s great desire to shew his
Gratitude to me, did very much contribute.

You may remember, I told you before, that, when _La Vigne_ did accuse me
to the _Bashaw_, at the same time he forgot not _Ebrahim_, but told them,
that he discovered all the secret Counsels of the _Turks_ to me. This
_Ebrahim_ was the chief _Druggerman_, (_i. e._ Interpreter of _Solyman_)
a _Polander_, and therefore more hated by _La Vigne_, because, in a
deadly Feud with _Codognatus_, a former Ambassador of the same King, he
seem’d to take _Codognatus_ his part. I shall not trouble you with the
Contest betwixt them, it being little to my purpose: This is certain,
that _La Vigne_ was mindful of the Affront, and could never endure
_Ebrahim_; but when he had Access to the _Bashaw_, every third Word was
against him; neither did he desist from complaining, till _Ebrahim_
was remov’d out of his Place. For my part, I was not much concern’d at
_Ebrahim_’s Disgrace; I had never such an extraordinary kindness for him,
as to lament his Loss, for I found him many times thwarting my Affairs;
only it troubled me, that ’twas noised abroad, he lost his Place for my
sake. Hereupon, I assisted him in his Privacy what I could; for I knew
it troubled him, to be turned out of his Office, and therefore I us’d
him as an Interpreter or Messenger, betwixt me and the _Bashaws_ in my
Transactions about the Peace. And _Haly_ admitted him, out of Respect
to me, and because he was degraded without any just Cause. In short, I
never rested till I got him restored to his Place; and that piece of
Service did so oblige him, that in Gratitude he returned me all the good
Offices he could, in all Company, and upon all Occasions: And he had the
greater Opportunity so to do, because of the Offence the _Turks_ had
taken at the _French_, for making Peace with the _Spaniard_. On this
Account, when the Noble _Salviatus_ was sent by the _Most Christian
King_, to procure _de Sande_’s Liberty, he was wholly and absolutely
refused. _De Sande_ was in great Expectation of that Embassy, believing
he should never be released, if that Negotiation did not effect it;
and, therefore, he was at a great Expence in Presents for the _Grand
Seignior_, and other great Men upon his Release. All which signified
nothing, for _Salviatus_ went away without doing any thing. When he
was gone, the Servants and Solicitors of _de Sande_ came to me in a
great Fright; and told me, they durst not acquaint their Master with
the unsuccessful News of _Salviatus_’s Intercession for his Liberty;
for all his Hopes depending thereon, they were afraid the Transaction
would either make him desperate, or bring some fatal Disease upon him;
and, therefore, they desired me to acquaint him first by Writing. I
refused, alledging, That I had not _Common Places_ enough to draw
Comfort from, for a Man in so deep Distress. For _de Sande_ was a Man
of a great Spirit, full of Hope, and without any Fear; and Men of such
Dispositions, hope for every Thing they desire; and if they meet with any
Disappointment of their Hopes, they are so cast down, that ’tis hard to
raise them to any tolerable frame of Spirit.

Whilst Matters stood thus at a Hand, in comes _Ebrahim_, my Interpreter,
very opportunely; and falling into Discourse about these _Spanish
Prisoners_, he told me plainly, that if I did but demand their Liberty,
I should certainly obtain it; and what he spake was upon good Grounds.
He had formerly given me some blind Hopes, that I might procure their
Release if I set my self about it: But, I gave little heed to this
Suggestion; for not being certain of a Peace, how could I attempt such
a Thing? Besides, I was afraid, lest my Interposition might hinder the
Success of _Salviatus_’s Negotiation: But he was gone, and _Ebrahim_,
whom I had so much obliged, persisted in the same Opinion. I began to
hearken to him; but told him, he should have a Care he did not engage
me, who was his Friend, in a ridiculous Business; for, without doubt,
I should be laugh’d at, if I did not succeed in it, the Matter being
thought difficult to be compared in common Opinion, and _Salviatus_
having attempted it in vain; yet he advised me to proceed therein, and
amused me with the Assurance of good Success.

Upon this Encouragement, I wrote to _de Sande_, how fruitless
_Salviatus_’s Embassy had been, yet I advised him not to despair; for, if
any Credit were at all to be given to a _Turk_, there was good hope of
his Affairs; and then I related what _Ebrahim_ had told me.

Having laid this Foundation, I advised with some Friends who were well
skill’d in _Turkish Affairs_. They wish’d me all good Success, but were
very doubtful of it; especially since the King of _France_’s Ambassador
had been denied, and the Issue of a Peace was yet undetermined; and
moreover, as the _Turks_ are hardly ever induced to release great Men;
yet I wrote to my Master the Emperor, to let him know what Hopes I
had, and desired that I might, in his Name, beg the Release of those
Prisoners. In short, upon great Gifts, and fair Promises made to the
_Bashaws_, for their Favour in this Case; the Day before St. _Laurence_’s
Day, all the Prisoners were released and sent to my Lodgings. _De
Sande_ and _Leyva_ were so odious to each other, that they would not eat
together, but I was forced to spread their Tables a-part; _Requesne_
eat with _Leyva_, and _de Sande_ with me. While we were at Supper,
the _French Ambassador_’s Steward came to me, with a small Pacquet of
Letters. _De Sande_ ask’d, if he knew him? Yes Sir, said he, I think you
are _Don Alvarez_. I am so, said he, pray remember me to your Master,
and tell him, that I have obtained my Liberty by means of the Emperor’s
Ambassador, and that you have seen me Abroad with your own Eyes. I see
you, indeed, Sir, said he; but so, that I can scarce believe my own Eyes.
_De Sande_ did thus accost him, because his Master, the _French Agent_,
would never believe that _Solyman_ would release those great Men at the
Emperor’s Instance: And the Truth is, before they could obtain their
Liberty, their _Mufti_, who is an _Archbishop_ amongst the _Turks_, was
consulted, Whether a great many _Turks_ might not be released for a
few _Christians_; for I had promised, that about forty _Turks_, of an
ordinary Rank, who were Prisoners with us, should be released for them.
The _Mufti_ answered, That there were two Opinions on the Case; one
_Pro_, the other _Con_; but he was for the Affirmative.

It now remains that I acquaint you with the last End of _Bajazet_, who, I
told you before, was put in Prison by the _Persians_. Many Messages had
passed between those two Princes on that Occasion; and an Ambassador came
once from _Persia_ with Presents, a Tent curiously wrought, _Assyrian_
and _Persian_ Tapestry, with the _Alcoran_, and some Beasts of an unusual
Sort; as, an _Indian Ant_, as big as an ordinary Dog; a fierce and biting
Present. The Cause of the Embassy was pretended to be, the Reconciliation
of _Bajazet_ with his Father; and they were received very honourably,
entertained with rich Banquets, of which _Haly_ sent me a part; eight
huge Dishes full of Sweetmeats, and plenty of the richest Wines. ’Twas
the Custom of the _Romans_ to send Dishes from their Feasts to their
Friends; the _Spaniards_ do it to this Day; and the _Turks_ from their
great Feasts carry home something, especially if they have Wives and
Children. They many times carried home whole Napkins full of good Bits
from my Table; and tho’ they pretend to Cleanliness, yet they would
sometimes daub their Silk-cloaths with some Collation-drops.

Let me tell you a Story to this purpose, which I know will make you
laugh heartily, as it did me at the first hearing it: For we are not
such _Cato’s_, but that sometimes we may season our Care with moderate
Laughter, which shews that we are _Men_.

’Tis the custom of the _Turkish Bashaws_, some Days before their Fast,
(which we call _Lent_) to make a public Feast or Entertainment for all
Comers, none are excluded; yet generally none but Servants, Friends, and
Relations come. There is a Napkin made of Leather, spread over a long
Tapestry on the Ground, full of Dishes; the Table will hold abundance
of Guests; the _Bashaw_ himself sits at the upper end, and the choicest
Guests next to him, and then the ordinary Guests, in Ranks, till the
Table be full. It will not hold all at once, but some stand by till
others have din’d, which they do with great Decency and Silence; and then
drinking a draught of Honey diluted with Water, salute their Landlord,
and away they go. In their Places, others sit down, and a third Class
after them; the Servants still taking off the old Dishes and setting on
new. A certain _Bashaw_ making such a Feast, invited a _Sinziack_ to
sit next to him; an old Man of the Sect which the _Turks_ call _Hogies_,
(_i. e._ Learned Men) sat next to him. This _Hogi_ seeing such plenty of
Victuals before him, had a mind to carry home some to his Wife, after he
had filled his own Belly; but looking for his Handkerchief to fill it
with Victuals, he found he had left it at home; being then in a straight,
he bethought himself, and resolv’d to fill his Sleeve that hang’d on
his Back; but, mistaken the _Sinziack_’s for his own, he stuft it full
of Dainties, and stops it in with a piece of Bread that nothing might
fall out. He was not to touch his Sleeve till he had laid his Hands on
his Breast or Thigh, and so saluted his Entertainer, as their Custom is;
when he had done that, he took up his own Sleeve and finds it empty, at
which he was much amaz’d, and return’d home very sad. A while after, the
_Sinziack_ also rose from the Table, and having saluted the _Bashaw_ at
every Step, his Sleeve cast out the Dainties it was replenished with,
unknown to him; and seeing a train of Junkets behind him, he blush’d
for shame. The Company fell a laughing, but the _Bashaw_ imagining how
it came to pass, desired him to sit down again, and so he sent for the
_Hogi_, and when he came, he accosted him thus: _I wonder that you,
an old Friend, and having a Wife and Children at home, did carry home
nothing to them, seeing my Table was so well furnished._ _Truly, Sir_,
said he, _’twas no Fault of mine; but of my Evil ~Genius~; for I stuff’d
my Sleeve with Viands, and yet, when I came out, I found it empty._ Thus
the _Sinziack_ was cleared, and the Disappointment of the _Hogi_,
together with the Novelty of the Case, occasioned no small Laughter
throughout all the Company. But to return to _Bajazet_.

His Case was desperate, between an _angry Father_ that required to
have him given up, and a _false Friend_, who pretended to detain him.
Sometimes _Solyman_ dealt mildly with the _Persian_, putting him in mind
of the League between them, that they were to have the same Enemies and
Friends: Sometimes he threaten’d him with War, if _Bajazet_ were not
surrendered; and thereupon he placed strong Garrisons on all the Confines
of _Persia_; he filled _Mesopotamia_ and the Banks of _Euphrates_ with
the Soldiers, especially the Veteran ones, whom he had employed against
_Bajazet_, over whom _Mahomet_ the third of the _Vizier’s Bashaws_, and
_Beglerbeg_ of _Greece_, was made General, for _Selimus_ was returned
home: Moreover, he solicited the _Georgians_ dwelling between the
_Hircan_ Sea and _Pontus_, bordering on _Persia_ to aid him against
them: They answered courageously, That they were not strong enough of
themselves to cope with the _Persian_; but if he himself came upon the
Place with an Army, they would then shew themselves Men of Courage
against the _Persian_ as their common Enemy. The _Hircanians_ also and
the Posterity of _Tamerlane_ were solicitous to join Arms. _Solyman_
himself gave out, that he would go to _Aleppo_, (a City of _Syria_,
seated on the Banks of _Euphrates_) that from thence he might make War
on the _Persian_: Nor was the _Persian_ himself without Fear; for he
had often experienced the Dint of _Solyman_’s Sword. But the generality
of the _Turks_ were averse to the War, and look’d on it as a wicked
and detestable one; and this cooled the _Sultan_. A great many of the
Soldiers, especially the Horse, forsook their Colours, and return’d to
_Constantinople_ without leave of their Officers; and being commanded
immediately to return, they did so; but so unwillingly, that _Solyman_
plainly saw their Aversion from the Service.

Whereupon _Solyman_, seeing he could not get _Bajazet_ alive out of
the _Persian_’s Hands, (who feared his Revenge, if ever he came off
clear,) thought of the next thing, which was, to have him strangled
there; and he hop’d to obtain his End this way, because the _Persian_
had lately acquainted him by Letter, that he had been very remiss in so
great an Affair. I have sent divers Ambassadors to you, said he, but
you send nothing to me but empty Letters, or Messengers; and therefore,
to convince me that you are real in the Business, send considerable
Ambassadors of your prime Nobility with whom I may transact, according
to the greatness of the Affair. As for himself, _Bajazet_ had been a
great Charge to him, before he could be taken, and therefore ’twas fit an
Account should be had of those Expences. _Solyman_ thereby saw that Money
was requir’d, and therefore by the Advice of his _Bashaw_, he resolved to
take any other Course, rather than to involve himself in an unnecessary
War with the _Persians_. Hereupon _Hassan Aga_, together with an old
_Bashaw_, one of the Bed-Chamber, was sent by _Solyman_ into _Persia_.
They departed with ample Commission, in the midst of Winter; they made
great haste, insomuch that they lost several of their Retinue in the
way: At last, they came to _Casbia_ to the _Sophia_, and desired to see
_Bajazet_; they found him in a nasty filthy Prison, his Beard and Hair so
long, that till he was shav’d he could hardly be known; but then _Hassan_
knew him by the lineaments of his Face, having been brought up with him
from a Child, and therefore he was chosen as the fittest Person for this
Embassy. It was agreed, that the _Persian_ should be repaid what he had
laid out, and should have many rich Presents besides, and then _Bajazet_
was to be put to Death. _Hassan_ returns and gives an account to his
Master, who thereupon sent the Expences by him, with the Gifts, which
were guarded by the _Turks_ to the Confines of _Persia_. Thus _Hassan_
again returned to be the Executioner of unfortunate _Bajazet_ with his
own Hand, for so _Solyman_ had commanded. When the Bow-string was about
his Neck, he desired but one thing before his Death, which was, to see
his Children, and to take his last farewell of them, by the only Thing
he had left to give, a parting Kiss; but that was deny’d. This was the
end of _Bajazet_ and his unfortunate Designs; the way he took to save
himself was his Ruin. His four Children under-went the same Fate. As for
the new-born Infant which he left at _Amasia_, whom his Grandfather had
removed to _Persia_ to be educated there, when his Father was dead, a
trusty _Eunuch_ was sent to _Persia_ to destroy him too; but the _Eunuch_
being somewhat tender-hearted, procured a certain Porter, a hard-hearted
Fellow, who car’d not what desperate things he undertook, to dispatch
the Child. This Fellow went into the Room, and as he was fitting the
String to the Child’s Neck, the poor Infant lifted up its self as well
as he could, and embracing him in his Arms, offered to kiss him; which
did so mollifie his wretched Heart, that he fell down in a Swoon. The
_Eunuch_ stood at the Door, and wondering at the Delay, went in and found
the Fellow lying flat on the Ground; whereupon he was forced to execute
the Charge himself, and so strangled the poor innocent Child. By this
Passage it appears, that _Solyman_ spar’d his Nephew hitherto, not out
of any Principle of Mercy, but out of an Opinion the _Turks_ have, that
Matters, if they succeed well, are pleasing to God; and therefore, as
long as ’twas uncertain, what might be the event of _Bajazet_’s Designs,
he would not imbrue his Hands in his Child’s Blood, lest, if _Bajazet_
had succeeded, he might seem to have resisted the Will of God: But, when
_Bajazet_ was slain, he thought God had determined the Controversie,
and that his Son also might not be spared, lest the Proverb should be
verified, _Of an ill Crow, an evil Egg_. I had along Discourse with my
_Chiaux_ upon this Subject, when I was in the Island before mentioned,
and had liberty to sail from one to the other. It happened once, that as
we were returning in our Skiff, the Wind being against us, we could not
double a Promontary that reach’d pretty far into the Sea, but were forced
to land and take our Dinner a-shoar; for I always carried ready-dress’d
Provision along with me in the Vessel for fear of the worst; and their
_Turks_ were also forced to land, by the same Stress of Weather. Our
Table was spread in a green Meadow; my _Chiaux_ and my Interpreter
sate at Table with me. Mention being occasionally made of _Bajazet_,
the _Chiaux_ began to inveigh bitterly against him for taking up Arms
against his Brother. I pleaded for him, and said, he was worthy of Pity,
who was forced to do what he did: There was an inevitable Necessity
upon him, either to submit himself to a certain Death, or to save his
Life by taking Arms. However the _Chiaux_ persisted still to call it an
execrable Undertaking; whereupon I argued thus; you accuse _Bajazet_ as
guilty of an horrid Offence; but you acquit _Solyman_, the Father of your
present Emperor, who took up Arms against his Father. We do so, said
the _Chiaux_, and with Reason; for the Event shew’d, that what he did,
was by God’s Approbation, and predestinated in Heaven. If you argue from
Success, said I, then the wickedest Fact, if it prosper, may be imputed
to God as the Author; and then he may be made the Author of Sin, if
_Good_ and _Evil_ must be interpreted only by Events. We dwelt a while on
this Discourse, and were very eager upon it, whilst either of us defended
his own Opinion. We alledg’d many places of Scriptures; _Can the Vessel
say to the Potter, why hast thou made me thus? I will harden ~Pharaoh~’s
Heart: ~Jacob~ have I loved; but ~Esau~ have I hated_: and others of like
import.

The _Turks_, that were not far from us, wonder’d what we were so earnest
about; and after we rose from the Table, my _Chiaux_ went to them. They
gathered themselves in a Ring about him, and I saw them hearkening to the
Discourse he made, with great Attention; and at last, at Noon, they were
all silent, and worshipped God according to their Custom. I thought it
long till my _Chiaux_ returned to me, that I might know why he prated so
amongst his Comrades; I was afraid, though I had ever found him a good
Man, that he might represent what I had spoken to him, to my Prejudice:
At last, when the Wind ceased, we went aboard again, and followed our
intended Course. The first thing I did, was, to ask of my _Chiaux_, what
serious Discourse he held with his Country-men? He smil’d, and made me
this Answer: _We were disputing about ~Predestination~, and I told them
what you had alledg’d ~Pro~ and ~Con~; by which it was plain, that you
had read our Books, and was well read in the ~Scriptures~, so that there
was nothing wanting to your Happiness, but to turn to our ~Religion~,
which, in the Prayers you saw us make, we desired of God._ When News was
brought to _Constantinople_ that _Bajazet_ was dispatched, I was afraid
that our Affairs, which were in a hopeful way of Conclusion, would now
meet with a Rub at last; the Misfortune of _Bajazet_ might over-turn all,
make the _Turks_ more Insolent, undo what was done, and propose harder
Conditions. I had passed over some Difficulties, as the Loss of _Gerba_,
and the Imprisonment of _Bajazet_, and the _Vaivode_’s Expulsion out of
_Moldavia_; but there were two terrible ones, _Bajazet_’s Death, and
another, which I shall speak of by and by.

_Haly_ sent one of his Domesticks, to tell me, that _Bazajet_ was dead
for certain; that therefore, I should not defer the Peace, in hopes of
his Success: That I should remember, Princes of the same Religion are
more easily reconcil’d, than those of contrary ones are; and, therefore,
I should hesitate no longer, nor seek Knots in a Bulrush, as the Proverb
is.

This Message troubled me much; yet, because I thought the Account might
not be true, I sent up and down the Town amongst my Friends, to know what
Certainty they had of _Bajazet_’s Death: They all returned me answer,
_That he was most certainly dispatched_: Whereupon, I resolved to draw
in my Sails; there were no Hopes for me to obtain better Conditions; it
were well, if I could maintain my Ground, and stick to my former without
any change: The Emperor of the _Turks_ had seen them, and was not much
averse to them; some small Alterations were made; something I wished
I could have added; other Things were dubiously expressed, which an
ill-natured Interpretation might raise Scruples about. I did my Endeavour
that these might be taken out, or corrected, and made more favourable
on our Side. My Master _Cæsar_ had seen and approved those Conditions;
yet still I could not satisfy my self, till something more favourable was
added. Whilst I was doing this, I was accosted with _Haly_’s Message as
aforesaid.

I met also with another grievous Rub; some Noblemen of _Hungary_ had
revolted from the _Vaivode_ of _Transilvania_ to the Emperor, that is,
to speak the Truth, had returned to their Duty; and the Garrisons also,
which they commanded, yielded to _Cæsar_. This new Accident might have
disturbed all; for the _Turks_ had a specious Pretence to alledge, That,
while Conditions of Peace were once on foot, such Alteration ought not
to have been made; if Peace were cordially desired, all Things were to
be returned to their pristine State: but, let Revolters speed as they
pleased, what they had possessed ought to be returned to the _Vaivode_,
their Client and Vassal. But, _Haly_ was so far from pressing this,
that one express Condition was, that those Things should be ratified;
which he willingly assented to. But the Ambassadors who came lately
from the _Vaivode_, were very much troubled at it; they rub’d upon the
gall’d Place, and filled the whole Court with their Clamours, that their
miserable Matter was deserted, the Law of Allegiance broken, and Enemies
preferred before ancient Friends. All the rest of the _Bashaws_ were
moved with their Complaints, only _Haly_ stood firm to me, so that the
Articles of the Peace were not altered at all. For my part, though I
knew that the Terms would be allowed by my Master _Cæsar_, yet, because
there want not Sycophants in Princes Courts, who go about to obscure the
best Services of their Ministers, especially if Strangers: I therefore
thought it fit to leave all to the Pleasure of my Master: I told _Haly_,
that, though the proposed Condition did not fully answer the Expectation
of my Master, I hoped, however, he would acquiesce therein, if an Agent
of theirs were sent along with me to explain the Things that were
obscure, upon which any Controversy might arise; and that _Ebrahim_
seemed to be the fittest Man for this purpose, by whom _Cæsar_ might
write back his full Mind concerning the whole Project; this was easily
assented to. Thus an End was put to a long and tedious Business.

’Tis a Custom, that when Ambassadors depart from _Constantinople_ upon
fair Terms, the _Bashaws_ do entertain them with a Feast in the _Divan_;
but I was willing to wave that Badge of Esteem, because I would have all
left in suspence, and referred to the good Will and Pleasure of my Master.

I had a mind before my Departure, to buy some gallant Horses, and
therefore, ordered my Servants to go often to the Markets, to see if
they could find any such. _Haly_ being informed thereof, sent one of the
best of his own Horses to the Fair to be sold; my Servants had their
Eye presently on him, and asking the Price, they told them 120 Ducats;
they offered 80, not knowing whose it was; but that was refused. A Day
or two after, the same Horse, with two more quite as good, were sent me
by _Haly_, for a Present; one was an _Arabian_ ambling Nag, exceedingly
well shaped. When I gave him Thanks for my noble Present, he asked me,
whether I did not think that Horse which my Servant’s offered 80 Ducats
for, was worth more? Yes, a good deal more, said I; but my Orders were,
that they should not exceed that Price, for fear of losing too much,
in case of any hidden Defect afterwards shew that I had bought Horses
too dear. He advised me also, how to manage their _Turkish_ Horses; as
that I should give them but little Meat; that I should make but short
Journeys at first, till they were us’d to the Roads; and that I should
make nine or ten Days Journey to _Adrianople_, which used to be performed
in five: He gave me also a curious Veil wrought with gold, and a Box full
of _Alexandrian_ Treacle, the best in the World; and a Glass full of
Balsam, which last he highly prized, complimenting me thus: _Any other
Present_, said he, _are such as Money can procure; but this is a rare
Gift, that my Master cannot send a choicer to the best Friend or Ally he
hath. I got it_, said he, _when I was Governor of ~Egypt~, which Place I
held some Years: There are two sorts of that juicy Substance; one which
is drawn from the Oil of the decocted Leaves of the Shrub on which they
grow, which is black and not much worth; the other distils from the Bark
of the Tree when it is cut, which is yellow and genuine; and mine was of
that sort._ He desired likewise, that I would send him some Presents,
as a Coat of Mail fitted to his large and full Body, and a strong Horse
that was sure-footed (for he was so big and pursy, that no Horse could be
easily found, fit to carry him) and with all kind of varnishing Matter
coming from the _Maple_, or any other Tree, wherewith our Artists use
to inlay their Tables. As for _Solyman_, he gave me no Gifts but common
ones, such as other Ambassadors have had at their Departure, and such as
I received from him formerly at my Audience of Leave; only he inveighed
against the _Heydukes_, and the Insolency of the Garrison of _Syeth_: To
what Purpose, is it, _said he_, to make Peace here, if they continue the
War thus? _I told him_, I would acquaint my Master, and that I did not
doubt, but he would redress it; and, thus by good Fortune, about the End
of _August_, I entered upon my desired Journey, carrying with me a Truce
of eight Years, the Fruits of my eight Years Abroad there, which may be
continued for a longer Time, unless some considerable Change happens.

When we came to _Sophia_, where the Way parts, one to _Rhagusa_, the
other to _Belgrade, Leyva_ and _Requesne_ desired me to part Company,
and go to _Rhagusa_, that so they might more easily pass to _Venice_
and _Italy_, and procure those Gifts which they promised to lend to the
_Bashaws_, and repay the Money they had borrowed at _Constantinople_; and
that they would send Letters of Thanks by me to _Cæsar_, to give him due
Acknowledgments for their Release: Which Service they would willingly
have performed in Person, if their other Occasions had not hindered. I
easily consented to their Requests, and was the better pleased, because
_Requesne_, being a very old Man, died before he came to _Rhagusa_: If
I had denied their Request, it might have been thought my Refusal had
contributed to his Disease.

_De Sande_ and my self passed the rest of our Journey without any great
Inconvenience; for the Truth is, he is a very facetious Man, and, if
he is troubled with Grief, he knows how to cover it, and to pretend
Mirth outwardly. In our way, many diverting Things offered themselves;
sometimes we would alight, and try which of us could run fastest; I,
being lean, could easily out-run him, who was fat and pursy, and just
come out of Prison. When we came near to a Village, _Ebrahim_ would
ride up to us (for he with his _Turks_ followed gravely on Horseback)
and beseeched us, by all that was dear to us, not to be seen on foot
by the Villagers, for it would be accounted a Disgrace to us among the
_Turks_. His Advice made us sometimes get into our Chariot again, but
the Pleasure of walking afoot still got the better.

One of _de Sande_’s many facetious Sayings, I must give you. When we
came from _Constantinople_, the Weather was very hot, and it continued
so sultry all the Way, that it palled my Appetite, and a very little
Food served my Turn; but _de Sande_, being a robust healthy Person, eat
like a Horse, and would ever now and then tell me, that I must follow
his Example and eat like a Man of Mettle. Yet, all his Advice was to
no Purpose, till about the Beginning of _October_, I drew near to the
Borders of _Austria_; and there, partly from the Country, and partly from
the Season of the Year, I began to be more healthy, and to take a larger
proportion of Food.

When _de Sande_ observed that I had a better Stomach than formerly, he
began to triumph over me exceedingly, boasting that ’twas by his Advice
and Example, that I had learned to eat Meat, and that I, who was so many
Years older, had need of a Monitor to advise me to take due Sustenance
for my Body; so that if he were obliged to me for his Release, I was as
much beholding to him for teaching me to recover my Appetite. In these
ludicrous Repartees we came to _Tulna_, where we met with some Trouble.
_De Sande_ used to lye in the same House, if it were large enough to
hold us both; if not, he took his Lodgings at some Neighbouring House,
that he might not incommode me. He was willing to do so at _Tulna_,
and therefore, desired the _Janizaries_ whom I brought with me from
_Constantinople_ to _Buda_, to be my Harbingers on the Way, and to find
out a convenient Lodging for him. One of my Servants a Doctor of Physic,
and a _Spaniard_, whom _de Sande_ had released at _Constantinople_ at his
own Charge, went along with the _Janizaries_. They happened to go to the
House of another _Janizary_ hard by, who was appointed as Governor of
the Place to guard Passengers; for the _Turks_ use to appoint one or two
_Janizaries_ in every noted Town to protect _Christian_ Passengers from
Violence; by which Office they get no small Profit: But this Man, for
some Offence or other, had been put out of his Office, and therefore, was
of a very surly Temper. My People viewed his House, and not finding it
for their Turn, were going away; the _Janizary_ first, my Servant next,
and the Physician last. In the _Interim_, the _Janizary_, Master of the
House, walking in his Garden, was told, that some _Christian_ Passengers
were seeking for a Lodging at his House: Whereupon, he came in a great
Rage, with a Club like _Hercules_’s, in his Hand, and without speaking a
Word, strikes the Physician a great Blow on the Shoulders, as hard as he
was able; the Physician, to avoid a second Blow, ran out of the House. My
Servant, looking back, saw him lift up his Club to strike him also; but
he, having a Thing like a Hatchet in his Hand, held it cross-ways over
his Head, and so kept off many a lusty Blow, till at last the Handle of
the Hatchet, by his often stricking, began to break. Then my Servant was
forced to close in with the _Janizary_, and was about to cleave his Skull
with his Weapon: Whereupon, the _Janizary_ fled, and my Servant not being
able to overtake him, threw the Hatchet after him, which cut him in the
Hams, and fell’d him to the Ground; by which Accident, my People escaped:
But the Physician cryed out, that he was a dead Man, and that all his
Bones were broken in Pieces. _De Sande_ heard his Complaint; yet, though
he was vext, could not choose but smile, as thinking that the Doctor was
more afraid than hurt: But, that which most tormented him, was, lest on
this Occasion he should be carried back to _Constantinople_: He was of
Opinion that the _Bashaws_ had not dealt sincerely in his Case, but had
made only a Pretence of releasing him to gratify me, and really sought an
Occasion to drag him back again, to rot in Prison. For the same Cause,
he was much offended with my Servant who had wounded the _Janizary_,
especially for saying, _That he was very sorry that he had not killed him
upon the Spot_. His Words to him were these; _Honest ~Henry~, Prithee be
not so Passionate; ’tis no Time nor Place to shew thy Valour here; we
must bear Affronts patiently, without any just Imputation of Cowardice,
whether we will or no; we are in their Power: This unreasonable Passion
may bring great Mischief to us; perhaps it may occasion us to be brought
back to ~Constantinople~, and there our whole Negotiation may be
reversed, or at least become very dubious. I beseech thee, therefore, for
my Sake among the rest, govern thy Passion._

But _Henry_ was deaf to all his Persuasions; he being an obstinate
Fellow, and when angry, would not hearken to Reason. _What care I_,
replied he, _if I had killed him? Did he not design to kill me? If one
of his many Blows had gone home, he had knock’d me down like an Ox. Were
I to be blamed, if I slew him who would have slain me first? I am sorry
with all my Heart, I did not give him his Death’s Wound: But, for the
future (take my Word for it) I’ll spare never a ~Turk~ of them all; for,
if he assaults me, I’ll give him as good as he brings, though it cost me
my Life._

_De Sande_ did not like this surly Answer; but the _Janizary_ who had
received the Wound, made the worst of it; upon whose Complaint, two
Jews, who could speak _Spanish_, came to me, and told me, that he was
dangerously hurt, and if he did not give him Satisfaction, the Matter
would not so soon be passed over, but would create great Trouble to me. I
answered them as I thought fit; but, because I knew the malicious Natures
of the _Turks_, I thought it best speedily to guard against them; and,
therefore, sent presently one of the Youths to _Ebrahim_, desiring him to
let one of his Servants be a Guide to one of mine to _Constantinople_,
a sudden Emergency had made this Journey necessary. _Ebrahim_ wondered
what the Matter was, and came presently to me to know. I told him, I
desired a better Convoy from _Hali Bassa_, otherwise I was out of Hopes
ever to reach Home, for my two Servants were like to be killed; and then
I told him the whole Story, with all its Circumstances. _Ebrahim_ soon
perceived how much his own Interest was concerned, and therefore desired
me to have a little Patience till he had spoken with the _Janizary_; to
whom he presently went, and found him in Bed. He chid him very warmly for
being so abusive to us, and told him I had made Peace with the _Port_,
and was in great Favour with _Solyman_, and all the _Bashaws_; that they
had denied none of my Requests, but had granted me several Concessions
for my own Sake, and that he was sent back to convoy me safe into my own
Country, and to take Care that I might be honourably treated by the Way:
That he was the first Man that offered me the least Affront; and that I
was sending back one to _Constantinople_ to complain thereof; and if I
did, it might cost him his Head. This took down my _Janizary_’s Crest,
and put him into a terrible Panick besides.

The next Day we continued our Journey to _Buda_; and the Physician,
notwithstanding his Bruises, was as well able to travel as any of us.
When we came in Sight of _Buda_, the _Bashaw_ thereof sent some of his
own Family, with several _Chiauxes_ to meet us; and among the rest, there
was a Troop of young Men on Horseback, which drew our Eyes after them in
respect of the Novelty of their Garb; their Heads were uncovered, and
their Crowns shav’d; there was a long Line cut with a Knife, and in the
Wound they stuck Feathers of several Sorts; and, though Drops of Blood
distilled down from their Wounds, yet they dissembled their Pain, and
rode merrily on, as if they ailed nothing at all. Just before me, there
walked some Footmen; one of them had his naked Arms a-kembow, and both
had a Knife, (such as we call _Pragensian_) run through them above the
Elbow; another was naked, all the upper Parts, to his Navel, the Skin of
his Loyns being so cut in two Places, both above and below, that a Club
being run through them, hung down from thence as from a Girdle; another
had a Horshoe nail’d to the Crown of his Head, and it was so old, that
the Shoe and the Skin grew together.

In this Pomp we entered _Buda_, and were introduced to the _Bashaw_, with
whom, in the Presence of _de Sande_, I had a long Discourse concerning
the Validity of the Truce I had made. In the Passage to him there stood
those hardy Youngsters who were regardless of their Pain; casting my
Eye upon them, the _Bashaw_ demanded, what I thought of them? I think,
said I, that they are hardy Fellows; only they do that to their Skins,
which I would not do to my Cloaths, for I had rather have them whole than
slash’d. Whereupon, the _Bashaw_ laughed, and dismissed us.

The Day after we came to _Gran_; from thence to _Comara_, the Frontier
Garrison of the Empire, situate on the River _Wage_; on both sides
its Banks the Garrison of the Place, with the Seamen, called their
_Nassadists_, waited for us. Before I passed over the River, _de Sande_
came to me, and embracing me in his Arms, gave me Thanks for completing
his Liberty: He told me plainly, he thought the _Turks_ had but
dissembled with him, and therefore, he was in continual Fear, lest he
should be haled back to _Constantinople_ to die in Prison; but now, being
in the Emperor’s Territories, he acknowleged himself to be eternally
obliged to me.

A few Days more brought us to _Vienna_. _Ferdinand_ the Emperor, was
then at the Imperial Diet, with his Son _Maximilian_, about Inaugurating
him _King of the Romans_. I acquainted _Cæsar_ with my Return, and with
_Ebrahim_’s coming, and desired to receive his Commands concerning him;
for he had a great Desire to wait upon the Emperor at _Francfort_. His
Highness’s first Answer was, That ’twere best for the _Turks_ to stay
at _Vienna_ till his Return, it being not adviseable to carry an Enemy
thro’ the very Heart of the Country, so long a Way as from _Vienna_ to
_Francfort_. And, on the other side, Delays were dangerous, and might
create Suspicion in the _Turks_ of some unfair Dealing. As for _Ebrahim_,
and his Retinue, there was no danger in suffering them to pass through
the most flourishing Part of the Empire; it was, indeed, desirable
rather, that thereby they might take an Estimate of the Strength and
Greatness of it, especially having now so fair an Opportunity of
observing at _Francfort_, with how great Unanimity Prince _Maximilian_
was chosen and designed Successor to the Emperor his Father. When I wrote
back to the Emperor according to the Purport aforesaid, he consented
that _Ebrahim_ and his Retinue should come to _Francfort_. We began our
Journey thither by the Way of _Prague_, _Bamberg_, and _Wirtzburg_.

_Ebrahim_ passing through _Bohemia_, was willing to pay his Court to
Arch-Duke _Ferdinand_; but the Arch-Duke would have it _incognito_. When
we were a few Days Journey from _Francfort_, I thought proper to ride a
Day or two’s Journey before, to acquaint the Emperor with some Things
relating to my Embassy; which I did, and came to _Francfort_ that Day
seven Years on which I set out from _Vienna_ to _Constantinople_. I was
received by my Master with all imaginable Kindness, (not that I deserv’d
it) but ’twas all owing to his innate Goodness and Custom so to do. You
may imagine with yourself how joyful a Thing it was to me, after so
many Years Absence, to return safe to the Presence of my Royal Master,
who was pleased kindly to accept of the Fruits of my Embassy, and told
me, that I had done all Things well, and that I should find the Effects
of his Favour. He came to _Francfort_ the Day before the Inauguration,
late in the Evening, when the Gates were shut; and all the following Day
they were not to be opened, by ancient Custom: But his Imperial Majesty
gave express Command that they should be opened for the _Turks_. They
had a Place assigned them, from whence they might behold _Cæsar_ Elect
pass by with great Pomp and Splendor; it appear’d to them a glorious and
magnificent Sight to see, amongst others of _Cæsar_’s honourable Train,
three Princes, who could raise great Armies in their own Territories; to
wit, the Dukes of _Saxony_, _Bavaria_ and _Brandenburg_: They saw also,
many other Monuments of the Dignity and Greatness of the Emperor. A few
Days after, _Ebrahim_ was introduced into his Presence, and delivered
the noble Presents the _Sultan_ had sent him. The Emperor confirm’d the
Peace, rewarded him amply, and sent him back with large Presents to
_Solyman_.

I am very willing to leave the Court, as not being pleased with that
kind of Life; but some private Affairs as yet detain me. I know the
Tediousness of Court-Attendance; much Mischief lies under an Appearance
of Splendor; much Disguise, but little of Sincerity is there; all Courts
are subject to Envy; faithful Friendship is hard to be found, and a
change of Mind may occasion a Man’s sudden Ruin: For Princes themselves
are but Men. I have seen a Man come to Court with a thousand Attendants,
whom his Prince’s Displeasure has sent away with scarce one in his
Company. A Court does not know what is truly good, till too late; it is
altogether led by Shews, Shadows, Fallacies, and popular Mistakes. Those
are fortunate Men who can lead such a Life in safety; but oh! may I live
to the Muses and to my self, and grow old in a Country-Cottage, with a
few trusty Friends! If any Life be desirable in this earthly Pilgrimage,
’tis this. Look upon the Court, and you will find there a Noble Buffoon
preferred before a good Man: So that if you would represent a good Man
amongst Courtiers, you may paint an Ass amongst Apes. I speak of common
Courts in general; for I know that our Court, as well as some others,
are adorn’d with many excellent and noble Personages: However, Solitude
and Quiet affording Vacation to Study, is preferr’d by me before the
Crowd and Noise of Courts. But, I am afraid, my best of Princes will
not vouchsafe me the Retreat I beg for. ’Tis true, he gave me leave to
depart, but upon this Condition, that I should return when call’d upon.
If he commands me to Court again (for who can withstand the Desire of so
gracious a Prince?) this only Comfort will be left me, that I shall every
Day behold the Face of the most sacred of all Emperors; or (to phrase it
otherwise) shall contemplate the living Image of true Vertue: For assure
yourself, that the Sun never shone upon a better Prince than this, nor
one who governs more justly. Though his true, that the Majesty of Empire
is a glorious Thing, yet to desire Empire, and to carry ones self worthy
of it, is more Glorious. I speak not of his Birth, nor of the Nobleness
of his Ancestors, he needs not such far-fetch’d Helps; his own Vertue
is sufficient. Many Emperors have been (though unworthy) raised to the
Throne; but his own Vertue exalted him.

Again, some have managed the Beginning of their Reign innocently and
justly, but soon after they have degenerated into Licentiousness and
Corruption, _Forgetting they are Men, they would be esteem’d as Gods,
and ador’d as such, endeavouring to be placed among the Gods; whereas
they were unworthy to be reckon’d among Men_. All men’s Necks cannot
bear the Burthen of a high Estate, to which if they are advanced, they
forget themselves: ’Tis a hard Thing to be able to compass all that a Man
desires; and yet ’tis as hard to desire nothing but that which is good.

As for our Prince, his Eyes are not dazzled by Greatness; no Man retains
Vertue more steadily he, nor takes greater heed that his pure Mind be not
defiled by the Taint of his Fortune. He was always of this Opinion, That,
as Majestic Robes attract the Eyes of Spectators, the Sanctity of Manners
should much more incline their Minds. Therefore, he chiefly studies
Piety, worships and adores his God, and lives always as in his Sight
and Presence; he squares all his Actions throughout the whole Course
of his Life by a Divine Rule and Prescript: Whatever happens either
Prosperous or Adverse, he looks upon God as the Author, and receives it
gratefully, as proceeding from his Hand. Thus he lives an Heavenly Life
even upon Earth; he is not ignorant whole image he bears; and therefore,
all his Words and Deeds are directed for the Public Good, for which
he thinks he was born, and therefore prefers it before Advantages; He
is so intent herein, that some blame him for being overmuch addicted
to the Common-wealth, and neglecting his own Children and Family. He
is extremely Courteous to all his Subjects, as if they were under his
particular Care, and Himself were the Father of so vast a Family. What
poor Man hath ever desired his help in vain? Who is there that hath not
experienced his Liberality? He thinks that Day lost wherein he hath not
done Good to somebody. He is beneficient to all, and in a singular Manner
kind to his Domesticks; not a Man of them can say, that ever he was
neglected by them. He knows their way of Life, the Deserts, yea, and the
very Names even of the meanest of them. Tho’ he is so great a Prince, yet
he thinks it not below himself, at convenient Opportunities to warn the
negligent, and put them in mind of their Duty; and, if they mend their
Manners, to reward them accordingly: So that they depart from him, rather
as from a Father than a Master. He administers Justice with great Equity;
for he thinks it unreasonable to prescribe Law’s to others, and break
them himself; or to punish them in others, which he allows in himself.
He never speaks rudely of any Man, and always honourably of the Absent.
Probity is safe under his Guardianship; but Malice, Force, Fraud, evil
and corrupt Ministers are exterminated, Offences and Wickednesses duly
punish’d. The old _Romans_ had Censors of Manners imposed upon them, to
keep the People to their Duty; but here there is no need of any Censor,
the Life of the Prince is a sufficient Censor, he is a shining Example
to all, in what they should avoid, and what they should pursue. Good
and learned Men which may profit the Commonwealth, he highly esteems;
with these he is conversant, and, laying aside his Majesty, treats them
as Friends and Equals; yea, he emulates their Virtues without Respect,
whether they are Paternal and Hereditary, or acquired by their own
Industry. With these, he spends the little Time he can spare from public
Business: These are the Persons highly esteem’d by him, as judging it a
public Benefit to restore due Honour to Vertue. He himself being curious
by Nature, and desirous to know something worthy of a Man, has always
some Questions to propose to the Learned; and sometimes he brings in
some smart and genteel Repartees of his own, to the Admiration of his
Hearers. Thus he hath laid in so considerable a Stock of Learning, that
you cannot question him in any Thing, but he can give you some Account
of it. He understands many Languages; first, the _Spanish_, which is his
_Mother-Tongue_; next the _French_, _German_, _Latin_, and _Italian_: He
can express his Meaning pretty well in the _Latin_, yet not so exactly,
but that sometimes he breaks _Priscian_’s Head; a Fault blameworthy in a
_Gramarian_, but excusable in an _Emperor_.

What I have said of him, all Men living know to be true; but, perhaps,
some may think it a Defect, that he is not enough given to Arms, and
Atchievements worthy of the Laurel: For, say they, the _Turks_ carry
all in _Hungary_, and we do not help nor relieve them, as we ought; we
should have join’d Armies in the Field, that it might be known whom
Providence would have to bear Rule. I confess this Objection savours of
Bravery, more than of Prudence, and therefore, let me trace the Matter
a little higher. I am of his Opinion, That the _Genius_ of Emperors
are to be judged of rather by their Councils, than by their Fortunes
or Events; and that, by those Councils, the Times, our own Strength,
the Nature and Power of our Enemies are to be regulated. If a common
Enemy, well known to us, and famous for no Victory, should invade our
Borders, ’twere Cowardice not to oppose him, if we have Forces enough.
But if the Enemy be such as seem to be sent as a Scourge from God (such
was _Atila_ of old, _Tamerlane_ in the Days of our Forefathers, and the
_Ottoman Princes_ in our Age) whom nothing can withstand, who lays all
waste before him; to oppose such an Enemy with small and new-levied
Forces, would not only be rash, but even Madness itself. _Solyman_
comes terrible, by his own and his Ancestor’s Successes: He invades
_Hungary_ with 200,000 Horse, he draws near to _Austria_, and threatens
the rest of _Germany_; his Troops are fetched from the very Confines of
_Persia_; his Army is furnished from many Nations; each of the Three
known Parts of the World conspire therein for our Destruction: He, like
Lightning, strikes down all before him with his battering Army, and
fills all Places with the Terror of his Name; he roars and Hovers round
our Borders, striving to break in sometimes here, sometimes there. Many
Nations of old, when they have been threatned with such Potent Enemies,
have left their Native Country, and sought out other Habitations. To be
unmoved in small Dangers, is but a mean kind of Praise; but not to be
terrify’d by the coming of so great an Enemy, who has laid waste so many
bordering Kingdoms, seems to me an _Herculean_ kind of Constancy. Amidst
these Dangers, _Ferdinand_ heroically keeps his Station, and being of
an unconquered Spirit, will not quit that, or his State. He could wish
his Forces were sufficient to put all to the Hazard of a Battel, and
that nothing of Madness were imputable to him upon that Account; but
Prudence restrains his generous Efforts: He sees with what great Hazard
his faithful Subjects, and the Ruin of all Christendom, _an unsuccessful
Battel would prove_, and is very unwilling that the Public should pay for
his Rashness. He considers how great the Odds would be, between 25 or
30,000 Foot, with a small Number of Horse, and 200,000 Horse, supported
by a Veteran Body of Foot. What Hopes there may be of Success in that
Case, the Example of former Times, and the Blood-shed at _Nicopolis_,
and at _Varna_, and the Fields of _Mohac_, as yet white with the Bones
of _Christians_ slain there, sufficiently inform us. ’Tis the Part of
a foolish Commander, without duly weighing his own and the Enemy’s
Strength, to rush into Battel, where his Loss can find no wiser an Excuse
than, _I had not thought_. ’Tis all in all, what the Enemy is with whom
we are to cope; this is an infallible Rule, laid down by all the gravest
Authors that ever wrote of Military Affairs: such was _Cæsar_; he counted
it a Happiness to _Lucullus_ and to _Pompey_, that they had to do with a
slothful Enemy, over whom they got Victories without Dust or Sweat; and
when he had obtained such an easy Victory over _Pharnaces_, he jestingly
said, _I came, I saw, I overcame_: But were to make War with the People
of those Countries (then effeminated by Luxury, but now harden’d by
Want, Frugality, Hunger, Cold, Heat, continual Fatigue, and Severity of
Discipline, to do and suffer any thing) he would tell us another Story.
Hence it is, that _Livy_ reasons upon good Grounds, that _Alexander_
the _Macedonian_ would not have had the same Success against the _Roman
Enemy_, as against the _Persian_, or the Womanish _Indian_: There is
a good deal of Difference between a Warlike, and a Luxurious People,
unaccustomed to Arms. ’Tis true, the Multitude of _Persians_ made it an
Admiration, _That there was more Toil in Killing, than in Overcoming
them_. In my Judgment, _Hannibal_’s three Victories at _Trebia_, at
_Thrasymene_, and at _Cannæ_, did far exceed all the Exploits of
_Alexander_: For why? the one overcame valiant Warriors, the other had to
do with the slothful People of _Asia_.

_Fabius Maximus_ had as much Courage, as _Titus Sempronius_, _Caius
Flaminius_, or _Varro_; and more Judgment: That great Commander knew that
he had to do with an Enemy educated in the Camp, well vers’d in Arms,
skilful in Military Discipline, who by a singular Fate, or Felicity, had
obtained many Victories; therefore he was not rashly to venture all,
but to use Delay to weary him out; that was the only Hope left against
so great an Enemy, to evade his Assaults, and to drill on the Combat
till an Opportunity was afforded for a Remedy. In the mean time, he was
to be watch’d, restrain’d, and, as it were, nibbled at; wherein he was
so happy, that _Fabius_ was as much Renown’d as _Scipio_ himself, who
ended the War against _Hannibal_; for who knows whether _Scipio_ would
have ever overcome him, if _Fabius_ had not first stopped the Course of
his Victories? To overcome by Prudence is as highly to be priz’d, as to
overcome by Force. The former has nothing common with Beasts, but Force
has.

The Emperor _Ferdinand_ had the same Design with _Fabius Maximus_, if his
and _Solyman_’s Forces had been equal. His first Work would have been,
to put all to the hazard of a Battel; but the Inequality considered,
his next Design was, to stop an over-flowing Flood in Walls and Banks;
and herein he employ’d his utmost Endeavours. ’Tis about Forty Years
since _Solyman_, in the Beginning of his Reign, took _Belgrade_, slew
_Lewis_ King of _Hungary_, and thereby promised himself the Possession
of that and other Countries; in hopes whereof he besieged _Vienna_, and,
renewing the War, he reduced _Gonitzium_ again, threaten’d _Vienna_ at a
Distance. But what did he get by this great Armament: He was forced to
stick in that Part of _Hungary_ which he had already taken. He that was
wont to conquer great Kingdoms by one Expedition, now subdued only some
weak Castles and small Towns, which cost him dear: ’Tis true, he saw
_Vienna_ once, but never after. ’Tis said, that _Solyman_ wished his Life
to be prolonged, to see three Things finished, _viz._ The Structure of
his Temple, a sumptuous and magnificent Work! the repairing of the old
Aquæducts to bring Water enough into _Constantinople_, and the Conquest
of _Vienna_. The two first he hath accomplished; but at the third he
sticks, and I hope ever will; so that he always calls _Vienna_ his
_Ignominy_ and _Disgrace_. But to return.

The Emperor _Ferdinand_ may, doubtless, be register’d among the most
famous Generals; for, though he had far less Aid than the Danger
required, he yet was Master of himself, and principally by his Courage,
he hath endured the Efforts of a powerful Enemy, for so many Years
together: So that a greater Praise is due to him for preserving a great
Part of _Hungary_ for better Times, than to many Warriors, who with
multitude of Military Preparations, and favourable Opportunities, have
got many Victories over Kings and their Armies. The less Assistance
he has had in a necessary Time, by so much the more the Valour of his
Mind hath eminently appeared. Whosoever doth not put all upon one Event
in the height of Success, not considering the Power of the Enemy, and
the Seasonableness of assaulting him, must needs conclude, _That ’tis
next to a ~PRODIGY~, that the open and extensive Kingdom of ~Hungary~,
distracted with long Discords, could be defended so long, and that all
of it is not already brought under the Yoke of so powerful an Enemy. ’Tis
God’s great Mercy, and our Prince’s infinite Care that hath prevented
it; whilst he is combating with one Difficulty, another arises in view
greater than the former. The Enemy is in sight, Friends afar off, the
Auxiliary Forces of his Brother ~Charles~ too at a great Distance;
~Germany~, though next to the Fire, yet weary in sending Aid; the
Hereditary Countries exhausted by Contribution, and the Ears of many
~Christian~ Princes deaf when Assistance is desired of them, rather doing
any thing, than that which is incumbent upon them; so that he is forced
to withstand the Enemy only by his own Arms, with the Assistance of some
~Hungarians~, ~Austrians~, and ~Bohemians~, and sometimes by hiring some
~Italian~ or ~Spanish~ Soldiers at a vast Expence. He defends the Confines
of ~Hungary~, with Garrisons fifteen Days Journey long; and has always
Soldiers in Pay, even in Time of Truce. A Truce is sometimes necessary,
and when the coming of a Tyrant is fear’d, and the Time affords no
Opportunity of Resistance, ’tis seasonable to send Embassies to pacify
him, that so great a Calamity may be averted from miserable ~Hungary~._

Whilst our _Prince_ has such a Burthen upon his Mind, he can hardly sleep
for a whole Night together; he watches for the good of the Commonwealth;
so great a Concern requires a perpetual Vigilance and constant Care. Do
not think I flatter him: what I write is true. He hath but few Assistants
in his Government, but those are very good Men; the chief of whom, not
unknown to you by Name, are, _Johannes Trantzen_, _Rudolphus a Harrach_,
both eminent for their Faithfulness and Prudence.

I shall detain you no longer than to give you some Account of our
Prince’s private Deportment. He rises every Day at Five o’Clock in the
Morning, even in the coldest Winter Months; and first, he performs his
Devotion to God, then he goes to the Council to consult of Matters
tending to the Public Good, ’till Dinner-time; he follows the same Course
in the Afternoon, till Supper-time; I mean the Time of his Counsellors
Supper, not his own: he never sups, he eats but once a Day, and that
sparingly too; and is as abstemious in Drinking; he closes his Dinner
with a double Glass of Wine: He passes the Night chastly, ever since
the Loss of his Royal Consort: He cannot endure the trifling Amusements
which many are taken with, and will have nothing to do with Jesters,
Jugglers, Buffoons, Parasites, the common Delights, and yet Plagues, of
Courts. He hates Idleness, is a very great Husband of his Time; if he has
any to spare from public Business, which but rarely happens, he spends
it in Conferences with good and learned Men, who (as I told you before)
are his chief Delight, and usual Attendants whilst he is at Dinner. I
believe that several of the Commons would not change their Life for his,
’tis so thrifty and severe: What Man is there that does not set apart
some small Portion of his Time to indulge himself? Who would willingly
deprive himself of all Delights? To whom would it not seem irksom to grow
old in perpetual Care and Business. This looks more like Servitude than
Sovereignty: But our Prince is of another Mind; neither doth he dissemble
it in his ordinary Discourse: He says, he was advanced to so great an
Office by God, not for his own Sake; that the Reins of Government were
not put into his Hands, to wallow in Pleasures and Delights: The case of
Succession in Kingdoms and Empires differs from the Condition of private
Inheritances; in these latter, no Man is denied to indulge himself in the
Conveniencies of his Patrimony. But so many Nations are intrusted to him
by God, that he might have the Care and Labour, and they the Benefit of
his Care, so as to obtain Rest and Quiet by his Sweat.

In Hunting only he spends a little Time, not so much for Pleasure, as for
Health; for when he finds his Body fall away, and his Spirits flag by
continual sitting for many Days together, he chooses one Day to refresh
himself with the freer Air in the open Field; and in Summer very early
in the Morning, and in Winter some Hours before Sun-rising, what Weather
soever it be, he goes Abroad to Hunting, and sometimes he does so in the
Afternoon; for I remember when I attended him at Dinner, I heard him say,
_I have done my Duty this Day; I have dispatched all Business that are
on the File; I may now spend the rest of the Day for the Health of my
Body_. Thus he returns late at Night from the Death of a Boar, Stag, or
Bear, and betakes his wearied Limbs to rest, without Eating or Drinking.
Let no Man then upbraid us with the want of _Trajans_, _Varus_’s, and
_Theodosius_’s; those Miracles of the Ancients in our Days: I dare take
my Oath, that there is more true Vertue in our Emperor, than there was in
all of them put together. But the Admiration of so great a Man transports
me: ’Tis not my Design to speak of his Merits, they would make up a
Volume rather than an Epistle; besides, they require an Ingenuity far
exceeding mine; and, therefore, my Aim was only to give you some Hints,
_That you may know what a Master I serv’d_. I close all with this public
Prayer, _That he may return late to Heaven, whose vertuous and holy
Presence alleviates the Miseries of our Age_.

As to the _Greek Books_ which you enquire after, and the Rarities, and
the wild Beasts of a strange Kind, which you hear I have brought back,
they are hardly worth mentioning: Among them, there is one _Ichneumon_
very gentle, which is known for its deadly Quarrels with the _Crocodile_
and the _Asp_. I had also a _Weesel_ of that kind they call an _Ermine_,
very beautiful; but I lost it on the Way. I have many brave Horses, such
as no Man ever brought from thence before, and six She-Camels. I brought
back no Shrubs nor Herbs, but in Painting, which I left to the Care of
_Matthiolus_, with some other Things, many Years ago. I sent him Tapestry
and Linnen after the _Babylonian_ Fashion, with Swords, Bows, and other
Trappings: I have also many other Things made of Horses-hides, curiously
wrought after the _Turkish_ Fashion, or rather I may say, I had them;
for in so great an Assembly of principal Men and Women at _Francfort_,
one beg’d one Thing, and another another; so that I have but a small
Matter left. The rest of my Gifts was well bestowed; but I am very sorry
that I was lavish of one Balsam, because Physicians call the Truth of
it in question, as not answering all the Marks that _Pliny_ gives of
it: Whether it be that the Virtue of those ancient Plants from whence
it flows, be weakned by Age, or from any other Cause; this I know for
certain, that it trickles down from Shrubs in the _Mattarcan Gardens_
near _Cairo_.

Before I left _Constantinople_, I sent one _Albacarus_, a _Spanish
Physician_, into _Lemnos_, on the sixth Day of _August_, to be present at
the digging out that famous Earth, desiring him to write me the Certainty
of its Place, Origin, manner of Extracting and Use; which I know he will
do, if he is not hindered. I had a Mind to go thither my self to be an
Eye-witness of it; but, the _Turks_ not giving me leave, I deputed him in
my Stead. I have brought back also abundance of old Coins, the chief of
which I shall present my Master with. Besides, I have whole Waggon-loads,
if not Ship-loads, of _Greek Manuscripts_, and about 240 Books, which I
sent by Sea to _Venice_, from thence to be carried to _Vienna_: I design
them for _Cæsar_’s Library; there are many of them common, but some
choice; I rummaged every Corner to procure such Kind of Merchandize, as
my last gleaning.

I left one very old Manuscript behind me at _Constantinople_, all very
well written in large Characters; it was _Diascorides_, with the Figures
of Plants, wherein there were some few Things of _Crativa_, and the Book
of Birds; ’tis in the Possession of a _Jew_, the Son of _Hammon_, who in
his Life-time was _Solyman_’s Physician: I desir’d to buy it, but the
Price frightned me; he rated it at 100 Ducats, a Price fit for _Cæsar_’s
Purse, not mine. However, I will not cease to press _Cæsar_ to redeem so
famous an Author from that Bondage: ’tis very much injur’d by Time, and
so eaten with Worms on the out-side, that a Man would hardly take it up,
if it lay in the Streets.

But to conclude, you may expect me in a very short Time. I shall reserve
what remains, till we meet: In the mean Time, do you take Care to provide
some good and learned Men, by whose Conversation I may drive away the
dull Thoughts remaining in my Mind, from my long Aboad among the _Turks_.
Farewell!


_FINIS._



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